Yesterday, while participating in my first organized race since Track & Field Day in fifth grade, I found myself reflecting on my rather contentious history with physical activity. See, I was never athletic or even particularly active as a child. I was bookish and solitary, given to spending hours curled up in a chair with my current book, losing myself in imaginary adventures. When told to go outside and play, I would as often as not take my book with me and find a convenient tree to lean against.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, I was also overweight. This made gym class something of a torment, as I felt awkward and out of place in my own skin, something that only became worse as I went through puberty. Suddenly, in addition to having excess weight, I had these strange and embarrassing changes in my body to contend with. Running laps and playing soccer suddenly became very public exhibitions of my awkwardness and made the notion of being active something inherently distasteful.
Anyhow, as I was running my 5k, I found myself almost angry at the wasted time of my teens and twenties. Why, I wondered, had I missed out on so many years (and let's be honest, probably my prime years), sitting on the sidelines becoming fatter and less active with each one that passed? It's a hard question, and one that I have asked myself a number of times through this journey towards becoming, dare I say, an athlete. The answers are not easy to come by as it is, I think, a complicated mix of inherent tendencies and societal expectations.
One of the things that came to mind yesterday as I was running was the lack of knowledge of even the simplest of things that make an activity like running something other than torture. My mother was not active, I had no female relatives to take me under their wing and tell me the way of things. So instead, I endured countless laps around the gym and endless games of soccer and kickball and who knows what else as a large chested woman in a bra hardly worthy of the name. I played sports in clothes that bunched and chafed, wore whatever shoes I happened to have on hand. How much different would it have been, I wondered, if someone had taken the time to explain these things that I have learned later in life through research and the advise of friends.
It seems a little thing, and it is. But for an awkward teenager, already inclined to dislike physical activity, these little things left an enduring impression of discomfort and inferiority when thinking of things like running or playing sports. That feeling endured...even as recently as last year I thought that running was for other people, smaller women more coordinated and less awkward than myself. I'm glad I moved past it, but I can't help but regret the wasted time. It makes me wonder about the other girls and young women out there who are going through the same experiences, developing the same aversions. Is there a way, I wonder, to reach out to them and introduce them to a world of physical activity, of moving, that isn't tied to humiliation of gym class, but that introduces instead the joy and freedom that can be found in the midst of a good run or ride.
Workout: Did a couple loops of Lebanon with the boys. Autumn is the perfect time for mountain biking.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Big Woods Run - Race Recap
My first race recap! How exciting!
As is my wont prior to new events, I didn't sleep particularly well last night. Actually, I slept just fine until some guys decided to park outside my apartment and talk VERY LOUDLY at 3:30 in the morning. I'm not certain why they thought having one of them hold on the truck bumper and get pulled sounded like a good idea, but I have a sneaking suspicion alcohol was involved. Anyhow, once that woke me up I pretty much kept waking up every half hour or so until I gave up and got out of bed around 6 AM.
I checked the weather and was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't raining. In fact, the forecast looked more or less clear for the duration of the race. I elected to go with knickers and a long sleeve top over a t-shirt, though, just in case. I grabbed a light breakfast, a good luck kiss from Larry and headed out the door.
By the time I had reached the church, it had started misting. It was just enough to make the grass, and therefore my socks, wet. I picked up my race packet from the tent, including a real life timing chip. The lady at registration made my day when she told me that she assumed that I had run before and was surprised when I said no. Must have been all the spandex I was wearing.
The 5k didn't start at the church, but rather inside the state park. So, we bundled into a bunch of school buses and took the shuttle to the starting line. I employed my amazing conversational skills by engaging a few of the other women in idle banter while we waited for the start of the race. We were herded over to the starting line, where we realized that we were going to have a mass start of over a hundred people on a trail about six feet wide. Needless to say, it was a bit chaotic.
