For updates on our Peru trip, check out our other blog:
http://shaneandchristine.blogspot.com/
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
Discipline
There have been many times that I've said these words to Christine....."I'm just not very disciplined!" She usually responds with "you are to" or "come on Shane, that's not true" or the best, "do you seriously think that." I think that there are times when it's just very apparant that I lack discipline in some areas. It's not that I possess zero discipline, but saying that it comes easy would be a far cry from the truth.
Let's start with the definition of discipline. According to http://dictionary.reference.com/ discipline is defined as follows:
Let's start with the definition of discipline. According to http://dictionary.reference.com/ discipline is defined as follows:
- Training to act in accordance with rules
- Activity, exercise or a regimen that develops or improves a skill
- Behavior and order maintained by training and control
When I read the definition, the first thing that stood out was rules. When I think of how disciplined I am, I typically review areas of my life such as reading (specifically the Bible), various work related things, and exercise (which right now is primary running). When I now review these areas of my life in regard to rules, things get blurry. What rules have I set for myself (or been set for me) for reading, work, and exercise?
This week has been a tough one. Most of the projects I've been working on wrapped up and the facility where I work started back up after being shutdown for over 5 weeks. Those of you that have any experience with industrial equipment or manufacturing may know how difficult things can be during times that these. Monday and Tuesday were pretty much filled with work......non-stop. I think I got home between 10 and 11 PM each night, having arrived at work at 6:45 AM each morning. That was 2 days off from running and reading, something I haven't done in quite sometime. Each of those mornings I worke up, grabbed coffee and a bagel and took off to work. Each of those nights, I drove home somewhat dissappointed with myself for not running. Each day, I was dissappointed with myself, but I had a great excuse, right! Wednesday morning I got up early to pack, stop by work, then on to the airport for a quick trip to Louisville, KY. I was fortunate to get there early enough for a nice trail run, then got another trail run the following day before dinner with an old friend and co-worker. Did I read? Nope! Now here I am, sitting in the airport awaiting my flight typing away, having not read a word and only logged 10 miles this week and again, dissappointed with myself. The question I have to ask is 'could I have done things any differently'.
I typically read a few chapters in the morning sitting at the dining table and I typically run at lunch or in the afternoons (and sometimes both). I'll knock out 10-15 chapters on a Saturday morning. I'll run in the blazing heat or nighttime snow, but I rarely rise out of bed in the wee hours and get my legs pumping. And each day that I sleep in, work late, or catch up with a friend, I "take the day off." Not necessarily because I want to or even need to, but because I wasn't able to fit it in.
Now I'm asking myself whether I have a set of "rules" which govern that all too elusive discipline. I have a desire to start my day with reading, even if it's just a verse. I also have the desire to make my exercise more of a priority, implementing a morning workout. But, I've never set any rules for myself. Is my "lack of discipline" actually the lack of rules? Have I neglected to establish any sort of criteria for achieving the "training" I need and desire? Or have I purposefully not set rules.....you know, those "guidelines" are much easier to overlook!
Discipline seems to be something that can set you apart. I see those whom I admire, because of their faith. They are disciplined at prayer. I see those whom I admire, because of their vast knowledge. They are disciplined readers. I see those who excel in their jobs. They are disciplined. I see those that are accomplished athletes. They are disciplined. So, what role will discipline play in my own life? We'll see what the rules say!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Video - Dad Life
First of all, no I'm not a Dad, nor becoming one in 9 months or less! That being said, a gentlemen that I had lunch with today asked my co-worker and I whether we had seen this video. He said he watches it over and over, so I thought it worth a view. Trust me, this is hilarious.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Simplicity
Simplicity. It seems that everywhere you turn, there's another slogan, another catchphrase, or another add using simplicity as a means of making a sale or pitching the latest craze. To be quite honest, I'm completely fascinated with the idea of simplicity in my own life. I've actually tried to simplify things quite a bit, although that seems to be an unattainable goal. The more I try to simplify things, the more complicated they get....which must mean that I'm doing something wrong.
