I've been teaching Spinning at XTreme Fitness for 3 weeks now.
Spinning classes can generally be broken down into three groups of people. There are the regulars that have been there since the start; I think they may have been born spinning. Then there are the so-called newbies who come once and then stick with it and slowly merge into the group of regulars. And then there is the third group of people. The people who come once and then disappear.
It's this third group that is the hardest to deal with as a fitness instructor. Did they not come back because they didn't like the class? Was the class too easy? Too hard? Boring? Is my voice irritating? Do I not look fit enough to be the instructor? Was my music okay? These (and so many more) are the insecurities that plague me.
And so last week there was a girl, who looked amazing. We're talking perfect body (swimsuit ready stomach and all), gorgeous hair, beautiful face. The kind of girl that makes other girls want to give up and cry because there is no way to ever look like that. This girl came to the class, left before the stretches, and I haven't seen her since.
I'll take that back. I always see her at the gym. She just doesn't come to my class. I had the awkward locker room experience with her. (Dealing with a locker room is no big deal in anonymity or with friends. But, when you kinda-sorta know the people, then it's just weird to be trying to dress in front of them.) We didn't talk, she went around to the other side of the room, and I decided she was a bitch. Not friendly, doesn't like my class, and beyond all that...she's way too perfect. Vomit.
And then today we once again had the locker room collision. I heard her talking to someone else saying 'I just have this 2 pounds I can't get rid of. I hate it.'
WHHHATTT?!!! I'm telling you, this girl is perfect. Not one ounce of extra fat, forget about 2 pounds.
And so what happened next is so outside of my character; I'm still kind of surprised it happened. I don't usually just confront people. But, we happened to be leaving at the same time, I was still on a high from the workout (6.2m run and leading the spinning class), and besides that, I was simply reeling from what I had heard her say.
Me: 'Um, I hope you weren't talking about your weight, because you must know you look amazing.'
Her response?
'I'm obsessed. I weigh 121 now and I used to weigh 117. I would be happy with 119 though. I can't stop thinking about it. I used to be on Weight Watchers because I weighed 152. Then I tried enemas, and then laxatives and I got married last summer and want to have children but I am afraid of losing my body. I see my family and what they look like I'm scared of looking like that. I'm not on anything now, but I can't stop thinking about my body and where the extra 2 pounds are. I'm completely obsessed. There's no other way to put it. I'm obsessed.'
My. God.
First of all, I couldn't believe she was so open with me. I'd never spoken to her before (unless you count 'COME ON, CRANK UP THE RESISTANCE HERE, MAKE THIS CLASS MEAN SOMETHING!'), and she basically just told me she has an eating disorder.
Second of all...geez. It just makes you realize (yeah, once again) that people are not what they seem. I felt ridiculous for my previous vision of her. I felt sorry for her. I wish she could enjoy her beauty. But more than that, I understood her. I've never done the enema or laxative thing, but I understand obsession better than most, I believe.
I understand not being able to let go and endless searching to make it all work, trying the good and then the bad and wanting to just give up, wishing with all your might you could just give up, praying to be different. And screaming at the top of your lungs, and then not being able to scream at all but feeling like your brain might just explode from the frustration of it all. Because you can't give up, and is that a good thing or a bad thing?
I definitely understand all of that.
I just wish she could find a more positive place to put that energy. I feel so unbelievably lucky that I have.
It's more than a sport; it's more than a hobby. It's even more than a way of life. For me, it's balance, and there is nothing more valuable.
My lesson for today? Don't judge. There is no such thing as perfect.
Oh, and her parting words as we left the gym?
'I really like your class, by the way. It's just really hard for me to get here by 6, and I don't feel right walking in 20 minutes late. I'll try harder to get up next week though.'
That sound you just heard? Yeah, that's me slapping my forehead, reminding myself that I'm not the center of the universe, and that in fact, the world does not revolve around Curly Su.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Home Improvement Projects
I've been hesitant to do put time and effort into this apartment since it's not mine. But, then I realized that I'm most likely going to be living here for another 2.5 years, at least. So, why not turn it into something I really love? (Because it's got awesome potential.)
Here's the plan (which may sound coded at first, but I'll post explanatory pictures as things happen):
Photo project, framed and hung on walls
Jewlrey 'non-tic' hung on wall
Photo ribbon hung in book nook
Trim around entire apartment painted 'Vermont blue'
And most importantly,
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, KEEP YOUR DAMN LAUNDRY FOLDED AND PUT AWAY!!
Here's the plan (which may sound coded at first, but I'll post explanatory pictures as things happen):
Photo project, framed and hung on walls
Jewlrey 'non-tic' hung on wall
Photo ribbon hung in book nook
Trim around entire apartment painted 'Vermont blue'
And most importantly,
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, KEEP YOUR DAMN LAUNDRY FOLDED AND PUT AWAY!!
Your hair is...big...
That's the comment I got all afternoon at the opera performance after blow drying my hair (for the first time since moving to NJ). Somehow I'm thinking it's not quite a compliment. Hmph.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Past the point of insanity...and liking it.
Yesterday, I ran 18m.
Yeah, I know. I'm training for a marathon. Running 18m is long, far, and hard, but it's nothing that far out of the ordinary.
But, here's the thing.
I ran it on a treadmill. Yep, 3 grueling hours on the machine, staring into space, doing nothing. Cause I didn't have a hookup to the TV, and I can't read and run (it's kind of like drinking and driving for me with the nausea, swerving, and eventual crash).
