They weren't lying on the packaging/website for this watch that the watch gives you a message when you haven't run for a while.
I woke up this morning, looked at it, and it said something like "Are we running today?"
Better yet, I wouldn't have been able to see the clock on it until I hit "ok". Oh goodness :)
After I hit "ok" the next message was "Looking forward to it!"
I really wish I'd taken a picture of it. It was certainly something else.
I've got plans to run after work.
Looking forward to it.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Sometimes you just have to know when to take a break
I know there are people who can run when they feel like death has warmed over. I'm just here to say...
I am not one of them.
No way. I'd rather be buried under a pile of blankets than sweating myself senseless.
I will say, though, that on Tuesday (or was it Monday?? either way) that I did manage to hit up the treadmill. The first five minutes or so of running was kinda painful. No, really. But it eventually subsided. And I felt pretty good. Not too much trouble with the whole runny nose thing. Then afterward my friend and I ran the whole way back to the apartment building - all .07 miles of it (LOL).
But let's be honest here: if I'm sick, I don't want to move. I'm pretty proud of myself for actually doing that much earlier this week... At the same time, I'm a little bit disappointed that I haven't done more... But today is a whole new day, and tomorrow is another one!
I've got a few different forms of motivation holding me up and encouraging me to keep going right now:
...
Is it weird that some of these things include food? :D
I am not one of them.
No way. I'd rather be buried under a pile of blankets than sweating myself senseless.
I will say, though, that on Tuesday (or was it Monday?? either way) that I did manage to hit up the treadmill. The first five minutes or so of running was kinda painful. No, really. But it eventually subsided. And I felt pretty good. Not too much trouble with the whole runny nose thing. Then afterward my friend and I ran the whole way back to the apartment building - all .07 miles of it (LOL).
But let's be honest here: if I'm sick, I don't want to move. I'm pretty proud of myself for actually doing that much earlier this week... At the same time, I'm a little bit disappointed that I haven't done more... But today is a whole new day, and tomorrow is another one!
I've got a few different forms of motivation holding me up and encouraging me to keep going right now:
- A 5K on October 21 (yay for a mini cupcake every mile! haha)
- 3 (free!!!!) fun runs (one for Halloween, one on Thanksgiving, and one to see Christmas lights!)
- The Disney 5K and half marathon (DUH!!!) Including a couple brunch and dinner events :)
...
Is it weird that some of these things include food? :D
Friday, September 21, 2012
Let's Do Disney!!
I ended up staying home from my internship today because I wasn't feeling well. Add that to yesterday when I was up at about 3 to be at work by 4:15 (yes, in the morning) and barely scraped 30 minutes worth of naps until I got home and crashed at by 10... Yeah, today was kinda miserable, nose-blowing and all, and I looked a mess, like I'd spent hours crying or something. It was awful. I took great pleasure in staying abed until nearly noon - that's something that doesn't happen very often. And by "very often" I mean I don't think I *ever* really have the chance to do that until the end of the fall school portrait season. I look forward to it!
So my lovely husband snuggled me in all my sneezing, runny-nose misery in a make-shift "love nest" of blankets, pillows, and couch cushions, and we watched the Steve Carell/Tina Fey movie Date Night. It was definitely pretty funny, and a great time together
And then later? We registered for Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend! The two of us will be doing the Royal Family 5K with a friend that Saturday, and that Sunday that same friend and I will be doing the Half Marathon as a 2-person team! I'm not going to give away the name of our team just yet. It's so ridiculously awesome and we'll probably get a bunch of weird looks for it, but what are friends for if not to make memories together and laugh hysterically at inside jokes?
I know we've got plenty of time to train, and we've made amazing headway as far as distances and everything (you know, for a couple of beginners) ;) but I'm just so terrified that we won't make it, and that they'll have to pick us up off the course or something. And I do mean picked up and transported to the finish. For real.
But you never know until you try! I have to keep reminding myself that. February 23-24 is just over five months away, which is plenty of time to more-than-double my longest distance yet. I welcome the challenge (and, you know, clear sinuses in addition to that would be a godsend. haha). At the present time we're estimating a finish time of 3:15:00, but we're also hoping that's a gross overestimate, all things considered.
It's looking like I'll need to get out there and test out the GPS on my watch some time soon, see how I compare on a paved outdoor trail versus an indoor treadmill with no wind resistance.
In the meantime, I'm off to do a bit of cleaning up. I can only leave the love nest pile in the floor for so long before someone trips over it ;)
Goodnight!
