"A Life Beyond 'Do What You Love'"

"Perhaps you relish running marathons. Perhaps you even think of your exercise regimen as a form of self-improvement. But if your “something higher” is, say, justice and equality, those ideals might behoove you to delegate some of the many hours spent pounding the track on tutoring kids at the youth center. Our desires should not be the ultimate arbiters of vocation. Sometimes we should do what we hate, or what most needs doing, and do it as best we can."

"A Life Beyond 'Do What You Love'" - Gordon Marino, NY Times, 17 May 2014

~ Penny

Seen while running - Little Free Library

Unlimited candy, cookies, and sweets. Ice cream and pizza for dinner! And no discipline! That's life at Grandma and Grandpa's house - a kid's anarchic paradise! This week I'm reliving those summer weeks spent at my grandparent's house as a kid. I'm spending the week with Grandma and Grandpa - in Sun Prairie, WI (just outside of Madison) - helping out as my grandpa recovers from surgery.  

My mom and grandma know how much I love to run, so they scoped out a bike path for me that runs right behind the house. I've already run 25 miles on it and haven't run out of trail! It's awesome!

On my first trip out, I saw this curious little box:

There were about 20 books in the box - from kids' books to novels! Upon further investigation, I found out it was a Little Free Library - which is a mailbox full of books! The boxes are put up and maintained by a volunteer. Any one can take a book, and any one can drop one off. How cute is that? It's a worldwide project - and it all started right here in Wisconsin!

Two Little Runners
Kristen 

I Run Because _____.

Gonna try not to get too deep and serious here. But it’s a topic Penny and I have been discussing lately. I’ve been the optimistic one lately because I’ve had – more or less – an injury-free 2014. Penny has been a little gloomy on the topic, as she works her way back from injury again and all the emotions that come with it. 

Why do I run?

Really, there are tons of reasons. And every day is different . . . 

I run because I’m in better shape at 33 than I was at 23.

I run to have fun. 

I run because I'm an athlete. 

I run because I want sunshine.

I run because I want the runner’s high. 

I run because I'm dedicated.

I run to get sexy racer back tan lines.

I run because I want a PR.

I run to look good.

I run to be healthy and fit.

I run to explore my surroundings. 

I run because then I get to eat 3,000 calories a day.

I run because it’s gorgeous outside.

I run because my training plan tells me to.

I run to race.

I run to wear bright colors.

I run because I’m a goal-driven overachiever.

Two Little Runners

Kristen 

The Secret to a Working Stiff's Happiness and the Potato Chip Rock

My brother, Erik, was out for a visit this month. His last spring break as a student. He graduates from ISU (Illinois State) this June. Since my world is all about me, I was thinking back to my last spring break, which I spent with Erik in Madrid in 2006.

My brown bob. I liked that look.

My life has changed completely since this picture, of course. And being the big sis, I wanted to impart some wisdom to my little bro to prepare him for life as a working stiff. So I waited to unload some major sisterly advice until we were on a long hike--and he was totally dependent on me for both directions and a ride back to the city. A captive audience is the best kind. 

We hiked Mount Woodson, which is about a 900 foot peak out in the Poway/Ramona area of eastern San Diego county. It is about a 40 minute drive east of downtown, but not all the way to the desert. I love the landscape of this part of Southern California. There are rolling hills, mountains, and the most incredible boulders laying around all over the place. So interesting that I almost looked up a geographic explanation for this unique landscape. Almost.

You can approach Mount Woodson from the west (~8 miles round trip from Lake Poway) or the east (~4 miles round trip straight up and down the mountain). We selected an eastern approach since we were walking. 

We started up the mountain, and I started my story. 

When I started working, I was pumped. I landed a job in San Diego working in antitrust law, the area of law that I liked best during school. I was finally getting paid, working on interesting cases, soaking up knowledge like a sponge, and traveling all over the country. This is exactly what I dreamed my life would be like. It was very satisfying and rewarding. 

For awhile. Actually, for quite a long time.

