Runscapes #4

I waited for a squirrel - but no luck,
maybe next time.

Thanks for watching my little movies.
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Running With Time Instead of Distance

Galloway’sschedule for the Half-Marathon has training days which include fartleks, drills and stride work, but instead of specifying a set amount of miles, he gives a time frame of 40- 60 minutes.

I’m really loving this!

Totally eliminates these thoughts:

• If I run faster, I will be home sooner.
• Why am I running so slow…?

“Time...It ticks and tocks incessantly - you can sense it in your heartbeat, in the rising and setting of the sun, and in your daily rush to make meetings, trains and deadlines. It brings order to our lives through the categories of past, present and future.” -Amanda Gefter

I’m a believer that there are circumstances that actually modify time.

Slows time down:

• Sunrises…
• Doing a 2 min plank.
• 1st mile of a race.
• Any track work.
• Waiting for a kettle to boil.
• Waiting for a light at an intersection with turning lanes.
• Last 2 hrs of work.
• Brushing your teeth using the timer function on your electric toothbrush.
• Riding in an elevator.

Speeds time up:

• Last mile of a race.
• Getting up late.
• Getting ready for a race.
• Bedtime.
• Being late for work.

Have you ever experienced alterations in time?

Is Time an Illusion?
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Runscapes #3

I have a new book on iMovie'09 coming from Amazon. I'm determined this will improve the quality of these video clips.
(But note I am shooting this with the tiny lens on the back of
iPod nano.
I am enjoying the challenge of shooting video while running - it adds an unfamiliar dimension!
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Weeks Two & Three - Happiness Project

Working on Gretchen Rubin’s 2010 The Happiness Project. Each month, she proposes an area of life to tackle for your project.

January: Energy
Week Two: Exercise

I have a problem with over doing my exercise and ending up exhausted for the rest of the day. Exercise makes me happy - so, more must be better. Result – a Cellular Tiredness.
For me, I am going to strive for a balance by listening to my body.

“Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.” – St Francis De Sales

Week Three: Toss and Organize

I’m a tidy, place for everything, kind of person so I totally agree with Gretchen’s words, “Outer order = Inner calm...”
But there is always room for improvement.
I’m going to give something to the thrift everyday this week. I have a lot of shirts that have never been worn.

Some great ideas here - > Unclutterer

Entire HP
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Splashy Head Gear

I first saw a BondiBand in action at Amanda’s blog 5 Miles 2 Empty. It looked so versatile and colorful – I had to have one!
So I headed right over to Bondiband. Here I found a whole mess of head gear - in a galaxy of colors.

“Bondi bands are a comfy, colorful and creative way to hold your hair back ... Bondi Bands are an easy fix for your hair.”

I would also add:

• Stretchy < --- >
• They stay right where they belong.
• And wide enough to use as an earband on cool days.

With my original order I also received an extra band and a wicking hat - in wild pink. (Thanks Rebecca – Managing Director.)


PS.
I’m thinking of ordering a few for my sister and Mom.
These bands really do brighten up a day!
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Runscapes #2

This is just the first mile of Beacon Drive. It winds through orchards and farmer's fields. In the summer cows and horses bask in the sun!
[I really miss the sunshine this time of year...]
Thanks for watching : )
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Training Schedule Redux

After working on Brad Hudson’s training plan for Masters Runners, I’ve decided to follow Jeff Galloway’s plan instead. I’ve used Galloway’s formula from “”Half Marathon You Can Do It”” for the last 3 years and have been very happy with his process. Brad’s plan in “Run Faster” recommends 2 hard workouts a week. I doubt my body would respond kindly to this plan. (I’ve only ever done one hard workout a week.)
And I love the alternate week system that Galloway uses. One week has the long runs, the next tempos or intervals.

But I am going to dovetail in some of Brad’s suggestions:

• Hill sprints.
• 3 Core strength sessions a week.
• Progression runs – last part of a run – Hard!
• “Modify workouts as your go based on your body’s response to the last workout.”

My goal is to retain the ability to get in under 2 hrs (remembering I’m not getting any younger…) and as always ~ try and beat my PR of 1:55

Will see how it goes – My #1 priority is to stay healthy and uninjured!

Eugene Marathon
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Week One – Happiness Project

January: Energy
Week One: Get more sleep:

I had to laugh when I saw Gretchen’s first prompt: “Get More Sleep.” It’s been at least 15 years since I had a really great sleep.(Unaided) I have no problem with getting to sleep. I’m so tired most nights I can hardly brush my teeth… But I wake up after just a few hours and the cycle repeats
I was seriously thinking of getting this latest gadget - a Zeo Personal Sleep Coach! It tells you what sleep phases you go through during the night. Not sure how helpful this would be as I already know how crappy my sleep is...
I've had to simply adjust to less sleep. I can even race with no sleep.

"O Sleep, rest of all things, mildest of the gods, balm of the soul..."
(Iris to Hypnos. Ovid, Metamorphoses)

Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep
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Runscapes #1

This is my first endeavor with video editing using IMovie .
Plus -- my very first YouTube Video! w00t!
A time consuming activity for sure – but FUN.
Now I’m really looking forward to shooting more video on my
next run!
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New Ideas for 2010

Along with my new blog design (which is still in flux) I’ve been working on some new ideas (goals) for the New Year.

* To include a weekly video clips from one of my runs. Santa gave me an Apple iPod nano 8 GB(5th Generation) which has built-in video camera. I would love to capture and share some of the scenery I pass by. I still have to practice shooting and running but the few clips I’ve done already are amazing.

* Work on Gretchen Rubin’s 2010 Happiness project. Each month, she proposes an area of life to tackle for your project.
January—Energy!
I will try and incorporate my running and fitness goals. (Check out the sidebar (soon) for upcoming projects.)

* To follow the training plan for Masters Runners by Brad Hudson – Run Faster
I like his philosophy, “Modify workouts as your go based on your body’s response to the last workout…” In the past, I was taking on training plans that were meant for younger bodies.
I start training for a half marathon this week. His plan includes 4 miles + 1x8 sec. hill sprints – now all I have to do is find a hill!

The Happiness Project:

What plans do you have for 2010?
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