Step Three - Blaze Your Own Trail

What do you do when you reach the end of a path that has been laid out FOR you?  You create your own.

One of my favorite words (despite Sarah Palin's abuse of it) is "trailblazer." I like it because it brings to mind an image of a person that is bold enough to create a new trail for themselves, and others, where one doesn't exist. 

For much of my life, I've been a stay-on-the-path kinda girl. I figured that if there was a path, it was there for a reason and that it was likely my best option for moving forward because it was tried, true and safe. The complete opposite of what a trailblazer would think and do.

Have you ever gone for a walk in the park and get the sudden urge to venture off in a new direction? That's your internal trailblazer telling you that it's time to try something different. Sometimes in life, it's necessary to deviate from the established path.

That’s how I came to love hiking and trail running. I always stuck to sidewalks and tracks because everyone used them. I never realized how much I was missing out on by staying within that comfort zone. There is so much more to see and do! Every time I take a new path, I discover something cool and unique.

Making my own trail when it comes to my health and well-being is the norm for me now. I don’t follow fad diets or buy the latest fitness equipment. I do what feels right for my body. I listen to it closely because it will let me know what it wants or needs. 

Blaze your own trail when it comes to your health and wellness and soon you'll be creating new paths in other areas of your life. Adventure awaits!

Happy Trails!

Valeka

Father's Day

I've learned a few things from my Dad over the years like the a love of reading, the finer points of football, and how to grill an awesome burger. One of the things I am happy to have learned from him is a love of running.

When I was a kid, I remember my Dad going for a run down the country dirt road near our home every day after work. He'd run regardless of the weather or how tired he was. My brother and I would sit in our sandbox and wait for the first sight of him as he ran up the hill near the back of our house. 

As we got older, Bubba and I were finally allowed to go running with him. Dad sometimes changed stuff up on us and would take us for a run at the local high school track which was something I was NEVER able to get into. Running endless circles around the same track wasn't fun to me and, to this day, it's something I avoid at all costs. 

He always made sure that Bubba and I paced ourselves. He never pushed me to run faster than I was comfortable doing (my brother always managed to lap me). He knew that running slow was frustrating for me and explained that I should enjoy each run and feel at ease. That's something that I still believe when it comes to running - do it, enjoy it and have fun. 

Nowadays, he doesn't do much running. He can usually be seen walking his dog, Jake, around the neighborhood. But in my mind, he's still that athletic, muscular guy that ran 4 miles every day. 

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Love,

Valeka 

Time to Play

I'm back.

After a long time away, I'm back. The past few months have been gray. Lots of things that have happened have made me question my life, my place in this world, and who I am. I won't get into details but believe me when I say that these have been some of the saddest, loneliest days I've had in my life.

Some of the gray was brought about by the anniversary of my birth.

When I was younger, I felt like my birth anniversaries were worth celebrating. The older I got, the more that feeling of joy morphed into one of dread. I've been told that one is only as old as they feel. If that's the case, the last six months have aged me 30 years.

Aging is hard. Anyone that says otherwise is not being honest with themselves. I don't mean the biological process of aging is hard - eating well and exercising can slow down the aging our bodies go through. No, instead, I'm talking about how difficult the psychological process can be. Being in that place where one is no longer, in the words of my father, a "spring chicken" but yet not quite old enough to drive around in a motorized scooter at a retirement resort isn't easy.

Again - stuck in that icky, gray space between.

In some ways, I haven't grown up completely. I still say silly things, think eating Nerds candy is awesome, color in my Hello Kitty coloring book, count on my fingers, and giggle when I splash in puddles - things a young'un would do.

There is part of me that gets annoyed with the twenty-somethings that can't (or won't) behave themselves and think the world revolves around them. I admit, the annoyance stems from a place of jealousy because they have a lot of life ahead of them and so much potential. When I look at them and then at myself, I see hourglasses standing side by side. The sands have shifted much more on my side than theirs.

Now that I am coming out of the life-sucking fog, I realize the importance of playtime and engaging in frivolity...sometimes...when appropriate since, after-all, I am kinda sorta an adult. I've watched those twenty year olds and how they live for the moment. They chronicle their lives on Tumblr and Instagram as though they are the hottest, most important people on the planet. And ya know what? They are. We ALL are. Each of us has value and relevance in this world no matter what our age is. It's up to us to remember that every day that we wake up.

