Friday, April 30, 2010

music ADD

It's a common term among my friends, "Music ADD." This essentially comes about when we're riding in the car, and whoever is riding shotgun and playing DJ, can't find a song to listen to for more than a couple of seconds, causing annoyance to all the other passengers. When I'm running, I often listen to the first thirty seconds of a song before skipping to the next one, because some how I convince myself that this makes the run end faster. Today I had an extreme case of music add, and treadmill boredom (a deadly combination) so I had to revise my rule, changing the song every ten seconds instead.

My music wasn't the only thing that was off today during my run. My brace has started to rub against my knee, causing a wonderful red wound (good thing I'll be home next week and get it re-fitted!), my shorts, for who knows what reason would not stop riding up, creating issues all around. It was a beautiful day out, but apparently I thought running in the fitness center would be better than the scorching sun outside, but the sauna like atmosphere in the gym was creating way more sweat than necessary. However, it was to my advantage that only three other people decided to exercise late Friday afternoon, meaning that not many experienced my awkward run.

I have high hopes for tomorrow. Now that classes are officially done for me, I really do have all the time in the world to work on my take home final, study for next Friday's exam, enjoy the sun, and run my little heart out.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

running from my problems

There is something about a run that can solve all problems; more so than cookie dough or a phone call from a friend. I'm not completely convinced that the scientific explanation of endorphins is the sole reason for feeling emotionally better after a run, I think its the act of doing something, only for yourself, that is the reason I feel so good after a run.

Running is a lot of alone time, with yourself. There isn't much between you and the road, with the exception of an iPod and the weather, but in this case, the weather and time of day drove me to the treadmill, usually my most un-favorite piece of gym equipment. Running is personal, its intimate, it's a mind game, but it's an experience for only the runner to experience fully.

Yesterday I did something for myself as well, I didn't go for a run, but I got my nose pierced. I haven't done anything to this extreme for myself, ever, or at least in recent memory. Not everyone agrees with my decision, especially my parents, but for once, besides running, I have done something for myself.

Today's run, despite the treadmill, was extremely rewarding. I know I can not run from my problems, that's for sure; after my run, there was still a hole in my nose, and two angry parents back in Maine. The run wasn't able to fix everything, or come even close, but in a way, I was able to run away some of the guilt that has been building up since yesterday's actions, make myself more at ease with the situation. And maybe that's all we, and my parents, really need, is time to adjust, time to accept, and time to run away the feelings inside.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

decal loves and 6am

Last night I drove home from school to go to tennis practice, and to be home for the Maine State YMCA Gymnastics Championship. I have many families; my tennis family, my decal family, and of course my real family. It was very nice, and much needed to see them all this weekend.

Last night was spent gossiping, laughing, brainstorming about the gym, and not much sleeping. After finally convincing ourselves around 2:30 that we should get some rest, we finally turned off the lights. Our 6am scheduled run came soon, and Chelsea and I dragged ourselves out of bed and to the lobby. Apparently we were too late, and the group of parents and coaches that had planned to meet us there had already left. After struggling to make our way back into the room, we went on our own mini-run. Chelsea is also recovering from ACL surgery (her's was in February) so we were quite the spectacle running in our matching knee-braces, literally running on no sleep. Needless to say, we were at hot mess.

When they group came back, they maintain the fact that we were NOT up or in the lobby, but either way, they promise to wake us up tomorrow morning for a real run! We're now in a fight for the showers, and off to the gym for a 7:45 coaches meeting! It's going to be a long weekend, filled with nervous gymnasts, tired coaches, and way too many parents. yipppeeee!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Marathon Monday and the aftermath

Monday was my first experience at the Boston Marathon, and it was probably the most active spectator sport I've ever experienced! We made four stops along the Marathon route; Framingham, Wellesley, Boston College and then about a mile from the finish line in Kenmore Square. Being my first marathon, I had no idea what to expect, but I never expected to see that many people around Boston! Everywhere we went the t was packed and the sidewalks near Boylston Street were literally unnavigable. Kayla's dad broke 3 hours, which was fun to experience, and even though Ryan Hall didn't win, I'm sure his presence in Boston will still be beneficial to the foundation.

