Namaste

This evening I went to vinyasa power flow yoga at Cornell with +Maja Alikalfic XD

It was my first time going there and I really enjoyed it.  I had only ever gone to Mighty Yoga on the commons before and not to talk smack, but that was awful.  Maybe cause it was like 97 degrees in there, or maybe it was the exercises far above my skill level, but it was my first time doing yoga and it wasn't the best first impression.

This time, though, yoga has proved me wrong.  I like how it is the combination of a workout and a nice long stretch which I think will really benefit my running.  Val suggested doing yoga and I am glad I took her advice!

Namaste,
Molly 

Early Morning

My plan for yesterday evening (as of yesterday afternoon) was to go to Barnes and Noble, then to the gym.  I got step one done, but not step two.  For a valid reason, though, as it was project related.  I picked up my "Runner's World Training Journal" and couldn't put it down.  It's full of training tips, injury prevention advice, and nutrition facts that all fascinated me.  So, instead I wasted (you could say, but I more like enjoyed) my gym time reading this book, and I haven't even started to fill it out!  It lays out my training week by week and I am excited to get started writing in it.  I am committed to taking notes in it religiously, as it can only help to see my progress, right? 

So, instead, I resentfully woke up at 5:00 this morning to get to the gym when it opened.  I did a lot of cardio and a short weight circuit, followed by a quick stretch, because I was running out of time and had to get to school! (Get it? Running out of time?)

I also spoke to my brother about the date for the half and he said wasn't sure about his race schedule.  I just checked online, though, and he has a big race the next day, so it looks like that won't work out.  Oh well.

Once I have gotten my training plan laid out and have gotten into the swing of things, I think it would be fun to track my nutrition for a week to see if and how much it affects how well I am able to perform. 
 

Make it a Great Day

Good news!!! I think I found the half that I can race in without it conflicting with my regatta schedule.  Today we received a tentative spring schedule, and my only free weekend was May 18-19th.  So I went on a website that I had used before that lists all the half marathons by date, and found that the nearest is in Brunswick, NY.  That's near Albany and about 3 1/2 hours away.  Not ideal, but not too bad.  It's called "Make it a Great Day" half marathon and benefits NYOH's Cancer Resource Foundation.

I had my second mentor meeting today, and it was a success!  I had completed all the tasks I said I would by this meeting, which were to contact one point of reference, look into training plans, get new running shoes, and continue to cross-train and run.  Ms. Maddren is full of great information and contacts for me to reach out to.  One idea we came up with was for me to interview a few of the elite runners who are on my resource list and ask them all the same questions (or very similar) and then see how their answers differ based on experiences and techniques.

Ms. Bullard couldn't meet today, but we may try to reschedule for the day when we have our next mentor meeting.  Instead, we went to see Ms. Gates, the school's lifeguard, because she is a runner herself.  She keeps a very detailed and up to date running journal that she let me take a look at.  I will be getting one myself because it seems like a very organized way to keep track of nutrition information, miles logged, and get tips each week. 

One question I have (and I think other WISE students do to) is- How much research do we need to do beyond what is necessary for us to complete our projects? 

Timeline and dates: (by my next mentor meeting I will...)

• ...have signed up for a race, hopefully the Brunswick one
• ...have set up a calendar and training plan
• ...have met with Mr. Bernstein to get advice on my training plan
• ...have gone to Barnes and Nobel to get my own running journal
• ...have started to break my new shoes in

I will start on these tasks and keep up with my journal entries in the meantime!  I think the 11 for a D was a wake up call for a lot of people, but more just motivation for me to keep doin' what I'm doin'.
My practice was cancelled for tonight, so I"m off to the gym!

More Advice

I stopped and talked briefly to Mr. Bernstein in the hall today.  He said he had some books and plans he could bring in to show me for my project, and we could sit down and talk about them.  He also said I should try to run my half as late as possible to give myself ample time to train.

I keep looking over the registration deadlines to make sure I am still okay for the races I have in mind, but I really need to figure out my spring regatta schedule as soon as possible to know when I can race (that's not really in my control, though).  If it all comes down to it, I can miss a regatta for this but I'd like to be able to plan it so I don't have to. 

