Like a Pug

I made it outside for a run today, and I've still got it!

By "it" I do not mean speed, or endurance, or any other markers of athleticism.  I was slow, I had to walk about a fourth of each mile, my easy pace kept me in a Zone 2 to 3, and I felt the need to pee pretty much the whole time.  No, "it" is something else entirely.

Almost a year ago, I rambled on about whether or not I could consider myself a "real" Runner.  Is a 10- or 11-minute-mile really running, or just jogging?  The famous Dr. George Sheehan (Never heard of him?  Then you're just a jogger.) once said that the difference is a signature on a race application.  But was he right?  Am I really a runner because I've participated in a few races?

I've decided that the difference is a little more subjective than that; I believe "real" Runners are the ones that get out there and do what they do for the enjoyment of it.  Not to lose weight, not to look fab at the reunion, not for any specific benefit or goal that may or may not be attained.  And certainly not that every run is pleasurable, because all real Runners know that some runs are absolutely miserable and most are pretty humdrum.  Maybe we can't even define what it is we actually like about running.  Much like a cherished dog who is so ugly he's cute, we love it "just because" and need no further reason why.

No cute, just pugly.

That love, I've decided, is what makes me a Runner.  That is the "it" I still have.

February Thaw

We are predicted to get three whole days with no snow and temperatures just around or above freezing.

I know Somebody who is going to put the ice tracks on her shoes and get outside! 

Prenatal Abs and Core

I've been searching for good core routines that are appropriate in the second half of pregnancy, but not too easy for somebody who is not new to strength training.  Apparently, such routines are impossible to find!  I'm sure that simply sucking in your tummy while sitting or on all fours would be better than nothing, but just doesn't feel adequate for me.

So, I've been sticking with planks and variations, even though I hate them.  They are unbeatable, though, if you are looking to target every muscle in your core!  So, take 'em like medicine- not because it's tasty but because it's good for you!

Standard Plank- top of classic push up position.  Hold 30 to 60 seconds, rest, repeat for three reps.

Rocking Plank- start in Standard Plank.  Slowly rock forward on your hands and toes, then back for a count of one.  Do 2 sets of 12 to 15.

Toe Tap Plank- I usually give my shoulders a rest here by going to my elbows.  In this modified position tap right toe out to your right side, then left toe out to your left side.  That's one.  Keep your legs straight; do 2 sets of 12 to 15.

Shoulder Tap Plank- start in Standard Plank.  Tap your left shoulder with your right hand, then your right shoulder with your left hand.  That's one.  Do 2 sets of 12 to 15.

Side Plank- also known as One-Arm Balance.  It's a tricky balance pose, I open my feet just a little wider and keep them both on the floor for better stability.  In Standard Plank (feet wide) shift your weight to your right arm, lifting your left arm up straight; your feet will also shift so that you are not twisting in your body but hips are facing the same direction as the shoulders.  (This lady explains it better than I do, and with pictures of the Pink Panther!)  Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, two or three reps each side.

So, there ya go... the ab routine that Baby and I are currently enduring enjoying.  So far I've had no sign of my abdominal muscles separating so I have no idea if this routine is appropriate if that condition is present.  Hopefully I won't have to find out, not for a while at least!

Little to None, and Little One

Where did my motivation and good intentions go?

I put in 43 miles in January.  Granted they were slow, and almost all on the treadmill, but I did them!  So far in February- zero.

It is still my intention to put in a few miles every other day.  I just need to get back to it.

Baby and I are a little more than halfway through.  So far I have gained just about 9 pounds, very respectable, I think!  I was able to slim down quite a bit after Lucy was born, and I am hopeful that it will be the same after this one.  Just about 4 months to go!

New Year!

Happy New Year!

I gotta say, 2012 was not very good to me.  Even down to the final few hours, last year was nothing but trouble!  But I'm always excited to greet the new year.

Checking with the local runner's club, I saw there will be a trail half-marathon in Silver City.  I haven't done much trail running, and the race is scheduled only about four months after Baby is due, but I think I'm going to send in my registration and go for it!  Assuming I can at least keep up with something of an exercise routine through the rest of this pregnancy, I think I can be ready for it.  I should also be able to run the Ed Hansen again; I would have about three months to train for that one.  I probably won't be able to run the other two races I've done the last couple of years: the Breakers to Bay 5 mile is right around my due date, and I'll be lucky if I'm able to walk, much less run, by 4th of July.  But just maybe I'll be able to do the Norway Spring Classic, even if I do the 5k instead of 10k.  I really hope I can, just for the shock value of running a race preceded by my 7-month belly.


New year, new life, new goals.  I pray we all make the best of it!

What Child Is This?

Ho, ho, ho!  Merry Christmas!

My last post was about a gazillion weeks ago and so much has gone on since then.  I've had several busy weeks of working, sleeping, and gestating.  Not much running going on, but I've been back on the treadmill somewhat regularly since last week.  Running outside where it is potentially slippery doesn't seem like the best idea given my "delicate" condition, but I can tell running indoors is going to slowly make me crazy, especially when I have no more "Run, Run, Live" podcasts to listen to weekly (they are going to a new format with that show and will now be monthly).

So, 'tis the day before Christmas and we have so much to celebrate.  Our life here is not always easy or immediately rewarding, but always rich with blessings beyond what we deserve.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of goodwill.

I'll always love him.

Dad and me, summer of '07.