Running Is My Yoga. http://jbruns.posterous.com My little home on the web to tell you more than you may want to know about my running life. posterous.com Wed, 22 Aug 2012 18:09:23 -0700 Buggin' http://jbruns.posterous.com/156080229 http://jbruns.posterous.com/156080229

Lately, I have REALLY needed running-  more so even than usual.  As you know, the main reason I run is to try to create some sort of order out of chaotic life and brain.  And for the past two weeks, my OCD/anxiety has been through the roof.  Presumably because of all of the changes in my life (getting married, starting school, balancing work/school/life, etc.)  These are all very positive events, but they are nonetheless quite stressful, especially when one is functioning with too few of the good chemicals- endorphins and seratonin, and a few too many of some others, like adrenaline.  Now I've lived with OCD and anxiety my whole life, but some times are worse than others, and this is without a doubt one of those times.  The days are not too terrible, but the nights are downright awful.  I usually have no problem falling asleep, but I have been, without fail, waking up around 5 a.m. every morning-- meaning I've been getting about 4 or 5 hours of sleep since returning from our honeymoon two weeks ago.  UGH.  There's nothing worse than waking up, exhausted, and not being able to go back to sleep due to all the incessant and pointless worrying.  There's no other way to put it:  it SUCKS.  Big Time.  Obviously, running is a God-send for relieving stress, but lately, I feel as though I could run a full marathon everyday, and still wake up at 5 with excess mental energy.  JUST GO TO SLEEP, BRAIN!  

As stated, I've dealt with this stuff in one form or another since the age of approximately ten, and while I know it's cyclical, and I will (hopefully) soon be out of this particular funk, it doesn't make it any less exhausting.

I've been without medication and any sort of formal therapy for a while now, but it's become clear that I need to get back into it.  It's just a bit too much to handle on my own right now.  So I've located someone who appears to be really great with dealing with my specific problems.  And not only is he a licensed health pro specializing in anxiety, but he is also a seasoned yoga teacher, so he combines a lot of yoga with the CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), as well as meditation.  I'm very excited about this combination, as I've been feeling the need for some yoga and meditation in my life (yes, yes- I know the title of this blog insinuates that all I need is running, but let's face it-- while they both produce those feel-good chemicals, they are quite different).  I think it would behoove me to...slow.....down.  My mind needs to rest and be still (or at least as much as it can) for a while each day.  

So, uh...that may be more about the workings of my brain than you needed to know, but it feels good to put it all down on  paper  this blog, and besides- I warned you early on that this would be slightly self-indulgent.  Kinda like reading my diary, with the omission of all the boys I've kissed, and what color I'm painting my nails.

In other news, my 7 miler along the Hudson was absolutely STUNNING tonight.  I meant to snap some photos, but my feet didn't want to stop moving, and so thus, I give you nothing but what you can create in your imagination!  I didn't feel like 7 was quite enough, so I walked an additional 1.25 after that.  I've grown a bit bored with Central Park, and I've discovered that running NORTH on the river from our apartment is WAY BETTER than running SOUTH.  Just a prettier view, wider paths, and less cyclists.    

In other, OTHER news, D and I will be traveling to PA this weekend for my...dum dum dum!:  TEN YEAR HIGH SCHOOL REUNION!  Oh mah Gawd.  I cannot, cannot believe it's been ten years.  It's insanity.  Will be very nice to see everyone, and to also get some amazingly beautiful, peaceful runs in around this place, which is located four miles from my parents' home.  I leave you with this picture, which is where I will be.  (Jealous?)  

Reservior
 

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Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:47:00 -0700 How I felt before my long run on Saturday... http://jbruns.posterous.com/how-i-felt-before-my-long-run-on-saturday http://jbruns.posterous.com/how-i-felt-before-my-long-run-on-saturday

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Tue, 21 Aug 2012 10:21:49 -0700 Running & Beering http://jbruns.posterous.com/155746201 http://jbruns.posterous.com/155746201

