Running: It's a bunch of conversations in my head!

So I have been running on and off again, mostly off. I think my tally includes a whooping 8.41 miles in June, a major improvement in July to 20.59 miles and a total of 6.33 miles in August. It's not that I don't like to run anymore, cause I really do. It's just different now.

But why?

Well, I am about 25 lbs heavier than when I was training for triathlons and really running. I contribute the gain to June type totals and not running and to hitting the gym. I have gained a lot of muscle over the past months, it's not like I am a blob or anything, but it's tougher at 210 lbs vs. 185 lbs. This is not an indictment about my weight, honestly I am fine with my body, but I can tell it is just different.

I also have lost some of that mental toughness I had. Thats hard to admit actually, but I can decide to shift into walking status a lot easier than before. I always thought I would be ok being a "completer" rather than a "competitor" but I'm not. And it's actually weird because I have it grand plans of running, will go as far as to make plans for the run, but when it comes time to actually run, I phase myself out of it.

One cool thing is that my wife and my oldest boy have really gotten into running and recently completed their first half marathons (send sponsorships here!  Inside joke!) I really did enjoy encouraging them and seeing them reach their goals!  My oldest boy has signed up for his first marathon in December! I have even toyed with the idea of running the half with him, and while I love the idea, I don't love the idea of training.

This morning I went to Shelby Farms here in Memphis and ran the Chickasaw Trail. Shelby Farms is a great place to go on a Saturday morning and I always realize that when I am there and wonder why we don't use it more often! Anyways, the Chickasaw trail is approximately 3 miles through the park, and is usually packed with people running, walking pets or riding bikes. I was running with my wife, or at least I started running with her (she is much better running shape than I am) and she ran on up ahead of me. I knew this was going to happen and we planned to meet up later.

As I was running, I constantly had these conversations in my head about not stopping! Many times it was mainly convincing myself to continue till I got to that tree, or to that patch of shade. And then the conversations then go to starting running again, and then they go to what does and what doesn't hurt!

I don't really know the point of this rant other than I doubt I am the only one that does this. I am sure we all have those random conversations to get us through our runs. One day, I am sure I will just run and listen to my music, but until then, I will keep talking to myself!

Need, Want and Have To...

This week I started something I have never done before.  I have officially become a boot camper. That's right, Wednesday and Friday mornings, I drag my sleepy butt up at 4:30 AM so I can go torture myself at 5 AM.  Each day is a little different I have found. Wednesday is more like a traditional class type of setting, while Friday is more of stations that we rotate to and from.

The main thing that surprised me the most about boot camp was how sore I was afterwards. I am also liking the accountibilty aspect of this boot camp. The thing I hate the most is the stupid bands that go around your ankles and thighs, man do those suck. It has been a long time since I really worked legs too. All in all, its great, except for the 4:30 alarm.

If I am truly being honest though, I am enjoying waking up early, getting fit and still being done by 6:30 AM. And then, I get coffee!!

I still really like the weight room, and even had thoughts of hitting the weights after class, but I quickly found out that was not going to be happening! The hardest part is trying to fit in everything I want to do and everything I need to do and everything I have to do. Sometimes those lines can get pretty blurred if I let them. So sometimes I have to get up at 4:30 AM in order to get done what I want to do. I have to get to bed at a decent time because I need to be able to to get to work and do my job.  I want to be back in shape. I need my job to provide for my family. SO basically, I have to control what I can control...

It's all clear huh?

It's The Right Time...

How I feel once I am done with a morning run...

I like to think that I am a strategic type of guy. A planner if you will. I feel great when I have my day planned out and I know what is going to happen and what I am going to get accomplished, however, I would not consider my self so much of a planner as to where I am not adaptable and can change on a whim and still get what I need to get done. I like to think that anyways...

But I am not when it comes to my workouts.

I am an early morning workout type of guy. Always will be. Afternoon or evening workouts just never "work out" for me. (Did you see how that worked out? I did it again!) Many a morning when I wake up, I just don't want to run, or swim, or bike. Some of those mornings I will talk myself into changing my plan and I will plan on leaving work a little early and then workout. I go so far as to pack my backpack with running clothes even. I plan my lunch around it because although I LOVE Taco Bell, its not good for me to eat tacos for lunch and then run later. So my mindset and intentions are always good and strong.

But it never fails. Life happens. Work happens.



