One might think that this post will be about my excellent balancing skills, especially if you knew at one time I was a cheerleader, dancer, gymnast and even a gymnastics teacher while in college, but no, this is not about my sense of balance. (I actually roll my ankles on a daily basis so "balancing" in that sense, is not my forte. This is about balancing my running... with everything else in my life.
I've said before that I'm in grad school, which not only requires 3 hours of class time twice a week, but also 5-10 other hours outside of class reading, writing, or working on projects. Granted, I put most of the reading and writing off until Sunday evenings, I still have the work on my "to-do" list. I also started a new job in December, as a Communications Specialist. Sounds fancy, and I love it, but I can't believe they didn't tell me how much work was involved in the role when I interviewed (all 5 times!). Yesterday alone, I had two last minute projects given to me at 2 o'clock as I was working on updating all of the sites that I'm in charge of and planning for a conference call at 3. (Oh, and did I mention that both projects were due by the end of the day?) And my group for one of my classes wanted to meet. Yes, if you're thinking that's one of those "pull-your-hair-out" moments, it was.
Now, on top of work and school, I am a girlfriend. And a live-in girlfriend at that. So I have my responsibilities at home of taking care of the dogs, cooking, cleaning (clearly he helps with this stuff but I have to do my part). I am also mommy to the world's sweetest lab and that requires at least 30 minutes of cuddle time/frisbee throwing/walking a day.
Oh, what's that? My social life? HA. Occasionally, we'll do couples dates on the weekends, or every once in a while we'll get a group together. My social life consists of classmates, whoever wants to run with me and/or go to class at the gym with me, and IMing co-workers. However, this is my choice, because I'd rather run than go to a group dinner, and I'd rather do a class at the gym than game night with friends.
Tonight, I am watching college basketball. My other passion outside of running. I'm still working on getting the hang of the new job, being a student again, and keeping up with my mileage. Always trying to sneak in a work out, even if it's running up the stairs on my way to work or parking in the back of the parking lot to walk a little extra on my way in the office.
Most days it feels like there aren't enough hours to accomplish everything that I had planned on - but I'm hopeful that one day it will all fall into place and I'll magically be able to work, work out, go to class, and do laundry all in the same 24 hours, instead of having to prioritize and leave something out.
Until then....
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Running... and giving blood.
Let's just say that I have not had the best experiences giving blood. I first tried when I was 18 and I was told that the blood was coming too slowly out of my veins, so they removed the needle. Unsuccessful donation - but I do think I got to miss part of a math class for that, so it was probably worth being poked and prodded at the time.
My work occasionally does donations with the Red Cross and Community Blood Center - both of which I've had issues. The first time I donated, it took them over an hour to get me in and out. I swear it takes longer to do the paperwork than it does to actually get the blood out. And EVERY time I try to donate, the first "test" prick of my finger deems me anemic, so I have to get stuck in the other hand a second time to show that I'm not.
In 2009, I donated with the Red Cross. As I walked into the unit, there was a worker standing outside smoking. Sure, here I am about to give blood to hopefully save lives, and you're out here slowly killing yourself and anyone breathing in the smoke that walks by? Awesome. Of course we went through the pricking of both hands to prove I was not anemic... and then I had to wait for a bed to come open. Yep, once again, over an hour.
I also donated with Community Blood Center at the next time I was eligible in 2009. I was pricked twice in the fingers - sure enough, I'm not anemic. Had to go through extensive questioning about my travel outside of the US because I had just returned from Jamaica - which had no issues with Malaria so therefore, it did not require the extensive questioning. Fast forward to the donation... the idiot said they couldn't find a vein (never been a problem for anyone else) so I got poked in both arms. However, my issue with this donation, was the point in which he jerked the needle out of my arm, leaving it bruised for 3 weeks. Oh - and this session took over 2 hours. RIDICULOUS.
