I love training

So I've really been struggling with trying to like running. I know I will never love it. But I've really tried to just tolerate it.

And it's not working.

But what I've discovered is that I love training.

I love preparing for a goal, a race, an obstacle to overcome.

I read something today that reminded me of my love of training.

It took me back about six years when I was training for sprint triathlons. I loved getting on my bike and pumping out 20+ miles a day. I enjoyed getting in the pool to see if I could go just one more lap further than I did two days prior. And I dragged myself out in my running shoes to plod along just enough to be able to do a 5k.

But what I liked most was getting out of bed at 4:30 and hitting the bike, the pool or the road with a big goal in mind and milestones to hit.

Both of which I did, and loved every minute of it.

So I feel like I've reconnected with my old self, in a way, remembering why I ran. I ran to prepare, and didn't just run to run.

So I guess you could say I will never BE a runner. But I would like to call myself a triathlete.

So there.

On my toes

My pal Ashley and I have decided, after much, MUCH thought, to join the Team in Training for the GO! St Louis 1/2 Marathon to raise $$ for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. We have our first training run this Saturday, which is the same day as the Girls On The Run event.

Bummer. We can't very well do a training run at 7:00 a.m. and then turn around and do a 5k at 9:00. So, we opted out on the race and are doing the training. It will be fun to meet the group and get some mileage in.

We were at CC Park a couple weeks ago, it's such a nice path. I like FP also, but CC seems more scenic.

Lots of runs coming up:

Turkey Trot 11/25
Frostbite Series 12/11
Reindeer Run 12/18
Frostbite Series 12/26

Gimme five....finger shoes

These may be my new shoes. Five Fingers Bikila from Vibram.

Kinda weird. The soles aren't too thick, so you do feel pretty much everything beneath your feet, but it's not hurtful.

When you run, though....it's kind of freeing. And dangerous, in a way, because you don't have all of this material "protecting" you.

I haven't pulled the purchase trigger yet. Still thinking about it.

Training

My personal trainer jacked up my weight workout, so I'm S-O-R-E.

Did my long run this morning - 6 miles, wasn't bad. Great weather, and the park wasn't too crowded.

Recovery ride tomorrow a.m. followed by a jam-packed day of fun.

Going to enjoy the next two weeks before my final semester starts. To the hilt.

Running on, in mind and body

I'm now up to 4 miles every morning. Surprisingly, I am not hating it. Well, hating the humidity, but I'm fairly sure this weather has contributed to my svelte figure - making gravy (sweating) is a sure-fire way to keep lean and mean.

This half-marathon training is providing the welcome solace I need to work through certain logistical challenges I'm currently experiencing. Yesterday, in the less-than 45 minutes it took me to finish, I reached a small breakthrough re: a past and current relationship and why aspects of one worked for me and the other is not. Probably the best 45 minutes I've spent in a long while.

Not too worried about speed at this point - working on my endurance level now, speed training will come late July/early August. Perfect timing, as this is when the summer semester ends and I can kick the training up a notch or two. Or three.

Completed my work/school/training schedule in handy-dandy Excel and the clouds rolled in. Over the next 6 weeks I'll only have 9 free hours (a week!) between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., including weekends. Free hours would include things like laundry....cleaning.....fun....whatever. My good friends are already rallying to help me keep my sanity - I appreciate these gestures more than they'll ever know. And I will be taking them up on their offers.

These are a few of the songs that keep me moving...

Sheesh

After feeding Oliver, I got ready to go to the gym, and made the mistake of sitting down at the computer to check my FB.

After finishing a new post, replying to messages, and doing a bibliography search, it is now 5:40 and I have missed my window of opportunity for going to the gym.

Damn the internets. Damn Al Gore.

I guess I'll just go on a short run. The weather's perfect for it. I hope I don't get shot.