A bunch of you have recently told me you've been inspired to run a road race. Good for you! Whether it be a 5K, 1/2 marathon or a full marathon, I'm also gonna give you some advice. Some of you asked, some of you didn't but here are a few things I will definitely remember if I ever do this again...
1) Stretch. Before, after, even in between. You will want to sit on the couch after you run but don't. Stretch, ice, and eat something healthy. It will help you recover more quickly and will prevent injury.
2) Schedule a time for your long runs and stick to it. I ran mine every Saturday morning. If you have a schedule, put it on your refrigerator so it's there and you look at it every morning. It will be part of your day. Don't slack.
3) Get good rest. The times where I was sleep deprived I had crappy runs and I'm pretty sure I cried at the drop of the hat. (Just ask my boyfriend who thought I needed a trip to the looney bin.)
4) Hydrate. Plain and simple.
5) Use your rest days. This was hard for me because I felt like I would fall flat. Rest days are as important as run days.
6) Tell people you're training for a race. Tell a lot of people (hell, even write a blog about it). You're about 75% more likely to do something if you tell others because you'll feel bad "taking it back."
7) Train your core. You'll think it's your legs that are doing all the work but your abs and lower back will feel the pain. Core strength is crucial when running.
8) Join a running group. I still prefer to run alone, however, having the option to run with a group and have added support is a good thing.
9) Think positively and keep it all in perspective. Race day will be 90% mental.
10) Know that is a commitment. You will need discipline, you will need to sacrifice some of your social life, you will hate it at times. The feeling of accomplishment, though, will be well worth it.
I don't care how much you weigh, I don't care if you've never exercised a day in your life, I don't care if you don't even own running shoes...If you put your mind to something, you will be able to do it. Once you do this one thing you never thought you could, you will feel like a totally different person. You will say, with confidence, "I can do anything." So go get em' kiddos. The world is your oyster. :)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Ready, Set, Enjoy
Today was the last long run of my training for the marathon! Woo-hoo! I was nervous about this run but I said to myself, "when you fall off the horse, you gotta get back on."
It was a beautiful day for a run. Perfect weather (not too hot!) and the sun was out. I started out this run with a whole different mentality then all my other runs. I said to myself, "Forget pace, forget the bad runs, forget the pain...just ENJOY, just run." And I actually did. Well, who are we kidding. I enjoyed all of it besides mile 18-20. ;) The course was FULL of marathoners and there were tents set up all over offering drinks, food, goos, and (best of all) cheering "fans." It was almost like a mini-marathon day. I took all this excitement in and made sure to slow down when I needed to, stretch when I needed to and I didn't look at my watch once. I just listened to my body. At times it said, "yo what the hell are you doing to your IT band?!" or "Your ass is on fire, did you notice?" and on Heartbreak Hill(s) it said, "Um, I hate you" but most of the time it said "Go Tricia Go!" and "You're doing good. Keep it up."
One year ago I couldn't run more then 5 miles. One year ago I was drinking a beer while watching the Boston Marathon thinking, "I wanna do this one day." This year I've run 20-40 miles a week. This year I will be looking for my friends cheering for me while I actually run the Boston Marathon. I can't wait to enjoy it.
"You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land, there is no other life but this."
-- Henry David Thoreau
Friday, March 26, 2010
Quickie
Short post today just to say a few things!
1) I got my race number today! Woohoo! I'm officially # 24754!
2) Ruben called! For those of you who forgot, he was my guardian angel who drove me home the time I konked out on my second 20 miler. I'll be running with his group tomorrow. He said, "We'd love you to be part of our running family." Muffin!
3) A warm and fuzzy hug to Barry Clegg who reminded me to think positively and to always eat dessert. :)
1) I got my race number today! Woohoo! I'm officially # 24754!
2) Ruben called! For those of you who forgot, he was my guardian angel who drove me home the time I konked out on my second 20 miler. I'll be running with his group tomorrow. He said, "We'd love you to be part of our running family." Muffin!
3) A warm and fuzzy hug to Barry Clegg who reminded me to think positively and to always eat dessert. :)
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Running together
When I was in high school my parents had many rules. One of them was "play a sport or get a job-you can't sit around and do nothing." So, I chose sports. I played basketball, volleyball and softball. I was not great at any of them. I was average at all of them, enjoyed the social aspect and was pretty competitive. I never got MVP at our sports banquets. Instead, I often got "Best Sportsmanship Award." I guess they forgot about all the of the times I was fouled out of our basketball games.
