Emelie is 10 years old as of 4 September, so I'm preparing her to run a 5k in October. She seems excited and did really well with Hill repeats yesterday and laps around the neighborhood today. I'm going to run the race with her, so I'll help her through this first 5k. We are looking at a 4k trail run in November.
The race is the Walk for Autism, they have a 5k walk, 5k run and a 10k ruck march. It takes place on 23 Oct 2010.
http://www.walkforautismva.org/
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Self Image Issues
Self image is a subject that I've heard about all my life, but this issue has been around for ever. Both females and males struggle with this issue. Females are a little more dramatic than males, so it is a bigger subject in the media when it comes to female. Men and boys hide the issue due to appearing weak.
What started me on this subject was both talking with friends over the past year and now an article I read today about Katherine Schwarzenegger. She wrote a book about self image. http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20100913/hl_yblog_upshot/schwarzeneggers-daughter-reveals-details-of-growing-up-in-famous-family#mwpphu-container
As I read through the comments most seemed positive, then I noticed a very insecure comment.
A lady commented that a normal clothing size for a healthy woman is a size 12 to 16 and that anyone that wears a size 10 or smaller only eats lettuce and has self image issues. It was a little shocking to see that this woman felt that thin people starve themselves. It is obvious that she has self image issues because of her negativity toward those who are thin. I haven't read Katherine Schwarzenegger's book, but from what I've read in the article, she wants young girls to understand that self image issues are normal. She is 100% correct, it is normal. I plan to read her book and if I like it, I'll have both of my girls read it when they are teenagers.
I'm almost 40 years old and I have self image issues. Several times a year I have to deal with acne. I'm 40, so why am I still dealing with acne??? I can't run with make-up on, so the world has to see me with all my zits. I find it difficult during these times, but what keeps me going is that I know everyone seeing my acne has their own physical appearance issues. I also hate my thighs, they are chubby, but I know they aren't fat. I've accepted my chubby tights until I put on a bathing suit. I usually want to cry when I put on a bathing suit. One issue that most people (both male and female) like to point out to me is my almost nonexistent breasts. Surprisingly I'm proud of my little bumps and that has never been an image issue. I'm very surprised that women feel that having big boobs is important, I feel that they would get in the way of my running. It's odd that people have pointed out to me that I'm almost boobless, maybe It's because of their low self image and they want to take me down to their level. Compared to your average American woman I have a more positive self image, because I have accepted the fact that everyone has flaws.
My goal is to build a positive self image for my daughters by being a good role model. I've also recognized that I'm a role model to all the young girls that I encounter. I try to eat well and workout regularly. My daughters both want to run with me, and we talk about food and the importance of it. They know at the age of 7 and 10 that food is fuel for the body and that exercise and running strengthens our bodies. My 10 year old has pointed out things that she thinks is flaws in her physical appearance. We talk about why she thinks these things are flaws. Many times it's because of TV, usually shows like Hannah Montana. She has also compared herself to her friends, which is normal. I've pointed out to her that she is normal for having these views. She is still growing and hasn't had to really deal with these self image issues, but I hope she'll come to me when the time comes. I'll teach her to look at the positives and to stay away from those people trying to create a poor self image for her. I was blessed with a mom and friends that did that for me.
It's negative people that create the self image problems that both teens and adults deal with daily. If you surround yourself with positive friends and family you'll have a good self image. Katherine, I hope your book is a success and I hope to read it during the upcoming year.
What started me on this subject was both talking with friends over the past year and now an article I read today about Katherine Schwarzenegger. She wrote a book about self image. http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20100913/hl_yblog_upshot/schwarzeneggers-daughter-reveals-details-of-growing-up-in-famous-family#mwpphu-container
As I read through the comments most seemed positive, then I noticed a very insecure comment.
