Progress for week ending 1/29

This week I got to go running a few times, ranging from 20-30 minutes.

Yesterday, I went to Lake Balboa and I biked for 7.5 miles, which took about 45 minutes. The hope was that I could map out a course around the area, so that I could come back later to run it, and I would know the distance/time I would be doing. I overshot the park area and ended up taking a 2.6 mile detour, which became part of the 7.5 miles that I biked. I was hoping to return to the Lake today to actually run it, but it was raining, so maybe I'll do it tomorrow.

Next to the lake itself, I had to dodge and weave a bit around roller bladers and kids on their training wheeled bikes, but it was still a nice day for a good ride.

"Obstacles" to Success

This semester seems to have really kicked into gear now. Not only are initial deadlines for various assignments getting closer and closer, many of the personal/professional things I need to accomplish at this point in my life are also tapping me on the shoulder asking for some attention.

Anyway, during my brief stint as a furniture mover last week, I seem to have hurt some muscle in my back, and I've been periodically writhing in discomfort for the better part of this last week. Despite that, I did go hiking at Escondido Falls with MPH homies on Friday, get in a 30 min. run on Saturday, and go hiking at Eaton Canyon with other MPH homies.

I haven't been particularly strict with my attempt at healthier eating in conjunction with my training. But, I did get a haircut over the weekend, so bonus point for losing some hair weight and becoming more aerodynamic?

The tension in my back prevented me from doing much of anything besides attending lecture during the rest of this week so far, but since it's bearable right now, I'm gonna go running. I mean, I'm gonna warm up, stretch, and then go running right now.

Making Time

Last night, my services were required to help some relatives of mine in lifting and moving some really heavy boxes, shelves, and a refrigerator, from 4:00-9:30pm. I am mildly sore this morning, so I guess it would have to do for my workout for yesterday. But, one helpful thing that came from my brief moonlighting as a mover, was the fact that my uncle was there too. To my knowledge, he's run the LA Marathon at least 4 times, and he's over 50 years old. It's pretty clear to me that he has been one of my primary inspirations in recent years for planting that initial marathon seed in me. I decided to pick his brain a bit and gather some pearls of wisdom while I had the chance. He told me about:

1. The importance of stretching.
2. Building speed and endurance through interval training or hill training.
3. Making sure to run a longer distance of 18-20 miles at least once, possibly twice or more, before the marathon comes up.

The benefits of the first two are obvious, but he told me the third tip would prepare my body for that type of running and my body would start to adapt to the longer distances better. Makes sense...but still intimidating to do to say the least.

I had some things to take care of before class today, but I really felt like I had to do at least a little bit of running to start the day, so I went for a 20 minute jog around the hood. The new shoes felt great. I totally forgot what a huge difference it could make to have newer shoes. I totally had a spring in my stride! I live about a block away from an elementary school, so when I was about 2 corners away from getting back to my home, I saw what looked like a bright red poop on the sidewalk getting closer and closer. As I stepped over it, I realized that that color comes on one thing and one thing only. It was a Hot Cheeto puff. Oh nutrition, the interesting ways you send me reminders about you.

Initial Thoughts

So, this is the beginning of my personal improvement assignment for PM562.

The things I've decided to try to accomplish during the course of this semester include:

1. Register and participate in the 2011 LA Marathon.
2. Lose 10 lbs by the end of the semster, which would be April 29? (last day of instruction).

The first one seems easy enough...well, I mean the registration part. I think some mental preparation will certainly be necessary, in addition to a disciplined approach to physical conditioning for the event. I will need to think, act, eat, and train like a marathon runner. It makes sense that the first goal and its success will possibly help contribute to achieving the second goal.

I don't think anybody would disagree with the idea that behavior change can be a difficult endeavor. I will need to make some changes during the course of this semester to help achieve these goals too.

This isn't really a behavioral change, but my running shoes are fairly worn out, so I got a fresh new pair for my training :)