Cereal please, but hold the milk

I started the day with too much cereal and milk and I ate some candy (in the morning.....really?). Well, this is what I will blame for my running time. But in reality, I think it was due to a little of my negativity.

My time: 6:42.37

After my run, I was okay with this. My attitude lately has been really up. I wasn't disappointed in myself because I was thinking.....this is a really good time. Sure I was one second slower, but that's not bad at all. It's funny because this is a lot different than how I felt when I got slower the last time.

I would say this is a good turning point for me. Instead of complaining, I embraced my time. I am improving. And best of all, I am getting to the point where I am happy with myself. Not disappointed.

I felt a bit sick after my run (now this might be due to the combination of the food and me pushing myself) and I had to take awhile to rest myself. My stomach hurt and I was feeling weak. I was wondering if I would do any more for my workout. Eventually after drinking water and giving myself time, I went on the elliptical and got a great workout.

I wanted to make this my last mile time run, but I realized that I didn't reach my goal (I actually really want to get 6:30) and it's a good challenge. It keeps me going and have a focus. Also, I sort of dread running the mile in fear that I will be slower, a lot slower, one day. I can do this.

It's about attitude and taking the best of everything. Even when you might be a little slower, take it and run with it.

And next time I am going to have oatmeal the morning of my run.

Runaway Girl

Be Patient

After taking a week off for Spring Break you would think that my mile time this week would be pretty bad, or just the same. During the break I did run and work out a bit, but I also did not eat very healthy.

Today I decided to run my mile before the rest of my workout. I went up to the track thinking that I wasn't going to be very fast. I had my songs ready and started. There weren't a lot of people on the track which was really nice. A lot of times before I run I think to myself: It's just me and the track and my legs. I can do this. While negative thoughts did pop up in my mind, I let myself be positive. Towards the end I told myself I could do this. I also felt awesome passing up a group of guys (three of them) twice, but they weren't running as fast as they could have I am sure (maybe just warming up). I didn't look at my time for awhile, but I was thinking about how long the songs were on my ipod. Then when I was on my last lap I had to push myself. One more lap! That was it and then I would be done. I checked my timer right towards the very end and the time surprised me. I was going to be faster! Wait what?!

My time: 6:41.88

I couldn't have been happier. I was shocked and my thoughts after this were to thank God. And I did. This was a blessing that I needed after not feeling my best. Not only was I faster than my last time.....but I was about 10 seconds faster! That's a lot considering I hit a plateau.

To end I want to share my songs for my mile. There are only two. The first is always the same, the second has only changed once.

1. Winner (feat. Justin Timberlake & T.I.)-Jamie Foxx

2. Be My Escape-Relient K (before it was Runaway-Avril Lavigne)

Today was a success. It goes to show that if you really put your heart into something, eventually you will see results. Remember to Be Patient.

Runaway Girl

Get Lost.....

I thought it would be more appropriate to put this post in this blog. I am going to embark on my "get lost" adventure. To be honest, I am quite scared. Nervous. But completely excited. I have been looking forward to this the whole Spring Break. Now I am sure you are wondering, why does this apply to a running blog?

I am a runaway girl. I run from a lot of things in life. This time, I am running away from life. I am going to discover more about myself. I am going to learn to listen to my heart. Focus my energy and mind to find something of great worth. That's why I am running away.....alone.

I'll write about it in my other blog (Thoughts of Tiegan) at a later date (or whenever I get back). One day, one adventure, and one time to get lost.

Wish me luck.

Runaway Girl

I'm a (long distance) Runner

I took a break from the usual timed mile run. It's Spring Break, beautiful outside, and I could not pass up the opportunity to go on a long run. I am much more of a long distance runner. I ran along the Charles today on my usual path, but this time, I went for a longer period of time. I crossed the Mass. Ave. Bridge and kept going and passed MIT and passed the BU Bridge. Happiness was with me the whole time.

It was nice because my legs hurt a little and my knees were feeling weaker, but I felt strong. I didn't want to stop running. Eventually I looped back around to where I started. Many thoughts were in my head during my run, but I want to share two experiences/thoughts.

1. I got an insight as to why I love running and singing so much. Among other reasons, I love how both take something normal and create something more beautiful. Talking becomes Singing and creates music. Walking becomes Running and creates happiness and/or peace.

2. When I run I feel like I am more in tune with my surroundings. And when I give myself time (since it's Spring Break and I have no obligations) I do things differently and follow my heart. I kept running instead of taking my usual route and stopping there. I also decided to stop into Marsh Chapel on my way home. I sat there for awhile, prayed, and meditated. It was a great way to end my run. I felt so much lighter and different when I walked home.

Today's run was perfect. And although my pedometer was on, it didn't record correctly. It's good though, because then I don't worry about how far I ran. I just know that I ran and kept running. I also didn't take my phone. It was just me, my music, and the beautiful outdoors. One mile lasts around 7 minutes and then what? Several miles opens my mind, heart, and eyes.

I am grateful for this experience and that I have the ability to run and endure whatever comes my way.

I'm a long distance runner.

Runaway Girl

No Music Mile

Maybe it was the no music, maybe it was the Chipotle burrito I ate last night, or maybe it was just me.

My time this week: 6:51.27 (GASP!)

That's right. I am slower than I used to be a week ago. I was thinking plateau, okay. But this was just sad. The first thing I said (under my breath) was not good and I knew it. Yes, I said Sh**. :( And I may have said it more than once. Then I thought I might as well wear a shirt with FAILURE on it. Words that came to my mind: Fail, Pathetic, and whatever else might entail those feelings.

I knew this needed to change. My attitude is my life. And I don't want a life like this.

After my one lap of walking I decided to jog three more laps to cool down and get more exercise. There was a small child running on the track as well. When I got to the last part of my last lap he was sort of running "with" me or "against" me. It made me smile. Here was this kid with so much energy and with a smile on his face. He was having fun! And here I was, disappointed that I hadn't reached a goal and that I was slower.

I took the FUN out of running!

I am sorry I didn't keep up to my challenge from last week. But it's what I take from this that's most important. As long as I strive to do better, I'll get better. I just need to have some patience. I can't be perfect. And most of all, I need to have fun with a smile on my face just like a little child. :)

Runaway Girl

Plateau

Today my time: 6:49.13

I seem to have finally hit my plateau. I knew this day would come. I've sort of been waiting for it. The time when I don't feel all that great. I guess I should have had a more positive attitude and not expected a plateau to come. Haha.

I guess if I really want to be positive I can say that I did improve my time.....by 18 milliseconds. And I am glad that I didn't go slower. I mean, it's better than getting any higher.

I wasn't as motivated to go to the gym (mainly because I kept pushing the time later and later), but I knew I had to run (1) because I made a challenge for myself and would feel guilty, and (2) I need to be fit and not let myself gain any weight.

So, I am going to take this for what it's worth. It's a new month and I need to stop slacking (in a lot of areas). Next week I am going to improve my time, even if just by a second.

Here's a link to help with the "Plateau": 5 Running Tips To Prevent Plateau

Runaway Girl