So my lovely husband snuggled me in all my sneezing, runny-nose misery in a make-shift "love nest" of blankets, pillows, and couch cushions, and we watched the Steve Carell/Tina Fey movie Date Night. It was definitely pretty funny, and a great time together
And then later? We registered for Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend! The two of us will be doing the Royal Family 5K with a friend that Saturday, and that Sunday that same friend and I will be doing the Half Marathon as a 2-person team! I'm not going to give away the name of our team just yet. It's so ridiculously awesome and we'll probably get a bunch of weird looks for it, but what are friends for if not to make memories together and laugh hysterically at inside jokes?
I know we've got plenty of time to train, and we've made amazing headway as far as distances and everything (you know, for a couple of beginners) ;) but I'm just so terrified that we won't make it, and that they'll have to pick us up off the course or something. And I do mean picked up and transported to the finish. For real.
But you never know until you try! I have to keep reminding myself that. February 23-24 is just over five months away, which is plenty of time to more-than-double my longest distance yet. I welcome the challenge (and, you know, clear sinuses in addition to that would be a godsend. haha). At the present time we're estimating a finish time of 3:15:00, but we're also hoping that's a gross overestimate, all things considered.
It's looking like I'll need to get out there and test out the GPS on my watch some time soon, see how I compare on a paved outdoor trail versus an indoor treadmill with no wind resistance.
In the meantime, I'm off to do a bit of cleaning up. I can only leave the love nest pile in the floor for so long before someone trips over it ;)
Goodnight!
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Dreaming
Isn't it funny how, when you feel that you've almost given up on a dream, or you think that maybe you have, something happens to make you realize that not only are you still dreaming, but it's within reach! It may take a while, but it's still within reach.
For example, I never thought I'd get anywhere with my dream of being a photographer. Ever. Other than bring a blah enthusiast. But right now I'm at a school... I do school portraits. It's not the event/on-location/studio photography I was hoping for, but it's pretty special. And it's not always easy. But it's great.
For example, I'm at a (mild-to-moderate) special needs school of preschoolers... The last picture of a student that I took this morning? I almost had it earlier, then we had to come back to him because he got fussy. So we came back to him, and he was crying and was having none of it. Then the teacher who was holding him started playing around with him, (carefully) swinging/dipping him in her arms, and getting him to smile. I had her lean out of the way a bit and Voila!! Great picture :) I was afraid we would get it, but I'm nothing if not determined - determined to get a shot his family will be happy with, and determined to keep upbeat and assure the teachers that it's ok if some kids need more time than others, that it's not a problem.
I still have quite a way to go with getting the technical aspects down, and I certainly don't own a DSLR yet, but it really makes me want to do more than just school portraits!
(That and this Thursday I have to be at work at 4:15. Yes, 4:15. In the MORNING! I could live without that) ;)
As for the running... I never even dared to dream that I could do what I'm doing now, that I would ever even WANT to go more than a mile, that I would want to go 5k and 10k and 13.1 miles (21k/half marathon)... If I dream big enough and work hard at it, maybe I'll even want to do a marathon some day!
And I'm so excited, not just for Disney's Princess Half Marathon (and the 5k the day before, and just being at Disney World! HELLO, DISNEY WORKD!!!!) but one of the races this year is in the town my great-grandmother lives in. I'm really hoping that they'll have it again next year. My great-grandma is in her 90s, and my grandparents are in their 70s, and I'd just love to see them. It would be great to see them, and maybe even have my grandma watch me compete.
Mind you, this race is 1000+ miles away.
I don't dream in half-measures, you know ;)
I'm also thinking about doing a thesis to get a Master of Arts instead of a Master of Science. I won't spill my topic idea just yet :) I'd thought about doing one before, but the topic I had just didn't feel right... But now this topic? It really speaks to me. I only have a semester to get it done - although common sense says to start getting it together NOW so I can get it cranked out.
Around January I'll also be finding out if I get accepted into a doctoral program...
And depending on how my internship goes, in January I may be starting at a different place - or just having TWO internships so that I can finally be provisionally licensed as an alcohol and drug counselor.
As I said, I definitely don't dream small. But I know that each of these dreams? I can do them. I'm so excited to do them. I WILL do them.
For example, I never thought I'd get anywhere with my dream of being a photographer. Ever. Other than bring a blah enthusiast. But right now I'm at a school... I do school portraits. It's not the event/on-location/studio photography I was hoping for, but it's pretty special. And it's not always easy. But it's great.
