Monday early morning run

I was out running with all of the other early birds this morning. The key is to wake up, put on running clothes and head out of the door before any other thoughts enter the mind. I've done this a million times before, but for some reason, lately it seems darker and colder out and I feel lazier and lazier. But I succeeded in ignoring the lazy devil on my shoulder and left the house in time for an hour long run. It was really nice - I got to see glimpses of the bay, the sun rise, and people setting off to start their days.

Intervention Successful! I have quit the couch (for now)

Not that I've been a complete sloth - I have been running a few times a week and doing the 30 day shred a bit but I could see myself slipping into the couch more and more. Yesterday, Sarah staged an intervention. I think she was afraid she's lost her running buddy. She's got the NYC Marathon next week so she's maintained her running hardcore like while I've taken a bit of a break. So, over pizza and gelato, she created a plan to get me in shape for our marathon training which starts on Jan 2nd. I will be back to running 4 days a week and I'm hoping to keep doing the dvd to help with abs and arm stuff.

The intervention worked and I ran 9 miles today from my house down lake street to Baker Beach, halfway over the Golden Gate Bride and back through the Presidio. It was warm, sunny and great. Glad to be back, hope I don't fall off the wagon.

Shredding!

Normally I use the word "shredding" to apply to my snowboarding skills (or 12 year old snowboarder vocabulary) - in this case, I'm using it to apply to the 20 minute workout dvd, 30 day shred. I'm using this as a punishment for not running or as a way to tone muscles I've forgotten about. Also, it's something I can do when it's rainy or dark out. The first day I did it I felt like I released all of the lactic acid of the world into my blood stream and it made me loopy. Yesterday wasn't so bad. I have to remember to drink water after. Since I gave up the idea of training for any races this fall, I'm going to try and maintain some level of fitness, so the May Marathon won't break me. Running, I have not forgotten about you!

Go Phillies, Go Brad Lidge and just go

I am a Phillies fan, turned also A's and Giants fan, and lately, I'm just back to being a good old Phillies fan. Sorry California teams, but my roots are strong. Watching the Phillies last week really made me nervous - I really wanted them to advance to the NLCS. But what really struck me, was the manager taking a chance on a relief pitcher named Brad Lidge. My Dad's face turned grey when the manager brought out Lidge in the 8th or 9th inning when the Phillies were finally ahead of the Rockies. He said "Here we go. I've seen this too many times - Lidge giving up the game." But Lidge actually saved the game, even though no one but the coach had faith in him. This happened again the next day when it was really important, and the Phillies went on to win that series. How the manager had faith in someone who showed him this season he should not have any faith, with everyone in Philadelphia against Lidge, really amazed me beyond words. I wonder if Lidge even had faith in himself?

Anyway, I found this really inspirational, especially as I have not been running at all and when I have, I am molasses slow. But I think I can bounce back if I keep going, especially with very supportive people around...

I'm still here

Had more family visiting, took almost two weeks off running etc. I know it's bad but I just had to let it happen. I dropped my family off at the airport, so tomorrow morning, I'll have no excuses - I'll just have to get up and run. Actually, I am looking forward to it. Even I guess if it rains.