One area that I've continually tried to remove the unnecessary is exercise. I started mountain biking consistently in college and started racing soon after. To train for mountain biking, I found that road biking was the ticket. After college, I was lifting weights, running and riding, but not with great consistency. When I moved to Boulder in 2004, I was on the plan to do as much outside as possible, with little rhyme or reason. I was trail running, mountain biking, road biking, hiking, skiing on the weekends, lifting weights and throwing a little whitewater kayaking in the mix. When I moved to Longmont, I decided to give triathlon a try.
As you can see, my fitness regimen was all over the map in the span of 5-10 years. (I guess I should mention that I wasn't all that good at any of it!) A typical weekend in the mountains would involve my SUV being packed with every piece of outdoor gear imaginable. Needless to say, I think my time outside was anything but simple. Which brings us to my latest adventures in running. I've found that by running, specifically trail running, I can experience the outdoors that I love so much without the complication of tons of gear. I've been able to slow things down, getting to take in the expansive views when I'm on a beautiful section of trail, rather than seeing quick blurs when I'm on my mountain bike. Over the past 6 months, I've even tried to simplify my running. I've moved more and more toward minimalist shoes (I'm currently running in the New Balance MT100's). Along with the shoes, I no longer wear socks, which hasn't been the best smelling choice I've made! Typically it's shoes, shorts, and a hat.....a solo bottle depending on the distance being covered.
At this point, I'm at a crossroads. I've been running more and more, feeling as if my fitness is improving. My thoughts are starting to migrate towards goals, especially since I climbed Mt. Rainier, which had been a goal climb of mine for quite some time. Goals in running tend to be in the realm of racing, whether it's a 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon, marathon, or even an ultramarathon. For some the goal is just to finish, for others it's to finish within a certain time, and for the select few, it's to actually win. Whatever the specific goal, it's almost always centered around 'the big race.' Racing brings about even more complexities in my mind. It has the potential to cause me to lose focus of the real reasons that I run.
So why do I run.....let's start with that question. First of all, I feel like moving is what I/we were meant to do. Our bodies are designed to move, in a various ways of course. Movement itself can look drastically different from person to person. My wife for instance, grew up dancing....ballet, tap, jazz, modern, etc etc. You can see in old home videos that she loved the feeling she got when she learned to move her body in a new way. Whether she was in the middle of a recital, in front of her Dad's camera at home, or with her Mom in the grocery store, she was always moving (and it was typically a performance!). Even though she no longer dances (with the exception of our ballroom lessons), movement is ingrained in her. She now loves to run, ride, snowboard, and hike. As for me, my current choice of frequent movement is in the forward direction on my own 2 feet....running. Secondly, I love being outside, preferably away from people and even more specifically, in the mountains. If I were confined to running around my neighborhood block everyday, I'm not sure I would continue running at the same level I am now. But in the mountains, I feel at peace. No matter how fast or slow, uphill or down, singletrack or service road. I'm continually yearning to be surrounded by nature. Lastly, I would say that I have a desire and need to exercise. I feel better, physically and mentally, during and after I exercise. It helps me gain and maintain perspective. Without sounding too clique, it's healthy!
So, I guess you're wondering how all this ties into simplicity. Well, as I've began pondering goals, and therefore pondering races, it's turned my simple act of running into a far more complex thing. First of all, I can no longer run with my $6.99 watch from Target. I need a watch with an altimeter and heart-rate monitor, or better yet, a GPS. And I can't just cruise around my little lake loop or up Heil Ranch. I have to check every split, continually tracking my pace and comparing it with the times before. And, do I record my runs? Of course. With the upcoming race, I have to see statistically where my fitness level is if I'm ever going to reach that 'goal!'
With all that being said, I'm probably taking yet another complex look at a really simple idea. Pursuing a goal, whether it be running a 36 min 10k, a sub 3 hr marathon, or just completing an ultra, and moving forward to the best of my ability, should be simple. I mean, in the end, there's a lot to be learned, and learning must be the key to simplicity! Right!?
"Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated!" ~Confucius
One area that I've continually tried to remove the unnecessary is exercise. I started mountain biking consistently in college and started racing soon after. To train for mountain biking, I found that road biking was the ticket. After college, I was lifting weights, running and riding, but not with great consistency. When I moved to Boulder in 2004, I was on the plan to do as much outside as possible, with little rhyme or reason. I was trail running, mountain biking, road biking, hiking, skiing on the weekends, lifting weights and throwing a little whitewater kayaking in the mix. When I moved to Longmont, I decided to give triathlon a try.
As you can see, my fitness regimen was all over the map in the span of 5-10 years. (I guess I should mention that I wasn't all that good at any of it!) A typical weekend in the mountains would involve my SUV being packed with every piece of outdoor gear imaginable. Needless to say, I think my time outside was anything but simple. Which brings us to my latest adventures in running. I've found that by running, specifically trail running, I can experience the outdoors that I love so much without the complication of tons of gear. I've been able to slow things down, getting to take in the expansive views when I'm on a beautiful section of trail, rather than seeing quick blurs when I'm on my mountain bike. Over the past 6 months, I've even tried to simplify my running. I've moved more and more toward minimalist shoes (I'm currently running in the New Balance MT100's). Along with the shoes, I no longer wear socks, which hasn't been the best smelling choice I've made! Typically it's shoes, shorts, and a hat.....a solo bottle depending on the distance being covered.
At this point, I'm at a crossroads. I've been running more and more, feeling as if my fitness is improving. My thoughts are starting to migrate towards goals, especially since I climbed Mt. Rainier, which had been a goal climb of mine for quite some time. Goals in running tend to be in the realm of racing, whether it's a 5k, 10k, 1/2 marathon, marathon, or even an ultramarathon. For some the goal is just to finish, for others it's to finish within a certain time, and for the select few, it's to actually win. Whatever the specific goal, it's almost always centered around 'the big race.' Racing brings about even more complexities in my mind. It has the potential to cause me to lose focus of the real reasons that I run.
So why do I run.....let's start with that question. First of all, I feel like moving is what I/we were meant to do. Our bodies are designed to move, in a various ways of course. Movement itself can look drastically different from person to person. My wife for instance, grew up dancing....ballet, tap, jazz, modern, etc etc. You can see in old home videos that she loved the feeling she got when she learned to move her body in a new way. Whether she was in the middle of a recital, in front of her Dad's camera at home, or with her Mom in the grocery store, she was always moving (and it was typically a performance!). Even though she no longer dances (with the exception of our ballroom lessons), movement is ingrained in her. She now loves to run, ride, snowboard, and hike. As for me, my current choice of frequent movement is in the forward direction on my own 2 feet....running. Secondly, I love being outside, preferably away from people and even more specifically, in the mountains. If I were confined to running around my neighborhood block everyday, I'm not sure I would continue running at the same level I am now. But in the mountains, I feel at peace. No matter how fast or slow, uphill or down, singletrack or service road. I'm continually yearning to be surrounded by nature. Lastly, I would say that I have a desire and need to exercise. I feel better, physically and mentally, during and after I exercise. It helps me gain and maintain perspective. Without sounding too clique, it's healthy!
So, I guess you're wondering how all this ties into simplicity. Well, as I've began pondering goals, and therefore pondering races, it's turned my simple act of running into a far more complex thing. First of all, I can no longer run with my $6.99 watch from Target. I need a watch with an altimeter and heart-rate monitor, or better yet, a GPS. And I can't just cruise around my little lake loop or up Heil Ranch. I have to check every split, continually tracking my pace and comparing it with the times before. And, do I record my runs? Of course. With the upcoming race, I have to see statistically where my fitness level is if I'm ever going to reach that 'goal!'