A lady commented that a normal clothing size for a healthy woman is a size 12 to 16 and that anyone that wears a size 10 or smaller only eats lettuce and has self image issues. It was a little shocking to see that this woman felt that thin people starve themselves. It is obvious that she has self image issues because of her negativity toward those who are thin. I haven't read Katherine Schwarzenegger's book, but from what I've read in the article, she wants young girls to understand that self image issues are normal. She is 100% correct, it is normal. I plan to read her book and if I like it, I'll have both of my girls read it when they are teenagers.
I'm almost 40 years old and I have self image issues. Several times a year I have to deal with acne. I'm 40, so why am I still dealing with acne??? I can't run with make-up on, so the world has to see me with all my zits. I find it difficult during these times, but what keeps me going is that I know everyone seeing my acne has their own physical appearance issues. I also hate my thighs, they are chubby, but I know they aren't fat. I've accepted my chubby tights until I put on a bathing suit. I usually want to cry when I put on a bathing suit. One issue that most people (both male and female) like to point out to me is my almost nonexistent breasts. Surprisingly I'm proud of my little bumps and that has never been an image issue. I'm very surprised that women feel that having big boobs is important, I feel that they would get in the way of my running. It's odd that people have pointed out to me that I'm almost boobless, maybe It's because of their low self image and they want to take me down to their level. Compared to your average American woman I have a more positive self image, because I have accepted the fact that everyone has flaws.
My goal is to build a positive self image for my daughters by being a good role model. I've also recognized that I'm a role model to all the young girls that I encounter. I try to eat well and workout regularly. My daughters both want to run with me, and we talk about food and the importance of it. They know at the age of 7 and 10 that food is fuel for the body and that exercise and running strengthens our bodies. My 10 year old has pointed out things that she thinks is flaws in her physical appearance. We talk about why she thinks these things are flaws. Many times it's because of TV, usually shows like Hannah Montana. She has also compared herself to her friends, which is normal. I've pointed out to her that she is normal for having these views. She is still growing and hasn't had to really deal with these self image issues, but I hope she'll come to me when the time comes. I'll teach her to look at the positives and to stay away from those people trying to create a poor self image for her. I was blessed with a mom and friends that did that for me.
It's negative people that create the self image problems that both teens and adults deal with daily. If you surround yourself with positive friends and family you'll have a good self image. Katherine, I hope your book is a success and I hope to read it during the upcoming year.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Rosaryville 50K, July 18, 2010
We had to travel 75 miles to the race, so my day began at 4 AM. By the time we arrived at the park it was already in the 80s, and I was ready to get started. The race had a 50K, 25K, 15K and 10K events. The trails that we ran also had mountain bikes, which we were told shouldn't be an issue because the bikers wouldn't be on the trails.
The 50K started first , then in 3 minute intervals the 25K, 15K and 10K started. This was an issue because the 15K and 10K runners needed to constantly pass on single track trails. The next issue was the mountain bikers, well the word didn't get out to them that a race was in progress and they were everywhere on the trails. Out of the 31 miles that I ran, I had to stop and get off the trails for the bikers at least 40 times, and this doesn't include having to get off the trail for the 15K and 10K runners. I expect obstacles on the trails, such as fallen trees, creeks, mud, rocky areas and even at times a black bear. but not bikes.
I'll get back to the actual running part of the race. We had to run three 10 mile laps on the trails and then the last mile was to the finish line. I was lucky enough to have my wonderful husband waiting for me with ice, water, Gatorade, and food at the end of each lap. The first lap wasn't bad at all the heat and humidity wasn't high yet and the trail didn't have an extreme amount of natural obstacles. I ran the first lap a little faster than originally planned. The second lap was a little more difficult, I was half way through it, the heat was getting to me and I was having issues with my right foot and left hip. The hip issue was gone by the time I started my third lap. I had to deal with the tendinitis in my right foot throughout the third lap which was very uncomfortable. I struggled the last 4 miles of the race, but I knew that I would make it to the finish. The last four miles was more of a mental challenge of pushing myself through the heat and physical pain. It was a wonderful feeling when I crossed the finish line, I completed the goal of my first ultra!
Will I continue to run ultras? Yes, but not the Rosaryville. I prefer my obstacles to be natural, not bikers.
