Some times a break is all you need.

So as you all know (well, we will pretend you do), I have been taking some time off of running and doing the Insanity workouts.  I had gotten a bit burned-out on running and needed a break.  Now I completely recognize that this may have been due to the use of the treadmill, but it had affected my desire to run at all.

I started up the Insanity work outs, and while I still hate doing DVD's as a source of exercise - it was a nice change. It also started me working on my core, which I DESPERATELY need.  In fact, I hadn't realized how bad it was - until this time around doing the DVDs.  I know see that my hernia-surgery repair took an already weak core, and made it weaker.  Logically this makes perfect sense, as I spent some time doing everything possible to NOT engage my core (specifically hip-flexor area.)

Now, as what might seem as a segue, I had also started looking back into the SCA.  This reminded me of when I used to fight, and it wasn't stamina I lacked.  I didn't have enough arm-strength.  I could go for a few fights, then my arms would need a break because they simply didn't have the strength to go on.   Since then I have been doing between 80 and 120 push ups a day.  (I lose track of how many I do.  The goal is 100.)

I have ceased (temporarily) on the Insanity, because I feel that if I am going to be running a 10 mile run in 8 days, I should probably have a little bit of recent-running under my belt.  Consequently, I got out on the road on Weds. night.

Inspiration

[caption id="attachment_2388" align="alignright" width="206"] Jeremy's 10 mile treadmill run.. Picture by Jeremy Buck[/caption]

Every runner, runs for a reason. It may be health and fitness, it may be that it's a wonderful stress release, or countless other reasons that are as individual as a snowflake. Yet, regardless of WHY, we will find different sources of inspiration. Obviously this isn't true only of runners, but of everyone for various aspects of life.

I have many sources of inspiration for running, and they inspire me at different times and to do different things. My kids continue to inspire me to keep running over-all. I want to be a good example to them, and show them that having good fitness is important. But sometimes it is one person that I know that gives me the inspiration just when I need it. Today is a great example.

A friend (and former co-worker) of mine in NY started running a year or two ago, and now runs 30-40 mile weeks. In fact, he even runs twice a day quite frequently. Many of these long runs are done on a treadmill.  Today I was hitting my treadmill, but had to do it without head-phones.  (In the process of a road trip, I lost mine.)  Now 4 miles on a treadmill isn't the world's worst run - but by 2.5 miles, I am ready to scream.  I thought of Jeremy's run  (See the picture above) and thought that if he could do 10 miles (even with music) then I could definitely finish out 4 miles.  And I'm pleased to say I did.  Thank you Jeremy! 

Sometimes, it only takes one person to believe

Other peoples' stories can be a great source of inspiration.

[caption id="attachment_1780" align="aligncenter" width="568"] Arthur Boorman's Amazing Transformation[/caption]

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