Why did I do it, you ask? I had no choice. It was so cold here the penguins were hibernating. I know, because I didn't see any.
I broke it up into 3 sets of 6m, downing water and Gatorade during the breaks.
I did the first 6m at a 9:05 pace. The next set I did at an 8:49 pace. By the last set I was feeling exhaustion both mentally and physically, so I started out with the same 8:49 pace. By the end of the first mile though, I got my head together and upped the pace to 8:27, which I kept for 2 miles. Then, for the last 3m I increased the speed to 8:20, 8:13, and then ended with an 8:06 mile.
Not including rest, I did the whole workout in 2:38, which is an 8:46 pace. I'm feeling good about breaking 4 hours in the marathon next month (that requires a 9:09 pace). Even at a 10:00 pace, I would have finished under that yesterday, although that's assuming I don't crash and die in the last 8.2. And of course, it's easier for me on a treadmill without the mental Olympics and set pace, and I didn't add in the time it took for me to refill the water bottle or reapply Body Glide.
But, I still ran those 18m, treadmill or not, eh?
I felt good running the whole time. I was definitely ready to be done, and will admit to counting down the hundredths of a mile for the last 2 miles, but I didn't feel like I was going to pass out.
Immediately thereafter though (right after grabbing hold of the 'stop' button like it was a life vest on the Titanic), I cramped up like a mother fucker (sorry, no other way to put it), and sat down on my treadmill and didn't move for what seemed like hours. Eventually I got up, hobbled to the locker room, where I once again sat on the floor before managing to crawl to the shower, both times ignoring all the weirded out looks I was getting. And so, I've been cramped ever since. It's not as bad now; it's just a general soreness, which I suppose should be expected after any long run.
But let me tell you, getting down into the pit for the Opera performance last night? Not so fun. Oh well. It was worth it. I felt tougher than I have in a long time (my mantra was 'long runs are supposed to be hard; long runs are supposed to be hard'), and you know what? It was actually fun.
Yeah, I know. I'm training for a marathon. Running 18m is long, far, and hard, but it's nothing that far out of the ordinary.
But, here's the thing.
I ran it on a treadmill. Yep, 3 grueling hours on the machine, staring into space, doing nothing. Cause I didn't have a hookup to the TV, and I can't read and run (it's kind of like drinking and driving for me with the nausea, swerving, and eventual crash).
Why did I do it, you ask? I had no choice. It was so cold here the penguins were hibernating. I know, because I didn't see any.
I broke it up into 3 sets of 6m, downing water and Gatorade during the breaks.
I did the first 6m at a 9:05 pace. The next set I did at an 8:49 pace. By the last set I was feeling exhaustion both mentally and physically, so I started out with the same 8:49 pace. By the end of the first mile though, I got my head together and upped the pace to 8:27, which I kept for 2 miles. Then, for the last 3m I increased the speed to 8:20, 8:13, and then ended with an 8:06 mile.
Not including rest, I did the whole workout in 2:38, which is an 8:46 pace. I'm feeling good about breaking 4 hours in the marathon next month (that requires a 9:09 pace). Even at a 10:00 pace, I would have finished under that yesterday, although that's assuming I don't crash and die in the last 8.2. And of course, it's easier for me on a treadmill without the mental Olympics and set pace, and I didn't add in the time it took for me to refill the water bottle or reapply Body Glide.
But, I still ran those 18m, treadmill or not, eh?
I felt good running the whole time. I was definitely ready to be done, and will admit to counting down the hundredths of a mile for the last 2 miles, but I didn't feel like I was going to pass out.
Immediately thereafter though (right after grabbing hold of the 'stop' button like it was a life vest on the Titanic), I cramped up like a mother fucker (sorry, no other way to put it), and sat down on my treadmill and didn't move for what seemed like hours. Eventually I got up, hobbled to the locker room, where I once again sat on the floor before managing to crawl to the shower, both times ignoring all the weirded out looks I was getting. And so, I've been cramped ever since. It's not as bad now; it's just a general soreness, which I suppose should be expected after any long run.
But let me tell you, getting down into the pit for the Opera performance last night? Not so fun. Oh well. It was worth it. I felt tougher than I have in a long time (my mantra was 'long runs are supposed to be hard; long runs are supposed to be hard'), and you know what? It was actually fun.
I finally met my immunization requirements and can see my transcript.
| Fall 2006 MASON GROSS - GRADUATE PROGRAM Program: MUSIC Degree Sought: DOCTORAL-PRE-QUAL |
| Course Title | School | Dept | Course | Sect | Credits | Pref | Grade |
| INSTRUMENTAL LIT | 08 | 702 | 551 | 01 | 3 | | A |
| DOCTORAL FORUM PERF | 08 | 702 | 729 | 01 | 1 | | A |
| ORCHESTRA | 08 | 703 | 523 | 01 | 1 | | A |
| PERF STUDY DMA & AD | 08 | 703 | 701 | F1 | 1 | | A |
| Degree Credits | Term Avg | Cumulative Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 4.000 | 4.000 |
Thursday, January 25, 2007
yeah!!
My race schedule for the year is rounded out. I signed up for the Timberman 70.3 race in New Hampshire on August 18-9. It'll be a perfect event to train for over the summer, and it'll get me primed for the Texas 101 race.