I have to add that the volunteers at the aid stations did a wonderful job!
The 50K started first , then in 3 minute intervals the 25K, 15K and 10K started. This was an issue because the 15K and 10K runners needed to constantly pass on single track trails. The next issue was the mountain bikers, well the word didn't get out to them that a race was in progress and they were everywhere on the trails. Out of the 31 miles that I ran, I had to stop and get off the trails for the bikers at least 40 times, and this doesn't include having to get off the trail for the 15K and 10K runners. I expect obstacles on the trails, such as fallen trees, creeks, mud, rocky areas and even at times a black bear. but not bikes.
I'll get back to the actual running part of the race. We had to run three 10 mile laps on the trails and then the last mile was to the finish line. I was lucky enough to have my wonderful husband waiting for me with ice, water, Gatorade, and food at the end of each lap. The first lap wasn't bad at all the heat and humidity wasn't high yet and the trail didn't have an extreme amount of natural obstacles. I ran the first lap a little faster than originally planned. The second lap was a little more difficult, I was half way through it, the heat was getting to me and I was having issues with my right foot and left hip. The hip issue was gone by the time I started my third lap. I had to deal with the tendinitis in my right foot throughout the third lap which was very uncomfortable. I struggled the last 4 miles of the race, but I knew that I would make it to the finish. The last four miles was more of a mental challenge of pushing myself through the heat and physical pain. It was a wonderful feeling when I crossed the finish line, I completed the goal of my first ultra!
Will I continue to run ultras? Yes, but not the Rosaryville. I prefer my obstacles to be natural, not bikers.
I have to add that the volunteers at the aid stations did a wonderful job!
Monday, August 30, 2010
I didn't stop running. I just took a break from the computer.
I didn't make it through the Challenge Training. I mainly changed my goals. I decided to train for a 31k trail race. I ran the Rosaryville 50k in Rosaryville, MD on 18 July. It was HOT!!!! I'll write a blog about the race later this week. I'm looking forward to running another 50k in the future.
My current goal is a Women's 1/2 Marathon on Sept 11, 2010 at Fountain Head Park. It's ran by The Virginia Happy Trail Runners each year. I'm hoping to meet other female runners from my area at this race.
We are back to homeschooling which means I'll have more computer time. I'll keep up with the blog at least for awhile. My oldest might run her first 5k this Fall. I have to find 5k without lots of runners. I need something small, so she won't be crowded.
I'm back!!!!
My current goal is a Women's 1/2 Marathon on Sept 11, 2010 at Fountain Head Park. It's ran by The Virginia Happy Trail Runners each year. I'm hoping to meet other female runners from my area at this race.
We are back to homeschooling which means I'll have more computer time. I'll keep up with the blog at least for awhile. My oldest might run her first 5k this Fall. I have to find 5k without lots of runners. I need something small, so she won't be crowded.
I'm back!!!!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Challenge Days 12, 13, and 14
Day 12 was 3.5 miles and Abs. Day 13 was 2.6 and abs and lower back. Day 14 was 3.7 and Abs. Days 13 and 14 my runs were cut short due to Thunderstorms. I need a couple of 5 to 7 mile runs this week.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Challenge Day 11
Ran 2.3 miles with my girls in the Shenandoah National Forest! We ran the Fox Hollow Loop and then a mile on the Dickey Ridge Trail. It was a beautiful day for running and for spending time with nature. I also did a 2.4 mile run after returning home around the neighborhood. I did an abdominal workout, the abs are looking nice ; )
Challenge Day 10
Ran 5.2 miles at a 9 minute mile pace. Felt good, but the only issue I had was sleeping last night. I went to bed around an hour after the run and my heart rate felt rapid at times last night. I guess I need to wait a little longer before going to bed. Taking my girls to the Shenandoah National Park later to do some trail running and hiking. I might add in a little run later to add more distance.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Challenge Day 9
Ran 4 miles around the neighborhood, with Abdominal workout. I planned to take the girls biking tomorrow while I ran, but Susie was put on a medication that make her sensitive to the sun. I'll be running around the neighborhood again tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Challenge Day 8
Ran only 3 miles today at 28 minutes. Hopefully tomorrow I'll fit in a longer run. I took Molly on the 3 mile run too, she is becoming a very good running buddy. I did weight training with the upper body today, with some light abs and lower back exercises. My back has felt great the last couple of days, so I'm going to continue the light lower back exercises daily.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Challenge Day 7
Ran 4 miles at an 8:30 pace. Felt really good!!! I also did light abdominal exercises. One week complete only 3 more weeks to go. My allergy medications have worked really well, no issues with asthma for the past couple of weeks. Lock me in a small room with a cat and I'm sure not even the allergy meds could save me. LOL!!! Hopefully I'll pick up the pace on the runs that are 4 miles or less. I would love to have my 4 mile pace under 8 minutes per mile.