For example, I'm at a (mild-to-moderate) special needs school of preschoolers... The last picture of a student that I took this morning? I almost had it earlier, then we had to come back to him because he got fussy. So we came back to him, and he was crying and was having none of it. Then the teacher who was holding him started playing around with him, (carefully) swinging/dipping him in her arms, and getting him to smile. I had her lean out of the way a bit and Voila!! Great picture :) I was afraid we would get it, but I'm nothing if not determined - determined to get a shot his family will be happy with, and determined to keep upbeat and assure the teachers that it's ok if some kids need more time than others, that it's not a problem.
I still have quite a way to go with getting the technical aspects down, and I certainly don't own a DSLR yet, but it really makes me want to do more than just school portraits!
(That and this Thursday I have to be at work at 4:15. Yes, 4:15. In the MORNING! I could live without that) ;)
As for the running... I never even dared to dream that I could do what I'm doing now, that I would ever even WANT to go more than a mile, that I would want to go 5k and 10k and 13.1 miles (21k/half marathon)... If I dream big enough and work hard at it, maybe I'll even want to do a marathon some day!
And I'm so excited, not just for Disney's Princess Half Marathon (and the 5k the day before, and just being at Disney World! HELLO, DISNEY WORKD!!!!) but one of the races this year is in the town my great-grandmother lives in. I'm really hoping that they'll have it again next year. My great-grandma is in her 90s, and my grandparents are in their 70s, and I'd just love to see them. It would be great to see them, and maybe even have my grandma watch me compete.
Mind you, this race is 1000+ miles away.
I don't dream in half-measures, you know ;)
I'm also thinking about doing a thesis to get a Master of Arts instead of a Master of Science. I won't spill my topic idea just yet :) I'd thought about doing one before, but the topic I had just didn't feel right... But now this topic? It really speaks to me. I only have a semester to get it done - although common sense says to start getting it together NOW so I can get it cranked out.
Around January I'll also be finding out if I get accepted into a doctoral program...
And depending on how my internship goes, in January I may be starting at a different place - or just having TWO internships so that I can finally be provisionally licensed as an alcohol and drug counselor.
As I said, I definitely don't dream small. But I know that each of these dreams? I can do them. I'm so excited to do them. I WILL do them.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Personal Record? Or Personal Best?
In the last week (On September 12) on the Runner's World Magazine Facebook Page they posted this question:
Do you call your fastest time a PR (personal record) or PB (personal best)?
I have to say, the majority of the time I call mine a "personal record" - that way I get to be setting and breaking records! ;) Corny, I know, but it helps get the job done!
That said, I had my own "PR" tonight... Longest run time I've done so far (well, run-walk combo, as well as total run time), AND longest distance. 5.95 mi in 80:20 (or, you know, 6.25mi in 85:25).
I know for some people hitting up 6 miles in an hour and 20 minutes (give or take) is kinda on the slow side - heck, there was a 10K today and this 13-year-old boy took 10th place out of about 4,800 people with a time of 33:50!
Boy, 13, finishes 10th among thousands in downtown Omaha's Corporate Cup
But for me, this is monumental! I know I'm still not even to the halfway point of a half-marathon/21K, and I'm still doing this on a 0% incline on a treadmill, which has been likened to going down a slight hill... But this tells me that I have a shot at doing it! It's still September, Disney's Princess Half Marathon isn't for 5 months... I have a fighting chance, as long as I keep at it pretty consistently.
Note: consistently = more than once every week or two! Haha
We'll definitely have to register in the next week before the price goes up, though. I'm terrified that it will sell out some time soon! I don't know how long registration has been open, but the race is already over half full!
Granted, the website just says it's "51% Full", but that's still over half!
A couple days ago I posted about this lovely thing called fuel. Runner's fuel.
To Gatorade, or Not to Gatorade?
I think that for the most part I'm done with Gatorade. I've ditched the energy chews and the container I had of Lemon-Lime Gatorade powder. I had no qualms about chucking them in the trash. I did, however, keep my packets of Glacier Freeze Gatorade powder. I didn't have any problems with it. Here's hoping that holds up.
I decided to try out coconut water after quite a bit of Google searching... Yup, still not really feeling the taste of coconut-related things. I may just be duking it out with water. In retrospect, I guess that's not such an off or bad thing, as long as I make sure not to over-hydrate, and to take really good care of my body before, during, and after runs. I'd much prefer that to any horrendous stomach cramps that have me curling up in a ball for the next 12+ hours.