Anyway, my brother also chose sports. He played basketball and baseball but also did track and cross country. He was good at everything he participated in, but he was especially good at running. He used to win track meet after track meet, break records on the cross country team and it was not unlikely he won every event he ran in. He was in the newspapers, had shelves of awards and medals and often won MVP at the sports banquets. I used to watch my brother run and think, "God, I wish I could be that good at something." He was so good at running and he did it with such ease. What was even more awesome to me was that he was so passionate about it. He loved to run. He even did it on his "days off " because he loved it. I used to love to watch him run too. I used to wish I could run with him. I never asked though. I knew I would hold him back.
For those of you who know me, you also know the story of my brother. He has had his ups and downs in life and I have often been on the sidelines for those ups and downs. When he was up, I would cheer for him. When he was down, I would cheer for him too....just like at his track meets. In the past few years, my cheering has gone flat . At one point, I didn't know if I had any cheer left in me for my brother. I know, it sounds awful. It felt awful too, probably for the both of us. Thankfully, this past year has been an increasing "up" for my brother and for our family. This past Christmas, my brother and I sat down and talked honestly with each other about the past, about the ups and downs and we started new and we started fresh. I apologized for, at times, not being in the "cheer section." He apologized for not asking for help when he needed it and not always being there for me when I needed a fan in my own cheering section. For the first time, in a long time, I felt good about our relationship as brother and sister. After this talk, my brother asked me if I wanted to run with him. I said yes. That run together was one of the best running moments I've ever had. Neither one of us held each other back. We ran together.
So, I dedicate my last long (looong) training run this Saturday to my big brother who has now been in recovery for one full year (happy anniversary to you!) and who was the one who made me 'in awe' of real runners. I will always run beside you. Together.
Anyway, my brother also chose sports. He played basketball and baseball but also did track and cross country. He was good at everything he participated in, but he was especially good at running. He used to win track meet after track meet, break records on the cross country team and it was not unlikely he won every event he ran in. He was in the newspapers, had shelves of awards and medals and often won MVP at the sports banquets. I used to watch my brother run and think, "God, I wish I could be that good at something." He was so good at running and he did it with such ease. What was even more awesome to me was that he was so passionate about it. He loved to run. He even did it on his "days off " because he loved it. I used to love to watch him run too. I used to wish I could run with him. I never asked though. I knew I would hold him back.
For those of you who know me, you also know the story of my brother. He has had his ups and downs in life and I have often been on the sidelines for those ups and downs. When he was up, I would cheer for him. When he was down, I would cheer for him too....just like at his track meets. In the past few years, my cheering has gone flat . At one point, I didn't know if I had any cheer left in me for my brother. I know, it sounds awful. It felt awful too, probably for the both of us. Thankfully, this past year has been an increasing "up" for my brother and for our family. This past Christmas, my brother and I sat down and talked honestly with each other about the past, about the ups and downs and we started new and we started fresh. I apologized for, at times, not being in the "cheer section." He apologized for not asking for help when he needed it and not always being there for me when I needed a fan in my own cheering section. For the first time, in a long time, I felt good about our relationship as brother and sister. After this talk, my brother asked me if I wanted to run with him. I said yes. That run together was one of the best running moments I've ever had. Neither one of us held each other back. We ran together.
So, I dedicate my last long (looong) training run this Saturday to my big brother who has now been in recovery for one full year (happy anniversary to you!) and who was the one who made me 'in awe' of real runners. I will always run beside you. Together.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Just call me "Turtle."
What a beautiful weekend, huh? I love sunny days. It was a beautiful day on my long run this past Saturday. I had been resting all week (i.e. ice, rest, low impact, etc) and found myself pretty nervous to actually get back on the road and try to run a long distance after the pain I experienced last weekend and the pain I was feeling this week.
Anyway, long story short, I got through the 13 miles I had planned on. My pace was significantly slower and it didn't feel good but my only goal was to get through it without the help of a cab or Ruben. I did. Thank God.
I have one more long run left this upcoming Saturday. I plan on running the actual course and I think this will be a test on how well I'll do on the actual marathon day. My goal, right now, is to finish. I don't care about time anymore, I don't care about the details...I just wanna finish the best that I can without having to stop because of pain.
