Today is Day 3 of getting back on More Fit, Less Fat plan. I woke up at 5:30am, got out of the house a little before 6am, and did my usual route around the Panhandle. I've been jogging two laps around the park, which is about three miles, and walking up there and back. So, I walk/jog/run a total of about four miles each morning. I'm trying to get this back up to five, six, seven, eight, nine miles. I was there before, and I can get there again. But, no pressure. It's just me now trying to get myself there and beyond (Winnie moves to Providence in a few weeks). I'm going to take it as slowly as I need while still pushing myself to be faster and to be able to run longer distances.
I'm seeing improvement already. I didn't once feel the slightest urge to vomit today (hurrah!). I was able to run longer without needing to stop. My body felt right and not sluggish. Once I get over that first 3/4 mile, the running gets a little easier and a little more comfortable. I have to remind myself that my body is just slow at warming up and not feel guilty for needing to take a walking break.
I also came home afterward to do some work with my little weights and strength building. I was more sweaty than I remember being for a while, with sweat just dripping off my face. I still hate crunches.
Also, in my more concerted effort to better myself, especially physically, I told Alvin I would play volleyball with the work team that meets every Tuesday night and plays with other non-profits. The season starts next week, but I might not make it for most of the first half since I signed up for a French class that meets Tuesday and Thursday nights.
The last time I remember playing volleyball was in the 6th grade. I remember playing in the hot sun and my feet burning from the toasty asphalt. I hope I made that clear enough to Alvin for him to understand that I will most likely be the worst player on the court. My height and reach won't help if I can't coordinate my hand with my eye and hit a ball. I also need to get over my fear of getting whacked in the back of my head with a ball.
I was chatting with Billy, who has been playing for a while now, about my concerns. He was understanding while telling me I just need to get over it all. He reminded me that I can't be afraid of being bad and feeling like a failure, and that it will take time and practice to get better. I can't get good without being horrible at first. This feeling of wanting to be good (or at least not being a disaster) at everything instantly isn't just isolated to volleyball but I've been noticing it in so many other aspects of my life. I'm hoping that this volleyball challenge will help me think about the other parts of my life that can be worked on, and that I can't be afraid of getting hurt, diving in headlong, getting hit in the head.
Also, volleyball will give me a legitimate excuse for being bruised.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Post-Injury
Today, I woke up at 5:39am to go for a run, my first run in about two weeks. My body is almost healed from my fall off my bike a few weeks ago. The bruises have been fading, my right side is no longer sore, and the scab on my left knee fell off to reveal pink, wet skin. It's still gross, but it doesn't hurt as much when I bend my knee or put weight on it.
So, I woke up, put on my running gear, and headed out the door. I started by running up the hill of Oak Street and almost made it to the end of the block. Then, I did my usual routine around the Panhandle. I was doing well at first. Then, after a quick sprint to make it across Masonic, I had to stop and cough and felt like vomiting but, thankfully, didn't. I don't think I was getting enough air in my lungs. I have felt this urge to throw up before, usually after not running for a while and getting back into it. It's my body trying to adjust again.
I had to stop and walk more often than I would have liked. But, at times, I felt good, like my body was in its running groove. I even passed another jogger, something that rarely happens.
It has always been really difficult to start running again after a brief hiatus. I feel like I make so excuses for not running: my ankle hurts, I'm traveling, it's raining, my knee hurts, I'm too tired. And, after each absence from running, I feel like it's so easy to just continue not running. If I don't wake up to run, I won't feel my body ache, I won't feel like throwing up, I won't feel lame for being passed by all the other runners. I also feel like every so often, I'll try to re-motivate myself, saying that this will be the time I get back to my routine, that I will run and exercise more regularly, that I will work on making my stomach and thighs less soft.
Then, there are times when I remember how nice it is to wake up and do my loops around the Panhandle. This morning, fog was still hanging real low and I couldn't see into the park. It was gray and lovely. The street lamps glowed a mellow orange. I saw some familiar faces making their way around the park. It was just me chugging along with not more than my music and the random thoughts that float through my head. I'm going to wake up again tomorrow at 5:30 in the morning and do it all again.
Today, The New York Times had an article about "Better Running Through Walking." I feel less lame for walking.
So, I woke up, put on my running gear, and headed out the door. I started by running up the hill of Oak Street and almost made it to the end of the block. Then, I did my usual routine around the Panhandle. I was doing well at first. Then, after a quick sprint to make it across Masonic, I had to stop and cough and felt like vomiting but, thankfully, didn't. I don't think I was getting enough air in my lungs. I have felt this urge to throw up before, usually after not running for a while and getting back into it. It's my body trying to adjust again.
I had to stop and walk more often than I would have liked. But, at times, I felt good, like my body was in its running groove. I even passed another jogger, something that rarely happens.
It has always been really difficult to start running again after a brief hiatus. I feel like I make so excuses for not running: my ankle hurts, I'm traveling, it's raining, my knee hurts, I'm too tired. And, after each absence from running, I feel like it's so easy to just continue not running. If I don't wake up to run, I won't feel my body ache, I won't feel like throwing up, I won't feel lame for being passed by all the other runners. I also feel like every so often, I'll try to re-motivate myself, saying that this will be the time I get back to my routine, that I will run and exercise more regularly, that I will work on making my stomach and thighs less soft.
Then, there are times when I remember how nice it is to wake up and do my loops around the Panhandle. This morning, fog was still hanging real low and I couldn't see into the park. It was gray and lovely. The street lamps glowed a mellow orange. I saw some familiar faces making their way around the park. It was just me chugging along with not more than my music and the random thoughts that float through my head. I'm going to wake up again tomorrow at 5:30 in the morning and do it all again.
Today, The New York Times had an article about "Better Running Through Walking." I feel less lame for walking.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Bike Injury
One of my recent new goals is to be comfortable riding my bike in the city. Like any good suburban kid, I know how to ride a bike. But, riding on the sidewalk of suburban Los Angeles is different than riding on the hilly, crowded streets of San Francisco. So, not too long ago, I pulled my bike out from the basement, dusted it off, pumped up the tires, and asked Eleanor to help me with my goal.
I knew Eleanor would be perfect for this. She bikes everywhere and is smart about it. She is super patient and would be understanding of all my neurotic fears. And, she's just totally fun and incredibly sweet.
Two Sundays ago, she came by my house with her bike and we went for a ride, after going to Box Dog Bikes to get my seat adjusted first. We headed south to the Dogpatch, with the intention of stopping by Piccino. But, we never made it there. Instead, we went to one of the parking lots of AT&T Park, where I practiced using my gears (and we discovered that my front gears weren't shifting) and starting and stopping gracefully. We then rode our bikes back to the Mission, where I rewarded myself with ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery. Eleanor escorted me all the home too.
Last Sunday, I went for a bike ride with Ian and his friends. I was nervous about not being able to keep with them and not being able to bike up hills. But, I managed okay through Golden Gate Park and walked my bike up some hills that were too steep for my legs.
I thought I was doing okay, until I fell off my bike in the Presidio. I didn't even get hit by anything to make a good story. I didn't have to dodge a wild animal either. I just fell off. I skinned my left knee, scraped my left hand, and bruised my right side. Ian asked if I wanted to keep going. There was nothing I could do, really, other than keep going. I took a moment to catch my breath then got back to pedaling. It hurt a little and Ian rubbed chewed up eucalyptus leaves on my cuts. I was bound to get hurt at some point, and, though I would rather not have fallen and scraped up my body, it wasn't too bad. We kept going to Crissy Field, North Beach, Chinatown, downtown, and up Market toward home. We must have gone about 15 miles. Other than falling and having to walk up hills, I think I did pretty great for my third time on a bike in years.
I'm still feeling the pain of my fall though. The right side of my body is sore and it hurts to bend my left knee. I went to visit the school nurse yesterday to check out my knee, which was looking red and swollen. She said it wasn't infected, that it was actually healing well, and that it was just a little inflamed. She stuck a band-aid on my knee.
And, since my body is achy and it hurts to bend my knee, I haven't been running this week, which is disappointing since I was doing well in keeping up with my morning routine.
I knew Eleanor would be perfect for this. She bikes everywhere and is smart about it. She is super patient and would be understanding of all my neurotic fears. And, she's just totally fun and incredibly sweet.
Two Sundays ago, she came by my house with her bike and we went for a ride, after going to Box Dog Bikes to get my seat adjusted first. We headed south to the Dogpatch, with the intention of stopping by Piccino. But, we never made it there. Instead, we went to one of the parking lots of AT&T Park, where I practiced using my gears (and we discovered that my front gears weren't shifting) and starting and stopping gracefully. We then rode our bikes back to the Mission, where I rewarded myself with ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery. Eleanor escorted me all the home too.
Last Sunday, I went for a bike ride with Ian and his friends. I was nervous about not being able to keep with them and not being able to bike up hills. But, I managed okay through Golden Gate Park and walked my bike up some hills that were too steep for my legs.
I thought I was doing okay, until I fell off my bike in the Presidio. I didn't even get hit by anything to make a good story. I didn't have to dodge a wild animal either. I just fell off. I skinned my left knee, scraped my left hand, and bruised my right side. Ian asked if I wanted to keep going. There was nothing I could do, really, other than keep going. I took a moment to catch my breath then got back to pedaling. It hurt a little and Ian rubbed chewed up eucalyptus leaves on my cuts. I was bound to get hurt at some point, and, though I would rather not have fallen and scraped up my body, it wasn't too bad. We kept going to Crissy Field, North Beach, Chinatown, downtown, and up Market toward home. We must have gone about 15 miles. Other than falling and having to walk up hills, I think I did pretty great for my third time on a bike in years.
