Running vs. Blogging

About 3.5 miles into my 5 mile run yesterday, I realized two things:

1. I was not dreading the run, as much as I normally do.
2. I was not counting the miles down, like I normally do.

After realizing these two things, I asked myself why? Why no longer was I dreading the run or counting down every step I took? The answer was simple... I was focusing on my next blog. Brilliant. For the first time in a lonnnnnggggggg time, I was not dreading the run. In fact, I was so busy focusing in on what my next blog with be about, I barely realized when I was close to the 4 mile marker. This, to me, was a great day! I might have finally figured out how to "lose myself" during my runs. I will test the theory again, during my Sunday 3 miler this afternoon.

So instead of focusing on the action of running, I focused mostly on the music that was blasting in my ears. And how this music affects my running mood. I distinctly remembering coming to a crossroads in the run - I could have opted for 3 or 5 miles. I opted for the turn that would take me for a 5 miler. At this very moment, my music switched from Something to Believe In by Poison, to Dynamite by Taio Cruz. Direct correlation? Yes, very much so.  And as I chose the 5 mile run (which was what I was suppose to run yesterday)  I thought about my ass. Yes, my ass. Would I like to shake it on the back of the boat this summer, feeling more confidant than I ever have (don't judge me) OR would I like to be semi-confidant? The vote, was clearly shake-that-ass with confidence. So with a little Dynamite blasting in my ears, maybe even a bit of semi-fist pumping action, I was off for the 5 miles. My legs, my thighs, my stomach, and most importantly my ass, were most appreciative of my choice at the end.

Disclaimer... let's not pretend the majority of us don't shake our asses on boats, when the music is blaring and the sun is high. We do. We love it. And it is a good time.

All Forms

Healthy living comes in all forms. It isn't just about what I eat or how much I work-out. It also is about taking care of myself, as I grow older. And no, I do not feel old at all. But, reality is, I am getting older..indeed.

From: Susan Joyce Ballard [mailto:pelos@bgsu.edu]
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 12:31 PM
To: Ballard, Troy
Subject: favor

Do you remember the name of that dermatologist you went to? I just saw a FB post about a 32 yr old with stage 3 melanoma.

I need to be proactive and start getting my skin checked now.

Thanks.

PS ---- this is your wife, being super mature and overcoming her urge to always be tan (please note, I will, however, remain the blonde that I love being.)

LoVeS

Appointment will be scheduled by the end of the day tomorrow. Healthy living comes in all forms and with one's own responsibility.

Milligan Blood.

"Through my blood flows the strength of an Irish woman and the stubbornness of a Scotch"....

I will not blog about the entire ice storm experience yet. However, brace yourself, because when I survive this debacle of a week...there will be a blog. It will be glorious. You will most likely laugh. However, right now, I am not laughing. I am dreading driving home to a cold, lonely house. Thank goodness for Bailey and Captain.

And yes, I might be a bit psychotic, as this storm is limiting my gym access time (2 days and counting no Y in my life. I am about to explode with anxiety).

Stay tuned...

Gram

Gram is awesome. She will be 92 in July and still going strong. I can only hope her genes carry through and keep me as active as she when I am her age.

I had the pleasure of suprising Gram, along with AJ and UD, this week. I flew into Orlando and they all live (during the winter months) about an hour south. I originally had planned on driving to Tampa that Tuesday, but my meeting changed to Wednesday morning. So I GPS'd that bad boy and off I went.

Needless to say... all were surprised. Gram nearly fell over. I love a good surprise. Surprises make the world a better place. Gram was gracious enough to host me for the afternoon/evening. It was great to spend time with her and AJ/UD and all of their friends. What great people.

Here's hoping I can say the same thing about myself, when I'm 91:

1. I will walk each morning.
2. I will read daily and constantly be learning.
3. I will remember to write letters to my loved ones and send cards, always send cards.
4. I will greet my own grandchild with a hug, a kiss and an open arm each time I see them.
5. I will drink beer with the gang and enjoy each taste.
6. I will tell stories that make me smile and make others' smile.
7. I will listen and be patience.
8. I will take an afternoon swim when the sun is high in the sky.
9. I will always ask about my grandchild's dogs.
10. And I will be as cool as a Gram.

Good day, good surprise, good family. I love days like that.

Calories

I have been following a variety of different blogs lately, all of which are related to running, training, healthy living, etc. For the most part, I thoroughly enjoy the reading and am always intrigued to see how others' view their own healthy living process. However, there is one blog, that for the last few days I mentally have disagreed with. I will not share the link, as again, for the most part, I love this blog EXCEPT when it comes to the philosophy on eating and dieting.

This particular blogger believes that their daily caloric intake should be around 1000 (can you say your body shuts down and starts eating itself?!) and consists of: fruits, vegetables, light protein, limited calcium, etc. The major food groups are fine, but seriously, 1000 calories/day?! Are you fing kidding me?! Not to mention this blogger also runs, works-out, etc. I mean, I don't think I would even have the strength to run a mile if I limited my body to a 1000 calories/day!

I am fully aware that everyone's body size, structure, etc. are different and therefore, everyone needs different calorie amounts and food. However, 1000 calories?! I am in shock. I can burn close to 1000 calories alone on a long run training day. I just don't get it.

I also, do not agree, that one must limit themselves to perfectly healthy food 24/7. If I do this, I will head towards horrible binges. I guess for me, that's why Weight Watchers works (I sound like a commercial - watch out J Hudson). No, but for real, a person cannot just eat salads, fruit, and protein 24/7. Sometimes you need to have a little variety and not to mention, you need to treat yourself! I find, I do much better per/week with weight lose, if I allow some splurging here-and-there. Some pizza and popcorn is NOT going to kill you. Just sayin. It's eating that stuff 24/7 that kills you (I know, common sense).