It is hard to keep things in perspective when injury happens. I felt so good about my running and my accomplishments up until now. I feel pissed at myself for not doing more to prevent injury and mad at my body for deciding to zonk out on me at this point of my training. However, I keep telling myself that I have come a long way. I have really tried my best. Last October is was a struggle to finish a half marathon (my father beat me!) and now I am running half marathon distances on a regular basis. That is something to be proud of.
I think another part of the reason this injury (hell, injuries) has gotten me so down is because I know people are going to be watching me, rooting me on, wondering where the hell I am if it's dark out and I still haven't crossed the finish line (I'm joking--I hope!) and I don't want to let people down. However, I keep telling myself that I should be proud of myself no matter what. I will be competing against the course that day, not other runners, and I know the people who love me will be proud even if I limp over the finish line 6 hours after I start. "Through perseverance the turtle reached the Ark." I will reach the Ark....eventually.
So, from here on out I will think positively, listen to my body and visualize myself completing this goal any way I can. I am lucky to have this opportunity, to be able to experience this event in Boston and, really, just to be alive. The turtle will have sunny thoughts from here on out!
Happy Spring peeps!
Anyway, long story short, I got through the 13 miles I had planned on. My pace was significantly slower and it didn't feel good but my only goal was to get through it without the help of a cab or Ruben. I did. Thank God.
I have one more long run left this upcoming Saturday. I plan on running the actual course and I think this will be a test on how well I'll do on the actual marathon day. My goal, right now, is to finish. I don't care about time anymore, I don't care about the details...I just wanna finish the best that I can without having to stop because of pain.
It is hard to keep things in perspective when injury happens. I felt so good about my running and my accomplishments up until now. I feel pissed at myself for not doing more to prevent injury and mad at my body for deciding to zonk out on me at this point of my training. However, I keep telling myself that I have come a long way. I have really tried my best. Last October is was a struggle to finish a half marathon (my father beat me!) and now I am running half marathon distances on a regular basis. That is something to be proud of.
I think another part of the reason this injury (hell, injuries) has gotten me so down is because I know people are going to be watching me, rooting me on, wondering where the hell I am if it's dark out and I still haven't crossed the finish line (I'm joking--I hope!) and I don't want to let people down. However, I keep telling myself that I should be proud of myself no matter what. I will be competing against the course that day, not other runners, and I know the people who love me will be proud even if I limp over the finish line 6 hours after I start. "Through perseverance the turtle reached the Ark." I will reach the Ark....eventually.
So, from here on out I will think positively, listen to my body and visualize myself completing this goal any way I can. I am lucky to have this opportunity, to be able to experience this event in Boston and, really, just to be alive. The turtle will have sunny thoughts from here on out!
Happy Spring peeps!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Life Support
Often times, in my job, I do counseling with teenagers. Usually it consists of 1:1 talk therapy and we throw some art or games in there or maybe even a walk to the local ice cream shop. It's amazing how much they open up to me and, unfortunately, often quite sad in what they disclose to me. They talk about abuse, losses in their lives or even something as 'simple' as having a teacher make them feel 'stupid' in class. A lot of them tell me about their relationship with their parents and how they don't feel loved and feel emotionally neglected. When I ask them about what they wish they could change, almost all of them include this in their list, "I wish when I got home from school, my mom or dad would ask, "How was your day?" It seems like the simplest thing to do but so many teens don't have that in their lives; the love and support of a parent. I see some parents who were raised like this and they make it their goal not to raise their son and daughter like they were raised which is inspiring. But, too many times, I see the cycle of "bad" parenting and neglectful households continue. I think to myself, "Where would I be today if I didn't have the support of my parents?" I'd like to think I'd be resilient enough to make it on my own but I wonder if I would have. Would I be the person I am today? Would I have enough discipline and perseverance to run a marathon? Would my life be with the same?
