(Server note: Seems like most blogs on Dreamhost were down for a short period this morning. If you can see me now, we are back in business so on with the show!)
I’m one of those people who can’t write unless I know what I’m going to write. I may not know how it will end but I cannot force myself to sit here and write unless I have a concrete idea. I was the same way in grad school – I could have an assignment due but until I formulated a paper in my head, there was no way I could force myself to write.
Yesterday, I mentioned the fact that I woke up early to run but the rain kept me from running. I am getting into my busy season at work which means working out over lunch will be very limited over the next couple of months. That meant I needed to get my run in after work yesterday which isn’t a big deal unless I’m crabby, cranky, and hot. Such was the case last night.
By 6:30, I was stomping my feet. I had decided it was too hot and was already mentally typing up a post explaining all the reasons why I could NOT run. In fact, I had already declared to Carlos I wouldn’t make my run. As I was mentally typing the post, I decided to take Iggy outside to go potty and take a couple of deep breaths.
- Breathing is magical.
Ironically, as I took those deep breaths, I realized that I was making excuses as to why I couldn’t run. It dawned on me that in the end, I was the one who had to stand up and be proud of my choice. If I couldn’t be proud of my choice, then what good was that choice? I knew exactly what I had to do. So, kicking and screaming and throwing my kindergartner tantrum, Iggy and I walked back in side.
Carlos was walking into the kitchen to find sometime for dinner and looked at me. Here is how the conversation went:
Carlos: What’s up?
Me: Nothing. I went outside and took a couple of deep breaths and realized I have to go running.
Carlos: Good. I’m glad your going.
Me: I’m not glad. I don’t want to go. Are you sure you don’t want me to make you dinner? Come’on! I’ll make you homemade chicken alfredo!
Carlos: ooohhh, that does sound good. NOW GO RUNNING!
I put my shoes on and went.
It was a crappy run and I only made it 3 of the 5 miles I was suppose to run. But I am proud of it. I did not let my attitude or excuses win. I stepped outside of my tantrum throwing childish view and recognized what was really going on.
I made a decision I could be proud of.
And then, I came home and made me a comforting dinner….breakfast!
Breakfast for dinner.
Moving forward:
How many times have you heard me say I need to get back into a morning workout routine? Probably too many times to count. But here is the deal. As I mentioned above, the next 3 months at work are going to be insanely busy (I work in campus recruiting and so fall is a big time of the year for us). That said, I need to start my day off right.
My current training schedule has me working out Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday with Monday & Friday as rest days. Luckily my work schedule today will allow me to get my cardio in over lunch. Tomorrow, it does not. So my goal, starting tomorrow will be to complete my Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday workouts BEFORE work. Tuesdays & Thursdays are runs and Wednesdays are typically cross training days (so I’ll probably do a DVD at home.)
Special Purchase:
By the way……… last night, Carlos and I booked our tickets to Rome! It will be two weeks of beyond words! Carlos’ sister lives in Rome and his niece is getting married so we are going for her wedding. AAAHHH – I cannot wait! I promise to update from Rome and share a ton of pictures!
Do any of you live in Rome?
Final thought:
Last week, I had a worried thought:
What am I going to do after I’m done training for my 10 mile run in October? What is going to keep me on a “schedule?”
I’ve heard people experience this before — they train for a goal for months on end and then, once the event has happened, they are left wondering what is next. I’ve actually figured out the answer but I thought I’d entertain some of your ideas first, before sharing my plan.
Whaddya got for me?
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Good for you for making yourself go running! I always tell myself that after I’m done, I’ve never regretted going out for a run, but I’ve regretted many times NOT going out for one. I have the same issue – I’m training for a half marathon that is 2 weeks from Sunday (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and then trying to figure out what to do next. I’m thinking of refocusing my efforts on another form of exercise to give myself a break from running bc lately I’ve not been enjoying the long (9-10-11) mile runs. There’s a place in DC that offers yoga for a free week and it’s an intense cardio workout, so I was thinking of doing that the week I’m back and then seeing where it takes me!
