(this post is dedicated to Sonia G. my own personal Jillian Michaels)
And after I ran....I cried.
I haven't run 4 miles without walking since I was 19 or 20 and my 30 year mark is blaringly insight. So, you can imagine the emotions that were flowing as a result. I've heard people say that running is therapeutic. I know it was when I was in high school, when I took it up during some hard times, even though I didn't really realize it then, it was. Even now in my 30th year I had to be reconvinced. I'm convinced. It's accomplishment, it's exercise, it's thinking, it's outside - if you're lucky. It's many things that, all wrapped up, makes it therapeutic.
The only reason I'm lucky enough to have a personal trainer is because I'm running a race. I have NEVER run a race. Well, just the kind that kids have where someone yells, really fast, "Marks, Get Set, GO!" and someone takes off, leaving others behind in their dust. My first real race will be a relay called Market to Market. The front page to the website says, 86 miles, 21 exchange points, 6-8 person teams, 1 unforgettable day.
Sonia and I have different versions of the story of how I got on the relay team, but this is MY blog, so she'll never get to tell her side....something about I begged her to let me on the team. PLEASE! More like SHE persuaded, NO begged ME!
Maybe it was a little bit of both but, I lean towards my side of the story because she probably wanted a fixer upper, a BIG personal trainer project. Well, she got it.
Training:
I started training in March or April, I can't remember. But, it started with an exercise program from Jillian, I MEAN Sonia. It was 30 minutes of non-stop movement and included strength training, cardio, and abs - 3-4 times a week. I really liked it! Well, for the first month, then it got old, but I still did it. And every time I finished that 30 minute routine, I loved it.
In July I started running, 2 miles 3 to 4 times a week - for 2 weeks. I was told not to walk. Some days I didn't....some days I did. Then it changed to 3 miles 3 to 4 times a week - for 2 weeks. Sonia said, "Then by that time you should be back from Utah and you'll be back in my hands." It was just short of a "Muuuah ah ah ah ah!" Hands up by her face, palms facing each other and finger tips drumming finger tips in succession, evil look on her face – eyes squinted menacingly.
Last Thursday I was in the palm of her hand. We went running together. I knew I needed that, because deep down I knew I was running too slow and not pushing myself enough. We ran with strollers in toe....and she pushed me....we ran 3 miles, without walking. It was hard. I loved it.
This is me and Marley toward the end of the 3 miles.
I haven't run 4 miles without walking since I was 19 or 20 and my 30 year mark is blaringly insight. So, you can imagine the emotions that were flowing as a result. I've heard people say that running is therapeutic. I know it was when I was in high school, when I took it up during some hard times, even though I didn't really realize it then, it was. Even now in my 30th year I had to be reconvinced. I'm convinced. It's accomplishment, it's exercise, it's thinking, it's outside - if you're lucky. It's many things that, all wrapped up, makes it therapeutic.
The only reason I'm lucky enough to have a personal trainer is because I'm running a race. I have NEVER run a race. Well, just the kind that kids have where someone yells, really fast, "Marks, Get Set, GO!" and someone takes off, leaving others behind in their dust. My first real race will be a relay called Market to Market. The front page to the website says, 86 miles, 21 exchange points, 6-8 person teams, 1 unforgettable day.
Sonia and I have different versions of the story of how I got on the relay team, but this is MY blog, so she'll never get to tell her side....something about I begged her to let me on the team. PLEASE! More like SHE persuaded, NO begged ME!
Maybe it was a little bit of both but, I lean towards my side of the story because she probably wanted a fixer upper, a BIG personal trainer project. Well, she got it.
Training:
I started training in March or April, I can't remember. But, it started with an exercise program from Jillian, I MEAN Sonia. It was 30 minutes of non-stop movement and included strength training, cardio, and abs - 3-4 times a week. I really liked it! Well, for the first month, then it got old, but I still did it. And every time I finished that 30 minute routine, I loved it.
In July I started running, 2 miles 3 to 4 times a week - for 2 weeks. I was told not to walk. Some days I didn't....some days I did. Then it changed to 3 miles 3 to 4 times a week - for 2 weeks. Sonia said, "Then by that time you should be back from Utah and you'll be back in my hands." It was just short of a "Muuuah ah ah ah ah!" Hands up by her face, palms facing each other and finger tips drumming finger tips in succession, evil look on her face – eyes squinted menacingly.
Last Thursday I was in the palm of her hand. We went running together. I knew I needed that, because deep down I knew I was running too slow and not pushing myself enough. We ran with strollers in toe....and she pushed me....we ran 3 miles, without walking. It was hard. I loved it.
This is me and Marley toward the end of the 3 miles.
Marley does great. She just sits there and enjoys the ride!
Sonia told me to take Friday off and then run 3.5 to 4 miles on Saturday, without Marley and WITHOUT WALKING. I'm so glad Sonia, at least, doesn't swear at me (like Jillian).
I did 4 miles! That is IF I can trust the mileage markers on the trail...I kind of think it was less than 4 miles, but that's just me.
So, this is one of my major accomplishments this year. Not just the 4 miles today, not just the race but the lifestyle change. Sonia has even convinced me to keep up running and exercising after the race. She's a great trainer.
When I got back from the run today. Natey and Marley greeted me at the door, (I was locked out) where I was crying for joy and accomplishment!
And what to my surprise did I find when I entered our apartment? Nathan was making these!!!!
Crepes!
With freshly homemade strawberry syrup! So delicious!
Marley LOVED them. Nathan and I had 3 each and Marley had 5.
She sucked the syrup out of each bite before she chewed and swallowed. She ate slow and took her time savoring each suck…bite.
This is what her mouth looked like as she sucked.
Always, one hand still in the bowl while the other hand fed the mouth.
What a wonderful breakfast!
PS - I just found this awesome and inspiring clip. I thought it was appropriate. I hope at my relay I remember to listen for encouragement from the side lines and remember that I am never alone. Please watch it...and try not to cry.
