Outside my comfort zone

Today I shall write about two interconnected stories of Doing Something.  Specifically about Doing Something at my work.

Story #1:

Shortly after I started working at my current place of employment, I was approached by several people in my work area if I would be interested in chairing the District's Wellness Subcommittee.  The last chair had retired quite some time ago, and no one else wanted to take on the responsibility. 

I have normally not been the type to take on a leadership role voluntarily; it is too much of putting myself out there and that concept has scared (and still does to an extent) me.  After couple weeks of deliberation, I decided that volunteering to chair this committee would be Doing Something to become less of an introvert.  I know that when I am in a leadership position, I take control and do whatever is necessary.  It's the volunteering to take on that role that is a stretch for me.

And I am glad that I did.  I feel like I can do a lot of good, both for my employer and for the people I work with. I have been told by a lot of management that they are glad I took on this role and that it is apparent that I am a good leader.  I feel I am definitely Doing Something.

Story #2:

Flash forward to last week.  One of my co-workers brought to my attention that the Hermantown Chamber of Commerce was having a luncheon to discuss a proposed health and wellness center.  Perfect opportunity for the Chair of the Wellness Subcommittee to get out there and find out some of the initiatives that are going on in the community, and what possible role my work could play in this venture.  Again, Doing Something.

But when signing up for this thing I didn't really consider what exactly a Chamber of Commerce Luncheon entailed.  It is a bunch of high-powered business types that are there to network and advance their careers.  Big talkers.  Not engineering types that have a passion for wellness and are, in their nature, introverts.

When I got there, I signed in and walked into the meeting room.  All these people in power suits were already huddled in small groups, having conversations about who knows what.  I felt like I didn't belong.  I felt like I should crawl into a hole where no one would see me.  But I didn't.  I found a spot at a table, pulled out my work phone to check my email.  Probably looked pretty uncomfortable.  Luckily, some nice ladies came over to talk to me, and we had a nice conversation about why I was there, and what I was trying to do with the wellness program at my work.  It was alright.

But then the luncheon started.  And the person in charge said (direct quote) "It's been a while since we've done this, and I see some new faces in the crowd.  Why don't we go around and introduce ourselves?" I thought I was going to die.  And when it came to me, I stood up, and said my name and where I worked; I'm pretty sure my voice cracked a little.  I was mortified.

So, yeah... today's adventure in putting myself out there, of Doing Something that is out of my norm, was not a total success.  But at least I tried.  And I got a lot of good information too.

Today's Run

It was COLD today!  Definitely didn't get above 0F, not even close.  But I went to running group, and in the end it was alright.  Today's workout was a 5 minute warmup, followed by 15 minutes brisk running, 3 minutes jogging, 15 minutes brisk running, and a cool down (I did 3 minutes for a cool down since I was already a meat popsicle at this point).  One of the bad things about running in this extreme cold is that, per the owner's manual, I can't plug in my Garmin if the battery is under 40F, so I can't look to see if I really picked up the pace on the brisk parts when I write these posts the same night.  Maybe I'll do an update... Anyway, tonight I ran 4.54 miles in 41:00, for an average pace of 9:01.  I'm pretty sure my warmup, cool down and jogging were above 9:30, which means my brisk wasn't too shabby.  But I'll find out for sure when I download the data.

Making goals

Being over two months into the new year seems like an odd time to want to make goals for myself, given that most people make goals as part of their New Year's Resolutions.  But as part of my quest of Doing Something, and because of a book Barbado and I are almost finished reading called "The Good Life Rules," I have been trying to make some tangible goals for myself.  So far I have:
1. Be a good partner (fiancee now, wife in the future).
2. Be a good mother
3. Go to the gym at least 12 times a month
4. Run my first full marathon
      4a. Try to finish my first full marathon in a Boston-qualifying time (sub 3:40)
5. Put at least 10% of each paycheck into a savings account by the end of the year (I'm at 5% now).

That's all I've got so far.  Five goals just doesn't seem like enough.  But I'm at a loss for what I add to the list.

This is where you, the person reading this, comes in.  What do you think I should add to my list of goals?  It doesn't have to be a short-term goal - being a good partner and mother is something that is a goal that is constantly worked on.  But then again being able to scratch a goal off the list is definitely a great reward.