I sorted myself out towards the middle-back of the pack, figuring I didn't want to be in the faster people's way. Unfortunately, that wasn't a feeling shared by everyone, so once they finally let us go, I found myself passing a large number of walkers and even some slower runners (!). Eventually the group sorted itself, and we settled into our respective paces. I hadn't really warmed up as much as I should have, and my body was letting me know in a myriad of little ways. Mostly, my left ankle was pretty stiff, but I had faith that it would loosen up as we went along.
The trail was wide and mostly flat, with the biggest danger being from the many large tree roots crisscrossing it. The mist had dissipated and the air was crisp and smelled of crushed leaves and rain. I settled into my rhythm and called to mind the mantra I had finally settled upon. "Breath. Strength. Joy." Not quite as catchy as "Don't fall over", but it served to remind me of what I had decided was the key to my success. Breath - I needed to keep my breathing even and in the right rhythm to avoid cramping. Strength - A reminder that I have the strength to push through the hard spots. Joy - A reminder of why I was there, and to smile. Together, I figured it was a good way to keep my head in the right space while out on the trail.
The last mile + of the run was on pavement, which honestly was something of a disappointment. Also, my shoes, which are amazing on the trail, sort of feel like running on suction cups on pavement. As a final insult, the rain that had held off thus far started falling in earnest, driven by the rather strong southern wind. Still, the nice thing about running to a church is that the steeple makes for a rather well defined visual target on which to focus. So, I buckled down, started chanting my mantra and kept on moving.
I turned into the final stretch with the hope that I was at least going to finish in under 45 minutes. As the clock came into view, the numbers I saw were 37:15. Seriously? I kicked it into to gear to try and get through the line before it rolled over to 38:00 and made it! Woo hoo! I had finished my first 5k without walking, and had even done it in under 40 minutes.
The final "official" time was even better, at 36:04. That meant, in essence, that not only had I run my first 5k successfully, but that I had done it at a better average pace than I have ever managed, either on trail or road. All in all, a pretty successful outing, and I got a cool t-shirt besides. Next up...Thanksgiving 5k!
As is my wont prior to new events, I didn't sleep particularly well last night. Actually, I slept just fine until some guys decided to park outside my apartment and talk VERY LOUDLY at 3:30 in the morning. I'm not certain why they thought having one of them hold on the truck bumper and get pulled sounded like a good idea, but I have a sneaking suspicion alcohol was involved. Anyhow, once that woke me up I pretty much kept waking up every half hour or so until I gave up and got out of bed around 6 AM.
I checked the weather and was pleasantly surprised to find that it wasn't raining. In fact, the forecast looked more or less clear for the duration of the race. I elected to go with knickers and a long sleeve top over a t-shirt, though, just in case. I grabbed a light breakfast, a good luck kiss from Larry and headed out the door.
By the time I had reached the church, it had started misting. It was just enough to make the grass, and therefore my socks, wet. I picked up my race packet from the tent, including a real life timing chip. The lady at registration made my day when she told me that she assumed that I had run before and was surprised when I said no. Must have been all the spandex I was wearing.
The 5k didn't start at the church, but rather inside the state park. So, we bundled into a bunch of school buses and took the shuttle to the starting line. I employed my amazing conversational skills by engaging a few of the other women in idle banter while we waited for the start of the race. We were herded over to the starting line, where we realized that we were going to have a mass start of over a hundred people on a trail about six feet wide. Needless to say, it was a bit chaotic.
I sorted myself out towards the middle-back of the pack, figuring I didn't want to be in the faster people's way. Unfortunately, that wasn't a feeling shared by everyone, so once they finally let us go, I found myself passing a large number of walkers and even some slower runners (!). Eventually the group sorted itself, and we settled into our respective paces. I hadn't really warmed up as much as I should have, and my body was letting me know in a myriad of little ways. Mostly, my left ankle was pretty stiff, but I had faith that it would loosen up as we went along.
