On Saturday I ran in the Komen Global Race for the Cure. This was my second time participating – I “ran” last year, too, though I did more walking than running since I really hadn’t trained at all, and in all seriousness I think that was probably the first time I ever actually ran a distance of 5k/3.1 miles. EVER. Yeah, that was also the day I ended up in the ER at GW after slipping on the wet concrete outside the MLK Library downtown after seeing SATC at Gallery Place with a few friends. Run-walking a 5k for the first time + slamming back of head against concrete = not a good time the following morning.
Anyway! This year’s race was fantastic. I didn’t run with anyone this year, but I did end up chatting with this random woman while we were waiting to start. She works for the US Tennis Association (USTA) as I *think* kind of like a sports attorney/agent for the tennis players. Okay, I finally believe everyone who says tennis is great for your legs, because this woman said she plays tennis daily and she seriously had the best legs ever, and she’s definitely in her fifties at least. Mine are like hugs barrels of lard compared to hers! We chatted about our jobs and the race and what not, and of course this slowly evolves to law school and all that fun stuff. Yahoo! She went Catholic’s evening program, working during the day, and actually lived at the time in one of the other Van Ness buildings that is part of my complex. I talked a little bit about law school and all that stuff, and then she started talking about “oh but there’s so many things you can do with a law degree other than traditional law firm practice.” And I sort of starting thinking ugh can we start the race already so I can run away from you! But, she was genuinely nice, not lecturing or any of that garbage. I just pointed out that what I had wanted to do was traditional law firm stuff (at least for a while), but I obviously do acknowledge that there is a ton you can do with the degree outside of that realm. But, the bottom-line being, it was not the right thing for me. Plus, I didn’t exactly have a clear alternative picture of what *else* I might want to use the degree for, plus really, why continue to put myself through all that for some kind of ethereal unknown?
Yeah, so finally (finally! like a half hour late) the race started, and I was kind of worried by that time that I was getting stiff from standing around for so long. Plus I was testing out the waist pack. (Side note: thumbs up for the waist pack. Definitely much better than running with water bottle in hand. Having that weight on my lower back instead was much less obnoxious. Still, I'd prefer to run without the pack - it can be a little distracting when it moves around when you move - but it's great to be able to safely and securely store water, cell phone, keys, and other small essentials). I was pretty close to the start line, but it still took a good couple minutes to really get moving and get across the line, because there were SO MANY PEOPLE (which is great!)! I think there ended up being around 45,000 runners/walkers! So, to make a long story short, I had a great run (definitely helped by the good weather and flat course), ran the entire time (first time! the past two races, I had some very brief walk breaks), and shaved about 15 seconds off my mile time (though I am still très slow). Yay! And it was for a good cause.
After, I hit up Starbucks, then went to the National Gallery, which was AMAZING, because I went right when it opened at 10am, and it was mostly empty which I LOVE. What I didn’t love, however, was getting accosted by a security guard at the bag check about my water bottle, which might I say was empty, but it apparently needed to be stored in a bag (it was partially protruding from its holder on my waist pack), and the guard basically insinuated that I was probably just there to use the bathroom (ok granted, I was in post-race state, with bib pinned on and what not), and blahblahblah. So I said no, ACTUALLY I am here to see the art. Ergh! Anyway, I obviously could have just tossed the water bottle, but I’m trying to be good and environmentally friendly, but in the end, a different security guard (a nicer one!) magically produced a bag for me to put the bottle in.
Post-art overload (yum!), I went to see Up. Okay, so despite the fact that I knew the general storyline in advance, especially the gist of the first 15-20 minutes were you see one of the main characters (the old man) meet his future wife, grow up, etc., I KNEW (KNEW!!) I was going to be crying all over the place. No surprises there, I so did. Ahhh. Granted, it doesn’t take much to make me cry (I can probably find something to cry about in comedies), but I was definitely silent-sobbing at various intervals throughout the movie. It wasn’t strictly sad in a traditional sense, more of one of those make you think about your life/reevaluate your priorities/etc. things. I have to give credit to Pixar/Disney for being so great about injecting these kinds of messages into their movies. Children can still enjoy the more surface-level storylines and whatnot, but adults can appreciate the deeper messages and lessons of the story. I definitely recommend seeing the movie! Bottom line, it’s a very adorable/touching story, but with its light-hearted moments, the characters (especially Dug, the dog!) are memorable, and of course the whole magic of animation is amazing.
Showing posts with label Running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Running. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Running: Love/Hate
I recently made the decision to get more serious about running. This has not been an easy pursuit so far, and I find myself wondering if I will ever truly become a real runner. Yeah, so I’ve completed two 5Ks in the last two months and am preparing for another one next weekend, but I really don’t FEEL like I’m wholly into it…yet? First, as I think I mentioned in a previous post, I honestly just loathe running outside. Aside from the whole feeling self-conscious thing, I really just find it to be a huge pain to run outside. At the gym, you can just plop all your stuff (for me, this usually means: keys, cell phone, iPod, water bottle, and tie wallet) on the treadmill and go.
