dear running...do you sort of miss me? i think about you often...luv oli...day #7

Weight: 161 lbs
Goal: 140-145lbs
Difference: 16lbs-21lbs

So running and i got into a fight and we decided to see other people for the last week. Which translates to: I hyperextended my knee in Hanuman asana (i.e. Monkey Pose....or "the splits"). So the Doc prescribed lots of 'rest' and to try and not straighten my leg for a week. For those of you have never had this injury I encourage you to attempt to not straighten your leg for a day, or even an hour (it's almost impossible), and ps 'doc' the word "rest" is not in my vocab. We Dutkowski (and Taylor) women do not rest. I once watched my mother drive me to 2 practices, go to work, rock a boot camp and own her volleyball game the day after she got a line drive to the jaw from a dude on her work softball team (which she still pitches for). Pulease. Rest. Ha. Pffft.

So for the last week I did my version of resting, which still included walking to work (some days), 2 cruiser bike rides (my leg was bent), a stint in the sauna and 5 yoga classes. I'm feeling better and looking forward to the okay from Dr. Whatchamacallit to run this week.

I do have something I would like to get off my chest regarding the birthplace of my campaign against running; Vancouver's beloved Seawall. Jake & I hit the seawall Sunday for our usual cruiser bike ride (if you're not already doing this you should be!), which includes bringing our cameras, traveling at a leisurely pace while being considerate of other cruisers, rollerbladers, scooter riders (?) and unicyclists. We also commit to the etiquette of the seawall which includes riding behind one another, ringing your bell when passing or (gently) alerting the person we're passing that we are coming up behind them on the left. While riding on Sunday I couldn't help but notice the amount of people riding for fitness (not leisure), ladies and gents here's a little news flash: On weekends there is an huge increase of people which include many young families and tourists WHICH dramatically increases the number of 'BEGINNERS'. Which means when we are near the 'one way' section of the seawall (which is there as a result of it being TOO NARROW to pass because of the giant rocks and trees protruding from our gorgeous landscape), we should probably think about taking it down a notch from the mach 10- olympic trials that I saw this weekend. Jake and I were caught behind a beginner rollerblader (you know the one I'm taking about; skin tight jeans rigid to the point you are questioning whether she is suffering from rigamortis from the waist down...hunched over, hands out, no pads, no helmut, continuing to question why she chose this to be her Sunday activity and how to make it end sooner without throwing herself into the bay...similar to the way I feel about running). Out of no where this couple comes flying around the (BLIND) corner behind us and yells "TO THE LEEEFFFFFTTTTT!!!" I hear tires skid behind me, i watch Rhonda Rollarblade in front of me lose her balance (Side note for those of you who have driven with me- i did not hit her, she was startled and fell, however I did laugh. Hard.) This couple almost slammed into me and Jake and then had the audacity to stare us down like it was our fault. Ladies and Gentlemen I encourage you to follow this rule: On weekends do not expect to ride your bike on the sea wall for fitness unless it is ear;y in the morning or later in the evening. it is not time for time trails for the next Tour de France in the middle of the nicest Sunday Vancouver's seen in awhile. It's not safe, but it does make for a good story.

i strongly dislike running...but am open to the possibility of liking it..day #6

Weight: 164 lbs
Goal: 140-145lbs
Difference: 19lbs-24lbs
Distance: 7.0k 1 hour (Ran- 40 minutes/Walk- 20 minutes)

After taking a few days of much needed rest due to a minor injury to my right knee, I woke up this morning anxious to hit the seawall for my now 'usual' Monday run. I knew todays run would be a challenge, for today would be first time I would be running alone. After suiting up (and realizing I left my Ipod at work) I made my way downstairs and began my warm up jaunt down to the seawall. I found myself being more conscious of my breath and the positioning of my joints on top of one another. I stopped at the shore to stretch out my legs and let the little voice in my head get all its 'logical' reasoning (for me not to run) of its chest; No one would know if I walked an extra minute, or if i turned around early, or if i just quit now and go back to bed...after all i am going to do yoga today...i'll eat well...maybe i'll just walk today..