So, when I turned the age I did on April 22nd, I made a promise to myself. I vowed to give my inner child more opportunities to play and enjoy LIFE. True, my form of play no longer involves dancing at nightclubs until 3 A.M. (not that it ever really did) but I can play on my terms, in my own way.

Playtime for me means blisters on my feet, sunburn on my nose and shoulders from grinding out miles during a run on a hot Texas afternoon, getting dirt on my face, and being covered in sweat. Making time to play is a priority for me again. It may not be the wild and wooly antics of a youngster but if it brings a smile to my face and happiness to my world, then it's the right kind of playtime for me. The only gray that remains in my world is on my favorite running shirt and shoes.

The world is my playground again.

Have YOU played today?

Happy Trails!

Valeka

Forrest

"I used to run to get to where I was going, but I never thought it would take me anywhere." - Forrest Gump

"...My Mama always said you got to put the past behind you before you can move on.  And I think that's what my running was all about..." - Forrest Gump

As a runner, one of the most inspirational films for me is Forrest Gump.  My favorite scene is the running across America scene.  It's something that I have always wanted to do and every time I see it, I get the urge to try it (although I can't imagine running continuously for more than three years).  Still, it inspires me to keep going even when I don't want to.

Forrest was an ultrarunner and that is something that I always hoped to do at some point in my life.  It doesn't seem likely to happen at the age I am now but, hey, a girl can dream!  Watching this scene makes me wish I could do that - run alone for hours on end while being one with my thoughts and environment.  I feel like I'm living the moment vicariously through Forrest and let out a deep sigh after I watch it.       

This video shows the scene along with one of my favorite running songs EVER, "Running On Empty" by Jackson Browne, as the soundtrack.  In fact, the name of my blog is a play on the song title - I'm not empty; I'm heavy.  Get it??  Gotta credit the BFF for that piece of brilliance!      

Enjoy the video and keep seeking things to inspire you on your journey towards good health!

Happy Trails!
Valeka 

No Excuses

“I hated every minute of training, but I said, don’t quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life a champion.” – Muhammad Ali


"Transformation is not five minutes from now; it's a present activity. In this moment you can make a different choice, and it's these small choices and successes that build up over time to help cultivate a healthy self-image and self esteem." - Jillian Michaels


Many of us have desk jobs and for the most part, that's a good thing because we don't have to work outdoors in harsh elements on a daily basis.  But it does mean that our activity levels are not what they should be.  

My life has been pretty hectic for the past month or so.  I'm spending a lot more time writing and that means, more sitting.  No one gets healthier from sitting all day so I have a few ideas on how to give your tush a break from the chair.  I've tried all of these and they have helped me to get in some activity when I absolutely have to work on my computer.  These can all be done in short 5 minute bursts throughout your day or during your lunch break.  And taking a 5 minutes to do this for yourself is MUCH better than using the same minutes to visit the fridge for a scoop of ice cream!  
I have a couple of yoga apps on my Iphone that get me moving but my favorite one is Simply Yoga.  It gives the option to choose a 20, 40 or 60 minute work out.  The app has videos that demonstrate the poses to be used for the routine you have selected.  I'm no expert but it has helped improve my balance and flexibility.  Looking down the road, better balance will help me when I start trail running in the fall.

I've also taken up what I call "commercial break work outs."  These are usually a series of various old-school exercises like jumping jacks, squats, planks, crunches, lunges, calf raises and push ups.  This is very effective!  You would be amazed at how much you can get done during a 3 minute commercial break!  And speaking of "old-school", I found a jump rope in my closet a few weeks ago.  I may need to bust that out for some quick cardio!     

Another thing that I do is run "laps" out in the breezeway in front of my apartment.  I like to take Big Baby along when I do this.  It gets us outside for a few minutes and makes us both pretty happy!

So, there ya have it!  A few ideas that are easy, effective and, best of all, CHEAP or FREE!  All you have to do is invest a few minutes of your time to make them work for you.  You (and I) have no excuse to not get in some exercise when it really is pretty easy to fit into even the most fast-paced day!

