[58] Road Work Ahead

Must find this in Japan!

Sometimes, life hands you detours. Mine has unfortunately lasted longer than I originally intended, spanning nearly two months. Please forgive my transgressions. My creative muse went on vacation mid-July, and after the broiling heat of the Queens' Half-Marathon (complete with visit of Lady Gaga), my winged shoes took flight as well. I went to Japan and back, and only last week did I lace up for the first time in nearly six weeks. Hitting wall after wall and continuing across a weight-loss plateau, my frustration has me a little bristly around the edges.

One wall was knocked down today: the professional one. The last few months, I've been contemplating a career move, but the constant uncertainty came to a head this morning after my final Japanese test. En route back to Westchester, I cried as I sang along with Adele and the radio while heading north of the Hutchinson River Parkway. During the final testing stage, I was informed that it would take 24-28 hours before a final decision would come my way, but around 5:30PM... the call came: passed languaged test and a job offer.

I could have easily logged a couple of miles there and then, had I not been in flipflops and surrounded by students. I would have preferred frolicking around the soccer pitch, but the boys' varsity team was in the midst of a game. I felt a wall melt away today, so here I am. Looking at the ruins of my hard work.

Half-Marathon Hiatus
On July 30th, I ran the Queens Half in sweltering heat and humidity. On August 28th, the Bronx Half was cancelled due to Hurricane Irene (but NYRR thankfully is awarded credit).  On October 9th, I am registered for the Staten Island Half, but I will be in Atlanta for training. SI was to be my last half for 2011, so I am finished running halves for this year. I partially find this to be a relief. I think a portion of the running wall I hit has to do with my training schedule, and being overambitious with my scheduling and running goals. I learned the hard way with Queens, that despite my Floridian upbringing, I am not meant to run 13.1 miles consecutively in a short window of time in the height of summer. Ever.

Reviewing my initial training calendar, I had planned on taking a break from half-marathon training between the SI 1/2 and my Japanese proficiency examination in early December. I feel I am not quite ready to start focusing on speed work necessary for a 5K PR,  nor am I willing to sacrifice endurance and mileage by focusing on short runs. Looking over my Nike Coaching options, I selected the Intermediate I 10K Program

Training Dates: 09/14/11-12/06/11
Total Mileage: 260.3 Miles

[ get started ] 35 Miles
* week 1: 2+4+4 = 10Mi
* week 2: 6+2+4+5 = 17Mi
* week 3: 7+2+5+6 = 18Mi

[ keep it going ] 65 Miles
* week 4: 7+2+5+6 = 18Mi
* week 5: 8+2+6+6 = 22Mi
* week 6: 8+2+2+7+6 = 25Mi

[ halfway done ] 81.1 Miles
* week 7: 2+7.1+3+4+8 =  24.1Mi
* week 8: 9+3+7+3+6 = 28Mi
* week 9:  10+3+7+3+6 = 29Mi

[ bring it home ] 52 Miles
* week 10: 9+3+7+7 = 26Mi
* week 11: 10+3+6+7 = 26Mi

[ finish strong ] 27.2 Miles
* week 12: 6+3+5+5 = 19Mi
* week 13: 2+6.2 = 8.2Mi

Writing all the mileage onto my Princess Calendar made me a little antsy. Half of my anticipated mileage, weeks three through eight, overlap with my scheduled training in Atlanta. With sitting through nine hours of classes daily, Monday through Friday, I am going to want to stretch my legs and burn off some stress between test preparation and late night study sessions. Plus, I am going to need to fit into a uniform by the top of November, and I'd like to order something in a *gasp* size six.

Doing the Math
Bottom line is that I will need to manage logging miles while balancing classes and meals. While residing in the HQ dormitory, I will be without a kitchen and many of the tools I currently use, so I will need to stay creative about meals and scheduling. Without access to a TV/DVD player, all my fitness videos are useless. I'll have my laptop, so the yoga mat is coming with me. Working on my posture is a necessity, and not just when I am running either.

The training pay will be adequate, but to avoid over-spending (and overeating), I am heavily considering taking up a home delivery food service like The Biggest Loser Meal Plan or Nutrisystem. My primary concern at this juncture is access to cooking and cold storage. Tea, coffee, and water are covered, so depending on what appliances are available, one of these could be a reasonable (and time-saving) option. I don't want to rely on snack bars, and transportation (and time for any activities) off-campus will be rather limited.

The key factor overall is the scheduling of the class blocks. With eight or nine hours of classes daily, running is going to either be a up-at-dawn pre-coffee jump start or slam it in before dinner and evening study sessions escape. Hopefully the information I will be provided shortly will outline any regulations with regard to free time and use of headquarters campus outside of class time. Considering a massive reward if I am able to adhere to my plan and make time for running... besides the pay off of going shopping for new clothes!