After the 'stories' subsided I started running, with no music and no excuses, just the sound of my breath. As I started my first kilometer I started to notice some familiar faces jogging towards me, most shared that welcoming smile seawall runners seem to have (which I admit made a piece of me feel like I was becoming part of their world). As I continued I started to think about how running was a lot like yoga. I started remembering my first class and how I was confused and watched my body find anyway to make it easier because I was so afraid to challenge myself. I remembered about how once I learned how to breath I became so much lighter. So that's what I did. I treated running like yoga today. I focussed, I smiled, I modified if I needed to but made sure I challenged myself when I could. I set small realistic goals and pushed myself to my limits to get there. I still almost stepped on 3 birds and a squirrel, but more importantly I didn't let that little voice win.

More to come

I hate running...day #5

Weight: 165 lbs
Goal: 140-145lbs
Difference: 20lbs-25lbs
Distance: 6.0k 1 hour (Ran- 30 minutes/Walk- 30 minutes)

Well here we are again, after a busy week (and a brief meeting with the food poisoning fairy) Jake and I hit the seawall wednesday morning with fire in our belly. It took slightly less coaxing given that we missed Monday (and by missed I mean skipped- not to be confused with actually 'missing running'). As began our jaunt I already felt a slight tweak in my right knee which caused Jake and I to turn around prematurely and walk back. As much as I completely detest the physicalness of running I do like the change it is causing in my body and energy level- It has also been very cathartic in many ways for both Jake and my relationship as well...so needless to say I was a little disappointed when my knee called out to me to stop. After we got back and I headed into work I immediately went to the experts (i.e. everyone that works at the Lemon), I was told that my hamstrings and quads need to be stretched more, I have some imbalances in my feet and muscles and that I need to be making sure that I am using my whole foot to run. Now what this sounds like in my head is "For the love of everything that is holy Oli- Quit running". I can assure you that this will not be the case, for as much as I hate this pastime, all the feelings associated with being out of breath and what I call the 'giggle factor'....I am not a quitter. I am at the point where I feel like I haven't really ran yet... my plan is to run 10k (without walking) so I can actually form an opinion on whether I actually 'hate' running. I will rest up the knee and keep walking to work and resume the quest this Saturday. Don't worry friends...the flame is still alive (its just been sprayed with lactic acid, cramping, wheezing and muscles spasms)

i hate running...day #4

Weight: 165 lbs
Goal: 140-145lbs
Difference: 20lbs-25lbs
Distance: 8.0k 1 hour (Ran- 40 minutes/Walk- 20 minutes)

I admit day four came faster than I had expected, however I woke up with a renewed energy (and a slightly smaller Ganglion Cyst after carefully pounding it down with the Gita to flatten it out- jk). i have definitely been feeling the effects of running all over my body and was looking forward to seeing how far we could push ourselves this morning. As we started our trek I could already notice an increase in our initial pace and a slight decreases in excuses, complaints and time checks. We worked a couple run for 3 minute walk for 1, but overall stuck to the plan of the 2:1 ratio given that the giggle factor that often discourages me was still very much present on the lower half of my body. I was very surprised to see that I could maintain the pace we started with, and was smiling ear to ear when we passed the 7k mark. Near the end of the run I almost felt as though I probably could have gone a little further (don't tell Jake). No real 'Snow White' moments regarding the wildlife of Stanley Park (whom I genuinely believe are trying to impede upon my progress). A friend suggested that since starting this challenge that I should set a goal of running the Sun Run next year or doing an Iron Man or some crap like that. As a person who loves to inspire I will consider possibly running in something someday...however my short term goals with running currently include; running without thinking about throwing myself onto rocks when we try and jog up any minor incline and not wanting to give up every 4-6 seconds. So let's me patient fans. Who knows I may surprise you.

i hate running...day #3

Weight: 165 lbs
Goal: 140-145lbs
Difference: 20lbs-25lbs
Distance: 7km 1 hour (Ran- 35 minutes/Walk 25 minutes)

Well here we are again, day three. After almost tripping over 3 pigeons (and what i thought was an albino duck), Jake and I began are quest to conquer the seawall (and by conquer the seawall I mean my size 6 jeans). We began around the crack of noon (it would have been earlier but I had about 40 excuses methodically laid out), we ended up going the same distance (3.5km) in less time! which was great! when we turned around for the other half of our 'marathon of hope'...it hit. Please if you are not sitting down you may want to.

