Can I still call myself a runner if I only ran ONCE last week?
Yeah, so… that half marathon training I mentioned… it’s not going so well actually, uh… cough cough.
Maybe a week and a half before Christmas isn’t the right time to start a training program (EXCUSES! BS ALERT!). We were only home two nights out of five during the week, and out of the house all day Saturday. Steven still ran on Sunday night (he is doing great with the training), but I had that sugar overload, and felt sick even thinking about running.
Do I even deserve the awesome running gal necklace I ordered myself for Christmas? (Thanks, Kim! But uh, can you still call yourself a runner? You only ran once last week!)
I spend a lot of time imagining how things are going to be. When I was in college, it was what it would be like living with Steven. I also imagined what my first job would be like, what the wedding would be like, what the honeymoon would be like. I even think about simple things like what my evening, or weekend, or someone opening a gift will be like. I work out this optimistic, perfect scenario in my head.
Well, those things are never what I expect them to be, because they have other people involved. That’s just the nature of life. But my running is all about me. It is one of the only things I can imagine and actually see through on my own. Yeah, I run with Steven, but our records and exercise plans are still ours. Neither one of us controls the other’s routine, goals, or body.
So, maybe I should take more control. Since I actually have the opportunity to do so.
And I am sure I will. Once I have some actually freaking FREE TIME. Ugh. Really, I love the holidays, but they are STRESSFUL. Just because we aren’t hosting them, doesn’t mean we get to relax 100%. We have to drive there, fly there, get the presents there, pack the bags, pack the house… blah blah blah. It’s not fun. It’s a PAIN IN THE BUTT.
Hmm. Where did all of that come from?
Back on track. I bought Steven the Garmin Forerunner 405 watch for his birthday. (Yes, another watch. And yes, he knew what I got him.) Whenever we run outside, he is always saying how he wants to know our pace, and how far we actually ran and so on and so forth. Well, this watch will tell him all that. And more. I’m excited to do some long runs outside, with it. I mean, with Steven wearing it. Of course.
Think I’ll (we’ll?) actually run over the holidays though?
Themocracy
Yes, you are a runner. There are a lot of people who only get in one run a week during the holidays so don’t beat yourself up.
Me? I’m the heaviest I’ve ever been. I’m miserable. And I don’t remember the last time I ran — even though I remember talking a good game about three months ago. 🙂
It feels like Chicago here. I don’t even want to imagine how cold it is up there.
Triumph in your successes. Have a nice holiday.
You are totally a runner. Give yourself a break! You are doing awesome! And it is freezing cold here…do you run outside? Because if so, I can not imagine running in this kind of weather. It hurts me to even breathe outside lately!
I love your running posts. You inspire me with each and every one. I just signed up to run a 1/2 marathon in the spring … I’m itching to start training (officially begins in mid-January). But for you … I hear temps are supposed to be in the 40s on Friday. Sounds like perfect weather to get out for a run…
I love the necklace! Maybe it will serve as motivation to keep running.
You are totally a runner. You run 5ks and are trainng for a marathon…you’re a runner! Dec. is tough month to do anything for yourself because we all get busy preparing and visiting with everyone else. Come January, you’ll be back running and training.
Yes, you deserve the title of runner, and the neclace is going to look great on you 😉
Be nice to yourself! You are an awesome girl – – – Isn’t running HARD to do this time of year especially if everything is covered with ice? Seriously? I’m no expert on running (oh, fo sho!) but can you run in (-) negative 30 degree weather with wind chill? That’s is crazy nuts. Do you and S have a treadmill for those days?
