Andi's Movement Towards Change

Today wasn't just the last day of 2007, it was the last day that I can get another race under my belt. This time around, I entered the Belle Isle 4 Mile Fun Run, a casual running race located on Belle Isle near Detroit. I had been looking forward to this run for some time, mainly because I knew I would see friends and Team in Training teammates. It's alwasy so much fun to see people I know at a race. This race was also important to me because it gave me the chance to redeem myself after Saturday's pathetic run that I had. I had a bit of worry festering in the back of my mind since I hadn't tested my legs since that happened...but I was sporting new shoes! Perhaps the new shoes would make a difference both physically and mentally...like a golfer buying new golf clubs. The weather was overcast (as it is on most Michigan winter days), but we got lucky in that it wasn't raining or snowing. There was a light breeze and the temperature hovered at around 31 degrees. Perfec...

This morning, we had our group bike and run training. I was looking forward to the workout despite the cold, windy weather. The day started indoors at Fraser bike, where my team and I biked through a 60 minute spin workout. Coach Kevin worked us hard and I found myself quite winded more than once. By the time I was finished, I was invigorated having had what I considered the best bike spin practice yet this season. After the bike practice was over, I was intending on running 4-6 miles outside. After I changed into some dry running clothes, I was on my way. Within a half mile, something unexplainable happened. My lower legs completely cramped up. I felt as if someone had transplanted someone else's legs onto my body. I experienced muscle cramps, shin splints, fatigue, all resulting in me having no choice to walk. For a time, I felt like I could barely do that. I was so frustrated and had no explaination. With only a mile under my belt, I headed back to the bike shop, completely disg...

I close my eyes...and I find myself on an ocean-side beach house. The last remnants of a big storm that had blown through earlier today are in the form of an overcast sky. It's 4:00pm, and the rains have finally passed. I look out through the back window, where the beach is calling my name, inviting me to run with the wind down the shoreline. It doesn't take much to talk me into it. I strap on my shoes, get on my running gear, and head outdoors. My feet hit the sand, and I start to stride along side the water. The sand feels soft under my feet, reminding me of a leaf-ladened trail run. The stiff wind blows against my face in a refreshing sort of way, occasionally blowing sand against my body. At times, I find it hard to get good footing in the areas where the sand is not packed down. Despite it all, the thought brings a smile to my face. I run on. As I continue down the shoreline, I look for others like me. There is no one else, no other runner. However, I pass a number of adul...

Hello from Santa Rosa, California! I'm fortunate to have a change of scenery in my workouts this week. Instead of facing blustery snow, bone-chilling rain or both, I've awoken to the sunny, cool mountain air of Santa Rosa, California as my family and I visit my mother-in-law and family. Maybe I should correct myself. Santa Rosa isn't necessarily tucked in the mountains, but compared to what we have in Michigan, it seems that way. The locals call the scenery "rolling hills" in these parts. Whatever you want to call them, I call them beautiful...and challenging. I've approached my workouts with a "carpe diem" mentality on this trip. Though I haven't run every day, the days that I have run, I've made sure to challenge myself and enjoy every moment (or fake myself into thinking I'm enjoying it). On one of my runs, I decided to go where the wind took me. For six miles, I followed a creek and found a narrow path that took me through a beautiful...