life gets in the way

I know it has been a while since I wrote. I have had a couple issues to deal with during that time. I had a full blown depressive episode that lasted for over 2 weeks. I haven’t had one in a while and it took me a bit longer than usual to rebound from it, but rebound I did. I was starting to feel better, when during my training, my Planters Fasciitis came back. I have been icing it and stretching, which has done the trick in the past, but was not working this time. So, I bought a splint/boot that I wear at night when I am sleeping and although it is feeling MUCH better, I am still not 100%. So that has hindered my training. Between these two issues, my depression and PF, this has pushed back training for me. However, I still plan on doing 2 half marathons, but because of my PF pain I am going to push them back so the plan now is a half marathon in late May and another in August. 

Some may wonder with my PF pain why I continue to do the running. This is my 2^nd bout with this but when it all comes right down to it I really love running.  If I didn’t like it this much believe me I would pick a different sport but I always come back to running so I deal with a bit of pain and persevere.

I also realized I like the half marathon length. The 13.1 miles distance seems to be my distance that makes me feel great. That perfect distance. I may just stick with that distance and hold off on the full marathon this year. Just keep working on the half marathon distance and becoming a faster runner. J  The half marathon just seems to make my soul happy.  And so therefore I will stick with what makes me happy. I plan on running some shorter races to help with my speed this summer, but my goal always seems to come back to 13.1 miles. J

Well, sorry I took such a long break but keeping up with a weekly blog when I have my training and work can be difficult. I am still going to continue to blog but it may be ever 2 weeks rather than every week. Well, for those in MN like me stay warm. We have been having some super chilly weather lately and I for one am sick of it. Have a great weekend everyone and as always enjoy the journey.

 

 

 

 

Be kind to yourself

I am grateful for Meditation

 

So, the past couple weeks training has been hit or miss. I have gotten a few workouts in per week which, honestly, with the holidays was my goal. So, if you got off track during the holidays know that, it happens and I hope you were kind to yourself. Too many of us get down on ourselves and actually do more damage than missing a couple workouts ever could.  So be kind to yourself, I was. I didn’t put much pressure on myself because, as I said in an earlier post, just getting some workouts in per week during the holidays is an accomplishment in itself. The holidays were especially hectic this year for me. I enjoyed them, but I am ready to get back to a routine again.

So, it is time to get back to a 5-6 day consistent training schedule.  My 30 day goal is to get 20-24 workouts in during that time. It is Time to hit it hard again. New Year, new goals! Know that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to! This attitude is key for any goal.  Looking at my goals: 3 half marathons from the end of 2013 to 2014. I already have one done now to look towards the future for the next two.  Keep your attitude positive and your goals specific you can accomplish anything. J

Enjoy your week and always be kind to yourself.  As always enjoy the journey.

Winter Blues

Grateful for a warm house

 

So it is 2014 can you believe it? This year seemed to fly by way to fast. Well in Minnesota it is starting off very Chilly!! Monday the weather report is calling for a -60 degree wind chill and the governor called off all public schools in the state of Minnesota. This does not happen that often. Thank goodness

So, what do you do when you have races to continue to train for and weather just doesn’t permit you to go outside?  Well, there is always the treadmill. My advice for that though is to keep it fresh.  I suggest increasing the incline, adding intervals, or a combination of the two. This will keep you from going crazy training on a treadmill and allow you to get some excellent training in.  Many gyms have running tracks if the treadmill is just not something you can drag yourself onto. Granted, you will be running in circles, but some like this better than the treadmill. This is especially true if the gym has large windows. That view is better than no view.

Also, of course, there are other cardio workouts that you can do just to keep you from getting bored.  There are elliptical or spinning classes which will help work on your endurance. If you need a break from working on a machine many gyms have excellent cardio classes. These are some things to consider. Then, of course, there are DVD’s at home. Whatever tickles your fancy. There are so many choices out there that honestly, getting lazy or stagnate really is not much of option. So, don’t let the winter blues bum you out! Get you butt going and before you know it spring will be here…well spring in MN is typically short but at least it isn’t winter!

 

Well I hope everyone had a great week no matter what the weather is, and as always enjoy the journey.