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)