When I received my next program block from my coach, I noticed that some of my runs called for 10K race pace. It's been a year and a half that since I set my PB at the 10K distance and I didn't have any recent races that I felt represented what I could do.
Angie suggested taking a minute or two off of my personal best and going from there.
My personal best is 56:33, so I knew almost immediately that I should pick 55:00.
Yet, it scares me.
Logically, I know that it is a very realistic goal. It is even a goal that I firmly believe I will eventually surpass and possibly blow out of the water. Eventually. Yet, putting that down seems like a big deal. I think part of it is that, until the day I set that personal best of 56:33, I considered a 60 minute 10K to be the ultimate goal. The goal that I would be forever happy if I could reach.
The day I reached that, and firmly set it to rest, something changed for me. Prior to that, I had frequently self identified as a "slow runner". I no longer use that term. That term limited me and it held me back. Fast and slow are relative terms anyways, and of little meaning.
Yet, when I set that 55:00 goal, I was afraid. Afraid that I was setting a scary goal. The math is simple - if you're Canadian. It means an average 5:30/km (8:51/mi). And, while, in the immediate future, it's a race pace for workouts, I have a 10K on the horizon on March 17. It will be tested very soon.
There's a safety net in calling yourself a slow runner. Once you state that, it's like telling people not to expect to much of you. You tell yourself that it's okay not to expect too much of yourself. It's safe.
I have a history of setting safe goals. The days I set my PB times on the 5K and 10K distances, I beat my goals by 2:50 and 3:27, respectively - a HUGE amount on short races. My half mary PB of 2:10 was a day I had set out to maybe, possibly run it in 2:15, having recently changed my goal from 2:30.
So, 55:00? Scary or safe? Definitely scary. The day I ran 56:33, I executed an almost perfect race and ran the fastest I possibly could on that day. Yet, that day was a year and a half ago. I was still a relatively new runner (still am now in many ways). I had done no speed work leading up to it. So, scary? Yes. Achievable? That too. Safe? I don't think so, but I'll have a better idea once I start doing some work at race pace and seeing how it feels.
Sometimes your goals should scare you. Acknowledge it and shoot for it anyways.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Sunday, February 10, 2013
How to break out of the winter blues
Take your family for a trip to Disney World!
My blog has been dark again. The reason this time? We went to Disney World!
My fabulous husband was smart and hard working enough to win an employee of the year award at his work Christmas party. For his prize, his work paid a substantial portion of a trip to Orlando, Florida for us and our kids. :)
It was fabulous, warm, but not too warm, and sunny. My kids had a great time on the rides, and in the pools. It was so nice to spend our days outside, and without any commitments. We didn't over plan the trip and just took it as it came. It was magical.
Prior to the trip, I was feeling blah and run down. I came back feeling refreshed, positive and fired up. I have never before had a warm weather vacation in the middle of winter, and I think I might be spoiled now, because I'm going to expect it again.
The challenge now is going to be avoiding falling back into the slump I was in. Aside from moving to warmer climate, what I can do is consider what else brought me that refreshed feeling.
A big answer? Sleep. We had a small hotel room that was shared with young children that go to bed early. While I sometimes did a run, laundry or used my tablet after they were in bed, there wasn't much else to do, so we tended to go to sleep early ourselves.
The other big answer? Getting outside. Aside from that sleep thing, we were outside for the vast majority of our days.
So, how to bring that home with me? When it comes to sleep, it means cutting out the evening vegging and going to bed early instead. This is key. I have identified sleep as an issue before, but I need to recognize it's absolute importance. There are times when I honestly can't get as much sleep as I need, and that makes it even more important that I get it when I can.
Going outside: At home, I have become a serious winter wimp, more so then in previous years. With easy free access to a treadmill and track, I've done the majority of my runs inside. We haven't gone sledding or skating once. Even walks by the river have been almost non existent. There are going to be days where it really is so cold that it's best to hibernate, but those aren't the majority. Yes, it's cold out. But not always, and that is what winter wear is for. Time to suck it up and go outside more.
Real life is always going to be more challenging then vacation, but it's also where growth happens. I'm ready.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
It's not that I can't...
Wednesdays are a swim night, and I have a bad habit of not looking at my workout, in detail, until shortly before heading out. In some ways, it's just as well. Particularly on Wednesdays. There has been a lot of sculling in my Wednesday swims. Sculling and me: well, let's just say we have a love/hate relationship. I recognize it's purpose, but I'm just not good at it. And I go so sloooooow.