Happy Trails!
Valeka 

Size Doesn't Matter

It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog. - Mark Twain

Though she be but little, she is fierce! - William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream

To the casual observer, Big Baby is the obvious choice to be my running/wogging/trail buddy since she looks like the "athletic" one BUT...looks can be deceiving!  I've mentioned a few times that I don't look like a "typical" athlete but that I have just as much love for my sport as any other runner.  My little dachshund, Mimi, embodies that same attitude.

Mimi is chunky despite her best efforts to lose weight (she has a slow metabolism as diagnosed by her veterinarian) but she doesn't ever let that keep her from enjoying outdoor activities!  She tries hard to keep up with Big Baby during walks and will keep going until she just can't go anymore.  She has lots of fight and spirit and I love her for it.  

During a brief weekend getaway, she and I took a walk along a beautiful stretch of beach.  I watched her run and hop around with enthusiasm.  It made me wish I had a little more of that spunk!

The two of us ran our athletically chubby butts along the sand and had a blast!  She didn't worry about her jiggle and neither did I...which is exactly how it should be.  The joy of the activity should be our priority and not what we look like while we are doing it.  Size doesn't matter to her!  She just goes out, does her thing and makes the most of every moment.  

While Mimi cooled off with a dip in the ocean, I couldn't help but smile.  It's amazing the lessons we can learn from our pets when we really pay attention to them.  She reminded me that we shouldn't focus on what we look like or what OTHERS think our limitations are.  If we don't see obstacles in front of us, not only do we enjoy life more but we may even surprise ourselves and do some pretty cool stuff!

What do you think your obstacles are?  Now that you have acknowledged them, toss 'em away.  You don't need to impose limits on yourself especially the kind that keep you from doing fun things!

Mimi thinks you should give yourself a break and enjoy life.  Trust her - she knows what she is talking about!

Happy Trails!

Valeka

Hotness

What dreadful hot weather we have! It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance - Jane Austen

The Texas sizzle is now in full swing!  The past few weeks have had days with temperatures of 100+ degrees.  The only time it is cool enough to go running is at 2 a.m. and I'm not going to do that!  All of this hotness makes staying indoors with some ice cream and a frosty air conditioner blasting so very appealing.  I've been combating the laziness and the urge to indulge in cold, sweet treats by taking a dip in the the pool on almost a daily basis.

I do my own little version of aqua jogging and water aerobics.  I swim a few laps, run in place, do standing crunches for my tummy, and repeat.  I must say, it's working pretty well.  The beauty of it is that I am getting in a good work out without the stress on my joints from running and I'm staying cool.  Plus, the water resistance is great for strength training!  The downside is that Big Baby can't join me in the pool but I make it up to her with short little walks throughout the day.

The key to staying fit in this hot weather is to improvise!  Sure, it's hot as Hades outside but there are fun alternatives to running on trails.  If you happen to live in a very hot climate like I do, now is a good time to try out some different forms of exercise.  Zumba, kick-boxing, dance classes, and yoga are some good options for indoor workouts that still pack a punch.  Many places will even offer your first class for free just so you can try it out.  

If I am going to do anything outdoors, I try to do it really early in the morning since walking trails alone in the dark of night seems a wee bit dangerous to me from a safety stand-point!  And just because I am going out when it's relatively cooler doesn't mean I don't take water with me.  Staying hydrated is very important no matter how early one goes out.

Sooooo, there ya have it - no excuse to miss work outs during the dog days of summer  After all, we have to maintain our hotness regardless of the temperature!

Happy Trails,

Valeka

           

Jeans

Blue jeans are the most beautiful things since the gondola. - Diana Vreeland

 I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes. - Yves Saint Laurent

I have a favorite pair of jeans that I have a love/hate relationship with.  I hadn't tried on those jeans in a while.  The first time I tried them on this year was January.  The weather was chilly and I needed to wear jeans so I decided I would attempt to wear my favorites.  Much to my chagrin, they didn't button or zip.  They weren't gaping open but still, point is, they weren't wearable.   I got annoyed and threw the jeans into a dark corner of my closet where I couldn't see them.  The hate part of the relationship was in full swing.

February rolled around and as I was organizing my closet, I found them.  I pulled the balled up denim out of the corner, shook them out and tried them on.  They zipped and buttoned but they were tight. I had more than a muffin top. It was like a giant wad of bread dough had been wrapped around my midsection. It was puffed out over the waistband and there was no disguising it even with a big sweater over the top.  I tried to look at the positive - at least they closed this time - but again, unwearable.  I hung up the jeans and forgot about them...until this past Wednesday.

