Minus the Spring Break part.
In Texas, everyone is just finishing up their week of vacation and let me tell you, don't go to Walmart for a quick grocery run on Sunday. People are there buying the whole store!
My mini-SB2011 happened on Saturday after quite a long week. Everybody at work except for me and my boss asked for the week off. So we ploughed through the work week together!
The store was busy and it really helped the week go by pretty quickly. But it also meant it was a pretty tiring week. My first day off was Friday and it was so nice! But I was feeling the effects of the past week very much.
My run on Friday was less of a run as it was me trying to push the world off the bottom of my feet. My leg muscles stopped working at about half a mile in and my feet became my heroes. Thank goodness I have forced them mile after mile in the previous years because that was the only way they finished the run Friday. They were little machines. Well, big machines. But they didn't have the rest of me to support them. So I got through the run Friday and tried a mini-work out on Saturday, which ended up being mini. And it was still my feet that got me through it. My muscles were just pretty useless this week. All because I did not fuel them correctly. Luckily I got back to my regular schedule this week. And the little pep in my step is slowly returning.
It reminded me of why the little things matter so much. You can push yourself as much as you want. Run yourself into the ground. So easy to do. Time to learn from it all. Take my feet a few more steps. And stay thankful that they still really know how to do their job.
How far can one step take you? As far as your heart can lead...
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Simple
Don't let your goals become your limits.
I got to the gym after work last night. Small victories.
My goal was to bench the bar at Lifetime. That goal became a limit :)
But just because I did not bench the bar, and I found a limit it does not mean I can't go to the gym and work on my strength.
Thank goodness for cult-like gyms after graduation. Sorry that I still do not have the urge to do aerobics and yoga, but, Lifetime, I love the crazy outfits I see and the women who straighten their hair and put on makeup just to lift weights and talk on their phones.
Also, ps- Lifetime, thank you for showing the finale of the Bachelor and an episode of Bones at the same time on the telivisions while I was doing planks. I forgot the kind of tv I was missing at home with the total of 2 channels we have to watch. You just added to the list of why I like going :) It is like realizing in college you can do multiple loads of laundry at once because of all the washers and dryers together. Now, if I could drop off my laundry, get my work out in, watch some of my favorite shows, and take my puppy for a walk all at the same time, I may have to marry you. Derick- the challenge is on :)
I got to the gym after work last night. Small victories.
My goal was to bench the bar at Lifetime. That goal became a limit :)
But just because I did not bench the bar, and I found a limit it does not mean I can't go to the gym and work on my strength.
Thank goodness for cult-like gyms after graduation. Sorry that I still do not have the urge to do aerobics and yoga, but, Lifetime, I love the crazy outfits I see and the women who straighten their hair and put on makeup just to lift weights and talk on their phones.
Also, ps- Lifetime, thank you for showing the finale of the Bachelor and an episode of Bones at the same time on the telivisions while I was doing planks. I forgot the kind of tv I was missing at home with the total of 2 channels we have to watch. You just added to the list of why I like going :) It is like realizing in college you can do multiple loads of laundry at once because of all the washers and dryers together. Now, if I could drop off my laundry, get my work out in, watch some of my favorite shows, and take my puppy for a walk all at the same time, I may have to marry you. Derick- the challenge is on :)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Awkward Long Legged Turtle
Shopping at Walmart.
Checking out and waiting for my receipt. Standing around for all 100 $ worth of groceries to be bagged.
Such a boring trip. Until I asked for quarters.
The cashier directed me to the bank behind me. Hauling myself over to the counter I asked if they could change out a roll of quarters. Laundry Mount Everest needed to be dominated. The guy seemed way to eager to help me.
And while my mom has always said I have a nice pair of these, I just thought they were too pale and awkward for the world. Until I moved to Texas. I guess the warm weather and some lifting have been doing me some good because the teller took a breath and spit out, "Just so you know, you have a really nice pair of legs." Whew. Glad he said legs. Wait? He said legs?
This was all happening to fast. I just needed quarters. Suddenly my running shorts felt too short and my shopping cart was way to heavy. I also felt the major need to flash my gorgeous engagement ring extra well when I reached for the necessary coins of domination that he was handing me. I was too embarrassed to say anything so I just turned to go. He called out, "I just thought you should know, they are nice!"