Sunday was super awesome.  Why, you ask?  Well, because D and I spent the afternoon running with a bunch of cool new pals.  But lest you roll your eyes at what you must be imagining as a "super-healthy-vomit-worthy-athletic-fest," I should mention that while there was a fair share of running, there was also beer.  A LOT of beer.  And bars.  A lot of bars.  And it was fun...a lot of fun.  We joined Claire, of Will Run For Beer fame in "Will Run For Beer:  the Fourquel."  D and I wanted to meet other runners who weren't all stuffy and super-serious, but who were still really passionate about running.  And we're very happy to report that everyone was very friendly and passionate and most importantly, really adept at drinking beers.  We all met at the appropriate time of 3 p.m., at the Brooklyn Bridge Subway station, and within three minutes we were at Reade Street Pub, debating on which beer would best reward this super difficult .4m first leg.  We then continued through Tribeca, the Village, and up along the West Side Highway, finally ending our 4.5m journey at The Frying Pan.  (There were several other stops along the way, fear not.) The day was fun and sweaty, and we look forward to the "Fifthquel."

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Thu, 16 Aug 2012 12:45:26 -0700 JUST GET OUT! http://jbruns.posterous.com/154087735 http://jbruns.posterous.com/154087735

Today was one of THOSE days.  You know the ones I'm talking about:  you wake up, you're very tired, your muscles are sore, you're very pleased with the amount of mileage you've accumulated already this week, and "besides, this is only a three mile day.  It won't really matter if I skip it.  I'm tired *wahhhh.*"  Well, I'm either becoming a more wise runner, or my ugly competitive side is actually helping me, because I made it out the door today.  D woke up before I did, and set out immediately, and when he came back all sweaty and glowy and triumphant, I knew that I had to at least attempt to recreate that experience for myself.  Otherwise, I'd feel like a weenie, and a lazy loser.  So before I could come up with a laundry list of "justifiable reasons" to NOT run, I just strapped on my shoes and left the building. 

I have, over the years, constructed a list of "reasons to not run," that I mentally carry around with me should I ever need it.  It consists of, but is not limited to, the following:

1) I'm tired

2) I don't have time

3) I'll probably fail (this is a blanket excuse and can be adapted, depending on the circumstances, i.e.: I can fail with "lack of distance," "slow timing," etc.)

4) It's cold

5) It's hot

6) I desperately need to do laundry and don't have any clean running gear

7) I'm sore

8) It's THAT time of the month

9) I'll be all bloated and super sweaty afterwards

10) I'm going to sit on my couch and really "treat" myself.  With bon-bons.

Etc, etc, etc.

We all have our list of excuses that we reach for when our natural inclination is to NOT RUN.  Certainly being in training is very helpful for this.  Especially if you (as we do) have your marathon schedule on your refrigerator, and you "X" out the days you've completed.  This is a great motivator.  This is why I've decided I should always be training for a race-- having a set goal (that you've paid for) keeps you accountable.  Also, SCIENCE helps.  And by that, I mean my own personal science.  I have hypothesized, and tested the following statement HUNDREDS of times:  "I always feel better after I run.  I have never once run and thought to myself, 'Oh, man.  I REALLY wish I hadn't done that."  Think about it?  Have you ever done ANY form of exercise only to wish you hadn't?  No.  The answer is No.  You haven't.  Because our bodies and the rational portion of our brains want us to run/exercise, but sometimes the irrational part of our minds try to trick us into thinking that we don't.  Why?  Because exercise is NOT COMFORTABLE.  You sweat, you breathe hard, your heart pounds; it isn't easy.  But the subsequent endorphin flow is a very nice reward for the 20/30/40/60 minutes you spend outside of your comfort zone. 

So anyways.  I had just about had myself talked out of running today ("I'm tired.") but I decided instead to not think about it, to just go, and to allow whatever result to be OK.  Well, guess what?  It was a fantastic run.  My first mile clocked at 8:14 (with very minimal "effort" on my part), and I came home with boundless energy and a sense of accomplishment.  And best of all, I can now afford to eat a bon-bon or two.

