The good news is that I’m starting to feel lighter. Even though I’m not running extraordinary distances by any means, my running routine is still a significant increase in activity, and, therefore, I’m probably losing a little weight. The bad news? Well, read this article.

Lack of rack: Why does running make for smaller breasts?

I am not what you would call well-endowed in the breast area. I didn’t get that gene. I’m really not self-conscious about it, although I know I feel more proportional when my bottom half is smaller, which is one reason exercise is so appealing to me. So this news was utterly startling. How can exercise result in me being less proportional again? How can my running goals be so good to me in so many ways, yet fail me here? Ultimately, although I admit it’s totally vain, I fear the loss of boobage. I will do whatever it takes to keep them at their natural, although modest, size. A stronger sports bra. Chest exercises. Illegal drugs. Whatever. I will not idly sit back and wait for my boobs to get smaller. I just don’t have that much to give.

Total distance: 2.0 miles
Total time with warm-up: 23:50 minutes

 

 Dolly Parton - Nine to Five: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Smokey the Bear once said, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” This past weekend, that simple promotional phrase became an important lesson for me. In a weird way. You see, I declared Friday a non-run day. Friday night I drove to Pennsylvania to visit my family. Saturday I ran in the park back home. And Sunday I ran in my mom’s neighborhood. Sounds like an ok schedule, but both Saturday and Sunday were tough runs. Not because they were physically hard, but more so because I was emotionally just not into it. It all stems back to that Friday morning (cue the flashback music). The night before, I had decided that I needed to burn off some calories, due to the plethora of cupcakes I ate that day. I had every intention of running. But I also struggled with wanting to spend quality time with J before he left on his guy vacation for the weekend. So instead of going with my gut, which said,”Run, you fool,” I stayed in. I don’t exactly regret that extra time, but I also know I went against my soul. I didn’t listen to that inner voice. And if there is anything running is telling me right now, it’s this: “When you run, you rely on yourself and no one else. Only you can decide to get up before dawn. Only you can make it to that finish line.” Running allows you to feel like you’re in control of your own destiny. It’s empowering. It’s my time. A good friend just said, “Every day is a new day.” So tomorrow, I will regain that control.

Saturday:

Run time: 5 minute warm-up, 20 minute run
Total distance: no clue
Total time: 25:00 minutes

Sunday:

Run time: 5 minute warm-up, 20 minute run
Total distance: no clue, but due to the hilliness of my mom’s neighborhood and the fact I had to stop and walk a few times, I’m guessing it was no more than 1.5 miles
Total time: 25:00 minutes

 

 Ritchie Valens - La Bamba: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Uh oh. When I created my crazy training schedule for the 5K which is now in two days, I repeat, two days, I did not take into account the possibility of inclement weather. Honestly, it didn’t even cross my mind. So this morning, as I was lying in bed trying to find the motivation to get up after a rocky night’s sleep, I realized it was pouring outside. And I thought, “Score!” (The rationalization came just a little too easily, but that’s ok.) Today is now a rest day, and I’m fine with that. I have one more day to prep and then the race is on Sunday. At this point, I’m not sure if I should go all out tomorrow to prepare, or do a mini-run so I don’t wear myself out. I know, I know. I’m honestly not delusional. I realize I’m not running a marathon on Sunday. But I also know I’m not 100 percent used to running anything more than the distance between the bed and the shower.

Today is also September 11, and the rain seems eerily fitting. Rain slows everything down, gives us more time to think. There is also a sense of calm in it. So even though I had to abandon my running schedule for a day (at least until I figure out how to run in precipitation), I was very happy to spend a few extra minutes with someone for whom I am very grateful.

Lastly, today is the inauguration of music in my blog. I may not be a runner, but I am a music fan. Some might argue my musical tastes are questionable, but whatever (shut up, J, Beyonce has talent and you know it). In any case, Tina, kick it off.

 

 Tina Turner - I Can't Stand the Rain: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

I’m in trouble. So last night was, in fact, very fun. So much fun that I was physically unable to run this morning. That would normally be ok, except for the fact that I’m supposed to run my first 5K in four days. Oh my god. I think I just threw up a little bit, inside. Again. And remember that crazy training schedule I developed a few weeks ago? Today was the day I was supposed to up my interval to 15 minutes from the 12 I did yesterday. And tomorrow I’m supposed to reach a whole 20. I don’t remember why I thought these drastic increases wouldn’t be a problem. At this stage in the game, I honestly have no idea if I can run 20 minutes without stopping for a walk break. Well, I guess I’ll find out. Right now, I’m inspired by how good this night’s sleep will be. I have no doubt that I’ll pass out shortly. And I’m inspired by these tennis players at the U.S. Open right now. They’ve been running around for a good two hours. Two hours! And they’re ready for more. One just ate a banana.