So awkward.
...
Are people in Texas just willing to say more? I had a guy come in at work and call me "A tall drink of water" right in front of his teenage daughter, who rolled her eyes and said, "Daaaad, please." I think Texans are a very confident group of people. It is pretty intimidating.
SO I am just going to take myself back to the track. Put on my shoes. Try get some more miles under my belt. That is where I always feel at home. My legs are good at turning left. They have more freckles than muscles. And, besides causing me a little embarrassment, the are the most coordinated things I have. That isn't saying much, but it is what I am thankful for.
Life question- So if my legs look better after only a little bit of lifting, why don't my arms follow suit? SAS has made an all too triumphant return. Even with lifting they are still pretty pathetic. In fact, my trainer doesn't think I can even bench press the bar. Not that any runner needs to be able to bench press a bar, but I could do that when I was in junior high. This week's small goal is to prove I can hoist that dumb metal bar up over my face in a precarious position. Time to start praying!
Checking out and waiting for my receipt. Standing around for all 100 $ worth of groceries to be bagged.
Such a boring trip. Until I asked for quarters.
The cashier directed me to the bank behind me. Hauling myself over to the counter I asked if they could change out a roll of quarters. Laundry Mount Everest needed to be dominated. The guy seemed way to eager to help me.
And while my mom has always said I have a nice pair of these, I just thought they were too pale and awkward for the world. Until I moved to Texas. I guess the warm weather and some lifting have been doing me some good because the teller took a breath and spit out, "Just so you know, you have a really nice pair of legs." Whew. Glad he said legs. Wait? He said legs?
This was all happening to fast. I just needed quarters. Suddenly my running shorts felt too short and my shopping cart was way to heavy. I also felt the major need to flash my gorgeous engagement ring extra well when I reached for the necessary coins of domination that he was handing me. I was too embarrassed to say anything so I just turned to go. He called out, "I just thought you should know, they are nice!"
So awkward.
...
Are people in Texas just willing to say more? I had a guy come in at work and call me "A tall drink of water" right in front of his teenage daughter, who rolled her eyes and said, "Daaaad, please." I think Texans are a very confident group of people. It is pretty intimidating.
SO I am just going to take myself back to the track. Put on my shoes. Try get some more miles under my belt. That is where I always feel at home. My legs are good at turning left. They have more freckles than muscles. And, besides causing me a little embarrassment, the are the most coordinated things I have. That isn't saying much, but it is what I am thankful for.
Life question- So if my legs look better after only a little bit of lifting, why don't my arms follow suit? SAS has made an all too triumphant return. Even with lifting they are still pretty pathetic. In fact, my trainer doesn't think I can even bench press the bar. Not that any runner needs to be able to bench press a bar, but I could do that when I was in junior high. This week's small goal is to prove I can hoist that dumb metal bar up over my face in a precarious position. Time to start praying!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Better Than Christmas
I am completely obsessed with DIII athletics.
It is hard to let go of something so great. So I choose to obsess. And this week is a great time to obsess!
ITS NATIONALS!! Indoor Track Nationals to be precise. NCAA DIII Indoor Track & Field Nationals 2011.
My favorite time of year. It is like Christmas wrapped in sweat, colorful jerseys, and spikes. Pretty close to the smell of cookies baking, christmas lights, and shiny ornaments right?
But what do you wrap this time of year? RACES, RACES, AND MORE RACES!
Christmas gets all the hype though. We start the decorating, songs, and shopping way before the month of December. Well, Nationals are this weekend and I have not witnessed much hype. The Championships were hosted at my alma mater (DEPAUW University) last year and I was spoiled with all the attention the meet got. Now I am way out in Texas and have to generate my own hoopla. Letsrun and Flotrack don't even try to get the excitement going like they do for all the other divisions So here is my pre-nationals DIII 2011 hype hysteria hoopla athletes to watch list!
