April 13-19 Runs

[mudmucker]

Wow Oakleaf. That's a very introspective and inspiring post. Positive and contentment just oozes out of it. Very refreshing to read. I'm happy that it came together for you in such a way. Treasure those days for sure. Sounds like you've worked to link many of these various holistic aspects in your life together or at least regarding your moving meditation and it's starting to work.

I run also and I ran outside all through this winter in the ice and snow and very cold temps but I never post about it. Back in February or so you posted several times on the Chi Running book again. I finally picked up the book because of your informative posts about it. I have to say it has really helped me run pain free. I used to do Tai Chi many moons ago so the grounding and body sensing was easy for me. I had never though of putting it into running. After reading excerpts from the book and applying it to my running, it worked by the first 2 runs after. It really works and it's pretty exciting to have the power to run pain free. Thanks. Although I certainly haven't reached the point of focusing my energy to drive body mechanics to a high level yet.

[yellow]

Oak, that is a great post. These days I often find myself looking for the positive in what on the surface seems to be so negative, including relationships that I had with others years ago. Usually I don't have to dig too deep to find the positive and recognize the gratitude that is owed. Usually.

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OK, I have a dilemma of sorts. It's my "easy" week (I practice periodization when I'm training for something and this is a cycle down week) and I have a scaled back long run on 10 miles on Friday. It's supposed to snow 3 feet between now and Friday AM, ski season is coming to a close, the mountain is pretty much devoid of humans, and I really, really love powder skiiing. Do I go ski until I can't stand up anymore on Friday or do I forego a potentially killer powder day for a 10 mile run on (probably) muddy trails?

Life can be so hard.

[Shiraz]

Hi Ladies,
I too enjoy reading your positive post. I know I have not posted like I should but so enjoy coming back and reading your success' and challenges. It seems everyone is dealing with challenging circumstances. Our lives are more demanding than ever. Many of us have family and friends without jobs and it can be hard to stay positive with so much pulling us into negativity. But this is the times like OakLeaf said we (I)must concentrate on the positive! I am blessed with good friends, family and health! No matter how fast or slow I run I can walk out my door on my own and run!

Yellow I am excited to see you on Saturday in Salt Lake City for my half! It means so much to see a friendly face cheering me on. Last year I had a painful last 3 miles so I am hoping for a healthy and happy finish.

[Susan Otcenas]

oakleaf - thanks for sharing that with us. It sounds like it was a very powerful experience for you!

yellow - Speaking for myself... I'd go skiing. I love my training, and I'm very disciplined about it for the most part. But for me, it's important that I not feel like it's depriving me of something else I really might like to do. Otherwise, I might come to "resent" the training a little bit. I find that when I allow myself to do some other fun cross training thing from time to time, especially if it's an opportunity that won't come around very often (as in your expected amazing powder day), that I'm actually MORE energized when I resume my regular training schedule.

kacie - Hope your recovery is going well. I didn't post a comment on your race report thread, but I wanted you to know I really enjoyed reading it. How wonderful to have had your fan club right there with you!


As for me - as I mentioned on last week's thread, I had a stupid fall in my SIL's kitchen on SUnday evening and really banged up my left foot. This morning was my next scheduled run, and I had a little trepidation going into it, as I was still feeling a wee bit tender yesterday. Well, I'm VERY happy to report that I had absolutely no issues with it this morning! Whew! I had a 5 mile tempo run on the treadmill ( 1 mile @ 5.5, 3 miles @ 5.8, 1 mile @ 5.5, 0.75 mile cool down @ brisk walking pace. Total = 5.75 miles). My foot felt great. My left forearm, on the other hand, looks like someone has been beating me up. The whole underside is bruised. I know it's from the fall, but for the life of me, I can't remember it getting banged up.

Hope everyone continues to have great runs this week!

Susan