So, when I looked at my workout card before heading out, I wasn't surprised to see sculling. But then I saw something else: breaststroke. Breaststroke? Um, breaststroke? Breaststroke.
See, I don't know how to do breaststroke. My last attempt at it was probably about 2.5 years ago, in the second adult swim lesson I took. I was very very focused on learning front crawl, and soaked in as much of that as I could. I also practiced it on my own time.
But breaststroke? I just didn't have the inclination to put any extra work into it. When I did whip kick, I don't think I moved at all. And, I could not seem to coordinate the legs and arms to work together. In fact, I quite clearly remember the instructor laughing at one of my attempts at breaststroke. Seriously. Don't feel bad for me; My feelings weren't hurt. I was laughing too.
The thing is, swimming is not a skill that has come to me naturally. I have worked very very hard to get the feel and technique of front crawl. I remember having to stop three times in my attempts to just swim a single length. Once upon a time, I'd only swim in the wall lane, for fear of drowning. I spent countless hours initially, and later on, focused on getting it right. I still have lots of room for improvement, but I'm confident in my ability to swim front crawl.
But breaststroke? Let's just say, it doesn't come to me naturally either. Worse yet, I haven't put any time into learning it.
I am a firm disbeliever in the use of "I can't." Generally speaking, I can do whatever I decide to. There are plenty of things in my life that I choose not to do, but it doesn't mean I can't. It just means that I don't. There are also many skills which I don't have. Some of those you could apply a "yet" to. Others I'm never going to learn. Life is all about choice, after all. You can't do everything.
I am going to learn how to do breaststroke - eventually. It's on the bucket list.
When it came up in my swim, I made an attempt at it.
And I think I moved backwards.
It was only 25m of breast at a time, mixed in with some front crawl and kick. I stopped at the wall, and watched the person in the lane next to me do it for a minute. Then I tried to replicate it.
I almost drowned.
I did not do even one full length of it. I'd try it for maybe 10 strokes, then swim the remaining 80% of the distance to the wall. I was sharing a lane, and I was afraid the people I was sharing with would pass me, then lap me 3 or 4 times before I finished.
I did not come anywhere close to success with breaststroke, and to be honest, I think it did very little to benefit my swim on this evening, but oddly enough, I found another benefit to it.
Less then three years ago, this is how I felt doing front crawl. Being put back into that position of floundering is a reminder of where I was and where I've gotten to. Sure, I'm still going to flounder sometimes (maybe when I have to scull?), but the point is, I'm a different person. I'm a person that knows I can learn that skill or any other skill I choose to learn.
I spent most of my life saying I can't swim. Now I can.
It's not that I can't do breaststroke. It is just one of those things that I haven't learned how to do - yet.
So, when I looked at my workout card before heading out, I wasn't surprised to see sculling. But then I saw something else: breaststroke. Breaststroke? Um, breaststroke? Breaststroke.
See, I don't know how to do breaststroke. My last attempt at it was probably about 2.5 years ago, in the second adult swim lesson I took. I was very very focused on learning front crawl, and soaked in as much of that as I could. I also practiced it on my own time.
But breaststroke? I just didn't have the inclination to put any extra work into it. When I did whip kick, I don't think I moved at all. And, I could not seem to coordinate the legs and arms to work together. In fact, I quite clearly remember the instructor laughing at one of my attempts at breaststroke. Seriously. Don't feel bad for me; My feelings weren't hurt. I was laughing too.
The thing is, swimming is not a skill that has come to me naturally. I have worked very very hard to get the feel and technique of front crawl. I remember having to stop three times in my attempts to just swim a single length. Once upon a time, I'd only swim in the wall lane, for fear of drowning. I spent countless hours initially, and later on, focused on getting it right. I still have lots of room for improvement, but I'm confident in my ability to swim front crawl.
But breaststroke? Let's just say, it doesn't come to me naturally either. Worse yet, I haven't put any time into learning it.
I am a firm disbeliever in the use of "I can't." Generally speaking, I can do whatever I decide to. There are plenty of things in my life that I choose not to do, but it doesn't mean I can't. It just means that I don't. There are also many skills which I don't have. Some of those you could apply a "yet" to. Others I'm never going to learn. Life is all about choice, after all. You can't do everything.
I am going to learn how to do breaststroke - eventually. It's on the bucket list.
When it came up in my swim, I made an attempt at it.
And I think I moved backwards.