Pinterest: Motivation Station

After chatting with my dear pals, Rusty & Allyson, about new ways to showcase photograph collections or things I am interested in. That's when Allyson invited me to Pinterest, a nifty little site where one can build collections of image they like in a virtual bulletin board format. I'm working on keeping my "pinterests" related to running.

To follow up Motivation Station, I've started making its digital incarnation. Take a desk vacation and enjoy a little motivation station!

[54] Perspiration Board

I'm finally moved into my new place! I'm living out of boxes, but I couldn't stand staring at all the naked walls. In my last place, I had scraps of motivation strewn all over my apartment. Looking back at my soapbox on motivation from last month, I decided I needed to organize my personal motivation station and not subject my apartment to being overrun by running. Previously, I had things tacked to the walls and taped to mirrors, as well as things pinned on any magnetic surface and Post-it notes everywhere. Bottom line, I had no organization to my motivation station at all.

[Building a Victory]

Initially, the PB started out as single picture from the back of my first Nike+ iPod Kit (close up at the bottom). I taped it to the back of my front door at eye level, and every morning before I set out, my weight loss goal stared right back at me. It got me out the door, even in the winter, but as I started logging miles and setting personal best records (PBs), I started putting Post-Its all over the place. To avoid plummeting into a similar fate, I wanted to corral my running items into a special corner of my new place. This wall is near the back of my apartment, just past the washer & dryer, facing the bathroom, and next to my bedroom door. Instead of overwhelming every single person who visits my place and subjecting them to my "running mania" (as it's been dubbed), I've decided to rein it in a little bit.

• Race Bibs (top left): I have a growing collection of race numbers, but the ones I displayed are the races I have run for my guaranteed entry requirements for the 2012 New York City Marathon. I can't wait to see what it will look like come September 24th!
• Weight Goal (top center): That number hasn't budged for some time. I have plenty of yellow Post-Its leftover, so I need to get cracking on the remaining poundage.
• Run Card (top right): My college gal pal, Kimi, made this fantastic good luck card in honor of my running the RunDisney Princess Half-Marathon back in February. It reminds me that I am officially endurance sport royalty!
• One Tiny Word (center): Meghan inspired me to select a single word to focus my energy toward achieving in the next year. With regard to running, I intend to cultivate my running skills as well as a happier and healthier lifestyle.
• Princess Calendar (far right): A present from Meghan on Princess Half weekend! Currently lists my registered races, weigh-ins, mileage and important things like registration openings (when I remember to write them down)! I do need to start affixing photos to it.

To avoid making the whole board too heavy for the nails, I am planning to invest in a wall display rack for my medals. Not that I have that many, but some of them are heavier than I thought! I am thinking about clipping some quotes, not just by famous female runners, but other writers, actresses, activities, and other public figures. I don't want to simply focus on running with my motivational quotes, but also self-esteem, body image, and anything else that tickles my fancy.

Yes, I think I will do that! ;)

I'm keeping a journal for my detailed workouts, eating habits, measurements, and such, and I would rather not clutter the board with that. Along with my running folio, those items are being kept near my desk, so I can also access them when I am working on this. I'm debating putting up a wish list of things I could "run toward" as rewards for either logging mileage or losing weight. With respect to clothing, I am trying to hold off on investing in new duds until I can hit at least 140lbs (only 6.6 pounds to go), but sometimes its so hard.

One thing I definitely need to do is go through all my photos, hit up a photo lab, and post some pictures of the people I run with! One of my greatest inspirations and motivators are my friends, not only those who run with me, but those who also cheer me on.

What else should I tack up there...?

[45] Motivation Station

Although the calendar states that summer does not officially begin until the Solstice on the 21st, the heat and humidity are screaming otherwise at me. Despite my upcoming running schedule and weightloss plateau, I feel my motivation idling at times. Today, I was chatting with my gal pal (and fellow endurace runner), Meghan, and she asked me to write a bit on what motivates me. Contrary to the two-hour midday cat nap I took, I did take some time to contemplate things which motivate me. Naturally, motivators are important things to consider when committing to just about anything, but another thing to be aware of are "demotivators". Don't get me wrong, I love a good snicker at the snark and wit of Despair, Inc. (and all the fan service knock offs), but I think the humor would be lost if there wasn't a shred of truth to their commentary.

Never. Stop. Running.

