I had a dream that I had killer, toned arms. Then I woke up with the same ol' arms I've always had. Sad.
At the very least, that dream wasn't about work because that is what my dreams usually are about. Lately, my work dreams have at least been amusing. One was that there was a by-invite-only kegger on the roof of one of our buildings. I was especially excited because I received an invite. There was a velvet red rope and a bouncer, too. The whole nine yards. I thought it was a little odd that it was on the roof of the building, and exclusive. I never did find out if it was a fabulous party or not because the dream ended.
Usually I remember my dreams. Sometimes this leads to disappointment, most times it leads to amusement. I do wish I had some say in what I dream about. After a stressful day, I don't really want to dream more about the stress. I'm left feeling unrested and cranky. If I had my way, I would see how my daydreams translate into sleep dreams. Running away to a private island in a warmer climate. Swimming in clear, warm water. Running along scenic trails. No cares... No working late... Sleeping in...
*sigh*
Tuesday
Sunday
The race that started it all
My running journey began in track season, my sophomore year of high school. I didn't know it was beginning, I just thought I'd try out a running event, probably because my older sister was (and is) a runner. The only thing I remember about that meet, aside from it being at Luther South, was that I ran my first 800 meters. In track I was in the field events. I threw shot put and discus. Any running I had done to that point was simply for training which is why I remember that 800 meters so well. It's funny to think back and remember how hard that distance felt. Especially having completed 2 marathons, several half marathons, and a few 10 and 15Ks in my adult life. But at the time, two laps around the track seemed impossible. On my second lap I was questioning my sanity in telling my coach I wanted to run. I was staring at 390 meters to go, an eternity. At this moment my sister appeared. "You can do this! Count your steps '1, 2, 3'!" With her cheering me on, I finished my first 800. I couldn't tell you my time, but I won't forget that run.
To date, no one has ever accused me of being a runner. I certainly don't look like a runner. I'm built like I belong behind a team of oxen while plowing a field. So there was no expectation for how I would do on that day. And that run certainly didn't go down in history as a break out race. It didn't start me down the road to running greatness. But, with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, I do see that it was the beginning of my journey to 'Runner'.
To date, no one has ever accused me of being a runner. I certainly don't look like a runner. I'm built like I belong behind a team of oxen while plowing a field. So there was no expectation for how I would do on that day. And that run certainly didn't go down in history as a break out race. It didn't start me down the road to running greatness. But, with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, I do see that it was the beginning of my journey to 'Runner'.
Monday
The Naked Truth
Nudity in the locker room makes me uncomfortable. I was probably more uncomfortable with it when I went to the gym at my work because they were my coworkers. Granted, there are several thousand of us, but still. I don't go so far as to hide in bathroom stall to change, but I do try to dress as modestly and quickly as possible. I remember a time at my work's gym when I was facing the lockers and a woman asked me a question. When I turned to answer her, there she was in all her glory. Why would she ask me her question then? Was it so important it couldn't have waited a minute or two to at least don some undergarments? I'd like to know what my face must have looked like with me trying to mask my shock and embarrassment. From what I hear from others, I'm not good at masking any feeling so I imagine this situation wasn't any different.
Sunday, I had another Buff Encounter after my 400 yard swim at the Y. (Side note: the swim went a tad better than last week, less breaks between. Obviously, I still have a long way to go.) Now, at the Y, I've had a woman strip down to nothing to get changed which is fine. It is the easier way to change. But Sunday, this woman was drying her hair in the nude. Why? I don't even do that at home. Naturally, the hair dryers were right by the locker I chose and I didn't have time to wait. I had planned to just throw clothes on over my suit. And good thing too, because the hair dryer is by a mirror. There would have been no way for me to discretely change since my back was to the mirror. (Note to self: don't choose a locker by the mirrors.)
I guess the bigger question is why I'm so uncomfortable with nudity. The answer is probably because I'm not comfortable with myself. I heard a comedian once say, "Why should I be embarrassed?! I know what I look like. It's the other guy that should be embarrassed!"
I wish I had a level of self-acceptance that I didn't worry about what other people think of me. It would be nice to consider my "flaws" part of what makes me, me, and not something of which to be ashamed. The healthier I eat and the more active I am the closer I get to a positive self image. Maybe this should be my goal in this adventure.