It was only 25m of breast at a time, mixed in with some front crawl and kick. I stopped at the wall, and watched the person in the lane next to me do it for a minute. Then I tried to replicate it.
I almost drowned.
I did not do even one full length of it. I'd try it for maybe 10 strokes, then swim the remaining 80% of the distance to the wall. I was sharing a lane, and I was afraid the people I was sharing with would pass me, then lap me 3 or 4 times before I finished.
I did not come anywhere close to success with breaststroke, and to be honest, I think it did very little to benefit my swim on this evening, but oddly enough, I found another benefit to it.
Less then three years ago, this is how I felt doing front crawl. Being put back into that position of floundering is a reminder of where I was and where I've gotten to. Sure, I'm still going to flounder sometimes (maybe when I have to scull?), but the point is, I'm a different person. I'm a person that knows I can learn that skill or any other skill I choose to learn.
I spent most of my life saying I can't swim. Now I can.
It's not that I can't do breaststroke. It is just one of those things that I haven't learned how to do - yet.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
The doomed run gone right
On the schedule yesterday was my long run. I slacked off a little over Christmas week, and in coming back, I usually find the long run the toughest to get back into the groove for.
There was no question that I was doing it though. The only question was where. I've been something of a weather wimp lately, and with a track at my work and a treadmill in my basement, it's been easy to avoid winter on my runs. I don't even hate the "dreadmill" or track. I can usually find my groove on them, so there's not too much discouragement in getting on them.
Having said that, when I considered a treadmill run, it held no appeal for me. Likewise with the track. Outside? I didn't really feel like it either, but it was more appealing and if I wanted to get back in gear, it was going to have to happen. And there was really no excuse in the weather. It was about -4C (25F), which for a Canadian girl is practically balmy. Calm, with minimal wind (which is rare here), and sunny.
Getting out the door proved to be a challenge though. My husband did a run first (on the treadmill), so I waited until he was done. He took longer then I expected. Then when I prepared to go, I couldn't seem to find anything. My running tights? Hat? Gloves? Heart rate monitor? Etc... Everything seemed to be in my black hole of clutter.
The run just seemed to have everything against it.
Finally I managed to get out the door. A good hour and a half later then planned. No heart rate monitor and a different hat then planned, but reasonably well equipped. I walked down to the river - about a 2 minute walk. Then I started to run. Slowly at first.
No matter how long I've been running for, I always get that urge to walk in the first 10 minutes. Yesterday was no exception. At best that first 10 minutes was mediocre. I expect that though. While that blah feeling could signal something later in a run, at the start, it's simply the hump I have to get over. If anything, I was expecting that hump to be bigger then usual.
Then I reached my first turn around point. I was along my zen run path, a favourite section. And things just clicked. I was in the zone. The perfect rhythm. Past the hump and flying along. One of those perfect runs, in the sunshine and snow.
Runs like this are why I run. Races are awesome, but let's be honest, most of us average one race a month - at most. But when every run holds this possibility, it's worth it.
There was no question that I was doing it though. The only question was where. I've been something of a weather wimp lately, and with a track at my work and a treadmill in my basement, it's been easy to avoid winter on my runs. I don't even hate the "dreadmill" or track. I can usually find my groove on them, so there's not too much discouragement in getting on them.
Having said that, when I considered a treadmill run, it held no appeal for me. Likewise with the track. Outside? I didn't really feel like it either, but it was more appealing and if I wanted to get back in gear, it was going to have to happen. And there was really no excuse in the weather. It was about -4C (25F), which for a Canadian girl is practically balmy. Calm, with minimal wind (which is rare here), and sunny.
Getting out the door proved to be a challenge though. My husband did a run first (on the treadmill), so I waited until he was done. He took longer then I expected. Then when I prepared to go, I couldn't seem to find anything. My running tights? Hat? Gloves? Heart rate monitor? Etc... Everything seemed to be in my black hole of clutter.
The run just seemed to have everything against it.
Finally I managed to get out the door. A good hour and a half later then planned. No heart rate monitor and a different hat then planned, but reasonably well equipped. I walked down to the river - about a 2 minute walk. Then I started to run. Slowly at first.
No matter how long I've been running for, I always get that urge to walk in the first 10 minutes. Yesterday was no exception. At best that first 10 minutes was mediocre. I expect that though. While that blah feeling could signal something later in a run, at the start, it's simply the hump I have to get over. If anything, I was expecting that hump to be bigger then usual.
