Operation Healthy Balance

Please entertain my venting..... I have a "friend" that has applied for a new position at her work.  She heard through the grapevine that she was the only person that applied but the powers that be think she is unqualified for the position.  She also heard through the grapevine that she was granted an interview to "eliminate her" from the competition and then the job can be reposted for other applicants.  Also note that there is a union in place so the 'powers' would have to deem her unfit in order to be able to give the position to someone else.  Unbelievable? No.  Going to prove everyone wrong?  Absolutely.   And yes.  This is another "ALRIGHT" or "IT'S ON" moment.  

I admit that there are times when I say to myself, "You are so not a runner, why are you even doing this?"  I refer to this as negative self-talk and it does creep up on me every once and a while.  If I let "it" win then it results in me making excuses to not go for a run but when I don't let it win I feel empowered.  By overcoming the negative I then win and it results in a great feeling.   I have NEVER finished a run (no matter how painful or horrible I felt) and regretted it.  That's got to say something.  And for those who don't understand, well....you'll have to start running if you want to figure it out.

After months of running without stretching (very bad thing to do) accompanied by a lot of time spent at my desk at work, I have developed some tight, inflexible hamstrings.  To counteract this I remind myself at work to attempt to fit some walks outside or around the building into my daily routine.  I also do dynamic stretching pre-activity and static stretching post-activity and of course I am noticing dramatic changes in my flexibility. While on my cruise vacation the trainer at the gym showed me this awesome hamstring stretch and I thought I would share.  You need a towel and a comfy spot to lie on your back.  Assume this position... A variation is to keep the non-stretched leg bent but I prefer it lying flat.  As well, using your hands twist the towel onto itself and use your two hands to "walk" up the towel towards your ankle while pulling your head and shoulders off the ground.  Remember to try not to bounce and the goal is to achieve a slow and ...

I had a great run tonight.  The whole run I focused on my posture and keeping my abs (I know, even I find it hard to believe I have them) "engaged". I tried to start off slower since I always start too fast and it all seemed to make a difference.  I had to stop myself at 7.1 km because I didn't want to risk injury but I seriously could have kept going.  What a great feeling?  Guess the pain of my last agonizing run paid off. 7.1 km in 46:32 avg speed 6:33min/km

Karson was filled with pride when he arrived home from school.  Today was the day he finished his "marathon" and was congratulated with a t-shirt from his running coach at school.  He was tickled pink and beaming at his accomplishment. "Nice dimples" As mentioned before in a previous blog post, o ne of the teacher's at the school organized a running group.  Each child in the running group had a goal of completing a "marathon" by running one kilometre each day for 42 days.  Due to rainy weather it actually took longer than 42 days but nonetheless it was completed resulting in a kid filled with confidence and a huge sense of achievement. It should be noted that other kids initiated the marathon but stopped for whatever reason.  These kids were still verbally recognized for trying and encouraged to attempt the marathon again next year.   I am thankful for our little school and the great teachers and role models that are found there.  What a great...

I have had a very busy week so far.  Two days of regular, normal work at the health unit, a day to prepare a letter to disagree with a GST/HST audit for the farm, teaching a night prenatal class, and facilitating a two-day in-service for my colleagues on Promoting Maternal Mental Health.  To go along with this, a night of coaching my sons' baseball team and a weekend ahead of working nights. This morning when I was trying to rush out the door I was very mean to my boys.  It was not their fault I was late but I blamed them anyways.  I knew I was wrong as soon as I said the words and am sorry for the burden that I placed on them.  When they get home from school I will explain my actions and apologize.  At times like this, I tell myself it is time to regroup and do better. I have an extremely bad track record for piling my plate too full.  As part of my strive for healthy balance, I vow to never do this again.  I have learned that I can't do it a...

Ran 6 km for the first time ever tonight.  Felt horrible but "no pain no gain".  Kept an even pace throughout running 6:53 min/km.  My hope is that eventually running 6 km will be as easy as running 2 km now.  Until then I will keep plugging away.