On The Benefits of Following Directions

So it's been almost four weeks since I started training with the PortlandFit running club. This past Saturday, I ran five miles for the first time in many, many years. Like, decades. Parts of it were slow and ugly, but I didn't do the things I most feared: stop and walk; vomit; cry. I had kick left at the end and a smile on my face.

I've re-learned a few things about myself in this short time. In no particular order:

1. I like someone else telling me what to do, if they know more than I do. And the coaches at PortlandFit definitely know more than I do about running. The online training schedule orders me around during the week; there's no thinking involved on my part (although there is occasionally procrastination...).

2. I like the sense of accomplishment that comes from follow-through. This, more than anything else, has kept me on track with the three solo runs during the week. My daily life is so scattered and unpredictable. Every day's schedule, no matter how nicely worked out on paper the night before, is one second away from being demolished by kids, elderly animals, laundry, carpool emergencies, client deadlines, and writer's block. If I knock out the run early in the day, everything else is easier to deal with.

3. I like running in a group, even though I consider myself an introvert, a loner, and an anti-social menopausal broad. The energy of everyone else keeps me going.

4. Finally, I like how running makes me feel: happy. And that alone is enough to keep me going for five miles.

Portland Fit to the Rescue!

Wow. Bronchitis, more bronchitis, several disgusting viruses, another bout of bronchial grossness, and before you know it, months have passed and you're staring at your thighs thinking WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO YOU GUYS?

Well, things are about to return to normal. I'm finally back in my running shoes, thanks mostly to the wonderful people at Portland Fit, motto: "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch." Given how many days I've spent on the couch, coughing my head off, this is the sort of realistic approach I need right now.

The 2013 program is just getting started. Today was my first day running with this enormous group of runners and walkers of all ages (oldest: 83!) and abilities, from sub-8 minute miles to...well, to the rest of us, including a huge group of plus-10 minute milers. That's me, for now, and I'm just happy to be moving again.

Most people are training for half- or full marathons. HA! I just want to increase my speed in the 5K and run a couple of 10K races this year. 5K will always be my favorite, but I'm curious to see how my ankles hold out at a longer distance.

I ran for a while today with a woman who is 58. She started running when she was 55 and gave herself a goal of running 60 races before she turns 60. Here's the wild part: half of those races have to be marathons. She's more than halfway to her goal--go, Karen! I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines. Or from the couch.

If you're in the Portland area, you can still join Portland Fit for 2013. Click the link above and get started.

My run today: 3.3 miles in about 30 minutes. I accidentally hit my stopwatch button at about 27.00, so it's a guess.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Team DesCamp has bronchitis and has been suffering OH HOW I SUFFER for more than a week. Also the dog is suffering because: no long walks. Good thing she enjoys chasing a ball thrown out into the back forty. Bad thing the rest of the family is so busy with work/school/sports that the dog is dependent on me for entertainment.

Weight lifting workouts consist mostly of lifting tissues to my nose. Running has been replaced with being dragged up and down the trails by an impatient dog.

Next week: Back on the track of world domination!

Monday, September 10, 2012: In Which Team DesCamp Whines

Sudden onset last night of sore throat, sneezing, coughing, body aches. Dog needs to be walked. Looming copywriting deadline demands attention and focus. Focus is in short supply, as are inspiration, creativity, and grasp of grammar and punctuation.

Today's workout: throwing the ball for Dog, if she's lucky, lifting endless cups of tea, and throwing together something resembling dinner for those hungry teenage girls and their dad.

End of August!

So these posts are pretty boring, huh? I run, I lift weights, I get a new doggie and find out that her idea of a walk is actually a really swift jog-trot and that I need to be wearing my running shoes when I walk her.

Anyway, this is Emma. She's terrific and goofy and loves to eat and snuggle. Typical golden retriever. She's got dog toys scattered all over the downstairs and she's only been with us for six hours. I think it's love!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Yes, I have been AWOL from posting, but not from working out. Several days of weights and running at the end of last week. Then we headed over to Central Oregon for a short family vacation at Black Butte Ranch. My workouts were...relaxed, which is certainly NOT code for "non-existent." Biking, canoeing, hanging by the pool, and one single, solitary, gorgeous evening run combined with tons of sunshine to make a perfect vacation.

Arrived home late Wednesday night, lifted weights Thursday, and am planning a 5K jog with Kat tonight.

Tomorrow we meet a new doggie! Our old golden retriever, Sunny, died three months ago, and we have a very large dog-sized hole in this home. The new doggie, Emma, is around 9 years old and very active--loves to hike and run and chase balls and jump in and out of streams. We'll have to see how she does around the cats but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she's the one for us.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Swim team is so great. I love driving carpool, because the track is just sitting there staring at me while the kids are in the pool and HELLO why would I not run? Okay, sometimes I sit and read and put off running as long as possible. But not today, Zurg! Today I was awesome!

a) 1 mile easy (10 minute pace, if you're timing, which of course I was)

b) 11 repeats up and down the stadium stairs (a total of 1056 steps and about 7 minutes, if you're counting, which of course I was)

c) 1/4 mile medium-hard (8 minute pace)

d) 1 minute walk

Repeat c & d for a total of 1 mile medium-hard

e) And end with another 1056 steps

I know it's only 2 miles total and then the stair running, but it is a hell of a workout and I felt so great afterward.

Tomorrow: grunge garage weights and then a few more hours of blackberry cane eradication.