Since I have been seriously training as of lately, I have felt like an old lady when I get out of bed in the morning. Is this because I am not a morning person? I don't believe so, but trust me, I really do not like getting out of bed. I guess it is good that it is summer right now. (Do you wish you were a teacher?)
My problem happens as soon as I step down on the ground after getting out of my bed. I awkwardly have to hobble around until my feet decide they feel good enough to act normal, which allows me to walk normal. I've tried to diagnose where it hurts or if it is just me being sore from a long workout the day before, but it seems to happen every single day. My right leg and foot appear to be doing just fine, although the left foot is what is causing me trouble. I had some problems with that foot back in high school and found out then that I have a tarsal coalition (two bones joined together that are not supposed to be), but have not had any real problems since then - 7 years ago. I don't really know what the problem is, or even where it hurts, but I do know that I don't want to get old and hobble around because it is not fun.
Do you know what my problem is? What should I do?
My life as a runner, perfectionist, athlete, 20-something, and type 1 diabetic.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Running and Biking and Training, oh my!
I think today was my most productive day ever training. Granted, now that it is summer I have a lot of (much-needed) free time, so my schedule allows it. I'm pretty proud - I ran 15 miles under my marathon goal pace in the early afternoon, followed by biking 20 miles in the late afternoon. As I was on my bike ride, some thoughts kept pouring into my head, along with my ipod songs. Nonetheless, I created a rather dumb poem on the trail. I scratched it down when I finished, with the intent to write it on my blog later in the day. However, now the document is gone. So until I figure out how to retrieve it, pretend you read a poem about biking.
*You may know that I think biking is not very hard and a waste of time. However, I am doing a duathlon in a few weeks and have to get training. My perspective is changing about biking in the process.
*You may know that I think biking is not very hard and a waste of time. However, I am doing a duathlon in a few weeks and have to get training. My perspective is changing about biking in the process.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
MC200 Race Report
I've been neglecting my blog so much, have have continued to run more than ever. The month of May was incredibly busy for me, having to get things finished up at school, report cards done, and training for the MC200, which consisted of my double-run days. Needless to say, when June 5th rolled around, I was more than happy to see summer.
My first summer weekend was spent in Iowa for my grandma's birthday party. I then came back to the 'burbs on Monday to clean out my classroom. I got everything done by Tuesday afternoon, which left Wednesday and Thursday morning to pack for the relay. I was getting worried that it was not enough time for me to get everything ready, but, I made it.
The MC200 is a 200 mile race from Madison, Wisconsin, to Chicago, which goes through Milwaukee as well as many other small towns. Most teams consist of 12 runners, unless you are on an ultra team of 6 runners. The legs are broken down randomly - I was runner 9, so I ran legs 9, 21, and 33. I though I was prepared for the relay going into the race. My brother has done it a couple of times and was giving me advice about things, and I knew I was in good enough shape. However, things did not exactly work out the way I thought...
My team went to Madison Thursday night to stay over because we had a 7am start time on Friday. Since I was runner 9, my team (runners 7-12) got to sleep in and just go to the 7 check point spot. Since I like to sleep, this worked out well. I ended up eating a light breakfast (mistake #1), got in the van and went to the exchange spot.
My first run was 8.4 miles and started at 1 p.m. I ran on country roads that had rolling hills, past game farms. The smell was less than desirable. It was also 95 degrees with 95% humidity. Great running conditions, right!?!? I told my team to meet me 4.5 miles into my run, before I turned to run on a trail. They did and I thought I might die right then and there if I did not get water. (mistake #2 - I was not hydrated enough).
I finished the run in a dismal time, averaging a 9:20 pace. I was mad at myself, but happy that I at least finished. I didn't see one person when I was running, which was hard. My next run was 6.5 miles through South Milwaukee. I started this run at 1 am. I was excited to run in the darkness because it was so much cooler, but also scared. I saw one homeless man on my run, but other than that, it was just me and the roads. (did you see me? we had to wear reflective vests, led flashing lights in the front and back, headlamps, course map, and I also carried my cell phone, ipod, shot blacks, and insulin pump - so much stuff). My pace this time was 8:25, and I felt good on this run. It was very refreshing.