I read somewhere that coconut water is far better when it's cold, so I've got the two bottles and one can DH bought me in the fridge. Here's hoping that helps the flavor some.
Fun fact (for anyone who didn't know): Coconut water also comes in flavors! DH bought me a thing of chocolate coconut water. It's not bad, kinda reminded me of chocolate milk, but definitely not what I was expecting. The chocolate aspect still seems kinda weird.
I'm also working on making the switch over to whole-grain pasta. It's unexpectedly tasty. I can't tell if I really remember it being gross, or if this is just a few years of listening to DH complain about the stuff tasting like cardboard... But I had some a week or two ago, and I really really like it! Enough that I wouldn't mind just buying that from now on.
Well, there are definitely some changes afoot... They've been in the works for a while now, but actually seeing a bit of progress feels amazing.
Do you call your fastest time a PR (personal record) or PB (personal best)?
I have to say, the majority of the time I call mine a "personal record" - that way I get to be setting and breaking records! ;) Corny, I know, but it helps get the job done!
That said, I had my own "PR" tonight... Longest run time I've done so far (well, run-walk combo, as well as total run time), AND longest distance. 5.95 mi in 80:20 (or, you know, 6.25mi in 85:25).
I know for some people hitting up 6 miles in an hour and 20 minutes (give or take) is kinda on the slow side - heck, there was a 10K today and this 13-year-old boy took 10th place out of about 4,800 people with a time of 33:50!
Boy, 13, finishes 10th among thousands in downtown Omaha's Corporate Cup
But for me, this is monumental! I know I'm still not even to the halfway point of a half-marathon/21K, and I'm still doing this on a 0% incline on a treadmill, which has been likened to going down a slight hill... But this tells me that I have a shot at doing it! It's still September, Disney's Princess Half Marathon isn't for 5 months... I have a fighting chance, as long as I keep at it pretty consistently.
Note: consistently = more than once every week or two! Haha
We'll definitely have to register in the next week before the price goes up, though. I'm terrified that it will sell out some time soon! I don't know how long registration has been open, but the race is already over half full!
Granted, the website just says it's "51% Full", but that's still over half!
A couple days ago I posted about this lovely thing called fuel. Runner's fuel.
To Gatorade, or Not to Gatorade?
I think that for the most part I'm done with Gatorade. I've ditched the energy chews and the container I had of Lemon-Lime Gatorade powder. I had no qualms about chucking them in the trash. I did, however, keep my packets of Glacier Freeze Gatorade powder. I didn't have any problems with it. Here's hoping that holds up.
I decided to try out coconut water after quite a bit of Google searching... Yup, still not really feeling the taste of coconut-related things. I may just be duking it out with water. In retrospect, I guess that's not such an off or bad thing, as long as I make sure not to over-hydrate, and to take really good care of my body before, during, and after runs. I'd much prefer that to any horrendous stomach cramps that have me curling up in a ball for the next 12+ hours.
I read somewhere that coconut water is far better when it's cold, so I've got the two bottles and one can DH bought me in the fridge. Here's hoping that helps the flavor some.
Fun fact (for anyone who didn't know): Coconut water also comes in flavors! DH bought me a thing of chocolate coconut water. It's not bad, kinda reminded me of chocolate milk, but definitely not what I was expecting. The chocolate aspect still seems kinda weird.
I'm also working on making the switch over to whole-grain pasta. It's unexpectedly tasty. I can't tell if I really remember it being gross, or if this is just a few years of listening to DH complain about the stuff tasting like cardboard... But I had some a week or two ago, and I really really like it! Enough that I wouldn't mind just buying that from now on.
Well, there are definitely some changes afoot... They've been in the works for a while now, but actually seeing a bit of progress feels amazing.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Running + Coconut Water
I posted earlier (at like 1 this morning, as I was about 85% asleep) about my not-so-lovely Gatorade-induced stomach troubles. After doing some Google-searching, I've found a lot of people recommending coconut water.
Now, I'm not much of a fan of coconut-flavors and coconut shavings and all. But I'm really hoping that I like it - or that I can learn to like it. I mean, I DID hear a bunch of good things across the board on it!
So while I was at work DH bought me a regular thing of coconut water and a flavored thing of it. Just two to try out for it. Here's hoping that this doesn't let me down.