Well done on the run, you’re right to be proud because you did go.
I’m not from Rome but I’m from Europe and have been to Italy a few times now including Rome and you are going to love it there. There is so much beautiful things to see, only the Vatican by itself can keep you busy for a few days.
I was in the same position last year, I trained for and ran a 10K and thought I would keep on running and then start training for a half marathon in 2011 but after a few months I noticed that I didn’t run that much anymore because I didn’t have a goal so I started training for the half in April of this year and will run one next year April, I’m taking my time. I’m already thinking about what to do after that, definitely not a marathon. I think I’m going to try to run a half every year in another country, that should be fun.
Half-marathon!!
Great job getting out there when you really didn’t want to. I struggle sometimes, too.
Great work getting out there even if you really didn’t want to, sometimes those are the best workouts and the ones where you feel so accomplished.
HMMMM….ROME…..that’s a pretty ROMANTIC place and the perfect setting for…..ok you can read between the lines…..Just Sayin’…. you should get Carlos to read this comment just for a little inspiration
. Hi Carlos 
Love ya girl!
I totally agree — HALF MARATHON
Just keep on running.
I am actually starting back to the basics and starting with a 5K plan, then will move to a 10K plan and I have a goal that this time next year….I will be doing a half marathon.
Hey Jen, I was randomly just wondering. Is your new running routine making you lose more weight? I was just curious. Some people tend to write that when trying to refuel for all the long runs that they tend to gain weight instead of lose. Just wondering.
As I mentioned before… 1/2 marathon. I always have something on the go fitness wise. Look at different fitness classes, bootcamps, dance, sports, etc. Here is what I have chosen over the past 2 years…. belly dancing, new fitness equipment at home (elliptical and home gym), women’s soccer rec league, triathlon training (I have done 4 triathlons in the past 2 years and absolutely love it), pole dancing, new gym membership, 1/2 marathons, I also take a swim training program and a dryland triathlon clinic. There is lots to do out there experiment and find something you love.
I have become addicted to races (I am NOT fast – I just like getting a shirt and sometimes a medal!). I had almost never done any in my life prior to last year, and have since done 2 sprint tri’s, a sprint du, an Olympic Duathlon, a 5 mile race, and three half marathons. Number 4 is in two weeks, and then i have….nothing on the calendar. So, I’ve decided to sign up for a full marathon that is next May. THAT should give me something to train for!! I like having a schedule to keep other than just, I should go work out and do something. It takes some of the thinking out of working out to just follow a plan. I am not a real runner, and last year running 3 miles was a pretty big deal to me. Last weekend I did 14.5 and it didn’t kill me. I say do a half – you can totally do it!!
I LOVED ROME! I stil havent gotten over it. You are going to have a fantastic time!!!! This year we head to Paris and Madrid
I cant wait!
Triathalon, definitely. One of those sprint triathalons would be perfect.
Oh Rome, sounds so exciting!
There are so many options out there for things to keep active with and goals to chase. But the one thing I know is to have a plan in place before your race comes.
When in Rome . . .
Have a great time. Two week vacations are the BEST!!
Goals for me. Keep on track. Since I started my new job, life has been crazy, so I just need to keep on track with my eating and get some motivation to work out. One thing at a time.
What really kept me going through last year was that I had signed up for a 10K in April, which would have been my first ever race. Made me push myself throughout the winter. I did the Get in Gear. Pretty sure they have a half marathon..hint hint. haha! Watch out though, it is hard to NOT workout post-race since you’re not training for anything. I hit that after my half marathon. But now with the 10 mile looming I have to pick it up again!
I wish I would have read this this morning! I woke up at 5 intending to work out, hit snooze a lot and went downstairs. Threw a tantrum about not wanting to exercise and plopped my ass on the couch to watch last night’s Teen Mom episode….
