As any high school student in Utah will know, Fitness for Life is one of several classes that are state-mandated for graduation. When I was a sophomore, I deemed that class unimportant and opted to take other classes instead. Unfortunately, as a result of that, I am now a senior in my last semester of high school faced with completely the class online or being unable to graduate with my classmates. I would start a petition against it if I was more motivated. Alas, I'm stuck ranting about my woes here instead. You all have my sincerest apologies.
Why Fitness for Life is Silly and I Shouldn't Have to Take It (In class or online):
-I run 50+ miles a week already. If that hasn't helped me on my way to fitness, I don't think 30 minutes a day doing bicep curls or walking the indoor track at my school is going to either.
-Too much exercise does not a good competitor make. While all of my opponents are focused entirely on their running, I have to give up excess energy trying to meet the requirements for this class. And it breaks my heart.
-I'm on a pretty strict training schedule, and 99.9% of the exercises prescribed for Fitness for Life are not on the regimen. I am a long-distance runner. Typically, this type of athlete trains to be smaller, quicker and build lean muscle, not bulk up. Right now, I am on a unit that requires me to find out my bench press max and other similar things, then do repetitions of said exercises. These exercises are of no use to me, and it embarrasses me to see how little my skinny arms are capable of lifting.
-Again, I'm a distance athlete, and have been for the last four years. My coaches believe in being a student of your sport and researching the best ways to eat, sleep, train and live. If I haven't learned by now the difference between cardio and strength training, I think I'm doing something wrong.
Let this be a lesson to you, sophomores. Just get your classes over with when you should. Maybe don't wait until the last semester of high school.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Running Is Awesome
Many times in my life, I've been asked the question, "But why do you run?". Often, the asker will receive some manner of sarcastic response like "Because I like to eat" or "I didn't have the coordination for basketball". But really, the answer is so much more complicated, and simple at the same time.
I run because it makes me happy. Because it's fun. Because it makes me feel strong. I run because running makes me so much more than I am. It has helped me to meet the most amazing people, travel all over the country, and receive amazing opportunities for college. It helps me to set huge goals for myself in the future, and dream of things that could never come to pass had I not befriended running my freshman year.
Of course, running will always have its ups and downs. There will always be days when you wake up and think of all the things you could be doing instead. But the ability to work through those days and push oneself to go the extra mile (Literally. Ha ha. Someone needs to stop me from making these terrible jokes) even when it's the last thing you want to do is what separates the rising stars from the has-beens. The people who go on to win championships from the people who had a good few years when they were younger, but faded quickly from glory. Overcoming those days or weeks or months when you feel overtrained or get injured or just don't feel like it is a difficult journey. Not everyone makes it to the end, but for those who do, it is always worth it. There are trials in almost everything. What's important is developing the strength of will to overcome them.
I run because it makes me happy. Because it's fun. Because it makes me feel strong. I run because running makes me so much more than I am. It has helped me to meet the most amazing people, travel all over the country, and receive amazing opportunities for college. It helps me to set huge goals for myself in the future, and dream of things that could never come to pass had I not befriended running my freshman year.
Of course, running will always have its ups and downs. There will always be days when you wake up and think of all the things you could be doing instead. But the ability to work through those days and push oneself to go the extra mile (Literally. Ha ha. Someone needs to stop me from making these terrible jokes) even when it's the last thing you want to do is what separates the rising stars from the has-beens. The people who go on to win championships from the people who had a good few years when they were younger, but faded quickly from glory. Overcoming those days or weeks or months when you feel overtrained or get injured or just don't feel like it is a difficult journey. Not everyone makes it to the end, but for those who do, it is always worth it. There are trials in almost everything. What's important is developing the strength of will to overcome them.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Mother Nature Mood Swings
I think I got far too lucky last week, as it was about 50 degrees when I ran every day. Most of the week, I was running in short shorts and a t-shirt. Today, I woke up to about three inches of snow. Since then, its dumped about another three or four inches.
My schedule for the last two weeks, and again this week, has been pretty relaxed. I do runs for time rather than distance four days a week, a tempo run one day, and fartleks another. It's been really nice to be slowly introduced back into running at my own pace, rather than thrown right back into intervals or repeats the first and second week back.
Also, I've determined that I really am a runner. I had a nightmare last night that had me waking up in a cold sweat, completely terrified. In this nightmare, I was adding up my weekly mileage for my training log and only got up to 45 miles. I know, it's horrifying. I had to immediately run to my notebook and double check that I had actually broken 50.
