Certain traits like irritability, sluggishness, lack of mental focus, and flying around the house on a broomstick signal to me a need to book an appointment with my favorite holistic health care professional, the treadmill. My decision was made last night that this morning I would be in it for the long haul and generate serious sweat. (yes, I know that sounds unladylike...let me rephrase that...I wanted to perspire).
Over the past few years I have made it my goal to run half-marathons in various locales including Green Bay, Ashland, and LaCrosse. For a variety of reasons ("excuses") I did not do any this year. So I figured I might as well conveniently race right here at my own YMCA (no fees, no registration, no early arrival, no weather concerns) and be among my best exercise buddies, my IPOD and a beautiful winter scene. I completed the run in 1:55 listening to motivating tunes (thanks Flo Rida) and feeling better on the second half than I did on the first (typically I never get to the second half to realize how good it makes me feel). My two-hour caloric expenditure was the equivalent of three peanut butter balls and a half-cup of Baileys Irish Cream. During the course of this holiday season I have likely eaten 2 dozen peanut butter balls and drank a bottle of Bailey's! (ok...you caught my exaggeration, it was Saint Brendan's--the Irish Creme knock-off). The treadmill punished me, in hindsight it would have been easier to refrain from the sugary desserts (hello New Year's Resolution) but addictions are tough to break, especially this time of year. As I ran I considered the factors that identified today's run as being more intense than my usual routine. Sometimes changing a few details can turn an ordinary workout into extraordinary...(sometimes changing a few details can change your life...Sons of the Desert).
Top 10 Signs I Am There for the Long Haul:
10) I charge the IPOD/update my tunes
9) My pasty white winter legs are on display rather than hidden under my usual running pants
8) Double harness (denounce the bounce ladies, support the girls!)
7)My ponytail is wringing wet and slinging sweat to my left and right (sorry treadmill neighbors)
6) Osmosis occurs as my body works to maintain a stable NaCl balance...salt crystals form on my face (pretty...like snowflakes!)
5) I mentally choreograph an entire dance to Rick James and Superfreak (apologies to the people behind me...sometimes I think I can "pop"...all part of the running hallucinations)
4)My body radiates heat and I question the benefits of deoderant...it might all be a marketing scam.
3) My teeth appear snow white in contrast to my tomato red face and pulsing temporal arteries
2) After 90 minutes I experience an overwhelming sense of guilt imagining my kids on the couch, eating jellybeans and watching Sponge Bob...I keep going...I should be free to torture myself without succumbing to mom-guilt.
1) The endorphins kick in...the mind is clear...my stomach actually growls from hunger...I am happy inside and out...
Thank you treadmill...you always know just what to say!
My professional advice to my 3 readers: Get started now on identifying your health goals...do not fall into the trap of "My exercise program starts after New Years." This week could be your jump-start into the New Year...kind of like cheating but in a good way..."On Your Marks, Get Set, CHANGE!!"
Over the past few years I have made it my goal to run half-marathons in various locales including Green Bay, Ashland, and LaCrosse. For a variety of reasons ("excuses") I did not do any this year. So I figured I might as well conveniently race right here at my own YMCA (no fees, no registration, no early arrival, no weather concerns) and be among my best exercise buddies, my IPOD and a beautiful winter scene. I completed the run in 1:55 listening to motivating tunes (thanks Flo Rida) and feeling better on the second half than I did on the first (typically I never get to the second half to realize how good it makes me feel). My two-hour caloric expenditure was the equivalent of three peanut butter balls and a half-cup of Baileys Irish Cream. During the course of this holiday season I have likely eaten 2 dozen peanut butter balls and drank a bottle of Bailey's! (ok...you caught my exaggeration, it was Saint Brendan's--the Irish Creme knock-off). The treadmill punished me, in hindsight it would have been easier to refrain from the sugary desserts (hello New Year's Resolution) but addictions are tough to break, especially this time of year. As I ran I considered the factors that identified today's run as being more intense than my usual routine. Sometimes changing a few details can turn an ordinary workout into extraordinary...(sometimes changing a few details can change your life...Sons of the Desert).
Top 10 Signs I Am There for the Long Haul:
10) I charge the IPOD/update my tunes
9) My pasty white winter legs are on display rather than hidden under my usual running pants
8) Double harness (denounce the bounce ladies, support the girls!)
7)My ponytail is wringing wet and slinging sweat to my left and right (sorry treadmill neighbors)
6) Osmosis occurs as my body works to maintain a stable NaCl balance...salt crystals form on my face (pretty...like snowflakes!)
5) I mentally choreograph an entire dance to Rick James and Superfreak (apologies to the people behind me...sometimes I think I can "pop"...all part of the running hallucinations)
4)My body radiates heat and I question the benefits of deoderant...it might all be a marketing scam.
3) My teeth appear snow white in contrast to my tomato red face and pulsing temporal arteries
2) After 90 minutes I experience an overwhelming sense of guilt imagining my kids on the couch, eating jellybeans and watching Sponge Bob...I keep going...I should be free to torture myself without succumbing to mom-guilt.
1) The endorphins kick in...the mind is clear...my stomach actually growls from hunger...I am happy inside and out...
Thank you treadmill...you always know just what to say!
My professional advice to my 3 readers: Get started now on identifying your health goals...do not fall into the trap of "My exercise program starts after New Years." This week could be your jump-start into the New Year...kind of like cheating but in a good way..."On Your Marks, Get Set, CHANGE!!"
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