ikilledit

I tend to be full of snark about these types of news stories. ‘Top 10 Reasons to Eat Beets!’ to ‘Walk more.’ ‘Pee while standing up.’ etc. There’s always something that we should or shouldn’t be doing and most of these are obvious but I guess humans are a forgetful and lazy bunch. We must remind ourselves of the good things in life.

So I present to you the ‘Top 10 Health Benefits of Running’:

1. Physical Strength
2. Weight Loss
3. Heart Health
4. Prevent High Blood Pressure
5. Reduce Effects of Diabetes
6. Lessen Effects of Asthma
7. Personal Control
8. Increase Bone Density
9. Overall Mental Health
10. Joint Strength & Stability

Seems pretty obvious but there you have it. Just a few of the ways that runners benefit from our sport. Enjoy the pavement. 

Didn’t feel up for a run. But lifted some weights, planks, push-ups, stretches, jumping-jacks. I was sweaty after a half hour and that’s better than nothing at all. Do something sweaty at least once a day. These are words to live by. 

Now, to drink some chocolate milk. 

You probably think you have a busy day and it’s difficult to find the time to work-out, exercise, fit in that run. You’re so very wrong. 

“I ran a wonderful time for training – and I’m juggling a full-time high school teaching job from 8 to 5, driving to McMaster [University] to work out at night and studying for my MBA at Mac. 

Brendan Kenny, 26-year-old high school teacher from Dundas, Ont., strode to victory for the second consecutive year in the GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon, capturing the title in 2 hours 27 minutes 56.6 seconds

Think about that. He’s working 8 to 5 as a high school teacher, then works out at night and still finds time to study for his MBA at Mac. Oh and he’s also setting records for marathons. 0_o

Ok, this post is not just about feeling guilty. It’s about realizing that you have more time than you think. I worked twelve hours yesterday and still went out for a 40 minute run. It was dark by the time I returned and I ate dinner at 8:30 but you know what, it felt good. 

Just log off of facebook for a half hour or skip that crap reality show you don’t really care about anyways and you’ll find yourself with the time you didn’t have. Your body will thank you for it. At the very least, do not say you do not have time, say that you have different priorities. 

Two years ago getting sick was just that—getting sick. But, as a runner there is so much more at stake. The body is a delicate machine and it only takes the slightest change for good to become bad. 

Was chatting with my friend Sarah and she said it perfectly:

Man, every time I stub a toe, or roll an ankle, the first thing I think of is “Will this effect my running?” Life seems to constantly get in the way of fitness goals. Life is a jerk

The past week I’ve been dealing with a nasty virus. I’m not bedridden but my throat and nasal passages are congested, phlegm-y, and gross. I cannot breathe properly and as such I’ve taken the week off from running. I am sure I could force myself to hit the pavement but I’m learning that it’s best to suffer the mind and let the body heal before attempting a run. 

It’s been a rough running season and I’m not where I want to be. I’m not sure I ever will reach the ideal I have in my mind, but it’s something to strive for. 

I’m thinking I might attempt a light run this evening. Here’s hoping. 

Enjoy the pavement. 

GOAL:

• eat more vegetables
• drink more milk
• cut out salty snacks (I’ve been eating too many potato chips!)
• run 55 + km by Saturday night. 

I did eat more vegetables this week, but that’s an ongoing goal. 

I did also drink more milk, even tried some almond milk. It wasn’t all that different, so I may try to make it a bit more of a habit. 

I also reduced the amount of salty foods, specifically chips. I’ve been snacking too much, so I brought cut up fruit and veggies to work all this last week, it satisfied my snack cravings. 

It’s that last goal where I fell short. The plan was to hit a 55+ km week. I won’t even share the number I hit. I only managed to get out onto the road three times. Rather disgusted with myself. 

Sigh. Well, it’s the start of a new week. I need to increase my mileage and get back into training mode. I’m still running like off-season/winter and that’s not acceptable. Especially if I plan on doing well in September. 

Eat healthy, enjoy the pavement. 

It’s many things, it’s inspiring, satisfying, frustrating, annoying, gruelling, and many more. Running is like a relationship. A mixed bag of emotions & feelings that course through your body. Some days are just better than others. Some days you find yourself not wanting to look your partner in the eye. It’s been that way the past few days. 

A long work weekend, a lack of running, bad place in my head —all of these contributed to an overall feeling of blah. 

Is it possible for your shoes to feel wrong!? It felt like that during my run yesterday, like they had turned against me. I still have 200+ km left on this pair, and I did a spot check on quality yesterday morning and they seem to be in good condition. Every step yesterday evening seemed to whisper: “Ugh!” “Wrong!” “NO!” “Why are you doing this!?” It’s crazy when your shoes talk to you right!? 

What’s important is that I forced myself to run even though I didn’t want to. If you allow too many days go by with that attitude of: “It’s a bad week, fuck it, I’ll do it later…” you’ll soon find yourself back on the couch eating double-cheeseburgers. 

Speaking of unhealthy foods. I’ve not gained any weight or anything like that, but some of my bad food habits are nagging at me. I think I’ve convinced myself that because I’m an active runner, I can afford to just eat whatever I want. This is not the right way to stay healthy. 