Then I reached my first turn around point. I was along my zen run path, a favourite section. And things just clicked. I was in the zone. The perfect rhythm. Past the hump and flying along. One of those perfect runs, in the sunshine and snow.
Runs like this are why I run. Races are awesome, but let's be honest, most of us average one race a month - at most. But when every run holds this possibility, it's worth it.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Why Blog?
The last few days, I've been spending a fair bit of time in thought, formulating my plan going forward. Reflecting on where I've come from. I've taken some pretty big steps in the last couple years, and I have ambitious plans for 2013.
One thing that I've been considering is: what is the place my blog has in my journey?
I've realized something. My blog is very important to me. The most important part of it is simply getting my thoughts out of my head and down on paper (or really onto the computer screen.) Without it, those thoughts and words can endlessly swirl around in my head.
It's more then that too. It's part of my social network. I've made real friendships on this blog. Some people I've met in person. There are others that I have never seen in real life, but still consider real friends. When I'm having a rough time, I get encouragement, and when I'm flying high, I get congratulations.
It's public accountability. When I set goals for myself and put it in my blog, it's an announcement to everyone what I'm planning. I link to my blog on facebook and my email signature. So, while not everyone reads it, everyone can if they choose to.
Blogging is something you have to do for yourself. If it's just about the "audience", it comes across as fake. Sure, I've had some posts that get laughs, but there's others that were the most in need of being written that get far less attention. And that's okay, because while I like the attention, that's not why I do it.
My blog is a record of where I've been. I love that I can look back at it and know the actual day I started to run. Remember what it was like walking into that very first swimming lesson; how terrified I was just going into the deep end of the pool. I can see the good and the bad. The elation at finishing my first 5K over 2 years ago, and the effort to complete my first half ironman last summer.
My blog has helped change me, and it has recorded that change. Writing is something that is in me and is a part of me. So, that's the other need it fills: the need to write.
My blogging volume has dropped, and I'm feeling a bit out of touch with the blogging community right now. I feel like there's so much going on with my world that I don't even know where to start, but I am starting back. Expect one of my updates in point form in the next couple days.
Because this is a part of me.
One thing that I've been considering is: what is the place my blog has in my journey?
I've realized something. My blog is very important to me. The most important part of it is simply getting my thoughts out of my head and down on paper (or really onto the computer screen.) Without it, those thoughts and words can endlessly swirl around in my head.
It's more then that too. It's part of my social network. I've made real friendships on this blog. Some people I've met in person. There are others that I have never seen in real life, but still consider real friends. When I'm having a rough time, I get encouragement, and when I'm flying high, I get congratulations.
It's public accountability. When I set goals for myself and put it in my blog, it's an announcement to everyone what I'm planning. I link to my blog on facebook and my email signature. So, while not everyone reads it, everyone can if they choose to.
Blogging is something you have to do for yourself. If it's just about the "audience", it comes across as fake. Sure, I've had some posts that get laughs, but there's others that were the most in need of being written that get far less attention. And that's okay, because while I like the attention, that's not why I do it.
My blog is a record of where I've been. I love that I can look back at it and know the actual day I started to run. Remember what it was like walking into that very first swimming lesson; how terrified I was just going into the deep end of the pool. I can see the good and the bad. The elation at finishing my first 5K over 2 years ago, and the effort to complete my first half ironman last summer.
My blog has helped change me, and it has recorded that change. Writing is something that is in me and is a part of me. So, that's the other need it fills: the need to write.
My blogging volume has dropped, and I'm feeling a bit out of touch with the blogging community right now. I feel like there's so much going on with my world that I don't even know where to start, but I am starting back. Expect one of my updates in point form in the next couple days.
Because this is a part of me.
Friday, December 14, 2012
You can't do it all (at once)
There are a lot of awesome races out there. I've done a few of them. My very first race, a 5K, was in Canmore, surrounded by mountains. The Banff triathlon, also in the midst of the mountains is pretty much my favourite course yet.
There is an ever expanding list of races I find myself wanting to do. At the same time, there are frequently races that I've done which I want to repeat. If I actually did every race I'd like to, I'd be doing a race almost every weekend. I'd probably even have to find a way to put myself in two places at once.
This desire to do it all is part of what led me to sign up for a second half Ironman this summer. Great White North is a race that receives rave reviews. On top of that, it pretty much seems like everybody does that race. Yes, I am a bit of a 15 year old girl for wanting to do a race just because "everybody is doing it", but I still can't wait to experience the team atmosphere on that course. Now in my defense, I really did want to do two half ironman races anyways. I also signed up for it with my coach's blessing.