Wish me luck! :)
Now, I'm not much of a fan of coconut-flavors and coconut shavings and all. But I'm really hoping that I like it - or that I can learn to like it. I mean, I DID hear a bunch of good things across the board on it!
So while I was at work DH bought me a regular thing of coconut water and a flavored thing of it. Just two to try out for it. Here's hoping that this doesn't let me down.
Wish me luck! :)
A Pretty Awesome Running Playlist (If I Do Say So Myself) ;)
I figure I may as well jump on the bandwagon of "Running Playlist" ideas/lists. After all, each one is somewhat different, and I have my own ideas/preferences for what to put on a playlist. Besides, you know what they say about opinions being like... Well, you get the point ;)
So here are some of the songs from my very own running playlist, in alphabetical order by title! (I figured doing them all might be kinda overwhelming, haha). I think they each have something that makes them special, whether it's the beat or the words/overall message of the song. Here's hoping this inspires/encourages you, or maybe just gives you new song to rock out to! :)
So here are some of the songs from my very own running playlist, in alphabetical order by title! (I figured doing them all might be kinda overwhelming, haha). I think they each have something that makes them special, whether it's the beat or the words/overall message of the song. Here's hoping this inspires/encourages you, or maybe just gives you new song to rock out to! :)
- "According to You" by Orianthi
- "Are You Gonna Go My Way" by Lenny Kravitz
- "B.O.B." by OutKast
- "Beat It" by Michael Jackson
- "Blow" by Ke$ha
- "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga"
- "Can't Be Tamed" by Miley Cyrus
- "Can't Hold Us Down" by Christina Aguilera
- "Circus" by Britney Spears
- "Disturbia" by Rihanna
- "Don't Stop the Music" by Rihanna
- "The Edge of Glory" by Lady Gaga
- "Evacuate the Dancefloor" by Cascada
- "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
- "Feel Good Inc" by Gorillaz
- "Fighter" by Christina Aguilera
- "The Fighter" by Gym Class Heroes
- "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins
- "Girlfriend (Remix)" by Avril Lavigne and Lil' Mama
- "Good Girls Go Bad" by Cobra Starship
- "I Do Not Hook Up" by Kelly Clarkson
- "I Like It Like That" by Hot Chelle Rae
- "I'm On a Roll" by Stefano
- "It Girl" by Jason Derülo
- "It's My Life" by Bon Jovi
- "Judas" by Lady Gaga
- "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga
- "Just That Girl" by Drew Seeley (Another Cinderella Story soundtrack)
- "Ladies Choice" by Zac Efron (Hairspray soundtrack)
- "Livin' On a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
- "Lose Yourself" by Eminem
- "Love Drunk" by Boys Like Girls
- "Love Shack" by The B-52's
- "Makes Me Monder" by Maroon 5
- "Maniac" by Michael Sembello
- "Never Again" by Kelly Clarkson
- "New Classic" by Drew Seeley and Selena Gomez (Another Cinderella Story soundtrack)
- ""Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO
- "Raise Your Glass" by Pink
- "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele
- "Run and Tell That" by Elijah Kelley (Hairspray soundtrack)
- "Shots" by LMFAO and Lil Jon
- "Shut Up and Drive" by Rihanna
- "Sing" by My Chemical Romance
- "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson
- "Starships" by Nicki Minaj
- "Starstrukk" by 3OH!3 and Katy Perry
- "Takin' Care of Business" by Bachman-Turner Overdrive
- "Tell Me Something I Don't Know" by Selena Gomez
- "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" by Fall Out Boy
- "Thnks Fr The Mmrs" by Fall Out Boy
- "Tik Tok" by Ke$ha
- "Tonight Tonight" by Hot Chelle Rae
- "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba
- "Uprising" by Muse
- "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham!
- "We R Who We R" by Ke$ha
- "What Makes You Beautiful" by One Direction
- "Where Are We Runnin'?" by Lenny Kravitz
- "You Can't Stop the Beat" (Hairspray soundtrack)
Enjoy!
To Gatorade, or Not to Gatorade?
I believe that bodies should be taken care of. A little indulgence isn't the end of the world, but bodies should be taken care of. I'm trying to accomplish this by running, but I also want to work to accomplish it by better fueling my body.
If you hasn't guessed by the title, I use Gatorade. I don't use obscene amounts of it, but I do use it. After a run that I ended with some far-from-pleasant stomach cramping, I decided to Google it and see if I'm the only one with this issue.