What prompted me to finally sign up?
Well, I had an audition for the Manchester Music Festival today, and I do believe I was lucky enough to be awarded the flute spot for this summer. I'll be happy to get the paperwork so I can sign on the dotted line, but the teacher said she was looking forward to working with me this summer and was thinking about repertoire for me to play, so I suppose I'm pretty sure it's going to work out. Knock on wood for me though, okay?
This festival is in Manchester, VT, which is only about 20 minutes away from where my family has a cabin, in Jamaica, VT. It's my favorite area of the country, and the thought of living up there and making music and actually getting paid to do it is beyond cool. (The money is a very, VERY little amount--it's actually just a stipend, but I'm not complaining. Lodging is free, and the money you get covers food. Sounds just fine to me...) The teacher (Jayn Rosenfeld) seems great; it's always good to work with someone new.
And what does a music festival have to do with a triathlon, you ask?
It's all about the timing, baby. The festival ends on the 14th of August, I'll spend a couple days in my family's cabin up there, and then I'll go to the triathlon on my way back down to school. Pretty much perfect, eh? Plus, I'll be able to train in the mountains of Vermont all summer. I'm going to CRUSH THAT BIKE COURSE!
Things are finally working out. It feels nice.
What prompted me to finally sign up?
Well, I had an audition for the Manchester Music Festival today, and I do believe I was lucky enough to be awarded the flute spot for this summer. I'll be happy to get the paperwork so I can sign on the dotted line, but the teacher said she was looking forward to working with me this summer and was thinking about repertoire for me to play, so I suppose I'm pretty sure it's going to work out. Knock on wood for me though, okay?
This festival is in Manchester, VT, which is only about 20 minutes away from where my family has a cabin, in Jamaica, VT. It's my favorite area of the country, and the thought of living up there and making music and actually getting paid to do it is beyond cool. (The money is a very, VERY little amount--it's actually just a stipend, but I'm not complaining. Lodging is free, and the money you get covers food. Sounds just fine to me...) The teacher (Jayn Rosenfeld) seems great; it's always good to work with someone new.
And what does a music festival have to do with a triathlon, you ask?
It's all about the timing, baby. The festival ends on the 14th of August, I'll spend a couple days in my family's cabin up there, and then I'll go to the triathlon on my way back down to school. Pretty much perfect, eh? Plus, I'll be able to train in the mountains of Vermont all summer. I'm going to CRUSH THAT BIKE COURSE!
Things are finally working out. It feels nice.
They're cutting down my favorite trees on campus.
Right now. I saw them on my way to work.Why? They were gorgeous red leafed trees that stayed low to the ground and provided this wonderful canopy of color as you walked into the library.
Perhaps there's a decent reason. Maybe they were sick; maybe they were going to infect more trees.
But somehow I doubt it. I heard the construction workers yelling 'Yeah, baby, fall down!' I know they were just being vulgar for the sake of being vulgar, and chances are they didn't mean it.
But it still just plain old stinks. In the fall, I would smile as I walked by these particular trees.
Maybe they're building something new and useful. I doubt it though. I hate to say it, but the sinking pit in my stomach tells me that it has more to do with the construction of the new highway than anything else.
I'm not a bonafide tree hugger, but I am on the left side of things. I like progress, but we've got to keep on eye on everything too, you know?
Winter finally seems to have hit, but we've yet to have significant snowfall here in the northeast. I don't think many can argue that we're going through a warm period, whether or not you want to call it global warming.
I want my kids and their kids and generations of kids after that to be able to live in this world. I know a few trees might not seem to matter, but consider this. In the 90's we stopped using aerosol cans, and now the hole in the ozone layer is smaller.
One, this shows how our world has an amazing ability to repair itself. Nature fights back. And two, we CAN make a difference, in our lifetimes. In only 10 years, we've managed to do some visible good.
There are so many things wrong with the world right now, but let's not give up. Let's keep doing what little we can. We're not the president, we're not the head of any huge oil company, but by making a bit of an effort, we really can make a difference.
Let's start by acknowledging the trees that make us grin. Once we again truly see them, then maybe we'll make an effort to save them. Let's remember Tikun Olum, to heal the world.
"Whoever saves one life, it as if he has saved the world." -- from the Talmud
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Monday, January 22, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
And now for a very important message...
Splits from this morning!!
(You know you want them...)
Okay, first off, this was a huge race. There were over 4,000 people there. Even in New York City, for a witch-teat cold Sunday morning, that's a lot. It's especially a lot for a Cleveland runner like me, and it feels like even more when the race officials are forcing everyone into the same tiny bike lane.
Why? There were no cars in the park. Why couldn't we run on the rest of the road? Yeah, bikers and other runners were using the park too. I respect that. But, why couldn't they use the bike lane? After-all, there were probably 200 of them, tops. And um...4,000 of us.
Yeah, I know, I'm sure it has to do with NYC rules, etcetc. I'm finished with my complaining. Just wanted to give a little background into how freaking crowded this race was. I was dodging people the entire time. The first couple miles it was literally impossible to run your own pace. This is an assumed problem at big marathons and the like, but at a weekend half? With no medal or anything?
I was surprised.
But, I guess it is New York. There are lots of people there, I've heard.
