...I kept on training for CIM. I will run it though I have to confess that while the first 3-4 weeks of training were fabulous, the rest... SUCKED. OK, not all of it sucked but I had a very hard time fitting my runs in. Then for some reason I could not manage my long runs. One day I ran 20mi and felt pretty good and then for over two weeks I was unable to run more than 12mi and I am sure it was just my mind fighting me every possible way. The problem was that the mind would win...
My motivation has been another issue. My initial excitement turned into dread. I don't think it had actually anything to do with running. If anything, running kept me sane but sometimes with exercise it is like with healthy eating, one knows what is good and still... I am proud of myself though. I kept my running streak, oh, and I am still eating a healthy diet (according to at least one school of healthy eating that is).
I WILL run or walk or crawl that marathon even if it kills me.
I usually run before the sun is up but towards the end of my training I decided that since this was not a midnight marathon, I better train during the day too. Good thing about day running? I could take pictures at least before and after my run.
So guess what, I noticed autumn has come to Bay Area. I love cooler temps and fall colors. Funny thing is that some of the trees have already begun... blooming. Yep, that's California for you. I still get a kick out of how seasons are all mixed up here.
I managed to squeeze in a couple of short backpacking trips. Short is the key word here. So to maximize the time spend in the mountains we leave insanely early (how does 3am sound to you?), go for a couple of days and rush back to make it to my teen's evening commitments.
Funny thing is that these were kind of solo trips. My teen is considering doing JMT by himself next summer so he needs more solo backpacking experience. The way we work it out is that we drive to the trailhead together and then we part ways. So far he is managing just fine without me. Strangely enough, I don't mind him not needing me.
I've been trying something new to help me sleep at night. By the end of the day I am tired enough that I have no problem falling asleep, usually within a couple of minutes I am in my dream world. And then I wake up and stay awake for an hour or two. Then I fall asleep only to wake up again. That makes me a very grumpy person during the day. The only reason I still have any friends left is because I hide it so well. :)
So here is my new routine and it seems to be working. A couple of hours before I go to sleep, I get off the computer. I do not touch my iphone either. If only possible, I turn off the lights and use candles instead. Guess what, it's working! I still wake up at night but only for a second or two just like when I am camping. So maybe what I am trying is not so new after all. Hmm, my grandparents used to live like that. They never complained about not being able to sleep. But then again, they were not spending much time on Facebook either.
I tried to find a personal trainer. Again. I failed. Again. I am frustrated. Again.
I am not that demanding. All I need is someone who knows their trade, pays attention to what I am doing instead of chatting away while I tear my muscles to pieces because of my poor form, and stops pushing newest fad routines that will work miracles for me in just a couple of weeks (the guy who tried that on me was an ex used car salesman, no kidding). Do I sound frustrated enough? If not, let me know, I will rewrite this paragraph and add some expletives.
Did I mention how much I enjoy our autumn?
Did I mention how much I enjoy our autumn?
22 comments:
Beautiful pictures!
Nice to hear from you again! I totally agree with your strategy on sleep - I really believe that technology really gets us wired up and interferes with sleep. I tell my boys all the time, no computer, no gaming right before bed or they won't be able to sleep good.
Hope the marathon goes well despite the struggle you had with training. Hopefully you can just go with the flow and enjoy doing it!
Those pictures are beautiful - I am DYING to hike JMT; I need to find new friends to convince them to do it with me ;)
I so want to live where you live!
I like your idea of unplugging before bed. You are probably on to something.
I'm sure CIM will be a great experience, one way or the other!
I know it doesn't count as unplugging, but Dr. Oz showed a product on his show that is a blue screen-like thing you place in front of your computer monitor so that the light doesn't keep you from being able to sleep later. I thought about it for my boys who never unplug!!
Glad you are figuring things out! You do sound determined! ;-) The pics are amazing too - beautiful!
