Decade Resolutions...

In honor of the new year, a friend of mine was asked to write an article for a Rhode Island paper about the last 10 years. She decided to do something about creating decade resolutions rather than new year resolutions. I love this idea.

Think about the last ten years of your life. The things you've achieved over a decade are probably much more grandiose than what you have done over the last year. So it makes sense to give yourself 10 years to change your life, rather than only one year. Most common resolution: lose weight. Much more manageable if you give yourself ten years to do it, ya?

What have you done in the last 10 years?

Sometimes I feel like haven't done anything. But, purely for my own indulgence--to make me feel better about me--I am going to recount some of the things I've accomplished over the last decade. You should do the same...a little pat on your own back.

Ten years ago I was 18. Since then I have...

~moved over 500 miles away from my hometown to San Diego
~earned a Bachelor's Degree, a teaching credential and a Master's Degree
~become a teacher. with seniority.
~bought my own car
~driven the equivalent of the circumference of the earth, twice over, to visit family. (That's over 48,000 miles.)
~been married for a third of the decade
~ran 1 marathon and over 10 half marathons
~lost 10 pounds
~learned how to buy appropriately fitted clothing
~accepted my hairy arms and size 11 feet
~stopped biting my nails...when I choose
~developed friendships that will easily last another decade
~(my favorite one) become an aunt...though I had very little to do with that one.

Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.

I've heard a lot of people say recently, "I'm not a resolution maker" or "I try to improve myself constantly, not just because it's a new year." Well la-te-da to you all. I think New Year's Resolutions are fantastic because it means you are reflecting upon the last year of your life. It means taking a look at your successes and failures and then assessing the ways in which you can improve yourself and your life. It may not seem that way when you write "go skydiving," or "lose 20 pounds," or "walk along the Seine," on your list, but it's the meaning behind those things. They represent something bigger than what they actually are.

For Christmas, a coworker gave me the refrigerator magnet pictured above. It reads, "She was suddenly struck with an overwhelming metaphor for her entire existence." Kind of a depressing magnet, really, but true of me nonetheless. I do tend to focus on the more negative aspects of this world and life--something I would like to change in the next decade--and I am addicted to life metaphors. I won't do that here (your welcome) but it is symbolic of how life requires dwelling upon, reflecting upon, and improving upon as we grow up and grow old.

At the end of the next decade, I'll be 38. My resolutions, based on reflections of the last decade, are:

~Be closer to family (in the literal or metaphorical sense. So I metaphorized a little bit. So what.)
~Love my job (whatever that may turn out to be!)
~Be more positive and/or optimistic (blegh)
~See Europe (any part of it)
~Pick a doctoral program (notice I didn't say, "earn a Ph.D?" Baby steps...)
~Get paid to write stuff
~Learn to accept my thighs and addiction to soft cheeses.
~Meet Tina Fey. Earn her respect and friendship and......

That'll do. I'm getting a bit too detailed. Generality, I think, will be my friend here in long run. Ah! Long run. Perhaps the metaphor I've been looking for. It's kind of perfect if you think about it. Sorry. I lied about getting metaphorical on you....

In the long run, there will be pain, there will be indescribable joy and empowerment; if you run long enough you will cry and whimper, you will hurt and feel sick. You will want to quit. You will want to go the extra...you know. But, over the course of the long run, you'll get stronger, you'll get better, and you'll have done something good for yourself that will inadvertently do something good for those around you. That is, of course, if you're running a good race.

That's all.

Happy New Decade!

Go do good.

What did runners do before butt-pocket spandex?

Ran today along the boardwalk and into La Jolla Cove. When I left the house, I had no idea how long it would take me to get there...but I've always wanted to do it, so I did. Beautiful morning! The sun was out, but the air was cold and the waves were HUGE in La Jolla. Beautiful morning. Oh I said that. But it was.

