We all Need a Hero

And she is mine:

Magdalena Lewy Boulet

http://www.flotrack.org/saucony_xc/blogs/12942/3680

Persistent
Hopeful
Honest
Looks at her life in the long fun
An excellent athlete

Commuting as Exercise

Commuting as Exercise

I didn't get my Sunday Lake Merritt walk in, nor my Saturday run with the Janes. Reasons? I wanted to party Friday night, and went to Larry Blakes to hear The Attachments (pretty fun), Or, The Whale (excellent!), and another band, The Hot Toddies, a girl band that sorely disappointed me. (Great lyrics, like "Photosynthesis," but with music and singing that left something to be desired). Thanks KALX for the free tix I won by being the fourth caller. Hence, the need to sleep in Saturday morning, and on into the afternoon. What decadence! So today, Sunday, when I should do my walk around Lake Merritt with Melissa, a good 3.1 miles walk, I blow it off to go to job interview. And walked 25 minutes to BART then another 20 minutes to her house, and 20 minutes back to Berkeley BART, AND 25 minutes back home. Most of that walking was at a fast clip. Nice! A good hour and half walk in tight jeans with a pack on my back. Exercise nonetheless. PS. I won't know if I have the job for another few days.

I'm happy about my exercise today, even though it was in commuting form. I re-realized (is that a word?) that if I want to exercise on my self-employed schedule I absolutely have to do it in the morning, unless I'm committed to an exercise class at the gym, which I'm not right now.

Photos of a tree in Berkeley taken today by me, Beth Barany. Copyright 2008 All Rights Reserved
I love the textures in this one. (Below) It's a close-up of the tree from above.

Tulips at the Mountain View Cemetery

This week I didn't train with the Janes. Instead I walked at the Mountain View Cemetery with my husband. 'Tis the season of the tulips!

That was yesterday. Today I walked Lake Merritt with my friend, Melissa. I saw cranes, seagulls, a pelican, gulls, and lots of people enjoying the great weather.

Berkeley Marina Walk Meditation

Dawn rises. The morning begins. I know I will get the chance to think, meditate, feel, be during this walk. Computers, duties, chores -- all need doing. And, I need to take time contemplate, too.

What is my focus? What will I uncover?

I allow the morning fresh air off the bay to refresh and revive me.

c. 2008 Photograph By Beth Barany

Last week, I met some nice women and walked the entire 3+ miles.

Week 4: Aquatic Park, San Francisco

Week 4: Aquatic Park, San Francisco

This week I look forward to a run along the embarcadero. Pretty, historic, fresh air in the morning.

Week 3: Run at Inspiration Point: Expectation vs. Reality

My Expectations

Before the Run, day-of, 6:45am: The novice distance is 5.5 miles. I honestly don't know if I can do that. Even in my run-walk rhythm. Well, that's not true. I can do it. I just don't think I can do it in a little over an hour, so that my carpool buddies, Jen and Lara, can get back in time. So, in a little over an hour, I will probably do a little over 3 miles.

So, what's this all about? Expectations versus reality. I wish I could run all 5.5. miles in a little over an hour, like most of the others, but truth is, I'm not that fast.

Competitive edge aside, I will be happy to go out in the fog and mist in Wildcat Canyon's Inspiration Point. The fresh air, cold against my cheeks, feet pounding against trail, breath in, breath out. All to cleanse the soul and invigorate the body.

The Reality

After, Monday, two days later: I was more tired than I thought, and as I ran, my hamstrings cramped up on me. I ended up walking most of the 3.5 miles I decided to do, instead of the 5.5 miles designated for the novices. Similar to my idea of what would happen.

That's okay. My normal workout is a distance anywhere from 2 miles to 3.1 miles, so this was good stretch. I read in Shape magazine, that it's best to increase our distance by 10% each time we go out. I like to alternate a focus on distance or intensity. I saw three hawks, one of them definitely a red-tailed.

Follow up
Sunday, yesterday, I went out and walked Lake Merritt with Melissa, a 3.1 mile walk. The point was to have a nice time and amble. Which we did!

Today is a strength training day. I lifted weights on my sun-drenched patio, and did some lunges. My left knee protested some. I need to go easy on it.

All in all, the important thing is that I went out and moved. Little by little, I am determined to get stronger and faster.

Question
What are your training expectations this spring? And what is the reality? How do you reconcile the differences?
(Photo Credits: Beth Barany, c.2008 all rights reserved)

Week 2: Run at Chrissy Field, San Francisco

Week 2: Run at Chrissy Field, San Francisco
Well, this is isn't Chrissy Field. It's San Francisco, taken while crossing the Bay Bridge from the east Bay. (Photo Credit: Beth Barany, c.2008 all rights reserved)

Last Saturday morning at 8am, storm clouds threatened. It was cold and windy, and beautiful. At Chrissy Field, I did about 3.5 miles out of the 4 designated for the novice runners.

I loved it!

So, what is training for you?

For me, it means focus, goal oriented, and being patient with enthusiasm for the process. Working out feels good! Training with a race in mind feels awesome!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on amateur athletic training, whether you're a runner, cyclist, swimmer, or triathlete. Or another sport! Chime in and let us know your thoughts!

Chrissy Field Run

Rain or shine, I'll be there!


Breakfast: banana, two slice of sourdough bread with organic chunky peanut butter


Bringing: an extra pair of socks, shoes, another long sleeve shirt; two bottles of water; a protein bar; a banana; my Timex Ironman match.

Life Changes

Run for health, run for life

Since I've been self-employed, triathlon training has been more difficult. The two races I did last year were quite a challenge, more so mentally than physically. So, this year I've signed up for See Jane Run's Running program. I admit that my hours make training a challenge and I missed the first training Saturday morning. This blog will help me stay on track, I hope. I'll report back with updates.

Questions:
1. What is my current mile per hour?
2. What race do I want to do this spring?
3. What is a realistic goal, and what is my stretch goal?

I'll check back with the answers.