I spent the night before in the city with my good friend from a different lifetime. It was great to see her. We went to Minca, a cute little Ramen Noodle Place in the Village. (West? East? I don't know.) Then, we ate Italian pastries and felt like we were going to explode. So, we went straight to bed after we got back (always the best thing to do after eating too much, right?). I would have liked to stay up and watch a movie and talk, but alas...I had a race to run.
Right before going to bed though, I threw a little tantrum about how cold it was, crossing my arms across my chest, stomping my foot, and insisting "I'm not doing it. It's too damn cold."
But I set my alarm anyway. And I got up. And got ready for the race. But, only because I was already there and all... (I really think I would have rebelled if I hadn't already in been in NY, so thanks Alex, for saving me from myself!)
I tried to time it so that I wouldn't be waiting outside at all, but I ended up with 30 minutes anyway. I had gloves, 2 hats, and 4 shirts on, but I still couldn't feel my body. So, I found reprieve in a Dean and Deluca's around the corner...along with about 50 other racers. Guess I'm not the only genius out there, eh? 5 minutes before the race, we all traipsed out together and went to the start.
And the race began. As a whole, it was extremely well run, with massive, clear mile markers and plenty of water stops. It was so cold that I only stopped at 2 stations (where the water was frozen into little ice cups, but the Gatorade was fine). I wasn't really sweating so I didn't feel in danger of dehydrating. I took one Gu through the race and otherwise just trucked it.
The race was 2 loops around the hilly, torturous Central Park, with 1.1m added on at the end for good luck (the outer loop in Central Park is 6m). Did y'all know the NYC Marathon used to be just 4 loops around Central Park? Yikes. Not that the NYC Marathon is any piece of cake now, but that would have been very, VERY hard.
And so without further ado, my splits (broken into laps around the park so equivalent miles are obvious):
Lap One
9:26- mile 1
9:09- mile 2 (hill!)
8:38- mile 3
8:16- mile 4 (downhill)
8:28-mile 5 (water)
8:39-mile 6 (hill)
Lap Two
8:32- mile 7
8:53- mile 8 (hill!)
8:27- mile 9
8:24- mile 10 (downhill)
8:39- mile 11 (water)
8:25- mile 12 (hill)
Lap 3
7:56- mile 13 (PUSH!)
:47- last .1
I realized today why I can run so much faster on a treadmill. On a machine, there is no mental game. You don't have to worry about how much further there is to go, you aren't guessing at your pace. It's harder on land not because the the ground isn't moving for you, but because you actually have to do it yourself. You have to be your own pace bunny. And that's hard.
I was very happy with today's race, and I felt appropriately rotten at the finish. But, I still think I could have pushed myself harder and gone quite a bit faster. I just have yet to figure out how to do it without freaking myself out, and more importantly, without pushing past the limit. Just the fact that my last mile was so much faster than any other mile shows that my average pace could be better.
Don't worry, I'm not upset about any of this. I think it's pretty damn cool, actually. Running (and endurance sporting in general) is about so much more than just getting out there and moving your body. It's about finding out what your body and mind and heart are capable of, and that's freaking awesome.
(You know you want them...)
Okay, first off, this was a huge race. There were over 4,000 people there. Even in New York City, for a witch-teat cold Sunday morning, that's a lot. It's especially a lot for a Cleveland runner like me, and it feels like even more when the race officials are forcing everyone into the same tiny bike lane.
Why? There were no cars in the park. Why couldn't we run on the rest of the road? Yeah, bikers and other runners were using the park too. I respect that. But, why couldn't they use the bike lane? After-all, there were probably 200 of them, tops. And um...4,000 of us.
Yeah, I know, I'm sure it has to do with NYC rules, etcetc. I'm finished with my complaining. Just wanted to give a little background into how freaking crowded this race was. I was dodging people the entire time. The first couple miles it was literally impossible to run your own pace. This is an assumed problem at big marathons and the like, but at a weekend half? With no medal or anything?
I was surprised.
But, I guess it is New York. There are lots of people there, I've heard.
I spent the night before in the city with my good friend from a different lifetime. It was great to see her. We went to Minca, a cute little Ramen Noodle Place in the Village. (West? East? I don't know.) Then, we ate Italian pastries and felt like we were going to explode. So, we went straight to bed after we got back (always the best thing to do after eating too much, right?). I would have liked to stay up and watch a movie and talk, but alas...I had a race to run.
Right before going to bed though, I threw a little tantrum about how cold it was, crossing my arms across my chest, stomping my foot, and insisting "I'm not doing it. It's too damn cold."
But I set my alarm anyway. And I got up. And got ready for the race. But, only because I was already there and all... (I really think I would have rebelled if I hadn't already in been in NY, so thanks Alex, for saving me from myself!)
I tried to time it so that I wouldn't be waiting outside at all, but I ended up with 30 minutes anyway. I had gloves, 2 hats, and 4 shirts on, but I still couldn't feel my body. So, I found reprieve in a Dean and Deluca's around the corner...along with about 50 other racers. Guess I'm not the only genius out there, eh? 5 minutes before the race, we all traipsed out together and went to the start.
And the race began. As a whole, it was extremely well run, with massive, clear mile markers and plenty of water stops. It was so cold that I only stopped at 2 stations (where the water was frozen into little ice cups, but the Gatorade was fine). I wasn't really sweating so I didn't feel in danger of dehydrating. I took one Gu through the race and otherwise just trucked it.
