Fighting the Urge to Walk

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Good morning! I’m having a lovely Friday morning — I’m off from work, my mom is in town, and we’re going to do tons of wedding-related errands. YAY!

 

Since I missed my run last night, I went on a light run this AM.  About an hour before I left, I had a light breakfast of 1/2 cup Grape Nuts and a sliced banana with skim milk.

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Today’s run was rough.  It’s funny how I can run 7.0 miles with no problems and then a week later running 3.2 miles seems like torture.  It just goes to prove that SO MUCH of running is mental. 

 

It was just one of those days — it was hot and sunny, I was feeling bloated from breakfast, and I was suffering from female-related aches and pains.  It felt like I was running through hell.

 

A trick I use to get through runs like today’s is I force myself to zone out.  Focusing on the discomfort or exhaustion is a vicious cycle that tends to make the run suck even harder.   I conscious CHOOSE to zone out — I literally think, "Mind, go blank."  And sometimes I have to remind myself to zone…. your mind tends to naturally wander back to thinking about walking. 

 

My heart rate monitor got caught up under my shirt, so I don’t have my full statistics:

 

  • Duration: 29 minutes (3.2 miles)
  • Calories Burned (Approximately): 300

 

When I came home, I made a Muscle Milk Light smoothie and thanks the Lord above that my run was over and done with for the day. 🙂

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Readers’ Blemish Remedies

 

A few days ago, I mentioned that I was breaking out like crazy on my forehead, and I wonder if anyone knew some natural fixes to help my skin.  The response was overwhelming! There were so many good suggestions that I thought I’d share them in a post.

 

Natural Cures

 

  • Tea bags (for inflammation)
  • Ice
  • Cider Vinegar
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • Witch Hazel

 

Habitual Cures

 

  • Exfoliating with a wash cloth or sponge
  • Drinking lots of water (or water + lemon)
  • Changing the pillowcase frequently
  • Stop touching your face!
  • Drinking peppermint tea
  • Chilling out, meditating, or doing yoga
  • Clean eating (no junk!)

 

Over-the-Counter Cures

 

  • Toothpaste
  • Proactive
  • Clean and Clear Persa-Gel 10
  • Clean and Clear Advantage Kit
  • Clinique toner
  • Aveeno Clear Complexion face wash
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Neutrogena RapidClear Acne Pads
  • Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
  • Dermalogica Microfoliant
  • Aspirin "paste" (crush aspirin, add drop of water, and spot onto zit)

 

What tricks do you have for "fighting the urge to walk"?

{ 34 comments }

 

  • arielle November 7, 2008, 7:51 am

    I can’t zone out. I just count down the minutes in my head, because if I know how much time/distance is left, I’m okay. I went for a run in Mexico and I had no idea where we were and when we would be home, and it was torture.

  • Meghann November 7, 2008, 7:55 am

    It’s because you didn’t have me with you distracting you from the run. 🙂 My sis and I are doing an early run Saturday morning, I know you’re going to be busy with shower stuff, but it does not hurt to ask!

    Also, some friends and I are going to Leu Gardens for their movie in the park tonight. The movie is Dirty Dancing! We usually bring picnic baskets and drink wine. It’s chill and fun. Again I know you’re busy, but I thought it would be something fun for your mom to do.

    If no to all of the above I will see you tomorrow at the Ladies Lunch!

  • VeggieGirl November 7, 2008, 8:07 am

    Despite the rough run, it sounds like your Friday WILL be amazing – enjoy!! :0)

  • Caitlin November 7, 2008, 8:17 am

    btw that aspirin mask really works!! add a touch of honey and it makes it even better 🙂

  • Meg November 7, 2008, 8:18 am

    Sorry the run didn’t go well! Hope you have fun with your mom!

  • amanda November 7, 2008, 8:19 am

    Since I map out my run before-hand, I run for a certain distance, not a certain amount of time. Therefore, when I want to walk I tell myself that my run will be over sooner if I just keep going!! I also know that starting to run after walking SUCKS so I just don’t make walking an option 🙂

  • Matt November 7, 2008, 8:34 am

    good luck this weekend!

  • Krista November 7, 2008, 8:35 am

    I set small goals for myself when I’m struggling. I might tell myself to go to the next light post and then it’s OK to walk. Usually, I’ll keep on running. It’s such a mental game sometimes!