My last run was interesting, to say the least. It was a nice 5.8 mile run at 10 a.m. The first 4 were on a trail and the last 2 were through a northern 'burb. I told my team to meet me at the end of the trail. While I was running, the sky was getting darker and darker, but it was not raining. When I got to the end of the trail, my friend met me and told me that they were not allowing runners to start the next leg of the race due to severe weather conditions. She asked if I wanted to finish my leg, or wait it out. Without hesitation, I said I wanted to finish. I gave her my ipod and in turn she gave me my rain jacket. I put it on, said that I'd see her in a few miles, and left. As soon as I left her, it began to rain - not just a light drizzle - a sheer downpour. It remained like that for the rest of my run and I was never so happy to finish. I was cold, wet, and frankly, miserable. But, happy to be done. I wanted to put on dry clothes, but there were no bathrooms at this stop so I had to wait in the minivan in my wet clothes until we found somewhere where I could change.
In all, it was a very unique experience. I only knew 1 person on my team so being around 5 unknown people for 36 straight hours was interesting. I learned some valuable lessons: hydration is key and I needed to drink a lot more water before my first run; even if I am not hungry after a run, I should still eat something (I did not eat nearly enough for the amount of exercising I did - I lost 5.5 pounds from the start to the end), and I needed to be stronger mentally. I only saw the homeless man in south Milwaukee and one other runner during my 21 miles. It was far different from a race, where there are not only fans, but also tons of other runners. I was not prepared for that.
Overall, it was a good training run for my marathon in late September. To change things up a bit, I think I might do a duathlon on mid-July. I have a 7-mile race at the end of July and want to do some 5ks just for fun. This weekend I'll be doing 14 miles in preparation for the big day. Hopefully all goes well.
(on a side note, I think I might be close to losing my toe nails - and it is rather disgusting!)
My first summer weekend was spent in Iowa for my grandma's birthday party. I then came back to the 'burbs on Monday to clean out my classroom. I got everything done by Tuesday afternoon, which left Wednesday and Thursday morning to pack for the relay. I was getting worried that it was not enough time for me to get everything ready, but, I made it.
The MC200 is a 200 mile race from Madison, Wisconsin, to Chicago, which goes through Milwaukee as well as many other small towns. Most teams consist of 12 runners, unless you are on an ultra team of 6 runners. The legs are broken down randomly - I was runner 9, so I ran legs 9, 21, and 33. I though I was prepared for the relay going into the race. My brother has done it a couple of times and was giving me advice about things, and I knew I was in good enough shape. However, things did not exactly work out the way I thought...
My team went to Madison Thursday night to stay over because we had a 7am start time on Friday. Since I was runner 9, my team (runners 7-12) got to sleep in and just go to the 7 check point spot. Since I like to sleep, this worked out well. I ended up eating a light breakfast (mistake #1), got in the van and went to the exchange spot.
My first run was 8.4 miles and started at 1 p.m. I ran on country roads that had rolling hills, past game farms. The smell was less than desirable. It was also 95 degrees with 95% humidity. Great running conditions, right!?!? I told my team to meet me 4.5 miles into my run, before I turned to run on a trail. They did and I thought I might die right then and there if I did not get water. (mistake #2 - I was not hydrated enough).
I finished the run in a dismal time, averaging a 9:20 pace. I was mad at myself, but happy that I at least finished. I didn't see one person when I was running, which was hard. My next run was 6.5 miles through South Milwaukee. I started this run at 1 am. I was excited to run in the darkness because it was so much cooler, but also scared. I saw one homeless man on my run, but other than that, it was just me and the roads. (did you see me? we had to wear reflective vests, led flashing lights in the front and back, headlamps, course map, and I also carried my cell phone, ipod, shot blacks, and insulin pump - so much stuff). My pace this time was 8:25, and I felt good on this run. It was very refreshing.
