To run…?
Hi guys 🙂 How are ya? Hope your day is off to a great start! I posted the Week 4 Summer Shape Up workout late last night, for those of you who have early AM workouts.
We spent all day yesterday at the beach <3
Even though I’m a huge ocean chicken –even more so after a Bahamian jellyfish stung me on the ta-ta– I went in the water, read The Help (LOVE it so far!) and munched on a macaroon Larabar.
My favorite flavor:
+ almost an entire bag of Publix organic baby carrots 🙂
For dinner, we went out to eat at the pier:
The restaurant has fabulous drinks and supah fresh food.
The table shared these glorious sweet potato fries– I had quite a few 🙂
And for my entree, I rolled with the seaweed salad and Ahi Tuna + a side of wasabi
It was everything I could wish for 🙂
We came back to my aunt’s, watched movies and called it a night.
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What to do???
So I’m about to head to oven yoga (aka Bikram), but I wanted to ask ya’ll about what your thoughts are on possibly running the Rock n’ Roll Half marathon in Vegas. Is anyone planning on participating? I’ve decided not to finish the 3rd month of Insanity that I had planned– the workout is only 2 months (which I completed!) but I repeated parts of Month 1. I really want to keep doing the program because I’m in love with it (and Shaun T. haha), but I’d like to take down the intensity of my workouts and get more into yoga, strength training and lower-impact stuff like spinning for a while.
So as ya’ll know, I broke up with running after the last half marathon, because I wasn’t enjoying running like I used to, and eventually hurt my VMO with the mediocre training and race. I didn’t train as efficiently as I did for my first half marathon, which I believe contributed to my burnout and injury. Since I’ve taken a break from running for about 3 months, I thought that I might feel refreshed and give it another whirl- and then stop if I decide that it’s not what I want to do.
Motivation for this decision:
-Mizfit is doing the Rock N’ Roll Half in Vegas… and I want to hang out with her 🙂 ESPECIALLY since we didn’t get the chance to chill at the Princess Half.
-There’s a chance that the pilot could be very busy with *work stuff* in the fall and training for something is always a great distraction
I have no idea if I should or 100% want to run another half. I think it would be fun to train *well*, focus just on light running, yoga and weights, and share support with a bunch of bloggers who would want to participate, whether virtually or physically. It’s always fun to have a goal together, whether you plan on participating in a race or accomplishing another type of fitness endeavor.
On the other hand, it would also be fun to just travel to Vegas and cheer on everyone. Or even walk/run the race? No need to set any crazy PRs.
So.. what do you think?
Would you give running, my sleazy ex-boyfriend a second chance?
Or would you let him wait it out a little longer??
I’m asking for *your* advice, bloggies 🙂 In the end, I’ll make my own decision but as always, love to hear your advice and input.
Have a wonderful day and I’ll see ya later this afternoon <3
xoxo,
Gina
Something to do: Week 4 of the Summer Shape Up!
Something *else* to do: Meet me back here later this afternoon for a giveaway! It’s a good one 🙂
112 Comments
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I say go for it – but with the understanding that you won’t be there for “speed”. Just take it easy & ENJOY the run. Chat with other runners out there, enjoy the scenery. Might make for a whole new running experience for you!
I would do it!
If you’d like more inspiration check out Sarah’s blog.
http://skinnyrunner.com/2010/05/17/november-elections-2008-have-nothing-on-sr/
I think she’s putting together a bloggy destination race for RNR Vegas.
Good luck!
I think you should ease back into running (don’t pay attention to your pace or try to run a set number of miles for the first week, just get out there and run!) If that is going well (no pain and you are enjoying the running), then see where you are in terms of pace and mileage. If the thought of training excites you, then I say go for it!
PS THANK YOU for reminding me to sign up for the Rock n Roll half (I’m doing the Philadelphia one in September and the price increases tomorrow!)
And now you have me thinking about Las Vegas. That does sound fun…
I think you should DO IT, but then again I’m pretty biased because I’m considering running the full Rock n’ Roll Marathon in Vegas!! I’ve heard such great things about he Rock n’ Roll half and full and think it would be a great reason to give running another try…. Especially if you want to do it just for fun!
Go for it! This realtionship is on your terms so you can call it quits whenever you want!
I say go for it! I miss running, I have had several back surgeries and I am waiting to talk to my surgeon to see if I can run again. Injuries are no joke but only you know your body.
What are your thoughts on getting back onto running after back surgery (fusions) it’s been 6 1/2 months since my last (of course given drs approval). Any advise?
Cheers Mel
that would be relationship!
I say try it out and see how it goes. Like you said, no need to set any crazy PR’s and even if you run slow and/or walk/run, you will still have a tremendous time and it will give you something to think about while your pilot is busy at work.
You can call it quits whenever you want…and just start off slow!
You could start training for it to see how it feels and know that if you aren’t feeling it you could always back out.
I would leave running for a while longer. Trust your gut! It seems that you want to do yoga, spinning etc. Start running again when you are ready.
I definitely say GO FOR IT! Start training anyway, you can always back off if it’s not your thing!
