First up and most importantly:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OSGMOM!!!!!!!!
She is beautiful, caring, thoughtful, loving, funny, charming, and very generous. Despite our conflicts when I was a teenager, my mom and I have now grown into best friends. She supports me in whatever I do and she is my probably my biggest Oh She Glows fan, reading every comment and always telling me her thoughts on whatever the topic may be.
She is currently in L.A. about to embark on a wonderful birthday cruise of the French Polynesian…lucky lady!
She will be spreading the Operation Beautiful message everywhere she goes and documenting pictures of it too. I can’t wait to see them.
Love you mom! xo
~~~~
I completely forgot to mention this, but last week our beloved Canon 30D SLR + Macro lens + external flash was dropped on our hardwood floor.
It was straight out of a horror film. I saw Eric reach for the camera, he fumbled it like a bad pass in football, and then there was a huge smash on the floor. We both uttered a few curse words and stood there in complete shock. I think a single, quivering tear dropped from my face as Eric picked it up and assessed the damage.
I still wasn’t breathing at this point. He tried to turn it on and the screen read ERROR. Still not
breathing.
Being the technology genius that he is, he decided to remove the macro lens and snap it back into place. Once he did this, the error message was gone and it was working again. It has been fine ever since (knock on wood), but boy did that give us a scare! Canon cameras are STRONG. Whenever I get emails from readers asking me about cameras I always suggest Canon.
I was able to resume my normal blog photos of Sketchie…and he carried on with Project Hibernate.
I have also had my point-and-shoot Canon Powershot SD800 for about 4 years now. It has suffered a ton of hardships- drops, food particles, water, etc. and it still works like a charm! The best part is the price has dropped over $200 since we got ours 4 years ago.
~~~~
Changing Up Exercise: How Often Do You Do It?
A while back, I did a post asking you how you define a rest day. It was a really interesting topic and I loved reading everyone’s thoughts!
Well, today I wanted to talk about changing up exercise.
After my half marathon a week and a half ago, I told myself that I would give my body as much time as it needed away from running. My legs had one heck of a summer- a 10k, 10 miler, and 2 half marathons within 4 months.
It was a lot to chew and I knew that.
However over the past 1.5 weeks, I have been struggling with a few things:
1) I have been feeling quite sluggish, yet I don’t feel ready to dive into exercise.
2) I have been wondering if I need to change what I am doing for exercise.
Running has taken up a large part of my life and has consumed 100% of my activity over the past 4 months. Training for races takes a lot of time and it did not leave me for any free time to pursue activities like strength training or yoga. It was actually a miracle that I found the time to train despite being so busy with everything.
I have been asking myself- Maybe this is a chance to try out something new and back off running a bit.
Maybe I can try yoga again and just focus on yoga. Or maybe I can do strength training and really stick with a schedule. Maybe I can use my free pass at the gym and do some non-impact stuff. There are so many wonderful activities out there that I have not been doing and I think it may be time to change it up!
I am guessing at this point you are probably asking yourself…so what is the problem, Ange?
Well, the problem is that I have been feeling guilt over it.
I have been feeling guilt about:
1) taking this exercise break, and
2) considering taking a (longer) break from running.
Crazy thoughts have entered my mind like…
- Maybe I am not a real runner if I take a break from it?
- What will happen to my training, my endurance, my speed?
In reality, I know that taking a break from running is not the end of the world. I have prior experience of course with my injury last Winter. I also know that my anxiety from taking exercise breaks is in large part due to my disordered eating and compulsive exercising in the past. It is sort of like that voice that never goes away, even though I find that I do a pretty good job silencing it for the most part. It is still there occasionally telling me I need to do this, this, and that or ‘x’ will happen.
Well anyway, last night I did my first 15 minutes of yoga since I-don’t-know-when.
And it felt amazing!!!!
I did the P90X YOGA DVD (first time) and started off slow with just 15 minutes (in the dark!). I actually really enjoyed it.
You know what else this told me?
I have been neglecting my flexibility way too much. My muscles are so stiff it is unbelievable. I have also been having back and shoulder pain from baking and packaging all day. My muscles have been crying out in pain from all the abuse! So I really think it is time that I addressed this aspect of my fitness.
For once in my life, I feel excited about the possibility of practicing yoga and trying something new without the pressures of scheduling a million other exercise goals into my calendar.
I think it may be time for a change- for now anyways!
Despite my anxieties, I am going to go with it and listen to my body. And right now my body is looking for a different approach to fitness.
~~~
Do you go through phases in your exercise or chosen activities? Do you change it up or decide when it is time for something new??
Well, this post was ummm….a bit verbose. I think I am due for a Wordless Wednesday, no??? haha ;)
Happy Hump-day!!!!
Don’t forget this is your last chance to enter the Garmin Forerunner Charity raffle!! It is for a great cause so submit your entry today!! :) They are due by midnight!