My last run was interesting, to say the least. It was a nice 5.8 mile run at 10 a.m. The first 4 were on a trail and the last 2 were through a northern 'burb. I told my team to meet me at the end of the trail. While I was running, the sky was getting darker and darker, but it was not raining. When I got to the end of the trail, my friend met me and told me that they were not allowing runners to start the next leg of the race due to severe weather conditions. She asked if I wanted to finish my leg, or wait it out. Without hesitation, I said I wanted to finish. I gave her my ipod and in turn she gave me my rain jacket. I put it on, said that I'd see her in a few miles, and left. As soon as I left her, it began to rain - not just a light drizzle - a sheer downpour. It remained like that for the rest of my run and I was never so happy to finish. I was cold, wet, and frankly, miserable. But, happy to be done. I wanted to put on dry clothes, but there were no bathrooms at this stop so I had to wait in the minivan in my wet clothes until we found somewhere where I could change.
In all, it was a very unique experience. I only knew 1 person on my team so being around 5 unknown people for 36 straight hours was interesting. I learned some valuable lessons: hydration is key and I needed to drink a lot more water before my first run; even if I am not hungry after a run, I should still eat something (I did not eat nearly enough for the amount of exercising I did - I lost 5.5 pounds from the start to the end), and I needed to be stronger mentally. I only saw the homeless man in south Milwaukee and one other runner during my 21 miles. It was far different from a race, where there are not only fans, but also tons of other runners. I was not prepared for that.
Overall, it was a good training run for my marathon in late September. To change things up a bit, I think I might do a duathlon on mid-July. I have a 7-mile race at the end of July and want to do some 5ks just for fun. This weekend I'll be doing 14 miles in preparation for the big day. Hopefully all goes well.
(on a side note, I think I might be close to losing my toe nails - and it is rather disgusting!)
Monday, April 12, 2010
A Perfect 100, x2
As I posted about on my previous post, this past weekend was filled with some non-running athletic activities. Friday was the faculty vs. student basketball game at my school. We played the 8th grade team of mixed boys and girls. I played basketball for a long time, however, that was not the case for all other members of my team. We had trouble getting the ball past half court. I tried not to show any frustration, but it was hard not to be when my teammates turned the ball over almost every possession. But, I had a good time and the students beat us, just like it should be.
Saturday morning I got up early to get in a short run of 5 miles. I had ran Friday in the late afternoon but wanted to log a few miles before my canoeing trip later in the day. I ran at a fairly slow pace, but it was so nice to just jog along and not worry about how fast I was running. I think I need to do this more often...it is good for the mind and the body!
Saturday afternoon I met my friends and we drove up to where we were starting our canoe adventure. I started was in a canoe with 2 other people and got to sit out the first shift. It was nice to look at all of the beautiful homes along the Fox River. They were all so big and many had docks that led out to the river. It was very picturesque. There were 2 other canoes as well - one that held 3 people and another one that held 2.
After the first switch, I took over the front position in the canoe and stayed their for the remainder of the trip. We stopped a few other times, though, so it wasn't like I did not ever get a break.
We stopped at a Mexican restaurant along the way to eat some food. Most of us were hungry and wanted to refuel our bodies for the remainder of the trip. I took out my meter and tested - 100. I am never 100. The girl that was sitting next to me was impressed (she is in grad school for sports nutrition). After our short meal, we continued on.
We canoed for 12 miles on Saturday. Now when I think about it, 12 miles does not seem like a far distance; however, in a canoe, it is very far! We did it in about 4 hours or so, arriving at our destination just as dusk was approaching. My muscles were tired from canoeing so many hours and my arms felt like wet noodles. However, it was all worthwhile because it was such a fun adventure.
Saturday was my first time canoeing and I could definitely feel the result of the exercise in my muscles when I got up on Sunday morning. I have fully recovered today, and even got another 100 blood sugar reading this afternoon. Maybe canoeing is very good for my blood sugars?