I'm still feeling the pain of my fall though. The right side of my body is sore and it hurts to bend my left knee. I went to visit the school nurse yesterday to check out my knee, which was looking red and swollen. She said it wasn't infected, that it was actually healing well, and that it was just a little inflamed. She stuck a band-aid on my knee.
And, since my body is achy and it hurts to bend my knee, I haven't been running this week, which is disappointing since I was doing well in keeping up with my morning routine.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Liveright Run
Today was the Liveright 5K run/walk for liver cancer and hepatitis B awareness that Winnie asked me and other friends and family members to sign up for. I had been a little nervous about running it, since I have been having horrible runs lately, where I can barely manage to get my feet moving and my limbs all feel uncoordinated. Though I've been running regularly again (now that the sun is up when I get up) and have been doing my yoga and strength training again (since Scott has been away), I still felt nervous. But, despite the rain and cold, we had a good morning of exercise together.
Billy came to pick me up earlier than I had hoped. I opened the door for him still wearing my pajamas and with my toothbrush in my mouth. After I put on my running clothes and had some toast with peanut butter, we headed out to Golden Gate Park, where the event was being held. We signed in, put on our numbers, hung out with Winnie's family, and waited for the race to start. Winnie, Billy, Winnie's friend Tim, and I would be running the race together. The other family members would go at their own pace, and the two younger ones would walk with Uncle Norm.
There were other people there who looked like real runners: short shorts, sweat bands, well-developed calf muscles. They were doing stretches and warm-up exercises. I kinda moved my arms and legs around.
Before the official start, Fiona Ma said some words and then some other lady did too. Then, another woman took the stage to get the whole crowd warmed up. We were told to move our arms, march in place, lunge to the side, lunge to the other side, swivel our hips. We tried to follow along and not hit each other. I tried not to think of middle school P.E. class. I reminded Winnie that we would be running slowly. It started to rain.
Then, it was time to make it to the start line. We, somehow, made it to the front of the line. I stood next to an older man in true racing gear and who had the stance of a racer at the starting gates. I looked nothing like him. We were told the route of the course, but no one in our group paid attention. Our best bet would be to just follow everyone else, which we did. The cow bell rang, the flag was waved, and we were off, across a muddy, lumpy, grassy field (we felt like we were at school recess and just running to run, and trying to be careful not to get our feet caught in a hole), and then up a muddy, steep hill (I struggled a little bit, trying not to fall). Seeing hundreds of people running across this field in the rain made me happy and energized.
We made it up to a dirt path, where I tried not to twist my ankle on loose rocks. The running felt good. I could feel my form feeling right. My breathing was easy. Winnie told me that we were not running slowly. We turned up another path and run through trees. We were running behind a woman pushing a stroller for two. She was impressive. She yelled at a stupid girl who was wearing headphones and couldn't hear the Stroller Woman shout at her to move right as she wanted to pass. We passed the Stroller Woman at a hill, but she then passed us at the Polo Field, which smelled of manure. The rain was falling steadily and it seemed to take forever to get around the Polo Field. I was getting tired. But, we made it around the field.
Then, I got a cramp on my side. The four of us were good at keeping our little running pack together. It seemed as if we were pretty evenly matched, though I feel like Tim, who had run a marathon before, might have been taking it easy. But, I had to stop and walk. Winnie saw me slow and she started to slow down too, but she said no, she couldn't stop, which I was glad for. After just a bit, I got running again, caught up with them, and was able to lead the group again just as we were about to near the end. It's strange how my body will hurt for a little bit and feel all wrong, only to feel better than ever not too long after.
We ran across the finish line together with arms linked and smiles on our faces. Our time was about 30 minutes. Not a great time but not bad either. We finished together, which was the important part. After hanging around for a bit in the rain and waiting for the rest of the family to finish, we went back to my house to get cleaned up and then to Chinatown for dim sum. I would say the morning was a success.
Billy came to pick me up earlier than I had hoped. I opened the door for him still wearing my pajamas and with my toothbrush in my mouth. After I put on my running clothes and had some toast with peanut butter, we headed out to Golden Gate Park, where the event was being held. We signed in, put on our numbers, hung out with Winnie's family, and waited for the race to start. Winnie, Billy, Winnie's friend Tim, and I would be running the race together. The other family members would go at their own pace, and the two younger ones would walk with Uncle Norm.
There were other people there who looked like real runners: short shorts, sweat bands, well-developed calf muscles. They were doing stretches and warm-up exercises. I kinda moved my arms and legs around.
Before the official start, Fiona Ma said some words and then some other lady did too. Then, another woman took the stage to get the whole crowd warmed up. We were told to move our arms, march in place, lunge to the side, lunge to the other side, swivel our hips. We tried to follow along and not hit each other. I tried not to think of middle school P.E. class. I reminded Winnie that we would be running slowly. It started to rain.
Then, it was time to make it to the start line. We, somehow, made it to the front of the line. I stood next to an older man in true racing gear and who had the stance of a racer at the starting gates. I looked nothing like him. We were told the route of the course, but no one in our group paid attention. Our best bet would be to just follow everyone else, which we did. The cow bell rang, the flag was waved, and we were off, across a muddy, lumpy, grassy field (we felt like we were at school recess and just running to run, and trying to be careful not to get our feet caught in a hole), and then up a muddy, steep hill (I struggled a little bit, trying not to fall). Seeing hundreds of people running across this field in the rain made me happy and energized.
We made it up to a dirt path, where I tried not to twist my ankle on loose rocks. The running felt good. I could feel my form feeling right. My breathing was easy. Winnie told me that we were not running slowly. We turned up another path and run through trees. We were running behind a woman pushing a stroller for two. She was impressive. She yelled at a stupid girl who was wearing headphones and couldn't hear the Stroller Woman shout at her to move right as she wanted to pass. We passed the Stroller Woman at a hill, but she then passed us at the Polo Field, which smelled of manure. The rain was falling steadily and it seemed to take forever to get around the Polo Field. I was getting tired. But, we made it around the field.
Then, I got a cramp on my side. The four of us were good at keeping our little running pack together. It seemed as if we were pretty evenly matched, though I feel like Tim, who had run a marathon before, might have been taking it easy. But, I had to stop and walk. Winnie saw me slow and she started to slow down too, but she said no, she couldn't stop, which I was glad for. After just a bit, I got running again, caught up with them, and was able to lead the group again just as we were about to near the end. It's strange how my body will hurt for a little bit and feel all wrong, only to feel better than ever not too long after.
We ran across the finish line together with arms linked and smiles on our faces. Our time was about 30 minutes. Not a great time but not bad either. We finished together, which was the important part. After hanging around for a bit in the rain and waiting for the rest of the family to finish, we went back to my house to get cleaned up and then to Chinatown for dim sum. I would say the morning was a success.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Pressure
I went running this morning. It sucked. I sucked. My body just felt wrong. Everything felt forced. And, at one point, I felt like gagging. It was not pleasant.
I have been making too many excuses: it's too cold, it's too dark, it's too wet, I'm traveling, I'm not sleeping enough, I'm too tired, on and on and on. But, this week is a new week, and I will get back on track with my running routine, especially since I told Winnie that I would run the 5K event for liver health with her in about two weeks. (I need to remember to register for the race tomorrow.) She said that all her other friends and family members could and would walk the event, but that she was going to run it and that she was going to run it with me.
Sure, I've run 3.1 miles before. I've run more than that before. She and I have run more than that together before. But, after feeling so out of it and so off lately, I'm nervous that I won't be able to make it and that I'll wuss out and walk.
So, I have about two weeks to make running 3 miles feel like a breeze again. I was able to do it before and I will be able to do it again. And, it will start with tomorrow morning. I'll be up at 5:30am (even if it is dark), go for my morning run, and do some strength training and stretching when I get home. No wussing out.
I have been making too many excuses: it's too cold, it's too dark, it's too wet, I'm traveling, I'm not sleeping enough, I'm too tired, on and on and on. But, this week is a new week, and I will get back on track with my running routine, especially since I told Winnie that I would run the 5K event for liver health with her in about two weeks. (I need to remember to register for the race tomorrow.) She said that all her other friends and family members could and would walk the event, but that she was going to run it and that she was going to run it with me.
Sure, I've run 3.1 miles before. I've run more than that before. She and I have run more than that together before. But, after feeling so out of it and so off lately, I'm nervous that I won't be able to make it and that I'll wuss out and walk.
So, I have about two weeks to make running 3 miles feel like a breeze again. I was able to do it before and I will be able to do it again. And, it will start with tomorrow morning. I'll be up at 5:30am (even if it is dark), go for my morning run, and do some strength training and stretching when I get home. No wussing out.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Boston
I've been in Boston for the past several days. When I emailed Ryan that I was coming, he told to pack my running shoes since the weather was getting nice and that we could run together. I emailed him back, telling him that weather.com said the forecast would be about 40 degrees when I got here and that was not nice. So, instead of packing my running gear, I packed sweaters. And, now, I'm sitting here regretting those sweaters.
The weather hasn't been too bad, though it has been gray and a little drizzly, but nothing too extreme. Today, on my walk to Harvard Medical School to meet Anosheh and Luis for lunch, I crossed a river with a lovely path along it where a man was jogging. That could have been me.
When I get back to San Francisco, I will have gone about two weeks without really running or exercising. And, I'm feeling guilty about it, especially since I know how even harder it will be to start up a regular routine and feel like I'm not worn out after not running for such an extended period of time. I feel like my tummy is getting softer and my arms are geting flabbier, though I know that probably not too much has changed in my body over the past two weeks.
But, Winnie asked me if I want to run a 5K with her at the beginning of May. The race will be a good motivator and it's close enough where I'll have to not be lazy about exercising and running. So, I think I'll say yes. I can run 3.1 miles. I'll need to work on being able to run that faster though.