That being said...I still don't plan to prance around naked in the locker room.
Sunday, I had another Buff Encounter after my 400 yard swim at the Y. (Side note: the swim went a tad better than last week, less breaks between. Obviously, I still have a long way to go.) Now, at the Y, I've had a woman strip down to nothing to get changed which is fine. It is the easier way to change. But Sunday, this woman was drying her hair in the nude. Why? I don't even do that at home. Naturally, the hair dryers were right by the locker I chose and I didn't have time to wait. I had planned to just throw clothes on over my suit. And good thing too, because the hair dryer is by a mirror. There would have been no way for me to discretely change since my back was to the mirror. (Note to self: don't choose a locker by the mirrors.)
I guess the bigger question is why I'm so uncomfortable with nudity. The answer is probably because I'm not comfortable with myself. I heard a comedian once say, "Why should I be embarrassed?! I know what I look like. It's the other guy that should be embarrassed!"
I wish I had a level of self-acceptance that I didn't worry about what other people think of me. It would be nice to consider my "flaws" part of what makes me, me, and not something of which to be ashamed. The healthier I eat and the more active I am the closer I get to a positive self image. Maybe this should be my goal in this adventure.
That being said...I still don't plan to prance around naked in the locker room.
Wednesday
I heart people, except for when I don't
Oh, people... Oh, the Y people. Working out is a perfect time to people watch. Well, discreetly people watch. It probably would look a little creepy if I actually stared at people working out... Anywho, today I had 35 minutes of cross training. On Wednesdays, yes, all two of them so far, I've been opting to cross train on the stationary bike while the 1st grader is at swim class. Today, two women biked along side me for about half of my time. They chatted about life, particularly about the relationships with their adult children. They commented on the men lifting weights. They critiqued their heart rates. "You're at 126? I'm only at 106." "Maybe your heart is more efficient." Meanwhile, I was keeping my heart rate at 140. Guess I'm inefficient. :) They made plans for the remainder of their workout today, as well as for tomorrow. After they finished on the bike, they made their merry way to the treadmills. "It's like we doing a triathlon! Just without the swimming." Their comradery was endearing.
Next in was a my-age-ish man who went for the spin bike. I'm not really sure what's different about a spin bike versus a stationary bike. I should look it up and see if one is better than the other. "Should"... Also, an older gentleman came in with turquoise Hawaiian floral shorts and a red and white colored polo. It was fantastic! Of course, I was sporting my bright pink "I'm with awesome (arrow pointing up)" socks... :)
Then, with 2 minutes left to bike, I hear a tap at the emergency door. There stood two little girls who's older sister is in the same class as my 7th grader. Big smiles and big waves of hello. Way to help me finish with a smile on *my* face! :)
The best was when I went back to the pool to collect my 1st grader, I witnessed him swimming a couple yards on his own without floaties! His smile was heart-warming. The exclamations of praise for the staff were equally as heart warming.
All in all, my evening at the Y was just what I needed after a disheartening day at work.
Next in was a my-age-ish man who went for the spin bike. I'm not really sure what's different about a spin bike versus a stationary bike. I should look it up and see if one is better than the other. "Should"... Also, an older gentleman came in with turquoise Hawaiian floral shorts and a red and white colored polo. It was fantastic! Of course, I was sporting my bright pink "I'm with awesome (arrow pointing up)" socks... :)
Then, with 2 minutes left to bike, I hear a tap at the emergency door. There stood two little girls who's older sister is in the same class as my 7th grader. Big smiles and big waves of hello. Way to help me finish with a smile on *my* face! :)
The best was when I went back to the pool to collect my 1st grader, I witnessed him swimming a couple yards on his own without floaties! His smile was heart-warming. The exclamations of praise for the staff were equally as heart warming.
All in all, my evening at the Y was just what I needed after a disheartening day at work.
Monday
400 yards
Or, if you prefer, 365.76 meters. That's how much I swam on Sunday. After I biked 20 minutes because I needed a total of 30 minutes cross training.
On land, 400 yards doesn't seem like much. In water it's a completely different story. I am so far from being a proficient swimmer that it's difficult for me to imagine that ever changing. True, I've completed one sprint triathlon and that swim was 350 yards. And I finished that without stopping. Sunday, I took 30-60 second breaks between swimming the length of the pool (25 yards). 14 months ago, I swam some weird side-kick-hybrid-just-get-finished 'stroke'. Sunday I worked the laps free style and backstroke, alternating between the two to give my lungs a break. I had set my expectations low. Fortunately I, at least, met my expectations.