But eventually, the long hours and difficult work lost their allure. Things that were once new and exciting became old, annoying, and irritating. It just happened one day. And when my job became less satisfying, I became very unhappy overnight. I had nothing to focus on and enjoy outside of work.

So I thought about looking for a new job that was less demanding. Or even leaving the law business altogether. As I pondered major career moves, I started exploring new interests because I was no longer willing to spend all my time working or preparing to work. 

I started cooking a lot, and making craft cocktails. This is a pursuit I still enjoy. I even started a cooking blog, which I no longer maintain and actually took offline a few months ago. (I am kind of relieved to not have to take a photograph of every dinner I cook.)  

Meanwhile I was becoming much happier. And I started to enjoy my work again. I saw that my problem was not that I lost interest in the work. But that I needed some separation from it. 

So I started trying on other hobbies. I took sewing lessons. I even bought a sewing machine and sewed a pillow case, a pencil pouch, a couple of tote bags, and a (hideous) dress. I really like the idea of sewing and crafts. But it just didn't stick. Probably because my interests have always laid in sports. I was a kid gymnast. Ran track and cross country. Played volleyball and beach volleyball. Started weight lifting and getting into general fitness training in college. And picked up tennis while I was waiting for my bar results. 

And eventually I started running. That story is for another post...

If Erik wasn't listening to all of this, at least he could zone out looking at the amazing landscape around us. 

So we reached the top of the mountain and the Potato Chip Rock. And then we fought about who got to do the first photo shoot. I neglected to mention that fighting with Erik is probably my oldest hobby. 

Let's see that zoomed in. 

Now for the moral of the story...The lesson I learned is that I can't be totally focused on my work. It is an obvious point for most people. But I had spent my entire life until then studying, taking out loans, and fashioning my life in every way to give myself the best shot at succeeding as lawyer. But I needed some outside stimulation to maintain it. Some things to look forward to on the weekend. To get my mind off of my task list. Things to daydream about on a slow afternoon. 

And for me, that turned out to be running. It's a hobby I've really connected with, love, and hope to pursue a very long time!

"Your greatest runs are rarely measured by racing success. They are moments in time when running allows you to see how wonderful your life is." --Kara Goucher

two little runners ~Kristen

All Easy is All Good

two little runners ~ Kristen 

Ahhh! I have been blissfully running sweet, easy miles. Spending some time in the gym to get leg and core strength back to where it was. And stretching out with daily yoga. 

...om...

Base building has been treating me right! I love running without worrying about pace or distance. I've been heading out the door with just a time frame in mind. 

I'm finding that base building is also a healing time. All those little eeks and creaks from my intense fall half marathon training have cleared up. I haven't worn my compression socks since December! Habitual stiffness and knots in the calves - gone! What tiny strain in the piriformis from speed work on treadmill?

And I'm using this time to focus on some little niggles in my feet that I have been managing for awhile. I occasionally experience a sharp pain in my left foot where my arch meets the ball of my foot. Toward the end of long runs on pavement, it would manifest as feeling like there was a pebble in the arch of my shoe.  And I have some joint stiffness, from an old tennis injury, near my right arch as well. It is clearing up with what I can only describe as "plantar fascia scraping." Other people call it massage. 

The base building will continue for one more week while I am vacationing in Maui!! And then it will be time to pick a race, a pace, and get serious once again!

For now, I'm running to be happy, have fun, and explore new places and routes.

...and take pictures...

In New York:

Obsessed with the Brooklyn Bridge. I ran over it once and
under it as many times as I could!

 In Santa Barbara:

Quick weekend vacation. One of the most beautiful stretches
of California coast.

And at home in San Diego:

A friendly humming bird let me shoot a closeup!

Even through trial, looking over my training log, I was fairly consistent with volume during my 6 week base building period.

Setting aside the two weeks of January. 

A dark period, never to be spoken of again.  