Saturday morning I got up early to get in a short run of 5 miles. I had ran Friday in the late afternoon but wanted to log a few miles before my canoeing trip later in the day. I ran at a fairly slow pace, but it was so nice to just jog along and not worry about how fast I was running. I think I need to do this more often...it is good for the mind and the body!
Saturday afternoon I met my friends and we drove up to where we were starting our canoe adventure. I started was in a canoe with 2 other people and got to sit out the first shift. It was nice to look at all of the beautiful homes along the Fox River. They were all so big and many had docks that led out to the river. It was very picturesque. There were 2 other canoes as well - one that held 3 people and another one that held 2.
After the first switch, I took over the front position in the canoe and stayed their for the remainder of the trip. We stopped a few other times, though, so it wasn't like I did not ever get a break.
We stopped at a Mexican restaurant along the way to eat some food. Most of us were hungry and wanted to refuel our bodies for the remainder of the trip. I took out my meter and tested - 100. I am never 100. The girl that was sitting next to me was impressed (she is in grad school for sports nutrition). After our short meal, we continued on.
We canoed for 12 miles on Saturday. Now when I think about it, 12 miles does not seem like a far distance; however, in a canoe, it is very far! We did it in about 4 hours or so, arriving at our destination just as dusk was approaching. My muscles were tired from canoeing so many hours and my arms felt like wet noodles. However, it was all worthwhile because it was such a fun adventure.
Saturday was my first time canoeing and I could definitely feel the result of the exercise in my muscles when I got up on Sunday morning. I have fully recovered today, and even got another 100 blood sugar reading this afternoon. Maybe canoeing is very good for my blood sugars?
Thursday, April 8, 2010
MC200 + more
The past week I feel like I've been going nonstop, always with more things to accomplish and less time to sleep. Even right now as I write, I keep thinking about everything else I should be doing, like grading papers, entering grades, preparing report cards for 3rd quarter, planning lessons, registering for races, stretching...the list goes on and on. But that is mostly because things are busy for me as a teacher right now.
My "big news" is that I am running MC200 this year! I am beyond thrilled and excited to do this. It is a race from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago and is 200 miles; hence, MC200. You do it with a team of 11 other runners and run in shifts three different times. I am either doing an 18 or 19 mile shift. They are broken up differently, though. The 18 mile shift is 6, 6, 6 and the 19 mile shift is 3, 7.5, 8.5. One of my friends wanted to run and there was an open spot on her team and she asked me. Apparently we are not going to be competitive, which is okay, but I know I'll be competitive with myself.
One reason why it will be hard not to be competitive is because my brother has run this race 2 times before. Although my brother is a pretty good runner (Boston qualifier multiple years and is running it this year and is training for the Leadville 100 mile race = craziness), his team won the relay one year. I'm sure he remembers their time and will be interested in knowing what my team's time will be. He'll probably tease me about my shift time and how slow I am. But, although I'm competitive, I just love running so it will be fun no matter what.
Monday and today I ran 8 miles in 1:04-1:05; however, I feel completely out of shape. Maybe it is because I am so tired? I know I'm not getting enough sleep at night which hurts my running a lot - this week I've averaged 5 hours which is not good. This weekend I plan on sleeping a lot, or at least hope to. Tomorrow I'm playing with other staff members in a basketball game vs. the 8th graders at school for a fundraiser. Hopefully I'll still be able to make shots - I haven't played since the fall. Saturday I'm going canoeing all afternoon. I am excited to do it since I've never been canoeing. I'm hoping to run some serious miles tomorrow and during the weekend as well. Don't you love active weekends, or is it just me?
My "big news" is that I am running MC200 this year! I am beyond thrilled and excited to do this. It is a race from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago and is 200 miles; hence, MC200. You do it with a team of 11 other runners and run in shifts three different times. I am either doing an 18 or 19 mile shift. They are broken up differently, though. The 18 mile shift is 6, 6, 6 and the 19 mile shift is 3, 7.5, 8.5. One of my friends wanted to run and there was an open spot on her team and she asked me. Apparently we are not going to be competitive, which is okay, but I know I'll be competitive with myself.