So this weekend, I will enjoy my small movie theatre popcorn (no salt, light butter) with my diet coke. I will not freak-out about it. I will be friends with the gym. And Monday, when I weigh-in, I have a feeling the scale will be good to me.

Badass

Sometimes you have to be a badass. Sometimes you have to suck-it up. Sometimes you have to wear three layers of clothing. Sometimes you have to run, even when it is 5F outside.

Yesterday, I did just that. I was scared all day, to attempt the run outside. But, I had my winter running gear with me (God bless Under Armor) and I was determined to make it happen.

Honestly, the only part of me that was cold were my finger tips (chalk this up to, too much ice skating without gloves as a child!) and the top of my thighs. Otherwise, I was aok.

I ran and I ran. I slipped a few times on some ice (never truly landed though, just a slip). Had  drivers look at me like I was a crazy person. And had two college students call me and I quote a "badass" for running in that weather. I just smiled and kept on running, jamming to a little Kenny Chesney (new CD is fabulous).

Hands down, outside runs are ten times better than treadmill runs. Scratch that - 20 times better. It was a good day, finished out with a great run. And let me close by adding - you know it's cold outside when your facial winter-running protective gear has a rim of ice around the edges of it. Oh riiiiiggghhhht, that's just my sweat, freezing within 5 seconds of appearing. Hot. Beyond hot.

Another one? That's right kids.

Apparently one too many drinks (as in 3 total) and that's all that is needed for me to agree to another half. Damn. Friday night. It happened. I agreed. So, here I come Glass City Half. But, I must say, I really think this time it is going to be different. My reasons include:

1. I picked out my own training plan this round. Troy picked out the last training plan. It was a great training plan IF you were trying to hold 7-8 minute miles. Welcome to being a 10 minute miler.
2. I am going to allow myself to walk before mile 10, if I need to.
3. I plan on working on my form. My form is horrible and it needs to be fixed.
4. I can't complete a half ironman without embracing a few half marathons.
5. I want another 13.1 sticker.
6. I want another 13.1 medal.
7. I love spending money on sneakers and running clothes.
8. Troy is also going to run this one. He is going after time. I am going after maintaining my sanity. No, for real. I nearly lost my mind during our half this past November. It was not pretty.
9. I will be cross training and lifting weights. Who knew, weight lifting was actually important to the whole running gig?

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY........

10. Matt Nichols is also running this half. His entire goal is to beat me. And I quote "All I care about Sue is beating you. You have beat me every race to date and this one is going to be different." Oh Nichols... you just pissed off the inner-Pelo portion of me. I will see you April 17th. I will be the one in head-to-toe matching running gear. Just remember what happened during the last race you said you were going to beat me..... See you at the starting line Nichols.

Shoulders

My shoulders are getting HUGE again. Like swim-days huge. I hate that. It is because of lifting. I appreciate the lack of Oprah arm flab that I have going on (don't pretend, you don't know what I am talking about), but damn, my shoulders are getting big again. This does not make me happy. It makes me feel like a line-backer. A line backer, that can cruise through the water at a very nice rate, but still a line-backer. Think that Steelers need some help this weekend? I would take the salary.

Tonight, leg lift ONLY and cardio. Tomorrow, light arm lift only.

No, for real, I hate big shoulders.

Dogs

By now... you should all know one very important piece of information:

I LOVE MY DOGS

I love their cuddles, I love their playful behavior, I love their kisses, I love Bailey's grunts, I love when they cuddle together, and for the most part I even love Captain's hair (minus that whole vacuum everyday thing, I got going on). I never knew having dogs would be as rewarding as it is. During the weeks, as Troy travels, they are my companions.  They listen to me talk to myself. They watch me make dinner in the kitchen. They hide when I get the vacuum out. The know the exact time we go to bed. They know if we are going to read first or go straight to bed. They even know Thursday night is my favorite TV show night (okay, maybe this is a stretch - whatev, in my world, they know).

As I removed Captain from my arm and half of my chest this morning, to head to the gym, he was not a happy camper. Bailey, wanted nothing to do with going outdoors (especially with our new snowfall) at 5 a.m. But, being the great dogs they are, they obeyed. We had our morning love time and I left to hit the gym, before the next storm hits.

Sunday night, as we were getting ready to go to bed, the following scene played out in our home:

I was already in bed, about to read. Troy, just got into bed with his book. Bailey and Captain, sitting on the floor, waiting patiently to be invited up (yes, they totally sleep with us - for awhile we didn't allow it, but I like them to be with me, when Troy travels). Troy calls them up and first Bailey jumps up (Captain, still waits patiently on the floor), she walks up to us and grunts. Immediately following the grunt, Captain jumps up, finds his spot, and gracefully "flops" himself down.

Troy, turned to me and said: "Do you know what just happened?"

Me: "Um, nothing special. That happens each night."

Troy: "No, didn't you see it?"

Me: "What?"

Troy: "Captain waited for Bailey's grunt, to make sure he could come up as well. And then he heard it and up he came."

Me: "Really Troy? I think not."

Either way .... it was a precious moment. One, that made me love them that much more.

To close... take a look at this. For dog lovers/owners out there, you will appreciate it:

It's a list of what we would learn if dogs were our teachers. Such as:

Always run to greet loved ones when they come home.

Never pass the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

Recognize the ecstasy of fresh air and wind in your face.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, lie on your back in the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and find the shade.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Enjoy long walks.

Be loyal.