Here Comes the Sun

Today looked like a beautiful day.  I say "looked like" because I was indoors, at work.  As I walked outside from the cafeteria to the Women Center, I thought how 25 yrs ago, I would have been "laying out" in the sun on a day like today.  Even if it isn't really warm, as long as you lay flat, you are out of the breeze and you can get warm.  I remember one day, a long time ago, when I went skiing in the morning and laid out in the sun in the afternoon.  You gotta love spring in Utah.  I don't work tomorrow, so I will be out in the sun, running and riding Cloud.  

Today, the worst air in the whole country was along the Wasatch Front.  It's lovely when we make the national news.  :(  I just got back from running at the gym and my feet feel like pancakes and I am tired.  I will be glad when the weather is better so that I can run outside.  Mike is in Calif this week and I am really jealous.  He is in the Bay Area, doing some training for his job.  LUCKY!  

prepping for the race

Last week, I said that I would cross train on the days between running, but then I didn't do it.  This week, so far, I ran on Monday and lifted weights this evening.  I usually start at pretty low weights when I haven't lifted for awhile, but tonight, I kept thinking about how hard it was to do the race last year, so I lifted heavier weights in order to get in shape faster and also to practice doing the really hard task and not shrinking back from it.  

One of the many things that I learned about myself last summer is that I am a determined person.  Once I say I will do something, I don't often back out.  My dad used to tell me that I was the most stubborn person he knew.  The way he said it, I knew it was bad to be stubborn.  But I remember one time that my mom told me that it can be good to be stubborn, if you are being stubborn about something good.  Like, stubbornly refusing to smoke or drink.  That changed a lot for me.  

Last year at the race, I stubbornly vowed to myself that I would finish it, no matter what.  That was the only thing that carried me over the finish line.  This year, my goal is to finish, but to be in better shape along the way.  The team last year was so nice about how much I walked and I really appreciated their kindness.  Last year, when I was prepping for the race all winter and spring, my goal was to finish and my fear of looking ridiculous drove me to get out and run.  This year, it's my fear of my back hurting like it did last year, along with increasing my personal best, that is driving me to get ready for this race.

I don't know why it is so hard to go running, but it is.  Inertia is a powerful force.  I guess it is a universal truth that it's human nature to do the easiest thing, which for me is sitting and watching TV.  So when I set a goal to follow the training schedule and then I actually do it, I feel stronger mentally as well as physically.  That success builds upon itself, so it becomes easier to go the next time.  It also helps me when Tori encourages me and goes with me.  I really appreciate her help that way.  I am sure there are life lessons to be learned by going through this process.  

Well, enough for tonight.  It's time to go to bed.  Thanks for posting comments, those of you who have.  Matt, you creeped me out a little, thinking that people are watching me.  LOL  :)

Hmmmm....., I am still not feeling the love. Either no one is reading, or you all are so shy and retireing that you don't want to say anything.
So, I was going to crosstrain yesterday, but I had such a stressful day and then I had to vote and then go feed the horses, that it was 8:40 by the time I got home and the gym closes at 9:00. I personally think it is a pretty good excuse for why I didn't go and lift weights. Tonight, I have to run on the treadmill after work, no matter what. Either that, or I have to run outside and it's too cold to do that. TTFN

Running

Today, I went to the gym to run on the treadmill.  I have never "run" on a treadmill before, but I have logged a lot of miles walking on one.  It is different as opposed to running outside on the sidewalk.  

Okay, I need to have a little rant here.  Why is it that people don't walk, push strollers, walk dogs or jog on the sidewalk?  I get it in the winter when the sidewalks are icy, but what's up with women walking early in the morning, 4-5 abreast, in the street?  I have to swerve around them when I am making my mad dash to work at 6:55 a.m.. And people, if you love your baby, use the sidewalk when you are strolling the baby.  

Okay, now I feel a little better.  So, the training begins.  Last year, on the crosstrain/rest days on the training schedule, I would rest.  This year, I am going to go to the gym and lift weights at least some of the days.  I think I will do better with the back pain problem that I had last year if I have more core strength.  

I need people to make comments if you are reading my posts, even if you just say Hi.  I am feeling a little lonely here.  ;)

Next on my agenda

Now that the opera is over and I have had a week to recuperate and (like Tori says) get my normal life back, I need to start prepping for the Wasatch Back.  Our team is "Nuts and Bolts", because some of us are nuts to run that far (me) and others are really good runners and are strong.  I saw a lady running this morning and she had a rather large caboose.  I started to say something to Tori (we were in the car, going over to feed the horses) and then I realized that at least she is out there, starting.  I haven't gotten there yet.  So, I kept my mouth shut and admired her courage.  I like to run in the evening, when it is dark, so that no one can really see me.  

Today was Pres. Hinckley's funeral.  It was sad, but also really interesting to contemplate his amazing life.  He gave all of us some goals to shoot for.