Today is Tuesday, NOT Wednesday...oops.
We'll have to wait one more day for the weigh-in. It is back to work this week. Not necessarily looking forward to it, but if I can ease back into it this week, might be okay...
Lilli did love the movie by the way. I think it was as much the experience of her first movie theater as anything. The movie wasn't as bad as I had thought either, but again it may have been the movie theater experience...
The trials and tribulations of an average runner in the midwest. It's about running, life and everything in between.
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Monday, January 02, 2012
a day off
Today I am lucky enough to have the day off from work.
It's a good thing, since I slept horribly last night. My shoulder was in definite pain... glad I see doctor on this on Wednesday to see what the course of action will be.
Lilli is also off today since school is closed. So we are planning to go to the movies (it will be her first one). She really wants to go see "Chipwrecked". I can't say I am excited about the movie, but she'll really like it I'm sure.
There is a nice, gentle snow going on right now. I am wishing I could be out running on trails in the snow -- one of my favorite things to do (besides going to see Chipmunks in a movie that is). I am really hoping I can get back into running or some form of exercise soon. When I ran, my shoulder didn't hurt, so I hope that it won't be an issue. Right now, the only things that tend to aggravate it are sleeping on it and putting on a shirt or coat. I'm learning how to do those without causing too much pain.
With some of my "off" time, I have found some extra time to read. I decided that one of the books that are stacked next to my nightstand would be a good choice. I am currently reading Clean, Green & Lean: Get Rid of the Toxins That Make You Fat. It isn't my normal reading material by a long shot, but I was given it as a gift, so I thought it was a proper time to read it. The gist of the book (from the first 3 chapters I've read), are that there are toxins everywhere in our daily lives. From food, cleaners, pollutants - you name it. And they get into our bodies and don't get processed and expelled from the body, so they keep building up, making you sick, sluggish and fat. It seems a bit over-the-top and scares the hell out of you as well as depresses you -- it paints a picture that you cannot escape from these toxins. At best you can lessen them. Of course, I have a lot more to read, but if there are some pearls of wisdom I find, I'll post them. The biggest one so far is to eat organic whenever you can -- I think that goes without saying. There are certain foods, though, that will help your body process those toxins and certain foods you should avoid altogether (probably everything I like). I suppose as long as coffee is not on the can't have list, then I'm okay with it.
Tomorrow is the BIG weigh-in (pun intended). I am anxious about putting the results down, but as I have said, it'll help keep me motivated. Until then, keep running if you can and thanks for reading.
--Dave
It's a good thing, since I slept horribly last night. My shoulder was in definite pain... glad I see doctor on this on Wednesday to see what the course of action will be.
Lilli is also off today since school is closed. So we are planning to go to the movies (it will be her first one). She really wants to go see "Chipwrecked". I can't say I am excited about the movie, but she'll really like it I'm sure.
There is a nice, gentle snow going on right now. I am wishing I could be out running on trails in the snow -- one of my favorite things to do (besides going to see Chipmunks in a movie that is). I am really hoping I can get back into running or some form of exercise soon. When I ran, my shoulder didn't hurt, so I hope that it won't be an issue. Right now, the only things that tend to aggravate it are sleeping on it and putting on a shirt or coat. I'm learning how to do those without causing too much pain.
With some of my "off" time, I have found some extra time to read. I decided that one of the books that are stacked next to my nightstand would be a good choice. I am currently reading Clean, Green & Lean: Get Rid of the Toxins That Make You Fat. It isn't my normal reading material by a long shot, but I was given it as a gift, so I thought it was a proper time to read it. The gist of the book (from the first 3 chapters I've read), are that there are toxins everywhere in our daily lives. From food, cleaners, pollutants - you name it. And they get into our bodies and don't get processed and expelled from the body, so they keep building up, making you sick, sluggish and fat. It seems a bit over-the-top and scares the hell out of you as well as depresses you -- it paints a picture that you cannot escape from these toxins. At best you can lessen them. Of course, I have a lot more to read, but if there are some pearls of wisdom I find, I'll post them. The biggest one so far is to eat organic whenever you can -- I think that goes without saying. There are certain foods, though, that will help your body process those toxins and certain foods you should avoid altogether (probably everything I like). I suppose as long as coffee is not on the can't have list, then I'm okay with it.
Tomorrow is the BIG weigh-in (pun intended). I am anxious about putting the results down, but as I have said, it'll help keep me motivated. Until then, keep running if you can and thanks for reading.
--Dave
Sunday, January 01, 2012
starting over
Happy 2012!
No resolutions for me. It is just time to start over for me - literally.
I last ran around Thanksgiving. The entire month of December is a blur. In all of that time, I hit a wall, far different than the wall during a marathon. I was spread too thin and the stress of the holidays was the tipping point. I had been having shoulder pain and feeling tired all the time (mainly from not sleeping due to said shoulder pain). Under "persuasion" from my wife, I scheduled an appointment with a new doctor to see what was going on.