One reason why it will be hard not to be competitive is because my brother has run this race 2 times before. Although my brother is a pretty good runner (Boston qualifier multiple years and is running it this year and is training for the Leadville 100 mile race = craziness), his team won the relay one year. I'm sure he remembers their time and will be interested in knowing what my team's time will be. He'll probably tease me about my shift time and how slow I am. But, although I'm competitive, I just love running so it will be fun no matter what.
Monday and today I ran 8 miles in 1:04-1:05; however, I feel completely out of shape. Maybe it is because I am so tired? I know I'm not getting enough sleep at night which hurts my running a lot - this week I've averaged 5 hours which is not good. This weekend I plan on sleeping a lot, or at least hope to. Tomorrow I'm playing with other staff members in a basketball game vs. the 8th graders at school for a fundraiser. Hopefully I'll still be able to make shots - I haven't played since the fall. Saturday I'm going canoeing all afternoon. I am excited to do it since I've never been canoeing. I'm hoping to run some serious miles tomorrow and during the weekend as well. Don't you love active weekends, or is it just me?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
An Unconventional Speed Workout
Yesterday was the first day the greatest summer ever, dubbed by some of my friends. The event to kick off the best summer ever was nighttime ultimate frisbee. I have not played ultimate for a couple years, but love anything active so I must admit I was looking forward to it, as well as hanging out with some friends.
I knew I was going to play ultimate last night, but decided to do 10 miles at the gym, followed by some biking, a few minutes on the elliptical and some walking as a cool down. My muscles felt good and I (actually) stretched when I was done working out. I spent some quality time at the gym, more than usual, but I am on Spring Break so this week I have that luxury.
After my mid-afternoon workout, I came back and had a light dinner. It is hard for me to run when there is anything in my stomach, but I knew I needed something before ultimate. Then, it was off to play.
Originally, we were going to play on a college campus football field, but got kicked off of it by security. So we decided to go to a local park, about a mile away. Some people drove, but I walked with the others instead. We got to the field, picked teams, and the game started. By no means do I think I am a great ultimate player, but what I do have working for me is the fact that I am in pretty good shape and can therefore outrun most people, and can catch and throw a frisbee decently. There were 2 guys that had played in college, another guy like me who has played occasionally the past couple years, and then the rest were new to the game. It made for an interesting mix of talent ability on the field, and the fact that the wind was outrageous last night made some of the passes, well, interesting.
We ended up playing for about 1.5 hours, but the time went by quickly. I realized that in the second half of our game I might be sore the next day, as I was getting in a speed workout that I had not intended for the day. Seriously, if you play ultimate and are competitive, like myself, sprinting is involved. Today's 7 miles were taken at a very easy pace, considering I was and still am sore from ultimate. But, it was well worth it to spend a night with friends and, my team won.
I knew I was going to play ultimate last night, but decided to do 10 miles at the gym, followed by some biking, a few minutes on the elliptical and some walking as a cool down. My muscles felt good and I (actually) stretched when I was done working out. I spent some quality time at the gym, more than usual, but I am on Spring Break so this week I have that luxury.
After my mid-afternoon workout, I came back and had a light dinner. It is hard for me to run when there is anything in my stomach, but I knew I needed something before ultimate. Then, it was off to play.
Originally, we were going to play on a college campus football field, but got kicked off of it by security. So we decided to go to a local park, about a mile away. Some people drove, but I walked with the others instead. We got to the field, picked teams, and the game started. By no means do I think I am a great ultimate player, but what I do have working for me is the fact that I am in pretty good shape and can therefore outrun most people, and can catch and throw a frisbee decently. There were 2 guys that had played in college, another guy like me who has played occasionally the past couple years, and then the rest were new to the game. It made for an interesting mix of talent ability on the field, and the fact that the wind was outrageous last night made some of the passes, well, interesting.