This morning I was a bit disappointed because my french toast date with my sister was canceled. I was looking forward to a yummy breakfast away from the cafe, and filling her in on my weekend. I tried to keep as much of my schedule as possible though, and I still went to WPI to run on the track as I had planned. I was a bit pressed for time because WPI is having an open house today, and I convinced the policeman to let me park in an open house spot, as long as I was out of there by 9.

In my short amount of time, I fit in an easy 2 mile jog. As I was running, I was thinking about the dreaded 2 mile run that we used to have to do every preseason for soccer. I have such a different approach to running a 2 mile than I did two years ago. In previous summers, I would struggle to make it to the end of the 2-mile, often breaking to walk, but always was able to finish under twenty minutes. Today, I struggled to finish under twenty minutes, but at the end, I felt as if I could continue running forever, not at all tired or out of breath. I suppose this makes sense, because I'm less focused on my pace, but either way, I need to be running faster than a ten minute mile!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Steps

Today has been an exhausting day, but well worth at the effort, miles traveled, and hours spent standing. Today Kayla and I volunteered at the Expo, leading up to the Boston Marathon tomorrow, for The Steps Foundation, founded by Ryan and Sara Hall. Yesterday morning I knew little about this foundation, but I left the expo booth today with a new inspiration and dedication to their mission.

In brief, they are starting a new initiative in the US, with their pilot program in Chicago, to pair at risk youth with a runner, to train together for a race, essentially a mentoring program, using running as their platform. After explaining this concept to hundreds of people at the expo, and talking with those spearheading this event, I'm very excited to become more involved. Our drive home from Boston was consumed by brainstorming ideas for the foundation, the new program, and a fundraiser this summer in Boston. Becoming involved in the foundation at this time is really exciting, because a lot of it is still being developed, so our ideas are going to be heard, and hopefully transformed into reality.

This is what I've been looking for. Community service initiatives were such a big part of my high school, losing that involvement when I came to college is just another way that Clark has been difficult for me. Having this passion for changing the world is not something that can be lost easily, and I'm glad my inspiration to get started again, with something that has the potential to become a national program, has come through running as well.

Tomorrow will be my very first time at the Boston Marathon, and I'm very excited to cheer on Ryan Hall, and Brian Reeves, Kayla's dad! Expect another post tomorrow, but in the mean time, check out the foundation!

Friday, April 16, 2010

chocolate milk

Kayla told me today at breakfast that chocolate milk is the best post-workout snack to have because of all the protein and good fats in it. Being lactose intolerant, I asked if soy milk had the same benefits. I have yet to google this, but nonetheless, after coming in from my fabulous run today and downing a Nalgene, I pulled out the chocolate soy milk I bought at the bistro this morning.

This morning I got SO antsy during my 3 hour class, I decided that after class, tabling for Relay For Life, and lunch, I would go to the gym, but try my first adventure on the treadmills instead of my usual stint on the elliptical. My high hopes were crushed about one mile into my run, when I got a horrible pain in my shin. I'm not sure if this a normal treadmill occurrence, but I know I don't get this when I run outside. Despite the chilly weather and cloudy skies, I left the gym and proceeded to run around campus, much longer than expected before heading back to Dodd. All in all, I ran more than the 5k I did this weekend, but it was much easier this time.