With all that being said, I'm probably taking yet another complex look at a really simple idea. Pursuing a goal, whether it be running a 36 min 10k, a sub 3 hr marathon, or just completing an ultra, and moving forward to the best of my ability, should be simple. I mean, in the end, there's a lot to be learned, and learning must be the key to simplicity! Right!?
"Life is really simple but we insist on making it complicated!" ~Confucius
Weekly Summary - 8/15
Monday: Union Res - CR5
5.3 M @ 95 vert ft
Felt surprisingly well after a lot of time on my feet Sunday.
Tuesday: Rabbit Mtn
Indian Mesa - Thompson Overlook - 55th Climb
7.1 M @ 610 vert ft
Another good day in, with a little vertical gain. One more day and I'm calling this a trend!
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Union Res
7.5 M @ 105 vert ft
Another good run around my favorite neighborhood loop. Dropped another minute-ish off my PR. Also made me think of trying out a pair of road shoes. New Balance recently introduced the 905, which is a light weight (9.5 oz) road runner. I've also been a little intrigued by the Nike Free. I definitely feel as though the light, minimal shoe is my preference, but my MT100's aren't quite the shoe for longer, flater, and more pavement prone running.
Friday: Off
Saturday: Shanahan Trail - 5 Mile Hike
Christine and I met a couple friends for a little nice and easy hiking in Boulder Saturday morning. I was surprised that the trails weren't crowded at all. We enjoyed walking and talking with friends. Afterwards, we were off to the Louisville Farmers Market to pick up our first box of peaches for the season. Our friends, whose family have a peach orchard in Palisade, are always selling at various farmers markets on the front range each August. When summer hits, we're always anticipating the arrival of the peaches!
Union Res - PM
5.3 M @ 95 vert ft
Sunday: Hall Ranch - Lunch
6.3 Miles @ 656 vert ft
Up the Bitterbrush, down Antelope, over to Lyons and took Hwy 7 back to Lyons. It was a hot day on the trails. Christine and I were pretty roasted by the end, so there was no other choice but to soak in the St. Vrain to cool off afterwards. We definitely weren't the only people with this idea.
PM - 2 mile neighborhood jog - easy
5.3 M @ 95 vert ft
Felt surprisingly well after a lot of time on my feet Sunday.
Tuesday: Rabbit Mtn
Indian Mesa - Thompson Overlook - 55th Climb
7.1 M @ 610 vert ft
Another good day in, with a little vertical gain. One more day and I'm calling this a trend!
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Union Res
7.5 M @ 105 vert ft
Another good run around my favorite neighborhood loop. Dropped another minute-ish off my PR. Also made me think of trying out a pair of road shoes. New Balance recently introduced the 905, which is a light weight (9.5 oz) road runner. I've also been a little intrigued by the Nike Free. I definitely feel as though the light, minimal shoe is my preference, but my MT100's aren't quite the shoe for longer, flater, and more pavement prone running.
Friday: Off
Saturday: Shanahan Trail - 5 Mile Hike
Christine and I met a couple friends for a little nice and easy hiking in Boulder Saturday morning. I was surprised that the trails weren't crowded at all. We enjoyed walking and talking with friends. Afterwards, we were off to the Louisville Farmers Market to pick up our first box of peaches for the season. Our friends, whose family have a peach orchard in Palisade, are always selling at various farmers markets on the front range each August. When summer hits, we're always anticipating the arrival of the peaches!
Union Res - PM
5.3 M @ 95 vert ft
Sunday: Hall Ranch - Lunch
6.3 Miles @ 656 vert ft
Up the Bitterbrush, down Antelope, over to Lyons and took Hwy 7 back to Lyons. It was a hot day on the trails. Christine and I were pretty roasted by the end, so there was no other choice but to soak in the St. Vrain to cool off afterwards. We definitely weren't the only people with this idea.
PM - 2 mile neighborhood jog - easy
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Weekly Summary - 8/8
Monday: Off
Tuesday: Rabbit Mtn - 55th Climb x 3 (Lunch)
Evening walk with Christine topped off with a 1 mile jog.
