A while ago I signed myself and my mother for a 5k Red Dress Run in Hartford, CT. The race begins and ends in a rose garden, it's only for woman and it's for charity - all things I thought would help my level of motivation. Well, I've maybe run 5 times since signing up - two of those times being this week (with a grand total of three miles).
Anyway, obviously I am going to feel pretty bad for my mother, who can run a 10 minute mile at this point because (shocker!!!) she's actually been running. She's said she'll take it easy for me, but I still feel like I've failed her a bit. Well - at least we'll be cute as we jog down the (whatever we'll be jogging down) in our matching outfits.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Running in Skirts
I bought a running skirt yesterday at Target. Main reason: it was in the clearance section.
For anyone who may not know; a running skirt sort of looks like those things female tennis players wear and it has little spandex shorts underneath. So, you're basically running down the street in a mini spandex skirt.
I decided to try the skirt out today, choosing to wear my gray UT t-shirt to nicely complement my dark grayish skirt with a pink stripe down each side. Truth: I was probably an awkward sight. I only got one beep, and no one nearly ran off the road watching me.
There was definitely an upside to this skirt... it didn't ride up. When I wear running shorts, they tend to roll up the front of my legs and into my crotch (downside to having the thick legs of a black girl). But the skirt stayed perfectly in the down-right position. Of course, the spandex shorts underneath rolled up and nicely hugged my ass. Luckily, the skirt is just tight enough to no float up at my every bounce (a.k.a. no one has to see the ass-hugging occurring underneath).
Well, I went two miles. I only "ran" the first mile and walked home. It took me 30 minutes. So, the skirt doesn't create miracles, but I really like it. I might go get another one. At some point.
For anyone who may not know; a running skirt sort of looks like those things female tennis players wear and it has little spandex shorts underneath. So, you're basically running down the street in a mini spandex skirt.
I decided to try the skirt out today, choosing to wear my gray UT t-shirt to nicely complement my dark grayish skirt with a pink stripe down each side. Truth: I was probably an awkward sight. I only got one beep, and no one nearly ran off the road watching me.
There was definitely an upside to this skirt... it didn't ride up. When I wear running shorts, they tend to roll up the front of my legs and into my crotch (downside to having the thick legs of a black girl). But the skirt stayed perfectly in the down-right position. Of course, the spandex shorts underneath rolled up and nicely hugged my ass. Luckily, the skirt is just tight enough to no float up at my every bounce (a.k.a. no one has to see the ass-hugging occurring underneath).
Well, I went two miles. I only "ran" the first mile and walked home. It took me 30 minutes. So, the skirt doesn't create miracles, but I really like it. I might go get another one. At some point.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Workin' On It
I've signed up for another race in June - also for charity. This race is sponsored by my work, so I will be cheered at (or gawked at) by some wonderful co-workers.
I don't think I elaborated on the July race; it's a Red Dress run and it's only for women. The race apparently ends in a wonderful garden of roses.
Well, the good new is: I ran twice this week. Monday I jogged/walked a half mile before an hour long yoga class, then ran/walked a mile after (alternating .1). And I actually mean that I ran. I did the mile in about 13 minutes. This time is really good for me... possibly better than I could have done just plan-'ole 'joggin''.
Today I went two miles. I jogged the first 1.5 miles and then walked the rest. This whole thing took me about 23 minutes. In my defense, a large majority of this was uphill. At one point during the end of my first 1.5 miles, I realized I was barely even picking up my feet. Almost tripped over myself.
3.5 miles this week - not too bad. =]
I don't think I elaborated on the July race; it's a Red Dress run and it's only for women. The race apparently ends in a wonderful garden of roses.
Well, the good new is: I ran twice this week. Monday I jogged/walked a half mile before an hour long yoga class, then ran/walked a mile after (alternating .1). And I actually mean that I ran. I did the mile in about 13 minutes. This time is really good for me... possibly better than I could have done just plan-'ole 'joggin''.
Today I went two miles. I jogged the first 1.5 miles and then walked the rest. This whole thing took me about 23 minutes. In my defense, a large majority of this was uphill. At one point during the end of my first 1.5 miles, I realized I was barely even picking up my feet. Almost tripped over myself.
3.5 miles this week - not too bad. =]
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Here We Go *again*
Okay, so, I did complete an undocumented run just about two weeks ago. I ran 1.5 miles. Well, I 'ran' most of it. And I was rewarded with four days of sore leg muscles.
Basically, here it is: I'm going to give this another fair try. I've learned my lesson and I will start small this time. I signed up for a 5k with my mom on July 7. I've been looking for another 5k I can commit to a little sooner - maybe mid-May.
And, although I know while running I can eat anything and not feel too guilty, I am also going to eat no meat during my training as well. I found that not eating meat helps me think more about the food I put into my body because I have to pay more attention.
My thoughts surround the question of if I should sign up for the same half marathon that beat my bum those two very long years ago. I'm not sure. I obviously have some time to decide though.
I think this new found, or re-ignited, interest is from this book I've been reading called "The Non Runner's Marathon Guide for Women." The woman who wrote it is very honest and comical about the topic. She is a young (29 at the time) woman who decided to do what she had once thought impossible - train for, and run, a marathon. The book has helped me realize that everyone really does start at zero and works their way up from there. Also, that you don't need to LOVE running from the get-go to be a runner. I know I already knew this... I've been told it... I've read the single spaced, one paragraph articles in fitness magazines. I didn't believe it - maybe I still don't 100% believe it - but this book seems to have helped spark something in me.
We'll see.