It's stuff like this that makes me feel so grateful that I've had the parents I do. So, this is a warm and fuzzy shout out to my mom and dad. Dad, thank you for teaching me how to catch a fly ball, taking me on ATV rides along the beach, sitting in the big black inner-tube with me on Lake Erie, giving the best hugs, making me feel better during thunderstorms, telling me the importance of "lifting the bar" and taking me on college tours... thank you 100x. Mom, thank you for putting "love notes" in my lunchbox every day, making me practice my piano, watching Felicity with me, decorating christmas cookies with me every year, reading me books at night, being the loudest parent at all my sporting events, sending me to Sunday school, not allowing me to have Barbies, and being a mom before you were a friend....thank you 100x. Thank you, parents, for always asking how my day was, for teaching me to value education, have faith, give back, treat everyone equal, be a good friend and to believe in myself. It's because you believe in me, that I believe in myself.
It's stuff like this that makes me feel so grateful that I've had the parents I do. So, this is a warm and fuzzy shout out to my mom and dad. Dad, thank you for teaching me how to catch a fly ball, taking me on ATV rides along the beach, sitting in the big black inner-tube with me on Lake Erie, giving the best hugs, making me feel better during thunderstorms, telling me the importance of "lifting the bar" and taking me on college tours... thank you 100x. Mom, thank you for putting "love notes" in my lunchbox every day, making me practice my piano, watching Felicity with me, decorating christmas cookies with me every year, reading me books at night, being the loudest parent at all my sporting events, sending me to Sunday school, not allowing me to have Barbies, and being a mom before you were a friend....thank you 100x. Thank you, parents, for always asking how my day was, for teaching me to value education, have faith, give back, treat everyone equal, be a good friend and to believe in myself. It's because you believe in me, that I believe in myself.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Tylenol and Tennis Balls
Some of you have asked how I'm doing after my not-so-hot run on Saturday. I've done some research online and have asked some "experts" like Vicky, Ruben and others who have trained for the marathon regarding my pain/injury. I'm assuming it's something like an IT band injury or something that has to do with my sciatic nerve. Whatever it is, it looks like I'll be doing a lot of light cardio this week (yoga, biking), doing some tennis ball massage (just bought a 4 pack!), using a heat pack (first ice, then heat according to the nurse at my job) and taking some Tylenol to reduce pain. We'll see if all of this works when I go for my long run this weekend. This time, I'm bringing some phone numbers and money for a cab. Let's hope I won't need to use either! :)
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Pain in the Butt
I have been watching YouTube vidoes of the Boston Marathon course (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKzYA39PSRY). So much so that I actual get motion sickness because I watch them over and over. I also have come across the sick obsession of watching videos of people crossing marathon finish lines and then collapsing since their legs don't work anymore. What can I say? I like to feel prepared. So today, I finally, finally, finally decided to run from Chesnut Hill to Wellsely so I could experience the course and the heartbreak hills.
When I woke up, it was cold and rainy but I wanted to start off with a positive attitude. I drove to Boston College and parked my car and started off on what was planned as a 20 mile run. The first 10-12 miles were fantastic. Yes, I said fantastic. I was actually smiling as I was visualizing myself on marathon day. To add to this, there were also loads of people on the same route in Boston Marathon gear, running in groups and chatting while they ran their own 20 miles. I felt good; so much better then last week's run. And then.....
When I woke up, it was cold and rainy but I wanted to start off with a positive attitude. I drove to Boston College and parked my car and started off on what was planned as a 20 mile run. The first 10-12 miles were fantastic. Yes, I said fantastic. I was actually smiling as I was visualizing myself on marathon day. To add to this, there were also loads of people on the same route in Boston Marathon gear, running in groups and chatting while they ran their own 20 miles. I felt good; so much better then last week's run. And then.....
SCREEEEEEEEEEEECH. Pain.in.the.butt. Pain. Real, shooting, omg, "I'm gonna cry" pain. Right at mile 13.
My left buttock (i hate that word) has been tender the last few weeks but this was unlike the pain I had experienced before. I stopped. I stretched, I drank water, I stretched some more, I even walked a little. I started to jog slowly but the pain was too much. If people driving by were watching me they would have thought I had a wooden leg because that's what I looked like. The pain started at my booty and then slid down to the back of my knee. Now, I pride myself on being a tough cookie but, holy shit, this was unbearable. I couldn't run, I could barely walk and the pouring, cold rain and the runners whizzing by me made it all the more worse. That, and the fact that my car was still 7 miles away and I had no cell phone and no numbers memorized to even call for help. Now, don't make fun of me, but, I started to cry. Cry because I felt defeated, because I had felt so good to start and I felt so bad at that point and because I thought to myself, "What if this happens when I run the marathon?"