The race was 2 loops around the hilly, torturous Central Park, with 1.1m added on at the end for good luck (the outer loop in Central Park is 6m). Did y'all know the NYC Marathon used to be just 4 loops around Central Park? Yikes. Not that the NYC Marathon is any piece of cake now, but that would have been very, VERY hard.
And so without further ado, my splits (broken into laps around the park so equivalent miles are obvious):
Lap One
9:26- mile 1
9:09- mile 2 (hill!)
8:38- mile 3
8:16- mile 4 (downhill)
8:28-mile 5 (water)
8:39-mile 6 (hill)
Lap Two
8:32- mile 7
8:53- mile 8 (hill!)
8:27- mile 9
8:24- mile 10 (downhill)
8:39- mile 11 (water)
8:25- mile 12 (hill)
Lap 3
7:56- mile 13 (PUSH!)
:47- last .1
I realized today why I can run so much faster on a treadmill. On a machine, there is no mental game. You don't have to worry about how much further there is to go, you aren't guessing at your pace. It's harder on land not because the the ground isn't moving for you, but because you actually have to do it yourself. You have to be your own pace bunny. And that's hard.
I was very happy with today's race, and I felt appropriately rotten at the finish. But, I still think I could have pushed myself harder and gone quite a bit faster. I just have yet to figure out how to do it without freaking myself out, and more importantly, without pushing past the limit. Just the fact that my last mile was so much faster than any other mile shows that my average pace could be better.
Don't worry, I'm not upset about any of this. I think it's pretty damn cool, actually. Running (and endurance sporting in general) is about so much more than just getting out there and moving your body. It's about finding out what your body and mind and heart are capable of, and that's freaking awesome.
PR in the hills!!!
Hardly any time to write now (6 hours of rehearsal--ugh), but I ran a half marathon in Central Park this morning. Let me just preface this by saying two things. One, with the wind chill it was 14 degrees outside. 14. That's not enough. I prefer a good 20 degrees more, at least. And two, Central Park is freaking hilly. There are some no-nonsense kick your butt hills in that park. I'll refrain from saying they should all be paved down and made into nice flat parking lots, but I was definitely thinking something of the sort during the run.
But! Despite all that, I managed to run a 1:52:45, a PR by 1:15. Not bad, eh? I'm pretty pumped for the Mardi Gras run. Yes, it's twice as long (and I need to freaking get out there and do my allotted long runs), but still...I think I can...I think I can...
Hell, I know I can.
And knowing is half the battle, right?
That's what they say, anyhow. And, I love 'them'. I really do.
More details (with splits) later...although it might have to wait until tomorrow night because I've got a 24 hours from hell coming up now. I won't go into the boring details of my daily schedule, but suffice it to say that watching me run around getting from event to event for the next day would be the equivalent of watching a amphetamine-pumped hamster on a wheel.
But! Despite all that, I managed to run a 1:52:45, a PR by 1:15. Not bad, eh? I'm pretty pumped for the Mardi Gras run. Yes, it's twice as long (and I need to freaking get out there and do my allotted long runs), but still...I think I can...I think I can...
Hell, I know I can.
And knowing is half the battle, right?
That's what they say, anyhow. And, I love 'them'. I really do.
More details (with splits) later...although it might have to wait until tomorrow night because I've got a 24 hours from hell coming up now. I won't go into the boring details of my daily schedule, but suffice it to say that watching me run around getting from event to event for the next day would be the equivalent of watching a amphetamine-pumped hamster on a wheel.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
If only it were always so good...
Damn, my last few workouts have been awesome. I acknowledge that it's mostly because my legs were fresh after last week's slacker-fest, but it's still been pretty great. Mentally, it's made me realize I'm capable of a lot more than I previously thought. And physically, well...I can run, and that's really cool.
I ran 7.5m in Connecticut when visiting my Uncle this weekend (I'll update this post with pictures of the weekend later today when I'm at home). I ran it at about a 9min/pace, and it was insanely easy...a completely conversational pace. Yes, it was 7.5m and not 26.2, but it's a start, that's for damn sure. It was lightly raining (a heavy mist) and chilly, but I loved it. I haven't ran in the rain for way too long, and it was a blast.
Then yesterday, I did 5x800 on the treadmill, with 800 recovery between. My fast pace ranged from 8:00 down to 6:58 for the last one, and my recovery was 8:49 pace throughout. I did a mile warm up and cool down for a total of 7m. The intervals were hard, but not impossible. I felt strong.
I started teaching Spinning this morning at XTreme Fitness. It was a 45 minute class, and I think it went pretty well. They were all sweaty and seemed happy afterwards, so hopefully they'll keep coming back. Being a Spinning teacher can be scary, especially taking over someone else's class. But, this seemed to work out. It's a pretty kickass job, ya know? Getting paid (not a little!) to work out (my first REAL bike workout since June 25/IronMan Day--I still have yet to get on my own bike though), getting a free gym membership (with a steamroom and sauna!), and even getting to work on my 'Hey, I'm the BOSS' skills, all at the same time. It pretty much rocks. We'll see how the twice a week 6am class time agrees with me after a while, but I think I can do it as long as I keep to a decent bedtime. (I know all you 4am psychos are laughing at me, but remember, last week I was sleeping until 11 and taking 2 hour a nap at 3, so this is quite a change.)
