And I Ran, I Ran...Not Real Far Away, Actually

[serinde]

In some sort of over-compensation, my brane kept waking me up throughout the early morning, so at 5:25 I said "oh fuck it" and got up. 5 min. of brisk walking on the elliptical, 10 min. of stretching, 5 min. of cursing and digging out a hat and jacket because it is POURING RAIN, 20 min. of sixty seconds of running alternating with ninety seconds of walking.

Observations:
1) I really need a watch chronograph with a LIGHT. Because it is TOO DARK TO SEE IT.
2) I'm doing my running around the park behind our house, which has cement walks, which AIUI is the worst thing to run on. I was trying to land as lightly as I could, but I still have a little bit of what feels like jarring ouch in my right shin. I am not sure there's any other option at this time, because though running on the grass may be an option in warmer weather, when it's frozen and uneven (or muddy, like right now) it is even less of a win than cement.
3) Because it was raining, and therefore both warmer and more humid than it has been of late, I didn't have the icy-air-in-my-lungs issue to contend with. I'm sure I will before long. (It occurs to me, whether the saline nasal gel they recommend for Burning Man might not help?)

I have also made a deal with myself, that as long as I keep to my workout schedule, I can eat according to Phase 2 of South Beach (that is, some amount of whole grain bread and some fruit). If I schluff off, it's back to Strict Horrible Time until the next time I run.

Comments

[arkham1010.livejournal.com]

Get good running shoes and run on pavement. NOT CEMENT.

Running on roads is a lot easier than cement, trust me on this one.

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

I'm rilly rilly nervous about running on actual streets around here. Buncha crazy drivers.

[arkham1010.livejournal.com]

Run facing them, so if they are coming RIGHT AT YOU you can see it.

Wear something bright so they can see you too.

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

No, I know all those things, but I still don't trust 'em.

[tayefeth.livejournal.com]

All of which helps much more when the streets are wide enough for two real lanes of traffic and have sidewalks for escaping to in case of need. I've seen the streets near syringa, and they have neither width nor sidewalks.:-)

[(Anonymous)]

Ayr makes saline nasal gel and also a non-medicated saline nasal spray. You will find them in the nasal spray section of the drug store. I use them a lot in winter to prevent sinus problems (humid sinuses=happy sinuses).

Something else that I find helpful with icy air is covering my nose and mouth by wearing a ski mask type affair or just using a long scarf and pulling it up over my nose and mouth. When you exhale some moisture collects in the scarf and then when you breath in that moisture humidifies the dry air you are taking in.

Good for you for sticking with it!

Kathryn

[missionista.livejournal.com]

Ditto what Dave said. GET GOOD RUNNING SHOES. When they are new, they should make your feet feel like you are walking on air, no rubbing, or sore spots anywhere. This is ultra-important. Shin splints (any any other running related injuries) are no laughing matter. Reflective gear is always a good idea. Good running shoes will often have reflective patches on them.

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

How do I tell what running shoes are Good? I have a pair (which have reflectivey bits) but they are hand-offs (though very gently used ones) so I don't know if they're meant for this.

They are quite comfy. I can't say they're entirely like walking on air, but then, I can't say that about any shoes I've had, other than my big puffy "moon boot" snow boots I had as a kid.

[erinfinnegan.livejournal.com]

Hey! You should cross-post this to dietsquid!

> If I schluff off, it's back to Strict Horrible Time until the next time I run.

UHguhuhguhug Are you attempting a "Lifestyle Change" or is this a "Diet" in which diets are temporary? Because "Strict Horrible Time" is bad for everyone! I try to go with "Cautious, Reasonable, and Very Healthy", because being strict sucks. This is civilian life, not the marines!

[syringavulgaris.livejournal.com]

With South Beach, for the first two weeks you are supposed to stick to (non-starchy) veg and lean proteins. It's supposed to break you from your sugar/starch/processed food habits & addictions. But it's not actually getting you into a particular metabolic state or anything, just sort of shocking you back to what might in some lights be considered sane eating habits.

I really really hate that phase. I can do it, but I get so bloody sick of eggs for breakfast. I'm much happier in Phase 2.

[erinfinnegan.livejournal.com]

What's phase 3? Nevermind, I looked on wikipedia.

It sounds similar to the Weight Watchers "Core" plan wherein you eat until satisfied from a similar list of approved foods - except there aren't phases and you get like 35 miscellaneous "points" per week.