800m
Top qualifying time this year: Keelie Finnel of Coe College with a 2:10.62
Number of athletes: 15
2010 Winning time: 2:09.24 Emily Schudrowitz of St. Norbert
Why I can't wait for this event: I remember watching Keelie Finnel last year in the 400m and praying that I would graduate before she moved up to the 800! She announced her presence this year in the 800 after having a pretty descent run in the 400 realm. Now she faces the past champ in Schudrowitz and seasoned 800m studs in Ann Tank, Meryl Wimberley, and Tara Clemens. Clemens is a great athlete to watch because I knew and raced her older sister. If they are anything alike, Tara will really put her heart out there in the race this weekend. Ann Tank is one of the biggest fighters I have ever raced and will help keep the race honest. Another emerging star is Leah Clement of Wellesley. She has absolutely obliterated races this season and it has been really exciting to watch her progression.
MILE
Top qualifying time of 2011: Randelle Boots of Wellesley College with a 4:50.12
Number of athletes: 15
2010 Winning time: 4:50.20 Marie Borner of Bethel University
Why I can't wait for this event: This event holds a big spot in my running soul. It was one of the coolest races I have ever competed in. And this year the race looks even better. I have another big spot in my running soul saved for Randelle Boots. An absolutely impressive mix of intensity, dedication, and talent can be found inside her. And this is just from the few times I have met and raced with her. She and her coach have done a phenomenal job of getting her ready for this meet and the many more championship meets she has to come. I wish I could be there to see this event in person. It has EPIC written all over it. All 15 entrants deserve to be there and all have an impressive list of reasons why I respect them. I have to give a shout out to Catie Ellingson, Maeve Evans, and Claire Roberts because they are just a great group of girls to watch race. Also, Amy Wilfert, Heather Waterman, and Simone Childs-Walker deserve the tough competitor shout out because I know a little bit about how hard they worked to get to the National Championship this year. Good luck to all of you and make sure you leave the track smoking!
5k
Top qualifying time 2011: Wendy Palvus of St. Lawrence with a 16:57.71
Number of athletes: 15
2010 Winning time: 16:59.40 by Wendy Palvus of St. Lawrence University
Why I can't wait for this event: This is the race I love to hate. In all honesty it is too long for indoor track! But there are some amazing girls ready to tear into this race come Saturday! The returning champ is the firery Wendy Palvus and she does have the impressive career to back her up. With two XC National Championship titles she should find running on a flat track to be quite enjoyable and easier to pace! But, in her abscense from outdoor track Nationals last year another distance start showed her worth: LIZ LAWTON! I will forever be a diehard fan of this savy racer from the University of Chicago. While I have been destroyed in races by both runners, Liz Lawton was just so much fun to watch and had an amazing set of guts! Who really wants to double in the 5k/10k outdoors? She did. She destroyed. She won both! While Palvus won last years indoor 5k event, I think there will be an exchange in the crown this year. Lawton has some fuel for her fire from the Cross Country season and her 2 National Outdoor Titles so I think it will help her win the legitimate battle we have in this race. There will be some excellent doulbers in this event too- Simone Childs-Walker and Maeve Evans are doing both the mile and the 5k. They deserve the major hardcore shout out of the preview because that is a tough double. Especially for indoors. The turns are tight and you don't have very much time to recover from prelims like you do in outdoors. But they both are terrific racers who should handle the fun that doubling brings very very well. Joanna Johnson has been a consistent name in DIII distance as well and will add even more depth to this incredible field.
PENTATHALON
There is only one reason I need to talk about this event. COURTNEY LAUER. And there is only one phrase you need to know for this event- LAUER POWER!!!! While this event is complex with a bunch of events thrown together, the outcome is simple- one winner. And I just happen to know that the person with the most guts, heart, and almost freakish talent out there will be the Ironwoman Lauer. Anyone who can come back from shoulder surgery and rank third in the nation with just 2 pentathalons under her belt is going to bring the heat for the actuall National competition. She knows what a National Championship tastes like too- with DePauw's first Basketball title ever she is well prepared to handle pressure. Plus she got her feet wet with an All-American in the Heptathalon in Outdoors last spring. I will be wearing my tiger striped jersey under my work clothes come Friday and Saturday for her.
I wish I could be there to cheer for all the athletes that will be competing this weekend. My favorite thing to do besides racing is cheering. Graduation has allowed me to work on my cheering skill set and I think I could do some major supporting at the meet after all the practice I have had :) Good luck to all the competitiors. Enjoy the moments. Remember the sounds. Craft your own desire. May you find that you have no limits. I can't wait to see each race unfold like wrapping paper on Christmas day!
