It's a common acceptance that January and February will suck in Iowa. You get through them by laying on the couch, covered in a favorite blanket, and watch all the tv series you can on Netflix, and reading all the books you can, too. March will come along, and by the end of the month, you're outside and coming out of your winter funk.
Not this March. We've had more snow in March that the whole rest of winter. And it's been cold. I cannot bitch too much, since in late November we had weather in the 50's--which is just not normal. I ran a Turkey Trot at the end of November in shorts and a t-shirt. Usually everyone is bundled up. So I accept that Mother Nature has enjoyed screwing us all over in March.
But really, I'm done. We are finally hitting the 50's (fingers crossed) this weekend. I am hoping, really hoping, to get outside and run. My training for the half-marathon in May is pathetic, and I must kick it up so many notches I have lost count of those actual notches. Let's just say it's a lot. I do not like running on the treadmill all that much, and I really am tired of doing that. I like to be outside in the fresh air and sun and not smell the stinky guy on the treadmill next to me. I am willing to just smell my own stinky self, thank you.
I've been keeping up my Body Pump class at the Y. I do enjoy it, and I think I've been to a class with each of the women who teach it. They're all pretty good and don't cut any slack. I may venture into a heavier weight for my bar this week. I'm still sore from Monday's workout. This is good. Those thighs aren't gonna shrink without some muscle aches.
I really feel like March fell into a sinkhole. It went by so fast I think I missed some of it. And I can't say for sure what the heck I did all month. I didn't get to read as much, and I don't know why. It seems I have been busy, but I can't put my finger on what exactly I've been busy doing all month. My house is a pit of paper (shredding will be a job) and my piles of books are growing. The only thing I know I've been doing is dishes. They never seem to stop.
So April, I welcome you! I will be out running no matter what the weather. I only ask you be kind to my new running shoes and don't make it too muddy. I'd like them to stay pretty for just a little while. And I have a hankering for asparagus risotto. Never made it. And some kind of shrimp grilled and glazed. Vague recipes floating around in my head.
What are you planning for April? It's almost here! And this elusive flower will surely appear sometime soon:
I read somewhere recently that you should only try and establish one habit at a time. Instead of trying to eat better, exercise each week, and save more money, focus on creating just one into a habit you do. Setting too many "goals" is a set up for failure and keeps you from really making an all out effort since you're juggling so many things at a time. And I am a really shitty juggler.
This made an impression on me, and I thought about all I was trying to do--and not doing very well. I determined that the most important habit I was trying to cultivate was exercise. With races looming in the future, and my weight somehow creeping up even more (dammit!), I know that exercise is crucial to my mental well-being and getting me ready for races that I do not want to just "get through".
So my first step was buying a new pair of running shoes--my black and green Brooks Glycerin 10's I talked about on my previous post. I was willing to step away from Asics because I have heard so many positive things about Brooks running shoes and quite frankly, my feet hurt in those darn Asics. So I shelled out the money for the most expensive pair of shoes I've ever purchased. But they are designed for what is important for my tootsies: comfort, arch support, and cushion. If my feet will feel even 20% less sore after running in them, I will be grateful for spending that money.
Today was the first day I was able to get on the treadmill and run in them. My running is still pretty crappy, and I am trying very hard not to think about all those times I could just get on the treadmill and run 3 miles before work, and go out on the trail and run 10 miles training for a half-marathon. That was then, this is now. My weight is certainly affecting my running. I feel so heavy that I can tell it's wearing me out and I can't run very far. But I am persisting, cause I know it will change--slowly, but surely. I made myself stay on the treadmill for 35 minutes today, alternating walking and running, and upping my speed the last 1.5 miles to see how I felt running a 9:20 mile vs a 10:00 mile. I didn't make it to 3 miles, but I was close. My shoes felt really good on my feet--I had on the right socks this time. Monday I tried running and wore horrible socks. Within a mile my ankle was bleeding onto my new shoes and I had to stop. I never get blisters or anything like that while running so I was really annoyed! But today they felt fine and there was no blood sacrifice made to the running gods. I think I'm going to be very happy with these shoes.
I've also done 3 Body Pump classes. This is going to be a weekly schedule effort to make 2 classes--my work schedule changes a bit every week so hitting a second class will take some planning. I decided yesterday that I really do like the pump class--and I feel shaky and sore afterwards so I know I'm doing something right. The key for me is to get in my runs before the class, cause afterwards I don't want to do anymore exercise. I am done.
So that's my focus for the next 6 weeks: establishing a good exercise habit. Knowing my sister Michelle is also working out to get ready for the races is a good motivation. Having a half-marathon plan in place is also great, too.
I cannot wait til March and outdoor running! As I type, we have a big snow storm heading our way--I was so hoping we wouldn't get anymore snow, dang it. But we need it desperately so we don't have a drought this summer and the farmers can grow our food--especially all those lovely veggies. I'll take the snow and know that in a few short weeks I'll be making my way outdoors to run in the spring air. It will feel wonderful.
Brooks Running Shoes: Glycerin 10. The most expensive running shoes I've ever purchased. It's rice and beans for me for awhile. But...I think I have a pair that will make my feet feel better. Going to Running Wild and talking to someone who actually knows something about running really does help. Now that I've discovered I have a high arch, it makes all the sense in the world why my feet hurt all the time! Wrong shoes. So, these are my babies. And, they filmed my running on the treadmill, and I could see how I run. I pretty much run straight as an arrow, which also explains my tight hips. My sister, who came along to find a pair of shoes to begin her running odyssey, runs nothing like me! She's more of a kick out and cross over kinda gal. So we both got completely different shoes.
I hope we both get some maximum fun runs out of these shoes. Next week we both officially start our half marathon training, so fingers crossed we both get through it with no injuries. I started taking a Body Pump class at the Y and with two classes under my belt I can say with certainty that I can't lift my arms very high. I am sore! Lots of room for improvement there--barely any weight on my barbell and I was sweating and trembling after an hour.
The Body Pump class coupled with 3 days of running will be my training--and maybe an occasional yoga workout at home to help with the muscles.
And food. Ah....food. My nemesis. Always working on that--every day, all the time. Making good choices is really difficult. Cutting down on my portions seems to be a good way to start. And cutting down on pasta to only occasionally, instead of every week. It's tough with pasta cause it's so quick and easy to make for a fast meal and especially if Bud's not coming over. I'll be forced to not buy any, so I won't be tempted to eat it.
So here I go. Gulp. Here's to a better body, better eating, and more energy.