As for the running & sleep & all that, I might want to add in HORMONES. They do cause havoc with our mental state & sleep too. I had months when I could not sleep more than 30-45 minutes at a time, awake for 1-2 hours, 30 minutes of sleep - it went on like that forever.. and then just went away. I have had more issues both physically & mentally from this change of life crap. Something to think about! ;-)
You have good will to turn off computer etc. early. I consider the computer my relaxation after I get supper made and cleaned up and all chores done. If I shut it off two hours before bed I wouldn't be able to use it. But I also wake up sometimes and should change some habits.
I can keep an eye on your teen this summer as I hike the JMT, but he might wonder who the old lady in the bushes who is reporting back to his mom is...
pretty sure you live in my dream location :) I keep telling D I want to move to CA
good luck with CIM
You need my son to help with your training. It's a pity you're all the way over the other side of the world.
The sleep stuff you're talking about is so topical. I've seen quite a few articles lately about artificial light and how it's screwing up our body clocks. It sounds like you're doing exactly the right thing.
Hi Ewa! Re teen son: So cool! You're such a great role model.
Re sleep: I used to have lots of problems with sleep. I have figured out *many* ways of helping myself--but I might not have the same issues as you. What you are doing sounds good.
Re trainers: You are pretty intelligent about fitness. Are you really expecting to find someone more intelligent that you are? Honestly, Ewa, you could train most trainers!
:-) Marion
Fall has left Colorado and it's winter here - bleh!!
I am so sporadic on the sleep thing, whenever I have a good night I feel I need to celebrate or something. Drives me crazy!
I started my training with gusto, too, and just plagued by mental weakness right now. I think I'm just too dang tired! Hang in there, girl - I'm glad you hear you're going to do CIM no matter what! I think it will make you feel good. And personal trainers in big corporate gyms are the worst. Find a physical therapy place, they sometimes have their own personal trainers and are much more focused on the individual!!
I am glad to see again your wonderful pictures.
I am sure you will run well your marathon.
About running in the darkness: I do it only if I don't have other chances. But always better than the dreadmill!!!!
I just wanted to say I totally support your anti-war sentiment!
I can support a veteran as a person who was very brave, but i also support the conscientious objector to the horrors of war and the karma it creates for those countries who choose this path, regardless of their opinion of right or wrong.
Good luck with your run. I completely understand as an everyday, many year runner myself.
I love your photos! So gorgeous! I think I'll try to take my camera on my next race. Remove so of the "pace" stress and focus on loving it me for (not for what everyone in blog world will think)!
I love you attitude about solo hiking!
I just read about the "unplugging" before bedtime helping the brain to rest more deeply. Keep it up.
Enjoy your race.
I hear what you are saying about the personal trainer. The new "in" thing at my gym is working out with what looks like a fire hose. A gal had a guy working with it the other day and he looked embarrassed and angry. Instead of paying attention to his needs, she was more interested in playing with her new toy. Some good old fashioned push ups and weights would have made him a lot happier and achieved the same result. Good luck finding the right one!
Your motivation issue sounds so familiar. I've been having that too lately. I decided to take a break from running and that worked for me.
I don't have sleeping problems but I do turn off my computer at 9 pm at the latest, most of the times before that. Not only because of getting a good nights sleep but also because I can get lost on the internet and hang around while I love so much other things that I can do in that time.
Can't wait to be as fit as you are. You are amazing!
Great pictures!
Keep focused!
Lovely as always!!!!!! Your photos are so beautiful and I love reading your blog. YOu are such an inspiration! Have a great day!! I hear you on the trainer.. keep looking you will find the right one!
Nice articles. I'm just blogwalking and very happy to stop here. And also give you some comment here.
Dont forget to give us some your comment into my blog too.
Thanks for share,
* Rio Prasetyo *
It has been a while since I have been over her to your blog. Thanks for your recent comments on mine.
I find that I have to just relax a bit before I go to bed in order to get a good night sleep . No computer, no major activity. Reading is okay, or watching a little TV.
Marathon! That is awesome. I admire you fro that. I will look back in your posts to see when it is coming up.
First: your pictures are beautiful as always! Sorry that your runs are not going as well as you would like. I hope that improves! And your skirt is darling!
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