We ended up playing for about 1.5 hours, but the time went by quickly. I realized that in the second half of our game I might be sore the next day, as I was getting in a speed workout that I had not intended for the day. Seriously, if you play ultimate and are competitive, like myself, sprinting is involved. Today's 7 miles were taken at a very easy pace, considering I was and still am sore from ultimate. But, it was well worth it to spend a night with friends and, my team won.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Treadmill Training
Many people are not a fan of the treadmill (read: dreadmill); however, I have logged countless miles and spent many, many hours on various ones over the past years. Some people find running in the same spot dull and boring but I like it. Most days I run and watch TV and try to keep myself informed of what is going on in the world around me.
While in college I trained for my first 2 half marathons on a treadmill in the winter and spring months. I went to a college that was in Minnesota, and if you know anything about Minnesota winters, they are not the warmest. The campus was surrounded by bluffs on all sides and had many trails, but those were covered with snow in the winter. For those two years, I trained outside during the month of May since I went to live with my parents for the first part of the summer.
After college and for the past two years, I lived in Ohio. I joined a gym and did all of my training on a treadmill. We did not live in the greatest neighborhood and I never felt safe going from my car to our back door at night so running by myself, no matter what time of day it was, was always out of the picture.
Now I live in the Chicago suburbs, a safe area. But, I have continued to train on the treadmill. I have often asked myself if I could go back to training outside? Part of my reason for training by myself on the treadmill is that I have not found anyone who runs as much as me (7 miles on a low mileage day) or around my pace (about 7:35 or so pace). There is a group at one of the local running stores that have group runs, but they are only 4 miles. I feel like in order to run outside I need to have a partner. Although I live in a safe area, what if something happened? I am young and look even younger than I am (I was asked last week what college I go to, but I guess this is better than the "what college do you plan on going to next year?," a comment I this winter). I have always been ultra concerned with my own safety.
One thing I like about the treadmill is that I know exactly how far I've run at all times and it shows me the pace I'm running at as well as the time. I don't have a sophisticated running watch that tells me this information and don't feel like I have to purchase one at this time. I'm sure it would help me on race days, but that would be about all.
Treadmill training can lead to P.R.s, as last year I PR'd by 7+ minutes training on one. However, I will say that if I ran on the street my feet would probably feel better on race day. I also miss the fresh air and getting the ever-attractive runner's tan (don't forget the watch line).
In a few days I'm going to visit my parents, where I typically run outside by myself. The route I run is a five mile out-and-back and goes by a fire station and through an older, well-kept neighborhood. I love running this route and know that I'll be safe. I grew up in a small city(60,000 people) so it is common for someone to honk while I am running and wave hi.
Have you ever trained on a treadmill? Do you think I would do better if I trained outside?
While in college I trained for my first 2 half marathons on a treadmill in the winter and spring months. I went to a college that was in Minnesota, and if you know anything about Minnesota winters, they are not the warmest. The campus was surrounded by bluffs on all sides and had many trails, but those were covered with snow in the winter. For those two years, I trained outside during the month of May since I went to live with my parents for the first part of the summer.
After college and for the past two years, I lived in Ohio. I joined a gym and did all of my training on a treadmill. We did not live in the greatest neighborhood and I never felt safe going from my car to our back door at night so running by myself, no matter what time of day it was, was always out of the picture.
Now I live in the Chicago suburbs, a safe area. But, I have continued to train on the treadmill. I have often asked myself if I could go back to training outside? Part of my reason for training by myself on the treadmill is that I have not found anyone who runs as much as me (7 miles on a low mileage day) or around my pace (about 7:35 or so pace). There is a group at one of the local running stores that have group runs, but they are only 4 miles. I feel like in order to run outside I need to have a partner. Although I live in a safe area, what if something happened? I am young and look even younger than I am (I was asked last week what college I go to, but I guess this is better than the "what college do you plan on going to next year?," a comment I this winter). I have always been ultra concerned with my own safety.