My schedule for the last two weeks, and again this week, has been pretty relaxed. I do runs for time rather than distance four days a week, a tempo run one day, and fartleks another. It's been really nice to be slowly introduced back into running at my own pace, rather than thrown right back into intervals or repeats the first and second week back.
Also, I've determined that I really am a runner. I had a nightmare last night that had me waking up in a cold sweat, completely terrified. In this nightmare, I was adding up my weekly mileage for my training log and only got up to 45 miles. I know, it's horrifying. I had to immediately run to my notebook and double check that I had actually broken 50.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Life Goals (And 2015 Goals Too, I Guess)
Since the cliché for bloggers everywhere seems to be to share their goals for the new year, I figured I was not exempt. So, here they are.
Goals for 2015:
-Set a new personal record in both the 1600 and the 3200
-Try steeplechase without tripping over the barrier and becoming the next embarrassing YouTube sensation
-Qualify for a post-season meet, like the New Balance Nationals or the Dream Mile
-Don't complain about the 800 a single time-Technically this is a repeat of last year's, but my coaches and teammates seemed to appreciate it, so I thought I'd give it another try
-Don't drink half a gallon of chocolate milk in less than an hour. Seriously, don't. It's a terrible idea. That much dairy at once...well, it leaves one feeling like a dead slug. Not that I would know.
-Don't annoy my competitors too much. This means no singing on the starting line, no telling strangers how badly you need to pee, and absolutely no lame dad jokes.
-Stop treating my body like a trash receptacle with legs. I should not be putting whatever delicious, salty snacks I want in my face. I am a runner. I must occasionally eat leafy greens and protein. I'm not going to say that I'll stop with the ice cream and cookies completely. Just that I'll try to slow down my consumption.
Life Goals:
-Become an athletic trainer or coach for young runners
-Write for Runner's World. Even if it's just one article. Or an ad. I'd even take an ad. I actually really want to write for Runner's World. I would even be down to do small youth articles for them right now. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to contact the folks in charge, and even if I did, I have no idea how I would convince them to let me write things for them.
-Keep running forever. Or, you know, as long as I can. I would love to run past college, especially as a sponsored runner. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what the future holds.
-Break 2:00 in the 800m. (Hopefully it still counts if I do it on a motorized vehicle)
So, you lovely internet strangers, for my last life goal, I'm going to need some help from all of you. I would like to get a start writing about my running for an audience, and for that I need your feedback. I would love to hear your thoughts about my posts, about your own training, about what you would like to hear more about, about just about anything. You can also feel free to learn more about my running or submit feedback through my Instagram account, @alysinwonderlnd
Bless all your beautiful little souls. May 2015 be a year of many personal records, not so many ice baths, and at least one big cookie for all of you.
Goals for 2015:
-Set a new personal record in both the 1600 and the 3200
-Try steeplechase without tripping over the barrier and becoming the next embarrassing YouTube sensation
-Qualify for a post-season meet, like the New Balance Nationals or the Dream Mile
-Don't complain about the 800 a single time-Technically this is a repeat of last year's, but my coaches and teammates seemed to appreciate it, so I thought I'd give it another try
-Don't drink half a gallon of chocolate milk in less than an hour. Seriously, don't. It's a terrible idea. That much dairy at once...well, it leaves one feeling like a dead slug. Not that I would know.
-Don't annoy my competitors too much. This means no singing on the starting line, no telling strangers how badly you need to pee, and absolutely no lame dad jokes.
-Stop treating my body like a trash receptacle with legs. I should not be putting whatever delicious, salty snacks I want in my face. I am a runner. I must occasionally eat leafy greens and protein. I'm not going to say that I'll stop with the ice cream and cookies completely. Just that I'll try to slow down my consumption.
Life Goals:
-Become an athletic trainer or coach for young runners
-Write for Runner's World. Even if it's just one article. Or an ad. I'd even take an ad. I actually really want to write for Runner's World. I would even be down to do small youth articles for them right now. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to contact the folks in charge, and even if I did, I have no idea how I would convince them to let me write things for them.
-Keep running forever. Or, you know, as long as I can. I would love to run past college, especially as a sponsored runner. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what the future holds.