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Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:26:25 -0700 Tuesday Gloom http://jbruns.posterous.com/153472500 http://jbruns.posterous.com/153472500

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Happy gloomy, overcast, grey, depressing Tuesday, NYC!  Ugh.  I hate these days...especially since we just returned from ten gorgeous days in Spain and Portugal, where it did not rain, nor was overcast at all.  Poo on you, New York!  The weather really does affect my mood.  It's on days like this where I need running the most-- to get those endorphins going, which is why rather than running the three miles that the plan tells me I should've run today, I decided to run the full Central Park loop (6.1 miles).  And I ran hard.  And it felt really good while I was doing it.  And I feel better than when I started, but now as I sit in my apartment, I wish I were still back out there.  I do, however, LOVE to run in the rain-- makes me feel really tough and dedicated, but THIS IS NOT RAIN, THIS IS CRAPPY, INDECISIVE WEATHER AND I DON'T LIKE IT!! *stomps feet in defiance*  Sigh.  Well, I suppose that this too shall pass.

On the bright side, the Brooks are still AWESOME.  I am now completely spoiled and will never be able to run in subpar shoes again.  Some things, like your feet, are worth spending money on. 

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Mon, 13 Aug 2012 04:26:00 -0700 A better shot of the new kicks. http://jbruns.posterous.com/a-better-shot-of-the-new-kicks http://jbruns.posterous.com/a-better-shot-of-the-new-kicks

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  Because they deserve a close-up.

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Sun, 12 Aug 2012 16:14:26 -0700 My Sweet New Kicks! http://jbruns.posterous.com/my-sweet-new-kicks http://jbruns.posterous.com/my-sweet-new-kicks

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Sooo, I've never been one of those runners who is super picky about their shoes.  For one, I don't really have issues with my feet (pronation, etc), and for two, I am poor.  But there comes a day in every runner's life, where she decides, "I need good shoes, and I need them now, and I will pay more than $40 for them!  And I want them to be brightly colored!"  Or, at least that moment came for me.  Yesterday.  I'd been training in these clunky, albeit new Nikes, and though they were awfully cute (hot pink!), they just didn't feel like the shoe I wanted to complete marathon numero dos in.  David desperately needed new shoes, having raced two triathlons in his current pair.  (His were really rather pathetic looking...I'll try to sneak a photo of them in a bit!)  And so we got thee to JackRabbit!  JR specializes in running and triathlons, and also has this awesome, high tech video system thingy, where they put you on a treadmill in whichever shoes they think suit you, and then analyze your gait and the safety/comfort of those particular shoes for your particular feet.  SUPER COOL.  So both D and I tried on several pairs, before settling on the ones we did.  Check out these sexy sneakers!!  They are Brooks Cadence and they are by far the best shoe I've ever run in.  TOTALLY worth the purchase, and I can't wait to cross that finish line in them.  I ran 13.1 miles in them today (a half marathon), and felt lighter (and very fashionably fabulous).  

So...about that run today.  The run itself was surprisingly good, despite having run 8 miles yesterday, and mind you, D and I JUST returned from our gastronomic, non-running honeymoon to Spain and Portugal a mere two days ago, so I was kind've pushing it today, and unsure whether or not adding so much mileage after twelve days off was really a good idea.  Um.  It wasn't.  It was in no way, shape, or form, a good idea.  Again- felt totally fine afterwards (and pretty badass)...until I got home.  I'm not really one to eat much after my long runs-- I'm just usually not hungry for an hour or so, at which point, I become famished and will eat your hand and all of your belongings if you're not careful.  (Oh.  Cannabailism jokes are probably a bit gauche right now, what with the bathsalt/zombie apocalypse right now.  Oh well.)  Anyways, I'm trying to get better at timing my nutritional/water/gatorade intake for this marathon, so I forced myself to eat some leftover grilled chicken within minutes of walking in the door.  BIG MISTAKE.  Within minutes, that chicken decided to make a second appearance, and violently so.  I have never thrown up after running before (believe it or not), nor have I been that nauseous and vomity for years.  And then I drank some ginger ale (you know, because it's supposed to be good in your stomach) and then it happened again.  This time I barely made it to the bathroom.  It. Was. Horrible.  And in direct contrast to the sexiness of my new shoes.  And then I took a nap and laid on the couch for two hours, finally feeling better by four p.m.  Now I'm fine, if not a bit tired from the whole ordeal, but I'm still not really sure what did it:  was it too much too soon?  Eating too quickly?  Dehydration?  Overhydration?  Or simply an extremely unpleasant reminder of what a slacker I'd been in the twelve days previous?  Whichever it was, I hope it never happens again.  YUCK.  