I say only do it if your heart is 100% in it. While I have no doubts that you’d rock it, you absolutely won’t ENJOY it unless you really want to do it, and if you dread training, then there’s no point. The half isn’t for awhile though, so you’ve got plenty of time to decide before jumping in!
I started having race envy a few months ago, but then googled “running after discectomy” and decided that destroying my back even further wasn’t worth it. So now I’m lifting, doing interval training, trying new things. Only you know your body and your limits, so listen you your heart!
Coconut cream pie Laras are by far my favorite flavor as well! it’s funny because yesterday I was at a food festival and got this fancy schmancy macaroon and found myself thinking “Wow, the coconut Larabars are so much better…”! Oh and sweet potato fries are another fave, along with seared Ahi tuna! Can I just eat all of this?! I am tempted to try doing a half again (I got a fracture training for my last one) but am not 100% sure so I’m in the same boat as you. They are just so tempting! Good luck with your decision!
I would do it. 🙂 It’d be a good experience, especially if you’re not concerned with speed/PR.
I think you should give it a go . . . especially since you said that the pilot will be a busy fellow and it would give you something to focus on. And you can call the shots – so you stay injury free.
On an unrelated note, had Kombucha for the first time yesterday at the ball game (no they don’t sell it, I had to bring it) – I’m hooked. I can see why you like it – very wine-like! Love the fizz. Yet again you’ve broadened my horizons, thank you!
I say ‘ Listen to your body’ tou know your body’s limits and you always listen to it well, as I have seen in the past, you could start training for it and see what happens girl, if it is not going good and you are having a tough time then dont push yourself, and if you do the race , just enjoy it, your not trying to set records! I also think its nice to if you go and not race and be there to support others, that is sweet!!!! xoxo
As long as your body is 100% better, go for it. There’s nothing like achieving a goal, especially to distract you from something like missing your husband! You should give a triathlon a go, crossing the finish line of a triathlon is the best feeling! xo
Training would be a good distraction for you and if you don’t feel like you’ve trained enough when it comes time to go to Vegas then you could just spend the trip like a mini vacation!
that’s a tough decision! training for a race is really what keeps me motivated and gives me something to look forward to. I really want to do that Dec 5th half too and am trying to convince a friend to help me get there. 13 miles is a long way though! but is it worth traveling for a shorter race?
Katherine
I think the fact that you are asking this question means that you miss running? Maybe a little. Running should always be fun. With the exception of a few people out there who actually gets paid for running, it should never feel like a chore. I know it feels great to hit a goal time at races but I think nothing beats doing a race with friends and having a wonderful time bonding and running. And Vegas is just a fun place.
I ran the LV RnR Half last year, and let me tell you that it was really really cold for this Socal girl. It was 30 degrees. I was wearing 3 layers and never warmed up. It was cold and despite the fact that running on the strip is pretty darn cool, I don’t know if I would want to do it again. I don’t run well in the cold. Plus the entry fee this year is expensive. If you stay at the host hotel, remember to make a reservation way in advance at whatever restaurant you want to eat dinner at that night because there are alot of runners there and dinner time can turn into a nightmare when you have to wait 2 hours for a table.
I would say go with how you feel mentally. I think physically you’ll be fine, but you also need the mental determination to go along with it.
I’m a big fan of “just for fun” races. I’ve also had to “break up” with running for short periods of time due to injury and now my approach is using the Galloway method. Some runner feel this isn’t “really” running, but I love it and my body loves it. Also, it really depends on how competative you are. If you’re able to really relax and enjoy yourself without feeling guilty about whether you PR or not. One trick that I really like is this: If you’re running a race truly “just for fun” don’t look at the clock when you finish (even if you do you usually can’t figure out your actual time). Absorb the experience and write your race report, but don’t actually look at your official finish time for a few days or even a week. That way you can REALLY see if you enjoyed it or not. Very difficult, but also pretty awesome 🙂 Good Luck!!
Hi! Love your bloggy!!
I have been lurking your blog for sometime now and decided to delurk myself on this post since I live in Las Vegas and have run the half here the past 2 years. As many others have mentioned, the race is well organized and the course is flat and fast. The only problem I had this past year was people did not line up in their correct corrals and I had to weave past many walkers which effected my overall time. Not sure if this happens else where because I have only ran 1 other half besides and it was a smaller race in Lake Havasu with only 500 or so people.
As far as training goes, I would see how you feel because you have A LOT of time to train from now and until Decemember. Feel it out and see how it goes and then decide if racing again is for you. If you decide to run, be sure to book a hotel well in advance because my hubby and I wanted to stay on the strip (because the back roads we take to the strip closed like 2 hours before the race) and the hotels were sold out in October! Good luck with your decision 🙂
I’d say DEFINATELY do the marathon, even if you don’t like it, or feel like it’s still not your thing anymore, at least you can say you did it, plus you were around fun people, AND it gave you something to do & be motivated for! 🙂
I say have fun, enjoy a period of doing what you love, if running a race fits into the picture do it, if not skip it.
