Yesterday we began our group with an ice breaker. We did an exercise called "2 Truths and a Lie". Basically everyone writes down two true things about themselves on a piece of paper along with a lie and we collect them and read them all out. First we have to guess whose paper it is, then we have to guess which one is the lie. A young man guessed that I wasn't a runner because I didn't look like one. That made me laugh. That is what I love about running! We come in all shapes and sizes. Although he claimed I didn't look like a runner, another youth said I definitely looked like a runner because of the muscle on my legs. Two different messages, both made me smile.
I've had a few questions asked in the comments of my last few posts. I'll answer them the best I can in this post. Anonymous (funny name) asked if I did any core exercises or weight-lifting exercises to complement my running. When I first started running I did do some yoga which I really enjoyed. As my distances have gotten further and further, I sadly have little time to take yoga classes again. I got a great suggestion from Marion to check out Beryl Bender Birch's (say that fast three times) Power Yoga book. Yoga balancing poses could help fix running issues by strengthening feet, ankles and knees which could improve my balance. Makes complete sense Marion! Thanks for the suggestion.
I honestly wish I had the funds right now to get a personal trainer and do some strengthening exercises. We are a single income family and on a very limited budget. I would definitely need supervision while using any kind of weights. I also HATE the gym and would need lots of motivation and encouragement during workouts. If I had the cash though, I'd go a few times a week. Monday and Friday mornings are open. They're my running rest days. Paula suggested lifting weights for the bat wings and I definitely can do more in that area. Ironically I sold my free weights on Kijiji several years ago when I was cleaning out my basement. I could use them right about now. Maybe if I go back on Kijiji, they'll be for sale again.
After seeing my belly pictures, Tara asked if I have any work done on my stomach. Miraculously enough I have not! For whatever reason, and I don't know why, I have been blessed with very little extra skin on my mid section. Could I get a tummy tuck? Sure I could and possibly have an abdomen you could bounce a quarter off of. Is it worth it? Not to me. I'm never going to be on the cover of Oxygen Magazine. So I can put my money to better use, like correcting my bat wings.
Finally Ryan asked if I have any advice for someone who uses rain as an excuse to skip a workout. Not good enough Ryan. The only reason I would skip a work out is because I'm ill. I ran outside all winter during extreme cold alerts. Yes, I am crazy. One thing all my clinic girls who ran in the pouring rain on Sunday agreed with was that they did not regret their workout when were done. We were soaked and muddy, but we were also awesome. Now I'm not a ball buster, so if you really can't get motivated to go out in the rain to complete a run, find something to do indoors. Get some good workout dvd's. Jillian Michaels is a sadist. She'll whip your ass into shape!
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| OK. So I didn't make the cover of Oxygen, but I did make the cover of Esquire. I guess I did have my stomach and thighs done. Wore a great shirt to cover the bat wings though. I look really creepy ... and a little primal. Must be the Paleo. |