I didn't take water because I knew of two drinking fountains along the way; however I did take my debit card with me just in case I had to make a pit stop. I'm grateful for two things: 1.) spandex running pants with the little zip pocket just above the ass and 2.) that my debit card, cell phone and Gu can all fit in said pocket. The reason I'm grateful is because around mile 8 I realized I'd gone without fluid for over 4 miles and was beginning to get thirsty. Seeing as how I had no idea if the next drinking fountain was one more mile or 10 more miles, I ran into a 7/11 and got a $1 water. It turned out to be only two miles more, but it was still nice to have the water.

I haven't given any advice in a while, it's been all about me me me and my training. But, ideally the point of this blog is to give helpful tips for beginning runners...not that I'm an expert by any stretch of the imagination...but through my struggles and successes I'd like to give some helpful information for new runners. So, some things I've learned recently...

*Give yourself time to get the lead out.
I ran with a friend yesterday who said I helped her in this area. When we run together I have to start really, really slow or my ankles give out (mostly just on cold days). So after a couple runs together, in which I held her back at the beginning, she realized that it helped her as far as finishing strong and feeling good later in the run. Sometimes it takes me two or three miles before I feel settled into a run and can start speeding up to a fast trot. The biggest discourager, I think, for new runners is the first mile. What many people don't realize is that when you take those first steps, your heart rate spikes which instantly make you breathe harder. If you start out too quick, you'll feel more tired and out of breath in the first mile than if you start extra slow and allow your heart rate to adjust. None of this is scientifically proven, but it's what I've learned (from a magazine, probably) and experienced along the way.

*When running for longer than an hour, take money with you.
If you're running really long distances for the first time, you may not know how your body is going to respond. So often on a long run I'll crave something that I know will make me feel better, if only I had it. Once I craved a Sprite--so I stopped in at a Jack in the Box, then continued my run. Another time I craved salty potato chips, but I didn't have money. I spent some time in the bathroom after that run.... Who knows, if I had eaten a little salt along the way, I probably wouldn't have become so nauseous at the end. Listen to the cravings and carry some money so that you can follow your nose...or whims. Note: this isn't the best training method because during a race you will not be able to run into McDonalds and grab a hamburger; however, if you're out for a long run just to enjoy the long run...be open to pit stops. It makes the whole thing less pressured and more enjoyable. Sometimes I even go on runs to places where I know I can stop and enjoy a frozen lemonade (Seaport Village) or huge iced tea (San Diego zoo) or, like today, a scrambled egg breakfast with girlfriends.

* Do it right.
If you're going to become a "runner," do it the right way, by slowly adding miles. You'll burn out or get injured if you make it too hard on yourself while you're trying to develop a routine. Last week I used every excuse in the book to not run, this week, I seem to be using every excuse to run. Neither is ideal.... I need to stick to my new mantra, "Do it right."

That's not crazy good advice, but it's something. What're you doing?

The Route:
From Belmont Park in Mission Beach continue north on the boardwalk. It will take you through Pacific Beach and then into La Jolla. When the sidewalk ends, veer left onto the road and continue up the slight hill to Mission Blvd. Take a left on Mission Blvd for 1 block and then cross the street and veer left again to head north on La Jolla Pkwy. Follow this for another 3 miles. Continue onto Prospect Street and take a left after a few more blocks into the Cove. Water and restrooms available at Belmont Park in Mission Beach and in the Cove (about a 6 mile span between each).

9 1/2 Weeks

What's today? Friday? Yes. I'm in a groggy brain fog of candy treats and buttery sweets. And in two days Napa will be one week closer than it was one week ago. (duh.) I'm starting to freak out a little bit because I haven't done a truly long distance yet. I did a 15 miler two weeks ago and 14 last weekend, but I will not be comfortable with this, and my ability to succeed on race day, until more than 18 miles has been completed. But, it's more than just completing 18 miles. It's about feeling good (or least able to function for the rest of the day) after the completion of those miles. I'm tempted to just do the 18er on Sunday and see what happens. But no. I have to hold myself back and wait 3 more weeks. New mantra: "Do it right, do it right." I know this. But I'm so curious...maybe I'll do it in 2 weeks....