Today I heard that there is likely going to be a marathon in Banff in 2013. My immediate thought was: I want to do that! How awesome would it be to do my very first marathon in the midst of the mountains? It sounds crazy and corny, but when I am surrounded by mountains, I feel centred and at peace. Doing a race there just seems right.
But then, there is the fact that it will be only two weeks before my first half Ironman of the season, which is also my A race this year. I know very well that you don't do a race that requires significant recovery (such as a marathon) anywhere close to your A race. By the time my coach sent out an email (to the team; it wasn't actually a hint just for me) mentioning the marathon, I knew I couldn't do it. Not this year.
Sometimes, it feels like you have to fit everything in. Racing is still very new for me, and I want to do everything. I've never had a lot of patience, but this is one of those times when you need it. It's unlikely to work to do that race next year either. I might have to wait years before I can feasibly consider it, all because there's other races I want to do more. The upside is that I have years. Lots of them. Even if I occasionally feel old, I'm not even half the age of some Ironman finishers. I have time, lots of time, to fit it all in, and if I want to do it well, I need to take that time.
Of course, it looks like they might also have a half marathon option...
Little side note: I'm just going to touch on my lack of blogging lately. I've mentioned in the past that a blogging lapse often means I'm going through a rough patch. That isn't the case at all this time. Things are actually extremely good, and extremely busy. I'm finding a new balance in life, which on top of the balls I already juggled, now includes a job and more structured training program. The blog is an optional thing that I do when it works for me, and I'm pleased to say that I'm feeling the writing itch lately, so I expect it will become more frequent again. At this point though, a lower blogging frequency doesn't mean anything negative.
There is an ever expanding list of races I find myself wanting to do. At the same time, there are frequently races that I've done which I want to repeat. If I actually did every race I'd like to, I'd be doing a race almost every weekend. I'd probably even have to find a way to put myself in two places at once.
This desire to do it all is part of what led me to sign up for a second half Ironman this summer. Great White North is a race that receives rave reviews. On top of that, it pretty much seems like everybody does that race. Yes, I am a bit of a 15 year old girl for wanting to do a race just because "everybody is doing it", but I still can't wait to experience the team atmosphere on that course. Now in my defense, I really did want to do two half ironman races anyways. I also signed up for it with my coach's blessing.
Today I heard that there is likely going to be a marathon in Banff in 2013. My immediate thought was: I want to do that! How awesome would it be to do my very first marathon in the midst of the mountains? It sounds crazy and corny, but when I am surrounded by mountains, I feel centred and at peace. Doing a race there just seems right.
But then, there is the fact that it will be only two weeks before my first half Ironman of the season, which is also my A race this year. I know very well that you don't do a race that requires significant recovery (such as a marathon) anywhere close to your A race. By the time my coach sent out an email (to the team; it wasn't actually a hint just for me) mentioning the marathon, I knew I couldn't do it. Not this year.
Sometimes, it feels like you have to fit everything in. Racing is still very new for me, and I want to do everything. I've never had a lot of patience, but this is one of those times when you need it. It's unlikely to work to do that race next year either. I might have to wait years before I can feasibly consider it, all because there's other races I want to do more. The upside is that I have years. Lots of them. Even if I occasionally feel old, I'm not even half the age of some Ironman finishers. I have time, lots of time, to fit it all in, and if I want to do it well, I need to take that time.
Of course, it looks like they might also have a half marathon option...
Little side note: I'm just going to touch on my lack of blogging lately. I've mentioned in the past that a blogging lapse often means I'm going through a rough patch. That isn't the case at all this time. Things are actually extremely good, and extremely busy. I'm finding a new balance in life, which on top of the balls I already juggled, now includes a job and more structured training program. The blog is an optional thing that I do when it works for me, and I'm pleased to say that I'm feeling the writing itch lately, so I expect it will become more frequent again. At this point though, a lower blogging frequency doesn't mean anything negative.
Monday, December 3, 2012
I really should...
Screw new years resolutions, I've decided to make one right now. I'm going to start following through on the "I should"s in my life.
Let's see, what are some of the things I should do, but often don't.
- Do core
- Do strength
- Stretch
- Eat well
- Go to sleep at a decent time
- Run outside
- Foam roll
I'm sure I'll think of more.
Core, strength, stretching. I have gotten a little bit of a hop on this since signing up with my coach. She's included core, strength and stretching as part of my program. I didn't need a coach to know that I should do these things, but apparently I needed one to convince me to actually follow through on it.
