Today has been an odd day...I am not my usual 100% and oh well...it's this type of day on which I would just like to lie in my bed (preferably under my blanket), read a good book and eat tons of goodies...like chocolate, cookies, ice-cream...you know...the random 'feel-good'-food we all know...or as I always say 'mood-food'.
But oh well...instead I actually just THOUGHT about it and haven't gotten weak - I must say: It's also good that I didn't buy any goodies this week (it does indeed help a lot to go grocery shopping without being hungry).
I made myself a delicious meal with green asparagus, garlic, mushrooms, fish and seasoned it with lemon juice and black pepper, and as dessert I had a lovely strawberry-kiwi-pear-salad. So in this regard I didn't get weak - I am still craving chocolate, but instead I'll have a nice hot chocolate before I go to bed later. It's a 'slight treat', but not nearly as bad as chocolate.
Writing tonight will do me good, I guess because it clears my head and gives me the chance to reflect a bit - I love writing, another aspect of my life that gives me pleasure. Travelling, writing, enjoying life to the fullest...
So yes, today is my 'rest'-day - no runs, no workouts, no yoga. I had classes, my office hours for the internship, met up with two good friends for coffee and then had to run a couple errands. My best friend's wedding is this month and I have to prepare her hen do - and there's still plenty to do - so instead of going for a run, I ran around town to get all my things together ;) Does this count as well?! At least it's still better than sitting on my lazy bum :)
I ran yesterday...and yesterday was great! I enjoyed this run so much - I only ran a quick one (took me about 20-25 minutes or so), but it was wonderful. I felt so much better than all the runs before...my feet were light, I felt as if my body was in a good posture (do you know what I mean?! haha) and I just felt as if I could have run the whole day. Instead I just thought "Why not run in intervalls?" - and I did, which means I ran a couple 'quickies' - meaning that I ran at my normal pace and then sped up as fast as I could for roughly 100m and then slowed down again - this was really nice because it made me feel invincible...even if it was only for about 25 minutes ;)
Today when I got back home from the city I saw two guys running (from outside the train) and I just thought "Mhmm, I sort of envy them now" :) And this thought astonished me...since when do I envy people that are out there jogging?! That was a new one - I could have run today, but I am taking my rest days serious - I don't trust me knee completely, yet, so I shouldn't overdo it.
I played volleyball for about 11 years and this has partly influenced my right knee, I am trying to train my leg muscles, especially the thighs as much as possible because it'll take additional pressure on the knee away. But that also means I don't want to risk a knee injury with overdoing it - I am still enjoying running, and I want to keep it that way.
But I still enjoyed the idea of longingly watching these guys...thinking it could be me! ;)
That's why I am looking forward to tomorrow's run. I've got to work again tomorrow, but I'll go for a lovely jog in the evening. My body has started to crave these runs - I am like a dog who gets excited when you wiggle with the leash because it knows that it's time to go for a walk...I just need to see my running shoes or one of my running magazines and I am stoked to take one foot out of the door. This used to be a problem for me, but not anymore...I'm quite motivated and have a good attitude towards this all - I am determined, and determination needs a goal - these things go hand in hand, but once they are there, there's no stopping you. I've been running since January this year, but have only gotten more serious about it since the end of March...a long way to go...but I know I'll get there :)
On Monday I was very happy because I was able to book three of my planned runs (May, June, August are checked! In Dortmund, Bochum and Cologne)! This is SO lovely...it really made my day on Monday...so booked for the next months are:
[ 1) April 29th - Bochum Läuft Run (5k) in Bochum - Status: DONE :) ]
2) May 23rd - Dortmund University run (5k) in Dortmund, Status: BOOKED
2) May 23rd - Dortmund University run (5k) in Dortmund, Status: BOOKED
3) June 6th - My university run (5k) in Bochum, Status: BOOKED
[4) July 8th - The British 10k (10k, who would have thought!?) in London]
5) August 11th - Women's Run (8k) in Cologne
Status: BOOKED
6) September15th - The Every Step Counts Run (10k) in Richmond
7)
8) November - Still looking for one in Germany at that time - Suggestions more than welcome!
9) December 1st- Santa Run (dressed up as Santa, yeah, 6k) in London
I love the idea of connecting runs with charities and I know I'll do this soon enough, but for now this is just my personal struggle and I have to take this obstacle without anything else to think of - 21k alone scare me enough already. Does this make any sense to you?! :) I hope so. Anyway...and the British 10k is also booked out, except for the Golden Entry - my boyfriend and I'll see if we can get a placement with the Golden Entry still (rather today or tomorrow) - this run would be my first 10k and would mean a lot to me, so I hope it works.
I HAVE to run a half-marathon this year...seriously...this is my ONE HUGE achievement for this year...my boyfriend and I have been looking up a couple different half-marathons and we'll make it happen...it would have just been nice to take part in a big one like the 'Run to the Beat'.
It's a scary thing...I mean right now the longest I ran were maybe about 8 or 9k in previous runs...but this is going to be different - it's a challenge and it's not an easy one.
My ultimate goal is to become a trail runner...also being able to run a proper marathon...then maybe even running an ultra-marathon...taking part in obstacle races...all these wonderful events where your only tool is your own body...it reminds me a lot of the philosophy of martial arts...to find back to the center of yourself, reaching your limits and going beyond them and being in total control of your body. All these people who have achieved this...they all started with a single push-up, a slow jog around the block, a couple sit-ups until it felt as if their abs were tearing apart...but all these people pushed through, kept going...and got to where they are today. I can do this, if they did!
So yes...for now I'll stick to my 'couple k's' and hope that eventually the miles automatically add up.
On Monday instead of my yoga-session I did a proper workout - full body! I am pushing myself into the push-ups now...my arms and my chest muscles are so weak...I am still on the 'womens' push-ups', just because my arms are too weak still, but I am getting there - side planks and normal planks are also on my daily list...oh boy these little flippin' exercises...but nothing feels better than having sore muscles and knowing exactly why you've got them...such a bittersweet feeling! Pain and reward in one :)
With this silly, but beautiful wish I'll wish you guys a good night now...may your dreams be filled with goodness that you may awake with a smile on your lips tomorrow morning!
Cheers,
your Janners
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