The weather hasn't been too bad, though it has been gray and a little drizzly, but nothing too extreme. Today, on my walk to Harvard Medical School to meet Anosheh and Luis for lunch, I crossed a river with a lovely path along it where a man was jogging. That could have been me.
When I get back to San Francisco, I will have gone about two weeks without really running or exercising. And, I'm feeling guilty about it, especially since I know how even harder it will be to start up a regular routine and feel like I'm not worn out after not running for such an extended period of time. I feel like my tummy is getting softer and my arms are geting flabbier, though I know that probably not too much has changed in my body over the past two weeks.
But, Winnie asked me if I want to run a 5K with her at the beginning of May. The race will be a good motivator and it's close enough where I'll have to not be lazy about exercising and running. So, I think I'll say yes. I can run 3.1 miles. I'll need to work on being able to run that faster though.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Evening
I went for a run with Winnie around the Panhandle after work today. It was the first time I ran in over a week. And, it was the first time I ran in the evening in years. When I was living in Berkeley, I would run in the evenings all the time. I liked running just as the sun was starting to set. I ran through the quiet, flat streets of Elmwood. As I passed the homes, I would peek inside to see families gathering for dinner. I could hear music flowing out on to the streets. In the cooler evenings, I could smell fires burning in fireplaces.
I don't know why I stopped running at nights. I think I just stopped running all together once I started working. Spending hours trying to get middle school students to do their homework and then hosting workshops in the evenings drained all my energy. Then, after riding BART home to Berkeley exhausted and, on some days, on the verge of tears, I just didn't have the energy or the time to go for a run.
But, now, it's different. Work has been much less stressful, and I have grown to understand that work is not and should not be all-consuming.
Now, maybe I need to start the habit of running in the evenings again, since I have been having difficulty getting out of bed in the morning ever since Daylight Savings Time started and it's pitch black when the alarm rings. Even with my motto of "Don't think, just go," I have been hitting snooze a few too many times.
So, Winnie was the pressure I needed to get out of my running funk. We originally planned to run Thursday after work, but she also asked if I wanted to run today. With nothing else planned for the evening and knowing that I wouldn't run on my own, I agreed. She had her running gear in her car and would stop by my house after work.
We made our way to the Panhandle, put on our iPods, and started along side-by-side. The first loop around went okay. Other than trying to dodge other joggers, baby strollers, and cyclists coming from both directions, I was doing fine. I thought I was actually keeping up a good pace, and we even passed people. The second loop was more of a struggle. I kept looking over at Winnie. She kept bouncing along, so I had to keep going too. We were able to keep up with the boys wearing Army t-shirts though. At some point the three boys became two boys, which made us feel happy that we were able to outrun at least one of the Army Boys.
During the fourth loop, I just stopped. We were going up the slightest of inclines and my legs were too tired. Winnie stopped too and we decided to walk the rest of the loop and back to my house. I think we ran for about 45 minutes, which wasn't too bad.
I don't know how much I'll like keeping up this evening run thing though. Trying to avoid getting hit by packs of speeding cyclists wasn't fun. And, there were many more people out than when I usually run in the mornings, which wasn't all that fun trying to dodge them too. But, more importantly, evening runs will throw off my schedule. If I want to see friends after work, I can't. It pushes my dinner time back, which will push back my bed time. Plus, if I shower at night and don't want to shower again in the morning, it'll mess up my hair routine. We'll see how it goes again Thursday.
I don't know why I stopped running at nights. I think I just stopped running all together once I started working. Spending hours trying to get middle school students to do their homework and then hosting workshops in the evenings drained all my energy. Then, after riding BART home to Berkeley exhausted and, on some days, on the verge of tears, I just didn't have the energy or the time to go for a run.
But, now, it's different. Work has been much less stressful, and I have grown to understand that work is not and should not be all-consuming.
Now, maybe I need to start the habit of running in the evenings again, since I have been having difficulty getting out of bed in the morning ever since Daylight Savings Time started and it's pitch black when the alarm rings. Even with my motto of "Don't think, just go," I have been hitting snooze a few too many times.
So, Winnie was the pressure I needed to get out of my running funk. We originally planned to run Thursday after work, but she also asked if I wanted to run today. With nothing else planned for the evening and knowing that I wouldn't run on my own, I agreed. She had her running gear in her car and would stop by my house after work.
We made our way to the Panhandle, put on our iPods, and started along side-by-side. The first loop around went okay. Other than trying to dodge other joggers, baby strollers, and cyclists coming from both directions, I was doing fine. I thought I was actually keeping up a good pace, and we even passed people. The second loop was more of a struggle. I kept looking over at Winnie. She kept bouncing along, so I had to keep going too. We were able to keep up with the boys wearing Army t-shirts though. At some point the three boys became two boys, which made us feel happy that we were able to outrun at least one of the Army Boys.
During the fourth loop, I just stopped. We were going up the slightest of inclines and my legs were too tired. Winnie stopped too and we decided to walk the rest of the loop and back to my house. I think we ran for about 45 minutes, which wasn't too bad.
I don't know how much I'll like keeping up this evening run thing though. Trying to avoid getting hit by packs of speeding cyclists wasn't fun. And, there were many more people out than when I usually run in the mornings, which wasn't all that fun trying to dodge them too. But, more importantly, evening runs will throw off my schedule. If I want to see friends after work, I can't. It pushes my dinner time back, which will push back my bed time. Plus, if I shower at night and don't want to shower again in the morning, it'll mess up my hair routine. We'll see how it goes again Thursday.
Friday, March 13, 2009
My New Friend
No one talks to me as I run, and I'm glad of it. As I run, I focus on going forward, motivating myself to keep the feet moving right-left-right-left, making sure my form is good, and checking to ensure my breathing is even and steady. Sometimes, many times actually, I'll sing to myself. Occasionally, I'll smile at the people who pass me, especially the ones who I've passed several times on our loops. I might say excuse me or mumble a good morning, but that's about it.
So, when I was stopped to have a conversation this morning, I was a little thrown off. I was walking through the Panhandle on my way back home when it happened. The man who takes care of the park started saying stuff to me. I've seen him plenty of times before. Sometimes, I'll give a smile of acknowledgment. But, never before have we talked. So, he was saying stuff to me but I couldn't really hear since I still had my headphones on. When I realized that he was going to keep talking to me, I took them off and walked over to him.
Park Man: I see you running all the time. Maybe for the last six months.
Me: Yeah, I've been running for a while now. I'm sure you must see the same people over and over again.
PM: Yes. Some people run to the ocean. Do you run to the ocean?
Me: No, but last week, I ran to 31st. I just need to run for another ten blocks to get to the ocean.
PM: What is your name?
Me: I'm Susan. And you?
PM: Guillermo.
Me: Nice to meet you, Guillermo.
Guillermo: Do you live nearby?
Me: Sorta. I live over there. [I wave my arm eastward.]
G: Are you Norse?
[In my head, I am wondering why he would think I'm Norse. Maybe he's Norse and thinks we have that in common. But, he doesn't look Norse, and I don't look Norse. His name is Guillermo; that does not sound Norse either. Maybe he thinks because I'm so tall I must be Norse. I was thoroughly confused.]
Me: Um, no. I'm Chinese.
G: No, are you nurse?
Me: Oh, ha. No, I'm not a nurse. I work at a high school.
G: Are you a teacher?
Me: No, I work at as a counselor.
G: What school do you work at?
I tell him where I work.
G: So, you must have to be at work soon.
Me: Yes, I should get going. See you next time.
[I run off.]
That was the short version of our conversation. He also told me about his days off, how he runs into people he knows while he's traveling and how they say "Hi, Guillermo!", how he gets Sundays and Mondays off, how he bikes in Tiburon and takes the ferry there, and how he used to date a teacher. That was a ton of information to share with some random sweaty girl at 8am. And, sometimes I'm too polite, and will stand around chatting, even though I am feeling gross and tired and need to go home to shower and go to work.
But, I have a new friend now. Maybe one day, if I hurt myself or pull a muscle or pass out from pushing myself too hard on a run, Guillermo will come and get me on his park truck and shuttle me to help.
So, when I was stopped to have a conversation this morning, I was a little thrown off. I was walking through the Panhandle on my way back home when it happened. The man who takes care of the park started saying stuff to me. I've seen him plenty of times before. Sometimes, I'll give a smile of acknowledgment. But, never before have we talked. So, he was saying stuff to me but I couldn't really hear since I still had my headphones on. When I realized that he was going to keep talking to me, I took them off and walked over to him.
Park Man: I see you running all the time. Maybe for the last six months.
Me: Yeah, I've been running for a while now. I'm sure you must see the same people over and over again.
PM: Yes. Some people run to the ocean. Do you run to the ocean?
Me: No, but last week, I ran to 31st. I just need to run for another ten blocks to get to the ocean.
PM: What is your name?
Me: I'm Susan. And you?
PM: Guillermo.
Me: Nice to meet you, Guillermo.
Guillermo: Do you live nearby?
Me: Sorta. I live over there. [I wave my arm eastward.]
G: Are you Norse?
[In my head, I am wondering why he would think I'm Norse. Maybe he's Norse and thinks we have that in common. But, he doesn't look Norse, and I don't look Norse. His name is Guillermo; that does not sound Norse either. Maybe he thinks because I'm so tall I must be Norse. I was thoroughly confused.]
Me: Um, no. I'm Chinese.
G: No, are you nurse?
Me: Oh, ha. No, I'm not a nurse. I work at a high school.
G: Are you a teacher?
Me: No, I work at as a counselor.
G: What school do you work at?
I tell him where I work.
G: So, you must have to be at work soon.
Me: Yes, I should get going. See you next time.
[I run off.]