I refused to donate for a while after that. Actually, until late in 2011, I didn't even consider donating. But I did decide after the horrible tornadoes the South experienced last Spring that I should donate. Community Blood Center was holding a donation at our office, so I signed up for a 9 AM slot. The earlier you get in, the earlier you get out. I went through the whole process of questions and pricking my fingers and then the nurse asked how much I weighed. "119" I proudly responded. And I was told to leave. Apparently Community Blood Center has a 120 lb. weight limit when the Red Cross only requires that you be 110. Seriously though, do you think 1 lb. makes THAT much of a difference? I was irritated that I wasted 30 minutes of my time to be told I couldn't donate. I was later informed that of 33 people that signed up, they only let 9 donate for reasons such as not weighing enough, having a history of cancer, and a heart rate that was too fast. Can't be picky if you want to save lives!
I donated last week with Community Blood Center. I filled out my paperwork and waited on the nurse. She had someone hovering over her with the person that was in front of me... it took me a minute to realize that this meant she was in training. Of course. I could never just walk in and donate blood like I'd like to. She pricked my finger somewhere around my first knuckle. Obviously this didn't work. The second prick, my hemoglobin was at 12.4... has to be at 12.5 to donate. So we went to the left hand... and it was 14.7, good to go. The actual donation took 6 minutes - yet I was in there for over 45.
I wonder if it's any faster to go to a clinic, or if these people care about their jobs at all. You'd think they would have the process down at this point. Maybe they should read about Giddens and the Modernity theory.
Anyway - they always tell me not to run after a donation... but they stress me out so much it's the only thing I can think of doing.
My work occasionally does donations with the Red Cross and Community Blood Center - both of which I've had issues. The first time I donated, it took them over an hour to get me in and out. I swear it takes longer to do the paperwork than it does to actually get the blood out. And EVERY time I try to donate, the first "test" prick of my finger deems me anemic, so I have to get stuck in the other hand a second time to show that I'm not.
In 2009, I donated with the Red Cross. As I walked into the unit, there was a worker standing outside smoking. Sure, here I am about to give blood to hopefully save lives, and you're out here slowly killing yourself and anyone breathing in the smoke that walks by? Awesome. Of course we went through the pricking of both hands to prove I was not anemic... and then I had to wait for a bed to come open. Yep, once again, over an hour.
I also donated with Community Blood Center at the next time I was eligible in 2009. I was pricked twice in the fingers - sure enough, I'm not anemic. Had to go through extensive questioning about my travel outside of the US because I had just returned from Jamaica - which had no issues with Malaria so therefore, it did not require the extensive questioning. Fast forward to the donation... the idiot said they couldn't find a vein (never been a problem for anyone else) so I got poked in both arms. However, my issue with this donation, was the point in which he jerked the needle out of my arm, leaving it bruised for 3 weeks. Oh - and this session took over 2 hours. RIDICULOUS.
I refused to donate for a while after that. Actually, until late in 2011, I didn't even consider donating. But I did decide after the horrible tornadoes the South experienced last Spring that I should donate. Community Blood Center was holding a donation at our office, so I signed up for a 9 AM slot. The earlier you get in, the earlier you get out. I went through the whole process of questions and pricking my fingers and then the nurse asked how much I weighed. "119" I proudly responded. And I was told to leave. Apparently Community Blood Center has a 120 lb. weight limit when the Red Cross only requires that you be 110. Seriously though, do you think 1 lb. makes THAT much of a difference? I was irritated that I wasted 30 minutes of my time to be told I couldn't donate. I was later informed that of 33 people that signed up, they only let 9 donate for reasons such as not weighing enough, having a history of cancer, and a heart rate that was too fast. Can't be picky if you want to save lives!
I donated last week with Community Blood Center. I filled out my paperwork and waited on the nurse. She had someone hovering over her with the person that was in front of me... it took me a minute to realize that this meant she was in training. Of course. I could never just walk in and donate blood like I'd like to. She pricked my finger somewhere around my first knuckle. Obviously this didn't work. The second prick, my hemoglobin was at 12.4... has to be at 12.5 to donate. So we went to the left hand... and it was 14.7, good to go. The actual donation took 6 minutes - yet I was in there for over 45.