I already new I had gained weight. The simple fact was that I was taking in more calories than burning, plus my clothes had gotten tighter and tighter over the last year. I found out I was back to where I was at the beginning of 2005 - actually maybe even heavier. I am about 30 pounds heavier than I'd like to be, and probably overweight by more than that on some charts. Since I can't grow any taller, I have to lose this weight. On top of that, I found out my blood pressure is high. Not just slightly elevated - high. I was started on a medication to help lower it. I know my weight is a factor. I know that not running regularly/at all is a factor. But, with a family history of high blood pressure, the cards were stacked against me a little. My shoulder is suspected to be rotor cuff tendinitis. I am going in for a physical therapy evaluation this week. Hopefully it is as simple as some stretches and exercises, even though they will most likely be painful. My range of motion in my left arm is severely decreased and even small stretches send shooting pain to my shoulder joint and attached muscles. Thankfully, that hadn't affected my running at all.
I am still trying to get the blood pressure back to normal. Until then, I am not allowed to pick up my running or exercise. I am trying to make better choices with meals, but it is hard. Especially around the holidays when there are so many cookies and candy around everywhere - and they are all so good!
So the plan is to get back to an exercise routine as quickly as possible. A minimum of 3-4 days a week - I'll start out slow, but will want to get to 5 days a week in a couple of months. I will focus on my meals - more balanced and definitely more healthy. It is not going to be easy, and there will be obstacles along the way. I would like to get in a good routine by the end of February because come March, we are expecting our 3rd child. I remember how it was with our first: not much sleep, quick meals (not necessarily healthy choices mind you) and no exercise for 3 months. I am hoping to avoid some of that this time around.
I am not planning any spring races at this time, but I do hope to do a half marathon in the fall, and maybe a full marathon in December, but since it has been a couple of years since I've done any races, I'll keep it simple and focus on a half first,and maybe some 15k trail runs.
And finally, to keep me honest and motivated, I'll be weighing-in on Wednesdays and posting the results. It'll be embarrassing at first, but I hope that everyone will see progress.
No resolutions for me. It is just time to start over for me - literally.
I last ran around Thanksgiving. The entire month of December is a blur. In all of that time, I hit a wall, far different than the wall during a marathon. I was spread too thin and the stress of the holidays was the tipping point. I had been having shoulder pain and feeling tired all the time (mainly from not sleeping due to said shoulder pain). Under "persuasion" from my wife, I scheduled an appointment with a new doctor to see what was going on.
I already new I had gained weight. The simple fact was that I was taking in more calories than burning, plus my clothes had gotten tighter and tighter over the last year. I found out I was back to where I was at the beginning of 2005 - actually maybe even heavier. I am about 30 pounds heavier than I'd like to be, and probably overweight by more than that on some charts. Since I can't grow any taller, I have to lose this weight. On top of that, I found out my blood pressure is high. Not just slightly elevated - high. I was started on a medication to help lower it. I know my weight is a factor. I know that not running regularly/at all is a factor. But, with a family history of high blood pressure, the cards were stacked against me a little. My shoulder is suspected to be rotor cuff tendinitis. I am going in for a physical therapy evaluation this week. Hopefully it is as simple as some stretches and exercises, even though they will most likely be painful. My range of motion in my left arm is severely decreased and even small stretches send shooting pain to my shoulder joint and attached muscles. Thankfully, that hadn't affected my running at all.
I am still trying to get the blood pressure back to normal. Until then, I am not allowed to pick up my running or exercise. I am trying to make better choices with meals, but it is hard. Especially around the holidays when there are so many cookies and candy around everywhere - and they are all so good!
So the plan is to get back to an exercise routine as quickly as possible. A minimum of 3-4 days a week - I'll start out slow, but will want to get to 5 days a week in a couple of months. I will focus on my meals - more balanced and definitely more healthy. It is not going to be easy, and there will be obstacles along the way. I would like to get in a good routine by the end of February because come March, we are expecting our 3rd child. I remember how it was with our first: not much sleep, quick meals (not necessarily healthy choices mind you) and no exercise for 3 months. I am hoping to avoid some of that this time around.
I am not planning any spring races at this time, but I do hope to do a half marathon in the fall, and maybe a full marathon in December, but since it has been a couple of years since I've done any races, I'll keep it simple and focus on a half first,and maybe some 15k trail runs.
And finally, to keep me honest and motivated, I'll be weighing-in on Wednesdays and posting the results. It'll be embarrassing at first, but I hope that everyone will see progress.
Friday, December 30, 2011
a long look back and a peek forward
Well, here we are. The end of 2011.
A year that was supposed to be a rebuilding year for me -- physically, mentally and spiritually.
The year started out slowly, but I had a marathon in my mind and was hoping for a great running year. When I barely got a spring half marathon in (with poor training mind you) I was a little hesitant to declare a fall marathon, but still had hopes of training.