That was the short version of our conversation. He also told me about his days off, how he runs into people he knows while he's traveling and how they say "Hi, Guillermo!", how he gets Sundays and Mondays off, how he bikes in Tiburon and takes the ferry there, and how he used to date a teacher. That was a ton of information to share with some random sweaty girl at 8am. And, sometimes I'm too polite, and will stand around chatting, even though I am feeling gross and tired and need to go home to shower and go to work.
But, I have a new friend now. Maybe one day, if I hurt myself or pull a muscle or pass out from pushing myself too hard on a run, Guillermo will come and get me on his park truck and shuttle me to help.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Daylight Savings
I have been hating Daylight Savings Time. Never before had I felt such ire toward springing forward. But, this week, it has been screwing with my schedule and my mind and body.
After being proud of getting back with my more fit, less fat plan all last week and the week before, I was ready to keep the momentum going this week. I took a rest day Sunday but was pumped for Monday's run. I set the alarm for 5:30am and when it went off Monday morning, I was confused. Why was it so dark? Why was I so tired? Why was I so stupid to think that 5:30am was 6:30am when, in reality, it was 4:30am? I felt like such a tired idiot. Needless to say, I didn't get out of bed for a run. Instead, I tried to go back to sleep.
At work, I realized how stupid my mistake was and how, if each morning was going to be so dark and cold, perhaps I should shift my running schedule. Maybe I should run after work. I left work thinking, "Yes, I will run when I get home." But, as I was walking home, being hit with cold wind didn't bode well for my plan. And, I was still really tired. I got home and made dinner instead.
I set the alarm again for 5:30am Tuesday. It went off and I was still exhausted. I hadn't been sleeping well for the past few nights, most likely because I was forcing myself to sleep and wake up an hour before I usually do and my body was still adjusting. So, I reset the alarm and stayed in bed.
Today, though, was different. I slept well the night before and felt refreshed when I woke up. Sure, it was still dark when my alarm went off, but I could deal with dark. It was cold and I put on the gloves that Ken gave me for Christmas. The moon was low in the sky and gorgeous. It was full and bright and glowing and made me happy. I suppose that's a perk of being up so early--the moon is still out. I jogged along my usual workday route. On my second lap around, I saw the Asian man and his teen-aged son waiting for the school bus. The man was poking at something up in the tree with a branch. Things fell just as I was making my way past, saying good morning. He said something to me, which sounded like "shalom" but I knew it couldn't be. For whatever reason, I think they're Korean. I ran as fast as I felt comfortable down the hill of Laguna and back to the house. I could hear my breathing steady and strong, could feel the sweat beading on my face, and felt my legs kicking up and landing purposefully. I beat the cars stopped at the lights and stop signs. I'll do it all again tomorrow.
After being proud of getting back with my more fit, less fat plan all last week and the week before, I was ready to keep the momentum going this week. I took a rest day Sunday but was pumped for Monday's run. I set the alarm for 5:30am and when it went off Monday morning, I was confused. Why was it so dark? Why was I so tired? Why was I so stupid to think that 5:30am was 6:30am when, in reality, it was 4:30am? I felt like such a tired idiot. Needless to say, I didn't get out of bed for a run. Instead, I tried to go back to sleep.
At work, I realized how stupid my mistake was and how, if each morning was going to be so dark and cold, perhaps I should shift my running schedule. Maybe I should run after work. I left work thinking, "Yes, I will run when I get home." But, as I was walking home, being hit with cold wind didn't bode well for my plan. And, I was still really tired. I got home and made dinner instead.
I set the alarm again for 5:30am Tuesday. It went off and I was still exhausted. I hadn't been sleeping well for the past few nights, most likely because I was forcing myself to sleep and wake up an hour before I usually do and my body was still adjusting. So, I reset the alarm and stayed in bed.
Today, though, was different. I slept well the night before and felt refreshed when I woke up. Sure, it was still dark when my alarm went off, but I could deal with dark. It was cold and I put on the gloves that Ken gave me for Christmas. The moon was low in the sky and gorgeous. It was full and bright and glowing and made me happy. I suppose that's a perk of being up so early--the moon is still out. I jogged along my usual workday route. On my second lap around, I saw the Asian man and his teen-aged son waiting for the school bus. The man was poking at something up in the tree with a branch. Things fell just as I was making my way past, saying good morning. He said something to me, which sounded like "shalom" but I knew it couldn't be. For whatever reason, I think they're Korean. I ran as fast as I felt comfortable down the hill of Laguna and back to the house. I could hear my breathing steady and strong, could feel the sweat beading on my face, and felt my legs kicking up and landing purposefully. I beat the cars stopped at the lights and stop signs. I'll do it all again tomorrow.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Fitness Buddy
I had been preparing all week for Saturday. Winnie asked if I wanted to run with her. I was nervous but agreed anyhow. We hadn't run together since November, when we left Billy behind and when Billy then left us behind. We thought running as a group would motivate us to run longer and faster, but it didn't. During that run along Alameda's waterfront, I had to stop because Billy made me laugh and it hurt to laugh and run at the same time.
This Saturday, though, was different. It was just me and Winnie, and we didn't talk and we didn't laugh. We just ran.
I printed out maps of the San Francisco Half Marathon routes, and decided that we would go from my house around Stow Lake at 19th Ave. in Golden Gate Park and back. Winnie met me at my place and asked if I was going to bring my iPod Shuffle. I wasn't planning on it since I thought it might be rude to be listening to my music as we were running together (What if she wanted to talk to me?), but since she had hers and since she said she couldn't talk and run at the same time, I brought mine too, which I was more than happy about.
We walked up to the Panhandle and started jogging. We crossed into the park and joined the tons of other runners out on the sunny morning. Winnie and I seemed to be keeping up at the same pace. We passed all the people walking and dodged the baby strollers. I was nervous running with her since she works out regularly and I thought I would have a hard time keeping up. She was nervous of running with me since she doesn't run more than 30 minutes at a time (the gym kicks folks off the treadmill after half an hour) and didn't think she could last. I kept looking over at her and she seemed to be moving along easily; I wondered when she would slow down or when she would want to stop.
We kept going until I saw a sign for 30th Ave. Whoa. That was eleven blocks more than we should have gone. Where was Stow Lake? How did we miss it? We turned around at 30th and headed back up towards my house. We walked for a little bit through the uneven dirt path covered with wood chips, staying to the left because a race was coming right at us (though we only passed a handful of runners). She told me that she kept thinking, "When is Susan going to stop?" I told her that I thought she was doing fine, to which she responded that I couldn't hear her breathing. So, we both were struggling a little but kept going because of the other one. Good peer pressure, I suppose.
It was getting really warm, so I took off my long-sleeved shirt and blew my nose on it. I tucked my bandanna that was covered with snot and sweat back into my bra. Winnie must have thought I was disgusting, but it was only snot and I was sweaty and gross already; I couldn't get any more gross.
We started jogging again, this time with me setting the pace and with Winnie saying that we couldn't stop. We came upon a hill and struggled to the top, where we stopped and laughed at how ridiculous we were. After that, we ran all the way back (though more slowly than before) to the Panhandle, totally proud of our first Winnie-Susan only run. We gave each other a high-five as the cars passed us on Stanyan.
On our walk back to my house, we talked about our our eating habits. Winnie said that she's also eating less meat and that every time she eats a salad, she refers to it as a Susan Lunch. It's so nice to have a fitness buddy who isn't crazy intense about being fit but who is still supportive and encouraging.
I also Google Mapped our route when I got home. The total distance from my house to 30th Ave. and back is about 8 miles. We ran about 6 of those. I'm hoping we can make this a regular habit.
This Saturday, though, was different. It was just me and Winnie, and we didn't talk and we didn't laugh. We just ran.
I printed out maps of the San Francisco Half Marathon routes, and decided that we would go from my house around Stow Lake at 19th Ave. in Golden Gate Park and back. Winnie met me at my place and asked if I was going to bring my iPod Shuffle. I wasn't planning on it since I thought it might be rude to be listening to my music as we were running together (What if she wanted to talk to me?), but since she had hers and since she said she couldn't talk and run at the same time, I brought mine too, which I was more than happy about.
We walked up to the Panhandle and started jogging. We crossed into the park and joined the tons of other runners out on the sunny morning. Winnie and I seemed to be keeping up at the same pace. We passed all the people walking and dodged the baby strollers. I was nervous running with her since she works out regularly and I thought I would have a hard time keeping up. She was nervous of running with me since she doesn't run more than 30 minutes at a time (the gym kicks folks off the treadmill after half an hour) and didn't think she could last. I kept looking over at her and she seemed to be moving along easily; I wondered when she would slow down or when she would want to stop.
We kept going until I saw a sign for 30th Ave. Whoa. That was eleven blocks more than we should have gone. Where was Stow Lake? How did we miss it? We turned around at 30th and headed back up towards my house. We walked for a little bit through the uneven dirt path covered with wood chips, staying to the left because a race was coming right at us (though we only passed a handful of runners). She told me that she kept thinking, "When is Susan going to stop?" I told her that I thought she was doing fine, to which she responded that I couldn't hear her breathing. So, we both were struggling a little but kept going because of the other one. Good peer pressure, I suppose.
It was getting really warm, so I took off my long-sleeved shirt and blew my nose on it. I tucked my bandanna that was covered with snot and sweat back into my bra. Winnie must have thought I was disgusting, but it was only snot and I was sweaty and gross already; I couldn't get any more gross.
We started jogging again, this time with me setting the pace and with Winnie saying that we couldn't stop. We came upon a hill and struggled to the top, where we stopped and laughed at how ridiculous we were. After that, we ran all the way back (though more slowly than before) to the Panhandle, totally proud of our first Winnie-Susan only run. We gave each other a high-five as the cars passed us on Stanyan.