I wonder if it's any faster to go to a clinic, or if these people care about their jobs at all. You'd think they would have the process down at this point. Maybe they should read about Giddens and the Modernity theory.
Anyway - they always tell me not to run after a donation... but they stress me out so much it's the only thing I can think of doing.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Running... on the beach.
Can you think of a more perfect way to start the day than a 3-mile run on the beach? Okay... it was February and 66 degrees outside... I mean seriously, does it get anymore perfect than that? We are in mid-training for the Cooper River Bridge Run, and even on vacation, we stick to our fitness plan. We were up and out the door, with the sand beneath our toes and that sweet, salty air blowing in our faces. Perfect, I tell ya.
The BF is still "working up" to his 6 mile run on March 31st. I'm a 10-k veteran, but haven't done one in well over a year so training is a must. He wanted to go for 2 miles, so I agreed to run 2, and we could walk 1. Compromise... right?
Since I have the Garmin 305, I am always in charge of monitoring our mileage. So off we went... pounding away. We actually slowed down our pace for this run, because running on sand is a lot harder on your legs than running on a sidewalk. Plus, on Wednesday, I did my Jillian Michaels 30-day shred video and on Thursday, I did Group Power (the equivalent of Body Pump) with my friend Katie - so prior to the run my legs were already burning, and about a minute in, it felt like they were going to fall off. Telling myself that I have to set a good example for my BF in training, I never walk first (it may also have something to do with my extremely competitive nature).
We could not have asked for a more gorgeous day to be out there running. I encouraged (or "tricked" as he called it) the BF into running 2.25 miles and only walking 3/4 of a mile. He did it. No problems. I just wanted him to prove to himself that he is capable of it and doesn't have to work up to it at such a slow pace. I promised to never do that to him again, but I was secretly very happy that I did and that he succeeded in the extra 1/4 mile without any issues. Now... we just have to add 3.4 more miles to that total.
Side note: It rained ALL day today and started sleeting/snowing around 6 PM. Let me reiterate what a B-E-A-UTIFUL day it was on Saturday to be running on the beach.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Running... thru Boston!
I was sent to Boston a few weeks ago for work. The weeks leading up to the trip, I complained about how much I hated cold weather, and that it was my birthday week and blah blah blah. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CITY. Seriously, what an amazing place. My hotel was right across from the office, and I was super close to Newbury street where all of the shopping is in Boston. I could not have asked for a better trip. I loved everything about it, from the hotel, to the people that I got to work with, to the buzz of the city as I was falling asleep at night. It was awesome. Now, there was snow on the ground when I got there, but other than that, it was unusually warm for Boston with highs in the upper 40's every day.
My boyfriend picked the restaurant for my birthday, and boy did he make a good call. Atlantic Fish was heavenly. His dinner was better than mine, but the dessert was the best part anyway.
So if you're starting to think all we did was eat, you might be correct. We had so much good food (I gained 4 pounds!!!) while we were in Boston, we actually restaurant hopped for martinis, appetizers, dinner and dessert on one night. We also exercised while were were there and we spent Saturday walking the Freedom Trail and enjoying day full of history. Of course, along the way we stopped for lunch and drinks...
We actually cannot wait to go back to Boston. We're considering planning a trip this Spring so that we can enjoy more gorgeous weather, explore the Cape and visit Harvard's campus. I shouldn't have been such a pessimist before this trip, it was truly an awesome experience. I think I could even see myself living there one day... but only if the weather promised to stay 40 and above.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Running... thru February!
I'm a little behind in my blogging and let me explain why. As my last post says, I was sent to Boston for work for a week. It was actually an amazing week (blog & pics coming soon) but then I got back into town (no thanks to Delta) at 10:30 pm on Sunday and not only had work on Monday, but also grad school. It was a long day. Tuesday is dedicated to doing my Wednesday night class's homework and then Wednesday, I obviously have class. Thursday we left for Virginia to see the Duke & Virginia tech game. Anyway - somewhere in between all of this traveling, I have found myself with a cold.