I was going to a co-working luncheon and wanted to wear jeans.  I opened my closet door and rifled through to see what I had.  Nothing seemed right for my outing.  That's when I saw THEM peeking out from behind some dresses.

Reluctantly, I pulled the jeans off of the hanger and held them out in front of me. I pursed my lips and thought "what the hell".  Expecting a repeat of the January or February fittings, I slipped my legs in, slowly zipped and buttoned.  I was surprised and had to double check to make sure I got THE pair from the closet.  No sucking in of the gut; no laying on the bed to zip 'em.  They fit.  Not only did they fit, they were loose.  And better still, I wore them with a tank top...and had no roll over . Major progress! It was pretty exciting.  I strutted my jean covered butt into that restaurant and felt pretty damn good.  I was in love again.  

The coolest part is that I haven't starved myself to make it happen.  There has been no deprivation, insane workouts or long miles.  It's getting done with consistent, moderate activity combined with eating clean and healthy.  I believe the biggest factor has been that I am eating unprocessed foods.  Very few prepackaged, prepared foods make it into my house.  Cooking at home helps me to know what is in the meal I'm eating.  No surprises or weird things I can't pronounce and it's making a difference.  It's all in the jeans!

Happy Trails!

Valeka

Running On Heavy's First Blogiversary!!!

Today is such a special day!  A year ago today, I got up the nerve to tell my story of weight and fitness struggles to the world.  I made the conscious decision when I started Running On Heavy to not sugar-coat anything I shared and to put my embarrassments aside.  I thought perhaps my posts could be a beacon of positivity in a world that tells us that being heavy means we are lazy, sedentary, ineffective and hopeless. I like to think that my blog has succeeded in being that to all of it's readers.

What I have received in return as a result of putting myself out there has been immeasurable.  My little blog has taken me on an amazing journey and has brought me to an exciting new place in my life.  Thank you all for your continued support, words of encouragement, and for helping me to do what I love most.  I am forever grateful.

I look forward to many more adventure-filled years with you guys! 

Hugs to you all!
Valeka

Doin' It

Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's the little details that are vital.  Little things make big things happen.  -  John Wooden

What a great month March was!! I became more consistent with my workouts, continued being mindful of how much I eat (psyllium husk in water before each meal is my new best friend. The fiber fills me up and keeps me from over eating), AND I've eliminated a lot of stress from my life.   

I must say - it's all coming together nicely. As a result, I'm officially down five pounds for the month!  I don't quite SEE a change in my body yet but I'll take the weight loss.  Five pounds may not seem like a lot but it's better than a GAIN any day!  I lost the equivalent of this sack of potatoes.  It's five pounds gone which will help my joints when I walk, wog or run.  Besides, I never liked potatoes very much anyway :-) 

I'm very pleased with my progress and know that April will be just as great if not better!  I must admit, hearing about friends that ran races this past month further fueled the fire in me.  It is something that I miss doing and the only person keeping me from it is me.  For the last two weeks, I have been walking (with a few "sprints" thrown in) twice a day.  Splitting my work outs throughout the day makes it feel less overwhelming and I get more done.  The added bonus is that Big Baby is loving it!  I know that she and I will be in running shape soon!  

Happy Trails!

Valeka  

New Shoes

Funny that a pair of really nice shoes makes us feel good in our heads - at the extreme opposite end of our bodies. -Levende Waters

I've decided that I would wog much better if I had a new pair of running shoes. No, they aren't really necessary but, as lots of women know, new shoes sometimes give us super powers. They make us more daring, more powerful, more confident - and those are a few things I could use when it comes to my work outs.

My old shoes still have a few more miles left in them but they feel like they belong to someone else. Or perhaps it's because when I look at them, they remind me of the lack of commitment I had to my sport and my health when I bought them. I joked with BFF telling her that I felt they were "haunted". Looking back on that comment, maybe it wasn't really a joke. In my mind, I see them as haunted by the ghosts of my laziness, complacency and past failures. They were never loved the way a pair of running shoes should be.

A new pair of shoes would feel like a fresh start for my feet and for me. I can show them all the love that my current pair didn't get by getting them muddy, dusty, sweaty and smelly. I can take them on fresh new adventures and make them say "whew!  I'm beat" at the end of our days together.  I will name them (yes, I named all of my running shoes when I was training because they were my running buddies and deserved to be called something other than "shoes").