On our walk back to my house, we talked about our our eating habits. Winnie said that she's also eating less meat and that every time she eats a salad, she refers to it as a Susan Lunch. It's so nice to have a fitness buddy who isn't crazy intense about being fit but who is still supportive and encouraging.
I also Google Mapped our route when I got home. The total distance from my house to 30th Ave. and back is about 8 miles. We ran about 6 of those. I'm hoping we can make this a regular habit.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Checked Out By Student
A student just asked me if I worked out. Huh? Why do you ask? I asked. She said my arm looked toned, as if I was someone who worked out. Apparently, I don't show my upper arms all that often or maybe I have somehow developed more pronounced arm muscles recently, since I've never had any student comment on the buffness of my arms before.
I told her that I'm training to run a half-marathon and that part of that process is to build stronger muscles, but that I don't really "work out." I picture people who work out as these big, bulky, all-they-think-about-is-their-muscles-and-how-to-make -them-even-more-freakishly-large meatheads. I'm not that sort of person.
Anyhow, that made my day.
I told her that I'm training to run a half-marathon and that part of that process is to build stronger muscles, but that I don't really "work out." I picture people who work out as these big, bulky, all-they-think-about-is-their-muscles-and-how-to-make -them-even-more-freakishly-large meatheads. I'm not that sort of person.
Anyhow, that made my day.
Running Crazy
When I left the house this morning at a little before 6am, it wasn't raining. The clouds looked ominous but nothing too daunting. I thought that I would be lucky again and avoid the rain. But, nope. I was about ten minutes out when it started to get a little misty. Then, it got a little more misty and droplets starting hitting me in the face. The dark clouds that seemed to be on the other side of the sky just a little earlier were heading straight for me. I started getting wet but kept running. I felt like a crazy girl running in the rain at 6am. But, I saw another person running, a man with his dog, so I didn't feel too crazy knowing that someone else was out early and in the rain.
I think my body might be starting to fall apart too. My left elbow was making a noise as I was doing push-ups this morning. My knees have been squeaking for a while too. I've never been in real pain before, other than the time I sprained my ankle and didn't give myself enough time before I started running on it again. But, today, I felt a sharp pain in the joint where my left arm connects to the shoulder. I don't even know how I could have hurt something there. I lied on the floor for a few minutes, and the pain went away eventually.
Today's music choice, with the sound turned on low: Of Montreal.
I think my body might be starting to fall apart too. My left elbow was making a noise as I was doing push-ups this morning. My knees have been squeaking for a while too. I've never been in real pain before, other than the time I sprained my ankle and didn't give myself enough time before I started running on it again. But, today, I felt a sharp pain in the joint where my left arm connects to the shoulder. I don't even know how I could have hurt something there. I lied on the floor for a few minutes, and the pain went away eventually.
Today's music choice, with the sound turned on low: Of Montreal.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
At My Most Beautiful
After a few too-late nights with too many drinks and a few days of soggy weather disrupted my running routine, I got back into it this morning for a half-hour jog, just before it started to pour again. I was singing REM's "At My Most Beautiful" to myself as I made my way up to Japantown and back again. It popped up on my Pandora a few days ago and it stuck with me. I feel really sappy saying how much I like that song and how it breaks my hearts a little each time I hear it. How I wish someone would read bad poetry to me.
After battling the strong headwind on my way back home, I tried to find that REM album among my shoe boxes of CDs in my closet, but no luck. Instead, I put on something a little more upbeat, Pulp circa 1994. I sweated and danced in the living room to "Do You Remember the First Time." I pretended I was at Popscene.
After battling the strong headwind on my way back home, I tried to find that REM album among my shoe boxes of CDs in my closet, but no luck. Instead, I put on something a little more upbeat, Pulp circa 1994. I sweated and danced in the living room to "Do You Remember the First Time." I pretended I was at Popscene.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Yoga Mat Disappointment
My yoga routine has been thrown off recently. I would usually do my exercises after I got home from work as a way to wind down and stretch out the kinks that developed after hours of sitting at a desk. But, often now, Scott has been home when I return. And, since I don't want my ass all up in his face as I'm doing Downward Facing Dog, I haven't been practicing my yoga stances.
But, today, the house was empty. I was excited to put my new yoga mat, which is in a calming "celery" color, to use. I unrolled the mat and got to work. Planks, lunges, Cobras, Warriors, and more. The mat worked okay until I got to the poses where I had to lie down. The mat was too short, or I was too tall. My toes stretched over the edge and my head was resting on the shag rug. This was not cool. Did I buy the wrong mat?
After finishing my routine, I checked the yoga mat packaging. It came in only one size: 68 inches. I am, at my shortest, 71 inches. How was this possible? I'm no freakish giant. How could the yoga mat company only make a one-size-fits-all mat and leave out everyone over 5'8"? If anyone under 5'8" needs a celery-colored yoga mat that is almost new, I've got one.
But, today, the house was empty. I was excited to put my new yoga mat, which is in a calming "celery" color, to use. I unrolled the mat and got to work. Planks, lunges, Cobras, Warriors, and more. The mat worked okay until I got to the poses where I had to lie down. The mat was too short, or I was too tall. My toes stretched over the edge and my head was resting on the shag rug. This was not cool. Did I buy the wrong mat?
After finishing my routine, I checked the yoga mat packaging. It came in only one size: 68 inches. I am, at my shortest, 71 inches. How was this possible? I'm no freakish giant. How could the yoga mat company only make a one-size-fits-all mat and leave out everyone over 5'8"? If anyone under 5'8" needs a celery-colored yoga mat that is almost new, I've got one.
Friday, February 27, 2009
45 Minutes
I ran for about 45 minutes without stopping this morning around the Panhandle. I left the house at about 6:30am and it was bright enough so that I didn't feel nervous about running through the park. Other people were out too, making loop after loop around the park. We'd pass each other several times, and the smile of recognition I'd give would sometimes be returned. I feel like at some point, I should try to make friends with these people who share the same early morning routine as me.
I haven't run continuously for such a long time in weeks. I wasn't fully confident that I could do it. I was slow going and people passed me, but I didn't really care. I had Prince, the Ramones, Blondie, and Pat Benatar keeping me company and cheering me on.
I haven't run continuously for such a long time in weeks. I wasn't fully confident that I could do it. I was slow going and people passed me, but I didn't really care. I had Prince, the Ramones, Blondie, and Pat Benatar keeping me company and cheering me on.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
1000 Mile Shoes
I was skeptical when Michael said it was probably time for me to get new running shoes. My pair looked fine and not worn out at all to me. But, I referred to my Idiot's Guide to Running Injury Free, which confirmed that running shoes only have a lifespan of about 250 to 500 miles. Even if shoes look okay from the outside, the inside support could be worn down, is what the book said (though a part of me feels like the shoe companies and the running guide companies are in cahoots with each other). I calculated how much I must have traveled in mine. It turned out to be closer to 1000 miles! It seemed impossible, but I rechecked my math and it was totally possible. Scott was surprised too when I told him. He said I could have run to Colorado.
I really like the Asics I have, so I ordered one pair of the Kayano 14 online and asked Sports Basement Potrero Hill to hold the only pair they had left for me. I would come by later to pick them up. So, now, I have two pairs of the same shoe at home (but in different colors, so I can now coordinate my outfits!) and another pair on its way to me. I'm going to keep one pair in my car.
I really like the Asics I have, so I ordered one pair of the Kayano 14 online and asked Sports Basement Potrero Hill to hold the only pair they had left for me. I would come by later to pick them up. So, now, I have two pairs of the same shoe at home (but in different colors, so I can now coordinate my outfits!) and another pair on its way to me. I'm going to keep one pair in my car.
Me, a Model?
A curious thing has been happening recently. People have been asking me if I was ever a model or if I ever thought about being a model. The first time was with my cousin. I home for Thanksgiving, was visiting her work office, and walked by the kitchen where she was having lunch. She didn't recognize me. She thought I was possibly a model there for a photo shoot.
Then, at Jeanne's birthday karaoke party last month, her co-worker asked if I used to be a model. I scoffed and said no. And, she was like, "But you're so tall and pretty."
And, today, as I was taking a lunch-time walk along the wharf, a random guy on the corner started to talking to me.
Random Guy: Excuse me.
Me: Yes.
RG: How tall are you?
Me: Um, in these shoes, six feet?
RG: Really? I thought so. You're tall. You can model.
Me: Oh, I'm not thin enough. [Insert picture of me rubbing my belly here.]
RG: You should.
Me: Um, okay, thanks. Have a good day.
As flattering as it may, I find it all a little weird. Sure, it's nice to be thought of as pretty and lean enough to be a model, but being pretty and thin have never been things I identified with. This is not to say that I have self-esteem issues and think I a hideous tub of lard. Rather, I've always identified with other aspects that I thought more important, like being smart, funny, and kind. I don't think I'm fat either, though that part of me who will always be an awkward, chubby kid rears its head every now and then, but I know I'm not model thin. Standing barefoot at 5'11", weighing 155 pounds, and having a BMI of 21.6, I know that I am a healthy size and that I live a healthy life.
Though people questioning my model-ability may seem irrelevant to my more fit, less fat goals, my more fit, less fat plans have not only been helping me reshape my body but my opinions about it too. I walk a little taller and have even embraced my height more (I wore and danced all night in 3" heels, while towering over all other guests, at Erin's wedding in August). I have been less self-conscious about being seen in my short shorts and tank tops or being naked around other people (I am not going to become a nudist, however). I've been feeling, overall, more confident.