Went on a walk with Christine
Tuesday: Rabbit Mtn - 55th Climb x 3 (Lunch)
6 Miles @ 600 vert ft
Felt pretty good on each 200 ft climb and my times continued to decrease with each session. It gets boring quickly doing the same thing multiple times, but it gives a good feel for fitness. I'm was pleased with my climbing, even though it was minimal vertical, and pleased with my times.
Wednesday: Rabbit Mountain Loop (Lunch)
4 Miles @ 472 vert ft
Felt pretty good running this loop. It was great to be on singletrack, even though it was only a short lunch time run.
Evening walk with Christine ending with a 1 mile jog.
Thursday: Union Res
7.5 Miles @ 102 vert ft
I felt better and faster on this run that I have in quite some time. From the time I left the house, my body felt much better than usual. I typically feel tight, slow and sluggish, at least for the first mile or two. Today was anything but typical. Although I didn't start the run fast, I felt my stride was almost perfect (of course, that's my personal opinion based on my neutral foot strike) and there was ample pep in my step! After I noticed my first few splits were below my normal pace without much additional effort, I thought it was a must to increase the speed. I continued to feel good, even with the increased effort, especially when I was chased by a mad dog. I was somewhat let down by one of the splits, but I reasoned that the headwind from the quickly approaching storm was the culprit. In the end, I finished strong and it was exactly what I needed. Some of my recent runs have been somewhat discouraging and I was starting to wonder if I would ever improve. It's funny how things happen.
Friday: Easy 2 Miles before dinner at the Sun Rose Cafe - Old Town Longmont
Saturday: Ceran St Vrain w/Christine
4.25 Miles @ 600 vert ft
Beautiful cool run by the river.
PM: Neighborhood jog to the store - easy
3 Miles
Sunday: AM - Indian Peaks Wilderness
Sourdough - Little Raven - Beaver Creek
9.5 Miles
PM: Neighborhood jog to the store - easy
3 Miles
Here are a few pictures from the weekend run:
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
Christine heading down from Mt. Audobon
A view from above treeline in the Indian Peak Wilderness Area
Icing the muscles in the cool creek after our run
St Vrain
4 Miles @ 472 vert ft
Felt pretty good running this loop. It was great to be on singletrack, even though it was only a short lunch time run.
Evening walk with Christine ending with a 1 mile jog.
Thursday: Union Res
7.5 Miles @ 102 vert ft
I felt better and faster on this run that I have in quite some time. From the time I left the house, my body felt much better than usual. I typically feel tight, slow and sluggish, at least for the first mile or two. Today was anything but typical. Although I didn't start the run fast, I felt my stride was almost perfect (of course, that's my personal opinion based on my neutral foot strike) and there was ample pep in my step! After I noticed my first few splits were below my normal pace without much additional effort, I thought it was a must to increase the speed. I continued to feel good, even with the increased effort, especially when I was chased by a mad dog. I was somewhat let down by one of the splits, but I reasoned that the headwind from the quickly approaching storm was the culprit. In the end, I finished strong and it was exactly what I needed. Some of my recent runs have been somewhat discouraging and I was starting to wonder if I would ever improve. It's funny how things happen.
Friday: Easy 2 Miles before dinner at the Sun Rose Cafe - Old Town Longmont
Saturday: Ceran St Vrain w/Christine
4.25 Miles @ 600 vert ft
Beautiful cool run by the river.
PM: Neighborhood jog to the store - easy
3 Miles
Sunday: AM - Indian Peaks Wilderness
Sourdough - Little Raven - Beaver Creek
9.5 Miles
PM: Neighborhood jog to the store - easy
3 Miles
Here are a few pictures from the weekend run:
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area
Christine heading down from Mt. Audobon
A view from above treeline in the Indian Peak Wilderness Area
Icing the muscles in the cool creek after our run
St Vrain
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