Sometimes, looking in the mirror can be harder than one anticipates. However, without doing so, finding one's points for improvement and what triggers downshifts in motivation can be difficult to achieve. After some heaving thinking, I've condensed my list to three primary triggers:

1. Stress & Burn Out: Usually when my stress meter is pushed to the limit, I either clean my apartment or run away from the source. Jack rabbitting is often done by car, not actual running, and often results in comfort foods (and following guilt). Working 1.5 jobs has amped up my stress level, resulting in minimal energy for anything that isn't work-related. In my free time, I either want to zone out on the couch, sleep, or do lazy things which require zero running. 
2. Frustration & Disappointment: I've been struggling with the 150 pound plateau for several months. I've pushed hard to get down to 146, but it comes back on faster than it comes off. I've been working hard at running, but my times (endurance, stamina, and flexibility) aren't improving. Looking at the photos from my two races in Central Park in the last two months, I don't look thinner. I'm not achieving my goals and I hate the cameras for adding ten pounds.
3. Satisfaction Saboteurs: I know others working (or not working) on their weight loss goals, some with rather nasty cases of passive aggression.  Even though they ask me about my progress, more often than not there are back handed comments intertwined with their compliments.

Don't listen to the Itty Bitty $#itty Committee!!

With those items in mind, scraping together the gumption to take action is the hard part. Nine times out of ten, throwing in the towel feel easier, though far less gratifying. Also, devising an action plan is only a small part of what one needs to do to make the changes necessary. Committing a plan to paper, blog, tattoo, headstone, what have you, is a great start. Just don't forget the other part: acting on it.

1. Support System: Whenever I am feeling low, I think about my family, friends, and runner buddies. I think about all the positive energy they've given me this far in my journey. If I am in a rut, even just a quick phone call or text, lifts my spirits. Many of my friends and family are in different levels or fitness and have different goals, and I know that I have to give back what I receive from them. Taking without giving back disrupts the balance, and the last thing I want to do is be selfish.
2. Accountability: I've signed up for a list of races between now and September, but without training, I am most likely to injure myself on the path to success. Signing up for a training program which requires a financial commitment sounds like a worthwhile investment, but until I can consistently utilize the free tools available to me, I need to work on phasing out my inner procrastinator. Once I am able to pare
3. Sunshine: Even if it's not a run, just pushing myself out the door for a 20 minute walk works wonders. I often wonder if I am partially solar powered (or just vitamin D deficient). Depending on the time of year, I like running at different times of day. In the spring and autumn, I prefer midday or high afternoon (when its bright and not too cold). Winter calls for morning runs (to shake off the desire to hibernate), or treadmill work inside in the early afternoon (before the sun sets at 5PM). Summertime is the trickiest, as early morning runs require me dragging my lazy bones out of bed before 7AM. 
4. Patience: When I am tired or stressed, my patience runs rather thin. As of January, I've realized that I have bitten off more than I can chew. Admitting that is rather hard, but coming to terms with it is essential if I am to overcome it. 
5. Change Up: If I find myself struggling, I try something new: a new location, a new playlist, a new book, (and sometimes a new running article). Reading about running, especially with Runner's World, has kept my imagination fresh when it comes to running. Though more often than not, it makes me want to do more shopping! ;) Learning about this sport has kept my interest fresh.

I'm looking to take my lemons and make one heck of a lemonade this summer. It certainly won't be easy, but the pay off will be quite refeshing!

[21] Summoning the Lioness

:

Challenge: Nike+ Run Like a Lion
Intro: They say March either comes in like a Lamb or a Lion. We want you to attack it like the latter.
Goal: Synch 50 miles between March 7th (12A) and March 31 (10:59P) [Details]
Swag:  Hit it hard this March for your chance to win a pair of Nike’s most innovative new shoes - the Lunar Haze.

I always love a good challenge. It keeps me honest, and prevents me from procrastinating on my training, especially when I have a race scheduled. I am not expecting to lead the pack and win the shoes (though it would be nice), but I am going to push myself to knock out this challenge prior to the last week of the month. Naturally, I am leaving some room for negotiation, but I really want to stick to my guns. DC is coming up faster than I would care to admit, and I would like to nail a better time on my 5K.

Gotta get to work, Baby.

I have several large, time consuming work commitments coming up, so I am certain my stress level may go through the roof. The senior trip to Florida is also weighing heavily on my mind as it will be like sitting on the sun in Florida come April, and I would like to enjoy the pool and water parks just like everyone else.  Also, with spring rapidly making its way in, I need to start stripping off the layers, like the Under Armour Heatgear® Capris which are designed to help keep the heat trapped in on those cooler runnings. I'm planning a trip to {intmacy} to buy a bathing suit with appropriate support.