Challenge Day 5 and 6.
I took it a little easy this weekend. Ran 2 miles on Saturday and 3.3 miles on Sunday. My back has been sore, so I've been doing ab and lower back exercises over the past 2 days. These exercises decreased the back pain and I feel good today hopefully I'll get a good run in.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Challenge Day 4
Ran 3 miles at a 9:40 pace and did an abdominal workout. I'm really sore and stiff today, so I took things a little easy. I'll step it up tomorrow and run faster and put in 4 to 5 miles. Tomorrow will be a good running day with temps in the morning in the low 40s and mid-50s as the high.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Challenge Day 3
Went running on the Washington and Old Dominion while my girls rode their bikes. Chasing the girls on their bikes gives me a better workout, but the road crossings slow us down. We went 6.5 miles and it took about an hour. Also did a light abdominal workout. I'm thinking about doing another run on the W&OD very soon. It worked out very well with the girls on bikes.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Challenge Day 2
Did a lower body workout and ran 2.5 miles at a 9 minute mile pace. Did feel well during the run, so I decided to also do an evening run. Ran 4 miles at a 9:20 mile pace. Stitches come out tomorrow!!!!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Challenge Day 1
I did a light core workout, mainly abs. I ran 3 miles at an 8:33 mile pace. I plan to up the miles after day 3, after I have the stitches removed from a minor surgery last week. If the incision area has healed well, I might attempt a 7 to 9 mile run on day 3.
My 28 day Challenge!
I know that I disappeared for awhile, but I'm back on track. I took the winter off and mainly worked out with weights. To motivate myself, I ran a 1/2 trail marathon in Roanoke Rapids the second weekend in March. I ran this race without training for it, plus took 4 months off. My time wasn't good, but it wasn't awful either. It took me 2:18 to run on muddy trails. It was also entertaining to watch many of the runners slide around on the mud. My trail shoes prevented me from sliding on most of the muddy areas, but I had a few slips on the trails.
Now for the challenge! I'm going to train everyday for the next 28 days, no rest days. Some days will be more challenging than others, but I will run everyday, and do either a core, lower body, or upper body workout each day. Some days I may only run 3 to 5 miles and others will be long runs. I homeschool so that is a challenge too! I will have my girls follow me on their bikes on long run days. My goal is to run 25 miles under 4 hours after the 28 days are completed. I would like to set an exact date for 25 miles, but that is dependent on when my husband is in town and can act as my aid station at certain points.
I needed a goal for motivational purposes so I created my own challenge. Hopefully it kicks me into gear, so I can have a wonderful summer of trail running.
Now for the challenge! I'm going to train everyday for the next 28 days, no rest days. Some days will be more challenging than others, but I will run everyday, and do either a core, lower body, or upper body workout each day. Some days I may only run 3 to 5 miles and others will be long runs. I homeschool so that is a challenge too! I will have my girls follow me on their bikes on long run days. My goal is to run 25 miles under 4 hours after the 28 days are completed. I would like to set an exact date for 25 miles, but that is dependent on when my husband is in town and can act as my aid station at certain points.
I needed a goal for motivational purposes so I created my own challenge. Hopefully it kicks me into gear, so I can have a wonderful summer of trail running.
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