-Break 2:00 in the 800m. (Hopefully it still counts if I do it on a motorized vehicle)
So, you lovely internet strangers, for my last life goal, I'm going to need some help from all of you. I would like to get a start writing about my running for an audience, and for that I need your feedback. I would love to hear your thoughts about my posts, about your own training, about what you would like to hear more about, about just about anything. You can also feel free to learn more about my running or submit feedback through my Instagram account, @alysinwonderlnd
Bless all your beautiful little souls. May 2015 be a year of many personal records, not so many ice baths, and at least one big cookie for all of you.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Treadmill Running
As temperatures have been dropping around my hometown, and my body seems to think it is a lizard and shut down when it gets too cold, I elected to do several of my runs on a treadmill this week. For me, treadmill runs usually follow a specific pattern. The first 5-10 minutes are nice. Then I start to get all antsy and consider running a mile or two outside then coming back in and finishing my workout. But I soon remember that it is -12 outside, and that I'm not exactly dressing for that kind of weather for any length of time. So I settle in and watch whatever work of cinematography I've selected to keep the monotony of running 40+ minutes on the same stretch of rubber at bay.
This week, I actually did treadmill runs on three different days. I also broke my record for number of miles run on a treadmill in a day by four miles. I wasn't entirely sure whether I should be proud of myself or just go lie day with a cinnamon roll and season seven of House for the rest of the day.
Being on the treadmill, I also had more time to think while running and set some goals for the next season. I'm excited to try steeplechase this year, and I'd like to go to lots more big-name meets. Usually, I just go to Arcadia. This year, I'll probably go to that along with Chandler Rotary, and hopefully some post-season invitationals.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
I Am a Slug
This Monday, I got to go for a run again. I was expecting euphoria. After two weeks off, this was a long-anticipated event. And it very nearly killed me. I was told to only run 40 minutes a day for this first week back. When I heard that, I was surprised. I typically run around 50 miles a week. 40 minutes a day would probably average out to around 30. "I'll probably end up doing more than that." I told myself. "Running is the best."
Day 1 proved me wrong. Trudging through those five miles, I suddenly realized how people might sometimes hate running. My lungs burned. My sad little legs quivered. I felt like a middle-aged obese asthmatic. And when I got home, I consumed unholy amounts of chocolate and holiday-themed desserts. It was no doubt horrifying to behold. But, for some reason, as I always do, I found myself back on the roads for the rest of the week. That's the great thing about running. It might suck sometimes, but it doesn't suck forever. And 99.9% of the time when it doesn't feel like Satan jabbing your legs with little pitchforks, it is the best feeling in the world.
Day 1 proved me wrong. Trudging through those five miles, I suddenly realized how people might sometimes hate running. My lungs burned. My sad little legs quivered. I felt like a middle-aged obese asthmatic. And when I got home, I consumed unholy amounts of chocolate and holiday-themed desserts. It was no doubt horrifying to behold. But, for some reason, as I always do, I found myself back on the roads for the rest of the week. That's the great thing about running. It might suck sometimes, but it doesn't suck forever. And 99.9% of the time when it doesn't feel like Satan jabbing your legs with little pitchforks, it is the best feeling in the world.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
End of the Year Breaks
At the end of every season, my coach has me take about two weeks off before starting training for the next season. The cycle of these breaks typically goes something like this.
First, you have a sense of relief. You get fourteen whole days to rest and relax before you hit the trails again. Since these breaks shortly come after Nike Nationals or the Utah state track meet, the first few days give you a chance to recover. For me, it is the first time in about seven months that I have taken time off.
Next, you begin to get a little antsy. You hit the gym to try to get rid of some of that excess energy. You desperately cram homework into the time slots that running used to fill. You frantically cling to your sanity and pray that you will last until the end of this break.
Finally, in the last few days before you can run again, you become a manic, over-energized crazy. You dream of feeling the dirt under your feet. You gaze longingly at your running shoes, and tell yourself that no one would know if you snuck an easy run in just one day early. You do ab workouts for the first time in months. Your friends and family start to get concerned about your welfare. It's not pretty.
Currently, I am just entering the second stage. Pray for my soul, that I might survive this next week and three days.
First, you have a sense of relief. You get fourteen whole days to rest and relax before you hit the trails again. Since these breaks shortly come after Nike Nationals or the Utah state track meet, the first few days give you a chance to recover. For me, it is the first time in about seven months that I have taken time off.
Next, you begin to get a little antsy. You hit the gym to try to get rid of some of that excess energy. You desperately cram homework into the time slots that running used to fill. You frantically cling to your sanity and pray that you will last until the end of this break.
Finally, in the last few days before you can run again, you become a manic, over-energized crazy. You dream of feeling the dirt under your feet. You gaze longingly at your running shoes, and tell yourself that no one would know if you snuck an easy run in just one day early. You do ab workouts for the first time in months. Your friends and family start to get concerned about your welfare. It's not pretty.
Currently, I am just entering the second stage. Pray for my soul, that I might survive this next week and three days.
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