Lost

There are a couple benefits to being lost in a strange city.  In case it's been a while, here's what I've discovered:

1.  Anatomy lesson.  You might have forgotten that you had calves, quads, hamstrings, knees or ankles.  This is particularly true if you live in a city that's flat and you're visiting a city with hills, for example.  I promise:  you won't forget your muscles long.  In fact, you may even discover muscles you didn't know you had.

2.  Bonus workout.  Just when you thought you couldn't possibly squeeze in a workout for the day, you end up walking 4 miles.  Yup.  4.  Not me, of course... I'm referring to a "friend."

That doesn't look like a candle.

3.  Discovery.  You may have no effing clue where your actual destination is located, but you sure as hell can locate a butcher, a baker and a candlestick-maker.  Just let me know if you need any recommendations.

New Territory

Today I arrived in Seattle for another week of interviews.  This time I had some scheduling snafus which means that I'll be spending 9 days here... 9 days to find new places to run and explore.  Being a town full of running enthusiasts, routes shouldn't be too hard to find.  My first adventure was around Green Lake Park:

It's January, so reality was a bit less sunny & picturesque, but despite the cold, rainy weather it was refreshing to see the running trail well-populated.  When running in new places around dusk, I appreciate the "New Year's" newbies, if only for safety.  And in case I get lost, it's nice to have people to ask for directions.

Today's run also involved one of the classic new run bonuses:  what I thought was a 4 mile run turned out to be 4.85.  Wouldn't have run that far otherwise & didn't need to, but honestly, I can't complain.

Have you done any exploring lately, at home or away from home?

Dodged a Bullet

It's rainy today and after working an overnight shift I put my run off all day.  Having finally recovered enough for a run, I thought I might head over to the gym for my run to avoid the rain.  And then I remembered:  It's early January.

The healthcare worker in me thinks it's wonderful:  People take advantage of a new year to alter their habits and adopt a healthy, new lifestyle.  The gym rat in me knows that this lasts approximately 1 month, during which I get pissed off every time I head to the gym.  "Go walk your 40:00 mile outside!  And hang up your cell when you're on a treadmill!"

<Deep breath>

Outside it is.  I don't mind running in the rain.  And I don't care if everyone else doesn't like my singing.

Back in the Saddle Again

The last 2 weeks can best be described as couch surfing.  No, wait.  That implies more activity than is appropriate.  Basically I was a paperweight for my parents couch.  And a garbage disposal.  (I love leftovers, particularly when they're free). Having run a lot this past year and with an incredibly crazy November & December, I wasn't too hard on myself about it.

*No couches were harmed in the making of this photo.

But now it's January and vacation's over.  Time to get back on the road and start eating healthy again.  I'm pretty lucky to have some great friends who are also my running buddies.  Friday, with 30 more miles of driving before I'd reach New Orleans, I already was committed to a 5 mile loop with a friend.  Last night, my usual Sunday morning group was texting each other to make sure we'd all be there.  I had company for 16 out of 17.8 miles... that ain't bad.

Sometimes we need a little
help from our friends.

I'm lucky to have such a great support system.  People who'll notice if I'm not there for a long run or am huffing more than usual.  They hold me accountable to myself even though they would never put me down.  (Well, they might laugh if I faceplant on a run but that's all in good fun.)  Technically, I probably could have done it alone, but I would have enjoyed it a lot less.

Need a running buddy?  There are many options...

1.  Running groups.  There's a ton of them.  Local running clubs often have (at least) weekly group runs and frequently there are people of all paces who attend - you don't have to already be a speed demon.  You can also try local running stores (though this does not apply to big box chains... look for smaller specialized running or biking stores.)  Getting started with these groups generally means access to people who've been running a lot longer and who may have great advice or suggestions as you encounter new obstacles, problems or questions.

2.  Friends or family.  Know anyone who runs?  No?  If you're just starting out, you might be able to find a friend or co-worker who's also interested in starting.  You can use each other as motivation and running partners.  If they're a long-time runner, it can sometimes be hard to find people at the same pace but they may be willing to  keep you company on one of their relaxed run days.

3.  Imaginary friends.  The bonus here is that they tend to be available when you're going for a run.  (Not a guarantee, however.  Make sure you make plans well in advance so they can schedule it in.)  Unfortunately, they're not always big talkers but they are good listeners.  If strangers give you weird looks, just pretend you have a bluetooth and point to your ear.

What or who keeps you active or gets you back in the saddle after time off?

Inspiration

With everyone talking about New Year's Resolutions, I keep trying to figure out what mine should be.  I'm not really a resolution person.  I try to constantly work on being a better person, staying healthy, blah, blah, blah.  But then I thought of something that might work.


I've already conned inspired my little sister and a great friend of mine to start running and complete a half marathon and marathon respectively in 2011.  I'll be running both races along with them and have been pretty excited about sharing something I love so much and being there for such a momentous occasion.

So I think I'll stick with this as my "resolution:"  I will share the passion* I have for running and support others as they get started.  This also means I have to keep up my own running and continue to strive for a healthy lifestyle.  And since balance is healthy,  I still get the daily occasional beer, chocolate, poboy and the like.

*The key is to not forget that people don't like to be bludgeoned with lectures on the subject.  Attacking people about starting to run is probably the quickest way to turn them off.  I should know.  It worked for me for a long time.

And now for your moment of zen, a little gem I saw on Urban Dictionary...

New Year's Heaves

The "article" where I got this picture
is also pretty hilarious.

To "throw up" multiple times on New Year's Eve, typically caused from excessive drinking after the realization that it was yet another sucky year of life.

This happens many times when people see their significant other kissing someone else on the "stroke of 12" during the Midnight hour.

If it wasn't for Bobby having the New Year's Heaves, we could have seen Dick Clark celebrate his 243rd straight New Year's broadcast.

Thankfully, my New Years was not exciting enough for the New Year's Heaves.  Happy New Year!