Eat well. That's been a continuing thing for me. I actually don't think I eat badly, just that I could eat better. I keep my house pretty clear of trigger foods, but my weaknesses tend to be in choosing snacks that are more like a meal, and lately my portion sizes have grown. Since I started working, my pantry and fridge haven't been as well stocked with produce. Getting organized is the key for that. For me, eating the right foods is the key to avoiding the poor choices.
Sleep. My husband likes to nag me about this one, but he's right. I believe I am a person that has higher sleep needs then average, and I frequently don't get what I need. Sometimes, that is quite legitimately out of my control, which makes it even more important to get that sleep when it is in my control.
Run outside. I have an admission to make: It has literally been weeks since I've ran outside. I've been doing plenty of running; it's just been that my treadmill and the track have gotten plenty of use. On one hand, I think it's great that I've gotten over the mental barrier I once had to running more then 5k inside, because sometimes I don't have a choice. But, when I do have a choice, I need to start bundling up and going back on the pathways to run along my river.
Foam roll. This is just one of those maintenance things. One of my calves tends to tighten up on me, and I know that regular rolling keeps that tightness at bay. It also really helps with practically every other muscle. I just need to take the time to do it.
So, this seems like a really long list, and normally, I don't advocate trying to focus on everything at once. What my goal is though, is simply to listen to that little voice that says "I really should..." All of the things on the list are things that I do already, just not as much as I should. (Okay, I haven't been running outside, but since I've been running, it isn't that big a leap. And I still reserve the right to do some of my runs inside.)
So, why December? Arguably the busiest and craziest month of the year? Mainly because there I know there are going to be times where I make other choices. There will be social engagements that keep me up late, the occasional glass of wine, and time spent with family that may take time away from other things. And all of that, is okay. In fact, it's just how it should be.
What it does mean though, is when I can, and should, it's even more important to follow through on the "should"s. Last year, I gained over a dozen pounds in the month and a half around the holidays. This year, I'm not taking any backwards steps.
Let's see, what are some of the things I should do, but often don't.
- Do core
- Do strength
- Stretch
- Eat well
- Go to sleep at a decent time
- Run outside
- Foam roll
I'm sure I'll think of more.
Core, strength, stretching. I have gotten a little bit of a hop on this since signing up with my coach. She's included core, strength and stretching as part of my program. I didn't need a coach to know that I should do these things, but apparently I needed one to convince me to actually follow through on it.
Eat well. That's been a continuing thing for me. I actually don't think I eat badly, just that I could eat better. I keep my house pretty clear of trigger foods, but my weaknesses tend to be in choosing snacks that are more like a meal, and lately my portion sizes have grown. Since I started working, my pantry and fridge haven't been as well stocked with produce. Getting organized is the key for that. For me, eating the right foods is the key to avoiding the poor choices.
Sleep. My husband likes to nag me about this one, but he's right. I believe I am a person that has higher sleep needs then average, and I frequently don't get what I need. Sometimes, that is quite legitimately out of my control, which makes it even more important to get that sleep when it is in my control.
Run outside. I have an admission to make: It has literally been weeks since I've ran outside. I've been doing plenty of running; it's just been that my treadmill and the track have gotten plenty of use. On one hand, I think it's great that I've gotten over the mental barrier I once had to running more then 5k inside, because sometimes I don't have a choice. But, when I do have a choice, I need to start bundling up and going back on the pathways to run along my river.
Foam roll. This is just one of those maintenance things. One of my calves tends to tighten up on me, and I know that regular rolling keeps that tightness at bay. It also really helps with practically every other muscle. I just need to take the time to do it.
So, this seems like a really long list, and normally, I don't advocate trying to focus on everything at once. What my goal is though, is simply to listen to that little voice that says "I really should..." All of the things on the list are things that I do already, just not as much as I should. (Okay, I haven't been running outside, but since I've been running, it isn't that big a leap. And I still reserve the right to do some of my runs inside.)
So, why December? Arguably the busiest and craziest month of the year? Mainly because there I know there are going to be times where I make other choices. There will be social engagements that keep me up late, the occasional glass of wine, and time spent with family that may take time away from other things. And all of that, is okay. In fact, it's just how it should be.
What it does mean though, is when I can, and should, it's even more important to follow through on the "should"s. Last year, I gained over a dozen pounds in the month and a half around the holidays. This year, I'm not taking any backwards steps.
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