That is my project for the week - the quest for new shoes.  I'm ready to feel that sensation of love at first fit.  That moment when I will feel that the shoes are meant for no one but me.  It will be an affair to remember...

Happy Trails!

Valeka

Beautiful Day

Today, Big Baby and I went out for a late afternoon walk.  The sofa was stuck to my butt but the weather was too beautiful to not get out and enjoy it.  I am pretty lucky to live where I do.  I live smack dab between two parks complete with greenbelt trails (no excuse to not get any walking/wogging/running done - EVER).  We made our way down the sidewalk and towards the park.

I am not much for running on sidewalks or asphalt so I didn't subject BB to it either.  We walked until we reached the gravel trail.

We finally arrived at our little park.  BB was super duper excited to get there and didn't want to waste any time walking.  She wanted to gallop!!  Of course, I am NOT in galloping shape so we did "wog" and that seemed to satisfy her for the moment.

We continued on and enjoyed the sites and sounds of nature.  She is literally my eyes and ears on the trail.  Sometimes I overlook the little things because I am too busy focusing on the big picture (time, mileage, steps, my butt jiggling).  BB slows down my brain and makes me relax.  I love her for that.

It was such a wonderful day out.  The sun was shining and there was a light breeze.  Days like this are truly a blessing.  BB and I took a few pauses on the trail to enjoy our time together.

We continued on our way and took in some more of the sites in the park.

We decided it was time to head home. 

But before we left, she took a whiff of a mountain laurel.  For those of you that have never seen one, the purple blossoms smell EXACTLY like grape-scented bubble gum.  BB and I love to breath in the scent.  Heavenly!

We headed back out on the sidewalk to make our way home.  BB was one tired pooch by the end of our adventure.

It was a great day spent doing something that I love with one of my beautiful fur babies.  It doesn't get much better than that!

Happy Trails!
Valeka

(A special "thank you" to BFF for taking the photos for this post)

Epic Fail or How I Learned to Not Procrastinate

Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm - Winston Churchill

Today (02.19) would have marked my reentry into the world of road racing.  The Livestrong Austin Marathon/Half Marathon is going on as I write this blog.  BFF and I signed up for this race almost a year ago and we planned on being ready for it.  For BFF, life got in the way of training.  I, on the other hand, have no legitimate excuse.  It's a major disappointment and I feel like I have let myself down.  But in true Valeka fashion, I am choosing to look at the positive side of this.  Every time I see this shirt (because it and my race number are hanging on my bedroom wall) I will remember that I wasn't ready to commit myself to this race and that I WILL do a half marathon again because I love them, blisters and all.   

I am using this failure as motivation for my next success.  I didn't have a game plan in place to get ready for the Livestrong race.  I didn't eat as well as I could have or get the proper work outs in.  I didn't set up a training schedule to prepare my body.  I don't plan on repeating this mistake.  Aside from this being a waste of money (and I HATE to waste money) this was necessary for me.  It showed me that while I thought I was committed, I really wasn't.  I put off what I needed to do instead of starting immediately and putting my whole self into it.  Procrastination.  One of my Achilles's heels (is it possible to have TWO Achilles's heels?  It must be because I have two, procrastination being one of them).

I am going to start running again - screw the walking.  I've been walking consistently and am up to about three miles a day.  I have lost a little more weight.  I am eating right and I'm taking some great supplements to keep everything in check.  I need to get more weight off of my body before I start the "real" running so I can avoid injury.  I've always been a smart runner and I'm not going to risk hurting myself by jumping in before my body is ready.

The beauty of failure is that there is no where to go but back up.  It wasn't my time to run a race but it will be again because I have learned my lesson.  And I don't like failing.  And, most importantly, I don't want to let myself down again.

Happy Trails,

Valeka 

Limit (less)

Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them - Albert Einstein

The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible. - Arthur C. Clarke

I had a great visit with my parents this weekend.  Going home almost always relaxes my mind.  The pace there is slower so it's a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of regular life.  The weather during my visit was cold and drizzly but it brought back wonderful memories of my early days of running.