So, comments are definitely welcome on this post!

Today's Run

Tonight's run was definitely on the colder side - the wind on the way back was brutal once again.  But today I ran 3.92 miles in 35:00 for an average pace of 8:55 - the first time in almost a month that I've run a sub-9:00 pace outside.  The footing was much better tonight for the most part.  I am definitely looking forward to clear pavement and really being able to kick it in high gear!

And then there were three.... plus JOIN IN ON THE FUN!!!!!!!!!!

Once a person gets to a certain age, it is almost guaranteed that anyone they meet will have child(ren) from a previous relationship.  Barbado is no exception.  He has two sons from a previous relationship, and they are pretty awesome.

The oldest, The Ringleader, is 7 going on 20-something.  He is very clever, and extremely smart, and is capable of getting the other boys to do pretty much anything he wants them to do.  He is also very sensitive, which means he is more likely to have a meltdown but is able to understand reason to get out of it.  To me, he is the most challenging boy to come to grips with and to figure out how to add him to this new family.

The youngest, The Spitfire, just turned 3.  He has even more energy than The Boy did at that age.  And he has absolutely no fear whatsoever.  He will jump headfirst into a pool and think nothing of it.  He will throw his body around like some sort of deranged acrobat.  And he is TINY!  Well, at least compared to what I am used to, that is.  He is the easiest to connect with, in that he is at that age where he loves and trusts pretty much anyone.  That, and he has a huge heart.

The three boys are, as Barbado and I like to put it, three peas in a pod.  They have gotten along swimmingly since day one.  Not to say there aren't any issues, but they are already loving each other and fighting with each other like brothers.  Which is really nice.

But, now I am surrounded by three little boys, and one big one.  There are times I find myself getting overwhelmed, for sure, but I have the best partner to help me get my head above water.  I'm afraid that in the future I will be completely overwhelmed by testosterone. Sigh.

On a completely unrelated note, next Saturday, March 1, I challenge anyone in the Duluth area to come join me on a long run with the Duluth Running Company's Marathon Training Group.  I dare anyone to not fall in love with this group.  Here's the info:

Today's Run

So, yeah, I wimped out of running on Thursday due to the Snow-pocalypse, and I felt it was more important to have a Date Night with my man (with the amount of snow predicted I didn't think I could fit in both). And I have no regrets about my decision.  Today the weather was better, air temperature was above 0F! The wind, on the other hand, was brutal and in our faces on the way back.  That said, today I ran 7.53 miles in 70 minutes, for an average pace of 9:17.  First half was sub-9:00 miles, on the way back - not so much.  Was a good run overall though, and it felt pretty good.

Oh, the things you'd hear...

Long runs can become extremely tedious, especially when you're getting to the really high mileage.  That's one thing I really like about being a part of a running group - you have people to share in your misery.

Although running has its own enjoyment, you need pass the time somehow.  I am lucky in that the group of people I have met at DRC are really awesome, and it's really easy to have conversations while on the move.  Here is a list of some of the common topics of conversation over last spring and this spring's long runs:

1. Food.  I'd say the most common topic of conversation is food - what we want to eat, what we've just recently eaten, how hungry you are at the moment... This topic comes up about 75% of the time.  What can I say, when you run a lot of miles you need to eat a lot, and who else to talk about the best things to eat than other runners?
2. Sex.  Including fish sex.  When you've been around people for long enough, no topic is really taboo.  And I think the only thing that runners like as much as food is sex.  You'll definitely see a lot of runners with kids, and that healthy glow isn't just from pounding the pavement.  As for fish sex, you had to have been there...
3. Sweat.  One of the many side effects of any physical activity, but runners have it especially bad in some ways.  And then there's the chafing because of the sweating.  Who else but other runners to commiserate about this with.
4. Movies.  Best movie seen lately.  Worst movie that you don't like to admit to loving.  Good running movies (this one is rare, but it has happened).  I've watched some good movies that were recommended by people in running group.
5. Life in general.  Other runners are good sounding boards for things going on in your life.  House problems?  Talk to your running friends.  Significant other issues?  Talk to your running friends.  Good things happening in your life?  Definitely talk to your running friends.