Well, it turns out that I am NOT. If you Google Gatorade and stomach cramps, you get a LOOOOOT of results.
I can't tell if it's the pre-workout energy or the powdered drink mix for during the workout. I don't know. I would, however, like to know what recipes there are for doing this myself. Suggestions are helpful and would be greatly appreciated :)
If you hasn't guessed by the title, I use Gatorade. I don't use obscene amounts of it, but I do use it. After a run that I ended with some far-from-pleasant stomach cramping, I decided to Google it and see if I'm the only one with this issue.
Well, it turns out that I am NOT. If you Google Gatorade and stomach cramps, you get a LOOOOOT of results.
I can't tell if it's the pre-workout energy or the powdered drink mix for during the workout. I don't know. I would, however, like to know what recipes there are for doing this myself. Suggestions are helpful and would be greatly appreciated :)
Friday, September 14, 2012
I am... Working to Achieve Balance
Has anybody noticed that the blog looks a little different? :)
It's been an interesting week.
It's been an interesting couple of months, actually, but definitely an interesting week. Starting my second-to-last semester of grad school has gone a whole lot smoother than I initially expected it to. Classes aren't super crazy (or crazy at all, for that matter). My only concern has been making sure that I have time for me.
Right now I'm doing my first internship with an agency's homeless program, and I definitely don't regret my decision. I've learned so much in the last 3-4 weeks, even though I'm definitely still a newbie. Working with the homeless population has certainly been an eye-opener. In February I was doing desk work at a university's GED program, an a number of people would come in and give me the same phone number... Eventually I realized it was the number to a homeless shelter not far from there. Even so, I never knew where it was. I'd heard of a few shelters in the area, but I'd never been in them. Heck, I'd never even seen them or really knew where they were! So it's been a great experience. At least so far.
I'm still trying to find my place with the agency as an intern, though. My direct hours (far more important than my indirect, in part because that means I'll have to communicate with clients and in part because they're MUCH harder to come by) aren't coming as easily as I thought. What I was initially (not talking in sessions) didn't work for obtaining hours. But talking in session didn't work because the doctors didn't like it! But instead of telling me they told someone else to tell me... It's like "Gee, thanks a lot...".
I'm afraid I may have to do some program hopping to get my hours in... At the same time, I really hope I do. They've got classes there to teach the clients different things, from mental illness and stress management to healthy cooking, exercise, and movies. I would love the opportunity to be part of that. It would be amazing to have the chance to lead a class.
With two jobs, an internship, and three classes (one of which is for my internship) I'm learning the importance of being able to balance and prioritize. And taking my vitamins. My very first week at my internship site I was getting over a cold. It was pretty miserable, especially with the sneezing and nose running. I definitely want to take precautions against that, because being sick isn't exactly fun.
So my plans/goals did balancing my life right now?
- take my dang vitamins
- hand sanitizer is a wonderful thing
- don't sell myself short on sleep. 4-5 hours just doesn't cut it. At all.
- stick with the running. It may take time, but it's good for me when done appropriately :) and it's a pretty good self-esteem boost when I do better than I ever have.
- definitely have my homework done before class. Nothing like spacing on homework to add stress to life, huh?
Sounds like a plan to me! I started working on it a while ago, but let Operation Balance continue!
I want to be the best me that I can be.
It's been an interesting week.
It's been an interesting couple of months, actually, but definitely an interesting week. Starting my second-to-last semester of grad school has gone a whole lot smoother than I initially expected it to. Classes aren't super crazy (or crazy at all, for that matter). My only concern has been making sure that I have time for me.
Right now I'm doing my first internship with an agency's homeless program, and I definitely don't regret my decision. I've learned so much in the last 3-4 weeks, even though I'm definitely still a newbie. Working with the homeless population has certainly been an eye-opener. In February I was doing desk work at a university's GED program, an a number of people would come in and give me the same phone number... Eventually I realized it was the number to a homeless shelter not far from there. Even so, I never knew where it was. I'd heard of a few shelters in the area, but I'd never been in them. Heck, I'd never even seen them or really knew where they were! So it's been a great experience. At least so far.
I'm still trying to find my place with the agency as an intern, though. My direct hours (far more important than my indirect, in part because that means I'll have to communicate with clients and in part because they're MUCH harder to come by) aren't coming as easily as I thought. What I was initially (not talking in sessions) didn't work for obtaining hours. But talking in session didn't work because the doctors didn't like it! But instead of telling me they told someone else to tell me... It's like "Gee, thanks a lot...".