January week 3 – 30 miles

January week 4 – 30 miles

February week 1 – 40 miles

February week 2 – 30 miles

February week 3 – 40 miles

February week 4 – will end up being about 50 miles

Aloha!

two little runners ~ Kristen

I'm always moving forward

Another inspirational story about how running changed a young teenager's life featured in Runner's World's December issue (article quoted here). Casey Revman suffers from a disability that makes it difficult for her to perform many complex tasks, such as driving and team sports. When Casey joined her high school's cross country and track teams, she gained got fit and her confidence soared. She shares an important lesson on running:

Dear Running . . . Thanks for making me a normal teenager
Casey Revman
Runner's World December 2012

Oh . . . the places I ran!

My favorite part of running is exploring new places. In 2012, vacations and work took me to lots of interesting places where I was lucky enough to squeeze some miles in and capture some of beautiful moments on camera. All taken on the run with my iPhone, amazing!

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Palm Springs, California

Seattle, Washington

New York, New York

Normal, Illinois 

Healdsburg, California

San Francisco, California

Malibu, California

My other favorite part of running is covering the same paths and experiencing how the scenery changes throughout the year. Just a few of many beautiful moments captured during my runs in San Diego.

Hot winter day in Mission Trails in San Diego

Hangliders above Black's Beach in La Jolla

Take off at Torrey Pines Glider Port in Del Mar

Clouds reflecting off the sand at low tide on a summer evening
at San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff

Sunset casting warm light against the cliffs in Solana Beach

Spring wild flowers on the Del Mar River Path

two little runners
Kristen

A Year of Racing . . . 2012

Even after the Vegas incident, we must admit it was a great year for these two little runners. It was our first year of real running--i.e., having a training plan and actually following it. We both ran our first half marathons and PR-ed big time on our second attempts (within seconds of each others' time!). We survived SoCal Ragnar. We also picked up some great times along the way in our 10K tuneups. 

January - Carlsbad - K's first half marathon

 February - Cardiff Kook 10K - PR for K that lasted 9 months

 March - Mission Hills 10K - K's first first place finish

 April - SoCal Ragnar - K & P (along with 10 others) conquer 200 miles

 May - not pictured
K bruised a foot bone whilst running Ragnar night leg (dark, dim headlamp, dirt road, hole)
P training, training, training for Simi Valley Half  

June

RnR San Diego - K's half marathon PR

Simi Valley - P's first half marathon

July

P moves to NYC!

Bolt to the Q 5K - K and K's mom crush it!

 August - Americas Finest City 5K - K learned a lesson about mental toughness (need it)

 September

Girl Scouts 5K - K's best race prize, a case of Girl Scout cookies

NYC Runs Labor Day 10K -  P sets PR and earns best race prize, 

free entry to next NYC Runs race

Still September

RnR Philadelphia - P's half marathon PR

October - not pictured - K & P training, training, training for RnR Vegas Half

November - United Run for the Hungry 10K - new PR for K!

 December - RnR Vegas Half - at least we finished!

Still December

NYC Hot Chocolate 10K - P's new 10K PR

two little runners

12-year-old autistic boy finds freedom in running

Caulden Gary of San Diego was diagnosed with severe autism when he was 18 months old. Now, 12 years old and running on the cross country team at Carmel Valley Middle School, Caulden is not only improving his communication skills, but he is inspiring his teammates.

On running, Caulden says,

"It makes me feel more like me."

From the San Diego U-T (read the full story here):

Because he had a difficult time looking anyone in the eyes, which is typical of the disorder, she [his mother]  trained him to be able to by holding French fries in front of her eyes and not giving it to him until he would make eye contact. Now, he has no problem with it, she said.

He has also learned to read and communicate with an iPod even though he still can’t speak.

And now, after only about two months on the cross country team, Caulden is already more coordinated, calmer in class and better at interacting with his peers, Darocki [his mother] said.

Running Bucket List

A lawyer friend of mine is turning 50 soon. And she plans to celebrate the year in the most amazing way. For her 50th year, she is writing a list of 50 new things to try during the year. Some are very simple like drink a margarita on Cinco de Mayo (she's not from SoCal!). Others are awesome - a romantic vacation in Italy with her husband. Some are crazy - skydive. Some are related to her kids. And one will take her all year to accomplish - run a marathon.

