Fox-free and well-lit, the gym provided a nice place to run for the second day in a row today. Thank you, Retro Fitness. Gotta give them credit for innovation and totally awesome throwbacks. The entire gym is designed around an 80’s theme. Every day they play a different 80’s movie in a separate room called the cardio theater. It even has a curtain blocking the entrance. Inside the theater, you’ll find bikes, treadmills and ellipticals. And what was playing today? Mrs. Doubtfire! Ok, for you movie buffs out there, I realize Mrs. Doubtfire was made in 1993 (and yes, I had to look that up), but whatever. I still loved it. You just can’t beat a good run mixed in with some awkward Robin Williams cross-dressing. In other news, after day two on a treadmill, I am noticing that my legs are hurting and my right knee is a little funky. Not sure why. They say treadmills are actually easier and provide more cushion for the joints. Perhaps it’s because I’m running faster than I normally do outside. Or maybe the powerhouse combo of the Flying Nun, James Bond and Euphegenia Doubtfire inspired me to push a little harder today. Ah, and lest we forget about Joey Lawrence’s little brother kickin’ it old school to House of Pain. Good stuff.

Total distance: 2.5 miles
Total time with warm-up: 28:00 minutes

 

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It seems that everyone I talk to recently has some sort of new method to maintain his or her sanity. Is this what happens when you get older? Like, “When I get stressed, I meditate.” Or, “When I need to relax, I pour a glass of wine.” “When I’m feeling down, I walk until I can’t walk anymore.” And, “When I need to calm my nerves, I pray.” Etcetera. Personally, I’ve tried them all. I’ve experimented with prayer, meditation, cycling, kickboxing, alcohol, drugs, isolation from friends and family, and even some bad relationships. My philosophy has always been, whatever works, works. But, through the years, I’ve learned that some coping methods are clearly healthier than others. Thankfully, my go-to has always been the gym and a good workout. I’ve always used exercise as a mind-clearer, whether that meant time to zone out or really focus on something important. Either way, it’s always been an important element of my life. Granted I’ve never been a “runner,” but, what can I say, it’s working so far. That’s why, when I read this article in the Washington Post yesterday, I was moved and inspired. If you’re thinking about making running part of your lifestyle, I suggest reading it. Even if I don’t become a long-distance runner, or any real runner for that matter, I know that, at least for me, sweat means sanity.

Running for My Life

Run time: 5 minute warm-up, 19 minute run
Total distance: 2.0 miles
Total time: 24:00 minutes

 

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Even though I decided not to become a race addict, per say, I have certainly committed myself to a new lifestyle. At least I hope I have. I also “committed” myself to becoming a guitar player several years ago and, as of today, can only play two chords. In any case, that’s irrelevant. A very important lesson I learned yesterday is that running is, indeed, a lifestyle. And once you commit to it, it’s yours. For as long as you want it to be. Yesterday’s 5K welcomed almost 800 runners from around the area. Families, couples, little people and older runners alike. At first, I thought the little ones and older ones would round out the back of the pack nicely, giving me a solid lead. And as the overly energetic MC was reading the results at the end, I thought, I have one more year until I run in the 30-40 yr-old bracket, which, surely, will give me an advantage. Turns out, I was wrong on both counts. Way wrong. One little guy taunted me for most of mile two. He’d sprint along side me, pass me, start walking and then fall behind. He did this over and over again, as I continued my slow steady pace, until he eventually sprinted out of sight. I came very close to tripping the little bugger. And older runners just know what they’re doing. They are like Yoda’s out there, I swear. Several beat me, by a lot. In fact, most of the finish times in the older brackets were incredibly impressive. That’s going to be me. I’m going to be a running fool.

 

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Hard to believe that with a time of 32:01 I beat the Baltimore City police academy class, but guess what, it’s true. My first 5K is officially behind me and I beat the cadets. Hooah. It was a whirlwind of a day, from my nervousness in the morning to my celebratory beer and nachos by the evening. Not only had I never run in a race, but I’d never even been to one. So everything was new and exciting. It was inspiring to see the hordes of people on the lawns of the park, preparing for the event. The pregnant lady, proudly wearing her race number. The little clusters of families getting ready. The running clubs. The 60-yr-old woman in her running skirt. And then, mere moments later, to see each and every one of them pass me on the god damn trail. I mean really, a 9-yr-old beat me. In fact, 494 people beat me. But whatever. I am a glass half full sort of person and I’m going to focus on my accomplishments. I beat the cadets!

I also got to wear a race number, which they call a “bib.” It made me feel like a real runner. And I got to eat a chicken sandwich from Outback and drink several bottles of water. Delicious. And after we left the race grounds, I realized the pure joy that is the massage chair at Costco. (It was me and three other kids, hanging out in the massage chairs. I wondered if they were the kids that beat me earlier.)

Most importantly, though, I proved to myself that I could do something I honestly was not sure I could.