I'm afraid I may have to do some program hopping to get my hours in... At the same time, I really hope I do. They've got classes there to teach the clients different things, from mental illness and stress management to healthy cooking, exercise, and movies. I would love the opportunity to be part of that. It would be amazing to have the chance to lead a class.
With two jobs, an internship, and three classes (one of which is for my internship) I'm learning the importance of being able to balance and prioritize. And taking my vitamins. My very first week at my internship site I was getting over a cold. It was pretty miserable, especially with the sneezing and nose running. I definitely want to take precautions against that, because being sick isn't exactly fun.
So my plans/goals did balancing my life right now?
- take my dang vitamins
- hand sanitizer is a wonderful thing
- don't sell myself short on sleep. 4-5 hours just doesn't cut it. At all.
- stick with the running. It may take time, but it's good for me when done appropriately :) and it's a pretty good self-esteem boost when I do better than I ever have.
- definitely have my homework done before class. Nothing like spacing on homework to add stress to life, huh?
Sounds like a plan to me! I started working on it a while ago, but let Operation Balance continue!
I want to be the best me that I can be.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Rude? Hypocritical? Insecure? Or just Irrational and Tired?
I work to not judge people.
What I mean is, you judge people (and other things) on a daily basis - making judgments on who to trust, what to eat, whether or not to touch the hot stove that's burned you before... You make judgments daily!
What I'm struggling with at this moment (or at least I was for the last two nights when I ran) is the negative kind. It feels a bit shameful to say it out loud, but it's true.
For the last two nights, about halfway through my workout, this couple(?) has been coming in. An older couple, with the man using a bike and the (overweight) woman on the treadmill next to me.
Hold up. If you have seen any of my other posts, you know that I tend to ramble a bit. Bear with me, please.
Now, I should say that when I run, I listen to music. Otherwise just running on the treadmill can get tiresome VERY quickly - especially when you're already tired! I have running headphones, but I don't use them because they're uncomfortable. I dream of the day when I can try out some Bluetooth headphones (well, earbuds) for running! So when I'm alone or with someone I know, I play my music out loud. No big deal.
So the last two workouts have consisted of 40-50 minutes of running, and 12-20 minutes of walking. So totaling 52 minutes the first night, and 70 minutes last night. They've been coming in when I've got about 15-25 minutes of *running* left (which also means about 10-15 minutes of walking, so about half 20-30 minutes left of my workout).
Ok, so the couple walks in, and because of the rules (and what I like to think of as common courtesy - they might not like my music or even want to hear any music!) I pause my music. I continue trying to get about 20-30 more minutes of my done without keeling over or just giving up. I've done too much to just give up!
But then I start getting irritated.
I know I don't own the fitness room. I don't have time blocked out where I'm going to use it and only I can be the one in there (plus or minus the hubs or a friend).
Anyway, but I start getting irritated. Here I am, sweating my ass off, trying to improve and do good for myself. I'm at a slight incline, because apparently it helps you prep more for running outside.
And you just come on in, hop on the treadmill, appear to be expecting me to get off the treadmill some time soon so your partner can use it, and you can't even look at me? I try to offer you a smile, but you just ignore me!
I get it, not everybody goes to the fitness room (or a gym, or other kind of exercise facility) to be social, or even remotely friendly. Especially not at 11-11:30 at night!
And (this being my own personal experience, not saying it's what this woman is thinking/feeling) I get that it can be intimidating being next to someone who is on the same machine and is absolutely killing it. Even more so when they appear to be in good shape. I saw this guy who always used to use the Stair Climber machine thingy for for 20-30 minutes - and the intensity was CRANKED, and he appeared to be in ridiculously good shape. We're talking RIPPED.
When I run, my legs make me look like a "gym rat". The rest of me might not look like it, but my leg muscles are something I'm proud of. For the most part they're pretty well-toned. And I drip sweat like a beast.
The first night, this woman and I finished up around the same time. I said something like "Well, I guess it's time for bed, huh?"
Ignored.
I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she didn't hear me. She had headphones in. Maybe she thought I was talking to myself. Or maybe she just didn't want to look at me. I would've offered up something like "Hey, good workout! ::smile::" - she had been huffing and puffing a bit earlier while walking/doing a light jog.