It was at this point I was shivering from being soaking wet and crying because I still had 5 miles to limp home and because I felt like I was failing, when I heard, "Hey Miss, you ok? You look like you're in pain." I turned around and there was a friendly looking man. He told me his name was Ruben ("like the sandwich with an accent on the 'e'") and he was part of the Parkway Runners club. He had a Boston marathon jacket on and a kind face. As soon as I looked at him, I started crying and telling him I couldn't walk and where the pain was. He gave me some gatorade and pretzels and told me he'd be happy to drive me to my car. He told his runner group 'manager' that he was taking me to my car (which made me realize he was legit and I wouldn't be the next girl on the side of a milk carton) and he drove me the last 5 miles of my route. He told me he had run 14 marathons and suggested that I never run two 20 mile runs on back to back weekends because it doesn't give my body enough time to recover and then it'll be more prone to injury. He gave me lots of tips and, best of all, made me feel a lot better when I was feeling very defeated. Ruben was, literally, my angel today. He kinda saved me.
So, I know this blog is long, might make me look like a cry baby and doesn't put the positive spin on training for this marathon like I'd hoped when I started my run today. But, not every day is a good day. If this were a boxing match (and sometimes it felt like it was), I'd say the marathon punched me out today. But, hey, all I can do is get in the ring and fight my hardest. A quote I read this week said, "Failure is not the falling down, failure is the staying down." So, no matter how many times I get punched out in this race, I will always get back up, even if I have to crawl to the Finish like this dude (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aF0nnmdfTA)....
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Club 'Run'
One of the reasons I much prefer running outside is because of the scenery and because of the people that you come across. Running along the ocean or the Charles or even across a really cute little town is way better then sweating my ass off at a musty gym running next to a girl who looks like she's a Playboy model. I also like to see other runners. It's nice to see them and makes me feel, as corny as this sounds, like we're all part of this cool little team or club. I always look at them and wonder what their story is... Are they a "real" runner, who qualifies for marathons, runs a 4 minute mile and could have a Nike endorsement? Are they a person who runs to de-stress, whether it be to escape their crying baby at home, release some tension from a hard day at the office or partake in their own silent therapy for the day? Are they running to complete a goal, to burn calories, to fit in their "skinny jeans" again? I see all shapes and sizes running too, which I love and reminds me to be thankful for the body I have. Whoever they are and no matter why they're running, I feel connected in some sort of way to them and I think that's kinda neat. I mean, being connected is part of being human, isn't it?
So, I'd like to give a warm fuzzy shout out to the 80 year old guy I see running the Charles and doing push ups almost every Sunday I run that route, the skinny dude who wears pink spandex and a head band on his Tuesday morning runs by Prospect Hill (you actually pull that look off dude), the girl who has been on the treadmill next to me twice at Healthworks who I can tell is struggling and told me the other day she was doing the "Couch to 5K" program, keep it up.
And to all of those who think they want to be part of "Club Run," but feel like they wouldn't 'fit in,' just do it. Take the plunge. You won't regret it. :)
So, I'd like to give a warm fuzzy shout out to the 80 year old guy I see running the Charles and doing push ups almost every Sunday I run that route, the skinny dude who wears pink spandex and a head band on his Tuesday morning runs by Prospect Hill (you actually pull that look off dude), the girl who has been on the treadmill next to me twice at Healthworks who I can tell is struggling and told me the other day she was doing the "Couch to 5K" program, keep it up.
And to all of those who think they want to be part of "Club Run," but feel like they wouldn't 'fit in,' just do it. Take the plunge. You won't regret it. :)
Sunday, March 7, 2010
20
20 Miles.
Yesterday John and I ran 20 miles. If I didn't have John during that run, I am pretty positive I would have cut the run short. Today, I feel accomplished. Yesterday, I was hurting severely from about mile 15 to 20. Hurting in the sense that I thought I would pass out if I didn't get water. Hurting in the sense that I'm pretty sure I lost control of my limbs waist up and was running like a rag doll. Hurting in the sense that when I stopped running at the end of our run, I started swearing at my legs because they hurt so bad. But, I made it, I was pushed to my limits and I didn't give up. When I was able to function and drive home, I sat in a bath of ice and my fabulous roommate made me lunch.