Chrismas and all it’s craziness will be over in a few days and you can focus on your schedule again. It’s a rough time of year I think. The New Year is right around the corner, perfect time to tighten up all of the plans for a happy and healthy new 2009! You are a runner! Your nickname should be “Road Runner” Meep-Meep!
ajooja – Thanks for the pep talk! I think I feel inadequate because I keep reading all of these blogs about “how to still exercise during the holidays,” and gosh darnit, I just cannot find the time! It’s either exercise and stay up until 1:00 am everynight, or wrap gifts, bake treats, go shopping, etc., and go to bed at midnight. I’ve been choosing the latter. I know that’s an excuse, but I think it’s a pretty darn good one. I’d rather get my sleep and be less cranky so I can try to enjoy this holiday! I’m sorry you’re feeling so miserable 🙁 Do you have an plan to start feeling better? Probably after the holidays, like me! Happy Holidays, ajooja.
tori – I haven’t been running outside once we got all of this snow, and I totally miss it. It’s much more fun than the treadmill. Now that it is warming up a bit (ha!) I am thinking about it.
Nilsa – Thanks! Which half marathon did you sign up for? I am signing us up after the holidays, but for one in WI. I can’t wait to start really devoting time to training! Steven is getting really excited about it, and that is making me super excited too. Are you and Sweets running together?
Jess – It kind of is! When I wear it, I think, “Hmm, I need to back this up!” 😉
Gina (Mannyed) – I think you’re right. December has been a total crapshoot. Honestly, that’s what it is. I need to work half days every day if I want to get the same things done I can any other month of the year. And we all know THAT’S not an option! Ha!
jQ – Thank you 🙂 I haven’t ventured outside onto the ice, because I am a total klutz, but I don’t mind running in around freezing or just below temps. We do have a treadmill that we are using, but I hope some of this snow goes away so we can do some running together outside. I miss that. Road Runner! Hee hee! This road runner is anxiously awaiting the end of the holidays!
I feel the same way about running and exercise. It’s the one thing I CAN control – it’s about me. Merry Christmas to you!!!!!!!
The holiday season derails everything else. We all have to set our normal activities/lifestyles aside to make time for all the work involved in celebrating the season. If you’re managing to get in even ONE run a week this month, you’re doing a lot better than many people!
I’ve been backsliding on the eating much more than I’d planned, and have regained 5 pounds. I also haven’t been to the gym in 6 days. I’ve been doing sets of exercises at home, but it’s not nearly as intense a workout. BUT! Tonight I went for my first run!!! I only ran 10 or so minutes without stopping, but that’s a major thing for me! It felt really good, too. (You’re probably ROTFLYAO right now.)
marissa – Happy Holidays to you too! 🙂 I am trying to encourage myself by thinking about the fact that I am the only one who can control my running… trying 😉
SJ – I am not laughing at all! Ten minutes of running is amazing! I can remember when we first started running again and I would make Steven stop at 5 minutes! Your body builds up its strength! I hope you and I can both get back on track asap though. I am sick of being off schedule!
ps…I joined a gym within walking distance from my house. No more excuses for me. You inspired me. I blame you for this, lol.
Yes, you are totally a runner. I only got out once last week. too. (I have a 10K on the 31st and well, it’s going to be spectacularly slow.)
This week totally getting off my ass. The ass which is considerably bigger because of all the eating. My poor poor knees.
Gina (Mannyed) – Good for you Gina! I am so excited to hear about it!
Nat – My ass has felt a little more jiggly and full lately. UGH! But you’re right – we’re both runners. We’re just on a hiatus 😉
You TOTALLY deserve that necklace! Every runner is going to take some time off at one point or another. My sister-in-law is a runner but she took time off for pregnancy and other life things like getting married, her honeymoon, the holidays. I still think of her as a runner and she runs when she can. So don’t let a temporary break wear down your confidence. 🙂
Can I call myself a runner because I did run once in the last week? Maybe more the more interesting question is… Can you call yourself a blogger because you haven’t written anything in a week? Booya!
oh my gosh, are you kidding? you run RACES! that are 5k long! of COURSE you’re a runner! psh!!
teeni – Thanks for the encouragement! I shouldn’t let a detour in my set plans discourage me as much as it is. I think I am just afraid. Afraid I will lose the desire to run if I am off of it for too long.
Andrew – That depends on how long you’ve been running 😉 So, maybe and yes 😛
Alice – Hee Hee, thanks!
Yes, you can. Once a runner, always a runner, even if there are lull periods.
martymankins – I like that mantra!