Running outside, I have to figure out what I really need to bring (license, insurance card, metro card, some cash or a credit card…you know, so people can identify me if I pass out, get hit by car, fall over, whatever, or so I can get home if I, say, run to another metro stop and can’t bear the thought of running back home, etc. etc.), what can stay at home (this usually involves minimizing my key chain, among other things), where I’m going to put the crap I have to bring (jacket pocket, miniscule shorts pocket, hold in hand, put in shoe, blahhh), and whether the fact that I’m carrying all this stuff is going to annoy me while I’m running. Obviously, I’m over-exaggerating a bit, but you get the idea.
Generally when I’m running outside (and during those two 5Ks), I hold a water bottle in one hand. This is somewhat annoying. What is also annoying is that fact that I can’t run (even these short distances) without water. But oh well. I’m not going to not bring water and then die on the course. Plus, I’m not really a fan of those water stations things – they always seem so chaotic, and I like to have water on me when I need it, not just at some preordained point. Anyway, so I’ve been researching hydration packs and different options, trying to figure out what would be a good product to try out.
Well, I ended up getting a waistpack from the Nike factory store when I was home in NJ this past weekend. It seemed sturdy, plus it was not expensive at all (I know, since it was an outlet store, but seriously, some packs are really $$$), and when I tried it on in the store my brother noted that it didn’t look THAT bad. Anyway, I tested it out on the treadmill at home, and it seemed to stay put, with easy access to the water bottle. It’s pretty comfortable too, the strap “sits” on your hips, and the bottle holder rests on your lower back, so it doesn’t impede arm movement at all. Plus, it’s got a couple small pockets, which solves my problem of where to put keys, etc. that I was complaining about above. I’m probably going to test this out next weekend at the Komen 5K, since that isn't a super competitive race (you can walk, too), so if something happens (like the pack falls apart?), it won’t be a huge deal.
Oh, so previously, when I’ve run outside recently, I’ve worn a lightweight Adidas jacket (made of that swishy material) that has an interior zip pocket, where I can secure the bare essentials (minimal keys, cell phone, credit card/cash). It’s somewhat bulky and awkward looking though, plus I’m not going to be able to wear long-sleeves much longer, what with it being 8 million degrees outside soon.
On the matter of running shorts, I’m really not a huge fan, honestly. I have a pair of Nike ones, with that lightweight swishy material and interior brief, with that special material that wicks away moisture or whatever. They’re OK, but I feel sort of naked/ridiculous wearing them. Yes I know most running shorts are short. But still. Anyway, I picked up two pairs of similar shorts at Target (by Champion), and…I’m so far not impressed. I wore them to the gym on Tuesday and had such a terrible time running on the treadmill that I ended up switching to an elliptical trainer. They were basically bunching up everywhere, which looked so awkward, plus was uncomfortable, and every two seconds I was pulling them down which was not efficient at all. I was thinking maybe I got a size too small, but I don’t think that’s the case. I think they’re just not cut as well or something. I think if I throw on some spandex underneath them, they’ll be fine, but really know, spandex? Eh. So usually I run in yoga-style pants, probably not really meant for running, but they’re so much more comfortable that I can just focus on running.
Other Nike purchases: (1) a sport armband, that I haven’t tried yet, but I think could probably fit my cell phone OR keys/cash/cards, but not both. Definitely wouldn’t fit my iPod Touch, but probably my smaller Nano would fit. I’m not sure how often I’ll use this…but it was only something like $5. (2) shoe pocket thing, also haven’t tried yet, but I had previously considered getting a Nathan Sports brand one. Basically, this is a little pocket for keys, etc. that you can secure to your shoelaces. Seems really sturdy, lightweight, I doubt I’d even notice it was on my shoe. (3) a couple technical t-shirts, with that special wicking material, and breathable fabric on the sides and back, really airy, I worked out in one yesterday, and it definitely kept me cooler than regular cotton tees. I actually think I might like these better than the UnderArmour ones I like so much.
After next weekend’s Komen race, I’m not currently registered for any races until the MCM 10K in October. I’m not really that keen on outside races in the summer months, but I might do one if I can find one that sounds interesting/fits my schedule, etc. My goal is to try for a half-marathon next spring (I’m looking at the SunTrust one), but first I really need to improve my time, endurance, blah blah blah. Unrelatedly, I’m currently researching/searching for a heart rate monitor and am hoping to buy one soon.
Honestly, I feel like a fake runner sometimes (but don’t you dare use the J word – see previous post). Oftentimes, when I’m at the gym, I’ll look at the treadmill and think how I would so much rather get on an elliptical or bike. The treadmill doesn’t always win. And often when I’m running, all I can think about is how much I hate running, and why am I dong this, and why don’t I just stop and go home and eat ice cream. But, I still keep doing it. I may not run every day, and I may not train as much or as hard or as diligently as I should, but I guess what matters is the fact that I still do it. So far I’ve found that the only times I don’t think “I hate this” is during a race. Granted, I’ve only done two, but I think that probably says something. Maybe?
