I've Got Depression on the Run :P

Everybody's blog I read talks about depression.  I have to admit to my own battle and some very hopeless moments. January is truly a "dark" month, both figuratively and literally. Not only does the "let down" from Christmas occur, but all those nasty bugs are going around. My house has been hit with the stomach flu. Jenna was the victim on Saturday and Sunday, and Tyler is home with it today. I am hoping to bypass the whole mess, but I know my percentage chance is slim....so now I just wait.

One of the things I am using to fight depression is running. Even though the wintry weather has put a major stop to the outdoor running, I have been logging some miles on my treadmill. I was so pent up with frustration and all around sourness, that last Thursday I ran for a full hour. The sweat was running off me like a river. My clothes were soaked clear through. It was a really good way of dealing with all those feelings....the best therapy. I honestly slept extremely well for the next three nights. Yesterday, I got on the treadmill and ran 40 minutes. It had the same effect. I slept through the night and I am very relaxed this morning. It certainly can't be hurting in the losing weight department!!!

Girlfriends, I don't know if this will work for you, but it is certainly helping me keep my sanity....hope it helps.

:) Sheri

FROSTY the Snowgirl ;) Will Survive!!

I went running this morning this morning at 7:30 a.m.....the first kilometer was frigid torture!!! ...But I kept going. My body had a hard time warming up!! ...But I kept going. My hood was pulled tight and I was breathing through the strings. ...But I kept going. My fingers were covered with gloves and still numb. ...But I kept going. You're probably seeing the pattern here. I ran a full 5.25 km. in 28:12 minutes, but it wasn't easy. The last song I was running to was "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor. The YouTube to the left is quite retro with spandex and sparkles from the 70's, but worth reminiscing. Quite appropriate in my running and my new Powersong!! Fellow runners who brave the cold and bypass the treadmill...I am in awe. Next run will be on the treadmill, I am too much of a wussie. ...But I keep going AND I WILL SURVIVE! :)

Skinny Jeans Invitation

Well, I've done it now....I've joined a challenge at my nike.plus site.
You will see it is aptly named the "Skinny Jeans" challenge. The invite was for women who were having trouble fitting into their skinny jeans after the holidays. The goal is to see who can run the most kilometers in the next 180 days....I am already behind(HAHA!!), but I plan to catch up... My goal is to run atleast 60 km over the next four weeks. I am listed as SheriG. By posting this I will have to put up or shut up!!! Wish me luck...:)

Running

In a semiconscious state, I dress for the occasion…shorts, shirt, socks, and shoes. Priorities dictate brushing my teeth and a swig of water to quench my thirst before I head out the door. I grab my IPod, as the sleep build-up in my eyes is drowsily brushed away. My muscles protest as I stretch. The walking begins and my heart immediately starts pumping in anticipation. I have done this long enough that my body foresees the miles ahead. The steady cadence of the Air-Pegasus Nikes pounds the pavement to match the AC/DC wake-up call. “Back in Black” screams out the headphones as I convince myself this is really happening. I start to notice the early morning sky with the winking stars as my guide. No one is moving in my little sleepy town. Most of its inhabitants are still nestled in their beds. I make the trek out to the park. Some mornings I even catch a raccoon trying to finish off his late night scavenger hunt in the park for any goodies left. Having planned my course, my midway point is designated as the flagpole in a strategic location. I concentrate on form and breathing. My goal is to better my time and endurance with each run as I run against myself. My emergency motivation song “Eye of the Tiger” is set for if I falter. The hill coming up out of the park has been knick-named “Heartbreak Hill” after the Boston Marathon for a reason. Reaching the top of is a thrill. My mantra matching my pace is "I will never give up". Running with sweat dripping in my eyes and down my back, it truly feels like poisons are being released with each step. Rounding the corner, towards the house, my IPod reveals the countdown for the last 400 meters. Home is in sight. Relief is in sight. Pride swells. I have done it again. Lance Armstrong congratulates me on a new personal best in the 5km. My day begins….