I used to run in all kinds of weather but always loved running in the gloomy, drizzly, sleety weather.  I mostly enjoyed it because I KNEW that other people would be home in their cozy, dry clothes thinking that the weather was not favorable enough to go outdoors.  I, on the other hand, refused to allow the weather to dictate when I would run.  I would imagine a sunbeam shining down on me, keeping me warm and dry as I made my way through the grayness.

For a moment this weekend, I found myself being one of those people that allowed a perceived limit to keep me from doing what I wanted to do.  Big Baby and I went outside so she could do her business.  I asked her to hurry because it was cold and rainy and we "needed" to get back indoors.  She had other plans.  She was enjoying her time outdoors regardless of the weather and pulled towards the street.  I was reluctant and cold but asked if she wanted to go for a walk.  She looked up at me with those big beautiful brown eyes and I knew the answer.  I grumbled about walking in the crappy weather but shortly after we started, I felt that sunbeam breaking through the grayness and it warmed me from the inside out.  BB and I walked on for several blocks and even did a little bit of running - not walking or wogging but RUNNING.  She was happy and so was I.

Once we were back indoors and dry, I began to think of all the limits we place on ourselves because we feel (or are told) we can't or shouldn't do something.  Some limits are necessary but most are self-imposed out of fear or procrastination or just flat out laziness.  Those are limits that we shouldn't fuel.  If we gave the same amount of energy to being limitless as we do to concocting reasons why we can't do something, we would be unstoppable.  Right now, I have very few limits.  My future is wide open and it's invigorating.  And thanks to Big Baby, I removed another limitation I didn't realize I had set on myself.  She helped me see that I can't wait for the perfect moment to start something because we don't always get that perfect moment.  Sometimes, you just have to make a move and trust that there will be a sunbeam out there in all of that gray.

Happy Trails,
Valeka      

Walk On

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.--John Wooden

It's not the wanting to, it's the having to - My Mom

I've been a good girl and have been getting in lots of walking on an almost daily basis. I know it's good exercise, it's free and it's effective BUT...I'm bored with it. I take my Big Baby with me and it is our bonding time but that is the best part of it. It feels slow and it doesn't ignite a spark in me.  If walking were a man, to quote my friend Y, there would be no "ga-ga-goo-goo" feeling.  

I don't feel that burn in my lungs and legs like I did when I was running. I miss that feeling. I know that at my present weight, the safest and most logical thing for me to do is walk. But, damn it, I wanna run!  The sadness I felt about not running has turned to frustration which is slowly morphing into anger.  Anger with myself for getting out of shape and allowing distance to grow between me and the sport I love.  Of course, I can get back into running shape with continued good nutrition and consistent exercise but I'm impatient.  Trust me - I get the whole concept of walking before I can run but I'm human and it bugs the crap out of me.  I want it now (stamping of the foot).

This path reminds me that in running, just as in life, we all have to do things at one point or another that we don't always want to do.  Those things are usually in our best interest and have a purpose behind them but they still stink.  I remember as a kid, there would be things I was asked to do but didn't want to do and my Mom would always say "it's not the wanting to, it's the having to".  And she was absolutely right.  I don't WANT to walk but I have to....for now.  If walking means that I will eventually get back to running, I suppose I can continue to tolerate it....for now.  Anything to get back to my one and only true love...running.

Happy Trails,

Valeka

3M Nostalgia

Yesterday was the 3M Half Marathon here in Austin.  The 3M has a special place in my heart. In 2008, it was the first half marathon I had ever done and BFF ran it with me. I remember it like it was yesterday. The morning was very cold so I overdressed in layers. Then in true Texas fashion, the temperature rose and I got hot during the race and eventually I took off my fleece and shirt and tied them around my waist. I took off my gloves and hat (those ended up on the road somewhere).

Until this race, my longest run had been 9 miles with some killer hills (I later found out that people training for the Boston Marathon often used the Rain Creek Parkway/Floral Park Drive route I did weekly to prepare for that race. I was in good company). And call me masochistic, but I loved hills. BFF dreaded the training runs when she saw me turning onto one of these streets.  She would grumble and grunt as we ran the hills but she stuck with me like a trooper. I felt like we were well prepared for the race. The only thing we weren't prepared for was the weather. Until that weekend, our training had been done in cool weather. BFF and I took full advantage of water stops along the way and paced ourselves well.