The trail was wide and mostly flat, with the biggest danger being from the many large tree roots crisscrossing it. The mist had dissipated and the air was crisp and smelled of crushed leaves and rain. I settled into my rhythm and called to mind the mantra I had finally settled upon. "Breath. Strength. Joy." Not quite as catchy as "Don't fall over", but it served to remind me of what I had decided was the key to my success. Breath - I needed to keep my breathing even and in the right rhythm to avoid cramping. Strength - A reminder that I have the strength to push through the hard spots. Joy - A reminder of why I was there, and to smile. Together, I figured it was a good way to keep my head in the right space while out on the trail.
The last mile + of the run was on pavement, which honestly was something of a disappointment. Also, my shoes, which are amazing on the trail, sort of feel like running on suction cups on pavement. As a final insult, the rain that had held off thus far started falling in earnest, driven by the rather strong southern wind. Still, the nice thing about running to a church is that the steeple makes for a rather well defined visual target on which to focus. So, I buckled down, started chanting my mantra and kept on moving.
I turned into the final stretch with the hope that I was at least going to finish in under 45 minutes. As the clock came into view, the numbers I saw were 37:15. Seriously? I kicked it into to gear to try and get through the line before it rolled over to 38:00 and made it! Woo hoo! I had finished my first 5k without walking, and had even done it in under 40 minutes.
The final "official" time was even better, at 36:04. That meant, in essence, that not only had I run my first 5k successfully, but that I had done it at a better average pace than I have ever managed, either on trail or road. All in all, a pretty successful outing, and I got a cool t-shirt besides. Next up...Thanksgiving 5k!
Friday, October 12, 2012
The night before
Don't get me wrong, I know a 5k is not a big deal. Well, at least it's not a big deal for people who are reasonably well trained at this running thing. For me, however, a 5k represents the single longest distance I've ever tried to run at one time, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit concerned. After all, I'm not exactly headed into this with the best prep work behind me...months of "I'm going to run" followed by biking a lot instead didn't really do the trick. Nonetheless, I have successfully run 2.5 miles a couple times now, so I'm pretty confident that I can pull out 3.1 in a pinch. The race schedule says that the last 5k runner should be off the course by 10 AM...I think that means that if I can't finish in an hour they are just going to let the wolves eat me. Of course, if I can't finish in a hour, I doubt I'll have enough ego left to slink to the finish line anyhow.
To add to my concern is the forecast. It hasn't rained for real in months (or so it feels), but tomorrow morning there is a very real chance it will be thunderstorming. In October. Yep, that sounds about right for how my luck goes. On the other hand, I think this might be a good thing. Being cold and wet should be a good incentive to put in a good time, and thus return to my vehicle and dry clothes that much faster. That's my current working theory, anyhow. We'll see how it goes.
I did get in one training run this week. It was a road run, in deference to my aching spine. Average of 12+ minute/mile, which isn't good for anyone but me, but I'll take it. My back is a real concern for tomorrow, but I think I'm going to just take my meds and ignore it. Well, that, and come up with some sort of mantra to get me to ignore it. Not sure what it will be right now, but "Stay on your feet" is a front runner.
No workout data, sadly...Strava is not playing nice on my phone at the moment.
To add to my concern is the forecast. It hasn't rained for real in months (or so it feels), but tomorrow morning there is a very real chance it will be thunderstorming. In October. Yep, that sounds about right for how my luck goes. On the other hand, I think this might be a good thing. Being cold and wet should be a good incentive to put in a good time, and thus return to my vehicle and dry clothes that much faster. That's my current working theory, anyhow. We'll see how it goes.
I did get in one training run this week. It was a road run, in deference to my aching spine. Average of 12+ minute/mile, which isn't good for anyone but me, but I'll take it. My back is a real concern for tomorrow, but I think I'm going to just take my meds and ignore it. Well, that, and come up with some sort of mantra to get me to ignore it. Not sure what it will be right now, but "Stay on your feet" is a front runner.
