On Friday I received an email from the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Event Management stating that my registration for the race on 10.9.11 had been withdrawn. The reason? I was frugal enough to look for a discount code for the race, which I found, and was informed that the code could only be used by Bank of America employees. Am I an employee? Nope! Did the website state that only employees could use the code? Nope! Now what?
I have emotions flowing through my mind right now, and I'm not exactly sure of what to think about the whole situation. You can guarantee that I'm going to send the Event Management a "friendly" little email to express the fact that I'm livid about the email that they sent. Honestly, couldn't they just send me an email stating that I couldn't use the code, and needed to pay the difference for the race? What if I go to register, and the registration is closed?
I'm going to pray about the email for a while. Maybe this is a sign that it's not the right time for me to be running the marathon. Maybe I need to fall into the professional realm and feel out my "grown-up life" before I try to place training demands on my body and life. I know that I will definitely continue the healthy lifestyle of running on a regular basis (or as regularly as I can), especially because I have found a love for running.
I have no idea of where my prayers will lead me, but I know that if this race (Chicago 2011) wasn't the race meant for me, I will find another race to train for, even if that race is 2 or 3 years down the road.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Sign-Up
Clearly, I haven't logged any runs in quite some time, because I haven't run very much in the past month or so. I have found it extremely difficult to balance the life of a "grown-up" (Student Teaching) with the life of a dedicated athlete. Honestly, there have been many days where I've woken up and been disappointed in myself for not following through with the promise that I made to myself in October -- to complete a full marathon.
The Chicago Marathon registration opened up on Tuesday February 1st. I didn't want to sign-up, because I began doubting myself. I haven't run consistently since December, it costs $145 to register, and I began to lose all hope in the progress that I had made between October and December. Then, I realized that I wasn't going to throw away the goal that I had set for myself. I couldn't back down. I'm not going to give up.
I just registered for the Full Chicago Marathon on 10.9.11, and have roughly 35 weeks to push myself through the rigorous training. I know that I am going to have moments of weakness, disappointment, frustration, and pain, but I am determined to fight through those moments to achieve my goal.
Tonight is a moment of change. It's time to re-evaluate the running plan that I created for myself in October, and fine tooth and comb it, to ensure that I will be the best runner that I can be for this marathon. Healthy mind. Healthy body. Healthy spirit.
The Chicago Marathon registration opened up on Tuesday February 1st. I didn't want to sign-up, because I began doubting myself. I haven't run consistently since December, it costs $145 to register, and I began to lose all hope in the progress that I had made between October and December. Then, I realized that I wasn't going to throw away the goal that I had set for myself. I couldn't back down. I'm not going to give up.
I just registered for the Full Chicago Marathon on 10.9.11, and have roughly 35 weeks to push myself through the rigorous training. I know that I am going to have moments of weakness, disappointment, frustration, and pain, but I am determined to fight through those moments to achieve my goal.
Tonight is a moment of change. It's time to re-evaluate the running plan that I created for myself in October, and fine tooth and comb it, to ensure that I will be the best runner that I can be for this marathon. Healthy mind. Healthy body. Healthy spirit.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
It's fun to stay at the YMCA ...
Today I had the pleasure of working out with a buddy, and boy did it make a difference! Jamie and I headed to the Y in downtown Waukesha because of the lack of availability of the Carroll facilities (argh!). We had originally planned on merely swimming, but once I realized that there were so many other things that we could do, the 1 hour swim turned into 3 hours of pure bliss. :)
We warmed up with a run on the indoor track, where I was able to knock out 2 miles (at a fairly good pace too). There were random treadmills and ellipticals filled with others, so I embraced my love for people watching while rocking the cardio. After stretching out our muscles, we jumped into the pool to cool off. Or did we? I'm pretty sure that I ended up getting nice and sweaty while swimming my laps, but the glorious part of swimming is that I couldn't feel the sweat beading down my body. Woo hoo!
As a reward to our muscles, Jamie and I jumped into the hot tub for a while and eventually worked our way into the sauna -- two great ways to ensure that your muscles loosen up before heading back into the cold and snowy weather. It felt great to knock out a really good workout, and I can guarantee that my body is going to be sore in the morning. No pain, no gain, right?
