The Rules of The Game

I had a much better week last week. My energy levels are starting to improve again. I think I'm finally learning the rules of this game.

Rule #1 - You will be allotted a certain amount of energy just like money in Monopoly. You're allowed to spend this energy anyway you want - running, working, getting emotional/stressed. But if you spend more than your share of energy you will be severely punished. The debt collector will come and taser you and leave you convulsing on the floor. Then you'll spend a week or so getting over your indiscretion.

Rule #2 - You shall  run no more than 3/4 of your allotted distance and you MUST keep a close eye on your heart rate. If you go up a hill it will get high, so stop and walk for a while. If you try to catch that slow runner in front of you it will get high, so stop and walk for a while. If a car toots you and you get a fright it will get high, so stop and walk for a while. If you sing while you run it will get high, so stop singing because when you sing and run and wear headphones your singing will be really bad and probably off-key.  If a workman wolf-whistles you it will get high but don't stop and walk until you're out of sight because the workman may think that he's gotten lucky.

Rule #3 - Make sure you do everything you can to recover well after the run. Eat soon after and include quality carbs and protein. Rehydrate well. Have a rest if you can. Stretch or do some yoga. And read running magazines to keep that little flicker of inspiration burning brightly.

Rule #4 - Even though it's tough at time, know that following the rules will get you to where you want to be eventually. I still have no idea when eventually will be but I'm determined that I'll get there one day.

So my stats for last week were - 32k total run/walk
                                                22k of that was running
                                                4 runs - the longest was 11k
                                                average HR ranged from 129 (quite a bit of walking in that one) to                                                                                                    
                                                157 on yesterday's hilly route
                                                average pace - I'm not running by pace so I'm not going to mention  
                                                it.

And the best news of this week is that I'm almost at the end of the silly season with my work. Last aerobics leotards will be appliquéd today and that will leave me with just lots of posing bikinis and trunks for body builders. I survived!! The dogs were thrilled when I told them the news.

"You've nearly finished? Does that mean more walks???"

"Finished? I'm smiling on the inside - or I will be after I have a nap."

Good luck to all the Boston Marathoners. Please run safe.