How Barbie Doll Stays Fit

Happy Birthday Barbie!
50 years old and still going strong.
And we know how you stayed in such great shape.

BARBIE-DOLL-WORKOUT-CENTER-GYM-IN-BOX
(Circa 1984)

She makes it look so easy!

Over the years there has been lots of controversy over Barbie’s shape.
I honestly don't remember my childhood playmate causing me any distress - except once when my brother pulled her arm off...
While I played with her, I even knitted her a turtleneck sweater, her size wasn't an issue - she was just a grown up girl, having all the fun... (Grown–up fun!)

“A standard Barbie doll is 11.5 inches tall, giving a height of 5 feet 9 inches at 1/6 scale. Barbie's vital statistics have been estimated at 36 inches (chest), 18 inches (waist) and 33 inches (hips)."
But Mattel made her bigger:
"In 1997 Barbie's body mold was redesigned and given a wider waist, with Mattel saying that this would make the doll better suited to contemporary fashion designs."

No, I'm not promoting super thinness as the best body shape – but neither is fatness.

Time to workout with Barbie!
Have a great Monday.

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Running With Long Hair

I watched the entire 1 hr condensed version of the NYC Marathon on TV yesterday. Was I the only one totally amazed at Paula Radcliffe? She crossed the finish line and then walked over to the side, bent down and swooped up her daughter in her arms. No signs of tiredness or injury. She is indeed super human!
But my pride goes to Kara Goucher. From a 5k to a 10k Olympian racer to a serious marathon contender.(In 2008!)
As I watched her run – her pony tail bouncing with the wind, I prepared some questions to ask her. Not about her training, but about her hair.
I have always had long hair.[see pic] At one time it was down to my waist. Trust me – long hair and sports do not mix well.
Most days it flows behind me. But when it’s raining…a rat’s nest evolves.

Questions for Kara:

• Do you use shampoo after every workout or just rinse with water?
• What’s your favorite shampoo, conditioner?
• Why do you keep you hair long?
• Will you hide the gray someday?
• Does your hubby brush your hair?

Kara with hair up
Kara with hair in ponytail
Kara with hair loose

Who else runs with long hair?

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Life Lessons Learned from Running

This weeks theme at TIaRT is… Life Lessons Learned From Running.
I take every life lesson seriously.

One of the most important lessons I learned from running was – acceptance of myself. Sounds strange, but when I first started running, I did so in the early AM – so no one could see me. I spent precious running time putting on makeup, inserting my contact lenses - ruminating over what I should wear. As if I was constantly under some spotlight. I wasn’t over-weight or ugly, just burdened down with shyness aggravated by a bad case of acne.
Running lifted that cloak...
Now I don’t worry about hiding myself. (Well, maybe still on race days - I try to blend in.)
Running has accepted me into her ways – with unconditional Love.

The Importance of Running Roots
Image morgueFile

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What is Sleep?

The TV ad by LUNESTA illustrates it as a restful state. Where you Metamorph into a butterfly that serenely touches down in exotic Ports O’ Call. You then awaken with a smile on your face.

My Definition

A restless state of stillness. Which may involve bizarre dreams, tossing and turning - in cold or hot sheets, pillow fights, numerous clock checks, visits to the bathroom, sounds from train whistles,
my dog barking, and an occasional; yes, an occasional episode of loss of consciousness.
Luckily it does not affect my motor capabilities the next day. I’m able to run along OK. But just don’t ask me to do anything complicated.

Some Rewards:

• You have time to plan next day’s To Do list.
• You can watch simpleminded TV programs.
• The first cup of coffee tastes so good.
• You burn calories – by tossing and turning.
• You might hear a burglar before he breaks in.
• You can manufacture your own day dreams.
• And the best benefit - Daily Cat Naps!

Image - The Picture Collection of the New York Public Library

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For Females Only

I see a lot of contradictory material online regarding female running and their cycles.

[Menstrual Cycle]

Here is a sampling of what I found:

“Female runners train differently than men. It may look the same on paper, but female runners are constantly ebbing and flowing through the phases [and hormones] of each cycle. It’s not better or worse, it’s just different.”
*If you think inconsistency is beneficial - yeah. But, HEY it’s not better!

“Consider it a cutback week for your running and a Spa break for your body.”
*Akin to a day on the rack?

“If you are scheduled to have your cycle on race day be prepared. There are plenty of fanny packs to carry products. You can also tape it to the back of your race number.”
*Yeah right – you can also slip one under your cap. Note - not a good time to try out a running skirt.

“I ran my fastest and easiest marathon on the first day of my period.”
*She must be a member of some New Guinea tribe.

“Nowadays it is not considered a taboo to run during a period.”
*Welcome women to the 21st century!

“The main inconvenience of the period on running is bleeding (discomfort of running with sanitary wear.) "
* Optional - run with BLACK padded cycling pants and/or maternity pads…

“So the bottom line is stop feeling sorry for yourself when it’s that time of the month again, get out of the door and go for a run!”
* Ouch – this one really hits below the belt. Probably written by a guy. How about a little compassion?

The truth is:
Running while bleeding can be painful, messy and totally inconvenient! But heading out - even just a short run/walk really does make you feel better.

References: Coach Jenny, Time-to-Run, The Guardian

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