Thursday, September 02, 2010

Three Things Thursday

1. Failed Track Workout

I felt tired this morning. When I arrived at the track already out of breath after a short warm-up, I knew things weren't going to go well. I set out for some 800's anyway, hoping I could push through the workout. After two repeats, I was spent. I don't know if it's the heat wave this week or if I'm just tired in general, but it wasn't going to happen today. It sucks because I missed my speed work last week when I was sick, but what can I do besides listen to my body? Technically this is a recovery week and I still have a lot of miles to run and a race on Monday, so all I can do is put it behind me and get 'em next time. * sigh *






2. Race

My race on Monday is the Oakville Half Marathon, which is a new one for me. The plan is to run a 12K (~7mi) warm-up with hubs, then run the half at goal marathon pace. I did this with the Montreal Half Marathon in April in training for my May marathon and it worked well. The heat/humidity is supposed to break before the weekend; let's hope they're right!



3. Awards

Both MCM Mama and Char at My Life's a Marathon awarded me the Cherry on Top Award.

(Someone else also awarded this one to me last week, but I can't for the life of me remember who that was - Sorry!)



I'm asked to answer the question: If you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be?

This is a tough question. I try not to live life with any regrets because everything I have done has lead me to where I am today, which is a very happy place to be! That being said, I wish I had taken control of my health earlier in life. I was a chubby kid, obese in my early teens, suffered from disordered eating in my mid-teens and from there my weight fluctuated significantly for several years. If you'd like to read a little more about my journey, take a look at my very first post on this blog. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that it started as a journal of my experience with the South Beach Diet. (I tried them all!)

I feel that I wasted a lot of good years obsessing over my weight, feeling horrible and living a very unhealthy lifestyle.

Finally, almost four years later, I'm in control of my health, my weight and my life. I truly believe that running saved me in that it has taught me how to take care of myself. I am a more balanced and healthy person, both physically and emotionally.

It feels good to get that out. Thanks for the award, ladies.

This one seems to have made the rounds in bloggy land. If you have not been tagged and would like to participate, please consider this a tag from me!

***


Age Groups Rock awarded me the Happy 101 Award.



Thank you ajh!

I'm asked to name ten things I like, then pass it along to ten bloggers.

I like:
1. October
2. leaving the windows open
3. apple cider
4. crunchy leaves
5. cool weather!
6. fall colours
7. hooded sweatshirts
8. cozy blankets
9. pumpkin muffins
10. Thanksgiving

Can you tell I'm over Summer?

I'd like to pass this award on to:
1. lish at The Road to Chicago
2. Christy at Going the Distance
3. Hunnybee at Mommy Running Through
4. runninglawyer at Running From the Law
5. Kim at Somewhere in the Sun
6. Deb at Deb Shrinks
7. Cindy at Foodie at the Finish Line
8. Kat at Forward Foot Strides
9. Indi at Learning to Run and Running to Learn
10. Kelly at She Wears a Red Sox Cap

38 comments:

Indi said...

Thanks for the tag:)
I think sometimes our bodies just need a break. I've done nothing the past two days...my allergies have been rampant. SO just rested and hoping to be back to normal by tomorrow and Saturday for another trail race.
Good Luck on Monday! You'll do great! You've worked super hard and I'm sure you'll see the pay-off! And here's hoping for perfect running weather moving forward!

misszippy said...

Did you write this post about tired legs, or did I? I swear we are in the exact same boat...I tried to run 12 today with 5 at MP; big fail! My legs couldn't do it. And I missed lots of days last week being sick, so I totally feel you!

Sounds like you are ready for Fall!

Teamarcia said...

No sweat on the missed speedwork-you'll be fine. It's your body's way of recovering. Have fun with the half!

No Longer Using said...

you definitely did the right thing!!! each day we are who we are that day and sometimes it makes sense to push through tiredness and sometimes it really does not. looking back at your training i think you are due for rest/recovery esp for your race on monday. in the long run, extra rest will work in your favor.

Anonymous said...

good luck on Monday!
looking forward to hearing about ur race.
i am sooo ready for fall also.
ur list of things you like is very similar to mine. i would also add:
pumpkin lattes, cardigans and scarves.

Denise said...

off to read how this all started!!!

sorry the workout wasn't the best but you've been going at it hard for a while now. take it easy, you're still getting over being sick. take some extra rest if needed and enjoy it!

Laura said...

it happens...better to stop then risk injury and just slog through it.
Have fun Monday! The huge Ribfest in Burlington is happening that day as well..mmm ribs...

Emz said...

Thanks for sharing.

Fun post.

Love pumpkin in most any form. :)

TNTcoach Ken said...

Listen to your body and sometimes pushing through isn't the best idea, especially after being sick!!!