It's a beautiful weekend in Boston. I even got a little sun kissed yesterday. Windburn, sunburn, leg burn. Burn baby, burn.
Yesterday John and I ran 20 miles. If I didn't have John during that run, I am pretty positive I would have cut the run short. Today, I feel accomplished. Yesterday, I was hurting severely from about mile 15 to 20. Hurting in the sense that I thought I would pass out if I didn't get water. Hurting in the sense that I'm pretty sure I lost control of my limbs waist up and was running like a rag doll. Hurting in the sense that when I stopped running at the end of our run, I started swearing at my legs because they hurt so bad. But, I made it, I was pushed to my limits and I didn't give up. When I was able to function and drive home, I sat in a bath of ice and my fabulous roommate made me lunch.
It's a beautiful weekend in Boston. I even got a little sun kissed yesterday. Windburn, sunburn, leg burn. Burn baby, burn.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Kiss your Life
Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion. ~Author Unknown
This morning I heard that a friend of mine from high school passed away. She and I life guarded together through our summers on Lake Erie. She had a warm heart, a kind smile and a zest for life. In her adult years, she started running lot of marathons and was always updating her facebook page about new races she had done. She really loved running. When she got diagnosed with breast cancer she wrote to me and said, "I saw you're running the marathon. I love marathons. Right now I'm running the race of my life. I hope we both come out on top." She had a great attitude and fought so hard, all the way up until her last day. She will always be remembered. She might not have "won" her battle but fought hard, beginning to end. Really, the "in between" is what counts, right?
I recently read this quote by Anne Dillard while I was looking for some inspiration as well, "Spend the afternoon. You can't take it with you. So often, I find myself thinking ahead and not really enjoying the "in between"or being in the moment. Even with this marathon training, I'm always saying, "what if this happens, what if that happens" instead of just enjoying the process, being thankful I have the legs to carry me through this and, as Jenny says, "Standing in awe of my body." So today, especially in memory of Olivia, I am thankful for this very moment, thankful for people like her in this world and thankful for the little moments in my life that I sometimes take for granted. Some of these moments I can think of recently are: new toothbrushes from shuttle, good conversations at book club, couch talk with my roommie, "I love you" emails from my dad, Ewood fajitas and cards from my clients. All of these little moments add happiness to my life. And I so appreciate them, today and every day.
Enjoy your weekend everyone. Be thankful. xo
This morning I heard that a friend of mine from high school passed away. She and I life guarded together through our summers on Lake Erie. She had a warm heart, a kind smile and a zest for life. In her adult years, she started running lot of marathons and was always updating her facebook page about new races she had done. She really loved running. When she got diagnosed with breast cancer she wrote to me and said, "I saw you're running the marathon. I love marathons. Right now I'm running the race of my life. I hope we both come out on top." She had a great attitude and fought so hard, all the way up until her last day. She will always be remembered. She might not have "won" her battle but fought hard, beginning to end. Really, the "in between" is what counts, right?
I recently read this quote by Anne Dillard while I was looking for some inspiration as well, "Spend the afternoon. You can't take it with you. So often, I find myself thinking ahead and not really enjoying the "in between"or being in the moment. Even with this marathon training, I'm always saying, "what if this happens, what if that happens" instead of just enjoying the process, being thankful I have the legs to carry me through this and, as Jenny says, "Standing in awe of my body." So today, especially in memory of Olivia, I am thankful for this very moment, thankful for people like her in this world and thankful for the little moments in my life that I sometimes take for granted. Some of these moments I can think of recently are: new toothbrushes from shuttle, good conversations at book club, couch talk with my roommie, "I love you" emails from my dad, Ewood fajitas and cards from my clients. All of these little moments add happiness to my life. And I so appreciate them, today and every day.
Enjoy your weekend everyone. Be thankful. xo
Monday, March 1, 2010
Balancing Act
“Problems arise in that one has to find a balance between what people need from you and what you need for yourself."
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to see a lot of friends I had not seen for quite some time. It was great to catch up with these old friends and hear about what is going on in their lives, laugh a little and have fun. It made me pretty nostalgic actually.
It got me thinking about this balancing act called "Life." It's hard to balance. Plain and simple. I think a person that is good at balancing really knows how to take all the things that are important in his or her life and fit it all in, in a balanced way while enjoying oneself and also striving to see if one needs to add anything into this act or take anything away. It's about being healthy, physically and emotionally.