Smile. The National Meet is almost here!
It is hard to let go of something so great. So I choose to obsess. And this week is a great time to obsess!
ITS NATIONALS!! Indoor Track Nationals to be precise. NCAA DIII Indoor Track & Field Nationals 2011.
My favorite time of year. It is like Christmas wrapped in sweat, colorful jerseys, and spikes. Pretty close to the smell of cookies baking, christmas lights, and shiny ornaments right?
But what do you wrap this time of year? RACES, RACES, AND MORE RACES!
Christmas gets all the hype though. We start the decorating, songs, and shopping way before the month of December. Well, Nationals are this weekend and I have not witnessed much hype. The Championships were hosted at my alma mater (DEPAUW University) last year and I was spoiled with all the attention the meet got. Now I am way out in Texas and have to generate my own hoopla. Letsrun and Flotrack don't even try to get the excitement going like they do for all the other divisions So here is my pre-nationals DIII 2011 hype hysteria hoopla athletes to watch list!
800m
Top qualifying time this year: Keelie Finnel of Coe College with a 2:10.62
Number of athletes: 15
2010 Winning time: 2:09.24 Emily Schudrowitz of St. Norbert
Why I can't wait for this event: I remember watching Keelie Finnel last year in the 400m and praying that I would graduate before she moved up to the 800! She announced her presence this year in the 800 after having a pretty descent run in the 400 realm. Now she faces the past champ in Schudrowitz and seasoned 800m studs in Ann Tank, Meryl Wimberley, and Tara Clemens. Clemens is a great athlete to watch because I knew and raced her older sister. If they are anything alike, Tara will really put her heart out there in the race this weekend. Ann Tank is one of the biggest fighters I have ever raced and will help keep the race honest. Another emerging star is Leah Clement of Wellesley. She has absolutely obliterated races this season and it has been really exciting to watch her progression.
MILE
Top qualifying time of 2011: Randelle Boots of Wellesley College with a 4:50.12
Number of athletes: 15
2010 Winning time: 4:50.20 Marie Borner of Bethel University
Why I can't wait for this event: This event holds a big spot in my running soul. It was one of the coolest races I have ever competed in. And this year the race looks even better. I have another big spot in my running soul saved for Randelle Boots. An absolutely impressive mix of intensity, dedication, and talent can be found inside her. And this is just from the few times I have met and raced with her. She and her coach have done a phenomenal job of getting her ready for this meet and the many more championship meets she has to come. I wish I could be there to see this event in person. It has EPIC written all over it. All 15 entrants deserve to be there and all have an impressive list of reasons why I respect them. I have to give a shout out to Catie Ellingson, Maeve Evans, and Claire Roberts because they are just a great group of girls to watch race. Also, Amy Wilfert, Heather Waterman, and Simone Childs-Walker deserve the tough competitor shout out because I know a little bit about how hard they worked to get to the National Championship this year. Good luck to all of you and make sure you leave the track smoking!
5k
Top qualifying time 2011: Wendy Palvus of St. Lawrence with a 16:57.71
Number of athletes: 15
2010 Winning time: 16:59.40 by Wendy Palvus of St. Lawrence University
Why I can't wait for this event: This is the race I love to hate. In all honesty it is too long for indoor track! But there are some amazing girls ready to tear into this race come Saturday! The returning champ is the firery Wendy Palvus and she does have the impressive career to back her up. With two XC National Championship titles she should find running on a flat track to be quite enjoyable and easier to pace! But, in her abscense from outdoor track Nationals last year another distance start showed her worth: LIZ LAWTON! I will forever be a diehard fan of this savy racer from the University of Chicago. While I have been destroyed in races by both runners, Liz Lawton was just so much fun to watch and had an amazing set of guts! Who really wants to double in the 5k/10k outdoors? She did. She destroyed. She won both! While Palvus won last years indoor 5k event, I think there will be an exchange in the crown this year. Lawton has some fuel for her fire from the Cross Country season and her 2 National Outdoor Titles so I think it will help her win the legitimate battle we have in this race. There will be some excellent doulbers in this event too- Simone Childs-Walker and Maeve Evans are doing both the mile and the 5k. They deserve the major hardcore shout out of the preview because that is a tough double. Especially for indoors. The turns are tight and you don't have very much time to recover from prelims like you do in outdoors. But they both are terrific racers who should handle the fun that doubling brings very very well. Joanna Johnson has been a consistent name in DIII distance as well and will add even more depth to this incredible field.