I've been thinking more about these issues because of my students and what I see them doing. I've had teenage girls sit in my office and put on blush or line their eyes with pencil, when they are absolutely beautiful just as they are. I've had girls not eat all day (they'll also refuse my offers of fruit and granola bars, even though we can all hear their stomachs grumble) because they think they're fat, and then they'll wonder why they're tired and can't concentrate in class. I've had smart, outgoing, outspoken girls who are seemingly confident in all other aspects of their life be brought to tears because of their bodies.
I tell them about my story: how I used to be chubby, have braces, be almost a foot taller than all my friends in high school, and was awkward, and how I used to be so shy that I would be on the verge of tears if I ever had to speak in front of class. But, these students see the grown-up version of Susan who has no problem speaking on stage to hundreds of teenagers, who patiently listens to their concerns and helps them think about their futures, who laughs and jokes around with them, and who is stylish, hip, and attractive.
When I started this school year after being away for the summer, Linda, one of the school secretaries, told me how healthy I looked. I told her how I had a relaxing summer, how I started running again regularly, and how I was making a more concerted effort to make sure I was taking care of my body. She responded by saying how I was a good role model, especially for the female students who are so concerned about their bodies. Though I never thought of it, I am a really good role model. Not only did I go to college where many of my students hope to go and am happy doing the work I do, but I live a healthy lifestyle and am confident in myself, my abilities, and my body. I would be more than content if my students, especially the girls, would see me as a role model.
Then, at Jeanne's birthday karaoke party last month, her co-worker asked if I used to be a model. I scoffed and said no. And, she was like, "But you're so tall and pretty."
And, today, as I was taking a lunch-time walk along the wharf, a random guy on the corner started to talking to me.
Random Guy: Excuse me.
Me: Yes.
RG: How tall are you?
Me: Um, in these shoes, six feet?
RG: Really? I thought so. You're tall. You can model.
Me: Oh, I'm not thin enough. [Insert picture of me rubbing my belly here.]
RG: You should.
Me: Um, okay, thanks. Have a good day.
As flattering as it may, I find it all a little weird. Sure, it's nice to be thought of as pretty and lean enough to be a model, but being pretty and thin have never been things I identified with. This is not to say that I have self-esteem issues and think I a hideous tub of lard. Rather, I've always identified with other aspects that I thought more important, like being smart, funny, and kind. I don't think I'm fat either, though that part of me who will always be an awkward, chubby kid rears its head every now and then, but I know I'm not model thin. Standing barefoot at 5'11", weighing 155 pounds, and having a BMI of 21.6, I know that I am a healthy size and that I live a healthy life.
Though people questioning my model-ability may seem irrelevant to my more fit, less fat goals, my more fit, less fat plans have not only been helping me reshape my body but my opinions about it too. I walk a little taller and have even embraced my height more (I wore and danced all night in 3" heels, while towering over all other guests, at Erin's wedding in August). I have been less self-conscious about being seen in my short shorts and tank tops or being naked around other people (I am not going to become a nudist, however). I've been feeling, overall, more confident.
I've been thinking more about these issues because of my students and what I see them doing. I've had teenage girls sit in my office and put on blush or line their eyes with pencil, when they are absolutely beautiful just as they are. I've had girls not eat all day (they'll also refuse my offers of fruit and granola bars, even though we can all hear their stomachs grumble) because they think they're fat, and then they'll wonder why they're tired and can't concentrate in class. I've had smart, outgoing, outspoken girls who are seemingly confident in all other aspects of their life be brought to tears because of their bodies.
I tell them about my story: how I used to be chubby, have braces, be almost a foot taller than all my friends in high school, and was awkward, and how I used to be so shy that I would be on the verge of tears if I ever had to speak in front of class. But, these students see the grown-up version of Susan who has no problem speaking on stage to hundreds of teenagers, who patiently listens to their concerns and helps them think about their futures, who laughs and jokes around with them, and who is stylish, hip, and attractive.
When I started this school year after being away for the summer, Linda, one of the school secretaries, told me how healthy I looked. I told her how I had a relaxing summer, how I started running again regularly, and how I was making a more concerted effort to make sure I was taking care of my body. She responded by saying how I was a good role model, especially for the female students who are so concerned about their bodies. Though I never thought of it, I am a really good role model. Not only did I go to college where many of my students hope to go and am happy doing the work I do, but I live a healthy lifestyle and am confident in myself, my abilities, and my body. I would be more than content if my students, especially the girls, would see me as a role model.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Day Two
Day Two of More Fit, Less Fat Revived:
My schedule is slightly ridiculous. I set the alarm for 5:15am since I thought I had to be in a classroom making a presentation at 8am (it turned out that I had the time wrong but didn't figure it out until I was standing outside an empty classroom). When I woke up, I thought I heard the sound of rain. I peaked through the blinds and it didn't look like rain. I remembered my new motto--don't think, just go--and forced myself to get dressed. Stepping outside, it looked like it must have rained during the night but there were breaks in the clouds. (I did get a little wet as water dripped on me from tree tops and power lines. And, as I was finishing my last half mile, it started to drizzle.) I locked the door and started up the little hill.
It was really dark this morning, and so early that all the street lights were still blinking red. When I reached the Geary pedestrian bridge, a man who was camped out underneath was talking and was a little scary, so I ran as fast as I could past him and up Geary. As safe as I think I am when I'm doing my morning runs and as aware as I am of my surroundings, I know that running in the dark when almost no one else is out is totally not safe. But, this was the first time when I thought I had to run away from something or someone.
Anyhow, I hit a bit of a stride, where my breathing felt in synch with my body and things just felt right, which was a nice change of pace from the feelings of ache and wanting to vomit of yesterday. As I started my third loop, I saw the hill leading up to Fillmore and, for once, I actually thought running up it would be good. I didn't though. But, soon, I'll be powering up the Hayes Street Hill. I can do it. Maybe not now, but soon I'll be charging up hills. Absolutely.
And my musical selection for today, while Scott and Ralph are still gone, was The Velvet Underground.
My schedule is slightly ridiculous. I set the alarm for 5:15am since I thought I had to be in a classroom making a presentation at 8am (it turned out that I had the time wrong but didn't figure it out until I was standing outside an empty classroom). When I woke up, I thought I heard the sound of rain. I peaked through the blinds and it didn't look like rain. I remembered my new motto--don't think, just go--and forced myself to get dressed. Stepping outside, it looked like it must have rained during the night but there were breaks in the clouds. (I did get a little wet as water dripped on me from tree tops and power lines. And, as I was finishing my last half mile, it started to drizzle.) I locked the door and started up the little hill.
It was really dark this morning, and so early that all the street lights were still blinking red. When I reached the Geary pedestrian bridge, a man who was camped out underneath was talking and was a little scary, so I ran as fast as I could past him and up Geary. As safe as I think I am when I'm doing my morning runs and as aware as I am of my surroundings, I know that running in the dark when almost no one else is out is totally not safe. But, this was the first time when I thought I had to run away from something or someone.
Anyhow, I hit a bit of a stride, where my breathing felt in synch with my body and things just felt right, which was a nice change of pace from the feelings of ache and wanting to vomit of yesterday. As I started my third loop, I saw the hill leading up to Fillmore and, for once, I actually thought running up it would be good. I didn't though. But, soon, I'll be powering up the Hayes Street Hill. I can do it. Maybe not now, but soon I'll be charging up hills. Absolutely.
And my musical selection for today, while Scott and Ralph are still gone, was The Velvet Underground.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
No More Thinking
I think I found my new motto: Don’t think, just go. (I feel like an exclamation point at the end of that motto doesn’t suit my style.) It helped me get out of bed this morning when the alarm rang at 5:31am. Yes, I lied in bed for a minute, contemplating the cold and whether or not it was too wet outside. And, yes, there was a bit of lolly-gagging and wishy-washy before I wrangled myself out from under the covers. But, ultimately, I told myself to stop thinking about running and just do it (especially after having read this article last night and feeling like such a loser in comparison), and was out of the house at a quarter ‘til six.
Once I started jogging, and the feeling of wanting to vomit passed and the dull pain in the middle of my back so dreadful that I wanted someone to sock me at that exact spot subsided, it was actually quite pleasant to be starting back up with my routine that I left so long ago. And, it was a lovely, quiet morning. Jogging along Grove, the only sound I heard was my footsteps against the damp sidewalk. As I crossed Fulton and looked east, City Hall looked gorgeous as its dome showed just the slightest bit of glimmer as the sun was starting to peak out through the dark rain clouds. The air smelled clean and was warm as I concentrated on my breathing.
I forgot how, despite all my recent griping, I actually enjoyed waking up, going for my jog, and having a little bit of time in the morning with just my thoughts. There were no distractions, no one else around to have to talk to, and nothing to think about other than moving forward, watching out for cars, and avoiding uneven sidewalk. I remembered how I spent those cold, dark mornings in November and December thinking about my future plans and outlining essays in my mind as I made my way up to Japantown and back. Today, as I made three loops of my J-town to home route, it was nice to feel like I was getting back on track with the goal I set for myself about a year ago of running the San Francisco Half-Marathon.
As a special treat for me this morning, I got to turn the music up loud in the living room as I did crunches, lunges, squats, push ups, and stretches since both Scott and Ralph were gone. MGMT is great in the mornings.
And, super bonus points for me today since, not only did I run, I also did 45 minutes of yoga after work. Way to go, me! More fit, less fat, here I come, again!
Once I started jogging, and the feeling of wanting to vomit passed and the dull pain in the middle of my back so dreadful that I wanted someone to sock me at that exact spot subsided, it was actually quite pleasant to be starting back up with my routine that I left so long ago. And, it was a lovely, quiet morning. Jogging along Grove, the only sound I heard was my footsteps against the damp sidewalk. As I crossed Fulton and looked east, City Hall looked gorgeous as its dome showed just the slightest bit of glimmer as the sun was starting to peak out through the dark rain clouds. The air smelled clean and was warm as I concentrated on my breathing.