My schedule is insane this semester. I don't exactly know how it happened, but I'm scheduled every second of every weekday. Plus, I'm in the opera orchestra (don't even get me started), so my weekends for the next month have been kidnapped as well. My brain feels fried already, which is the cause of the lack of posts. Usually I think of things that I want to write about throughout the day, but there hasn't been any free space in my head these past few days. I've reached capacity, overload even. I'll get used to the schedule soon enough though, I'm sure...and then you'll once again be granted my semi-lucid ramblings.
The good news is that I'm happy to be back and I enjoy most of what I'm doing. I love one class and hate the other, but I'm going to get the latter fixed this afternoon. I'm far too old and cranky to be wasting my time in a class that inspires Seven Deadly Sin Wrath.
I ran 7.5m in Connecticut when visiting my Uncle this weekend (I'll update this post with pictures of the weekend later today when I'm at home). I ran it at about a 9min/pace, and it was insanely easy...a completely conversational pace. Yes, it was 7.5m and not 26.2, but it's a start, that's for damn sure. It was lightly raining (a heavy mist) and chilly, but I loved it. I haven't ran in the rain for way too long, and it was a blast.
Then yesterday, I did 5x800 on the treadmill, with 800 recovery between. My fast pace ranged from 8:00 down to 6:58 for the last one, and my recovery was 8:49 pace throughout. I did a mile warm up and cool down for a total of 7m. The intervals were hard, but not impossible. I felt strong.
I started teaching Spinning this morning at XTreme Fitness. It was a 45 minute class, and I think it went pretty well. They were all sweaty and seemed happy afterwards, so hopefully they'll keep coming back. Being a Spinning teacher can be scary, especially taking over someone else's class. But, this seemed to work out. It's a pretty kickass job, ya know? Getting paid (not a little!) to work out (my first REAL bike workout since June 25/IronMan Day--I still have yet to get on my own bike though), getting a free gym membership (with a steamroom and sauna!), and even getting to work on my 'Hey, I'm the BOSS' skills, all at the same time. It pretty much rocks. We'll see how the twice a week 6am class time agrees with me after a while, but I think I can do it as long as I keep to a decent bedtime. (I know all you 4am psychos are laughing at me, but remember, last week I was sleeping until 11 and taking 2 hour a nap at 3, so this is quite a change.)
My schedule is insane this semester. I don't exactly know how it happened, but I'm scheduled every second of every weekday. Plus, I'm in the opera orchestra (don't even get me started), so my weekends for the next month have been kidnapped as well. My brain feels fried already, which is the cause of the lack of posts. Usually I think of things that I want to write about throughout the day, but there hasn't been any free space in my head these past few days. I've reached capacity, overload even. I'll get used to the schedule soon enough though, I'm sure...and then you'll once again be granted my semi-lucid ramblings.
The good news is that I'm happy to be back and I enjoy most of what I'm doing. I love one class and hate the other, but I'm going to get the latter fixed this afternoon. I'm far too old and cranky to be wasting my time in a class that inspires Seven Deadly Sin Wrath.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Weak week.
Heh. Aren't I clever with my little title pun?
I haven't done much this week; hence, the lack of posting. I'm in Philadelphia because I'm playing with an orchestra here this week, which is fun, but my training has been pretty pathetic.
I was supposed to go for an 18m run this morning, and instead slept in and then ate a big breakfast. I had been keeping up with my schedule so well and then it ll went to hell this week. I just never really got into a routine here. I ran a couple of times, but only for a few miles and they were really easy runs.
Maybe I'll still try and do my long run tomorrow. I just don't wanna. You know? When you just don't feel like it? I can usually suck it up and get out there anyhow and then of course I'm happier with myself. But blech I just don't know if that's going to work this time.
Maybe it's the winter, but it's not even really cold out. School is starting again on Tuesday. I've been so lazy during break; I don't know how I'm going to get through the days without my 2 hour naps. It's unfortunate that I don't have time for them during the school year.
But anyway. Enough complaining, eh? I'll get back into the swing of things quickly enough, I'm sure.
In some good news, I believe I got a job teaching spinning classes as a local gym for Monday and Wednesday mornings, which is pretty awesome. It'll make me keep up with at least a minimal amount of biking, it'll make me get up early, not to mention giving me a little extra cash. Plus, I even like teaching...which is definitely a good thing considering I'm going to school to be a teacher, right?
Anyway, nothing all that interesting to say, which is why I've been keeping quiet. But, I just wanted say that I am alive and well. I'm playing a concert tonight; should be fun! Hopefully I'll have some better material once things get going for me here in the Northeast...
I haven't done much this week; hence, the lack of posting. I'm in Philadelphia because I'm playing with an orchestra here this week, which is fun, but my training has been pretty pathetic.
I was supposed to go for an 18m run this morning, and instead slept in and then ate a big breakfast. I had been keeping up with my schedule so well and then it ll went to hell this week. I just never really got into a routine here. I ran a couple of times, but only for a few miles and they were really easy runs.
Maybe I'll still try and do my long run tomorrow. I just don't wanna. You know? When you just don't feel like it? I can usually suck it up and get out there anyhow and then of course I'm happier with myself. But blech I just don't know if that's going to work this time.
Maybe it's the winter, but it's not even really cold out. School is starting again on Tuesday. I've been so lazy during break; I don't know how I'm going to get through the days without my 2 hour naps. It's unfortunate that I don't have time for them during the school year.
But anyway. Enough complaining, eh? I'll get back into the swing of things quickly enough, I'm sure.
