Should you talk to your doctor about your breast-cancer risks (especially after the Angelina Jolie news)? Absolutely. But don't forget:
"Over a lifetime, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, the most common cancer in women, other than skin cancer."
Sun. Block. Runners.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Monday, May 13, 2013
"How Many Pins do I Need?"
[A post in progress]
This weekend was amazing. Let's go on a mental trip for a minute.
Do you remember your very first race? Do you remember the very first time you did anything that you now do on a regular basis (i.e. stand in front of a classroom full of kids, cut someone's hair, touch a naked person for money)? Do you remember the swirling thoughts?
"I trained for this."
"I can do this."
"I've done this before- this isn't so different from those other times."
"What on Earth am I doing here?"
"I don't belong here."
"Can I change my mind?"
"That's ok. I can do this."
"Just start. You know it'll go fast if you just start (talking, touching, running)."
You look around and see other people gliding in around you, comfortable in their skin, in their work, in the task at hand. Maybe you look away, not wanting to be distracted from your own movement through time. Maybe you stare intently at them, watching for a clue that will help you fit in better, a hint at how to proceed. Or are you just focused? Tunnel vision to get through the uncomfortable moment. Do you think that these first steps are the first of hundreds? Hundreds of runs, hundreds of classes, thousands of people touched? Does your mind open a little to see the expansive nature of what you will accomplish in the next few years (decades)?
This weekend was amazing. Let's go on a mental trip for a minute.
Do you remember your very first race? Do you remember the very first time you did anything that you now do on a regular basis (i.e. stand in front of a classroom full of kids, cut someone's hair, touch a naked person for money)? Do you remember the swirling thoughts?
"I trained for this."
"I can do this."
"I've done this before- this isn't so different from those other times."
"What on Earth am I doing here?"
"I don't belong here."
"Can I change my mind?"
"That's ok. I can do this."
"Just start. You know it'll go fast if you just start (talking, touching, running)."
You look around and see other people gliding in around you, comfortable in their skin, in their work, in the task at hand. Maybe you look away, not wanting to be distracted from your own movement through time. Maybe you stare intently at them, watching for a clue that will help you fit in better, a hint at how to proceed. Or are you just focused? Tunnel vision to get through the uncomfortable moment. Do you think that these first steps are the first of hundreds? Hundreds of runs, hundreds of classes, thousands of people touched? Does your mind open a little to see the expansive nature of what you will accomplish in the next few years (decades)?
Friday, May 10, 2013
X-Training Like a Boss
Uuuuuugggghhhhhhh. MMmmmmmuuuuuuggggghhhhhhhh. Sssssssssssssssshhhhhhhuuuuuuuuuuu.
I don't cross train. I see it on the schedule when I'm training for events, but I just assume the X means "do nothing" on those days. And R means "rest a lot". But Stephan started training for the Tough Mudder in September. I downloaded a two page training workout and posted it in the basement. He headed down there one afternoon and I figured I'd be supportive and hold the stopwatch for him. Each exercise is done for only one or two minutes.
I also enjoyed reading ahead and being able to demonstrate the moves for a few seconds so he wouldn't have to figure things out on his own. After the first 10 minutes I started chiming in with encouragement like, "Why are you breathing so hard?" and, "You're almost done. You should pick up the pace." If he could have spoken I think he would have told me to get off the couch and start spider-web climbing myself. But I was in comfy clothes. I didn't want to sweat in them.
So I took up the challenge myself yesterday, albeit, with a custom playlist of 1 and 2 minute songs spaced perfectly so I would know when to change exercises. And guys, I can't move. First of all, I barely survived the workout. It seemed insane that 60 seconds could hurt so badly. But holding a 60 second squat? Fire. Two straight minutes of shoulders-up-only jumping jacks? Puke-inducing. My calves are so tender right now, sitting in a chair is causing cramps. Don't get me wrong. I love it (see previous entries about mental illness). I just didn't expect something as simple as a 45 minute interval workout to so totally kick my ass.
Well played, exercise. Well played.
I don't cross train. I see it on the schedule when I'm training for events, but I just assume the X means "do nothing" on those days. And R means "rest a lot". But Stephan started training for the Tough Mudder in September. I downloaded a two page training workout and posted it in the basement. He headed down there one afternoon and I figured I'd be supportive and hold the stopwatch for him. Each exercise is done for only one or two minutes.
I also enjoyed reading ahead and being able to demonstrate the moves for a few seconds so he wouldn't have to figure things out on his own. After the first 10 minutes I started chiming in with encouragement like, "Why are you breathing so hard?" and, "You're almost done. You should pick up the pace." If he could have spoken I think he would have told me to get off the couch and start spider-web climbing myself. But I was in comfy clothes. I didn't want to sweat in them.