It could be that I went from mid 60's weather in Charlotte, to mid 40's in Boston, to upper 50's in Atlanta to 60's in Charlotte to 50's in Virginia and back to 60's in Charlotte, just with some rain. So yes, today I am sitting on the couch with my Dayquil handy, cough drops and surrounded by tissues. Happy Super Bowl Sunday, everyone. Sounds like a blast, right? I actually thought I was getting better earlier in the week but yesterday I took a turn for the worse.
So, while in Boston, my friend Erica and I were sending each other motivating texts each morning reminding the other to work out. Erica lives in Florida and is too far away from me for my liking, so the best we can do as far as working out together is to stay up to date with each other to get assurance that we are actually working out. Sometimes I text her pictures of my treadmill workouts and she'll send me a run down of all the sabotages her day has presented, but then confirms that she has actually made it to the gym. It's nice to have someone there that holds you accountable for what you said you're going to do.
I decided that I would work out every day in February as a pledge to myself and I had thought I would share my plan with Erica so that we could continue motivating and inspiring each other - but then I got sick. I've worked out everyday this month thus far, but the thought of spin class this morning made me shudder. I can hardly breathe, can't swallow and cough every 2 seconds, I'm pretty sure I might have died if I had actually gone to spin class.
I actually think I might be worse today because yesterday I had the superb plan of "sweating it out" at the gym. This plan works 0% of the time for my body. Tried it in college -ended up with the full blown flu for a week, lost 12 pounds, but not before my fellow gym goers told me that I was turning "green." I feel like that was not meant in the positive way that "going green" is today. So yesterday, I did a 2 mile run and a full body work out lasting an hour at the gym, and today I am miserable. I think the lesson learned from this is that life won't always go your way, even if you have plans... so you have to be resilient and versatile. Tomorrow, if I'm feeling better, I plan to walk during lunch.. I'm not going to do a 2/a day work out to make up for today, but I will get back on track. And hopefully, Erica will send me a fabulously motivating "good morning, get your ass to the gym soon" text.
It could be that I went from mid 60's weather in Charlotte, to mid 40's in Boston, to upper 50's in Atlanta to 60's in Charlotte to 50's in Virginia and back to 60's in Charlotte, just with some rain. So yes, today I am sitting on the couch with my Dayquil handy, cough drops and surrounded by tissues. Happy Super Bowl Sunday, everyone. Sounds like a blast, right? I actually thought I was getting better earlier in the week but yesterday I took a turn for the worse.
So, while in Boston, my friend Erica and I were sending each other motivating texts each morning reminding the other to work out. Erica lives in Florida and is too far away from me for my liking, so the best we can do as far as working out together is to stay up to date with each other to get assurance that we are actually working out. Sometimes I text her pictures of my treadmill workouts and she'll send me a run down of all the sabotages her day has presented, but then confirms that she has actually made it to the gym. It's nice to have someone there that holds you accountable for what you said you're going to do.
I decided that I would work out every day in February as a pledge to myself and I had thought I would share my plan with Erica so that we could continue motivating and inspiring each other - but then I got sick. I've worked out everyday this month thus far, but the thought of spin class this morning made me shudder. I can hardly breathe, can't swallow and cough every 2 seconds, I'm pretty sure I might have died if I had actually gone to spin class.
I actually think I might be worse today because yesterday I had the superb plan of "sweating it out" at the gym. This plan works 0% of the time for my body. Tried it in college -ended up with the full blown flu for a week, lost 12 pounds, but not before my fellow gym goers told me that I was turning "green." I feel like that was not meant in the positive way that "going green" is today. So yesterday, I did a 2 mile run and a full body work out lasting an hour at the gym, and today I am miserable. I think the lesson learned from this is that life won't always go your way, even if you have plans... so you have to be resilient and versatile. Tomorrow, if I'm feeling better, I plan to walk during lunch.. I'm not going to do a 2/a day work out to make up for today, but I will get back on track. And hopefully, Erica will send me a fabulously motivating "good morning, get your ass to the gym soon" text.
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