What an extraordinary way of celebrating a milestone birthday! For my last milestone birthday - 30 - we piled into a party bus and toured a bunch of San Diego breweries. Three people puked and one got a concussion - neither Penny nor I engaged in either deed. But we did carouse - you can see it in our eyes - we just know how to hold our liquor, for the most part . . . (Champagne and tequila shots are not a good combo - but that's another story!)

two little runners before we were two little runners on my 30th birthday!

So the 50th birthday list got me thinking of my own bucket list. I even watched Bucket List (Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson) as research. A cute movie, definitely worth checking out (streaming on Netflix!) But their bucket list was kinda dude centered - racing cars, African safaris, etc.

So when I was brainstorming my own bucket list - sort of a depressing thing actually - I was coming up with a lot of running-related items. To get my mind off of the depressing realization of my mortality, I abandoned thinking about the heavier things and just focused on a narrower list about running. Although there would be some crossover onto a real bucket list, e.g. numbers 1 and 9, on the running-related front, here is what I came up with:

1. Run a marathon (coming soon in 2013).

2. Run an ultramarathon.

3. Run a hard core trail race (but not hard core enough that I have to figure out how to work a compass).

4. Run Ragnar annually!

5. Run a Halloween race in costume with Penny. Kristen as Buffy the Vampire Slayer (blond). Penny as Faith, the evil Vampire Slayer (brunette). See the resemblance? ;)

Lots of shall I say interesting "fan art" searching Google images for Buffy and Faith;
I don't know why that surprised me!

6. Run a destination race in a cool spot - Hawaii, Big Sur, or somewhere in Europe?

7. Run Boston, NY, and Chicago.

8. Run on every continent (except Antarctica).

9. Organize a charity race.

What's on your running bucket list?

LR#2
Kristen

Running . . . just what the Court ordered

I have complained to everyone who will listen to me that I haven't been able to enjoy the best summer in San Diego since I moved here in 2007.  Every weekend since it turned hot I have been all work and no play. I was feeling salty about yet another weekend indoors in the office - my grumpiness factor was through the roof!

When I got home from work today, I had the following dilemma:

Glass of wine and last week's Fashion Police - versus - Friday evening run

In the case of Wine and TV v. Running, this judge found in favor of Running.

And I was rewarded with easily my best run of the summer - and one of the top five runs of my life. I was actually due for a rest day:  I ran slow, just to enjoy.

It was warm but not too warm. The ocean breeze was refreshing and cool but not too cool. It was low tide.

Cardiff State Beach

So I had the rare opportunity to run all the way from Cardiff back to Del Mar on the beach.

And to top it off, a gorgeous sunset.

I caught myself wearing a smile while running. Huge cheese! That was definitely a first for me. :)

Under the influence of endorphins.

Sometimes I forget how good I have it. I am employed and work with people (like Penny) who are not only amazing colleagues that challenge me to be a better lawyer - but who are truly my friends. I have a wonderful home and family. I live in a beautiful place, among the best running cities in the world. And I can do epic runs like this just out my front door. It is the simple pleasures in life that continue to remind me just how blessed I am.

And . . .

I finally was able to enjoy a little piece of summer. Now I am all sugar, no salt (for the time being . . .)

LR#2

Kristen

Running, Self and Happiness

For the most part, running has always been about me. My strengths, my weaknesses, my happiness, my joy, my achievements. Recently Ive been thinking a lot about running and how happy it makes me. I read this blog post by Amanda at Running Hood, and agreed with a lot of what she spoke about regarding the pure and simply joy of running, and how lifeless and dull our days can be without it.

And then I realized I respectfully disagreed. Or at least I want to disagree.

Running makes me happy. I get a lot of joy from it. It is my time to commune with my God, and take my physical and spiritual growth to new levels.

