Today I went for my usual Monday morning beach run.
I’ve been enjoying these lately for two reasons. One is I’ve been lazy doing 20 min. interval runs which involve grueling sprints in the sand, and instead opt for 30 min. “zen” runs. (basically a comfortable jog)
Secondly I’m enjoying every waking second I’m not attached to some kind of technology lately. If you want me, you’re gonna have to chase after me….muahahahahaha.
But today I decided I needed to get back to some intervals, and it SUCKED!
I was already cranky when I woke up because I have a major kink in my neck and can’t turn my head to the right. Then either my legs or feet weren’t quite functioning and I rolled my big toe in the sand at least 5 times during the run. (I apologize to the residents of Hermosa Beach for swearing loudly) The air was thicker than usual and flies hovered around the washed-up seaweed from the current enormous surf. Yuck! And it was the first time in a very long time that the sprint made me nauseous. Hot mess!
At the end of my run I did what any self-respecting wanna be athlete would do, I had a good cry and yelled at the dolphins swimming nearby for being “so f*cking happy!” Luckily tears merge successfully with sweat and an already red face so unless you make the “ugly cry” you can disguise it pretty well.
I think it’s the culmination of just not feeling, um, great the last month or so. I swear this happens to me every single fall for some reason.
Part of it is fall allergies, but I’ve had other things thrown into the mix like an achy back, stress from having so much to do, and just a general feeling of malaise. (I think that word is funny so I had to throw it in there)
So after my pity party I apologized to the dolphins, then I came to the conclusion that these cathartic moments are necessary wake up calls to reexamine what is working and not working in my life currently.
It’s like with the changing of the seasons you’re somewhat nudged forced into changing as well as to not get stagnant.
One of the little things I’m trying is to gain is more energy, and hopefully change my cravings for everything carb-o-licious and chocolately lately. (mmmmmm bread….)
So I had a surprisingly good and filling Green Monster Smoothie for lunch today, and I’m really trying hard to incorporate more yoga into my workouts to get my back/core back in shape and hopefully relieve a little bit of this stress I’m feeling.
And a big one is to make a list of all the energy drainers and gainers currently in my life and get rid of as many of the drainers as possible.
And I’m also trying hard to not get into any new shows on TV so I can free up some time to read that stack of un-read books on my coffee table. Although I do love the new show, Up All Night.
Anyway, just a start.
Anyone else go through major physical/mental/carb-tastic changes when Fall rolls around?
Oh girl, I feel you. I blew off my speedwork at the track last week and now I’m DREADING it, and I don’t have your flies and sand and seaweed smell to deal with. Although I also don’t have your dolphins to verbally abuse, either. *sigh*
Hang in there…seasonal transitions are tough, as are life transitions, and it sounds like you’re dealing with a little of both. I say have bread and chocolate in moderation and just focus on what to ADD to your diet, not what to deny yourself. And if all else fails and you really need a lifestyle appreciation gut check, come on up here and visit me and Shelly in the 50-degree drizzle.