  • seeleelive (for the love of peanut butter) November 7, 2008, 8:39 am

    so glad you got all those awesome tips!! im bookmarking this post for when i break out. and you are so right and on the mark when you say running is mental–i need practice with that FOR SURE!!!!!

  • Alex November 7, 2008, 8:46 am

    Oh, I wanted to add something about the breakouts. I’ve noticed that I tend to break out on my chin, and I think it’s because of my cell phone – all of that bacteria and the time I spend talking on it = grossness. So I’ve started using antibacterial wipes every couple of days. Hard to tell whether it works or not, but it certainly can’t hurt!

  • tfh November 7, 2008, 8:47 am

    It is SO strange how a three miler can be so much more challenging than 10 miles depending on the day. I usually just allow myself to go very, very, very slowly if I’m not feeling great. Have fun with your mom!

  • Toni Jo November 7, 2008, 8:48 am

    Haha, I’m happy for these different remedies to try… I am feeling a pretty decent breakout coming on. Oh, well.

    I love to plan the rest of my day when I’m running, or the next day if it’s late. Even things like what I’m going to wear or if I’ll go window-shopping at lunch. Trying to think of things I forgot at the grocery store is a fun one, too.

  • Oh She Glows November 7, 2008, 9:04 am

    Thats funny you read my mind because I just posted about this!

    I was in so much pain today and I HAD to ignore it. Something that works for me is to think motivational thoughts or to blare my music to distract me. Or I think of my to-do list for the day and sometimes that 1 or 2 minute distraction is all I need!

  • bitesoflife November 7, 2008, 9:21 am

    Too bad your run didn’t go well, hopefully it’ll be all out of your system before your race! 🙂

    Have fun with your mom this weekend!

  • jenngirl November 7, 2008, 9:27 am

    You are so right-so much of cardio exercise in general is MENTAL…it makes it great for those days when you’re in the mood, but down right miserable when you’re not!

    I guess when I have to the urge to walk I kind of assess what’s causing it. Is it physical? Because if my body REALLY needs the break I take it, but if it’s mental, I break up the rest of the exercise into small (like 3 min) intervals…it can cure boredom at least 🙂

  • Sharney November 7, 2008, 9:43 am

    Hi Caitlin,
    I know EXACTLY what you mean!! It happens to me every now and again, too. Yesterday was my first day "back" to running after a 4 day absence due to my bronchitis. I was feeling much better and my cough was pretty much gone. Still I decided to take it easy because I didn't want to overdo it and have a setback. My plan was to ultimately run 5 miles, but if I was feeling weak to try to run 3. I also decided I wasn't going to try to set any speed records, but would instead take it nice & easy. Despite my efforts, my legs felt like lead and I was so sluggish! It sucked! I thought back to Saturday when I had run 12 miles and I couldn't even imagine that being possible yesterday! My "trick" is that I shoot for an ultimate goal, but make sure I have a minimum goal as well, ie: want to run 5, will do minimum of 3if not feeling strong enough. Then once I start running, if I feel like crap, I start to set small goals for myself. For example, I will use certain markers along my route as goals. I tell myself "Ok, just try to run to (fill in the blank). Then once I get there I set another "goal" for myself. I hope that makes sense! I find this to be extremely helpful because it keeps me distracted from my running/discomfort and gives me small attainable "goals" to reach for instead of looking at the BIG picture. It keeps me focused instead of thinking "OMG!! I still have x number of miles to go?!!"
    Hope that helps!

    Have a super fabulous day with your mom! I hope you get lots accomplished and have tons of fun in the process!!

    Stay strong, Caitlin 🙂

  • Melissa November 7, 2008, 9:49 am

    One more word about acne prevention (it seems crazy now, but I was a professional makeup artist), clean your cell phone. It is covered in bacteria and it is right up by your facial skin. Gross!
    Also, do not dry your skin out by using tons of acne fighting products. Drying of skin leads to increased oil production, which leads to increased acne. Moisturize!!!

  • therunningaddict November 7, 2008, 10:47 am

    You’re SO right about zoning out! The run feels like a casual walk almost when I do that. I don’t even realise my heart it pumping and my body is moving fast!

  • runningwithfood November 7, 2008, 11:11 am

    On my off days, I always remind myself how far I’ve come with running and how lucky I am to have the ability … that’s seems to do the trick! If not, I crank up the ipod just a little bit louder and press on!

