How not to run on a broken toe

Posted by Melissa Baumgart
I went for a run today!

(Late post due to technical difficulties), this happened two days ago...those in Seattle will be able to tell as they look out to the gloomy weather and think, what gorgeous Seattle day is this?)

I know, I said I would go the other day.  But then I wore shoes all day, just to see how it would feel, and it was terrible!  My toe hurt so bad by the end of the day, I couldn't bear the thought of running on it.  Plus, I sat in Seattle traffic for an hour and fifteen minutes...and let me tell you, going constantly from the gas to the brake does not feel good on a likely-broken toe!

Today was a gorgeous Seattle day, and I started it off nicely with a trip to a new skate park.  Haha, did you think I went skateboarding?  I love taking my kids to the skate park.  I find it relaxing and inspiring to see these super skilled skater guys flowing swiftly over the smooth concrete.  I left there inspired to do something physical, and proceeded to sit on my ass at the park and at home for most of the day.

Finally, I talked Tallulah into skating with me as I ran around the neighborhood.  My goal was simple - one mile.  As I started running, I couldn't believe how much it didn't hurt.  The running shoes are where it's at.  I felt supported, and even though I had a slight limp in my run, it felt so good.  It would seem that running imparts less impact on the toes than walking.  The whole mile, my toe felt really great.  That is until the very end, when I tripped over a bump in the sidewalk, stubbing my toe right into the cement.

Yeah.  Real nice, Melissa.  What was that I said about not being accident prone?  Let's hope I didn't mess it up even more and that I can get more than a mile in tomorrow.  And I have been doing the push-ups and sit-ups too...and I can do 50 push-ups in a day, split into two sessions!!  That's huge for me.

It's the little things in life...the ups and downs...the push-ups and broken toes.

The way home

By Amy Baranski

I'm somewhere between Centralia and Olympia Washington. Mode of travel: Amtrak. I'm heading back to Seattle from visiting family--an activity that will increase (and with joy) in the coming months.

I've been absent from this blog lately, and I still owe you a recap of the Urban Homesteading month adventure. I'm still homesteading; at this moment in fact. I've mentally designed a computer which is partially powered by finger typing movements. Not as brilliant, but still worth mentioning, there are two balls of yarn in my backpack. This is a feat for me. I would never, upon request, been able to produce two perfectly perfect balls of yarn. Two other balls would be easier to come by. I never thought I'd be that person. (The person with the yarn, not the balls).

Tomorrow begins my daily commitment to running a mile. I thought I had started October 1st, but the fact is I haven't donned a track suit in a few days. I just haven't had the steam. And I haven't been beating myself up for it. So this is it. The last day without running a mile. I know all you marathon runners out there are probably unimpressed with this mile-a-day business. But hey, you do you. And I'll do me.

Okay my battery's on the homestretch and I've got to type out this finger-powered-computer code before it fades.

XOA

Priorities Happen!

My Homestretch.

posted by Melissa Baumgart
I know, I know, so many books, magazine articles and "life coaches" have said this before.  Make yourself a PRIORITY!  I have found, and I admit there is likely an element of timing and fate at hand, but nonetheless when I make something that benefits me a priority, it happens.  I usually have to make some major commitment, like announcing to the world that I am doing Bikram yoga for 30 days straight, or like this month, running a mile every day.  But when I do that, it does happen.  The time seems to appear, even if it is squeezed between errands and meetings and kids (and leads to less sleep!).

When I don't do that, it doesn't. When I don't commit to yoga or running (or whatever you find to be your thing) by letting my family know my intention so they can help me and support me, I find that days go by where I didn't make it to the studio.  Everything seems to be stacking up against me, taking my time and making me to tired to go.  Those months where I don't make myself priority, I cannot fathom how I found the time to do so during other months.  It seems literally impossible.

What can you do for yourself every day?  It takes me at the most 15 minutes to get my running clothes and shoes on, stretch, run a mile, and cool off.  And even if I hate every minute of the run, I feel better for doing it.  (How weird is that?)  What will you do for yourself this month for 15 minutes a day?  You could run with us.  Or you could meditate.  Or you could draw.  Or take a bubble bath after your kids go to sleep.  Anything.

I did run today, but I did not time myself.  I can get a little obsessive about that kind of thing, so I thought it wise to take a day off from "beating my time."

I would be interested to see, with the intention to do something for yourself...something beneficial...how we all feel at the end of October.  Do you think it will make a difference?  Could it be that spark to ignite a light through the dark months to come?  (Hey, I live in Seattle, it starts getting dark at 4:30pm in the winter)  Or will everything be the same?

I am going to take the chance and see what happens.  What do I have to lose?

But what I don't want to do is make anyone who doesn't make the time, or just can't for any reason, feel bad.  I simply want to share my experience and hope to inspire at least one person along the way, OK, maybe two.  Three.  But really, be where you are.  It is such a tricky thing, to expect the best in yourself, and yet have compassion for those times that you aren't up to it.  I struggle with that regularly.

On that note; I am very, very happy to say that I have heard from at least three women and one husband, that they have also taken on the running one mile a day challenge!  You can do it!!!

-Melissa

It's getting better all the time

 Here's to you and your mile!

posted by Melissa Baumgart
My son, Levi, ran with me today.  He was kind and chilled his pace down a bit to stay back with me.  What a kid!  He did finish about 10 seconds ahead of me, and I was happy for him.  Until he called me fat a half hour later.  I weighed myself today and my suspicions were correct, I have gained back 2/3 (20 pounds!!!!) of what I lost a year and a half ago.

How did this happen?  I know...I love poutine, I love pizza, I love burgers and fries.  And I lost my yoga practice when I started school.

I seriously hope that running one mile  day does kick start my love for being fit.  I know it felt good to be fit.  But so does going out for a yummy burger.  I just cannot seem to find a way to be in balance with it all.  I swing from one extreme to another.  Perhaps this small and reasonable goal will be a shot of temperance in my otherwise turbulent life.

That being said, I did add in another element.  How could I not?  I wouldn't be me if I didn't.  But I am keeping it simple as well!  I am doing 20 crunches a day and starting at 5 push-ups a day.  I hope to work up to 50 of each.  Next month is Trapeze Month for christ sake, I better work on my core and upper body strength if I want to have any fun at all in November!

Today I increased my run time again.  We ran a mile in 8 minutes 38 seconds, a speed of 6.9 miles per hour!  The best part was that I didn't hate it as much as the day before.  And what I want you all to know is that I squeezed it in between bringing my kids home from school at 3:20pm and leaving to take Talullah to her soccer game at 3:45pm.

I repeat me new mantra, "You Can Do It!!!"  Even with limited time, even if you walk, even if you go slow...you can fit this in!!!

Here's to us!
Melissa