So I took up the challenge myself yesterday, albeit, with a custom playlist of 1 and 2 minute songs spaced perfectly so I would know when to change exercises. And guys, I can't move. First of all, I barely survived the workout. It seemed insane that 60 seconds could hurt so badly. But holding a 60 second squat? Fire. Two straight minutes of shoulders-up-only jumping jacks? Puke-inducing. My calves are so tender right now, sitting in a chair is causing cramps. Don't get me wrong. I love it (see previous entries about mental illness). I just didn't expect something as simple as a 45 minute interval workout to so totally kick my ass.
Well played, exercise. Well played.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Overheard: Preschool Pickup
"Yeah, I like jogging. But I only do it for a month at a time and then I quit."
Let's review why this sentence was notable to me:
1. Jogging. No one jogs anymore. We run. Even if you're running a 13 minute mile, you're RUNNING. Joggers find dead bodies in parks. Runners collect t-shirts and medals. KEEP RUNNING!!!
2. One month of running. That's a warm-up. In 4 weeks you have just about established the groundwork for some serious mileage. After 4 weeks you can start speed work. Or start adding distance. After 4 weeks is when the magic happens. KEEP RUNNING!!!
3. Quitting. You're not quitting something if you keep doing it over and over again (i.e. drinking or smoking). You're just taking a break. Breaks happen. Sure. I don't have a problem with breaks. I take breaks all the time. Just don't quit. KEEP RUNNING!!!
Preschool mom and I don't run together. She's offered. But I've never run with a stranger before, and I'm nervous about being too slow. But this morning I handed her a pamphlet for the DetermiNation team. I told her that if she ever wanted to run a distance race they could train her to do it. Running for a charity adds a lot of things to a run. It keeps you accountable to people. If you quit, you let people down. It gives meaning to the miles you log- you're running to do some very real good in the world. And finishing the race is that much sweeter when you have an awesome fundraising total next to your name.
Let's review why this sentence was notable to me:
1. Jogging. No one jogs anymore. We run. Even if you're running a 13 minute mile, you're RUNNING. Joggers find dead bodies in parks. Runners collect t-shirts and medals. KEEP RUNNING!!!
2. One month of running. That's a warm-up. In 4 weeks you have just about established the groundwork for some serious mileage. After 4 weeks you can start speed work. Or start adding distance. After 4 weeks is when the magic happens. KEEP RUNNING!!!
3. Quitting. You're not quitting something if you keep doing it over and over again (i.e. drinking or smoking). You're just taking a break. Breaks happen. Sure. I don't have a problem with breaks. I take breaks all the time. Just don't quit. KEEP RUNNING!!!
Preschool mom and I don't run together. She's offered. But I've never run with a stranger before, and I'm nervous about being too slow. But this morning I handed her a pamphlet for the DetermiNation team. I told her that if she ever wanted to run a distance race they could train her to do it. Running for a charity adds a lot of things to a run. It keeps you accountable to people. If you quit, you let people down. It gives meaning to the miles you log- you're running to do some very real good in the world. And finishing the race is that much sweeter when you have an awesome fundraising total next to your name.
Friday, May 3, 2013
A Different Type of Relay
Imagine two suburbans packed with Cancer survivors, and their friends, on a 198 mile journey. Where are they going? Back for yet another round of testing? To explore a new treatment center? A prevention study? A support group? Rehab? What are they wearing? Medical dressings? Wigs? Paper gowns? What are they talking about? Side-effects? Surgical scars?
No. These suburbans are packed with survivors DetermiNated to fight against cancer. DetermiNated to relay to Chicago. DetermiNated to celebrate the American Cancer Society's 100th birthday in a BIG way. DetermiNated to help Finish the Fight. They are all wearing DetermiNation Red, White, and Blue. They are talking about their next races, their fundraising activities, and their supportive friends and family who have been with them the whole way.
Team DetermiNation 1 is made up of 12 people- both survivors and supporters- who are committed to bringing awareness to the fantastic efforts of the American Cancer Society and its DetermiNation endurance running program. Watch for the vans with the In Memory Of ribbons floating in the breeze, and the Survivors charging down the course, celebrating yet another birthday.
Click the link to find out how you can help use my 5th year cancer-free to make some amazing contributions to an amazing charity:
This is the Link. Click here.
No. These suburbans are packed with survivors DetermiNated to fight against cancer. DetermiNated to relay to Chicago. DetermiNated to celebrate the American Cancer Society's 100th birthday in a BIG way. DetermiNated to help Finish the Fight. They are all wearing DetermiNation Red, White, and Blue. They are talking about their next races, their fundraising activities, and their supportive friends and family who have been with them the whole way.
Team DetermiNation 1 is made up of 12 people- both survivors and supporters- who are committed to bringing awareness to the fantastic efforts of the American Cancer Society and its DetermiNation endurance running program. Watch for the vans with the In Memory Of ribbons floating in the breeze, and the Survivors charging down the course, celebrating yet another birthday.
Click the link to find out how you can help use my 5th year cancer-free to make some amazing contributions to an amazing charity:
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Why? Run?