Katie Murphy (Kitsilano's running & food expert expert to the stars i.e. me) informed me that I have developed what is called a ganglion cyst (also known as a Bible cyst which comes from a common urban legend that treatment in the past has consisted of pounding on the cyst with a Bible or another large book) on the front of my shin. Fear not fans...it essentially looks like a little bruise (but packs a punch when grazed by one of the 400 tame animals that leap out of Stanley Park- trying to sabotage my quest for fitness). Side note; right around the time I noticed the cyst I couldn't help but also notice my calves had seized to the size of apricots.

So let me paint a picture...Jake and I are half way around the seawall and I'm walking like I haven't gotten off a horse in about 26 years...there's animals everywhere...some odd photo-shoot involving a girl in a small bikini, and a guy trying to pass me on a unicycle. Mayhem. Why am I doing this again?

More to come.

i hate running....day #2

Weight: 167 lbs
Goal: 140-145lbs
Difference: 22lbs-27lbs
Distance: 7km 1 hour (Ran- 40 minutes/Walk 20 minutes)

So day two, I peeled myself out of bed a little early (to ensure that I had some recovery time before work)...we started on our adventure, continuing with the 2 minute/1 minute routine we committed to. Today was noticeably a bit easier, its seems as though I am developing a bit of 'style'. I still get a little discouraged (and mentally give up about 6 times), Jake is really awesome about being patient and not taking any of my excuses (or pleas for a break). I wouldn't say I'm anywhere near to actually 'liking' running...I think I am entering the hopeful/tolerating stage. The view and wildlife around the seawall almost cancel the feeling of exhaustion and impossibility. something i have noticed is the wildlife in Vancouver is dramatically different then that of Toronto. Since moving here I have almost stepped on 3 skunks, 4 raccoons, 2 squirrels and I am convinced if I put my hand out a finch will more than likely land on it. I feel like Snow White with dreads. More to come.

i hate running day #1

Weight: 168 lbs
Goal: 140-145lbs
Difference: 23lbs-28lbs
Distance: 6km 1 hour (Ran- 40 minutes/Walk 20 minutes)

So day one is behind me...thank god. Despite asking Jake every 5 seconds (for the first 15 minutes) when it was time to walk I think I did okay. It was easier then I thought it would be at the beginning- although once we got really into a few of the inclines I debated throwing myself into the ocean...and a pile of rocks...and into a pile of wood. I started feeling everything jiggle (which is what I hate most about running), although because I was running with someone at a pace where we could still chat I feel like it diverted my attention (periodically). All in all I feel energized and looking forward to my next run, I think. I have also began changing my eating habits and will include my challenges and opportunities as a forgo my transformation into the best physical version of myself.

i hate running......

So i was walking across the burrard bridge on my way to work...i couldn't help but notice the fresh breeze coming off the ocean..the moon still peeking out behind the clouds...when all of a sudden i was almost trampled by 40 or 50 'runners'. Now I should tell you since moving to Vancouver I have avoided running at all costs (which is ironic because the first yoga class i taught was 'yoga for runners'). I have made up every excuse from being too out of shape, too being bored and overall just not interested in running (unless it was away from something). After discussing my concerns with a few friends I have decided that maybe I haven't given running a fair chance. They assured me that once I started a regular routine that I would love it...and be a full addict. So I have decided to challenge myself and give running a fair try...so Friday March 19th I will start voluntarily being out of breath, sweaty and cold, achy and disoriented for an hour a day. That's right, Friday I will start to 'run' (ahem- walk/run to start of course). I will be sure to document everything so you too can live my pain.

luv
Oli