Need a suggestion for your playlist? Try adding one or all of these songs to your current list. They are great motivators for me. :)
1. For Those Who Wait - Fireflight
2. On It - Pro
3. Detainer - Day of Fire
We warmed up with a run on the indoor track, where I was able to knock out 2 miles (at a fairly good pace too). There were random treadmills and ellipticals filled with others, so I embraced my love for people watching while rocking the cardio. After stretching out our muscles, we jumped into the pool to cool off. Or did we? I'm pretty sure that I ended up getting nice and sweaty while swimming my laps, but the glorious part of swimming is that I couldn't feel the sweat beading down my body. Woo hoo!
As a reward to our muscles, Jamie and I jumped into the hot tub for a while and eventually worked our way into the sauna -- two great ways to ensure that your muscles loosen up before heading back into the cold and snowy weather. It felt great to knock out a really good workout, and I can guarantee that my body is going to be sore in the morning. No pain, no gain, right?
Need a suggestion for your playlist? Try adding one or all of these songs to your current list. They are great motivators for me. :)
1. For Those Who Wait - Fireflight
2. On It - Pro
3. Detainer - Day of Fire
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Puddle Jumping
Let me tell you, today's weather in Waukesha was nearly PERFECT for running in the middle of the winter. It's that strange warm and rainy combination, which means that the cold air doesn't kill your lungs, but you can still jump in oodles of puddles!! (Talk about bringing back your childhood memories!) Ok, so wet feet aren't exactly the most appealing thing in the world, but I had a blast!
It felt so good to get outside again, especially after having to run on a treadmill for many of my past extravaganzas. I covered around 2 miles, with a fairly good pace (especially on the 2nd mile), and am determined to knock out a long run within the next couple of days. I think that I've inched my way back into the pattern of running, so now I need to buckle down and jump back into my weekly running schedule. I almost "ate" ice within the last 100m of my run, but thanks to my super awesome agility skills, I showed that ice what was up!
As the New Year approaches, I have the feeling that many people are going to begin working on their "resolution." In my personal opinion, I think that today is a great day to start that resolution. Why wait another day or two, when you can start it now? Get up, get out, and get active!!
It felt so good to get outside again, especially after having to run on a treadmill for many of my past extravaganzas. I covered around 2 miles, with a fairly good pace (especially on the 2nd mile), and am determined to knock out a long run within the next couple of days. I think that I've inched my way back into the pattern of running, so now I need to buckle down and jump back into my weekly running schedule. I almost "ate" ice within the last 100m of my run, but thanks to my super awesome agility skills, I showed that ice what was up!
As the New Year approaches, I have the feeling that many people are going to begin working on their "resolution." In my personal opinion, I think that today is a great day to start that resolution. Why wait another day or two, when you can start it now? Get up, get out, and get active!!
Friday, December 24, 2010
An Oldie But Goodie!
1. It's Christmas Eve.
2. Due to a day of travel, my body has been lucky enough to continue functioning off of 2 fast food meals in one day. Considering the fact that I typically consume fast food once every few weeks, you can only imagine how my tummy feels after the double up in less than 24 hours.
3. I'm in a foreign land (or so it feels), so I had the privilege of running on a treadmill, once again.
Luckily the hotel that I'm currently residing in has a workout facility, meaning a treadmill, elliptical, and bike -- stellar! (Honestly though, I can't complain. A treadmill is better than nothing!) As the week has progressed, I've been working my way back into the training plan that was created back in October. Despite the cold weather, my running is falling back into place, slowly but surely, and I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of the warmer weather!
Rather than focusing on distance today, I worked through a mini Fartlek (speed training) workout, and jumped into some cross training on the elliptical, all while watching THE best Christmas movie of all time -- A Christmas Story. Seriously, who wouldn't be motivated to run to an old fashioned Christmas movie, with nerdy little boys, and a Red Ryder BB gun that will most likely result in one shooting their eye out?!? I guess that I can be considered a nerd, but there is something about a little piece of your childhood that manages to keep your attention when it is needed most.
I've come to 1 major saddening conclusion that relates to my current location and A Christmas Story ...
