Just a short post to say Happy Halloween!
Have a frightfully good time tonight, and don't eat too much candy :) Whee!
And from my sister, some running humor! Moohahaha!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I'm A Plodder
Proud Plodder here.
You see, not too long ago, my dad sent me a NYTimes article about fast versus slow marathoners; it was quite the interesting article with a very heated debate in the comment section.
Apparently, there are a great deal of snobby runners who think that, if you're not running a marathon at a certain speed (one of an unholy nature), then you have no place in the race.
To these swifter-than-thou runners I say: Bite me.
I do understand why different races have different cutoff times (the Disney Marathon requires no slower than a 16 minute mile, or finishing under 7 hours), as marathons are expensive events to maintain. However, just because I can't run the marathon in 3.5 hours doesn't make me less worthy of a runner.
The training and hard work I have put into this marathon are nothing to be sneered at, and though I may not be the fastest runner, I have most certainly put my heart into it!
Personally, I never thought that the amazing thing about marathons was the speed with which a person finished; I always thought the incredible thing was the distance. It's 26.2 miles, folks, and just to walk that is a big thing--if you want to brag about how speedy you are, go sprint 100 meters instead, and lay off the smack talk.
Yes, I believe it's amazing that people can finish marathons in such record times, but I think it's amazing (period) that people finish marathons!
So, come January 10th, I'll see how fast I really am--but more importantly, I'll see myself finish the race, which matters far more to me than how quickly I can run.
I hope that you who follow this blog aren't running snobs; I hope you understand that the biggest accomplishment really is crossing the finish line, no matter what the time.
And, if you're one of those snobs who feel that plodders like me have no place in marathons: I hope that by reading about what I'm going through, my obstacles and progress alike, you'll begin to see why speed doesn't always matter. Heart does.
Zoom!
You see, not too long ago, my dad sent me a NYTimes article about fast versus slow marathoners; it was quite the interesting article with a very heated debate in the comment section.
Apparently, there are a great deal of snobby runners who think that, if you're not running a marathon at a certain speed (one of an unholy nature), then you have no place in the race.
To these swifter-than-thou runners I say: Bite me.
I do understand why different races have different cutoff times (the Disney Marathon requires no slower than a 16 minute mile, or finishing under 7 hours), as marathons are expensive events to maintain. However, just because I can't run the marathon in 3.5 hours doesn't make me less worthy of a runner.
The training and hard work I have put into this marathon are nothing to be sneered at, and though I may not be the fastest runner, I have most certainly put my heart into it!
Personally, I never thought that the amazing thing about marathons was the speed with which a person finished; I always thought the incredible thing was the distance. It's 26.2 miles, folks, and just to walk that is a big thing--if you want to brag about how speedy you are, go sprint 100 meters instead, and lay off the smack talk.
Yes, I believe it's amazing that people can finish marathons in such record times, but I think it's amazing (period) that people finish marathons!
So, come January 10th, I'll see how fast I really am--but more importantly, I'll see myself finish the race, which matters far more to me than how quickly I can run.
I hope that you who follow this blog aren't running snobs; I hope you understand that the biggest accomplishment really is crossing the finish line, no matter what the time.
And, if you're one of those snobs who feel that plodders like me have no place in marathons: I hope that by reading about what I'm going through, my obstacles and progress alike, you'll begin to see why speed doesn't always matter. Heart does.
Zoom!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Holly Potter and the Week of Off-Trackness
My goodness, I have been a bad dobby with my posts lately!
After receiving an email from my sister today ("New post! New post! New post!"), I had the feeling that I should probably update this blog. After all, I did promise an entry about snobby runners.
Sadly, though, you won't get to see that entry until tomorrow, after my run.
I know, I know: you were all waiting with great anticipation for it, but you'll have to wait a few hours more!
Tonight's brief entry is just that: brief.
It's been a pretty tough week for me, so I made an executive decision and skipped two days of running. The result? My hip feels worlds better and I have a renewed sense of determination (since now, I really have to step things up).
