Pinterest has so many many great ideas (that no one really looks at once they've pinned) and so much inspiration (not to mention lots of time wasting pages). One of my favorite "pins" is a fitness inspiration that says something along the lines of, "You're not a dog, so don't reward yourself with food." To that I say, "psh."
Today I got off my couch, put on some shorts and went out for a jog. The inspiration for my jog: a burrito. I dragged myself around for two miles and at the end of that two miles was a beautiful, hot, tasty burrito with mole sauce. The thing is - I likely would have eaten that burrito (or something similar) regardless of how many miles I did or didn't run. So what's wrong with rewarding yourself after a job-well-done? I'm not hardcore, I'm not training, I'm not a "crazy fitness fanatic," so anything to get me moving is only going to help in the long run. Right?
I'm certainly not saying that every time I do something physical I'm going to treat myself to something junky, but I think it's okay to reward with a little extra something-something if it gets you up and out. Not to mention, I felt a little less guilty about eating it (are burritos even bad for you, though?). I'm selfish, I know - but hey! it's my body.
***
The two miles took me about 34 minutes. The first mile felt easy, but I have to admit that I crapped out at the end and did a lot of walking during my second mile. It was a beautiful day and being outside after working from home all day did feel really good.
Anything interesting happen? I did see an old lady with a little girl in a driveway. Obviously I waved and smiled at them, and then the old lady pulled the little girl in toward her. I felt offended because I was sure a young woman in a bright pink running top couldn't possible be menacing. Then, as I turned away, I noticed a car waiting to turn into the driveway. I quickly skirted past the driveway and out of the way. I guess old ladies are more afraid of their grandchildren being hit by cars than stolen my menacing runners (who clearly don't even run that fast).
I don't know if I have a lesson learned after this run. I suppose sometimes the important thing is to get moving. And sometimes that important thing comes with a treat at the end. Moderation is always the key.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Red Dress Run
Up and out of bed early on a Saturday morning to do something I fear most: Run.
This past Saturday (otherwise known as yesterday), my mom and I completed the Red Dress Run West Hartford, CT. It begins and ends in a rose garden and the course was nicely shaded. My mother was nice and took it easy on me: agreeing to my pace and then walking with me after mile two. I made sure we ran the last .1 mile so that when they took our finish line photo it looked like we had been running.
There were some interesting people there - at this race for only women. The first interesting female I saw was this young woman with about 2 pounds of make-up on. It baffles me that someone would put that much (or any really) make-up on before going out to purposely sweat. We saw her at the end of the race and she had sweat it all off. And she was a very pretty girl without it.
Another interesting character we met on the way was this older lady speed walking/jogging along with only her socks on. She explained how back in 1978, she had placed in a marathon in Italy. She may have said second or third, but I can't remember exactly.
Among the crowd were many matching females. A large group of females all ran with bright red tu-tus. I'm certainly not saying we weren't an integral part of the interesting people in attendance: My mom and I both wore the same pink tank top and the same black running skirt. Oh yeah - and same running shoes.
Official time: 49:12. Walk/jog lady beat us.
What I learned: It's true - doesn't matter how fast or slow you go, you're still lapping anyone sitting on the couch.
This past Saturday (otherwise known as yesterday), my mom and I completed the Red Dress Run West Hartford, CT. It begins and ends in a rose garden and the course was nicely shaded. My mother was nice and took it easy on me: agreeing to my pace and then walking with me after mile two. I made sure we ran the last .1 mile so that when they took our finish line photo it looked like we had been running.
There were some interesting people there - at this race for only women. The first interesting female I saw was this young woman with about 2 pounds of make-up on. It baffles me that someone would put that much (or any really) make-up on before going out to purposely sweat. We saw her at the end of the race and she had sweat it all off. And she was a very pretty girl without it.
Another interesting character we met on the way was this older lady speed walking/jogging along with only her socks on. She explained how back in 1978, she had placed in a marathon in Italy. She may have said second or third, but I can't remember exactly.
Among the crowd were many matching females. A large group of females all ran with bright red tu-tus. I'm certainly not saying we weren't an integral part of the interesting people in attendance: My mom and I both wore the same pink tank top and the same black running skirt. Oh yeah - and same running shoes.
Official time: 49:12. Walk/jog lady beat us.
What I learned: It's true - doesn't matter how fast or slow you go, you're still lapping anyone sitting on the couch.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
5k in two days...
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.
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.
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!
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