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!! 

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!)

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.

"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

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!  :)

8 Minute Mile!

I jumped back into running today, despite the cold weather outside, and knocked out my first 8 minute mile; thank you Fartlek training! :)  I was so proud of the fact that I finished the first mile as quickly as I did, especially considering the fact that I've taken the past week off.  I was a little under 1/4 of a mile short of making the second mile an 8 minute winner too, but I was close, and I now have a goal for my next day of Fartlek training (look out next Thursday).

My lungs didn't particularly enjoy the cold air, but my awesome ephysema-esque cough subsided after a couple of hours.  (I understand if you're jealous!)  As of now, I'm debating the long run in the morning, but if I push the 6 mile run back to next weekend, I may just go for a leisure run tomorrow -- not for time or distance, but for pure pleasure!  I suppose that only time will tell!  :)

Week of Rest

As I'm sure that many of you have noticed, I haven't posted in the last week.  Due to homework constraints and school burdens, I was forced to lose a week of training, and the running simply would not fit into my crazy schedule.  But, it's ok!  My body has more than appreciated the time of rest and relaxation.  :)

I hope to jump back into training tomorrow or Sunday, and get back into the swing of running 4 or 5 days a week.  With the cold weather quickly approaching, I have found that it is more and more difficult to bundle up and face the cold.  I have my fingers crossed for some semi-warm days, because I don't want my training to suffer with treadmill training (treadmills = sheer boredom).

Thank you for the continued support and encouragement!  The kind words and prayers have kept my motivation in line and my training on track, all while enhancing my positivity and self confidence!

The Switch!

So I've decided to switch up some of my workouts this week, due to school and personal needs, but am more than ready to make the attempt in conquering each of them.  I took a day of rest yesterday, to rejuvenate and relax.  It was a much needed day of rest, and I appreciated the day of rest more than I thought I would.

I had a 3 mile run inside (on a treadmill) tonight, due to the cold weather and dark skies, and once again found that I was bored around mile 1.  I came to the conclusion that gyms need to create some sort of device that will keep your attention for a long period of time.  There are TVs, but apparently they don't do the trick for me!  I faced the mental block (similar to that of my first treadmill run a while back), but still finished the run.  I will face a 6 mile run tomorrow, as I need to accommodate for a Thanksgiving Feast with my NextGen group on Sunday (I'm super duper excited for this event), and will suffice with a 20 minute speed training session, on Sunday, instead.  Thankfully it's short enough that I can fit it in before all of the yummy holiday food!

I'm definitely experiencing mental blocks more than I did in the beginning of my training.  I'm overwhelmed and stressed out with school; I need a break from academics; and, the weather is getting colder and colder.  I'm bound and determined to keep fighting through!!