Also it is your last chance to vote in the Foodbuzz Nominations! Please vote for your favourite bloggers!!!!
i just recently finished training and racing my last 22km run of the year in september with a personal best record of 1:45, it did not come without a lot of hard work and pain. i’ve had plantar faciitis for about 6 months now, and its been a month since i’ve stopped running, and the pain is completely gone! i had promised myself months ago that after i finished my last race of the year i would take a good 2 month break from running for both physical and mental rest. i still do cardio 6 days a week, but i’ve been doing high intensity cardio classes at the gym and 2 yoga classes a week. Don’t get me wrong, i LOVE running and racing, but i think taking a break once in awhile and changing it up and then getting back into it (i start training for a full marathon in january) will make me appreciate it more! plus you’d be surprised how much more motivating it is to change up the routine, i’ve really been looking forward to my classes and realizing how much i missed yoga! i think all working all these other muscles will really help prepare me and make a me a stronger runner once i get back into it.
Have you ever tried Bikram? It was one of the first things I tried when I had to stop running bc of my hip injury–and it was one of the only forms of exercise that made me feel as good (though in an entirely different way) as running did. I felt the same guilt in the past when I’d take time off to do more low-key elliptical training–but I think ultimately if you push yourself too hard with running, you’ll fall out of love with it. The best runs are always those that you’re eager to get out and do–so why not switch up your exercise and run when you crave it?
First of all, Happy B-day OSG mom!!!!!
In response to your exercise question, I know the feeling. When I take breaks (which are not often) I get a revisit of that voice too. I would say if you want a break from running, it is probably good to do that for a while. If you feel the need to exercise in other ways try yoga, strength training or boxing (I am starting boxing classes with some of my girlfriends!!!)
Happy Birthday to your mom!
Your cat is so beautiful btw… I love that picture :)
I definitely get bored if all I do is run and do strength training. Sometimes I just don’t have the time to do anything else and it definitely makes it harder for me to motivate myself to exercise.
Last year I was able to do bikram yoga once a week, spinning once a week, run 2 times a week and do the shred 1-2 times a week as well, and I was always looking forward to exercising!
I never switch unfortunately. I keep saying I’m going to do yoga or spinning, but running is SO Easy and my first love. I know my body could use a break though. I almost went to the gym this am and didn’t. So will be another 3 or 4 mile run day can’t remember the last workout day I did something except run. I did get a walk in does that count? LOL
I have been an on again off again runner for about 9 years. Every time I take a break I feel okay with it. I can usually convince myself that other activites are just as good as running and I truly believe that as long as you are doin SOMETHING it’s all good. ButI get what I call a runner’s itch. I just want to run or train for something again. So I end up building my milage back to a 5k and go from there. Find what works for you, it’s the only way you’ll stick with it!
I totally know what you mean about feeling “guilty”. Whenever I rest or do yoga, I feel like I haven’t done anything. Recently, I am switching up my routine and adding in yoga. I hate it, but am trying to learn to love it…or at least do it without “the dread”. I love the P90X yoga, it’s so tough!!
Its a great idea to take a break from your usual routine once in awhile. I think not only does this let your overworked muscles a rest but it gives you a chance to try something new which in part also will start training and working out different muscles that maybe haven’t been used in awhile. Taking a small break from running will let ya try something new and fun and then your body can rest and be super energized and ready to get back into running whenever you want to! Taking a break is just temporary so no harm=) Plus in training for long distance events they will say its good to train hard for 5 weeks or so and just take the 6th week off to recover, then start your training again. So just listen to your body, have fun, work hard, rest up and keep on rocking girl!!! Enjoy yoga! its a blast=)
It is great to change it up! I got really tired of walk/running and kickboxing so I dove into 90 minute hot yoga. Boy that woke me up and now my arm muscles are popping out! Just because you take a break from running doesn’t mean you aren’t hard core. Your knees will thank you for the break! My favorite Ayurveda practitioner told me “if you want to keep your knees young, stop running so much.”
I have decided to spice up my fitness by training for triathlons and getting my family involved in a race when I go and visit in Nov.
That P90X yoga is so hard! I have been doing it once a week for the past month and I have felt myself getting a bit stronger and more flexible each time. I am usually completely wiped out by the end of the 90 minutes. :)
Ange, you are speaking my mind. It is crazy.
Like yourself, I suffered from disordered eating and exercise compulsion. Although making the decision to listen to my body, mind, and soul (in regards to food and exercise) was one of the best decisions to make, it is also the hardest.
Figuring out how to balance exercise without overdoing and how to eat without counting every last calorie is a struggle. Turning that OFF switch to off is HARD WORK. But hooray for us! We have come so far.
Having said that, YES I go through phases. Right now, I’m in college and am very fortunate to have exercise classes free at my disposal so mixing it up isn’t hard. I do spinning, kickboxing, yoga, etc.