I especially need to wait since this week was a complete bust. I started out strong by running 3 miles a day to maintain fitness and counteract the assault of sugar and butter I knew I would (and did) consume; however, I ran two 3ers and one 4er and then zip. I now have 4 days in a row of nothing-- which, actually, now that I really say it like that, isn't as bad as it sounded in my head. Granted, I'll have a grand total of, maybe, 18 miles for this whole week IF I run on Sunday (I know I won't be able to run Saturday). And that seems like nothing when you're used to 35-45 mile weeks.

So I will be resuming my regular schedule after tomorrow a few pounds heavier and a tad less fit than I was a week or two ago; however, it's a very minor setback and every extra pound is worth pounding the pavement for the time I've been able to spend with family. I'm so grateful for them and their generosity--and I'm not referring to gifts when I say that. The gift of time is better than anything that can be put under a tree.

It's now time for me to look ahead at the next few weeks: 1. Put in the necessary hours and miles on the road 2. Rehab this sugar addiction of mine.

9 1/2 weeks. I'm out of breath just thinking about it.

Feelin' It

Oh maan. Just finished a 14 miler. I feel good, but I can tell I've been eating crap food all week. And the really tempting week of food hasn't even begun yet. My mom makes the best cookies and pastries--I'm a goner. I try to follow the advice in Runner's World or Women's Health about how to not deprive myself of treats during the holidays, but also how to eat them in moderation... never works. Ever. With only 10 weeks left until the marathon, every long run counts now. Because of the fudge and gingerbread men, the school potluck and gift bags of cookies, the run today was not so easy.

I ran (jogged) slooooow. But, that's partially due to going up Hill Street at the beginning-- to make sure I'm training for the hills at the start in Napa-- plus it was hot today. I don't do well running in the heat. I do great in the rain and fog, which is why last weekend's 15er went so well: 8 in the rain and 7 in the freezing wind felt good.

I've been getting in our pool after my long runs, because it's as cold as an ice bath. Today my feet became so numb I almost couldn't get up the steps and out of the pool. Painful. A neighbor who was walking by with a burrito from across the street (smelled so good!) paused when he saw me slowly, awkwardly pulling myself out of the pool. I think he was debating about whether or not I needed help or if he should call the looney bin--because only someone clinically insane would put themselves in our pool in the winter time.... Anyway, I eventually made it out, he walked off with his 2 pound burrito, and my legs are feeling good.

This week is going to be tough sticking to a real training schedule, so I'm going to make it easy on myself. I have to maintain my current fitness so that after this week I can smoothly get back on schedule.
My goal is to run 3 miles a day--more when possible. We'll see in a week how that works itself out.

Happy Holidays!

Blog #2 in Voice of San Diego

Whoo hoo! My grumblings about teaching are slowly finding their way into the world...or at least to the small percentage of San Diegans who read online newspapers. Last article was directed at The Man, this one is directed at the parents of high school teenagers.

I Long for the Days of Note Passing

Enjoy!
(But if you don't enjoy--don't tell me)

The Gorges...

Today was just about the perfect day. First, it's Friday. And Fridays are test days for my students. This means I can get caught up on grading and writing more "To Do Lists" which always makes me happy. It also makes me happy to watch my students work quietly with looks of concern on their pinched little faces. I feel a little sorry for them when I really sit and watch them work, and it makes me forgive them for all the ways they wronged me throughout the week and it sort of makes me like them again. Also today, the weather got progressively worse as the hours ticked by--which in my world means it got better. To top it off, I met up with my new running buddy for a 5 miler through the Gorge, AKA: Mission Trails. As a result, another new running site is checked off my list!

It was cloudy and rainyish and cold but not windy (pretty much the opposite of the pictures seen here). We ran muddy trails beside recently refilled creeks, and under hundred year old trees with red and gold leaves (rare for SD), and had the misty Father Junipero Serra Trail all to ourselves. I don't often run trails because it can be scary running them alone (remember my Lake Poway experience). So I'm excited to have a new friend who will run them with me. I don't know many girls (I guess it's just the one, actually) who would run through the cold, rain, and slippery mud, after a long week at work, and find it as fun and refreshing as I do.