But what happens when I cant run? When I've been injured? I'm unhappy.  And I don’t actually want that for myself. I want to be happy to run, but I don’t want it to be so all-consuming that I'm only happy when I'm running, and dark and depressed when I cant.

Now, note I'm not talking about downgrading the importance of running in my life or lowering my running goals. But there is a fine line between something being of utmost importance to you, such that you put a lot of effort and work into doing your best at it, and something being so all-consuming that you allow it to control your emotional reality.

The concept that I can emotionally/spiritually disassociate from running, but still maintain my high goals, actually came from Kara Goucher in her book Running for Women. Kara writes that she considers herself a person that likes to run but does not consider herself a runner. That is because she does not solely identify herself through running, and her emotional reality is not driven by whether or not she laces up. And yet, the girl is an Olympian!

So what happened when I gave this a go; that is, being happy to run, but making sure (or trying at least) that my happiness is not being solely driven by running?

Funnily enough, running has actually made me more happy. I ran recently, with someone from my church who has participated in starting a beginners’ running group. She expressed that she was so happy to do it, despite that it has slowed her down a lot, because she has had to run slower paces for the newbies than she would ordinarily run. It was serving others - not the running itself - that increased her happiness.

And just running with her that day, a very slow 10 miles, despite have a slightly higher pace in mind for myself, made me happy. Despite it being outside of my training plan, the fellowship and love and laughs I shared with this friend – including her story about the beginners – lifted my spirits and reminded me that running is a journey. Not necessarily the end-goal. Running takes you places. How you deal with the destination is the gritty awesome stuff.

So to sum up my lesson learned here:
(1) Running brings me joy. But I don’t have to run to be joyful.
(2) Relinquishing running from being all about me, and the sole deteriminator of my happiness, releases me to use my running to serve others through it;
(3) Running still - and will forever - rock my world. And thats totally ok.

#LR1 Penny

What place does running have in your life? Do you get depressed (or elated) when you cant pound the pavement for a while? How do you deal with that?

Going Half the Distance

Soooo, after being injured for months, I decided that I was going to train for - and run - a marathon. Not just that, I was going to run a marathon and kick it in the pants and BQ that mofo.  About a month ago I began a 16 week training plan, and was aiming for a certain lovely flat course in September.

But wait. Do you even have time to train for a marathon? Oh that's right, you're a full-time lawyer with a daily 3-hour commute, a musician, a wife, maintain two blogs AND you're in the midst of packing your things to move across the country.

Sure you have time. If you also have amphetamines.

In the absence of my access to, or willingness to rely on,, illegal substances, I have quickly realized that as my mileage increased, my ability to fit 26 hours of activity into each 24 hour period was rapidly diminishing, if not non-existent. I just don't have the time to train for a marathon (at least right now). Similar to Kristen's recent change of pace, my life outside of running dictates an adjustment in running goals.

On top of that, I feel like I am only just coming into my own as a runner. When I finally do train for, and run, that marathon, I want to KILL IT. I don't just want to finish, I want to run it fast, and not be injured at the end. Right now, I have the fitness, but my legs need to be stronger - much stronger - to do that. I need a lot more miles, and a lot more slow build-up before I can run the 26.2 the way I want to. And to be honest, I care WAY more about running long-term, on a week-to-week basis, to risk getting injured for the sake of one race, with one arbitrary distance to succeed at.

So I decided to abandon the marathon for now, and focus on the half-marathon. I have some time goals in mind, but then main goal is stay injury-free and running happily. A fast time is to be the icing on the cake - not the main meal.

Penny - LR#1

Joy Run

Some days I run to train--speed, endurance, miles. Other days I run to feel joy. Today's run was a joy run. I had no particular speed or distance in mind. No Garmin, no Runkeeper audio cues, no limits. Just me, my shoes, and one goal:  run to feel good.

Lunch time, 70 degrees, sunny, out of the office, my favorite route through Balboa Park, about 30 minutes, about 3.6 miles, about 7:50 pace, life's good.

Mission accomplished. 

LR#2

Kristen