PENTATHALON
There is only one reason I need to talk about this event. COURTNEY LAUER. And there is only one phrase you need to know for this event- LAUER POWER!!!! While this event is complex with a bunch of events thrown together, the outcome is simple- one winner. And I just happen to know that the person with the most guts, heart, and almost freakish talent out there will be the Ironwoman Lauer. Anyone who can come back from shoulder surgery and rank third in the nation with just 2 pentathalons under her belt is going to bring the heat for the actuall National competition. She knows what a National Championship tastes like too- with DePauw's first Basketball title ever she is well prepared to handle pressure. Plus she got her feet wet with an All-American in the Heptathalon in Outdoors last spring. I will be wearing my tiger striped jersey under my work clothes come Friday and Saturday for her.
I wish I could be there to cheer for all the athletes that will be competing this weekend. My favorite thing to do besides racing is cheering. Graduation has allowed me to work on my cheering skill set and I think I could do some major supporting at the meet after all the practice I have had :) Good luck to all the competitiors. Enjoy the moments. Remember the sounds. Craft your own desire. May you find that you have no limits. I can't wait to see each race unfold like wrapping paper on Christmas day!
Smile. The National Meet is almost here!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Gut Check
So my day off began with a simple question today.
Derick asked me, "Am I running the work out today with you?"
And, probably a little to quickly for his liking, I answered, "Nope". I may have the day off from work today, but I have to dedicate a few hours to the track. Now for years I have been loving running with people, working out with them, training with them, finding strength and inspiration with them. But this Saturday was different. My whole senior year I leaned on the abilities of my bearded wonder in order to work harder and have someone to push me. It really helped. A year later, why wouldn't the same approach work? I almost didn't believe that I said it myself.
It was easier to have Derick run the work out with me. Pace me. Keep me motivated. Push me. Yet, at this point in my training though, my goals are not what they were a year ago. I had dreams of running with girls who were much faster than me, and more talented. I set goals of showing up to competition with multiple levels of NCAA division runners and winning. I no longer wanted to wonder what my boundaries were. I was determined to find out what my best could be. So, I needed someone there to push me. And Derick did a wonderful job. And I found out what it was like to have a good day on race day.
This rainy Saturday, my goals look much different. I need the basics. My 400's are no longer smoothly running a 65. I don't race every weekend. In fact, I haven't raced on a track for almost a year. It is my favorite thing to do and I haven't done it. And I am waiting. With as much patience as I can muster. But Derick keeps telling me two things: Patience and Responsibility. So I asked him to kindly step off the track, start his watch, and keep the work outs coming. If I am going to learn how to take responsibility for my running, I figured I should start by moving my own legs. I know there will probably be a time where it will be important to have Derick as a training partner again, but right now I need to learn a few things. All the things I have forgotten in the year with out track.
I have a great support system, lots of determination, and some semi-willing legs so I know I need to keep my attitude on the right track in order to be successful. So for a little bit, that will mean the track and I will be our own little world. My races are no longer about how fast you can run the first lap and kick home. Those require pushing and turnover. Races now mean pacing, rhythm, and guts. That means getting your head on straight and your feet connected to your internal metronome.
My pace is my responsibility. To learn it, I need to do it. Plus, right now the work outs are not about pushing pace. They are all about finding it and repeating. Not glamorous. Not heroic. Nothing but the essentials. And that usually means a major gut check for me.
Time to practice. Time to work. And time to hope my legs grow wings...
Derick asked me, "Am I running the work out today with you?"
And, probably a little to quickly for his liking, I answered, "Nope". I may have the day off from work today, but I have to dedicate a few hours to the track. Now for years I have been loving running with people, working out with them, training with them, finding strength and inspiration with them. But this Saturday was different. My whole senior year I leaned on the abilities of my bearded wonder in order to work harder and have someone to push me. It really helped. A year later, why wouldn't the same approach work? I almost didn't believe that I said it myself.
