Being a Social Psychology major in both my undergraduate and graduate university programs, my mind is often geared toward understanding the psychological underpinnings of the mind and body. I love research, I love statistics (so you should expect to see many a poll on this blog!), and I love understanding why we do what we do and how we can do it better.
We have all heard of the mind-body connection- how the power of our thoughts can influence how we actually feel physically. When I run, I get a taste of this connection.
For a while, I expected that I would need to walk every so often during my runs. I even had a few places on my route that I would stop each time to ‘catch my breath’. What I discovered (as well as Caitlin on See Bride Run), is that if you tell yourself you don’t actually need to walk, you can often ride it out. Running is a mental challenge more than anything. If we truly accomplished what we were capable of it would be astonishing. Often, our minds are our greatest hurdle to overcome.
So this morning I set out on a run before work. It was early, warm (10C/50F), and foggy. As I ran the fog lifted and the sun peaked through the mist. I decided before I set off on my 5.5 mile run that I would not stop and walk today. I have been conditioning my body with cardiovascular workouts for a while and I should have the stamina to do it just fine.
And guess what? I could do it. The toughest parts were at the top of the 2 big hills…I was gasping for breath, but I adjusted my pace to a slow jog while I recovered and I was fine. The run took me 50 minutes.
Afterward, I decided to skip the elevator ride and walked up a long 24 flights of stairs (5 mins). As you can see below, my building doesn’t have a floor 4, 13, 14, and 24 due to superstitions! I live in a highly Asian area and the number 4 is supposed to be bad luck, similar to the number 13 in our Western culture. I find it quite amusing. :)
This photo was taking when I left for work!
My blister popped on my run (sorry for the grossness!) and my whole run was quite painful as a result. I really need to make an appointment with a podiatrist and get some insoles made for my over-pronating feet!
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Eric (my husband) has been doing amazing with eating healthy for the past several months. He exclaimed to me today,
‘Guess what, I weighed in at this morning?….171 pounds!’ (He’s 6’2″)
He showed me his pants and they are huge on him now! He is back to his highschool weight.
I jokingly said, ‘Well, you better not get skinnier than me!’
Then Eric said with a devislish grin, ‘I already AM! I’m a skinny BITCH.’
hahahahahaha….. :D Oh how I laughed.
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Hope you take some time to smell the roses (err…Ikea fake flowers!?) :D
I am not a US Citizen but if I could vote in today’s election I SO WOULD! Get out there and have your say!