I forgot how, despite all my recent griping, I actually enjoyed waking up, going for my jog, and having a little bit of time in the morning with just my thoughts. There were no distractions, no one else around to have to talk to, and nothing to think about other than moving forward, watching out for cars, and avoiding uneven sidewalk. I remembered how I spent those cold, dark mornings in November and December thinking about my future plans and outlining essays in my mind as I made my way up to Japantown and back. Today, as I made three loops of my J-town to home route, it was nice to feel like I was getting back on track with the goal I set for myself about a year ago of running the San Francisco Half-Marathon.
As a special treat for me this morning, I got to turn the music up loud in the living room as I did crunches, lunges, squats, push ups, and stretches since both Scott and Ralph were gone. MGMT is great in the mornings.
And, super bonus points for me today since, not only did I run, I also did 45 minutes of yoga after work. Way to go, me! More fit, less fat, here I come, again!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Motto Matters
I've been struggling to get up and go running for more days than I should. Every morning for the last few weeks, I've been battling with wanting to stay under the warm covers and knowing that I should put on my running shoes and head out the door. And, with Billy and Tree having dropped out of marathon training, it's just up to me and Winnie to figure out how to keep each other going mile after mile.
So, I've been thinking of new mottos, motivational sayings, and battle cries that I can tattoo in my mind (and maybe up and down my arm) to keep me going. This is what I've got so far:
Fired up, ready to go!
You can do it!
Just do it!
Put your mind to it!
Never give up!
No pain, no gain! (Yuck!)
Work hard, play hard! (Double yuck!)
Push out the jive, bring in the love.
We will, we will, rock you!
If you build it, they will come.
I'm not happy with any of these. They don't fit me. I'll need to think a little more about this.
I've also been contemplating creating a Vision Board, a la The Secret. I can't believe I've stooped so low.
So, I've been thinking of new mottos, motivational sayings, and battle cries that I can tattoo in my mind (and maybe up and down my arm) to keep me going. This is what I've got so far:
Fired up, ready to go!
You can do it!
Just do it!
Put your mind to it!
Never give up!
No pain, no gain! (Yuck!)
Work hard, play hard! (Double yuck!)
Push out the jive, bring in the love.
We will, we will, rock you!
If you build it, they will come.
I'm not happy with any of these. They don't fit me. I'll need to think a little more about this.
I've also been contemplating creating a Vision Board, a la The Secret. I can't believe I've stooped so low.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Changing It Up?
I took a walk along Crissy Field today after work, figuring that I should have some sort of physical activity since I hadn't done much all week because of the rain, the cold, and my slight cold. It was beautiful and still sunny and warm when I got out there. There were quite a number of people lying on the beach, riding bikes, and running along the water. I wasn't wearing the proper walking gear (I had on my work clothes) and my feet started to hurt. But, I made my way to the Bridge (or as close as I could get to it) and back.
It has been difficult getting motivated to run over the last few weeks. I blame it on the winter doldrums. But, I know I am regressing in my marathon training. I'm getting worse, and I feel like in no time at all, I'll have to start over from the beginning with the training. So, perhaps it's time to change up my routine. Maybe I should start running in the evenings (I used to only run in the evenings when I was living in Berkeley). Maybe I should change my route. Maybe I should run every evening after work from the school, to the Bridge, and back, or maybe just along Crissy Field.
I think I'm going to start by leaving extra running gear (clothes, shoes, and water) in my car since there has been more than one occasion when I wished I had them with me so that I could go for a run and didn't. I think it's a good start.
It has been difficult getting motivated to run over the last few weeks. I blame it on the winter doldrums. But, I know I am regressing in my marathon training. I'm getting worse, and I feel like in no time at all, I'll have to start over from the beginning with the training. So, perhaps it's time to change up my routine. Maybe I should start running in the evenings (I used to only run in the evenings when I was living in Berkeley). Maybe I should change my route. Maybe I should run every evening after work from the school, to the Bridge, and back, or maybe just along Crissy Field.
I think I'm going to start by leaving extra running gear (clothes, shoes, and water) in my car since there has been more than one occasion when I wished I had them with me so that I could go for a run and didn't. I think it's a good start.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Foiled by Marathoners
I struggled to get out of bed this morning. Monday was the last day I went running. All week, I hadn't been able to sleep through the night and, so, thinking sleep trumps exercise, I gave up exercising time to sleep, even though I lied awake thinking that I might as well get up to run. So, after falling asleep at 9:30pm Friday night (with the lights still on and me still fully dressed) and taking a nap Saturday afternoon, I told myself that I should be ready for a morning run Sunday.
Sunday morning came. I managed to get out of bed and started my climb up Oak to the Panhandle. Approaching the Panhandle, I noticed that something was wrong. There were no cars. As I got even closer, I saw that the streets were blocked off and there were police officers and high school aged people standing in the middle of the intersections. I got about half a block into my run when I noticed a 2 mile sign on Oak. It was the marathon that people all week were asking me if I was running.
I wasn't really running it, but when I reached the tip of the Panhandle that takes you into Golden Gate Park, I saw a mass of runners streaming out and heading straight for me. I turned and headed back east along the Panhandle and this crew of hundreds of people were running my direction too. I felt silly that we were all running together in the same directions, except they were running on Fell Street and I was running about twenty feet away from them in the park.
I decided to stop my jog and cross over to the other side of the Panhandle so that I could watch them approach. The runners in front looked amazing. They were running with such ease and grace. Their form was natural and relaxed. Their muscles were prominent without being bulky. Their bodies were trim. I wanted to be one of them but knew that I had tons of work to go before I would look and run like them.
After a few minutes of watching these runners, I decided to keep running, this time in the opposite direction of them. When I made it to the eastern end of the Panhandle where I would turn to head west, I realized that I couldn't. These runners got off the street and into the park. They were running in my space and there was no way I could get past them. Foiled! But, whatever. I wasn't going to be stopped so I cut across the muddy grass. I ran for maybe another minute before I felt ridiculous. I should just give up running for today, and I did. All the more serious runners had already passed me and I was able to make my way out of the Panhandle, among the slower runners, onto Fell, and across to the sidewalk on the other side.
I started to walk back home but stopped at a street corner to watch the walkers and joggers be cheered by some volunteers and friends. These people didn't have runners' bodies. They weren't trim. They didn't have protruding muscles. Instead, some of them had bellies and some extra weight. But, they had smiles on their faces when they were being cheered on and they were making their way through this race, just as the faster half-marathoners were. And, I thought that if these people, who were older than me and looked less fit than me, could be out running/walking 13.1 miles, so could I.
Sunday morning came. I managed to get out of bed and started my climb up Oak to the Panhandle. Approaching the Panhandle, I noticed that something was wrong. There were no cars. As I got even closer, I saw that the streets were blocked off and there were police officers and high school aged people standing in the middle of the intersections. I got about half a block into my run when I noticed a 2 mile sign on Oak. It was the marathon that people all week were asking me if I was running.
I wasn't really running it, but when I reached the tip of the Panhandle that takes you into Golden Gate Park, I saw a mass of runners streaming out and heading straight for me. I turned and headed back east along the Panhandle and this crew of hundreds of people were running my direction too. I felt silly that we were all running together in the same directions, except they were running on Fell Street and I was running about twenty feet away from them in the park.
I decided to stop my jog and cross over to the other side of the Panhandle so that I could watch them approach. The runners in front looked amazing. They were running with such ease and grace. Their form was natural and relaxed. Their muscles were prominent without being bulky. Their bodies were trim. I wanted to be one of them but knew that I had tons of work to go before I would look and run like them.
After a few minutes of watching these runners, I decided to keep running, this time in the opposite direction of them. When I made it to the eastern end of the Panhandle where I would turn to head west, I realized that I couldn't. These runners got off the street and into the park. They were running in my space and there was no way I could get past them. Foiled! But, whatever. I wasn't going to be stopped so I cut across the muddy grass. I ran for maybe another minute before I felt ridiculous. I should just give up running for today, and I did. All the more serious runners had already passed me and I was able to make my way out of the Panhandle, among the slower runners, onto Fell, and across to the sidewalk on the other side.
I started to walk back home but stopped at a street corner to watch the walkers and joggers be cheered by some volunteers and friends. These people didn't have runners' bodies. They weren't trim. They didn't have protruding muscles. Instead, some of them had bellies and some extra weight. But, they had smiles on their faces when they were being cheered on and they were making their way through this race, just as the faster half-marathoners were. And, I thought that if these people, who were older than me and looked less fit than me, could be out running/walking 13.1 miles, so could I.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Post-Workout Eating
I made four loops around the Panhandle this morning. That's half a loop more than my longest route, though I did walk some of it. I'm still proud though.
I started the morning off at my house by eating a Kashi Tasty Little Chewy bar. I don't usually eat anything before heading off for my morning exercise routine. I usually wake up, drink as much water as I think I can handle and need, get dressed, and leave; that's it. But, this morning, I woke up hungry and thought a little something in my belly would help. So, I ate my little Kashi bar before I started my way up to the Panhandle.
My four loops were slow-going but going nonetheless. The sun was out and it was warm, so I made sure to drink from the water fountain after every loop. I got passed by a number of people, but I didn't care. My form was better and my feet just kept moving me forward.
Walking back home, I was starving. I wanted to forgo the post-jog stretching for post-jog eating. But, I thought better of it. I stretch but didn't do my strength training routine, showered, and ate a bowl of Heart to Heart with soy milk. I was still hungry so I ate another, though smaller bowl of cereal.