I definitely cherish the time I spend with all my running friends, having amazing conversations amid a lot of laughter.

Yesterday's Run

Yesterday was the warmest day of the year thus far (today was even warmer), which was nice.  What was not nice was all the slushy snow left over from Monday's snow storm.  Made for especially bad footing.  I don't know how many times I twisted my ankle, but luckily no sprains or strains.  Yesterday I ran 4.7 miles in 45:00, for an average pace of 9:34.  Fingers crossed the snow-pocalypse that is predicted for tomorrow won't happen, and I'll be able to run with the group.

Interesting days? Not really.

I feel a sense of pressure to make my blog posts entertaining, now that I am actively putting it out there instead of just letting it live on the internets in relative obscurity.  And, honestly, not much has happened in the last couple of days that is particularly interesting or exciting to write about.

My Valentine's Day? Shopping trip to Target, and hanging around the house, as Barbado was working and all of my local friends are in relationships.  And as was discussed on our run this morning, "shopping at Target" is an interesting euphemism for having sex - "yeah, I just went shopping at Target last night, hit that Bullseye."  It kinda works, I guess.

The things we talk about while on a long run.

Maybe I'll make a blog post of some of what is discussed on long runs on Saturday mornings.

Today's Run

This morning, I was so hopeful that the start of the run the temperature would be above 0F, as that's what the weather forecaster people had said it would be last night.  Alas, when I checked the temperature at 7:30 AM it was -2F, so no go there.  There was no wind, and so it was actually not that bad.  To make things more interesting, there was a fun run this morning too on the Lakewalk for the Polar Bear Plunge.   Today I ran 6.99 miles in 65 minutes, for an average pace of 9:17.  And then I went home and promptly took a nap.

Could I actually do it?

Today at work, I had CPR/First Aid training.  For the third time in less than a year (don't ask).  Every time I take this class, which is required for my current job, I always ask myself the same question:

Could I actually do it?

Could I do what is necessary to potentially save someone's life?

I have been fortunate enough that I have not had to test myself in this way, but the prospect of administering first aid to someone that has been in an accident, or perform CPR on someone that's had a heart attack, is pretty scary and daunting.  Your action, or inaction, could cost the person their life.  Do I want that on my conscience?

But, in the end, I hope my strength and willingness to help other people would make its way to the forefront and I'd be able to do what was in my power to help someone else.  I've definitely taken enough classes to know what I need to do.

Today's Run

It snowed today in the Great White North, the first significant snowfall in quite a while.  And even though the Lakewalk was plowed at some point today, the footing was really REALLY bad, and so no records were set.  Today's group run was a simple workout, 5 minute warmup, 20 minute "brisk" run, and 5 minute cool down.  My "brisk" pace was definitely not what I know I'm capable of; today I ran 3.1 miles in 30 minutes, for an average pace of 9:40.  But I was out there, which is more than what I lot of other people would do.

About this thing

When I first started this journey of Doing Something, of training to run my first full marathon, of pushing myself out of my comfort zones and trying new things, I started this blog. Which, for me, was a pretty big deal because I am putting myself out there; I have no control over who reads this or what they think about me or my process or what I write.

But then I kinda chickened out. I only told a handful of people about this blog. I don't have it linked to my google account. I am still, essentially, in my little world just writing for myself. Except for that one reader in Germany...

That changes today.

If one person reads my stories and then feels inspired to go out and Do Something, then I've succeeded in Doing Something. If someone reads this blog and gets inspired to run their first full marathon, then I've succeeded in Doing Something. Heck, if someone reads this blog and is inspired to start running period, then I've succeeded in doing something. And isn't that the whole point of what I'm doing here?

So for the people new here - Hi, and welcome on my journey! If you're entertained, or inspired, or even annoyed, feel free to share. Start at the beginning, learn about why I'm Doing Something.

It's going to be an interesting journey.

Today's Run

Today's group run was fartleks, which I am finding out that I really enjoy. Short bursts of hard effort, two minutes-six times today, followed by a recovery is challenging and fun at the same time.  Looking at the Garmin, my hard efforts hovered around the 7:00 mile pace; the first was closer to 6:30, the last around 7:45.  Given the poor footing and insane headwind on the way back, I am really happy with my effort. I am especially pleased with how much I was able to reign it in on the recovery, averaging around 10:00 pace.  Today I ran a total of 3.83 miles in 35:00, for an average pace of 9:08.