Jen
http://jenslosinit.blogspot.com/
I don’t live in Rome but we did get married in Italy and spent 2 1/2 weeks there, I have tons of recommendations if you need any!
Wow, Rome!?!?? I am SOOOOO jealous. How wonderful! (I did have to giggle at Syl’s comment though!)
As far as what to keep you motivated…it totally depends on much you like having this kind of workout schedule. Personally, I like having a more “rigid” schedule where I have to run x distance x times per week, and then the flexibility of having off days or cross-training days. It keeps me on track. But if you find that “having to run” so often is NOT fun for you, then doing another big race like this probably isnt the right option for you.
I think that you’d like doing a half-marathon sometime next year…after all, after this 10-mile race, a half-mary is ONLY a 5K away!
But again, if you feel like this type of schedule isn’t for you, then probaly just regular 5Ks or so will keep you motivated to continue. 
I’m like the above poster though – I like having a training/race schedule, and the medals for the larger races is always fun too!
You could form a team to run in next year’s Ragnar Relay Great River event. I know it’s not until next summer, but you can find lots of 5 & 10Ks to run before hand to keep you motivated. Also, the TC half marathon would be another event to look forward to. If you’re willing to travel a bit, the Rock ‘n Roll running series are all over the U.S. (I think the Ragnar is too), that way you could see some new sites and still keep up with the training.
Glad to hear you made your run. BTW, I was in Rome for a few days back in 2008 and it was beautiful. I actually celebrated my birthday there and ate at this little cafe. My husband and I had delicious meal and got me drunk off a bottle of vino. lol That was the year I got my first and only prada bag. It is very small but it was one of things I can mark off my list.
I understand that kicking and screaming all the way when you don’t want to run.
Been there. Dressed and ready to go only to call my running buddy and talk her into coffee instead of running. You know what, it’s ok, you don’t have to make every single run on your schedule. You will have enough miles under your belt and you will be fine.
Do a another 10K and a 15K then go for that half marathon. I did, and I’m glad I did. Unfortunately, I injured my back during training and have spent the last 6 months rehabbing and getting those miles back up again. I wanted to do another half this year but it looks like it might be sometime next year before that happens but I’m hanging in there and keep plugging away at it.
3 miles is much better than 0 miles, way to go on making a decision to be proud of!
Rome?!?!? How exciting!! You guys are going to have a blast. I’m already excited to read about it!
Jen! I miss you sweetie! I will train with you for anything at all!
Good for you for being so determined! 
I loved Rome! I bet you will too… that’s so exciting that you are going!
When are you going? I’m going to Vienna and Budapest in May (barring no unforeseen circumstances), and I am DYING to buy my tickets!!!
OH WOMAN YOU UNKNOWINGLY MADE MY DAY.
that, friend, is the premise of my book.
what what now after the goal has been nailed (Ive never phrased it as such…but thats it).
email me?
I try to plan races/ events about 2-3 months apart, so I don’t get bored or fall off the wagon. It give me something to look forward to and something to strive for.
I know winter running in MN is not ideal, but there are lots of fun races in January. I like the Polar Dash 10k put on by team ortho.
Thanks for posting my sweaty pic!
Half! Half! After I ran my first 10K, I decided to train for a half. Scared the hell out of me, but it was the best experience of my life. Everyone’s different though. Do what works FOR YOU.
(Sprint Tri could also be an option?)
Jen, I wish I could talk myself into runs like you do.
Rome. Oh man. You will love it. My mom’s entire family lives in Italy. The food is killer, it’s amazing. Find your happy balance and try everything. If you can, get out of Rome for a day trip or two. Take the train down to Naples for a day. I could go on and on, but I will spare you. The only thing I can say is enjoy your time, take it all in, and try everything you can. Rome is beyond romantic. Unless of course you take a side trip to Vince. I am so grateful I get to travel to Italy so often. ENJOY!!
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