I spent the rest of the day hungry for whatever reason and eating. I ate a polish dog, a handful of chocolate, a Morning Star veggie patty with a piece of whole wheat toast, a large bowl of udon with spinach and tofu, cheese and crackers, and a piece of toast with peanut butter. It was ridiculous how much I ate. I know I didn't work out that hard or burned that many calories to warrant all that eating.
I started the morning off at my house by eating a Kashi Tasty Little Chewy bar. I don't usually eat anything before heading off for my morning exercise routine. I usually wake up, drink as much water as I think I can handle and need, get dressed, and leave; that's it. But, this morning, I woke up hungry and thought a little something in my belly would help. So, I ate my little Kashi bar before I started my way up to the Panhandle.
My four loops were slow-going but going nonetheless. The sun was out and it was warm, so I made sure to drink from the water fountain after every loop. I got passed by a number of people, but I didn't care. My form was better and my feet just kept moving me forward.
Walking back home, I was starving. I wanted to forgo the post-jog stretching for post-jog eating. But, I thought better of it. I stretch but didn't do my strength training routine, showered, and ate a bowl of Heart to Heart with soy milk. I was still hungry so I ate another, though smaller bowl of cereal.
I spent the rest of the day hungry for whatever reason and eating. I ate a polish dog, a handful of chocolate, a Morning Star veggie patty with a piece of whole wheat toast, a large bowl of udon with spinach and tofu, cheese and crackers, and a piece of toast with peanut butter. It was ridiculous how much I ate. I know I didn't work out that hard or burned that many calories to warrant all that eating.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
New Workout Goals
I'm not getting any better in my marathon training. I think I'm actually getting worse. All this week, running has been a struggle and I haven't been able to run too far without having to walk. My body just feels tired, especially in my arms and my shoulders. So, I'm setting new workout goals to try to build up my muscle and core strength.
This is my new plan:
I will do at least half an hour of yoga at least three times a week. I was pretty consistent with doing at least half an hour of yoga a few times a week after I got home from work a few months ago, but stopped for whatever reason. I need to start from the beginning with this again.
I will wake up earlier on the weekdays to do at least 45 minutes of running and I mean running, no slow jog. I think I've been too easy on myself on my speed and can probably be faster if I pushed myself a little more. I will still start off each run slowly, of course, since I want to give myself time to warm up and not get hurt, but by ten minutes into the morning jog I should be running.
I will spend more time on strength training on the weekdays. And, I will not wuss out when I get tired. No more lying down on the floor and quitting when I'm tired of crunches.
I will do intervals, where I'll alternate between sprinting and jogging/walking, twice a week. I will not be embarrassed or feel silly at the fact that I'll be running as fast as I can only to follow that immediately with moving slowly.
I will do one long run, starting at 7 miles and working my way up gradually, once a week.
I will not be scared to run up hills.
I will stick with these goals.
This is my new plan:
I will do at least half an hour of yoga at least three times a week. I was pretty consistent with doing at least half an hour of yoga a few times a week after I got home from work a few months ago, but stopped for whatever reason. I need to start from the beginning with this again.
I will wake up earlier on the weekdays to do at least 45 minutes of running and I mean running, no slow jog. I think I've been too easy on myself on my speed and can probably be faster if I pushed myself a little more. I will still start off each run slowly, of course, since I want to give myself time to warm up and not get hurt, but by ten minutes into the morning jog I should be running.
I will spend more time on strength training on the weekdays. And, I will not wuss out when I get tired. No more lying down on the floor and quitting when I'm tired of crunches.
I will do intervals, where I'll alternate between sprinting and jogging/walking, twice a week. I will not be embarrassed or feel silly at the fact that I'll be running as fast as I can only to follow that immediately with moving slowly.
I will do one long run, starting at 7 miles and working my way up gradually, once a week.
I will not be scared to run up hills.
I will stick with these goals.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
5am
This week, I realized how ridiculously time-consuming my goal of running a marathon, even a half-marathon, is. It takes me more than an hour to jog about seven miles (the distance I'm up to so far), at least another half hour to do some strength training, and then about another ten minutes to stretch. In total, it takes me about two hours. I only have the time to do the full routine on the weekends, though I need to increase my distance.
On the weekdays, I run only about three to five miles each morning because that's usually all I have time for. But, doing so few miles during the week isn't helping me increase the distance I can run. So, I decided that I need to wake up even earlier. I set the alarm for 5:15am, half an hour earlier than usual, for Monday and Tuesday this week. Both days, I woke up with the alarm but lied in bed until about 5:45, when I finally got up and out the door. And, today, I switched the 5:15am alarm to 7:04am when it went off. I was so tired. I couldn't even force myself up later to run. I'm going to try to run when I get off work; it'll be my first afternoon run.
On the weekdays, I run only about three to five miles each morning because that's usually all I have time for. But, doing so few miles during the week isn't helping me increase the distance I can run. So, I decided that I need to wake up even earlier. I set the alarm for 5:15am, half an hour earlier than usual, for Monday and Tuesday this week. Both days, I woke up with the alarm but lied in bed until about 5:45, when I finally got up and out the door. And, today, I switched the 5:15am alarm to 7:04am when it went off. I was so tired. I couldn't even force myself up later to run. I'm going to try to run when I get off work; it'll be my first afternoon run.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Mythbuster?
I made my way slowly around three and a half loops around the Panhandle this morning. I need to increase the distance I can run without stopping and am doing it very, very slowly. But, three and a half loops is good, considering that I took two weeks off from running to be on the East Coast.
But, what was more exciting than being able to run that distance after such a long hiatus was that I think I saw that Asian guy from Mythbusters jog even more slowly past me. He was wearing a gray hoodie and was going in the opposite direction. Could it be him? They do film in the Bay Area. Too bad it wasn't that cutie-pie Adam.
But, what was more exciting than being able to run that distance after such a long hiatus was that I think I saw that Asian guy from Mythbusters jog even more slowly past me. He was wearing a gray hoodie and was going in the opposite direction. Could it be him? They do film in the Bay Area. Too bad it wasn't that cutie-pie Adam.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Resolution Runners
A few months ago, Karen gave me an iPod Shuffle and loaded up a running mix for me. I have no idea exactly what's on the Shuffle but, so far, it's been fun having something to listen to (other than myself humming or singing) as I run. I sometimes forget that I'm running and just keep going to the beat of the music. I pump my fists and have a little more bounce in my step when The Sounds or Le Tigre come on.
This morning, however, the music didn't start with an upbeat tempo. Instead, as I approached the Panhandle at 7am and turned the Shuffle on (I'll only listen to the music when I've reached the park), I was greeted with Outkast's "Spread." Okay, so I own the Speakerboxxx and The Love Below. I really like them, though it's been a little while since I last listened to either disc. But, somehow, running so early in the morning listening to the dirty lyrics of "Spread" is just wrong. I finished the whole song though, as I slowly made my way through the Panhandle.
I also noticed some new folks on this morning's run. Most days, I see the same people running past me or the walking their dogs. But, today, there were more joggers than usual and many of them didn't look familiar. I think they're resolution runners, people who vowed to be more fit this year, run more, and maybe lose a few pounds in the process. Good for them, I thought, though I started running ages ago.
This morning, however, the music didn't start with an upbeat tempo. Instead, as I approached the Panhandle at 7am and turned the Shuffle on (I'll only listen to the music when I've reached the park), I was greeted with Outkast's "Spread." Okay, so I own the Speakerboxxx and The Love Below. I really like them, though it's been a little while since I last listened to either disc. But, somehow, running so early in the morning listening to the dirty lyrics of "Spread" is just wrong. I finished the whole song though, as I slowly made my way through the Panhandle.
I also noticed some new folks on this morning's run. Most days, I see the same people running past me or the walking their dogs. But, today, there were more joggers than usual and many of them didn't look familiar. I think they're resolution runners, people who vowed to be more fit this year, run more, and maybe lose a few pounds in the process. Good for them, I thought, though I started running ages ago.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Back At It
I woke at 5:43 this morning, two minutes before I set the alarm. After a few minutes of lying around, I was able to wrestle myself out of the warm bed, trudge my way to the bathroom, pop my contacts on, put on my running clothes (complete with my new bright, white running jacket purchased in Boston), shoes, and gloves, and head out the door.
I was dreading this morning. After almost two weeks of non-activity, I was anticipating pain. And, as suspected, it was a struggle. I felt my lungs sting. My arms and back were tired. My form was off. My whole body felt sluggish. But, I jogged slowly along Webster, climbed all the way up Geary, and made it back around again for another loop. It was slow going, and I never found my rhythm. But, I was proud to have gotten up and do the two loops.
I'm also back to my normal eating habits too. After two weeks of more beer and cheese than usual, I'm glad to have salad again.
I was dreading this morning. After almost two weeks of non-activity, I was anticipating pain. And, as suspected, it was a struggle. I felt my lungs sting. My arms and back were tired. My form was off. My whole body felt sluggish. But, I jogged slowly along Webster, climbed all the way up Geary, and made it back around again for another loop. It was slow going, and I never found my rhythm. But, I was proud to have gotten up and do the two loops.
I'm also back to my normal eating habits too. After two weeks of more beer and cheese than usual, I'm glad to have salad again.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Welcome Home
I dreamed of running again. But, as I got on the plane this morning, the pilot said it was 44 degrees with light showers in San Francisco. No way, I thought. New York was warmer than that.
Surely enough, though, as I got out of SFO, I could feel the chill and see evidence of rain. Google confirmed the 44 degrees. What a welcome back home. I need to get over running in the rain.
Oh, and my right knee is feeling a little wonky. Arthritis?
Surely enough, though, as I got out of SFO, I could feel the chill and see evidence of rain. Google confirmed the 44 degrees. What a welcome back home. I need to get over running in the rain.
Oh, and my right knee is feeling a little wonky. Arthritis?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
