Monday, July 9, 2007

Holy hot weekend, Batman!

I have somehow managed to become as good a holiday-eater as I am a cupcake-talker.

On Friday and Saturday, Neil and I made our way to friends' houses (Nate and Kate on Friday; Stef and Dane on Saturday) where we stuffed our faces with grilled eggplant and fresh mozzarella on fresh baguettes; tomatillo salsa sandwiches with tomatoes, swiss and lettuce; cream-filled chocolate cupcakes; chocolate-caramel torte; Nilla wafer-banana cream pie; and, mmm, cherries.

So, sitting down to my breakfast of a chai tea Luna bar and apple was a little less exciting than usual.

The exciting part of it, however, is that I bought the chai tea Luna bar at Whole Foods in University Heights, which conveniently opened shortly after I left the area. While I haven’t become dependent on bar-form meals, they’re a handy way of maintaining my nutrition when I could just as quickly sink my teeth into a quick donut or two. And as you can see from the above list, I can probably stand a few days away from any serious binging, eh?

But the weekend wasn’t all face-stuffing and naps: I kicked a little bit of running butt on what turned out to be a rather disgusting Saturday morning/early afternoon walk-and-run around the neighborhood. I started with a very fast 2.10-mile walk and then picked up into a 3.83-mile run.

I had intended on greater distances when I started the workout, but as the heat washed over me (I also started later than intended—I generally get running by 8 a.m., but didn’t get out the door until after 10:30), I felt like I was trying to breathe underwater. The trouble was primarily at the end of the run, so it didn’t seem to signal any grand deterioration of my shape.

It did, however, mark a new “accomplishment” in my world of running: it was my first workout in the present era without music. I had my iPod along to track the workout, but I had no music playing. Sure, it doesn’t sound like much, but I’ve had some serious attachment problems with running music—as if some form of audio distraction were absolutely necessary.

Ever since I became a more-frequent cyclist though, I’ve gotten used to the non-distraction workout. It’s obviously too dangerous to listen to music when I’m riding my bike (and, come on, when I do something it’s about 35 times more dangerous than the average participant), and I’ve kind of settled into that quiet space.

So, when I headed out on Saturday morning, I thought I would give it a try. It seemed a little strange at first because I like to use music rhythms to get me moving, but I found my inner motivation to push me instead. It took some digging…. And it will take some getting used to. Maybe I can just start singing to myself.

7 comments:

Jim said...

We were in Vermont over the Fourth holiday where the temperature was a perfect low to mid-70s during the day. While flying back on Saturday afternoon the pilot said, "..and the current temperature in Raleigh is 97." Turn this plane around RIGHT NOW! Yeah, the heat really sucks.

The Salty One said...

I'm glad you're feeling better! I was worried about you. It sounds like you're easing back into things and that's good!

As for the tunes, sometimes there really is nothing better than the peace and quiet of a run. I used to wear headphones when I ran, but now I only do in the winter on the treadmill when I actually NEED it (and I really do, otherwise I would fall asleep from boredom and be hurled off the back into the wall--unless of course there were Little House on the Prairie re-runs with closed captioning!)

Anyway, I am going to be in Hudson on Saturday and I am going to make sure to get a cupcake. And speaking of yumminess, have a quick question, have you ever been to Bistro 185 in Euclid/Cleveland? If so, what did you think?

Charlie said...

A plan a no music run once a week. I pay attention to my running a liitle more.
We can't wear headphones in races any longer. It is good prep.

B Bop said...

I find the pit-pat of my feet along with my steady breathing to be a wonderful baseline for the chirping birds to freestyle over top of :-)

Good to hear you're recovering well. Seven Grains market on Tallmadge Ave. just off Tallmadge circle is fairly close by and is a nice little market with lots of OG and other healthy treats.

B Bop said...

And, come to think of it, I'm sure the co-op would order you anything you'd like that is available to them.

TRI Vortex said...

My solution to the mundane rides. My iPod and a mini speaker that has a built in amp and runs off 2 AA batteries. They both fit in my bento box with room to spare.

miss petite america said...

the singing to yourself does work.

and man oh man if i'm ever in the NEOhio area, your friends are required to cook for me. your feasts sound heavenly!!!