Race Day: Howard County Police Pace, MD
Total distance: 5K/3.1 miles
Total time: 32:01 minutes

 

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As I was thinking about what to write today, I decided I wanted to type an accurate description of my run. The distance, my speed, my time, etc. Why, you ask? Because it was really frickin’ awesome today. That’s why. And while a big part of me fears jinxing myself, I need to gloat. Just a little. Today’s goal was to run 25 minutes without stopping (another huge jump in my training schedule, in my novice opinion). So I had to add some distance, otherwise I would’ve ended up back at home before the 25 minutes. Now I’m just estimating, but I figure I added about .25 miles. That, plus the original 2.7 miles, equals almost 3 miles, which is, dare I say, almost a 5K. Holy crap. Now, granted, the first five minutes were a warm-up walk, making my total time 30 minutes, but still. If I can transition that five minutes into the run itself, I could potentially run 5K in less than 30 minutes. Again, I fear I’m getting cocky. I have never run a full 5K without stopping, and this one should be a doozy. There are hills. But I think, finally, I may have reached a decent groove.

Interval: 5 minute warm-up, 25 minute run
Total distance: 3.0 miles
Total time: 30:02 minutes

Woo hoo. Not only did I accomplish today’s goal of running for 20 minutes without stopping, but I added a little dance at the end. Yep, that’s right, I was dancing to Aretha as the sun was rising in Maryland. On my stoop. Under the front light. Like a fool. I now have a deeper understanding of the term adrenaline rush.

Interval: 5 minute warm-up, 20 minute run
Total distance: 2.7 miles
Total time: 26:12 minutes

I had a kick-ass run this morning. And I firmly believe that the reason I was able to keep on keepin’ on was because I finallly learned how to pace myself. It was like a lightning bolt. Going up hill didn’t have to be super fast. And downhill didn’t have to be either. I learned to conserve my energy so that I didn’t over tire. It was awesome. However, as I write this, I am sitting with J, drinking bottles of wine and Black Russians, thinking, “Pacing is a good lesson.” But whatever, sometimes you just need to go full throttle. If you burn out, you burn out. But at least it was fun, right?

Interval: 12 minute run, 1 minute walk
Total distance: 2.7 miles
Total time: 26:10 minutes

A few years ago, I ran into my upstairs neighbor on the street corner. He asked me if I was blasting Kirk Franklin in my apartment a few days earlier. Slightly embarrassed that I was playing music that loudly, that I was possibly disturbing him, and also that I was playing gospel music of all things, I gave in and decided to just own up to it. “Yes,” I replied, somewhat appologetic. “I love Kirk.” Instead of making fun of me, he was all about it. Turns out, he also was a gospel fan. Once I realized that, I asked him if he had ever heard of Donnie McClurkin. Now, keep in mind that my neighbor was a fairly big African American man. He looked intently into my eyes and said, “Girl, asking me if I know about Donnie McClurkin is like me asking you if you know who Barbara Streisand is.” Point taken, neighbor man, point taken. In any case, I went out for my run today thinking I was hitting a wall. Yesterday was not successful and I was nervous. But, somehow, I found my zone. And my old go-to, Mr. Kirk Franklin, came through like a champ. I’m not a religious person, but there is something about gospel music that moves me. Literally.

Interval: 12 minute run, 1 minute walk
Total distance: 2.7 miles
Total time: 26:20 minutes

I was faced with two routes: go up and over the serene Misty Mountains or into and through the treacherous Mines of Moria. And, yeah, I just made a LOTR reference. And I used the acronym. Please don’t hold that against me. In any case, I’m referring to my recent decision to do this 5K in what is now eight days. I officially signed up today (very exciting). I paid the $25 dollars and my name is now on the list of runners. So there is no backing out at this point. I’ve entered the mines so to speak. A big part of me still feels it’s kind of crazy to try to prep for this in such a short period of time, but I also know that I’m making progress. I did my 10-minute intervals this morning for the first time and they felt pretty good. So, progress is being made. But is it being made fast enough? By this time next week, my body has to be ready to run for about 30 minutes (or less, hopefully) without stopping. My legs feel pretty tired, and I’m scared of coming in last. But now that I’m officially on the list, I can’t quit. I have to channel my inner Frodo. But of course, I’d be a lot taller. And I’d be wearing shoes.

Interval: 10 minute run, 1 minute walk
Total distance: 2.7 miles
Total time: 26:40 minutes

I had an incredible night’s sleep last night, which I directly attribute to my great run today. I don’t even remember falling asleep. I vaguely recall lying in bed while J was watching something on TV and, before I knew it, I was passed out, way out. I only rose up out of unconsciousness when I heard someone on the television say “penetration,” which apparently I thought was hilarious, especially because they were actually talking about some sort of military operation. I honestly have no memory of the incident. But I repeated the word, laughed out loud and promptly fell back to sleep. Oh, the joys of getting up at 5:15 am. I have become delirious. And full of sexual innuendo (well, that’s not really new). Anyway, I completed the seven-minute intervals surprisingly well. They felt great and actually better than the shorter intervals. I’m not sure if this is because I’m getting into running shape or because a longer interval gives my body the chance to get into some sort of groove. That remains to be proven. In any case, I returned home feeling energized but suddenly overwhelmed. September 1 means that I now have 11 days left to train for this 5K. For some reason, despite the hilarity of the night before and the endorphins of a good run, I got swept up in a negative oh-my-god-what-am-I-doing moment. The simple tasks of the day became all of a sudden too much. And I lost it. Like a little girl. Thanks, J, for helping me through the morning. After this measly 5K, I owe you a big steak dinner. And a military operation.

Interval: 7 minute run, 1 minute walk
Total distance: 2.7 miles
Total time: 27:40 minutes