Anne said...

Smart to listen to your body...you're going to do great on your race!! :)

Runners Fuel said...

You always have to listen to your body. Good job!

Anonymous said...

I just read your first blog post and am so proud of the accomplishments you have made. I feel like I have been on this crazy weight roller coaster and thought running would actually help. It's weird because, I feel 100% happier and healthier, but honestly I haven't seen much difference in my weight. I suppose this tells me that other things in my life need to change. But regardless, I am happy that you found running and it's been such a great outlet for you. Knowing your whole story inspires me even more Marlene! Thank you for sharing and I had also had no idea you have been blogging since 2006! Right on! :)

Anonymous said...

Between that 94% humidity you reported and a big weekend of running (+ getting over sickness), I think you did the right thing by letting the Body take it easy today! :) Always a smart runner...

Good luck on the Half (i.e. 20-miler, ha) this weekend!!

Jill said...

Hang in there, Chica - bad run days are tough but you ARE getting stronger :)

J said...

My legs were really feeling tired this morning too! It must be from the heat! Hopefully after this weekend we will have some nice and sunny, good for running, with no humidity days! Good luck at the half marathon this weekend!! And I didn't realize you had been blogging since 2006 - it was nice to read some of your earlier posts! Thanks for sharing!

Jamie said...

sorry the workout didn't go as planned. you have definitely been hitting it hard for awhile and maybe your body needs the slight break. you'll bounce back in no time :) good luck this weekend at the 1/2!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Good job listening to your body. You don't need to justify. You know your body best.

I just love that you are doing a "warm up 12k/7 miles" before your half. You are awesome. Oh and a race on Monday?

It's hard to want to change anything when it all lead you to the life you have now.

Jess said...

I love fall too for all the reasons you describe! I just wish I lived in a place that has a "true" fall. Autumn here in FL is stil pretty much like summer.

Nikki @ Balance and Moderation said...

I love the begining of your blog. It really shows how much you have grown in your own health; from fad diets to pure health - very cool!

Your list makes me happy it is Fall again. Pumkin pie, pumkin bread, pumkin muffins, pumkin spread, I even make pumkin smoothies! MMMMM pumkin!

Tricia said...

Your list makes me long for fall...

Lindsay said...

Don't be too down about that track work. Sometimes you just need some rest, perhaps some lingering funk from last week just making you tired? I am a bit too lenient with "oh better take it easy, wouldn't want to get sick" these days :) Not saying you are... Just me.

Soo you're doing a 7mi warmup and then a half?!? You are officially nuts :) Congrats on the awards!

MCM Mama said...

You've come a long way! I've always found your dedication to running inspiring. I had no idea where you started. You've done such a great job on becoming healthy. Way to go!

Bethany + Ryan said...

you've been doing a lot of miles and a lot of hard training! you deserve a break!i'm really excited to see what you do at your next marathon!

ajh said...

Thanks for doing this. I like so many of the same things. We leave the windows open during a lot of the winter! October is a GREAT month! I like all the cool weather stuff. We both live in great places for what we love!

runninglawyer said...

Thanks for the tag/award!!! More cupcakes!!!

Just like everyone else has said, don't sweat the missed miles. You have been working hard, and sometimes, you just have to listen to your body!

Definitely with you on bringing on fall - I am really starting to HATE the heat.

Heather said...

I love fall too, and am definitely over summer. It's just thinking of winter coming that makes me sad . . .

Cindy said...

Thanks for the tag!!!! Don't feel bad about the speed work...your body knows best!

Q said...

Thanks for the award!

Nicole said...

i am over summer too!!!! :) :)

funderson said...

on your regret...you too??!!
:)

At least we got it together before it killed us...

Lisa said...

Congratulations on loving yourself and accepting yourself. everyone deserves that peace, but so many people strive for it every day.

I love that you listed apple cider on your list - I would have had to match that with fresh donuts! I always think of the two together when fall arrives! (I think it's the only time i eat donuts!)

N.D. said...

I love your #1 and 2!

N.D. said...

it was nice to read that btw and nice to see how youve come - this weight crap plagues many of us.

Christy said...

Thanks for the tag...YAY me!!

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

Off to read your first post.. Sorry have been MIA, was busy and out of town.. HUGS!

Unknown said...

Great first post ... you truly are inspiring!

Winks & Smiles,
Wifey

kizzy said...

It happened to me too, to the point that I almost stop running...Like your post.My brooks addiction also helped me to keep on running.

Julie D. said...

I think the fact that you passed on the speed work is a great lesson for all of us. Some days its just not going to happen. Listen to our bodies, don't sweat it, and press on. Good for you. Second---wow, marlene. what an amazing journey you have had. Inspirational to read about where you came from to today. You are one tough runner and person!!