Personally, I try to balance my job, my relationships (family/friends), my boyfriend, my need to be physically active/fit and also my spirituality (i.e morals, 'giving back', improving myself, etc) into my life as best as possible. With my marathon training, I find it very difficult to fit all of these things in (even w/o marathon training actually!). Lately, especially, it has been hard to fit everything into my life. I find myself tired after long runs so sometimes my social life falls by the wayside. Because I'm "recovering," I sometimes feel like my weekend is too short. When I do get to spend time with my boyfriend or friends, sometimes I'm feeling guilty that I'm not working out or training harder and I'm not able to enjoy myself as much. When I leave my job to go to the gym, sometimes I think, "You should have stayed later, you have so much work to do" and then, because of this anxiety, I don't have a great workout. What's a girl to do to find this balance again? Or did I never really have it to begin with?
I'm not sure what the answer is for this one. All I know is that running a marathon has been on my bucket list for a while. It's something I admire of other people and it's something that I believe will push my limits and remind my body and my self that it is possible to do anything I put my mind to. That being said, I have had to and will continue to have to sacrifice some of the things that I greatly cherish, like time with friends, being active in other ways (I will not ski this winter b/c I'm afraid I'll get injured) and the feelings of "Ok, it's not a big deal if I skip a work out"...because it kind of is. I don't want to sell myself short in this experience.
I hope that, some day, I find more balance in my life then I have right now. I think that, with balance, comes a sense of inner peace and contentment and that is something I strive for on a daily basis. It's hard. Plain and simple.
How do my 13 loyal blog readers find balance? I'd love any advice. And, on a different note, I'd like to give a big, warm, fuzzy hug to my friend Patrick who completed the Hyannis Marathon yesterday in 4 hours and 17 minutes. You are an inspiration, my friend. Congrats on all your hard work.
“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.”
- Thomas Merton
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to see a lot of friends I had not seen for quite some time. It was great to catch up with these old friends and hear about what is going on in their lives, laugh a little and have fun. It made me pretty nostalgic actually.
It got me thinking about this balancing act called "Life." It's hard to balance. Plain and simple. I think a person that is good at balancing really knows how to take all the things that are important in his or her life and fit it all in, in a balanced way while enjoying oneself and also striving to see if one needs to add anything into this act or take anything away. It's about being healthy, physically and emotionally.
Personally, I try to balance my job, my relationships (family/friends), my boyfriend, my need to be physically active/fit and also my spirituality (i.e morals, 'giving back', improving myself, etc) into my life as best as possible. With my marathon training, I find it very difficult to fit all of these things in (even w/o marathon training actually!). Lately, especially, it has been hard to fit everything into my life. I find myself tired after long runs so sometimes my social life falls by the wayside. Because I'm "recovering," I sometimes feel like my weekend is too short. When I do get to spend time with my boyfriend or friends, sometimes I'm feeling guilty that I'm not working out or training harder and I'm not able to enjoy myself as much. When I leave my job to go to the gym, sometimes I think, "You should have stayed later, you have so much work to do" and then, because of this anxiety, I don't have a great workout. What's a girl to do to find this balance again? Or did I never really have it to begin with?
I'm not sure what the answer is for this one. All I know is that running a marathon has been on my bucket list for a while. It's something I admire of other people and it's something that I believe will push my limits and remind my body and my self that it is possible to do anything I put my mind to. That being said, I have had to and will continue to have to sacrifice some of the things that I greatly cherish, like time with friends, being active in other ways (I will not ski this winter b/c I'm afraid I'll get injured) and the feelings of "Ok, it's not a big deal if I skip a work out"...because it kind of is. I don't want to sell myself short in this experience.
I hope that, some day, I find more balance in my life then I have right now. I think that, with balance, comes a sense of inner peace and contentment and that is something I strive for on a daily basis. It's hard. Plain and simple.
How do my 13 loyal blog readers find balance? I'd love any advice. And, on a different note, I'd like to give a big, warm, fuzzy hug to my friend Patrick who completed the Hyannis Marathon yesterday in 4 hours and 17 minutes. You are an inspiration, my friend. Congrats on all your hard work.
“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.”
- Thomas Merton
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