GOAL:

• eat more vegetables
• drink more milk
• cut out salty snacks (I’ve been eating too many potato chips!)
• run 55 + km by Saturday night. 

It’s a short list but I’ve learned you have to build slowly and do it one step at a time. Here’s hoping. 

Micah True, a well known ultrarunner was found dead this past weekend. True had gone missing days earlier when he went out for a morning run. The circumstances surrounding his death have yet to be verified. He was found with his legs submerged in a cold stream with his water bottle next to him. There were no obvious signs of trauma. I’m sure an autopsy will be performed and further information provided in the coming weeks. 

I’m not sure if True had told anyone of his specific whereabouts concerning his run, but the running community should use this as a reminder, albeit grim. 

When you head out for a run— always remember the following:

• WHERE - Let someone know exactly where you plan on running and then stick with that plan. 
• WHEN - Let someone know when you expect to be back, a rough estimate of how long your run should take you. Factor a bad run into this time-limit. 
• IDENTITY - Carry ID on you, or label some part of your gear with your name and an emergency contact. Also, if you have any specific health issues that an emergency care worker should be aware of. No one likes to think this way, but stuff happens: heart-attack, a run-in with a vehicle, a stumble that results in a broken leg or twisted ankle, etc. 
• HOW - Run the right way. If you’re on the road, run AGAINST traffic. This is so that you can be aware of what’s in front of you. Also, so that the cars coming toward you can see you clearly. If the option to run on a closed and path/trail is available then do so. 
• HEADPHONES - If you must wear headphones - keep the volume set at a level that allows you to be aware of what is happening around you. You should be able to hear someone say something to you and/or listen to a car horn. 
• GEAR - Wear the right clothing. If you’re running at night: head-lamp, lights, reflective material, etc. 

Common sense advice that unfortunately is not always so common. Run smart and run safe. We love this sport with a passion and we want to be able to enjoy it for as long as physically/mentally possible. A little foresight and planning will go a long way in ensuring that we come home safely to our family and loved ones. 

I don’t normally ask for reblogs but I think this is worth spreading. So share with as many people as possible. 

Here’s what you have to understand about running: it is a solitary affair. People run in groups, teams, partners, etc. this I know. But even then— it all comes down to you (me).

You have to race against yourself. Sometimes this involves running a marathon. Other times it might just be about meeting that ‘3 times a week’ target. 

February was an awful running month for me. And March has started off very slowly. I’m running at a pace that is driving me mental. “What the fuck is this shit!? You’re running at this pace!? YOU SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED, GO HOME, GO TO SLEEP, HIDE UNDER THE COVERS AND APOLOGIZE TO THE RUNNING GODS!” 

Lately my mind has been screaming these things on my evening runs. Yesterday was particularly frustrating. I was out with my dad and I had him drop me off 5 km from  home. Told him I wanted to walk the rest of the way, just to clear my head and get some fresh air. I get home and I’m all inspired and driven. I think to myself: you just had a 5 km warm-up, why not throw on some laces and head out for an easy 5 km run. 3 km in and I lose all my momentum. I take a one minute breather (something I NEVER do) and then I turned off my RunKeeper app and walked the rest of the way home. My head just wasn’t into it. 

It seems like I keep hitting the same wall. And it seems to be mostly mental. My body is in good shape. Yet, I find myself struggling with my runs. I seem to be creating barriers and I’m just not happy with my runs. Yes, they feel good but it’s hard to explain unless you run on a regular basis. There’s this space that your body/mind goes to when you’re truly enjoying the sport. I’m not there and it seems like a long time since I have been. 

Nothing I can do except to keep on lacing up. It’s a battle. 

Ugh. I’ve not been this sick in a long time. It’s just sick enough to make doing things difficult. I’m working long hours because we’re down a body at the hotel, and when I get home I require rest and sleep. 

Two weeks without a run. I feel like absolute shit. I’m on antibiotics and cough medicine. Living on cough drops and tea. I’m very drained and lethargic. It’s not been a very good February at all. Here’s hoping March starts off better. 

Sigh.

I just wrote this long rambling post about how I’m an asshole for being too judgemental when it comes to other people. It’s set to private. But it’s there. 

How goes it Mrs. Faith? Are you keeping up with your exercise program? If it makes you feel any better, I’ll admit to eating a bunch of unhealthy foods yesterday. Mind you, I also went for a run in the evening but the point is, even I have my bad days. I had a candy bar, a bag of chips, and far too many cookies in one sitting while at work. 

Ah well, today is a new day and I only brought healthy snacks today. So yeah. It happens, even to me Mr. Running Blog Guy. ;-) 

Hope you’re meeting your goals and getting to that healthy place you want to be at. 

Have you thought about signing up for some kind of race or outdoor activity? Something to motivate you to keep going forward with your exercise/routine? Maybe a 10k walk? If you’re up for scheduling a day visit in this region, I’ll meet you at the Niagara gorge and we can make a trek down to the water, get some exercise and fresh air. I meant for the spring. Not sure we’d want to head down there right now, but point is. Set some outdoor adventures for yourself. A good way to stay focused and positive. Maybe join me for a half-marathon? ;-)

As always, cheering you on. Go Faith Go!!