Right now, I am in love with Physique 57. Kelly Ripa does that workout and I totally admire her STRENGTH. Physique 57 is amazing. It targets every spot on your body using a ballet bar, playground ball, exercise mat, and weights. Definitely look into it if you’re looking for something new. I feel so strong and ABLE every time I finish.
Good luck, Ange. Hope to hear from you! It’s amazing to read a fellow recoveree; you keep me going!
Love,
Heather
P.S. – Mama OSG is gorgeous inside and out!
I had a hold my breath camera moment while in Colorado. Hunni lost it and it had all our pics from the trip plus old ones we had not uploaded yet. I was so mad and we searched everywhere for it in the park we were walking in to no avail. We were upset and were trying to figure out how to purchase another. Then we got in our car and it was on the back seat. We know he had it with him in the park because he was getting read to take a pic at one point. But by God’s grace it appeared in our car. Big sighs of relief all around.
I have a hard time changing up my workouts. I like to get into a grove and then keep doing it. But i really need to change it up because all the running I was doing was not good for my body. Now I just need to convince my brain of the same thing.
You are off to a great start with an amazing conscious mind that seems to be very honest. I personally have changed my routine after 6 months of being a gym rat. It was so damn boring. I signed up for three 1-day a week classes this season Monday-Belly Dancing, Wednesday – Low Impact Aerobics & Thursday – Yoga. I chose 2 other days to do 30 minutes of cardio and 30min of strength training. This is what is keeping me sane these days, hope it helps
Happy bday to yo momma!!!! You two are so gorg :D I had mayja anxiety about switching up my workout in Boston, like not being able to go to my old fave gym and tkb classes! Even though i still miss that, I think the switch up has been really good for me, in terms of listening to my body, going for walks, doing strength training, and being all around easier on myself.
I just had this exact same thing happen. I had committed to 30 days of crossfit workouts. I was loving them and felt great, but after 40 days and 17 workouts, I was not feeling it. Although I had committed to 30 days, I knew it was time for a change in order to stay motivated. I think you are wise to do exactly what you are doing! xoxo
Angela, we share some of the same struggles. You are farther along in your battles, though, or it seems that way. I am in treatment (and recovery!) from anorexia with some tints of bulimia. I was a hugely compulsive exerciser, and taking a break is HARD. In the past year (which also was very healthy in terms of breaking the hold of ED on me) I ran 2 5ks, 2 10ks, and a sprint triathlon. I have/had my sights set on a half…but I may need to rethink things. I tweaked one of my hips while training for the tri, and now am off of running. I hate it…and yet, the idea of limping through the second half of a run is not an alluring one. My body is forcing me to listen to it, and when I listen, I never regret it.
Also, if you’re worried about a performance decline, maybe this will encourage you — because I do other forms of cardio and sculpting in addition to running, I was far more fit than my competitors in the triathlon. So much so that I was able to fly by my competitors on my MOUNTAIN BIKE (they were using much speedier road bikes) ON AN UPHILL INCLINE. I count that accomplishment as the result of cross-training and shaking things up.
You are so brave! Isn’t is strange to think that for some of us taking a break is so much more scary than doing a marathon/triathlon/pick-your-own-extreme-adventure?? Thanks for sharing this today. It was just what I needed.
Do not feel guilty about easing off your running routine. If your goal is to run a marathon, then, yes, running is a necessity. If, however, your goal is to stay in shape and feel good, then you should do whatever it is that allows you to do so. If you are fit, once you decide to return to running you will find that can return to your previous level much sooner than you think. Your muscles will remember!
I know just how you feel! Last year I ran a half marathon at the end of November, and afterwards my body was begging for a break from running! I live in Pennsylvania and it was cold and dark, and the thought of going outside was enough to make running unenjoyable! I took a hiatus until the beginning of March when I started training for a 10 miler. It was a GREAT decision because it allowed me to run when I FELT like it. You don’t have to altogether stop running, but give yourself permission to only do it when you WANT to!!
In the meantime, you will be amazed at how much your body can be affected by a few different exercises! Yoga is my favorite! (check out yogaisyummy.com and heathereatsalmondbutter.com for a little inspiration) I also rely on Jillian Michaels dvds for those days that I don’t want to leave the house, or I will hop on an elliptical to just break a sweat. Have fun mixing it up!!
Happy birthday to your mum!! I hope she has an AMAZING day, filled with love and happiness :)
You shouldn’t feel bad about taking a running break. Your body calls for it, so you’re right in feeling you should listen to it.
Maybe you could try something like swimming? I personally hate swimming, but if I couldn’t run for a while, this would be my exercise of choice. Yoga IS very very good. So is Pilates.
You could do some Jillian Michaels workouts 3-4 days a week?
Or do some fun classes at the gym? My most enjoyable workouts have been the ones they offer in classes at the gym.