July 2008 Archives

I've officially started my training for the Twin Cities 10 Mile race in October. I decided to challenge myself, so I'm running with a faster pace group than I would normally run with and so far it's been great (minus the 70 percent humidity).  As I did with the Get in Gear 10K (which I, um, didn't run. Shhh), I've crafted a training schedule for the next couple of months -- complete with mileage and weekly rewards. Like last time, rewards are based on whatever clipart pictures I dug up whilst putting this bad boy together.



It continues . . .
 

A few things to note:

• You might have noticed that there are pushups mentioned three times a week. That's because I, too, have jumped on the 100 Pushup Challenge bandwagon. And like Marcy, I'm starting with "alternative" pushups.  They're very alternative, actually. They would probably make Pavel Tsatsouline cry.
• My TC 10 Mile training doesn't end after the race is over. It morphs into my half marathon training. That's right, folks, I'm going to run my first half marathon! I figure I'll be running 10 miles already, so why not add a few?  Plus I've heard that the Monster Half is a really fun race -- costumes, low stress and lots of frivolity. And you know how I love frivolity.
• PSA time! I am not condoning or promoting the use of performance enhancing relaxing drugs, the deadly sin of envy or the dangerous reality of spontaneous combustion. Thank you, you can go about your business now.

I am making the declaration for all the world my mom to see -- I'm doing a half and I'm getting buff (actually, I'd settle for getting enough upper body strength to open the storm doors in my apartment building).

I'm back from my vacation -- and what a vacation it was.  I went trail running (er, somebody forgot to warn me that you can't breathe in high altitudes), white-water rafting, horseback riding and even cliff jumping. No joke.



What inspired this act of insanity bravery? I was offered a choice: Take a risk, or stay safe in our boat and miss out on a potentially amazing experience. I chose to step outside of my comfort zone and make the leap. And I'm so glad I did.

Cliff jumping got me thinking about other choices we face in our day-to-day lives.  When presented with an opportunity, what's your instinct? Do you stick with what you've always done or do you venture into the unknown? There's certainly a necessity in our lives for stability, but challenging our self-imposed restrictions and unconscious fears can be incredibly inspiring.

And it doesn't have to involve plunging into the Colorado River. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be downright simple:

• Take a fitness class you've been wary of in the past
• Prepare one new recipe every week
• Strike up conversation with a neighbor or someone else you see every day
• Change your running/cycling/walking route
• Grab a friend and get lost in a part of your city that you've never explored

What other ideas do ya'll have for spicing things up? Have you taken any rewarding risks in your life lately?

--
Want more?
Check these out:
"Right Risk" (January/February 2004)
"Everyday Adventures" (June 2006)
"The Virtues of Variety" (October 2006)

I'm leaving tonight for a mini-vacation with the family to go to -- what else -- a family reunion. The whole clan is meeting up somewhere in the middle of nowhere, and I hear there will be plenty of opportunities for embarrassment excitement and adventure. 

I'll be trying my hand at white-water rafting, the high-ropes course and a couple other activities. Hopefully I'll come back with loads of photos for ya'll to laugh at. While there, I also hope to trail run in the mountains. My method will be: Go easy and avoid encounters with bears.

The one nagging worry I have about the 14-hour car ride ahead of me (other than regression into sullen teenage behavior) is food.  I don't want to eat fast food, so I'm planning ahead and bringing a small cooler of snacks. Here's my list so far:

• Almonds and walnuts
• Pumpkin seeds (raw)
• Bananas
• Peaches, plums, apples and oranges
• Those lunch-box-sized organic chocolate milks (lots of packaging, regrettably)
• Carrots and hummus
• Pita with almond butter sandwiches

Any other ideas for this intrepid traveler? I'm bringing my stainless-steel water bottle to refill along the way.  I'm also bringing an iPod loaded with podcasts and plenty of reading material.

I was inspired by our recent feature on sticking to your fitness routines while traveling ("Have Body, Will Travel"), and am planning to throw my resistance bands into my suitcase. Maybe I can even convince my family to do some strength training with me (I just heard a collective groan). I hope everyone has a fantastic long weekend. Catch you next week!