I've realized that running is more than physical endurance, it is also a lot of mental endurance. Tennis is an extremely mental sport, but it is more about getting inside your opponents head instead of your own. Gymnastics is pretty mental as well, but it is more along the lines of mental "sprinting" with each stint lasting no longer than 90 seconds. I've realized that I don't just need to work on my physical endurance, but my mental endurance as well. That was the difference between the 5k and today. I had psyched myself up for the 5k, and stressed over the distance required of me. Today, I was just running, with no agenda, and no clue how far I had run, only taking clues from my body when I was ready to stop. In this moment, I can't imagine running 13.1 miles, just the thought of it makes me tired, but someday, I'll be able to, and when I can, I'm sure I'll surprise myself.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

spree day

Today is Spree Day at Clark University. This means that at 4:30 this morning we were serenaded by very drunk men outside of our window singing undecipherable songs, but mostly celebrating the "surprise" canceling of classes, in favor of playing on inflatables on the green, and listening to mediocre Clark bands all day while munching on sub-par cafeteria bbq food. Clearly something that can only be tolerated with an unhealthy amount of alcohol, which the students are well aware of. Either way, not really my jam playing with drunk students that I can't even tolerate when they're sober.

This morning my wonderful roommate and I got up around 8, ate breakfast in the room and then headed out on our OWN spree day, meaning that we drove around (and through a few too many yellow/red lights!) and did a little shopping. By this, I mean I went to the sneaker store!

Five pairs of shoes later at Sneakerama, and a little bit of help tying my shoes from the wonderfully looking male who selected sneakers for me, I walked out with a brand new pair of Nikes. At the very least, I'll look fast right?
They are also in the Nike+ series which makes me excited. Possibly after a summer full of running and working, I'll consider forking over the $59 for the sport band and sensor to track my miles and pace.

Kayla and I are headed out for a run soon, so I'll be sure to update about how fabulous my new shoes are, and now fast they make me run. My new friend at Sneakerama has informed me that if I don't like them, even if I use them, I can return them in 30 days and try a new pair, but I'm sure they'll work out, they're too pretty not to!


U P D A T E

With a little under two miles traveled in my new shoes, I think they are going to work out well. I had to loosen the laces a few times because they were hurting the outsides of my feet, but as Kayla said, the more I break them in, the better they will feel!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Green Run and Police Escorts

A few days ago Kayla was watching one of Ryan Hall's finish lines, and started crying. I didn't really understand why she was sobbing, but she told me that finish lines are just so happy. Well, I crossed the finish line of our 5k today, and wouldn't you know, I started sobbing. I was in a considerable amount of pain, but mostly I was crying because I was so overwhelmed. As I had difficulty articulating to Kayla how overwhelmed I was, I'm struggling now.

Previous to running, we set out a few goals for ourselves, ranging from actually finishing (which we successfully completed), to picking out specific people to beat. Although when we finished we thought we were the last ones, it didn't matter that we essentially came in last. (Side Note: Being at the back of the pack had it's perks, the police escorts on motorcycles were directly behind us, stopping traffic, and guarding us from the creepers. I have to say I've never felt safer running down Main St, ironic right?)

We essentially weaved our way in and around Clark campus, holding up traffic all around. After we turned off Main St, there was one girl behind us, running alone. Someone with Green Run was directing us, toward the large hill ahead of us, and nicely informed us we were 1k done. At that point, I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to the end, let alone make it up the hill, but I knew no matter what, I wasn't going to make it without Kayla with me. The thought of having to run alone, with no one beside me was terrifying. We adopted her as our running buddy. I should say that she was more of Kayla's buddy, as I was focused more on breathing than making small talk with Betty, the Clark Alum, but either way, hearing them talk helped me make it up the hill, and through the rest of the race. I had no idea that there were so many hills surrounding Clark's campus.

I feel emotionally drained, and physically too. I've seen 2am the last two nights, which is not my usual college weekend, and not really a habit I'm going to continue. Either way, this weekend, was a success, my first 5k completed. I don't like to celebrate my accomplishments, a 5k seems like a small run, 35 minutes an excessive amount of time to finish, but this time, I am proud.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

5k?

to put it quite bluntly, today sucked.

