I want to apologize for how boring my blog looks. My 11 year old daughter was making fun it the other day. I know it's not the most beautiful, but the truth is, I don't really know how to make it much better. She offered to help, but I'm afraid with her help, I'll have pictures of horses and penguins all over the place.
I was thinking the other day, actually most days, of how blessed I am. And, one of the ways I am truly blessed is being a part of the vegan raw community. Nothing in my life besides my family has brought me so much joy. And, although I don't personally know many of you out there, I feel a great connection to all of you. I also believe, most raw vegans are incredibly compassionate, spiritual people, filled with loving kindness.
I just wanted to say, thank you, for all the nutrition information, the inspiring stories, the great recipes, your love for the environment, and your love for all humanity and the non-human animals in the world. You are all beautiful people.
And, if my blog is about us, then it must be beautiful too.
Sort of.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Winter Training
Hi, a brief check in just to say how things are going this winter, training wise. I have been engaged in a training program for a half marathon in April.
I have never run a race longer than a 10K, so I'm a bit intimidated. And, I have never done the mileage in training that I am doing right now to get in shape for such a race. In fact, yesterday I ran 14 miles. And, I did that on a tread mill! I must be insane!! Plus, I haven't run 14 miles since 1985!
In fact, almost all of my training has been on the tread mill this winter. As much as it sucks not to be outside, I have gained a lot by working out this way: 1) I have never been good at keeping a steady pace, which this training has taught me to do. 2) It keeps me honest. When you set a goal, you set the speed, and you do the run. 3) Negative splits and tempo work are easy to orchestrate on a tread mill.
On the other hand, this winter's training hasn't been all that easy. Last week, I felt a little burnt out, and didn't come close to the training I wanted to do, but this week I feel pretty good; and so I'm off to a good start.
I still weigh more than I should at 157, but I'm optimistic that I can get down to where I need to be.
A couple of weeks ago, I got down to 153, and thought I was on my way to 150, but alas, the mind and it's insecurities took over and I went back to 157.
I am going to try to incorporate more yoga in the up-coming months. I used to go to yoga class every day, but it has been difficult work-wise to find the time with the training. Still, I think it would benefit me tremendously emotionally and spiritually to find my practice again.
I think it would be amazing to incorporate the raw vegan diet, yoga, and race training all together. The thought of it gives me chills.
Thanks to you who care enough to read this, and many blessings.
I have never run a race longer than a 10K, so I'm a bit intimidated. And, I have never done the mileage in training that I am doing right now to get in shape for such a race. In fact, yesterday I ran 14 miles. And, I did that on a tread mill! I must be insane!! Plus, I haven't run 14 miles since 1985!
In fact, almost all of my training has been on the tread mill this winter. As much as it sucks not to be outside, I have gained a lot by working out this way: 1) I have never been good at keeping a steady pace, which this training has taught me to do. 2) It keeps me honest. When you set a goal, you set the speed, and you do the run. 3) Negative splits and tempo work are easy to orchestrate on a tread mill.
On the other hand, this winter's training hasn't been all that easy. Last week, I felt a little burnt out, and didn't come close to the training I wanted to do, but this week I feel pretty good; and so I'm off to a good start.
I still weigh more than I should at 157, but I'm optimistic that I can get down to where I need to be.
A couple of weeks ago, I got down to 153, and thought I was on my way to 150, but alas, the mind and it's insecurities took over and I went back to 157.
I am going to try to incorporate more yoga in the up-coming months. I used to go to yoga class every day, but it has been difficult work-wise to find the time with the training. Still, I think it would benefit me tremendously emotionally and spiritually to find my practice again.
I think it would be amazing to incorporate the raw vegan diet, yoga, and race training all together. The thought of it gives me chills.
Thanks to you who care enough to read this, and many blessings.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Just an update on how my first few races have gone. On Thanksgiving in the, WMAC Turkey Trot, I placed third overall, and first in my age group (40-49) with a 5k time of 18:48. The next weekend I ran in the Mayor Mary Higgens' Hot Chocolate run in Northampton, Ma, another 5k, with a time of 18:31. In the Northampton race, I placed 28Th out of over 1,300 runners. Not bad, considering I have only yet begun.
It was a little weird getting up to the starting line at last weekends race, because they have markings for where you should start based upon the time you think you will run. And I was right up front with all the competitive racers. I felt proud, and thought to myself, If I keep the training up, next year I can come back and win this.
How's that for cockiness?
And of course, as soon as you feel invincible, the universe brings you right back to earth. Because, two days a later I got back spasms, and consequently, I haven't run all week. It was my fault. I felt so good after the race, I didn't stretch, get a massage or anything. Now I'm laid up.
Anyway, my race last weekend was interesting, as I'm still learning, week to week, what to expect from myself. I started out slow, thinking my adrenaline and the other runners would drive me to run a fast first mile. That wasn't the case as I ran a slow, 6:12. first mile. Well, I knew then that I had to put it into another gear, and so my second mile was 6:00 minutes flat. Now, knowing I only have a little more than a mile to go, I start running a bit faster, running at 5:48 for the third mile.
Taking twelve seconds off each mile tells me I could have run a better race, and perhaps I could have run to a faster time; but, I am very pleased at where I am.
Now, I just have to get back out there before I go crazy sitting around on the couch with my heating pad.
It was a little weird getting up to the starting line at last weekends race, because they have markings for where you should start based upon the time you think you will run. And I was right up front with all the competitive racers. I felt proud, and thought to myself, If I keep the training up, next year I can come back and win this.
How's that for cockiness?
And of course, as soon as you feel invincible, the universe brings you right back to earth. Because, two days a later I got back spasms, and consequently, I haven't run all week. It was my fault. I felt so good after the race, I didn't stretch, get a massage or anything. Now I'm laid up.
Anyway, my race last weekend was interesting, as I'm still learning, week to week, what to expect from myself. I started out slow, thinking my adrenaline and the other runners would drive me to run a fast first mile. That wasn't the case as I ran a slow, 6:12. first mile. Well, I knew then that I had to put it into another gear, and so my second mile was 6:00 minutes flat. Now, knowing I only have a little more than a mile to go, I start running a bit faster, running at 5:48 for the third mile.
Taking twelve seconds off each mile tells me I could have run a better race, and perhaps I could have run to a faster time; but, I am very pleased at where I am.
Now, I just have to get back out there before I go crazy sitting around on the couch with my heating pad.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
We'll, I'm excited! I have one person following my blog. And, if you are that person, I appreciate it (No sarcasm here). Now, since I have that one person-you, I am going to try to make it worth your while for checking in, now and again, to Berkshires Raw. Who knows we may get two of you one day. Thanks again, M
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