(Chinese restaurants aren't really open at Christmas. No Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra for this
girl!)
2. Due to a day of travel, my body has been lucky enough to continue functioning off of 2 fast food meals in one day. Considering the fact that I typically consume fast food once every few weeks, you can only imagine how my tummy feels after the double up in less than 24 hours.
3. I'm in a foreign land (or so it feels), so I had the privilege of running on a treadmill, once again.
Luckily the hotel that I'm currently residing in has a workout facility, meaning a treadmill, elliptical, and bike -- stellar! (Honestly though, I can't complain. A treadmill is better than nothing!) As the week has progressed, I've been working my way back into the training plan that was created back in October. Despite the cold weather, my running is falling back into place, slowly but surely, and I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of the warmer weather!
Rather than focusing on distance today, I worked through a mini Fartlek (speed training) workout, and jumped into some cross training on the elliptical, all while watching THE best Christmas movie of all time -- A Christmas Story. Seriously, who wouldn't be motivated to run to an old fashioned Christmas movie, with nerdy little boys, and a Red Ryder BB gun that will most likely result in one shooting their eye out?!? I guess that I can be considered a nerd, but there is something about a little piece of your childhood that manages to keep your attention when it is needed most.
I've come to 1 major saddening conclusion that relates to my current location and A Christmas Story ...
(Chinese restaurants aren't really open at Christmas. No Fa-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra-ra for this
girl!)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Emotions Running High
It's amazing how much more productive a run can be when you're experiencing a roller coaster of emotion (a treadmill run at that). I've come to find that when I'm experiencing sadness, frustration, or stress in my life, I am able to run away from my emotions for a brief time. I push myself 100 times harder, because I know that the overall run will be seen as an accomplishment, all while the endorphin rush digs into my optimism and happiness.
Luckily, my run allowed me to escape from the thoughts running through my mind. I challenged myself with sprints, incline changes, and speed alterations, and proudly completed 2.5 miles. I pushed myself past boundaries that seemed nearly impossible to conquer. I did it. I proved myself wrong. I found the happiness to my day. Tomorrow is awaiting me, and it's going to be a new day full of new emotions, new challenges, new moments of happiness, and a new run.
Luckily, my run allowed me to escape from the thoughts running through my mind. I challenged myself with sprints, incline changes, and speed alterations, and proudly completed 2.5 miles. I pushed myself past boundaries that seemed nearly impossible to conquer. I did it. I proved myself wrong. I found the happiness to my day. Tomorrow is awaiting me, and it's going to be a new day full of new emotions, new challenges, new moments of happiness, and a new run.
"Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
-- Matthew 11:28-30
Monday, December 20, 2010
Fire Burning!
I must say that it was absolutely phenomenal to go for a run today! Not being able to fit running into my end of the semester schedule during the past 3 weeks has been depressing to say the least. While the distance wasn't anything to brag about, I am still proud of being able to whip out 1.5 miles without much difficulty. Then again, when you factor in the cold Wisconsin winter weather, ice on sidewalks, and rude drivers, I can admit that the run was a bit more difficult than what I was facing about a month ago. (I sure do love challenges!)
And the title of this post, "Fire Burning," it's clever, don't you think? Of course there is a method to my madness! There wasn't a fire burning on the dance floor this time around, rather it decided to house itself in my lungs. Asthma, cold air, and physical exertion are not exactly the best combination, unless you want to sound like you've had emphysema for a couple of years!
I'm happy to have jumped back into my training plan, and am looking forward to conquering my future challenges. It's time for me to re-balance my life, make time for myself during this busy time of the year, and embrace the little things that mean the most. Happy Holidays! :)
And the title of this post, "Fire Burning," it's clever, don't you think? Of course there is a method to my madness! There wasn't a fire burning on the dance floor this time around, rather it decided to house itself in my lungs. Asthma, cold air, and physical exertion are not exactly the best combination, unless you want to sound like you've had emphysema for a couple of years!
I'm happy to have jumped back into my training plan, and am looking forward to conquering my future challenges. It's time for me to re-balance my life, make time for myself during this busy time of the year, and embrace the little things that mean the most. Happy Holidays! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)