In some good news, I believe I got a job teaching spinning classes as a local gym for Monday and Wednesday mornings, which is pretty awesome. It'll make me keep up with at least a minimal amount of biking, it'll make me get up early, not to mention giving me a little extra cash. Plus, I even like teaching...which is definitely a good thing considering I'm going to school to be a teacher, right?
Anyway, nothing all that interesting to say, which is why I've been keeping quiet. But, I just wanted say that I am alive and well. I'm playing a concert tonight; should be fun! Hopefully I'll have some better material once things get going for me here in the Northeast...
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Now it's 2007.
Today was my first race of the year! Yeah, I did the GYGO! Challenge, but this was an actual race where I was trying to run fast...and pass people and everything.
My goal time was to break 45 minutes for the 9K/5.6m, which translates to an 8:02 mile. I thought it would be feasible on a good day...
...which today was definitely not. It was so ridiculously humid. January? Hello? Anyone? I'm a fan of the warm weather and all, but sweating while standing around waiting for a race to start in January is a little insane.
My first mile clocked in at 8:01, which was actually perfect considering I was about 15 seconds behind the line when the gun went off. The second mile was 8:12, but there was a pretty decent incline up an overpass, so I still had hope for my goal at that point. I hit the 3 mile marker and my watch said 8:23, and that's when I knew I was a goner. I felt like I was booking it and had actually slowed down.
My calves were tight, I had a side cramp, and it felt like every time I took a breath I was just slamming against a wall...can someone say dehydration? Thinking back, my pre-race intake was pretty idiotic. I didn't drink enough and ate salty food the day before. Bad move, obviously.
Mile 4 had a water stop that I putzed through and at the mile marker my watch actually said 8:42. Yikes. That's when I told myself to stop being ridiculous and that I could definitely run faster if I just used my head a little.
So, for the last 1.6m (a 9K race--anyone heard of one before? Yeah, I didn't think so...), I really pushed it and managed to reach mile 5 in 8:24. Then, I kicked it in for the last .6 and although I don't have that split (I never remember to stop my watch at the end), I know I was going faster because I was actually passing people again (including the blue-shirted chick that I had my eyes on the entire race--yeah!).
So, I believe my final time was 46:48 or so (clock time), which is an 8:21 pace. Not what I wanted, but it's okay. I learned that racing 5-6 miles is actually pretty hard. A 5K is hard in it's own right too, but 5-6m is too long to go all out (for me anyway), and too short to just allow myself to cruise.
My dad ran too, and is newly inspired to get back in shape. After he fell out of the tree house last summer, he got out of the habit of running and is just starting to get back into it again.
All in all, it was a good race experience. It was the 100th annual Jackson Day race and is the longest running race in New Orleans, so it was definitely cool to be there. They called up all the past winners of the race, and there was a guy who won in 1954...plus the grandkids of the person who won in 1908. The course record holder was there; he ran it in 25:--. 5.6m in 25:--. Can you imagine?
As an added bonus, I grew up with the guy who won this year (we went to Temple Youth Group together. ha!); he ran it in 28:-- and is getting his PhD from Emory. Perfect guy material if only he wasn't deathly skinny from all the running. (Kidding, I'm kidding...)
Today, I (once again) realized breaking 4 hours in February is going to be really hard. I can't be cocky about it and honestly...I might not be able to do it. But, I'll hopefully get closer than before and one of the races I'll actually get there...that, I'm definitely sure of...
As a side note, New Orleans still needs so much help, guys. I know people have kind of forgotten by now, but it's still such a dire catastrophe. This was the city that I always went to on field trips and vacations...and now it's so much of a shell. It's coming back, but so very slowly. The city feels sad, and used up. It just breaks my heart.
My next post is going to be a photo-log. My goal when taking pictures was just to take some pictures of the family trip, not to document New Orleans. Consequently, the pictures I got don't even begin to adequately describe the situation, but they're something. I wish I had more time to go around and photograph where we ran and the other damaged areas, but suffice it to say that there really hasn't been much improvement since I was there last year.
You still see more abandoned houses than not; the water lines houses are still visible. The shops are mostly closed, with those that are open only being so during very limited hours. It's not at all uncommon for the stop lights to be out of order, but more disturbing than any of this stuff is just the general feeling of chaotic unrest and uncertainty. It doesn't feel like a city that knows what is going on. It feels lost.
Anyway, I know that's all depressing, but it simply seems dishonest to experience New Orleans without at least mentioning what it's going through as a city.
But (just to talk about myself a little more), back to race stuff...following the example of others, I'm listing my 2007 major race schedule. I still want to figure out a late summer Half Iron, and a late year ultra. I have ideas, but I have to wait to register until my summer plans are firmed up, so I'm still open to suggestions...
Jackson Day 9K: January 7
NYRR Half Marathon-Manhattan: January 21
15K in Newtown, PA: January 28
NYRR Half Marathon-Bronx: February 11
Glassboro 10m: February 18
Mardi Gras Marathon: February 25
Wildflower Olympic Distance Triathlon: May 5
?Timberman HalfIronman: August 18?
Texas OneOOne Triathlon: November 11
?Huff 50K: end of December?
My goal time was to break 45 minutes for the 9K/5.6m, which translates to an 8:02 mile. I thought it would be feasible on a good day...