One thing I like about the treadmill is that I know exactly how far I've run at all times and it shows me the pace I'm running at as well as the time. I don't have a sophisticated running watch that tells me this information and don't feel like I have to purchase one at this time. I'm sure it would help me on race days, but that would be about all.
Treadmill training can lead to P.R.s, as last year I PR'd by 7+ minutes training on one. However, I will say that if I ran on the street my feet would probably feel better on race day. I also miss the fresh air and getting the ever-attractive runner's tan (don't forget the watch line).
In a few days I'm going to visit my parents, where I typically run outside by myself. The route I run is a five mile out-and-back and goes by a fire station and through an older, well-kept neighborhood. I love running this route and know that I'll be safe. I grew up in a small city(60,000 people) so it is common for someone to honk while I am running and wave hi.
Have you ever trained on a treadmill? Do you think I would do better if I trained outside?
Monday, March 29, 2010
Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
I recently posted about how my Nikes were causing me foot problems when I ran so I went back to using my old Sauconys. Since Spring Break started today, not only do I get to sleep in for the week and enjoy my time off, but today I also went to pick up my running shoes.
A few weekends ago I went to a running store but they did not have the updated Sauconys in my size. They ordered them and were at the store a few days, but I've been pretty busy lately and did not get a chance to get to the store. So today I went to go get them.
The store was pretty quiet, given the fact that most adults work during the day and do not have a spring break; however, there were 2 other people there but left shortly after I arrived. After the sales person retrieved my shoes from the back room, I got on their treadmill and jogged half a mile. The shoes felt so good!
I had noticed that my old Sauconys were really wearing out from the amount of miles that had been logged in them. The cushioning just was not as good as it should be and needs to be for my training right now. I purchased my new Sauconys and hope that they will continue to make my feet happy when I run. Don't you just love the sparkling whiteness of new shoes compared to old running shoes? If only they would remain that bright for more than 2 days...
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Smelly People
Yesterday I was at the gym running on the treadmill. I was cruising along and a man got on the open treadmill next to me. To give you a mental picture, he was a large man with a big gut (just stating the facts) and began walking. When I run, as I'm sure is the case with you when you exercise, you sweat. However, there is a distinct line between sweating and smelling.
When I got to mile 6 I started to smell a foul odor in the air. The gym was somewhat full and I thought someone might have let one go during their exercise and decided to try not to breathe in the awful odor, thinking it would clear up in a few minutes. However, when I got to mile 7, I realized that the smell was still in the air, only worse now. I wanted to keep running, but it is hard when the air is smelly. In my head I was going through all the possibilities that the stench could be coming from. Then, I realized what it was.
The man next to me was sweating buckets and smelled awful. His b.o. was so bad...and I feel like I have a pretty high tolerance for b.o. since I teach 5th graders. I got off the treadmill to get a drink and give my nose a break and realized that this man had numerous problems:
1. He was wearing a grey shirt. This breaks all "fashion meet running" rules. If you sweat when wearing a grey shirt you will end up with the bat symbol or something like it on your back, which is not attractive. Either wear a dry-fit shirt or a white shirt while working out - never grey. (rule does not apply if you work out in the comfort of your own home)
2. He either forgot to apply deodorant before he worked out or needs stronger deodorant. No one wants to be working out next to a smelly person, especially me.
3. If there are many open treadmills, find one where you are not working out directly next to someone, like me. He could have walked on any open treadmill, which there were many of, but he chose the one next to me.
Have you ever had this problem? I had to finish my run on the track because my nose could not take it. Maybe this is a sign I should be running outside...??
When I got to mile 6 I started to smell a foul odor in the air. The gym was somewhat full and I thought someone might have let one go during their exercise and decided to try not to breathe in the awful odor, thinking it would clear up in a few minutes. However, when I got to mile 7, I realized that the smell was still in the air, only worse now. I wanted to keep running, but it is hard when the air is smelly. In my head I was going through all the possibilities that the stench could be coming from. Then, I realized what it was.