Buckle up. I'm going deep.
People have a lot of reasons why they run...
Maybe you've always run.
Maybe you wanted to try something new.
Maybe you admired a person who was a runner.
Maybe you saw a stranger running and felt a longing to do 'that'.
Maybe there's a dress you want to wear and figured running would help you fit into it.
Maybe you go out for a run because it's the most effective way to shut your brain off.
Maybe it helps you sort out all the thoughts rolling around in there.
Maybe the endorphin rush has become as much of a habit as a morning cup of coffee.
Maybe there's something deeper.
Maybe you're out there to prove something to yourself. You can do this. You can finish that last mile. You can put on that extra bit of kick to hit your goal pace. You can slow down enough to add the distance you look for. You're strong enough. You're tough enough. You're good enough. You are enough.
Maybe it's someone else. There might be someone out there whose face you picture as you put your shoes on. Or when the run gets hard. Someone to who you can't wait to casually mention, "aw, yeah, it was just a 4 mile shake-out run. No big deal." Someone who inspires you because you want to prove something to them. That you aren't who they think you are. Or that you can be who you want to be when you're with that person. Like you're fooling them. But if you're fooling them to the benefit of your own health, then it's ok. Right?
Something is inspiring your run. Does it even matter why you're out there, as long as you are out there?
People have a lot of reasons why they run...
Maybe you've always run.
Maybe you wanted to try something new.
Maybe you admired a person who was a runner.
Maybe you saw a stranger running and felt a longing to do 'that'.
Maybe there's a dress you want to wear and figured running would help you fit into it.
Maybe you go out for a run because it's the most effective way to shut your brain off.
Maybe it helps you sort out all the thoughts rolling around in there.
Maybe the endorphin rush has become as much of a habit as a morning cup of coffee.
Maybe there's something deeper.
Maybe you're out there to prove something to yourself. You can do this. You can finish that last mile. You can put on that extra bit of kick to hit your goal pace. You can slow down enough to add the distance you look for. You're strong enough. You're tough enough. You're good enough. You are enough.
Maybe it's someone else. There might be someone out there whose face you picture as you put your shoes on. Or when the run gets hard. Someone to who you can't wait to casually mention, "aw, yeah, it was just a 4 mile shake-out run. No big deal." Someone who inspires you because you want to prove something to them. That you aren't who they think you are. Or that you can be who you want to be when you're with that person. Like you're fooling them. But if you're fooling them to the benefit of your own health, then it's ok. Right?
Something is inspiring your run. Does it even matter why you're out there, as long as you are out there?
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Splits
0.5 "Man, my legs are heavy today. I should have had more water this morning. I wonder if I'll warm up enough to justify this tank top. Shoot, kids playing basketball up there. Posture!"
1.0 "I love those cement geese. I'm surprised I hit 1.0 so soon. I thought it was at the end of the block. Huh. That extra half block really makes a difference. I'm doing ok- that was a 10:40 minute mile. I've got some pacing room."
1.5 "Ok. Ok. Halfway already. The wind is going to suck when I turn this corner, but the straight lines will be good for my brain. Turn up the music with all this traffic. Posture!!"
2.0 "One left. That last half-mile went really fast. If I had to, I could walk home in plenty of time. But no walking. I've got plenty of gas in the tank. 10:20 wasn't bad. That was a fast mile. I'm ok with that time."
2.5 "That's it. Cool down 1/2 mile. Right? Slow down. Slow it. Down. The hard part is over. Now cool down. Anna, slow down. You're not going to make it if you keep pushing. And you deserve the cool down."
3.0 "Ok. Done. Whew! The right leg is pretty sore. I've got to walk this out. Turn the right foot out? Does that feel better? Yeah. Turn it out. And breathe. And, done. Good sweat. Need more water. Gotta drink more water. Good run. There's the house."
1.0 "I love those cement geese. I'm surprised I hit 1.0 so soon. I thought it was at the end of the block. Huh. That extra half block really makes a difference. I'm doing ok- that was a 10:40 minute mile. I've got some pacing room."
1.5 "Ok. Ok. Halfway already. The wind is going to suck when I turn this corner, but the straight lines will be good for my brain. Turn up the music with all this traffic. Posture!!"
2.0 "One left. That last half-mile went really fast. If I had to, I could walk home in plenty of time. But no walking. I've got plenty of gas in the tank. 10:20 wasn't bad. That was a fast mile. I'm ok with that time."
2.5 "That's it. Cool down 1/2 mile. Right? Slow down. Slow it. Down. The hard part is over. Now cool down. Anna, slow down. You're not going to make it if you keep pushing. And you deserve the cool down."
3.0 "Ok. Done. Whew! The right leg is pretty sore. I've got to walk this out. Turn the right foot out? Does that feel better? Yeah. Turn it out. And breathe. And, done. Good sweat. Need more water. Gotta drink more water. Good run. There's the house."
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