Scheduled Runs

1. 3/10 (Thu): 5 Miles (568 Cal)
2. 3/11 (Fri)
3. 3/12 (Sat)
4. 3/14 (Mon)
5. 3/15 (Tue)
6. 3/17 (Thu)
7. 3/18 (Fri)
8. 3/20 (Sun)
9. 3/21 (Mon)
10. 3/24 (Thu)

This morning, when I stepped on the scale, I was in for a pleasant surprise. After a month of fighting with a plateau, I finally smashed past 150 pounds. I actually started this mini-project when I first bought my Nike+ basic kit in 2009. I flicked through the Post-It Notes this morning, taking a moment to see how far I've come. One of the troubles I had last year was that I kept focusing on how much I had left to lose instead of celebrating how far I had come. When I finally hit that 130 pound mark, I think I shall take a photo of the compacted version of my journey. To make sense of the numbers, the number on the left is where I am at presently, and the one on the right (130) is my goal weight.

Finally smashed through the plateau I've been fighting. (Photo: Not Me... Yet.)

For a long time, I have had a fear of the scale. When I first started attending Weight Watchers meetings, I started becoming more comfortable with them. Now, weighing-in has become part of my daily morning routine. It is always the hardest to step up after a long weekend or a night out with friends, but it keeps me honest and focused. When I invested in my bathroom scale, I selected this one by Conair and endorsed by Weight Watchers. The design is nice and compact, but it is also accurate and easily switches between pounds and kilograms. If you are looking to invest in a reliable and affordable scale, I highly recommend this one.

The intimidation factor of weighing in drops dramatically when I know I've maintained a healthy diet and adhered to my running schedule. Its only after one of those long, lazy, leave-me-alone weekends, that the showdown causes me to break a sweat. My weekends from now through the end of April are booked solid, so I have to make sure that I am keeping healthy, taking time for myself, and roaring through like the lioness I am.

[o5] Committing to Myself

Getting back into the swing of things, both running and writing related, has been harder than I anticipated. I got sidetracked for a little while, but I think everyone goes through a funk now and then. With the year winding down, work finishing up for the year, and as I prepare to go home for the holidays, I figure I need to get my ducks in a row.

I will try to chase up this old film over vacay in so Flo!

I started running just over a year ago, and though I shaved off twenty-five pounds, it's high time tackle the remaining thirty. When I signed up for NW1/2M, it gave me the kick in the pants to regularly hit the road and pound some pavement. It also encouraged me to eat healthier and maintain more control of what I ate. Between now and April, I have committed myself to the following races:

• Greater Fort Lauderdale Road Runners' Resolution 5K (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
• Gasparilla Distance Classic 5K (Tampa, FL)
• Disney Princess Half-Marathon (Orlando, FL)
• Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K (Washington, DC)

I have joined the New York Road Runners, but I haven't made much use of my membership since the UN Friendship Race on the New York Marathon Weekend last month. Once their race schedules get updated, especially for May and June, I am sure I will sign up for something. I can't keep traveling out of town for all of my running fun. Connecticut is close, but I need to see if I can find races in Greenwich and Stamford as both are within 30 minutes.

Once I am in better running shape, I will start making a more concerted effort to get out of bed on Saturday mornings, and join the Nike Store Westchester Run Club. I think one of my main issues with this has been I am simply too cheap to pay for mall parking and not actually go to the mall. Being a regular at my local Nike Store has also resulted in an exponential growth in my running wardrobe. I even ran into one of the employees at the Nike Booth during IGN NYC Marathon weekend and she remembered me. Good thing about my running clothes is they are light and easy to pack, but if I am going to seriously train while at home, I'll be hitting the outlet mall for some extras.

I loved this running image, but click to check out her home!

Sadly, even the Sunshine State has been hit with a cold snap, so I'll be bringing cold weather gear along for the ride. Though I doubt I will need heavy layers in south Florida. There's a great article in this month's issue of Runner's World about dressing appropriately for cold weather running based upon the region one intends on running. In "Comfort Zones" by Lisa Jhung (pages 99 to 102), gear and accessories are presented in six regional models. Being that I live and train primarily in the Northest, but I will be doing several winter-time races in Florida (December and February respectively), I found the article rather informative and helpful. I even passed it onto a colleague of mine who is also into racing.

Speaking of which, I came to the realization that several of my colleagues run. Whether its to get in shape like me or to do triathalons, its nice to know there is a "Run Club" under my roof. It's like Fight Club, but more of a Fit Club. There are also other athletes which makes for fun talk about sports and the best way to train and cross train for them.