It was easier to have Derick run the work out with me. Pace me. Keep me motivated. Push me. Yet, at this point in my training though, my goals are not what they were a year ago. I had dreams of running with girls who were much faster than me, and more talented. I set goals of showing up to competition with multiple levels of NCAA division runners and winning. I no longer wanted to wonder what my boundaries were. I was determined to find out what my best could be. So, I needed someone there to push me. And Derick did a wonderful job. And I found out what it was like to have a good day on race day.
This rainy Saturday, my goals look much different. I need the basics. My 400's are no longer smoothly running a 65. I don't race every weekend. In fact, I haven't raced on a track for almost a year. It is my favorite thing to do and I haven't done it. And I am waiting. With as much patience as I can muster. But Derick keeps telling me two things: Patience and Responsibility. So I asked him to kindly step off the track, start his watch, and keep the work outs coming. If I am going to learn how to take responsibility for my running, I figured I should start by moving my own legs. I know there will probably be a time where it will be important to have Derick as a training partner again, but right now I need to learn a few things. All the things I have forgotten in the year with out track.
I have a great support system, lots of determination, and some semi-willing legs so I know I need to keep my attitude on the right track in order to be successful. So for a little bit, that will mean the track and I will be our own little world. My races are no longer about how fast you can run the first lap and kick home. Those require pushing and turnover. Races now mean pacing, rhythm, and guts. That means getting your head on straight and your feet connected to your internal metronome.
My pace is my responsibility. To learn it, I need to do it. Plus, right now the work outs are not about pushing pace. They are all about finding it and repeating. Not glamorous. Not heroic. Nothing but the essentials. And that usually means a major gut check for me.
Time to practice. Time to work. And time to hope my legs grow wings...
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Winging It
How many times a day do you check your watch?
Work. Errands. How does your schedule look?
Shower time. Me time. Run time. Time to cook. Time to drive. Time to clean.
And the one thing that I love to do is check that clock. Scratch that. I hate it. There are so many other things to see than those glowing numbers telling me I am late, too slow, and running out of time. Even if I got rid of my watch I have this internal thing that tells me time. I wouldn't call it a watch because this thing is moody, exhaustible, and not always punctual. But it is there. It is why I can hit pace in work outs.
Most of the time.
This is where life would be perfect if I had bird sense. Birds have this amazing ability to tell the time and direction they need to be headed depending on what time of year it is. If you kept a migratory bird in a cage at night when they are supposed to be flying to their destination they will focus their attention in the cage in that direction. They may hop around the cage, but their restlessness is always orientated towards their main goal. Plus they can fly for days. Jealous.
To me, I am at the point where I am a bird in a cage. Not in the confining or restrictive sense, but the transitional moment. Some one is about to release me. I am about to fly. Migrate. Eclipse the earth. But where a bird may know a singular pull of the direction it should go, I feel so much directional gravity that my wings don't know which way to flap. All they know for sure is a daily routine. I believe I took a major flight when I went to college... Left the nest and flew straight into a cage. Somewhere you are only supposed to spend a small amount of time. It is time for my feathers to grow again, find some gloss, and feel the wind.
I am not flapping away from San Antonio or anything else you can fit into that little metaphor. My feathers actually look great here! This is that silly internal thing that some people like to type out when they have a moment of insecurity in life. I hear that little internal thing chiming. I don't know if it is a timer, a life GPS unit, or a full-on moral systems check up. But it is there.
Usually it makes me just want to run more. Good thing my feet point forward or I would be going in circles...Thank god I have a pair of shoes. And some hard work outs ahead. I already feel the pull of those. The rest of the stuff I am pretty sure that I am just winging it...
Work. Errands. How does your schedule look?
Shower time. Me time. Run time. Time to cook. Time to drive. Time to clean.
And the one thing that I love to do is check that clock. Scratch that. I hate it. There are so many other things to see than those glowing numbers telling me I am late, too slow, and running out of time. Even if I got rid of my watch I have this internal thing that tells me time. I wouldn't call it a watch because this thing is moody, exhaustible, and not always punctual. But it is there. It is why I can hit pace in work outs.
Most of the time.
