Saturday, December 15, 2007

The Difference Between Altitude and Sea Level

Where I come from in Florida (after almost 8 years I should probably claim the state as my own), elevation is measured by the amount of feet above sea level. Our house stands a proud 8 feet above sea level, which is very high for the area. The only hills we have are bridges.

Here in Utah, elevation is referred to as altitude and is mostly measured in thousands. Logan has an approximate altitude of 4500 feet. Hills are virtually unavoidable, especially since my parents live on the side of a mountain.

So, what is the difference between altitude and sea level?

For me, blue lips.

I went for my first high altitude run today and I thought I was going to pass out. My goal was just to make it through the run alive -- or at least without having to seek medical attention. The good news: I survived, and even enjoyed the change in running climate. I think the cold affects my bladder, too, because I didn't have to pee at all (whew!). The bad news: I think my lips were blue due to oxygen deprivation.

Because of this, I am seriously re-contemplating my participation in the Salt Lake City marathon this spring, seriously (I know I said seriously twice, but I thought it deserved emphasis). The problem is two-fold. First, Saturday marathons in Florida are rare. For being in the Bible Belt, people sure do find a lot of other things to do on Sundays besides going to church. Second, I didn't run last year with my sister-in-laws and this year would be a redemption run for me. But would it be too little too late?

As for my full-body pics next year, I am SERIOUSLY re-contemplating that! I glanced at myself this morning in the brutal Utah light of my parents house and I almost laughed (or cried, sometimes it's difficult to distinguish the two). But, alas, I have committed to myself and all three regular bloggers that read my site (thanks mom, Anna, and Alisa). So, come the new year, I'll be baring all that is within my moral limits to help the cause of regaining my skinny self.

Until then I'll try not to glance -- and try to enjoy the altitude.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Tommorrow, Tomorrow...

...I Love ya, Tomorrow -- you're only a daaaaaay aaaaaaaawaaaaaaaay!

From the movie Annie, of course!

Tomorrow we're off to Utah for the month! My girls are so excited about the endless Christmas activities my mom has planned that they can hardly sleep! I'd post a picture of them, but Shelley lost my camera a few hours ago while I was trying to pack. When Brady gets back from his Bishopric meeting I'll put him right on it (I am the loser in the family and he is the finder -- that's just how it is).

In other news, I now understand yet another reason why snowbirds (people who live 6 months up north and 6 months in Florida) don't pack their winter jackets and sweaters -- they don't fit!! One coat takes up half the suitcase. It's a good thing my winter wardrobe has dwindled since moving to Florida almost 8 years ago. Still, a girl needs options, so it's a good thing my parents are bringing 2 cars to the airport tomorrow!

So long sunny weather, hello freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezing cold!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Here Today, Forgot Tomorrow

Ordinary World, Duran Duran.

"Ooh, here besides the news, Of holy war and holy need, Ours is just a little sorrowed talk."

As of 11 am this morning, I have eaten everything -- healthy and not -- in my house and haven't exercised. Whatever line was drawn yesterday, has somehow been blown away today. I'm tired, I'm bored, I'm procrastinating (which is a great reason for me to eat), I'm whatever.

"And I don't cry for yesterday, There's an ordinary world, Somehow I have to find."

I really didn't want to start food journaling until next year, but I probably should for my own sanity. Turns out, I'm just an ordinary person, like everyone else, struggling to overcome my weaknesses.

"And as I try to make my way, To the ordinary world, I will learn to survive."

To most, I don't publish my weaknesses -- I'm too busy pressing forward. But this blog is a place for me to let it all hang out. So pardon my dust, I'm under construction.

Thanks for stopping by.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

I Can Feel It Comin' Back Again...

...Like a roll of thunder, Chasing the wind.

Another oldie, but goodie -- Live, Lightening Crashes. (High school music just totally rocked for me, I guess).

The lyrics were certainly fitting as I exercised this morning (yes, I said morning). I can finally feel my healthy self coming out. You know the feeling: you're running at your normal pace and, suddenly, you feel like doing it a little faster, or a little longer. You're no longer watching the clock to see when it's over, but to see how fast you're going.

Also true is that I sound like thunder and am definitely behind the wind. (I said I ran faster, not FAST).

Still, it's been a long time since I've exercised regularly, but it's been an even longer time since I exercised in the morning. Today I say "morning" very loosely because it was 7:15am, which may be like afternoon to some, but for me it was earlier than normal.

Because my life is so variable, I have to be flexible with my workout time. I've exercised at 10pm, 5am, 10am, and every time in between. However, while I have learned to be flexible, I still haven't learned how to transition from one time to another very well. I usually end up taking significant time off in between, which corresponds with weight gain, which perpetuates the break, which leads to total frustration, which -- eventually -- leads to a new schedule.

This cycle is relatively new to me -- post high school, for sure. And I don't become obese, simply unhappy with my state of being. Where ever this comes from, it's gotta stop. I have three girls. Count them -- one, two, THREE! I want them to grow up with a healthy body image and eating habits. The best way for me to give them this gift is to give it to myself first, right?

So, I'm drawing the line. (If Karl G. Maeser did it, so can I). Baby steps to better eating and exercise.

And, PLEASE, DON'T BE NICE TO ME! (At least online where I can cry in private). I don't need sugar-coated support: Good job for working out one day this week. You're just so busy. You needed that time for other things. Besides, you look just fine to me. INSTEAD, I need your knee in my flat booty saying: Hey! Lazy bum! Remember your priorities, your goals! You make the time to be healthy and everything else will be where it should. And, you may look just fine now, but you could really BE FINE if you reach your goal!

Thank you in advance for your continued support of my crazy ideas.