The Gorge is much larger than I expected. We ran the Oak Grove Loop, Visitors Center Loop and the Serra Trail, but that barely scratched the surface of what's available. I spied Mt. Fortuna--it's on my run list. Yikes! It is going to be paaainful when that run comes.


If you noticed that I titled this "The Gorges..." then you might be wondering what the other "gorge" is. The other gorge I experienced today, took place after I stopped at Trader Joe's on my way home from The Gorge. (How many times can I write gorge in one paragraph? Let's count!) I found delicious looking chewy ginger cookies and mochi ice cream balls. Since returning home, I've eaten over half the package of ginger cookies (SO GOOD) and half the mochi balls. I feel a little sick. And in case you're confused: that's the gorge I'm referring to... my own personal one.

I'm waiting for better picture-taking weather, then I'll post some good images of Florida Canyon and Mission Trails. (Better than these I found online.) Tomorrow's my longest long run yet...14 miles. I need to go bed. Immediately.

Keep on truckin' my peeps.

Eggnog Pancakes (by the hubs)

This morning I woke up and found this note in the kitchen:

"Hey Baby Girl, I made enchiladas and tried to make eggnog pancakes but the pancakes kept burning. I saved a couple that look bad but taste okay. I love you! Have a great day!!"

Mind you, I went to bed at 11:00 PM last night...mmm hm. (My husband has trouble sleeping sometimes.) I was really happy to wake up to a pre-made breakfast I could pop in the toaster oven, and a lunch I could put in some tuperware and heat up at work later! Great way to start the day. Now I'll be honest, the pancakes were definitely burned; however, despite their charred appearance, they did taste really good.

Tonight, after we got a Target Christmas Tree,* I decided to mess with his recipe. I think I found the correct proportions so the eggnog won't burn before the pancakes are cooked. They're just as tasty and look good too. (Please note: Do not make if you don't like eggnog. DUH.)

The Hub's Eggnog Pancakes

2 C Trader Joe's Multigrain Baking & Pancake Mix
2 eggs
1/2 C nonfat milk
3/4 C low fat eggnog
1/4 t nutmeg

Be sure to cook on Medium-Low heat... patience is key.


*This is how I know my husband and I were meant for each other: we are both okay with walking into the garden section of Target, deciding how much we are willing to spend on a tree, and then deciding that every tree--no matter how misshapen--needs and deserves a home. Thus, there is nothing wrong with buying a tree before unbinding it. (I'm a big fan of underdogs.)

I have to say... this year's tree might have been a reject if we had looked at it before buying. However, I'm glad we didn't look because we are giving this (rather "holey") tree a good home. It will even be the center of attention at our Second Annual German Pickle Holiday Party. 'Tis the season to love the fuglies** too. Am I right?

** f'ing uglies

Florida Canyon

I met up with my new running buddies at Balboa Park tonight and we ran through Florida Canyon. I was excited to check this new running site off my list (see "run reviews"). One fact I did not consider when picking this site is that it's a canyon which means running up and down are the only two options. The creek at the bottom of the canyon was a fun pickle as we tried not to get our shoes wet. During regular San Diego weather a wet shoe is no big deal; however, it's been cold for the 619. I planned on camping in Mount Laguna this weekend, but decided to stay here because it was ideal long run weather. I did 9 miles yesterday and today. Feeling good, but am so excited about my rest day tomorrow. Yesterday I ran the Waterfront in frigid (...forsandiego) conditions. It even rained on me little, which made me feel tough; however, the wind coming from the North Pole is the reason I wussed out after only 9. (I was supposed to run 13.) If the air weren't so moist here, I would have had a chapped, crackling face. I'm serious. And I say this because I know all you NorCalers and Pacific Northwesterners are thinking, "Oh palease!" But, I just ran in Sacramento and Redding over the Thanksgiving Break in 40 degree weather--and I was MORE cold on my run here in San Diego than I was up there. It's the wet cold that (I think) is so much colder than the dry cold up there. My body just wouldn't warm up. Anyway...back on track here.... Then, today I ran 3 miles through Florida Canyon and 6 miles along the Waterfront to home, thus meeting my 18 mile weekend goal.