This is where life would be perfect if I had bird sense. Birds have this amazing ability to tell the time and direction they need to be headed depending on what time of year it is. If you kept a migratory bird in a cage at night when they are supposed to be flying to their destination they will focus their attention in the cage in that direction. They may hop around the cage, but their restlessness is always orientated towards their main goal. Plus they can fly for days. Jealous.
To me, I am at the point where I am a bird in a cage. Not in the confining or restrictive sense, but the transitional moment. Some one is about to release me. I am about to fly. Migrate. Eclipse the earth. But where a bird may know a singular pull of the direction it should go, I feel so much directional gravity that my wings don't know which way to flap. All they know for sure is a daily routine. I believe I took a major flight when I went to college... Left the nest and flew straight into a cage. Somewhere you are only supposed to spend a small amount of time. It is time for my feathers to grow again, find some gloss, and feel the wind.
I am not flapping away from San Antonio or anything else you can fit into that little metaphor. My feathers actually look great here! This is that silly internal thing that some people like to type out when they have a moment of insecurity in life. I hear that little internal thing chiming. I don't know if it is a timer, a life GPS unit, or a full-on moral systems check up. But it is there.
Usually it makes me just want to run more. Good thing my feet point forward or I would be going in circles...Thank god I have a pair of shoes. And some hard work outs ahead. I already feel the pull of those. The rest of the stuff I am pretty sure that I am just winging it...
 |
| Life tends to batter the things that are supposed to get you places |
 |
| Good thing wings grow back All you have to do Is look ahead |
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
SAS II
Today I can finally lift my arms above my head again.
Saturday was the first day in my entire life that I did the full complete movement of a pull-up. In fact, I did two sets of 15 pull-ups. No hopping, leaping, or wings were used. Only a machine that took 70 pounds off of my body weight. I reminisced how a couple summers ago I trained for a while in order to do one single pull-up and failed. Even with the help of my tried and true gymtastic muscle woman, Emily Watts, I still couldn't do a pull-up that summer. Heck, I couldn't get myself halfway through the pull. Now I know what my problem is! I only have to lose 70 pounds and I will be able to do a pull-up and be fit!
Kidding. Completely.
About the losing weight part. Not about doing the pull-ups.
I honestly think it is hilarious that a pull-up is more intimidating and impossible to me than almost anything else I could try to do. Speaking in pulic is pretty far up there too, but I know that I can work my way throught that. Actually doing a pull-up with out any assistance is almost physically impossible for me. In fact, on my second set of 15 (at 70 pounds less than my normal weight) I looked down to see Kenny pulling the bar up to help me. Dangit. Kenny is the poor soul that is trying to help me get back into competitive form. Even for an incredible personal trainer like him and all his skills, I am a pretty big challenge to take on. But I am starting to see the pieces start appearing. They are really far from coming together, but at least I am giving myself something to work with. Trying to lay that foundation.
How long do you think it will take me to cure my SAS?
Saturday was the first day in my entire life that I did the full complete movement of a pull-up. In fact, I did two sets of 15 pull-ups. No hopping, leaping, or wings were used. Only a machine that took 70 pounds off of my body weight. I reminisced how a couple summers ago I trained for a while in order to do one single pull-up and failed. Even with the help of my tried and true gymtastic muscle woman, Emily Watts, I still couldn't do a pull-up that summer. Heck, I couldn't get myself halfway through the pull. Now I know what my problem is! I only have to lose 70 pounds and I will be able to do a pull-up and be fit!
Kidding. Completely.
About the losing weight part. Not about doing the pull-ups.
I honestly think it is hilarious that a pull-up is more intimidating and impossible to me than almost anything else I could try to do. Speaking in pulic is pretty far up there too, but I know that I can work my way throught that. Actually doing a pull-up with out any assistance is almost physically impossible for me. In fact, on my second set of 15 (at 70 pounds less than my normal weight) I looked down to see Kenny pulling the bar up to help me. Dangit. Kenny is the poor soul that is trying to help me get back into competitive form. Even for an incredible personal trainer like him and all his skills, I am a pretty big challenge to take on. But I am starting to see the pieces start appearing. They are really far from coming together, but at least I am giving myself something to work with. Trying to lay that foundation.
How long do you think it will take me to cure my SAS?
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