The final three miles were the most challenging. BFF's bad knee was screaming violently at her so we slowed our pace to accommodate it. She wanted me to go ahead but I didn't. We made the commitment to do the race together and I was gonna stick to it. I started cracking jokes, singing "Eye of the Tiger" and quoting cheesy lines from movies to get her mind off of the pain. One of our favorites was from the movie "The Replacements":

Shane Falco: I wish I could say something classy and inspirational, but that just wouldn't be our style.

[pause while everybody is in the huddle]

Shane Falco: Pain heals. Chicks (we said GUYS) dig scars. Glory... lasts forever.

We laughed our way through the last miles of the race. Two hours, ten minutes and twenty-four seconds after we started the race, we crossed the finish line together. BFF apologized for our finish time (we trained to finish in 1:45) but I poo-pooed that. We got through it and it was even better because we did it together. I could have gone ahead of her and finished in under two hours as planned but it wouldn't have meant as much.  

The lesson I learned was that no matter how prepared we think we are for the big race, anything can happen along the route. But the best way to get through it is with laughter, fun and being surrounded by the people that matter most to us.  Those things make any victory that much sweeter.

Happy Trails!

Valeka

Something New

It's essential to keep an open mind, and to be willing - better yet, eager - to try new things - Michael Abrash

Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there - Will Rogers

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting up with an old friend ("E") that I haven't seen since high school (trust me when I say it has been a while!).  It was a wonderful visit and I am so happy to have reconnected with him after so long.  We talked about how we are going through a similar transition in life and how sometimes we need to let go of the things that bind us or keep us from being our authentic selves.  He recently left his job and is now doing what he is passionate about - helping others get fit and healthy.  

Our conversation turned to me and my health, my weight gain and my lack of exercise.  I mentioned how there are several things "binding" me right now and one of them is my body.  We discussed how after doing all the half marathon and marathon training I felt burnt out and took time off.  My time away from running was only supposed to be for 4 months but it has now turned into 2+ years.  I told him that I DO exercise but I am far from consistent.  We talked about my eating habits which, overall, weren't too terrible but we agreed that I do need to limit the eating out.  E could hear that I was making an effort to get healthy.  He knows that I am anxious to get back to my regular athletic self but understands that I don't want to have to run 50 miles a week to maintain it because, as I have proven to myself in the past, it's not something I can sustain.  Now, I still want to run an ultramarathon at some point because it's something that I have dreamt of doing but I know that the level of training needed is not something I can realistically continue for a prolonged period of time.  Long story short, E is going to help me make the changes in my diet and supplement intake to get my weight down (because he believes that I am vitamin/mineral deficient and that is causing my body to not lose weight as it should.  I kinda suspected that or a thyroid issue.  A thyroid check is on my to-do list).  

I'm very excited about this new program because I think it will help me and that it will alleviate a lot of the frustrations I have with my body not being able to perform as I would like it to.  One thing he did say that I was not too thrilled about was....we are going to limit the running at the beginning of the program.  He wants me to do lots of walking although he did okay running perhaps once a week.  In all honesty, these days I am lucky to even be able to run 3-4 miles continuously so I guess cutting back isn't a big deal.  The idea that there is going to be a limitation set on the running felt like a jab to my heart though.  We are setting this up so that it's not a chore or inconvenient for me.  When I was training my hardest, my life was monopolized by running and if I wasn't running, I was cooking and prepping foods for the week (strict diet).  I had to be very disciplined and organized.  The level of commitment I had was pretty impressive, if I do say so myself, but I missed out on life while I was doing that.  I don't want being healthy/fit and having a life to be an either or thing and E totally gets that.  The plan he is putting together for me is all about moderation, simplicity and balance.  I like the sound of that and I can't wait to get started.  A glimmer of hope!

Happy Trails!

Valeka 

Music

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe. - Lao Tzu

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. - Berthold Auerbach

I have been asked by several people whether or not I listen to music when I run or wog.  The answer is - I usually don't.  I prefer listening to the sound of my footfalls, my breathing and nature.  I reserve music for those days when I am having trouble relaxing into my run or when I can't clear my mind.