No workout data, sadly...Strava is not playing nice on my phone at the moment.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Lebanon Hills
The highlight of my weekend was a trip up to Eagan to Lebanon Hills with a few folks from the bike club for some mountain biking. Eagan is only a 45 min or so drive away, and Lebabon offers some fantastic riding. The trail system is well marked and designed, with a wide assortment of obstacles and trail features. Additionally, they have recently built a fantastic trail head for the West side, complete with changing rooms and water access.
We were up there because Trek was holding a demo, but given that I was riding a 2013 Mamba anyway, I didn't bother to try out any of the shiny bikes. I figure my bike habit is expensive enough without starting to think about swapping out bikes I've owned for less than six months. Once the rest were set up on their demo bikes we headed out to the trail. We did one big loop as a group (more or less), and then the boys went off to get themselves killed while Ann and I took another trip around the less terrifying trails.
As a naturally risk-averse person, I'm never going to be the fastest out of the gate on terrain like this, however, because of the way it was laid out, I was able to go over the same bits of trail three or four times. This was really good for me, because by the end of the day I was able to start taking stuff at speed and was clearing obstacles I had walked around before. So much of mountain biking for me is about learning to trust what my bike is capable of doing, and slowly I'm getting there. I've even started to see why people would want to be clipped in!
The only downside to this rather awesome day was my back. As mentioned in my previous post, a bit of a bad fall while running had tweaked my back, and spending a couple hours bouncing around on a hardtail didn't really help things along. In truth, I got home, took a lovely cocktail of muscle relaxants and prescription pain killers and tried to not cry every time I moved. I'm not at all certain I managed that. So, unfortunately, that means a slow start to my pre-race week. I'll be letting my body try to recover for the rest of today and do my best to get back in the groove tomorrow.
The ride
The ride
Thursday, October 4, 2012
On the brink of panic
My 5K run is next weekend, and I'm pretty much screwed. Despite the best of intentions, I've been a slacker when it comes to the running thing, and at this point I think it's pretty much assured that it will be a long, slow slog for me. Still, I take heart in the little things. Today, for instance, I ran a mile in under 12 minutes. This was mostly remarkable in that it was in the woods, where I have not been having a lot of luck getting any speed. To make up for this milestone, I managed to wipe out on the second mile, twisting while I did so in such a fashion that I think I lost a half inch off my height when I landed on my hip instead of safely on my hands and knees.
My fitness life has been like that lately. Highs and lows abound. Take for instance earlier this week. Monday evening I woke up in the middle of the night and got up to get some water. Unfortunately, upon getting up my left leg completely buckled underneath me, for some unknown reason. Whatever caused it left me on the ground for several minutes with my leg unable to support my weight, and residual damage from trying to stop myself from falling kept me off my feet yesterday. On the other hand, Tuesday I hammered out a 17+ mph ride. Ups and downs...but the ups are pretty good.
Pretty soon I need to start getting serious about deciding what to do in the "off" season. I know I'm going to be doing some swimming, and more than a little biking to nowhere. In addition, though, I would love to get a good amount of running in, as well as some cross country skiing (assuming we have snow). On top of that, I need to do strength and core training. Expect to see some musings over the next few weeks regarding off season training.
Workouts:
2.5 mile trail run
27 mile bike ride
2 mile trail run
My fitness life has been like that lately. Highs and lows abound. Take for instance earlier this week. Monday evening I woke up in the middle of the night and got up to get some water. Unfortunately, upon getting up my left leg completely buckled underneath me, for some unknown reason. Whatever caused it left me on the ground for several minutes with my leg unable to support my weight, and residual damage from trying to stop myself from falling kept me off my feet yesterday. On the other hand, Tuesday I hammered out a 17+ mph ride. Ups and downs...but the ups are pretty good.
Pretty soon I need to start getting serious about deciding what to do in the "off" season. I know I'm going to be doing some swimming, and more than a little biking to nowhere. In addition, though, I would love to get a good amount of running in, as well as some cross country skiing (assuming we have snow). On top of that, I need to do strength and core training. Expect to see some musings over the next few weeks regarding off season training.
Workouts:
2.5 mile trail run
27 mile bike ride
2 mile trail run
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