The man next to me was sweating buckets and smelled awful. His b.o. was so bad...and I feel like I have a pretty high tolerance for b.o. since I teach 5th graders. I got off the treadmill to get a drink and give my nose a break and realized that this man had numerous problems:
1. He was wearing a grey shirt. This breaks all "fashion meet running" rules. If you sweat when wearing a grey shirt you will end up with the bat symbol or something like it on your back, which is not attractive. Either wear a dry-fit shirt or a white shirt while working out - never grey. (rule does not apply if you work out in the comfort of your own home)
2. He either forgot to apply deodorant before he worked out or needs stronger deodorant. No one wants to be working out next to a smelly person, especially me.
3. If there are many open treadmills, find one where you are not working out directly next to someone, like me. He could have walked on any open treadmill, which there were many of, but he chose the one next to me.
Have you ever had this problem? I had to finish my run on the track because my nose could not take it. Maybe this is a sign I should be running outside...??
Thursday, March 25, 2010
How much is too much? How much is too little?
When I first started my blog a little over a year ago I was living in a different state, working at a different school, and, in many senses, had a different life that what I am living today. As you know if you read my blog, I am a teacher. Although there are many, many benefits to being a teacher, there is one drawback: disclosure.
When I started teaching at my new school this year, the technology coordinator told the faculty and staff that we should not have a blog or twitter or facebook accounts. She said that we should discontinue our facebook accounts immediately so our students and parents could not find us. I wanted to yell "ARE YOU CRAZY???" Facebook is the way I stay in touch with many of my friends from high school, college, and other parts of my life. I knew that I was not going to give that up. I thought it was not a reasonable request.
Then I started thinking about my blog. Although I didn't blog in the fall, I knew I did not want to give this up as well. I'm smart enough not to post names of parents, students, faculty/staff, or my school on my blog. I feel like a lot of it is common sense.
After reading the comments (thank you!) on my last post, where Katie and jpnair called me Queenie made me laugh. To give you a little history, Queenie is a nickname my mom and sometimes, although rarely, my dad call me. My brother and sister tagged me with it when I was in college because when I would come home they thought my mom would wait on me hand and foot, like a queen. Therefore, Queenie became a name I answer to.
Sometimes I wish I could just write my real name on this blog. I feel like there is an issue of trustworthiness when someone doesn't reveal their "real" name - like, what are they hiding? I wish I could share more, but I don't want anyone at my school to find my blog.
Is this a normal response to a blog for a school or company? I'm interested in hearing your opinions and views on the subject.
When I started teaching at my new school this year, the technology coordinator told the faculty and staff that we should not have a blog or twitter or facebook accounts. She said that we should discontinue our facebook accounts immediately so our students and parents could not find us. I wanted to yell "ARE YOU CRAZY???" Facebook is the way I stay in touch with many of my friends from high school, college, and other parts of my life. I knew that I was not going to give that up. I thought it was not a reasonable request.
Then I started thinking about my blog. Although I didn't blog in the fall, I knew I did not want to give this up as well. I'm smart enough not to post names of parents, students, faculty/staff, or my school on my blog. I feel like a lot of it is common sense.
After reading the comments (thank you!) on my last post, where Katie and jpnair called me Queenie made me laugh. To give you a little history, Queenie is a nickname my mom and sometimes, although rarely, my dad call me. My brother and sister tagged me with it when I was in college because when I would come home they thought my mom would wait on me hand and foot, like a queen. Therefore, Queenie became a name I answer to.
Sometimes I wish I could just write my real name on this blog. I feel like there is an issue of trustworthiness when someone doesn't reveal their "real" name - like, what are they hiding? I wish I could share more, but I don't want anyone at my school to find my blog.
Is this a normal response to a blog for a school or company? I'm interested in hearing your opinions and views on the subject.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)