I was also recently talking to my brother about my project, and he mentioned that he would like to do it with me!  I knew I could fall back on him as a running buddy if I need one to keep myself motivated through the training process, but I didn't expect time to say he'd want to race with me.  All of this is assuming we can find a race that works for both of our regatta schedules, so nothing is set in stone.  But, I'm excited at the thought of not having to run 13.1 miles alone, and who better to do it with?! 

My next mentor meeting is tomorrow, so I'll have more to share then!

Pumped Up Kicks

After completely not realizing that the running store downtown had moved locations (I don't even know how long ago) I finally got there on my second try today.

I knew I had gone to the right place when I entered- I was happily greeted and taken care of immediately.  I explain my situation, that I'm not much of a runner but plan to *hopefully* complete a half marathon.  The girl working helped me more than I ever thought was even possible- who knew running could be so complicated?  She watched me walk, took my shoe size, and fitted me.  She also tied my shoes, watched me run, and gave me so much advice along the way.  She also suggested that if I get blisters when running, to try a little thicker polyester blend sock instead of cotton, because cotton will rub.

(Check out these bad boys)

It was a really good experience and helped me get excited about my project! 
I will definitely be heading back down there if I encounter any problems along the way.

Today at practice I ran on the treadmill for 30 minutes, 3.25 miles at a 9:12 pace. We also did different circuit work and a separate aerobic workout, 3 minutes on, 1 off. Safe to say by the end I was exhausted.

I will keep trying to incorporate running into my workouts for crew, and I think running and rowing will be assets to each other.

Hopefully I'll get to the running store this weekend and get a good run in (outside :) )

Also, my brother said he wanted to join me when I run my half marathon, so I will also try to have a date lined up ASAP, once both of us find out our spring race schedules.

Till then!
-Molly

First Mentor Meeting

Today was my first mentor meeting with Mrs. Maddren.  I really lucked out  in working with her because she has mentored so many people, and is really enthusiastic about the WISE program, so she had some good advice.

Towards the end of my project, when I am compiling this blog, my narrative, and preparing my presentation, I need to remember that they should compliment each other, but should not be identical.  I trust her experience in knowing how boring that is to read.

We also talked about a reference I could use at school, the coordinator of Health, PE, and Wellness.  Apparently she is crazy fit and could probably help me out in answering any of my research questions.
I will try my best to make as many personal connections as possible, 1) to step out of my comfort zone and 2) to understand and gain many different perspectives on similar experiences.

By next Wednesday, when we meet again, I'll have looked into training plans and run one by a reference (hopefully Mr. B), will have continued running (obviously, but with this project as my intent), and I will check out the selection and seek any advice at the running store downtown.

Now, I just need to "Get into a grove, and stay into it" as Ms. Maddren said.

assignment from class

Today was my first returning WISE class after being exited.  I already loved the class, and now it's even better, so I don't want to only meet once a week!  We were put into groups to discuss our projects and exchange blog addresses so we could give each other feedback.  Only a few people in my class have been keeping blogs, so I looked them up.

Shelby's blog, timetotumble, is very organized and honest.  It's also cool to get a more in depth look at what her goals are for the project than just the summary given in class.

Jaquan's blog, boomtasticbabybears, although it only has once post, made me laugh.  I like how the voice is very comfortable and honest as well.  It's nice to read something that is written like an actual private journal, rather than a public blog, because it gives the reader a better idea of the person's own voice.

In addition to reading those two blogs, I'm following Maja's "Fifty Shades of Earl Grey".  I know I'm guaranteed a good laugh when reading it XD.  She is very witty and clever, which I appreciate in a blog that could easily be very boring.

We were told we are supposed to have 5 journal entries/blog posts by today, so I am on top of it!
More to come regarding research and training as it picks up again/

Training at a halt

Being away from home and the comforts that it holds has been really tough in terms of my ability to train. I already feel uncomfortable enough from the looks I get while strolling around these small towns, that I don't feel good enough about running here. I have finally found wifi which allows me to give an update on my training (or lack thereof).

I will be back in the gym on Monday, though!

