Monday, March 28, 2011

First Day of School

It's the first day of school today. I am taking 3 classes this quarter, which is a lot for grad level. Yikes! I am excited though because I don't have to teach. I leave for Canada this Wednesday for a conference - so much for the first week of classes. Heh heh. 

It is supposed to be really warm this next week, which means the trails should be nice and dry when I get back this Sunday. I tried to do a little trail run Friday but it ended up being a mud walk.. It was fun though - really worked my calf muscles trying to pull my feet out of the mud pits they sunk into. 

I have discovered that lots of stress puts individuals in one of three groups - those that work out with the same regularity, those that work out even more, and those that don’t work out at all. Unfortunately, I am definitely part of the “doesn't work out at all group”. During this quals prep I stopped running and got a bit out of "shape" and gained some weight. Now I hardly can jog up trails that I used to hit with no problem. I have got to remember to keep on going even if I am stressed and feel like I have no time. It helps immensely with the stress and when I am on the other side of whatever stressful event/time crunch I will feel better about myself.  

Either way, I am where I am now and I just got to suck it up and get back out there. Now that I have more time on the weekends I am going to start running little races again. I don't think I am quite ready to run a half marathon but definitely some 5 and 10Ks, which would be awesome. 

It seems most everyone either runs half or full marathons but if anyone has suggestions of some fun races that are 5 or 10K length I am interested!! :D 

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the comment on my blog. I wish I lived where it never snowed!! Ugh I am so over winter!! I fall into that same category when I am stressed most of the time. I have a really hard time running when I am too stressed. Good luck getting back into it!

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  2. If I don't have something specific that I'm training for, stress makes it hard for me to get out and run/work out. It's ironic, since like you said it helps you deal better with stress. At least you remember what it's like to tackle those hills with ease and you know what it takes to get back there. Good luck, and have a great trip!

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  3. Hi Kate. Boy you are busy! If you are back in town, April 16th is the last of the OC Chili Runs. It is about a 5 mile trail run http://www.bookthatevent.com/Trail_Run/Home.html

    One of my favorites that I run every year, but not sure this year, is The Navy's Bay Bridge Run. It's about 4 miles and goes over San Diego's Coronado Bay Bridge. You end on Coronado island and either take the ferry or bus back (May 15 http://mwrtoday.com/bridgerun)

    Hope you enjoy the conference.

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  4. Hey Mallory! I am glad to be back reading! I think a lot of people are done with winter... My friend Judi is really over it I think. :) I think the reason I have a hard time running when stressed is because my mind can't let go over what I am worried about which is usually time. Then I keep thinking I am wasting time running and I don't enjoy myself at all. Ugh. I don't know how to get out of that. :P

    Hope you are enjoying your new place. :D

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  5. Me too Kate.

    I feel like I stick to it more (even when stressed) if I have something coming up. Ha! I think it is because I am scared of the later pain that I will have to endure because no way would I miss a race if I paied for it!

    Thanks for visiting. =]

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  6. Thanks for the suggestions Lauren!

    I signed up for the OC Chili Run! It is my first trail race ever so that is awesome. :D I wasn't able to sign up for the one on May 15th because I will be out of town but that one looks really beautiful too.

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  7. Aw, good luck with school, girl.

    And have a safe trip to Canada!

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  8. I know it's hard to fit it all in when you're so busy - especially when you have nothing to train for (waving hand high in the air!) - you'll get focused and work it in - you will!

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