Running Down a Dream

What can a single workout do for you?  Can it vanquish self-doubt?  Can it re-light that fire of motivation?  Can it turn that frown upside down?  Yes, yes and yes!  If you can't already tell I had a fabulous workout today.  I was home with the kids this morning while Miguel played soccer.  I've been struggling with a lack of control in my eating and that, coupled with the consequent weight gain, has left me feeling a little off track. Also, because Miguel wasn't able to come home until after dark (gym was closed and too dark/too tired to run) I didn't get to exercise at all yesterday.  For the first time maybe since I started I only went to the gym four times last week.  Well, after a killer workout I am firmly back on track.

This morning when Miguel came home from soccer  I promptly changed into my cycling clothes to ride my bike to the gym.  This is the third time since I started back that I've gone over a biggish hill between my house and the gym.  This is the first time I didn't have to use my mental hill tricks to get up and over it.  Being on my bike felt incredible.  I got to the gym and decided that, despite my Week 6/Day 2 stumble this past Thursday, I would forge ahead with Week 6/Day 3 (26 minute run, no walk breaks).  I got on the treadmill and after a short warmup walk I started jogging.  Just thinking about 26 minutes on the treadmill made me bored as soon as I started.  By the time I got to the 1 minute mark I had decided to do my run outside.

The temperate weather felt perfect for a run as I headed out the door.  I jogged around the neighborhood surrounding my gym while I took in the beautiful trees, flowers and fresh air.  I even chose to go up a little hill.  There is almost no comparison to running outside vs. the treadmill.  When you're outside you can pace yourself accordingly, you get the distraction of the outdoors and the time just flies by.  I didn't even have to think about a walk break, the 26 minutes went by like that [snap].  I got back to the gym feeling great!

I briefly considered re-arranging my strength training routine since legs and shoulders were due up.  Considering that I rode my bike there (and would need to ride it home) and did a 26 minute run I thought working my legs might be pushing it.  Ah, what the heck, let's push it!  I worked my legs and shoulders but I did decide to skip the 5 minutes of stair climbing I usually do at the end.  I was feeling the effects of all the exercise but I also knew I had plenty left in the tank for my ride home.  I left the gym and cruised on home, my legs were fine, and I even sort of wished I had more riding to do.

Now that is a good way to start the week.  My eating has been good today, I had a bowl of Special K Protein Plus for breakfast and a 1/2 of a PB&J for lunch (on some seriously hearty whole grain bread and I'm generous with the peanut butter on my sandwiches).  I also had an AccelGel.  When I got home I ate a banana and still felt hungry so I had some tortilla chips and hummus.  I even weighed the chips to make sure I only got one serving.

Ladies (and possibly gentleman?)...I am back!  I am ready to face this week, I am ready to overturn my weight gain from last week, I am ready to train for the sprint triathlon.  I am even ready to deal with my toddler's tantrums.  Wait, that might be going too far, I'm never ready for that.


Speaking of triathlons. I called about wetsuit rentals and learned it is $25 per week or $50 per month.  My plan is to rent one soon for a week and do a practice swim.  Depending on how that goes I will rent it again for either the month or week before the triathlon.  It is now roughly 7 weeks, or 55 days, before the sprint distance Marin Triathlon.  Can I do it?  Oh yes, I have no doubt.

I can't close without recognizing the date, 9/11.  10 years since that day.  I will never forget.