Basically, here it is: I'm going to give this another fair try. I've learned my lesson and I will start small this time. I signed up for a 5k with my mom on July 7. I've been looking for another 5k I can commit to a little sooner - maybe mid-May.
And, although I know while running I can eat anything and not feel too guilty, I am also going to eat no meat during my training as well. I found that not eating meat helps me think more about the food I put into my body because I have to pay more attention.
My thoughts surround the question of if I should sign up for the same half marathon that beat my bum those two very long years ago. I'm not sure. I obviously have some time to decide though.
I think this new found, or re-ignited, interest is from this book I've been reading called "The Non Runner's Marathon Guide for Women." The woman who wrote it is very honest and comical about the topic. She is a young (29 at the time) woman who decided to do what she had once thought impossible - train for, and run, a marathon. The book has helped me realize that everyone really does start at zero and works their way up from there. Also, that you don't need to LOVE running from the get-go to be a runner. I know I already knew this... I've been told it... I've read the single spaced, one paragraph articles in fitness magazines. I didn't believe it - maybe I still don't 100% believe it - but this book seems to have helped spark something in me.
We'll see.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Well, here goes... My keys?
I actually worked out today. I walked 1.5 miles and a 15 min pace. I ran .1 of that at an 8 min mile pace. I feel pretty good about myself. What I'm about to tell you is my newest lesson in the world of exercise. And, besides being lazy, my main reason for keeping it simple today.
About two weeks ago I went for a run. There is a state park about 1.8 miles away from my apartment, and that was my destination. I was amazed at how well I did! I was able to jog all the way there! And once I got to the park, I laid down on a picnic table and stared at the sky. I believe I stayed there for 30-45 minutes. It was beautifully relaxing.
This is certainly a perfect plan because there is a water fountain and a bathroom at the park! The thing is, the park bathroom is an outhouse. I'm sure most people know what an outhouse is... but it's basically a hole over another hole. The "waste" just goes in the hole and hangs out in there... down there. I did partake in this "waste house" before taking the long uphill route home. About five minutes into my way home, I realised I couldn't find my keys! I walked back carefully searching the ground for a particular glint and was unsuccessful. I imagined my beautiful keys in the vast stinky waste hole and cringed.
The keys weren't on the ground. And luckily, I didn't even have to go all the way back to the park. They had made their way to my hip area. Apparently, the key pocket of my shorts continues all the way around my waist. Who knew? Well... I guess I know now.
I did not jog the whole way back-but I made a good effort. Unfortunately, per typical Megan, my efforts were too adventurous. I hurt for a solid week following that run. And feeling pain like that doesn't really give a lady much incentive to work out the next day... or apparently the "next day" and the "next day" for two weeks.
What have I learned? It's good to have goals. It's not good to be unrealistic and head out too strong before you're ready.
Wait.... Haven't I learned that before? Doh!
About two weeks ago I went for a run. There is a state park about 1.8 miles away from my apartment, and that was my destination. I was amazed at how well I did! I was able to jog all the way there! And once I got to the park, I laid down on a picnic table and stared at the sky. I believe I stayed there for 30-45 minutes. It was beautifully relaxing.
This is certainly a perfect plan because there is a water fountain and a bathroom at the park! The thing is, the park bathroom is an outhouse. I'm sure most people know what an outhouse is... but it's basically a hole over another hole. The "waste" just goes in the hole and hangs out in there... down there. I did partake in this "waste house" before taking the long uphill route home. About five minutes into my way home, I realised I couldn't find my keys! I walked back carefully searching the ground for a particular glint and was unsuccessful. I imagined my beautiful keys in the vast stinky waste hole and cringed.
The keys weren't on the ground. And luckily, I didn't even have to go all the way back to the park. They had made their way to my hip area. Apparently, the key pocket of my shorts continues all the way around my waist. Who knew? Well... I guess I know now.
I did not jog the whole way back-but I made a good effort. Unfortunately, per typical Megan, my efforts were too adventurous. I hurt for a solid week following that run. And feeling pain like that doesn't really give a lady much incentive to work out the next day... or apparently the "next day" and the "next day" for two weeks.
What have I learned? It's good to have goals. It's not good to be unrealistic and head out too strong before you're ready.
Wait.... Haven't I learned that before? Doh!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Again?
So, my mentor and friend has thrown down. She is attempting something that my mother has failed to do for years-make me run. I did run last summer, and I think I did a pretty good job, but at the end of the day I was still certainly no runner.
My friend tried to make me promise to run a half marathon with her in October. The problem is, I believe anyway, that this is not something that a person can ever do under pressure, and it is certainly not something I can do for someone else.
I am, however, seriously considering this half marathon. First, I will need to practice with a few 5Ks. I strongly believe that this was one of my problems last year-I set my sights too high.
My friend tried to make me promise to run a half marathon with her in October. The problem is, I believe anyway, that this is not something that a person can ever do under pressure, and it is certainly not something I can do for someone else.
I am, however, seriously considering this half marathon. First, I will need to practice with a few 5Ks. I strongly believe that this was one of my problems last year-I set my sights too high.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Un-Motivation
So, clearly I am one of the least motivated people in my life. How can a person (I) be so completely positive that something so small (or long... as in 13.1 miles)could make such a huge difference in her (my) life, yet remain unmotivated to give it an honest shot? Because, let's face it, if I gave it an honest shot-I would win. There is no other option than to win-especially when I'm simply competing against myself.
It's a mental brain space. If I think I can do it-there is nothing stopping me. If my negative thoughts get in the way-I drown. Drowning is such an unpleasant way to go.
It's a mental brain space. If I think I can do it-there is nothing stopping me. If my negative thoughts get in the way-I drown. Drowning is such an unpleasant way to go.
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