The second night... I just contemplated keeping my music playing. I mean, if they can't hear me (or pretend not to hear me), what's the big damn deal?! Hearing music makes my workout easier. I mean, they came in when I was already working out. Why should I tailor my workout to them?
Or... Why should they tailor their workout to me?
Or... What if they WERE tailoring their workout to me?
Maybe I should think on it some more. I mean, it's not like we've had a conversation, so I clearly don't even know them!
Basically, this whole thing makes me wonder what kind of person I am. Granted, I know I'm not as nice when I'm hot, sweaty, tired, and STILL have 20+ minutes left to go.
Looks like I'll be buying those Bluetooth headphones sooner than I thought. I've been thinking about it for months anyway...
What I mean is, you judge people (and other things) on a daily basis - making judgments on who to trust, what to eat, whether or not to touch the hot stove that's burned you before... You make judgments daily!
What I'm struggling with at this moment (or at least I was for the last two nights when I ran) is the negative kind. It feels a bit shameful to say it out loud, but it's true.
For the last two nights, about halfway through my workout, this couple(?) has been coming in. An older couple, with the man using a bike and the (overweight) woman on the treadmill next to me.
Hold up. If you have seen any of my other posts, you know that I tend to ramble a bit. Bear with me, please.
Now, I should say that when I run, I listen to music. Otherwise just running on the treadmill can get tiresome VERY quickly - especially when you're already tired! I have running headphones, but I don't use them because they're uncomfortable. I dream of the day when I can try out some Bluetooth headphones (well, earbuds) for running! So when I'm alone or with someone I know, I play my music out loud. No big deal.
So the last two workouts have consisted of 40-50 minutes of running, and 12-20 minutes of walking. So totaling 52 minutes the first night, and 70 minutes last night. They've been coming in when I've got about 15-25 minutes of *running* left (which also means about 10-15 minutes of walking, so about half 20-30 minutes left of my workout).
Ok, so the couple walks in, and because of the rules (and what I like to think of as common courtesy - they might not like my music or even want to hear any music!) I pause my music. I continue trying to get about 20-30 more minutes of my done without keeling over or just giving up. I've done too much to just give up!
But then I start getting irritated.
I know I don't own the fitness room. I don't have time blocked out where I'm going to use it and only I can be the one in there (plus or minus the hubs or a friend).
Anyway, but I start getting irritated. Here I am, sweating my ass off, trying to improve and do good for myself. I'm at a slight incline, because apparently it helps you prep more for running outside.
And you just come on in, hop on the treadmill, appear to be expecting me to get off the treadmill some time soon so your partner can use it, and you can't even look at me? I try to offer you a smile, but you just ignore me!
I get it, not everybody goes to the fitness room (or a gym, or other kind of exercise facility) to be social, or even remotely friendly. Especially not at 11-11:30 at night!
And (this being my own personal experience, not saying it's what this woman is thinking/feeling) I get that it can be intimidating being next to someone who is on the same machine and is absolutely killing it. Even more so when they appear to be in good shape. I saw this guy who always used to use the Stair Climber machine thingy for for 20-30 minutes - and the intensity was CRANKED, and he appeared to be in ridiculously good shape. We're talking RIPPED.
When I run, my legs make me look like a "gym rat". The rest of me might not look like it, but my leg muscles are something I'm proud of. For the most part they're pretty well-toned. And I drip sweat like a beast.
The first night, this woman and I finished up around the same time. I said something like "Well, I guess it's time for bed, huh?"
Ignored.
I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she didn't hear me. She had headphones in. Maybe she thought I was talking to myself. Or maybe she just didn't want to look at me. I would've offered up something like "Hey, good workout! ::smile::" - she had been huffing and puffing a bit earlier while walking/doing a light jog.
The second night... I just contemplated keeping my music playing. I mean, if they can't hear me (or pretend not to hear me), what's the big damn deal?! Hearing music makes my workout easier. I mean, they came in when I was already working out. Why should I tailor my workout to them?
Or... Why should they tailor their workout to me?
Or... What if they WERE tailoring their workout to me?
Maybe I should think on it some more. I mean, it's not like we've had a conversation, so I clearly don't even know them!
Basically, this whole thing makes me wonder what kind of person I am. Granted, I know I'm not as nice when I'm hot, sweaty, tired, and STILL have 20+ minutes left to go.
Looks like I'll be buying those Bluetooth headphones sooner than I thought. I've been thinking about it for months anyway...
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