This is what square 1 of "becoming a proficient swimmer" looks like.
On land, 400 yards doesn't seem like much. In water it's a completely different story. I am so far from being a proficient swimmer that it's difficult for me to imagine that ever changing. True, I've completed one sprint triathlon and that swim was 350 yards. And I finished that without stopping. Sunday, I took 30-60 second breaks between swimming the length of the pool (25 yards). 14 months ago, I swam some weird side-kick-hybrid-just-get-finished 'stroke'. Sunday I worked the laps free style and backstroke, alternating between the two to give my lungs a break. I had set my expectations low. Fortunately I, at least, met my expectations.
This is what square 1 of "becoming a proficient swimmer" looks like.
Wednesday
A message from the management
Dear Julia,
Just a couple of comments about your recent activities. While we're happy that you've decided to get back into the exercise routine, the "all-in" approach has lead to several complaints. We are passing them along to you. Please respond to them as appropriate.
First, as you may remember from earlier this year, you can't dance. We like the initiative you're taking by incorporating cross training into your running routine, however there is a certain level of awkwardness in your Cardio Axe routine that needs to be addressed. Primarily, you must restrict these movements to the basement. This so-called "dancing" is not allowable outside of this space. Please consider the children.
In addition, Right Knee has not handled the sudden influx of movement well. As you may have noticed, Knee Cap hasn't been moving as smoothly as before starting. Please remember the importance of stretching, possibly icing. Right Knee has submitted its intent to go on strike if better care is not taken.
Finally, your demands of strength training cannot be met in the time frame you originally outlined. It is impossible to call back the muscles in such a short turn around, especially considering the amount of time they have been on furlough. We are in the process of reinstating them, but there is new employee orientation and paperwork that must be completed first. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.
We are confident that we can work together with you through this start-up phase. We look forward to being more active and obtaining better all around fitness in the future.
Sincerely,
Your Body
Just a couple of comments about your recent activities. While we're happy that you've decided to get back into the exercise routine, the "all-in" approach has lead to several complaints. We are passing them along to you. Please respond to them as appropriate.
First, as you may remember from earlier this year, you can't dance. We like the initiative you're taking by incorporating cross training into your running routine, however there is a certain level of awkwardness in your Cardio Axe routine that needs to be addressed. Primarily, you must restrict these movements to the basement. This so-called "dancing" is not allowable outside of this space. Please consider the children.
In addition, Right Knee has not handled the sudden influx of movement well. As you may have noticed, Knee Cap hasn't been moving as smoothly as before starting. Please remember the importance of stretching, possibly icing. Right Knee has submitted its intent to go on strike if better care is not taken.
Finally, your demands of strength training cannot be met in the time frame you originally outlined. It is impossible to call back the muscles in such a short turn around, especially considering the amount of time they have been on furlough. We are in the process of reinstating them, but there is new employee orientation and paperwork that must be completed first. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.
We are confident that we can work together with you through this start-up phase. We look forward to being more active and obtaining better all around fitness in the future.
Sincerely,
Your Body
Sunday
Officially Training for another 15K
I officially am registered for the Hot Chocolate 15K! It feels good. This will be the second time I'm running this event. I know, I know. Branch out, try something new. But I enjoyed this race. It's a lot of people, but I'm okay with that. Plus, I liked the chocolate at the end. :) In preparation, I downloaded Hal Higdon's 15K Training Guide, Novice edition. I haven't been running consistently much this year, so the Novice program seemed a better fit for me. I strongly recommend Hal's (we're on a first name basis) programs. I'm a little late to the training game, but only by a week. Not bad at all. I printed it on Friday, which was a rest day. So I rested. Who am I to argue with Hal Higdon?! ;) Yesterday was a 2 mile run and today is 30 minutes cross training. Hopefully, my normal Sunday cross will be swimming. Hopefully. We'll see once it gets to 60 minutes of cross training... Today won't work anyway because I can't leave Little Man alone. Instead, I will do a cardio workout with Leandro. It's been months. I assume there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
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