...which today was definitely not. It was so ridiculously humid. January? Hello? Anyone? I'm a fan of the warm weather and all, but sweating while standing around waiting for a race to start in January is a little insane.
My first mile clocked in at 8:01, which was actually perfect considering I was about 15 seconds behind the line when the gun went off. The second mile was 8:12, but there was a pretty decent incline up an overpass, so I still had hope for my goal at that point. I hit the 3 mile marker and my watch said 8:23, and that's when I knew I was a goner. I felt like I was booking it and had actually slowed down.
My calves were tight, I had a side cramp, and it felt like every time I took a breath I was just slamming against a wall...can someone say dehydration? Thinking back, my pre-race intake was pretty idiotic. I didn't drink enough and ate salty food the day before. Bad move, obviously.
Mile 4 had a water stop that I putzed through and at the mile marker my watch actually said 8:42. Yikes. That's when I told myself to stop being ridiculous and that I could definitely run faster if I just used my head a little.
So, for the last 1.6m (a 9K race--anyone heard of one before? Yeah, I didn't think so...), I really pushed it and managed to reach mile 5 in 8:24. Then, I kicked it in for the last .6 and although I don't have that split (I never remember to stop my watch at the end), I know I was going faster because I was actually passing people again (including the blue-shirted chick that I had my eyes on the entire race--yeah!).
So, I believe my final time was 46:48 or so (clock time), which is an 8:21 pace. Not what I wanted, but it's okay. I learned that racing 5-6 miles is actually pretty hard. A 5K is hard in it's own right too, but 5-6m is too long to go all out (for me anyway), and too short to just allow myself to cruise.
My dad ran too, and is newly inspired to get back in shape. After he fell out of the tree house last summer, he got out of the habit of running and is just starting to get back into it again.
All in all, it was a good race experience. It was the 100th annual Jackson Day race and is the longest running race in New Orleans, so it was definitely cool to be there. They called up all the past winners of the race, and there was a guy who won in 1954...plus the grandkids of the person who won in 1908. The course record holder was there; he ran it in 25:--. 5.6m in 25:--. Can you imagine?
As an added bonus, I grew up with the guy who won this year (we went to Temple Youth Group together. ha!); he ran it in 28:-- and is getting his PhD from Emory. Perfect guy material if only he wasn't deathly skinny from all the running. (Kidding, I'm kidding...)
Today, I (once again) realized breaking 4 hours in February is going to be really hard. I can't be cocky about it and honestly...I might not be able to do it. But, I'll hopefully get closer than before and one of the races I'll actually get there...that, I'm definitely sure of...
As a side note, New Orleans still needs so much help, guys. I know people have kind of forgotten by now, but it's still such a dire catastrophe. This was the city that I always went to on field trips and vacations...and now it's so much of a shell. It's coming back, but so very slowly. The city feels sad, and used up. It just breaks my heart.
My next post is going to be a photo-log. My goal when taking pictures was just to take some pictures of the family trip, not to document New Orleans. Consequently, the pictures I got don't even begin to adequately describe the situation, but they're something. I wish I had more time to go around and photograph where we ran and the other damaged areas, but suffice it to say that there really hasn't been much improvement since I was there last year.
You still see more abandoned houses than not; the water lines houses are still visible. The shops are mostly closed, with those that are open only being so during very limited hours. It's not at all uncommon for the stop lights to be out of order, but more disturbing than any of this stuff is just the general feeling of chaotic unrest and uncertainty. It doesn't feel like a city that knows what is going on. It feels lost.
Anyway, I know that's all depressing, but it simply seems dishonest to experience New Orleans without at least mentioning what it's going through as a city.
But (just to talk about myself a little more), back to race stuff...following the example of others, I'm listing my 2007 major race schedule. I still want to figure out a late summer Half Iron, and a late year ultra. I have ideas, but I have to wait to register until my summer plans are firmed up, so I'm still open to suggestions...
Jackson Day 9K: January 7
NYRR Half Marathon-Manhattan: January 21
15K in Newtown, PA: January 28
NYRR Half Marathon-Bronx: February 11
Glassboro 10m: February 18
Mardi Gras Marathon: February 25
Wildflower Olympic Distance Triathlon: May 5
?Timberman HalfIronman: August 18?
Texas OneOOne Triathlon: November 11
?Huff 50K: end of December?
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Once a Runner
If anyone wants a terrific running read, Once a Runner by John L. Parker, Jr., is just plain awesome. I read it about a year ago and loved it. Although fictional, it gives an amazing insight to the mind of a competitive runner.
I remembered the book recently due to a conversation with TriGreyhound, which led me to scan in my favorite chapter as some inspiration for his upcoming marathon. I believe the book is actually out of print, but there are lots of copies still floating around online and at libraries. I recommend it to anyone.
Here's the chapter I especially love, although the whole book is just great. The chapter is titled 'The Interval Workout'...
Sorry about the semi-shoddy scanning job, but if you click on each of the pictures, I believe it's all actually legible.
I remembered the book recently due to a conversation with TriGreyhound, which led me to scan in my favorite chapter as some inspiration for his upcoming marathon. I believe the book is actually out of print, but there are lots of copies still floating around online and at libraries. I recommend it to anyone.
Here's the chapter I especially love, although the whole book is just great. The chapter is titled 'The Interval Workout'...
Sorry about the semi-shoddy scanning job, but if you click on each of the pictures, I believe it's all actually legible.
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