Needing a little inspiration today. For a lot of reasons. And failing at my 10-minute intervals this morning just added to the pile. Yesterday was my last rest day before the 5K next weekend, and I no doubt took full advantage of it. So today, I thought I was ready to face the run. It was later than my usual 5:30 am start time, because it’s the weekend, and, let’s face it, I need all the sleep I can get. But I made it out there by about 9:00 am. Not bad. However, it was hot. And my legs just weren’t havin’ it. I succeeded at the first 10-minute spurt, but lost it after that. I guess I should look at the bright side: instead of just walking the rest of the way home, I ended up doing a series of two-minute intervals, which, surprisingly, got me home in the same about of time and having burned the same amount of calories. So, yes, Annie, as annoyingly cute and repetitive as you are, the sun will surely come out tomorrow. Plus, I’m off to a fun dinner party involving good Italian food, so life really isn’t that bad.

Interval: 10 minute run, 1 minute walk (not successful)
Total distance: 2.7 miles
Total time: 27:10 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

My commitment to my schedule continues. I attempted five-minute intervals on Saturday morning. Thankfully, I made it through, cheating on only two of the five-minute spurts. It was a painfully humid day here in Maryland, so I didn’t beat myself up too much about it. But my overall time actually increased again, which was perhaps more painful than the humidity that day (fine print: I despise failing). Afterward, J and I decided to do some math because A) we are dorks, and B) I was not thrilled with my performance that day. Our conclusion: I always walk for five minutes to warm up, so, although my total time was 28:52, that essentially means that in 23:52 I am probably covering about 2.4 miles (if I walk .25 mile in the first five minutes). That’s about a 10-minute mile. Ugh. I repeat, ugh. Maybe when I get through this interval phase, I’ll start to feel better about my time.

Interval: 5 minute run, 1 minute walk
Total distance: 2.7 miles
Total time: 28:52 minutes

Sunday was my optional rest day. After seeing a late movie at the drive-in the night before, and with a strong craving for a Bloody Mary, I decided to take myself up on the offer. And boy did I ever. We ended up in Baltimore at an awesome restaurant on the water called Pizzazz Tuscan Grille. I had my Bloody Mary, two Morettis, some calamari, bruschetta, a salad and penne with clam sauce. Plus I tried some pizza. Oh, and I almost forgot about the peanut butter and chocolate cake. Damn it.

Well, I didn’t make it out yesterday morning. The alarm went off, but then the snooze somehow stopped working. After too little sleep, I really didn’t mind. I look at it as a rest day. I need rest days, after all. Right? Wow, even I recognize the convenience of that rationalization. It worked out, though. J and I both got up this morning to embark on our respective morning routines. Despite being threatened by what was obviously some sort of demonic rabbit on the street corner (his clever stillness was disturbing), I easily returned to my three minutes on, one minute off run. Only 18 more days until the magical 5K I mentioned. Tonight I plan to develop an actual schedule to prepare for it.

Interval: 3 minute run, 1 minute walk
Total distance: 2.7 miles
Total time: N/A (not recording this yet)

I went for my second three-minute interval run today, after using yesterday as a rest day (and a wine tasting day – it was part of J’s birthday celebration). Everyone says rest days are essential, but I found that I lost a part of my groove. I made it back out this morning, feeling well-rested and ready. It could’ve been the heat, it could’ve been the copious amount of wine consumed the day before. But, regardless, I was dying out there. The 2.7 miles at my new three-minute interval pace seemed like eternity. I returned home feeling slightly nauseous and dizzy. I couldn’t stop thinking about the Wayne’s World quote, “If you have to spew, spew into this.” My “this” would have been my tshirt sleeve. I was that close. But here I am, a few meals and another bottle of wine later, feeling better… but nervous about how I’ll do tomorrow.

Interval: 3 minute run, 1 minute walk
Total distance: 2.7 miles
Total time: N/A (not recording this yet)

Yesterday was my friend’s graduation from a very prestigious training program. If I told you what it was, I’d have to kill you. In any case, another friend and I drove down the night before the ceremony. We’re not picky and opted for the Super 8 in the nearby town. Overly optimistic, I brought my running stuff. When we got there, I immediately realized there was no fitness facility. To be honest, I think we were lucky we made it out of there alive. Plan B could have been to run around the neighborhood. But that also was a no-go because, let’s face it, running on an 18-wheeler heavy highway at 5:30 in the morning probably isn’t that safe (thanks for the tip, J and K). In any case (yet again), I couldn’t run yesterday morning. They say rest days are important, so that’s ok. I think my “lifestyle goal” will be to simply run every day I can. I’m thinking this will work out because, odds are, there will be few weeks when every day can be a run day.