I always found long distance running a perfect exercise to stay in shape and clear my mind. Those early morning long runs along the Charles River in Boston were very inspiring and relaxing. Running marathons is very rewarding and I enjoyed each and every single one. The hard training heartily pays off once you pass the supporting and cheering crowds along the roads and definitely when you cross the finish line. I remember when I crossed the finish line of my first one in Burlington, Vermont. I was overcome by emotions, accomplishing a long time goal of mine was simply to overwhelming; great though!
Two weeks ago I decided to get back into the game. Inspired by spring's arrival and the Boston marathon at our doorsteps, I picked up my running shoes and went for a spin around the block. It was fabulous to feel the muscles cramp and the blood pumping. On the downside I am sure it will be a tough ride after a 4 year break and I am not certain if I still can build up to a full marathon. But that's not really the goal. The ultimate goal is to get back in shape, loose the extra pounds that accumulated over the past years, eat healthy and most importantly stay healthy to enjoy life going forward. The turning point was actually last week when I found out about the disgusting processed food industry practices. I was not aware of the meaning of Artificial Flavors and even Natural Flavor or flavoring and what some of the big companies do. Now I am carefully checking the ingredients of any food I buy. This also means I stopped eating Junk Food and started preparing home cooked meals every single day of the week. Overall a win win situation for me!
In terms of running, I am starting slow and currently striving to get back on a regular running schedule and build up my mileage every week, or so. Last week I did 1.5 miles (yes I am not ashamed to say so) and yesterday I did 2 miles. I felt great this morning and could have easily run longer but I stopped to avoid any sort of injury and set back. Going forward I will be increasing my weekly mileage by 0.5 or 1 mile depending on how I my body feels.
It will be interesting to challenge my personal will power once again. Hope you join me on this trip back to health and keep me motivated by sharing your inspiring stories ~ anything counts if it moves us toward a Healthier Lifestyle ~ doesn't need to be a marathon story, that's just something I enjoyed doing and that I happen to be picking up again.
Juergen
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Just came back from my weekly long run ~ up from 2 to 3 miles. You know it is a winner when you struggle mentally and physically but then you push through. It wasn't easy but the increase by another mile this week is great. It feels great and having beaten the little mind games and body aches that come up during a run is priceless .... puts a smile on your face while you doing it and after. A little bit of Yoga and stretching after loosens the muscles and back. 190 pounds this morning and dropping ... looking forward to this upcoming week now! From the pen of running and eating for healthier life, Juergen
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday everybody. Boston is plastered in the official Boston marathon colors blue and yellow. When walking the town yesterday to scout for photography location I saw so many runners picking up there bags and showcasing there blue and yellow ... what a great event for the city of Boston! As I am not running from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston street, I will be doing my part on Monday and cheering for the marathon runners at Coolidge Corner while probably taking some photos to document the event. I also did my share today and clocked in another 3 miler. Although my body was saying I can do another mile my brain responded to watch out for injuries and take it easy. It was a beautiful morning with a bit of sunshine and not too many people out in the streets. I am now glad I crawled out of bed and made the rounds through the neighborhood. Still eating healthy and avoiding all kinds of junk food, now in the third week ... graving those french fries but haven't fallen to temptation yet :-) Hope everybody is having a wonderful Sunday ... Good luck on Monday Boston marathon runners ... seems like the weather will be perfect and wyou missed the hot weather by a day or 2. Cheers, Juergen
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Hopefully my last column of my running journal showed the excitement and spirit that Boston was experiencing and everybody was looking forward to on Patriots Monday. As everybody in Boston, the Nation and the World knows, hopes of many were shattered by the devastating bombing during the marathon and the events that followed and escalated in more tragedy and pain. Relieve has come our way with the dead of one suspect and the capture of the other, a burning soreness still remains though. My heart and thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones which lives were changed forever. Things will never get back the way they were but I sure hope everybody's will find the comfort and love to keep going. My best, Juergen
ReplyDeletePS: If you can please donate for the victims of the Boston marathon bombing at The One Fund Boston 2013
PPS: Shortly after sunrise today I ran along the Charles, managed 3.75 miles, and rediscovered how much I love running there.
Did another 3.75 miles today along the Charles River. Slowly but surely getting there. Despite the brain teasing me this morning to go on a second loop I am still taking it easy to avoid any sort of injuries. It feels great to be out and running again ... a well balanced diet rounds up but attempt for a more healthier lifestyle. Daffodils next to the Charles River and in front of the Boston skyline are still sort of in bloom ... glad I got my picture "Spring into Boston" last week when they were in full bloom! Happy Sunday all, Juergen
ReplyDeleteDidn't get it together today for my long run. Running cloth was in the wash and I had nothing to wear ~ lol. Quite disappointing as I was looking forward to my run but now will have to put in some extra training during the week. Made cauliflower casserole for dinner tonight that should last for a couple of nights. Happy running everybody! Juergen
ReplyDeleteAfter a week of interruption I am back on track for a healthier life. Last Sunday I went back running my regular route around the Charles River on a beautiful Sunday morning: 3.75 miles. Felt great. This Sunday I once again had a tough time getting motivated. I just put on my running gear and went outside for a spin through the neighborhood. On this run i incorporated some hilly terrain ... not sure how many miles but my guestimate is 3 miles. All in all I am still eating healthy, feel better than ever and still running regularly. Soon I have to get going on the mileage build up and add some to the 3.75 miles I maxed out on at this point. The goal is still to take it easy so injury is not setting me back and adding a mile or 2 over the next few weeks. Happy healthy Sunday all! Juergen
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