BUT, the reason for my post is NOT to update about how today sucked, but how this weekend is filled with exciting things, including, A 5K RACE WITH KREEVES. When we checked our mail today, there was a flyer for "Green Run" put on by some people at Clark to support the Regional Environmental Council. Usually the flyers go straight from mail box to recycle bin, but this one was a wonderful surprise! They're holding the race on Sunday around Clark, so why not?

Plus, Paige and Hilary are coming to visit on Friday night, so that can only mean good things to start my weekend, AND some of my favorite baby tennis boys are coming to visit Clark on Friday morning, so I'm going to show them around/answer questions.

Anyways, 5k on Sunday. It may end up being a run/walk/jog, but either way, it shall be fun. We think that we'll get a t-shirt out of it too, so extra excited for that, as well as crossing a 5k off my Clark Bucket list!

Sunday, April 4, 2010

sneakers

I have never found a pair of sneakers that have actually fit my feet well, and it's not like I have oddly shaped feet, they are actually quite normal. Right now, I just have my sporty-casual-not-really-for-running Puma sneakers at school, which serve me fine for PT.
As I found out today on my run around campus, that these sneakers are only suited for about 15 minutes of running before intense pain creeps into the arch of my right foot. This is fine for now, because 15 mins is about all I should be running, but I imagine soon that 15 minutes will grow to 20..It's clear that I will soon need actual sneakers made for running. I have two pairs of Nikes at home, but my sister, the track runner, insists that Asics are the way to go. I haven't decided, I love the look of Nikes, and the idea of Nike+, but obviously I need shoes that are going to be beneficial to my feet, and not how they look, at least this is what I try and convince myself. Either way, I want to find someone who's completely knowledgeable about running shoes, and talk to them about what shoes are going to support my knee best, etc!

Kayla tells me there are 'tons' of places like this around, adventure anyone?

Thursday, April 1, 2010

thursday funday!

Today was the day of the epic run with Kayla! I was able to pick up Sharpay this afternoon, so after I brought her back to campus, we suited up and headed out! We ran down Park Ave towards the baseball fields, and got to the game during the 5th inning. Because of the wind, we didn't stay long. With the intention of avoiding the hilly parts of campus, we ran back the same route as we took to the Dolan, but as it turns out, Park Ave is one gradual hill, and we were headed uphill on the way home. I have a thought that I'll be feeling that gradual hill again tomorrow. All in all, we ran a little bit less than a mile, the farthest I've gone so far!

I've decided I like running with Kayla. Good amounts of conversations, understood silences, the same courage to leap out in front of cars, and like she said, confidence and faith in your own pace. Running with other people can be awkward, apologizing for going too slow or too fast, often concentrating more on synchronization than the actual run itself. Our run wasn't like that; easily synchronized and at pace, it was a beautiful day for a run.

decisions

This week has been a week of decisions, large and small!

1) I decided to go to Clemson in the fall, but not after many conversations, tears and much agonizing. Ultimately, I was asked if I don't go to SC, if I would regret it, and truth is, I would. I'm excited, but truthfully a little nervous as well. There's no going back now though, I've paid my deposit, set up my email account, applied for housing, and registered for orientation!

2) I decided to change my physical therapist! I'm still going on the same days, but in the afternoons, when he's not working. I didn't tell him that I wasn't going to be seeing him anymore, so on the off chance that I do see him, it could be a bit awkward. Big picture, I have about 4 weeks left with the chance of seeing him, so I don't think it will be a problem. I'll be seeing Lisa, a younger girl, I've seen her once before, and I feel like we'll get along better, and she'll at the very least listen to what I have to say!

3) Kayla and I are going running today! Today is the first day of nice weather in a few days, and its Thursday Funday, so I've decided it's going to be a good day! We have class from 9-11:40, a quick lunch and then we're done for the day, so we're planning on doing a little jog/walk interval session, and then head down to the baseball field to watch our favorite Cougars take on Wheaton College! I haven't gone running with Kayla since week one, so this should be a wonderful way to spend our afternoon!