I used to be in love with running, and I’d love to be again. I used to feel incomplete without running. But we broke up in college when I broke my knee cap. I was out of running for too long and it’s been darn near impossible for me to get back in my running groove! My words of wisdom…the longer you stay out, the harder it’ll get to get going again! Start out slow and I’m sure you’ll get back in the groove and fall in love again soon 🙂
Go to Vegas! I’ll be going in July, maybe we’d be there at the same time. 🙂
Do it!! I am running the San Jose RnR 1/2 and I never thought in a million years I would even be running let alone running a 1/2 marathon.
If running is something that you can enjoy and the marathon is something you are excited about, then do it! If you aren’t as into the marathon, maybe look into a triathalon, or a similar type of event with a different mode. A goal on my list is the peaks challenge in AZ, you hike all seven peaks in the valley (Camelback, Piestewa, North Mountain, Lookout Mountain, Shaw Butte, South Mountain, Papago park) in 1-2 days. Budgets may prevent the actual event from happening this year, but I still plan on doing it.
You should definitely do it, if not just to go to Vegas. 😉 But if you start training and find that you still don’t love running, then you can always stop. No need to spend so much time doing something you don’t love!
I say, your ex was not sleazy. He just took more than he gave. It could work this time if you set boundaries (i.e. like you said, efficient training, lots of recovery strategies incl yoga).
No commitment necessary- if you decide that the half is not good for you, nothing wrong with having signed up- you still get out of it a fun trip to Vegas to cheer your friends on!
Go for it! i’ve done the race twice- it’s just okay as far as races go, but of course vegas is tons of fun. and if you aren’t running for time training will be a breeze.
Flip a coin or ask the Universe for a red light/green light. When I do this I can usually tell inside (sinking feeling or light happy feeling) what it is my heart really wants to do.
Also, I heard some good advice recently : if you’re conflicted about doing something, do it if it fits with your intentions and if it doesn’t, don’t (eg, don’t feel like working out? make yourself if your intention is to get back in shape. don’t feel like contributing to your kid’s bake sale? don’t if your intention is to learn to say no.)
I totally get your hesitation, but I think you should go for it and just use a more relaxed approach. When I trained for my last marathon I only ran 3 days a week and still did fine and re-qualified for Boston. It’s really important to incorporate spinning, yoga, swimming – whatever kinds of cross-training that you can – so that you’re not always pounding down in the same places. Good luck with whatever you decide though!
I think you should give running another shot, whether it’s running a few miles or a marathon maybe you will find out that you have missed it! I will be running the Rock n Roll marathon in Vegas, my very first one…
You don’t seem excited about running the race, but you DO seem excited about vegas. Just go and cheer people on. It’s a good excuse to go to LV. ha, ha! 🙂
One of my best mentors always said if I had to ask a question relating to “should I/shouldn’t I,” then I already knew the answer, and I think he’s right. I tend to ask those questions when I need a bit more pushing over the edge to actually do something, and not when I’m already mostly there. So, I would take some more time off if I were you, and the day you say “I want to go for a run” without asking yourself first, then you’ll likely be at the point to really enjoy it more!
I’m not a runner. but i would tell running to chill and you’ll think it over while you’re in vegas cheering on the team. and if you really miss it and wish you were doing it, then you’ll know maybe you should give it another shot
I think running it for fun (and walking when needed) sounds terrific! When running my second halfie, there were 4 women who walked the entire thing and they were doing it for FUN. They chatted the whole time and didn’t care about people whizzing by them. I wanted to join them. 🙂
I say run it! I’m also training for a half (just started last week) so I would love to suffer through the training along with you!
I think you should do it! I’m all for mixing things up. Since you did get injured last time though, I don’t know if I’d rush into a half. Maybe a 10k?
Like so many others have said, it might be worth trying if you get in the mindset that this race is about fun and travel, and not about speed. The R&R races are notorious for being packed and it’s not an easy place in any of the locales to run a super fast race. I completely know how you feel, I’ve broken up with a running a few times, and just tried a few miles yesterday for the first time since our grueling relay in late April. Still not ready to go back yet, it was miserable. 🙂 Point being, toe the water and see how you feel. The last half I ran, which is my current PR, I went to with the thoughts of hanging with friends before our big move to Guam, enjoying a city I’d never been to , and having FUN! (and I PR’d!)
Try it! The worst that happens is that you try it again and decide you still don’t enjoy it! 🙂
Start running for a week or two and see how you feel…if you want to take running back then do it and if not then oh well. The race isn’t for a while so you have some time to decide to commit/not commit.
I say, if you want to do it- do it! But don’t push yourself too hard, and just make it a goal to finish 😀 If you really don’t want to RUN, then go to cheer people on!! Just don’t push yourself too hard, burnout is no fun!
xo
Kris
I think you should go for it but just enjoy the training and event.
Lori and I have not ran in months either. Although somehow our older sister convinced us to do a half marathon, Disney’s Food and Wine. It is the first one, which is why we are doing it. SO somehow have to get back into running, not sure when I will start, maybe in July, for now I am enjoying other workouts. You should think about the Disney race, it would be fun!
Do it! I just signed up for the Chicago Rock and Roll on Aug 1st. I would love to read about your training.
LOVED “The Help”! LOVE Bikram Yoga! And LOVE reading your blog 🙂