I think I'll take tomorrow off.   

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/2106640/33710_543023200262_8076325_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/n3GkGQiiqrQ0O Jesse Barton jbruns Jesse Barton
Sun, 12 Aug 2012 15:25:00 -0700 Running is my yoga. http://jbruns.posterous.com/running-is-my-yoga http://jbruns.posterous.com/running-is-my-yoga

Hello friends, family, and any other poor soul who wanders over to this slightly self-indulgent blog.  I've decided to claim my own little place on the internet to tell you (and the world) all about my adventures in running, specifically, and perhaps a bit more about my life in general...we'll see how this blog evolves.  I spent all morning attempting to conceptualize a super clever and super marketable idea for this "space," but, alas, have failed to do so (yet), and besides all the really good ideas were taken: Running With Heels, Mommy Running (NOT that this concept would be applicable to me, anyways), Eco Running, and my personal favorite:  Will Run For Beer (seriously-- this is a HILARIOUS blog penned by a very accomplished runner who just happens to like beer.  A lot.).  So, until lightning strikes and I miraculously come up with a blog that goes viral and makes me a ton of money, allowing me to quit all the other nonsense jobs I perform, this will have to do.  


So, back to the "me and running" thang.  I love running.  It is my yoga, Xanax, main exercise regimen, and (aside from my lovely husband) my one constant in this crazy world.  I discovered the magical benefits of running rather late in the game;  I was on a seven day Alaskan cruise with my parents- my college graduation gift- and had fallen out of shape from my formerly fit ballerina self.  With a lot of days onboard, and no pool to lay by, slinging back Pina Coladas (helllooo, it was an ALASKAN cruise), I decided to (sigh) make use of the (sigh) running track.  Now up until this point, I hated running.  I mean, I absolutely despised it.  It was hard, tedious, and made you very sweaty.  And besides that, I was not naturally GOOD at it, which was perhaps the biggest of the aforementioned buzzkills.  I like to succeed in things, and get frustrated and a bit pouty when I don't do so naturally.  But, I did want to drop a few pounds, and besides, the views of the Alaskan coast from the track were S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G.  Sure, I suppose I could've just walked laps, but I don't like feeling like a weenie. (Also, I had to Google the correct spelling of that word).  So, with great trepidation, I. Just. Started.  (This would later become a huge theme in my life--one that I love, and that all started with that first run...we'll get there at some point during this blog).  Maybe it was the scenery, or all the extra caloric intake I'd been doing on that damn boat, or the desire NOT to sit in our tiny cabin with my parents, but for whatever reason, I was shocked at how many laps I was able to complete.  And, it felt good amazing.  It wasn't easy, but for the first time in my life, I had been so focused on external forces, instead of telling myself how miserable running was, as I had so many times before.  I ran everyday for the remainder of the trip, and kept up the routine when I returned back to NYC, delighting in exploring parts of Central Park and the rivers that I had never seen before.  Oh, and I quickly dropped those ten pounds without really even trying, and discovered muscles in my legs I never knew I had before-- despite having been a dancer since the age of ten.  (Sweet!)

So.  That's how this love affair began.  That was six years ago, and I've been an avid runner ever since.  Sure- sometimes I'll take a couple of weeks off when life (or baklava) get in the way, but I more or less am always running.  Two years ago, I did my first full marathon, and I'm currently training for my second.  I also did two halfs in the interim.  The first kind've wore me out for a while, and I was initially anxious to not be on so regimented a schedule, but I've recently realized that I really LOVE and need to always have a set running plan.  I am now training for my second full, which is the Amica Marathon in Newport, RI on October 17th.  Both David (husband) and my mom will be racing, too!  Amica is supposed to be one of the most gorgeous marathons in the country which is why I chose it.  I. Can't. Wait.

And there you have it.  The basics and background.  I hope you follow along on this journey with me, and if you don't, well- a curse upon your house!!  KidddddingThanks for making it this far, and I'll check ya later!

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http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/2106640/33710_543023200262_8076325_n.jpg http://posterous.com/users/n3GkGQiiqrQ0O Jesse Barton jbruns Jesse Barton