Even though this wasn't the ideal way to run my 18, I'm happy I did something instead of nothing...this is my new mantra. "Do something. It's better than nothing." My other mantra-of-the-moment for long runs is, "Just keep swimming." It's from Finding Nemo, but I can't take credit for it as my own idea. I read about ultra-marathoner Lori Wetzel in this month's Runner's World. She uses it. I have to say, it helped me get home when I was freezing my ass off at mile 4 and not even halfway through my run yet. Sidebar: Other mantras I've used include, "I'm still moving," "I feel stronger," and "Pain is good, numb is better." I don't recommend the last one... I've since stopped using it.

Review of the Canyon (pics to come when the weather clears!): Florida Canyon has many small trails that zigzag up and down the brushy hillsides. If you choose to run the canyon I recommend parking at Balboa Park's Reuben H. Fleet Science Museum and jogging across the footbridge to access one of the trailheads. This particular trailhead begins amid a native plant garden consisting of gnarled, scary cacti...no wonder they brought in palm trees all those years ago...cactus is mean. The trail splits quite often, but signs are provided that state the length of each trail loop. It's not a large canyon, so you don't have to worry about getting lost. We did about a 3 mile loop; I imagine it would be hard to find a loop much longer than the one we ran. Water fountains are available at Balboa Park and at the Velodrome on the east side of the canyon. Bathrooms at Balboa Park only (the ones in the Science Museum are nice and free for the public to use).

Keep on truckin' my friends.

P.S. I went to pick a wedgie today and realized it was more difficult than usual...Weird, thought I. Then I realized it was because I was flexing. I'm getting my marathon ass again!

I have a master's degree, and yet...

EVERY DAY I...

1. Pee in a bathroom that looks like a temporary, make-shift commode for a construction site. (Complete with a huge black widow and at least 2 daddy long legs. Incalculable number of ants.)

2. Collect and handle papers that are often mysteriously stuck together with unidentifiable grayish substances (I refuse to admit to myself that they are really boogers or other body fluids. GAG).

3. Find myself often saying, "Get that out of your mouth," and "Don't touch each other."

Just three things I realized today.
As far as training goes, it's a rest day, but I gotta go run.

The Goodbye Social-Life Phase

So I've said in a previous post that it's important to shape a training schedule to your needs, rather than give up your life to run. For some running is their life, but they also make crap loads of money doing it. I spend crap loads of money to do it, so I don't want to give up my social life as well. However, there comes a point in training when sacrifices must be made.

Take today for example. My friend "O" (whom I haven't seen in over two months) called today at work to see if I could hang out after school (she is also a teacher...so we bond over venting about it). Unfortunately, I had to decline because of a scheduled 7 mile run (with hills). I could have skipped the run altogether, but I honestly don't know where I could fit the run in during the rest of this week...I have a sewing class and a birthday party and a camping trip...very important things going on here.

The problem is, I schedule my runs around my scheduled social events. So, spontaneous hangings out are sometimes impossible. Unless they happen after dark. This doesn't happen very often because I'm friends with a lot of other teachers--and we're go-to-bed-early people. If I were OK with running at night, this would all be much more simple. However, in the words of Gwen, "I'm just a girl," and I'm afraid of being stolen during a night run. So I run before the sun goes down. Period. The end.

I guess the point of this post is to revise my previous statement about conforming the schedule to you and not the other way around, because there will come a point in your training when you will have to sacrifice social events to get the run in and meet those mileage goals for the week. Half marathon training is far more flexible, and I'm beginning to wonder why I decided to torture myself with another 26.2er.... especially after watching the marathon on "The Biggest Loser" the other night...sheesh. Then I think of Napa Valley and the rolling grapevined hills and all the wine wine wine and the bed and breakfasts and friends and family who will be there and I think, "Oooh yeah...so worth the effort."

Another example: The 13 miler I have planned is hanging over my head and cramping my camping plans for this weekend. I'll let you know how I work that shit out.

In the mean time, keep on truckin'.