Musings on Challenges

Since Monday is typically the most challenging day of the week (at least that's the stereotype), I thought it only fitting to announce the big challenge I'll be undertaking in a few months.

If you know me in real life, you probably know how much I love running. But as much as I love running, I haven't ever tackled a challenging race. Mostly I've run 5Ks and 5-milers (and a Speedo run in December) but have never really devoted the time to see what my body is really capable of handling. Since I've lived in Boston for four (!!) years now, I couldn't think of a better race for my first half, not to mention seeing Boston in a completely different way. 


So I hope you'll indulge me as I add in more posts centered around training, and fitness in general. Also, if any of you are so inclined to join me in May for the run, or any runs in general, I'd love to have you!

I cheated

I sort of cheated on my shopping diet. Crazy, I only lasted 6 days before I cheated. If this were a New Year's Resolution, I'd be shamed to eternity. Except... 

There is one purchase I never factored in. The one that helps my aging, weak knees. The one that is the difference between a healthy, active me, and the one that says if I don't give in I won't even fit into my clothes (thought that might be good for upcoming clothing swaps!)

I made the decision to break down and buy a pair of new running shoes today. My IT Bands have been getting destroyed lately, and while I work on rebuilding the strength in my legs with more weight training, I'm also going to try updating my shoes. Cheating is ok as long as it applies to your overall health, right? 

Adidas Response Stability - get them here:

The good news though is that I switched to a different type of running shoe, which saved me about $60 on the price of my previous shoes. So while I paid more than $50 for running shoes, I saved a boat load from my usual pair. Now hopefully these shoes will improve my running, because let's face it, paying a little more for a pair of shoes is much cheaper than paying for having my knees rebuilt, right?

A Last Minute Christmas Wish List

Dear Santa, 

I don't know if I've been naughty or nice this year (who am I kidding? We all know I've been a little of both) but I found some last minute items I would really like you to bring me for Christmas. 

Spotted on Julie's site here, I'm hoping this shows up under my tree come Christmas morning. If not, I'll snag it for myself ASAP

La Sportiva Hobnail Grips - a must have for anyone who wants to brave the snowy streets

CW-X Insulator Stability Tights - Geared to keep your muscles aligned, these promise better runs - and who doesn't wish for that?

So there you have it, Santa. It would be super swell if a few (or all) of these items found their way under my tree. I promise if they are, I'll be even nicer next year. 

Best,
Michele

Breaking Plateaus

 

It's such a great feeling to overcome obstacles. Fears. Plateaus. It's been a long time coming. I've been working on this challenge for months now. I've thought about it a million times, thinking that this will be the time I do it. Today, I channeled my inner Nike and just did it.

I finally broke my 4-mile hurdle. I just went for it today. It didn't matter that I could have run behind getting ready for work (one of my favorite weekly excuses) or that my knees were a little achy (stupid cold weather) but I just got tired of making excuses and went for it. 

And holy wow, did it feel good. It was such an accomplishment and felt so wonderful to finally get past that plateau I've hit. The best part is? It didn't even phase me. I can easily run 5-miles, and I plan on doing it every time I hit the road. 

The Intersection of Beer and Running

Wish me luck - I have my first road race tomorrow. This is the first race I've run in about 8 or 9 years - crazy right?

And could I have started out with a minor race? a 5K maybe? No. That would make TOO much sense.

No. Instead, I decided to go with this 5-miler. Technically, it's 5.3 miles. What can I say, it's for charity. So what could make running a race for charity even better?
DRINKING BEER after the race. That's right. Beer. This is, after all, the Harpoon 5-miler. For those of you readers who aren't familiar, Harpoon is a local brewery. So here's how it works:

I'll wake up early tomorrow morning, run this course, which starts and ends at Harpoon (all 5.3miles of it - but at least I'll have the Garmin), then enjoy some Harpoon brew.

I mean really, what could be better?