Another day....

another day.  Still feeling a bit unmotivated, maybe due to another cold day.  Maybe from being cooped inside.  Maybe from... who knows.  I hope this feeling goes away, that I start feeling more like myself again.

Maybe.

Today's Run

Today was the longest run in quite some time with the running group - 60 minutes.  The air was bitterly cold, but at the end I felt pretty good.  Almost "normal." Today I ran 6.53 miles in 60 minutes, for an average pace of 9:11.  And I was able to negative split, which is nice as I am trying to learn how to not go out too fast, as that is the undoing of many marathoners.  So far, so good.

Too many time sinks

One of the blessings, and curse if you get right down to it, to being in a relationship with a techy-type person is being exposed to new and shiny techy-type things.  Like my newest obsession: reddit.

Early for running group?  Reddit. Waiting for a cake to bake? Reddit. Not in the mood to work? Reddit.

And it's not like I'm even contributing.  I'm just a lurker.  I like reading the interesting articles that other people link to. I even like some of the silly memes.  But there are times where I think to myself, "Self, shouldn't you be doing something else?  Like, anything else?"  To which I promptly open the available internets browser and read a few more articles.

I'm doomed.

Today's Run

I met early with the treasurer of the investment club of which I am a member to go over the year-end financials, to make sure everything added up, so I didn't make it to running group tonight.  Instead, I hit up the dreadmill at the Y, which wasn't too awful, just a bit hot.  Those fitness centers really do like cranking the heat on cold days, don't they?  Tonight's group run would have been more intervals, which I didn't really want to do on a dreadmill in fear of tripping and falling with the tempo changes, so I did the easier workout of 25 minutes.  So today I ran 3.04 miles in 25 minutes, for an average pace of 8:13.  And I'm actually kinda looking forward to Saturday's long group run, which will be an hour long!

I definitely have the winter blues

This has been one hell of a winter.  Cold. Snowy. Cold.

Did I say cold?  Yeah, it has been that.

I guess I've been pretty spoiled as far as winters go since moving the the Great White North.  Sure, last winter there was snow on the ground in April - but it wasn't terribly cold, like below 0F for the highs for days on end.  The year before that was downright pleasant considering the years after that.  And I hate to say it, I think this winter is really affecting me emotionally.  I find myself extremely unmotivated, like to the point where even going for a run, something I really enjoy, is a chore that just needs to be finished.  Sure, it's happened previous winters, but nothing like this.  Most days I don't even want to get out of bed.

At this point I need to find something to kick myself out of this funk.  Short of moving further south, the cold weather is here to stay for a while.

I'm open to suggestions.

Please.

Yesterday's Run

Yesterday was interval training, again.  5 minute warm up, followed by a half mile "hard" effort (it's difficult to give it your all when the footing is so sloppy), 3 minutes jogging, one mile "hard", 3 minutes jogging, and repeat the half mile and mile "hard" effort.  I'm pretty impressed with how I did.  This is what the Garmin registered:

Graphs are fun!

 

I could just analyze the raw data, but I'm feeling pretty lazy.  Instead I've drawn a red line where I approximate the average to be (ignoring the huge spikes - no GPS unit it perfect of course), and it looks like my hard effort, on sloppy footing, is around 8:30 pace, which is pretty darn awesome for this early in training.  So, for this run I went 4.64 miles total in 42:42, for an average pace of 9:12.

Another month

A lot of things going on right now, I have a few ideas for blog posts, but not the time or motivation. Perhaps next time. Now, down to business:

Yesterday's Run

Yesterday was actually rather nice out, considering how horribly cold it has been lately. And it was lightly snowing; I really like running when huge snowflakes are just drifting down... On a negative note, my Garmin decided to turn itself off completely again - I was able to get it turned on again, but not until after the run. So on Saturday I ran approximately 5.75 miles in 52:00 (we were supposed to do 55 minutes but running group friend and I decided to cut it a little short) for an average pace of 9:00. I'm definitely looking forward to this week of running, and I'm hoping the weather will cooperate.