When I do play music, I listen to things that inspire me as opposed to songs that are just loud or have pronounced beats.  I do have a few "power songs" that I turn to when I need a boost but for the most part, I prefer songs that calm me.  I have found that something soothing benefits me more.  The music I select helps me keep a steady, relaxed pace.  My Ipod has lots of different genres - classic rock, classical music, opera, oldies, big band, indie rock and some alternative music.  Here is some of my favorite running music:

• Where The Streets Have No Name - U2
• Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac
• Round Here - Counting Crows
• No Rain - Blind Melon
• Take It Easy - The Eagles
• Someone To Watch Over Me and Come Fly With Me - Frank Sinatra
• Comfortably Numb and Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
• Running On Empty - Jackson Browne (which, incidentally, inspired the name of my blog)
• Against The Wind - Bob Seger
• La Grange - ZZ Top
• Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
• The Four Seasons - Vivaldi
• Madame Butterfly - Puccini
• November Rain - Guns N Roses

What do you like to listen to when you run (or work out)?  Share!!  Maybe some of your music will work for me, too!

Happy Trails!

Valeka

Nothing

Running has taught me, perhaps more than anything else, that there's no reason to fear starting lines...or other new beginnings - Amby Burfoot, The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life

Running is the classical road to self-consciousness, self-awareness and self-reliance - Noel Carroll

 

This week, I did nothing.  I didn't run or blog or do much else that would be deemed as productive.  Not to worry, I will be running/wogging this upcoming week and every week from here until February (at least).  For some reason, I just felt that I needed this week to prepare myself mentally.  Things have been hectic for the last month or so and it felt good to take a nice big exhale.  Now I'm ready to focus on me and what I need.  And I need to run.  It is my solace, my therapy, my old friend.  

When I run, I always discover new things about myself.  Some of the things are good and some are not but I always learn something.  And I don't necessarily learn new things regarding my ability to run.  Most of the time I learn life lessons or discover a new facet to my personality.  Good or bad stuff aside, it's always good to get to know one's self and running is one of the best ways I know how to do that.

Tomorrow begins a new chapter in my life as a runner.  The training for the half-marathon will be secondary for me when I lace up tomorrow after work.  My focus is going to be on me.  Of course I will be preparing for the race in the process but that will be in the back of my mind.  Gotta take care of me first.  Time to turn nothing into something - in more ways than one.  

Happy Trails!

Valeka  

T-Shirts

"My lunch hours aren't for eating, my Saturday mornings aren't for sleeping and my holidays aren't for taking it easy.  I am a runner." - wisdom from a runner's t-shirt

"In a world of give and take, give what it takes" - more wisdom from a runner's t-shirt 

This weekend while going through my drawers, I noticed that my race t-shirt collection needs some updating.  For every race I have done, I have received a t-shirt.  The good thing is that they have kept me from buying pj's for several years (hee-hee) but it did make me realize that the last year printed on the most recent race shirt is November 2009 (Thundercould Subs Turkey Trot).  Boy, do I have a LOT of catching up to do!

Looking through my old shirt collection was like a trip down memory lane.  It kinda reminded me of looking through a box of old school pictures or through old grade school report cards.  I could see how much I had progressed in my training over the years.  The oldest shirts were for 5k's (TONS of Race for the Cure shirts and the Austin Runner's Club Daisy 5k) and then the Turkey Trots (those are 5 miles).  The next shirts were 10k's like the Austin American Statesman 10,000, IBM Uptown Classic and the worldwide Nike Human Race 10k (this race will forever be my nemesis.  Not my best race and it was made worse by my bad decision to drink a Monster energy drink during the race.  Never again).  Races eventually became more challenging and longer such as the Run for the Water 10 miler, the Decker Challenge Half Marathon, the 3M Half Marathon and the last race shirt in the stack was the race I trained for but didn't get to do - the San Antonio Rock n Roll Marathon.  There have been more 5k's and such since then but nothing quite as significant as those last few races.  

I miss it all.  I miss putting in the hours of training and the ache in my legs when I have pushed myself past my comfort zone.  I miss packet pickup at the local running store and going to pre-race expos that are full of energy and excited runners.  I miss getting my clothes ready for a race the night before and making sure I had enough safety pins to pin my number to my shirt and I miss tying my timing chip to my running shoes.  I miss getting up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning to head to the race site to warm up and line up with the rest of the participants.  I miss the feeling of accomplishment after doing well in a race (and "well" for ME is completing the route and not being the last person in).  My first race back will be in 5 months.  The excitement is back and I am embracing the challenge.  And soon, I will have another t-shirt for my collection.  

Happy Trails!

Valeka