Running outside, I have to figure out what I really need to bring (license, insurance card, metro card, some cash or a credit card…you know, so people can identify me if I pass out, get hit by car, fall over, whatever, or so I can get home if I, say, run to another metro stop and can’t bear the thought of running back home, etc. etc.), what can stay at home (this usually involves minimizing my key chain, among other things), where I’m going to put the crap I have to bring (jacket pocket, miniscule shorts pocket, hold in hand, put in shoe, blahhh), and whether the fact that I’m carrying all this stuff is going to annoy me while I’m running. Obviously, I’m over-exaggerating a bit, but you get the idea.
Generally when I’m running outside (and during those two 5Ks), I hold a water bottle in one hand. This is somewhat annoying. What is also annoying is that fact that I can’t run (even these short distances) without water. But oh well. I’m not going to not bring water and then die on the course. Plus, I’m not really a fan of those water stations things – they always seem so chaotic, and I like to have water on me when I need it, not just at some preordained point. Anyway, so I’ve been researching hydration packs and different options, trying to figure out what would be a good product to try out.
Well, I ended up getting a waistpack from the Nike factory store when I was home in NJ this past weekend. It seemed sturdy, plus it was not expensive at all (I know, since it was an outlet store, but seriously, some packs are really $$$), and when I tried it on in the store my brother noted that it didn’t look THAT bad. Anyway, I tested it out on the treadmill at home, and it seemed to stay put, with easy access to the water bottle. It’s pretty comfortable too, the strap “sits” on your hips, and the bottle holder rests on your lower back, so it doesn’t impede arm movement at all. Plus, it’s got a couple small pockets, which solves my problem of where to put keys, etc. that I was complaining about above. I’m probably going to test this out next weekend at the Komen 5K, since that isn't a super competitive race (you can walk, too), so if something happens (like the pack falls apart?), it won’t be a huge deal.
Oh, so previously, when I’ve run outside recently, I’ve worn a lightweight Adidas jacket (made of that swishy material) that has an interior zip pocket, where I can secure the bare essentials (minimal keys, cell phone, credit card/cash). It’s somewhat bulky and awkward looking though, plus I’m not going to be able to wear long-sleeves much longer, what with it being 8 million degrees outside soon.
On the matter of running shorts, I’m really not a huge fan, honestly. I have a pair of Nike ones, with that lightweight swishy material and interior brief, with that special material that wicks away moisture or whatever. They’re OK, but I feel sort of naked/ridiculous wearing them. Yes I know most running shorts are short. But still. Anyway, I picked up two pairs of similar shorts at Target (by Champion), and…I’m so far not impressed. I wore them to the gym on Tuesday and had such a terrible time running on the treadmill that I ended up switching to an elliptical trainer. They were basically bunching up everywhere, which looked so awkward, plus was uncomfortable, and every two seconds I was pulling them down which was not efficient at all. I was thinking maybe I got a size too small, but I don’t think that’s the case. I think they’re just not cut as well or something. I think if I throw on some spandex underneath them, they’ll be fine, but really know, spandex? Eh. So usually I run in yoga-style pants, probably not really meant for running, but they’re so much more comfortable that I can just focus on running.
Other Nike purchases: (1) a sport armband, that I haven’t tried yet, but I think could probably fit my cell phone OR keys/cash/cards, but not both. Definitely wouldn’t fit my iPod Touch, but probably my smaller Nano would fit. I’m not sure how often I’ll use this…but it was only something like $5. (2) shoe pocket thing, also haven’t tried yet, but I had previously considered getting a Nathan Sports brand one. Basically, this is a little pocket for keys, etc. that you can secure to your shoelaces. Seems really sturdy, lightweight, I doubt I’d even notice it was on my shoe. (3) a couple technical t-shirts, with that special wicking material, and breathable fabric on the sides and back, really airy, I worked out in one yesterday, and it definitely kept me cooler than regular cotton tees. I actually think I might like these better than the UnderArmour ones I like so much.
After next weekend’s Komen race, I’m not currently registered for any races until the MCM 10K in October. I’m not really that keen on outside races in the summer months, but I might do one if I can find one that sounds interesting/fits my schedule, etc. My goal is to try for a half-marathon next spring (I’m looking at the SunTrust one), but first I really need to improve my time, endurance, blah blah blah. Unrelatedly, I’m currently researching/searching for a heart rate monitor and am hoping to buy one soon.
Honestly, I feel like a fake runner sometimes (but don’t you dare use the J word – see previous post). Oftentimes, when I’m at the gym, I’ll look at the treadmill and think how I would so much rather get on an elliptical or bike. The treadmill doesn’t always win. And often when I’m running, all I can think about is how much I hate running, and why am I dong this, and why don’t I just stop and go home and eat ice cream. But, I still keep doing it. I may not run every day, and I may not train as much or as hard or as diligently as I should, but I guess what matters is the fact that I still do it. So far I’ve found that the only times I don’t think “I hate this” is during a race. Granted, I’ve only done two, but I think that probably says something. Maybe?
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