A tip to remember

My WISE teacher gave me some very helpful advice today. Being a runner herself, Ms. G said that treadmills are boring, so the best thing to do is continue to run outside despite the weather. She said to dress for 20 degrees warmer than the actual temp., so when I return from out of town I certainly will start doing that. I was also supposed to have my first mentor meeting today, but that had to be postponed due to early dismissal.

Being out of town will certainly put a halt on my training and Internet access to blog, but I will be back!

Ex(c)ited!

Today was my last day of official WISE class!  After a long and grueling (just kidding) interview I shook hands with my teacher and was set free to work on my project.  Other than that, nothing else is new!

Foot Massage Wanted

Well, today was my first day going to the gym with the end result (half marathon) in mind.  I optimistically hopped on the treadmill while a friend of mine doing a similar WISE project biked (he was the wise one in this situation).  A little ways in running 10 minute miles, I realized maybe running for an hour, on a treadmill, my first day, wasn't ideal.  Maybe it was my shoes, or the fact that a heater was blowing on me, or simply running on a treadmill that made it so miserable, but likely it was me.  After 40 minutes and 4 miles, I decided to give my thumping feet a rest and use some other cardio machines, and then free weights.  As much as I love House Hunters, it doesn't keep me motivated-- in fact quite the opposite.
If I learned anything today, it's that treadmills suck.  I can't wait to be able to comfortably run outside without freezing my tush off.
Hopefully this will soon become more bearable!

Two Week Outline

 As promised, here are my specific plans for the next two weeks:
Wednesday (2/6):  Hopefully, I will pass my exit interview and be set free for the rest of the semester (not really).  I will meet with my mentor to set up our meeting time and answer any questions she has for me about my proposal.
Thursday (2/7): During 2nd period, I will research training plans and try to figure out one that will work for me, though it doesn't have to be completely set in stone.  Also, I will go for my first timed run as my workout on this day!
Friday (2/8): I'll continue more research on my training plan, which carries into the plan for the next week.  I should blog on this day to meet the minimum requirement of 3 posts a week.
Saturday (2/9 - Sunday 2/17): I will be away, so it will be difficult for me to both work out and also research (my internet connection will not be reliable or guaranteed). Therefore, I'll also miss the first Monday WISE class.  I'll take any advice on how to put in my project hours while away-- but all I can think of at this point is to run if I get the chance.  I'll also try to blog while I'm away to keep myself reminded of what I have done so I don't have to recall all the details later.
When I return, I will start up regular meetings with my mentor during 7th period.
Monday (2/18):  It's inevitable that I'll be feeling lethargic after I return, so I will need to force myself to run on this day.  Hopefully, this will be the first day of my training plan (because it's a Monday).
Tuesday (2/19):  I'll continue the training plan today and I'll blog about what I was able to accomplish in terms of my project while I was gone.
Wednesday (2/20): This will be my first Monday class!  And I'll get to clock in hours for it as well, which is a win-win.

That brings me to two weeks from tomorrow at which point I'll have a training plan in place that I'll have just started, my mentor meetings lined up, and I'll be on top of all my journal entries! 


P.S.  Wow, I suddenly went from 4 to 15 page views!  I'm not sure if that's me adjusting and wasting too much of my time on the layout and design, or if I have followers (S/O to +Maja Alikalfic I think she's my only follower). XD

Hello and welcome

Dear Reader,
Whoever you may be, I'm flattered you're reading my blog (especially the person from Alaska!) XD This blog is set up for me to express my thoughts, share my successes, and vent about my frustrations for the next 16 weeks.

By the end of my Senior WISE experience, I hope to have trained for and run a half marathon.  I chose this project because, to be honest, I don't really like running.  I like the idea of it, and I wish I enjoyed it more.  For that reason, I am hoping the training and setting a concrete goal will help me learn to love it.  At the same time, though, I worry that I will have a miserable time and all I'll find out is that running just isn't for me.

Through this project, I hope to well, first of all, learn to enjoy my time running rather than looking at it as a chore.  It will take a lot of organization, time management, and planning, as I will also be amidst the competitive rowing season as I train.

I don't have a specific race lined up yet, because I need to see when my regattas are for crew, but I'm looking into one in Binghamton or Rochester.  Specific plans will come in the next blog post, so stay tuned!