Being an Oregonian and ex Portland resident, having done the Portland to Coast (walkers do PDX, not Hood), I've got to 1) share this 2) see the movie 3) DO THE HOOD TO COAST! First a Half, then this. Dude!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
We are committed - and committed
This is in response to a Run Like a Mothers Facebook post by a reader about how running is selfish if it takes away from your family time. Oh yea?
I thought the other day, during a late day run, that I was running during my sons practice. I had missed the day before because our schedule was jam packed w/life. And it had been my birthday, which was given up because, our life is full. So, I was wondering, okay am I still a mom running during his practice? Half jokingly. Yes, I am. Usually, I'd be right there watching. But when I don't squeeze in the 60 minutes, out of a 24 hour period (on 5 hours a sleep a night), for myself, to unwind, to run it out, to listen to my 80's rock music or my christian rock music, to be inspired, to energize my brain cells, get the blood working in my legs - I am not my best for my family. I have 5 kids. And a husband. And a job. And family. And obligation. I would think most of the readers here are not selfish and when, have we been asked to give up everything about ourselves for our family, as if that is best? What inspires my teenage girls the most? Seeing their mom succeed and smile when she gets back from her longest run ever. If I think my husband looks irritated after he's been home all day & I have to fit my run in during family time (hardly ever happens though - he is uber supportive), I sweetly remind him he enjoys the outcome of my long runs ;) - he agrees.
I have had to get over feeling guilty because I, as most mothers, give my soul to my family. So when I train for the half next year, my family knows - it will be a priority. They have the rest of my life.
I thought the other day, during a late day run, that I was running during my sons practice. I had missed the day before because our schedule was jam packed w/life. And it had been my birthday, which was given up because, our life is full. So, I was wondering, okay am I still a mom running during his practice? Half jokingly. Yes, I am. Usually, I'd be right there watching. But when I don't squeeze in the 60 minutes, out of a 24 hour period (on 5 hours a sleep a night), for myself, to unwind, to run it out, to listen to my 80's rock music or my christian rock music, to be inspired, to energize my brain cells, get the blood working in my legs - I am not my best for my family. I have 5 kids. And a husband. And a job. And family. And obligation. I would think most of the readers here are not selfish and when, have we been asked to give up everything about ourselves for our family, as if that is best? What inspires my teenage girls the most? Seeing their mom succeed and smile when she gets back from her longest run ever. If I think my husband looks irritated after he's been home all day & I have to fit my run in during family time (hardly ever happens though - he is uber supportive), I sweetly remind him he enjoys the outcome of my long runs ;) - he agrees.
I have had to get over feeling guilty because I, as most mothers, give my soul to my family. So when I train for the half next year, my family knows - it will be a priority. They have the rest of my life.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Why I do it
Often I have to tell myself to just finish. Forget about the clock, regulate my breathing, look around and that I CAN do this. I've had the talk w/myself about people recovering from cancer or some severe life trauma, illness, etc. who have done more than I am accomplishing at this moment and I can. I have to be stronger than my mind & sometimes body, proving that I am in charge, not them and will control if I finish or not. I run, because it is something that is pushing me beyond my limits, my comfort zone and I want to be on the other side of the finish line, successful - for me.
Voices in my head
PMS says:
"Why the Hell are you doing this?"
I say:
"Get over it. You'll feel better next week. Finish the job."
"Why the Hell are you doing this?"
I say:
"Get over it. You'll feel better next week. Finish the job."
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Fueling yourself off road
This year I’ve definitely brought the run into a more mental realm. Before it was just trying to make it through physically and ignoring my tired mind. But I discovered actually reading about running and amping up the information in my brain about body, mechanism, mentality, fuel, distance – pure information that powers me while I’m pounding the ground. It’s made me very aware and stronger physically as I use the information I’ve gained while I’m running. It’s validated the need for strengthening both mind & body during off hours. Instead of feeling pain, I now can place the pain to a muscle or joint or body part and have a visual of what’s going on and maybe how to fix it. How to run differently next time for a better result. What fuel I need to not crash. Etc. -
We nurture our kids & families – I’m learning how to nurture both my mind and body
We nurture our kids & families – I’m learning how to nurture both my mind and body
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
A New Beginning
About 2 months ago, I decided to start running again. After taking about 18 months off due to knee issues, back issues and general, I'm a mother, a wife, an employee, person of multiple responsibilities, sick of pounding the pavement burn out - it was time to stop whining & get back down the road.
Damn. No socks. A moment or two, standing in the office bathroom, half dressed.... I'm here, I'm ready, crap - do I run? Blisters are for sure without socks. Mentally living through the burn of my flesh across the course worn fabric of the inside of my Brooks Glycerine shoes. You know, nothing is going to stop me from running today. This is committment, screw it - I'm going sockless.
Hit the pavement, thinking about the recent runners blogs I'd been reading, the women in their cute running skirts, clean socks... (damn socks - how did I miss them this morning in my rush out the door!???? I am SO particular getting my running stuff all together!) - thinking about what people would say if they knew that not only do I not wash my running clothes weekly, that I actually wait until I can't stand the smell of my own visor & sports bras before washing them, but that I was also actually running without socks today.
Grungy. Grunge Running. HEY! That's me! A Grunge Runner! Not a cute, cuddly, sweet smelling girl, but a forget about the makeup, sweat it all out & get out there, doing it runner.
And a new blog was born.
The next week, I flipped on my pod, opened a new playlist of rockin' music I had made the night before. Turned the first song on, thinking back to my husband helping me name it. It was "Grunge" music! I smiled & laughed out loud as I realized it was another confirmation to the name of my new blog.
Welcome to GrungeRun, where when running is not so pretty and frankly, stinks - hopefully you'll find something to smile about.
Damn. No socks. A moment or two, standing in the office bathroom, half dressed.... I'm here, I'm ready, crap - do I run? Blisters are for sure without socks. Mentally living through the burn of my flesh across the course worn fabric of the inside of my Brooks Glycerine shoes. You know, nothing is going to stop me from running today. This is committment, screw it - I'm going sockless.
Hit the pavement, thinking about the recent runners blogs I'd been reading, the women in their cute running skirts, clean socks... (damn socks - how did I miss them this morning in my rush out the door!???? I am SO particular getting my running stuff all together!) - thinking about what people would say if they knew that not only do I not wash my running clothes weekly, that I actually wait until I can't stand the smell of my own visor & sports bras before washing them, but that I was also actually running without socks today.
Grungy. Grunge Running. HEY! That's me! A Grunge Runner! Not a cute, cuddly, sweet smelling girl, but a forget about the makeup, sweat it all out & get out there, doing it runner.
And a new blog was born.
The next week, I flipped on my pod, opened a new playlist of rockin' music I had made the night before. Turned the first song on, thinking back to my husband helping me name it. It was "Grunge" music! I smiled & laughed out loud as I realized it was another confirmation to the name of my new blog.
Welcome to GrungeRun, where when running is not so pretty and frankly, stinks - hopefully you'll find something to smile about.
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