It seems like every time I verbally tell someone I am going to try and get out early from work, something happens. Or there is something at home that I forgot about or that pops up during the day. I should have learned this by now, but yet I always resort to talking myself into doing it later that afternoon. So No more!  I am saying no to skipping morning workouts and I am just going to start telling myself that if I do not get up, it most likely ain't gonna happen!





So I need to remember why I like to get up in the morning and get it done.

1. No cell phone calls from work or anyone early in the morning
2. It's not as hot
3. I feel more productive throughout the day
4. It's not as hot
5. Does not interrupt family time since they are all still sleeping
6. I feel like a more dedicated athlete
7. I can then tell all my friends how dedicated I am and how they aren't
8. I can eat Taco Bell for lunch
9. Less traffic on the streets
10. I sleep better knowing I got up early, ran and worked all day

That list took me less than a minute to come up with, so it's a no brainer right?

Run streak? 1 mile a Day

So my bride and I have decided that we are going to do a challenge in the month of June. We have both agreed to run at least a mile a day during June. I am going to be doing this in additional to my preparation for the Mighty Mite triathlon in July. I am doing this for two reasons.

Reason 1: My run sucks in triathlons. I know this, and if you have read this blog long enough, then you know it also.  I always tell people that if you want to swim/bike/run better, then you need to swim/bike/run more. So why not take my own advice? Because it might actually work??? I am putting my money where my mouth is. So everyday in June, I am doing at least a mile. Somedays it will be longer, if that is what my plan dictates, but regardless of it, I am running.


Reason 2: Vanity. I need to lose about 5lbs. I am already down about 6 or 7lbs, but another 5 will get me back in the 180s. This will make a difference on the knees and get me back where I want to be (plus we are heading to the beach in late June).

So why is my wife doing this with me? She is a good accountability partner for me. Many times she is the one that gets me out doing things when I do not want too, so I know this will benefit us both. We have talked about other people doing running streaks and figured we should give it a try as well, even while on vacation at the beach. Who knows, it may last longer than 30 days!

Started June 1st
Weight 190lbs

 

It's all about Accountibility (in all phases of life)

I am all about accountability. That is one of the main reasons that Daily Trainings blog was even created. It was started as a way for me to publicly document my journey to Ironman, and I am still shocked people read it. But I believe that it did help me. I knew that someone would be reading it and that it also helps when you put things in writing. I like listing out my goals, my failure and the things I need to work on, and I even like that people can call me out on it.

I'll admit, I am much better at holding people accountable than being held accountable. I do it with my kids, and at work.  So with family, professionally and in training, I am all about accountability, but what about my personal life??


Like most people, I can justify everything I do or say. That is not good enough though. I need to be held accountable. Held accountable to God and to my family. Period. My church recently had a lesson on accountability and it hit home with me. I know I can be a better man, a better husband, better father, better worker and a better athlete, but I cannot do it alone, I need people (Godly men) to help me stay accountable and on the narrow path.

I am participating in an Accountability group with some other men from my church. these guys are good guys, good Christian men that will meet regularly and we will be asking each other 10 questions. We will then answer each of these questions honestly, and this scares me actually. I do not have many people that I can be bluntly, painfully honest with, I mean I am not a share your feelings kind of guy. So this could possibly be the greatest thing for me. Here are the 10 questions:

1.       Have you spent time in the Scriptures and in prayer?

2.       Have you had any flirtatious or lustful attitudes, tempting thoughts, or exposed yourself to any explicit materials which would not Glorify God?

3.       Have you been completely above reproach in your financial dealings?

4.       Have you spent quality relationship time with family and friends?

5.       Have you done your 100% best in your job, school, etc.?

6.       Have you told any half-truths or outright lies, putting yourself in a better light to those around you?

7.        Have you shared the Gospel with an unbeliever this week?

8.       Have you taken care of your body through daily physical exercise and proper eating/sleeping habits?

9.       Have you allowed any person or circumstance to rob you of your joy?

10.   Have you lied to us on any of your answers today?

This group is not about tearing anyone down, but it is designed to build us up to make us better husbands and fathers. Can you answer all 10 questions honestly? Or do you have any friends that would call you out? Do you have anybody that you are comfortable sharing these answers with? Do you trust anyone enough?

P.S. I know that question #6 will step on the toes of EVERY triathlete!! :)