Operation Hot Mother: Day 5

Posted on | August 28, 2010 | 5 Comments

Today was day 5 of Operation Hot Mother and I’m feeling great. I’ve had a good week, exercise-wise and have surprised myself on several occasions. First, by actually keeping this whole thing going for longer than an afternoon (my track record is not impressive). And, second, by enjoying myself.

I am enjoying running. ME. ENJOYING RUNNING. T’s worried that I was replaced when he wasn’t looking, but it’s the same old me. No, I take that back – it’s the new and improved me :)

Running this week hasn’t necessarily been easy, but it has been rewarding. I’ve had loads of virtual support from all of you (thanks, again!) and this whole public accountability thing is working wonders. This is probably really nerdy of me to admit, but I spent a good part of both my Tuesday and Friday run composing blog posts about the runs in my head. What kept me going through at least one hard spot last night was thinking, “If I stop now, I’ll have to tell people. Like, the whole internet. Ugh. I can’t do that! I’ll feel like a loser. Ohhhh, I stopped before 10 minutes b/c I’m a wuss. All that support was for nothing. No, Jo, keep going. Then you can tell people you ran even further than planned. Yeah, that’s good! I’ll do that!”

Hey, man, whatever it takes, right?

The other thing that has kept me going is making and meeting mini-goals along the way. Like, “I’ll run to the next corner, then reassess.” Then, “Ok, made this corner, let’s get to the end of the next block and see how I’m feeling.” And, “Whoa! Side cramp! Ok, just keep going ’til that tree up there. Okaaaaaaaay. Whew! Made it. Ok, next corner.” It’s amazing what that can help you accomplish. [I successfully used this same tactic to get through contractions during labor. Although quitting after the next one wasn't an option then, you can delude yourself of a lot of things when you're that uncomfortable and willing something to end quickly.]

My record this week was strong, though not perfect. I ran on Tuesday, did Yoga on Wed, ate ice cream for dinner on Thursday (whoops), and then ran both yesterday and today. I also did quite a bit of walking (like usual), though I was pretty bad about tracking it (that’s what the extra miles on Fri are about). I also did yoga last night after running and that felt great. I’d like to add some sit-ups and/or push-ups into the routine eventually, but am still moving in baby steps for now. Everything in time.

Tomorrow, we depart for a week-long roadtrip through the Berkshires and up to Vermont to see some dear friends of ours. Keeping a routine going while on the road may be tough, but the new scenery might actually be inspiring. I don’t know how much writing I’ll be able to do from the road, but I will still try to check in on Daily Mile for record-keeping purposes.

Wish me luck!

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