I have a hard {as an aside, when I first typed “hard” I actually typed “herd”…. hence the cow as the image. LOL.} time with flexibility sometimes- both physically (I am not the most compliant stretcher/foam roller out there)- and with plans and needing to change plans.
Due to yesterday’s surprise 8 inches (it was really only supposed to be 4!) during the evening commute- muscle pump was, of course, canceled.
My first reaction might have been closer to that of a 3 or 4 year old. Seriously. I wanted to have a temper tantrum. I had been looking forward to really working hard all day- and then it was a no-go.
So after I cleared the first few inches of snow off of my car and headed toward the gym, I decided to swap today’s 9-11 for last night’s 6 & pump- but add some faster miles in. The challenge- how many miles can I do during one episode of Sherlock Holmes (BBC version w/ Benedict Cumberbatch)- specifically, the 3rd episode of season one? AHHH- how could they end it that way??? I almost ran more- my finger was sooo close to gliding over to the “play next episode” button.
By the way- I was not the only one at the gym. A few ‘mills down there was a dude sporting BAA colors who appeared to be jogging around 9.2 mph. *sigh*.
I am happy to report that I got 11 miles! I thought it might be 10.XX- but when I hit 10 and I realized there was 7 more minutes of Sherlock…. well… that speed button was furiously raised!
Miles 1-2 @ 7MPH (8:34 pace)
Miles 2-6 @ 8 MPH (7:30 pace)
Miles 6-10 @ 7 MPH
Mile 10-11 @ 8.4 MPH (7:10 pace)
This was another workout that was relatively easy. I recall thinking at the end of the 8mph miles that I could definitely have held on far longer- so I think I need to revise my thoughts on what my “cruising” pace ought to be on a treadmill- and to do this, I need to get OUTSIDE. I have high, high hopes that maybe in the next few days I will be able to- because I think that the high number of miles that I have been getting through on the treadmill are just that- I am getting through them and not really enjoying any of it as much as I want to.
Which leads me to my guiding thought for today- instead of just getting through the day and slogging about- I am going to demonstrate flexibility – in all aspects, not just running- hopefully leading to a less pessimistic and less toddler-like reaction to changes in plans. I may live and breathe planning- but even the best laid plans may not work and I need to really keep in mind that the alternative is probably not all that bad. In fact, it might be better.
OH! and if you didn’t see last night’s post- I want your cookie recipes, people! Please leave links in the comments to your favorites
And- how are you guys on the flexibility front? Am I the only one who freaks out?
http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/white-chocolate-cranberry-and-macadamia-nut-cookies-2
These! Every year I try to make something different, but these bake up so beautifully with a sweet, nutty, toasted flavor that I love.
I remember these
Strangely workouts are the only thing I AM flexible about, if I have a dinner plan or movie in mind and it doesn’t happen for some reason, I throw a tantrum in my head and usually refuse to do any alternative plan. For workouts though, I’m so okay with switching one day’s plan for another because I got in the habit when I was battling injury and had to take advantage of good days and mitigate the bad ones.
Side note: at first I thought your post was going to be about actual physical flexibility, of which I have zero. Can’t even touch my toes 😉
I have a really hard time with my toes, too! I should be better about flexibility- but totally am such a loser.