...is the number of miles in a marathon. I've taken to running in the last few months. Never thought I'd be a runner. I tried a few times in college with my roomates and it seemed like the most brutal form of exercise. I'd been dancing for years, so running felt like a form of punishment!
I have several MOFs who are runners, too. Many of them are currently training for the Wasatch Back and a number of other individual races. I guess this is the next step for me, although I haven't the desire yet. I've been running 10-12 miles a week for a while now (3-3.5 miles x 3 or 4 days a week) and I feel like I should be going somewhere with it. Only, there is still so much I do not know. If I try to think of things in terms of hectic motherhood, however, it makes a little more sense. Here are a few runner's terms I've picked up.
FARTLEK
I totally get this (and not in the way that you might think, although the analogy of changing diapers was the first to pop into my mind. Second thing to pop into my mind was that my brothers actually used to call each other "fartLICK". Ew.). Anyway, think of it this way... have you ever tried to cook dinner (moderate speed- don't want to burn it!), help your children with their homework (slow and steady, with patience) and be ready (as in nicely dressed) for a church meeting at the same time (SPRINT!)?
SPEED WORK
Some days you just gotta pace yourself. You want to dive in so badly, but in order to endure to the end of the day, you have to reserve your energy stores.
"HITTING THE WALL"
Defined as "The dreaded point (and awful feeling similar to what your body would feel like if you ran into a wall) during a race when your muscle glycogen stores become depleted and a feeling of fatigue engulfs you." Uh-huh. I call that 4:00 in the afternoon!
INTERVALS
It's like tidying up a house. You do a fast sweep through the house. After a 5 minute break you have a new mess to tend to. And so on.
RUNNER'S HIGH
The feeling of exhilaration that comes after a good hard run. Or childbirth. Or naptime.
TAPER
Runners usually cut back mileage 1 day to 3 weeks before a race. Like when I decide to let my kids buy lunch rather than make it for them, right? I'd really like to incorprate this more into my housekeeping. I don't think dh would go for it though!
There's so much more to learn. In both arenas. But they definitely both reap what you sow. And they both push you, some days harder than you'd like!
I have several MOFs who are runners, too. Many of them are currently training for the Wasatch Back and a number of other individual races. I guess this is the next step for me, although I haven't the desire yet. I've been running 10-12 miles a week for a while now (3-3.5 miles x 3 or 4 days a week) and I feel like I should be going somewhere with it. Only, there is still so much I do not know. If I try to think of things in terms of hectic motherhood, however, it makes a little more sense. Here are a few runner's terms I've picked up.
FARTLEK
I totally get this (and not in the way that you might think, although the analogy of changing diapers was the first to pop into my mind. Second thing to pop into my mind was that my brothers actually used to call each other "fartLICK". Ew.). Anyway, think of it this way... have you ever tried to cook dinner (moderate speed- don't want to burn it!), help your children with their homework (slow and steady, with patience) and be ready (as in nicely dressed) for a church meeting at the same time (SPRINT!)?
SPEED WORK
Some days you just gotta pace yourself. You want to dive in so badly, but in order to endure to the end of the day, you have to reserve your energy stores.
"HITTING THE WALL"
Defined as "The dreaded point (and awful feeling similar to what your body would feel like if you ran into a wall) during a race when your muscle glycogen stores become depleted and a feeling of fatigue engulfs you." Uh-huh. I call that 4:00 in the afternoon!
INTERVALS
It's like tidying up a house. You do a fast sweep through the house. After a 5 minute break you have a new mess to tend to. And so on.
RUNNER'S HIGH
The feeling of exhilaration that comes after a good hard run. Or childbirth. Or naptime.
TAPER
Runners usually cut back mileage 1 day to 3 weeks before a race. Like when I decide to let my kids buy lunch rather than make it for them, right? I'd really like to incorprate this more into my housekeeping. I don't think dh would go for it though!
There's so much more to learn. In both arenas. But they definitely both reap what you sow. And they both push you, some days harder than you'd like!
17 comments:
you are so going to become hard-core.
I'm thiiiiiiinking about starting to run...it is brutal. What's the word for that metal taste in your mouth? I get it every time and cannot stand it.
Love this post! The comparisons are so apt!
Hummm, I still don't think running is for me. But I am very proud of you! :)
I don't know Shelah - I cringe when I think of you running 20+ miles at the crack of dawn in the dark. The word dedication doesn't even seem ample.
Traci - DO IT! Or at least try. Start slow -walk 2 minutes, run 2minutes, that sort of thing. Close in the gap until you're running straight! It's easier than you think. I don't know about the metal thing though!
Thanks Zoe!
that's perfect. I feel like I need to do some sprinting myself today (guests on the horizon) but will probably be more effective if I pace myself!
i've just started to run myself - i've been going for a month now - and i'm still not going very far. I'm doing the 2min run 2min walk thing and it is getting easier each time. i've increased up to 2mi. now - i plan on running a 5 k on memorial day. that's the plan anyway...
I love this post!
I never ever though of myself as any sort of athlete, but I started running last year and got hooked. I slacked off in the winter but am anxious to start again. It just makes you feel better.
Yaaay for you Lei!!
Love the comparisons. I only wish I could love running. I need to be better at that working out thing :-)
Great comparisons! I'm with you---trying to become a runner---hopefully one day I'll get there too.
LOVED THIS and I LOVE to run too.
ha ha! i remember a couple midnight runs with you in college! :) you go girl. running to good for the soul.
Ummmmmm, can't say I ever experienced the runner's high after childbirth. More like hitting the wall. :-)
I feel so on top of the world when I run and I'm glad you're getting into it!
ROFL! Being a runner and a mother, this totally cracked me up. :D So are you going to run a marathon or a 10k? Good luck with what you decide!
I'm a 5k runner but I haven't run for months and I'm just starting back up again this week. I have a SIL that tells me I should be breathing through my nose instead of mouth and that will help me more. Is that what you do? Just curious. :)
I always danced too and felt like a lame-o when I tried to run. I've been told that running helps lose those pounds and is good for your heart. I may just have to give it a try, maybe.
Meta, ah yes I was such a wimp back then. Lol!
Amber - I didn't say during birth, I said after.:) At least for me (au natural).
Michelle - I breathe through my mouth - in two and out one (or out two if I'm keeping an even rhythm going).
utmommy - as long as I'm advocating I say go for it! :)
i loved this, way to go with the running as well...i am trying to get into it and have been doing about 2 miles every other day...not sure if I will ever get to a marathon but am really liking the morning time to myself.
you speak of moving, hope that is going well as well...
we are working on selling our house and leaving austin for hawaii..not that you really needed to hear that from a total stranger....
enjoyed your blog, will be back.
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