The joint is still a bit achy and one of my eye's has been freaking out (unrelated to training) and I have never been more tired, but it's all good my friends, because I am getting this runaway train back on the tracks tomorrow!
So, choo choo, gentle readers. Choo choo, and good night--I'll see you bright and shiny tomorrow morning!
Bring it on.
After receiving an email from my sister today ("New post! New post! New post!"), I had the feeling that I should probably update this blog. After all, I did promise an entry about snobby runners.
Sadly, though, you won't get to see that entry until tomorrow, after my run.
I know, I know: you were all waiting with great anticipation for it, but you'll have to wait a few hours more!
Tonight's brief entry is just that: brief.
It's been a pretty tough week for me, so I made an executive decision and skipped two days of running. The result? My hip feels worlds better and I have a renewed sense of determination (since now, I really have to step things up).
The joint is still a bit achy and one of my eye's has been freaking out (unrelated to training) and I have never been more tired, but it's all good my friends, because I am getting this runaway train back on the tracks tomorrow!
So, choo choo, gentle readers. Choo choo, and good night--I'll see you bright and shiny tomorrow morning!
Bring it on.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
New Job Fun
So, as mentioned in yesterday's post, soon my crazy schedule will be less crazy--hooray!
Starting in late November, I begin working at Macy's Santaland, as in the miracle on 34th.
I worked there last holiday season and had an absolute blast, so I will be taking a brief hiatus from my current job to style Santa. And get awesome discounts.
The wonderful thing about Santaland is that my schedule will be much easier when it comes to balancing training and work. I'll work 5 hours a day, evening shift; this means I'll be able to get sleep, go running, and still have time for real life, all before I head to the North Pole.
Ah, freedom!
Not to mention, I won't be on my feet much (unlike with my current job), so it'll give my legs the rest they need after running.
Huzzah, my friends, huzzah! So, come and visit me in December and get your picture taken with Santa :) I promise, it's totally awesome.
Stayed tuned for an entry later this evening regarding an interesting topic: snobby runners!
Starting in late November, I begin working at Macy's Santaland, as in the miracle on 34th.
I worked there last holiday season and had an absolute blast, so I will be taking a brief hiatus from my current job to style Santa. And get awesome discounts.
The wonderful thing about Santaland is that my schedule will be much easier when it comes to balancing training and work. I'll work 5 hours a day, evening shift; this means I'll be able to get sleep, go running, and still have time for real life, all before I head to the North Pole.
Ah, freedom!
Not to mention, I won't be on my feet much (unlike with my current job), so it'll give my legs the rest they need after running.
Huzzah, my friends, huzzah! So, come and visit me in December and get your picture taken with Santa :) I promise, it's totally awesome.
Stayed tuned for an entry later this evening regarding an interesting topic: snobby runners!
Friday, October 23, 2009
I Wish I Had Bionic Woman Legs
...Then again, were her legs bionic? Because, if not, then I don't want them. I know she had a bionic arm. I think.
Tangent, sorry!
Anyway: I am definitely feeling training pains as of late. My hip joint is still being a little monster, and today it started affecting my knee. Thankfully, I didn't feel this until I was walking home from my workout.
I am sure that my being exhausted comes from training in the morning and then working/being on my feet for 8-9 hours; however, this situation will be changing soon.
As I need to be going soon, I will save my explanation for the next post, and hopefully learn to stop writing about how exhausted I am, as I am sure it is terribly boring!
As a means of apology for a--once again--boring entry, I bring you this:
Two hikers on a trail came around the bend to find an enormous brown bear about 75 yards up the trail. The bear spies them and begins running toward them at a full gallop. One hiker drops his backpack, sits down, throws off his boots, and starts lacing up a pair of running shoes. The other hiker says: "What are you doing? You will never outrun that bear!". The first hiker replies: "I don't have to outrun the bear..."
Wokka wokka wokka!
Tangent, sorry!
Anyway: I am definitely feeling training pains as of late. My hip joint is still being a little monster, and today it started affecting my knee. Thankfully, I didn't feel this until I was walking home from my workout.