    Re: your post last night – have a super time with your mom! She sounds like one fantastic lady! 🙂

  • girlrunningaround November 7, 2008, 11:18 am

    I know the feeling. I had the same kind of run this morning. But even though I felt terrible, the rest of my day has been great. Running is such an amazing thing.

  • Girl on Top November 7, 2008, 11:45 am

    I’ve been pretty excited to run so I haven’t been fighting the urge to walk. But if I do then I just get at least 3 miles and call it a day.

  • Balance, Joy and Delicias! November 7, 2008, 11:49 am

    great idea of zone out! And I’m so agree that everything is mental….our body can do more beyond our mental limit. It happens to me many times that when I release my mental limit, my body just follows.

  • ModelBehavior November 7, 2008, 12:13 pm

    Seriously, proactive is amazing, I swear by the stuff! I know TONS of models that use it to, worth the money fo sho!

    To zone out I count my steps. I’ll count to 10, then start over. Or I’ll try to figure out a rediculous math problem in my head, like 7 to the 6th power, I never figure it out but it helps pass the time.

  • Chic Runner November 7, 2008, 12:57 pm

    I can’t zone out either, you have a good habit with doing that, most of the time, on my long runs I just think about random things and what I have to do next, and also I think about when I will be done. It starts to go by quickly then.

    If you keep thinking about running, you’ll also be able to do it, just don’t think about walking! 🙂 Have an amazing weekend with tons of wedding fun!

  • wholefoodswholeme November 7, 2008, 1:33 pm

    “Focusing on the discomfort or exhaustion is a vicious cycle that tends to make the run suck even harder. ” so true. i must remember that!

  • mandy November 7, 2008, 1:35 pm

    Where in TN does your mom live? I’m in Nashville! 🙂

  • Anonymous November 7, 2008, 1:52 pm

    I do a lot of running (early stages of training for my 4th Boston Marathon) and my trick is to tell someone that Im running X amount of miles. Clearly this would mean either my husband or my mother because my friends do not really need a daily call about my runs. But this way, when I talk to my husband or mother next, they usually say “How was your run” and the last thing I want to say is “Uh, well, I stopped.”

  • Andrea (Off Her Cork) November 7, 2008, 2:03 pm

    I zone out too and I mean I focus on something else entirely (as opposed to blank mind). Normally when I get in a mode where I’m thinking about my shins or the weather and how sucky the run is, I tell myself, “Whatever, Andrea. You’re a runner, get over it.” And then I start thinking about whatever, dinner or lunch. Movies I want to see, anything else other than the run and eventually I get over myself. LOL

    Have fun with your mom!

  • Melissa November 7, 2008, 2:17 pm

    I plan meals in my head while I run.
    Another idea and something that saved my friend while running the NYC Marathon last weekend- download audio books onto your ipod. They make long runs literally fly by (I tried it thinking it was genious and it TRUELY works!!!!).

  • Bridget November 7, 2008, 2:45 pm

    I focus on something else like what I’m going to wear the next day or what I could make for dinner with what I have on hand or sometimes I try to think of a really good business idea.

    Have fun with your mom!

  • Caitlin (see bride run) November 7, 2008, 3:16 pm

    i love everyone’s tips! they were really good!!

    anon – haha your comment cracked me up “um, well, i stopped.”

  • Oh She Glows November 7, 2008, 3:20 pm

    Sharon- I really love your tips- especially about setting ‘goal markers’- I am going to try that too!

  • Jen November 7, 2008, 4:06 pm

    I find that if I look to see how FAR I have run I get discouraged, but if I simply go by time alone, I do better. I will purposely look down at my Garmin and avoid looking at distance and only check the time. Stupid mind game.

    Also, if a song that is not-so-good to run to comes on my iPod, it can totally ruin it. Recently, I have made a “Running” playlist…that should solve that issue.

  • HangryPants November 7, 2008, 4:15 pm

    I play games with myself on the treadmill. Like I’ll say, I’ll stop when my time is at 45 minutes, then when I get there I say, ok, now I’ll stop when my miles are at 5.5. I am not sure that would work outdoors.

    I love your hair in the next post!

    Have a great time with your mom.

    What are you going to call the blog when you’re married?

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