Between work and putting together the Inaugural Run 4 Everett, my time was quite divided. I got runs in when I could, but I never got past 10 milers all summer. I thought I would "settle" for a half, but even that proved to be too much for me. I don't recall when I pulled the plug on running a race this year, but it was best that I did.
Somewhere between when I was a little kid and now I became "intense". Some might even say uptight. I think it was in high school or college. The stress of finding a college to go to or the constant, crazy deadlines in college played a big part. I used to think of myself as laid back, but I am finding that I get worked up over things that our out of my control. I do not feel like myself anymore. I am probably in the worst shape of my entire life (or it sure feels that way) and I've hit bottom. Now I've got to claw my way up. I've got a long way to go. I'll have to start over with my running for one.
I've got a start at getting some things back in order, but 2012 will be a true rebuilding year for me. I don't know everything that next year has in store for me, but one thing for sure is it will be a year of change for the good. I'll get in more detail in my first post of 2012 -- fair warning.
Thanks to whoever has read this blog. I am hoping that I'll have a lot more to say in the coming year. I can't say it will all be happy and positive, after all it's a work in progress, but there will be progress. Until next year, keep on running. I hope to be back to it very soon.
--Dave
P.S. I would be remiss if I didn't say how proud I am that my wife and I (along with many family members and friends) successfully pulled together the Inaugural Run 4 Everett. I think it may have been one of the biggest highlights of the year (only second to finding out that we are expecting our 3rd child -- on Everett's 1st Birthday no less). Next year may not be any easier, and I feel a little behind on getting the planning going, but we will make it work somehow and it will be even better.
A year that was supposed to be a rebuilding year for me -- physically, mentally and spiritually.
The year started out slowly, but I had a marathon in my mind and was hoping for a great running year. When I barely got a spring half marathon in (with poor training mind you) I was a little hesitant to declare a fall marathon, but still had hopes of training.
Between work and putting together the Inaugural Run 4 Everett, my time was quite divided. I got runs in when I could, but I never got past 10 milers all summer. I thought I would "settle" for a half, but even that proved to be too much for me. I don't recall when I pulled the plug on running a race this year, but it was best that I did.
Somewhere between when I was a little kid and now I became "intense". Some might even say uptight. I think it was in high school or college. The stress of finding a college to go to or the constant, crazy deadlines in college played a big part. I used to think of myself as laid back, but I am finding that I get worked up over things that our out of my control. I do not feel like myself anymore. I am probably in the worst shape of my entire life (or it sure feels that way) and I've hit bottom. Now I've got to claw my way up. I've got a long way to go. I'll have to start over with my running for one.
I've got a start at getting some things back in order, but 2012 will be a true rebuilding year for me. I don't know everything that next year has in store for me, but one thing for sure is it will be a year of change for the good. I'll get in more detail in my first post of 2012 -- fair warning.
Thanks to whoever has read this blog. I am hoping that I'll have a lot more to say in the coming year. I can't say it will all be happy and positive, after all it's a work in progress, but there will be progress. Until next year, keep on running. I hope to be back to it very soon.
--Dave
P.S. I would be remiss if I didn't say how proud I am that my wife and I (along with many family members and friends) successfully pulled together the Inaugural Run 4 Everett. I think it may have been one of the biggest highlights of the year (only second to finding out that we are expecting our 3rd child -- on Everett's 1st Birthday no less). Next year may not be any easier, and I feel a little behind on getting the planning going, but we will make it work somehow and it will be even better.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
back to running
This morning I ran.
I actually felt I had to run. More importantly I actually felt like I wanted to run.
Yesterday I realized that I am probably in the worst shape I've been in since I began running.
Something that scared me and depressed me a little.
My attempt to make some changes this year and train for a marathon just wasn't enough. If anything had to give during this busy summer, it was my running. The good thing is it is my favorite time of year for running, so I think it will help keep me moving forward and be consistent.Do I need a race goal? Not sure. I haven't reallyrun a race trained for a race in quite some time. Even the half marathon I ran in May was barely trained for.
I am giving myself 6 months to turn things around and get back in shape and a full 12 months to get ready for a yet to be determined race for my 40th birthday. I don't want to be an old fat guy who talks about what he used to do...
time to make some changes.
I actually felt I had to run. More importantly I actually felt like I wanted to run.
Yesterday I realized that I am probably in the worst shape I've been in since I began running.
Something that scared me and depressed me a little.
My attempt to make some changes this year and train for a marathon just wasn't enough. If anything had to give during this busy summer, it was my running. The good thing is it is my favorite time of year for running, so I think it will help keep me moving forward and be consistent.Do I need a race goal? Not sure. I haven't really
I am giving myself 6 months to turn things around and get back in shape and a full 12 months to get ready for a yet to be determined race for my 40th birthday. I don't want to be an old fat guy who talks about what he used to do...
time to make some changes.
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