I am sure that my being exhausted comes from training in the morning and then working/being on my feet for 8-9 hours; however, this situation will be changing soon.
As I need to be going soon, I will save my explanation for the next post, and hopefully learn to stop writing about how exhausted I am, as I am sure it is terribly boring!
As a means of apology for a--once again--boring entry, I bring you this:
Two hikers on a trail came around the bend to find an enormous brown bear about 75 yards up the trail. The bear spies them and begins running toward them at a full gallop. One hiker drops his backpack, sits down, throws off his boots, and starts lacing up a pair of running shoes. The other hiker says: "What are you doing? You will never outrun that bear!". The first hiker replies: "I don't have to outrun the bear..."
Wokka wokka wokka!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
iPhone and iTired and iEat Trail Mix Oh My!
Well, gentle readers, I deliver my apologies. Yesterday I was supposed to give you a fun post that wasn't laced with professions of my exhaustion. Instead, you got no post at all!
Well, I aim to rectify this situation; the following blog entry will be explosively awesome!
It will at least have more than five sentences.
Lately, I have been stretching more intensely than I usually have. My muscles have been much more tense and sore (I'm sure a combination of increasing miles and colder weather), but I'm hoping that stretching and Advil will make the ugh-feelings go away.
Also, I downloaded a fantastic application for my iPhone a few weeks ago! I have mentioned MapMyRun before, but did you know that it has an application for iPhone? It does, and now I shall elaborate on it: MapMyRun for iPhone has GPS tracking, so you can chart your pace, average speed, and distance while you run/walk/bike, etc!
You can then save your data and have it sent to your online MapMyRun account, and so begin further documenting your progress! Though the application isn't entirely accurate--after all, it's an iPhone being tracked by GPS--it is a fun way to (kind of) keep track!
In other Holly news: I have gotten madly into trail mix, all kinds. Sweet and spicy with cayenne pepper, decadent with dark chocolate, super crunchy with soy nuts.
Especially on days when I don't have time to get a real lunch/dinner during work, trail mix has been my nutty savior. Full of protein and good fats and berries, oh my! I recommend trail mix to those of you who feel too busy to pack real lunches during the work day or need a quick treat to beat hunger.
Call it scroggin, gorp, or "hippie stuff"--just have an open mind, and try your own variations :) It's really quite delightful!
Well, I aim to rectify this situation; the following blog entry will be explosively awesome!
It will at least have more than five sentences.
Lately, I have been stretching more intensely than I usually have. My muscles have been much more tense and sore (I'm sure a combination of increasing miles and colder weather), but I'm hoping that stretching and Advil will make the ugh-feelings go away.
Also, I downloaded a fantastic application for my iPhone a few weeks ago! I have mentioned MapMyRun before, but did you know that it has an application for iPhone? It does, and now I shall elaborate on it: MapMyRun for iPhone has GPS tracking, so you can chart your pace, average speed, and distance while you run/walk/bike, etc!
You can then save your data and have it sent to your online MapMyRun account, and so begin further documenting your progress! Though the application isn't entirely accurate--after all, it's an iPhone being tracked by GPS--it is a fun way to (kind of) keep track!
In other Holly news: I have gotten madly into trail mix, all kinds. Sweet and spicy with cayenne pepper, decadent with dark chocolate, super crunchy with soy nuts.
Especially on days when I don't have time to get a real lunch/dinner during work, trail mix has been my nutty savior. Full of protein and good fats and berries, oh my! I recommend trail mix to those of you who feel too busy to pack real lunches during the work day or need a quick treat to beat hunger.
Call it scroggin, gorp, or "hippie stuff"--just have an open mind, and try your own variations :) It's really quite delightful!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Zawsted!
I gotta say, this week has not been easy.
Between running and work, I am beat.
Tomorrow you'll get a much more informative post, one that isn't this boring.
Yikes! I need a nap.
Between running and work, I am beat.
Tomorrow you'll get a much more informative post, one that isn't this boring.
Yikes! I need a nap.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
