My alarm went off this morning, 4:42 as usual.
Why 4:42?
That's easy! My snooze lasts 9 minutes. On the days that I'm going to run, I can hit it once and get up with time to change and get started by 5:00. But on the days that I'm going to go to the gym to lift weights, I can hit it twice.....and get up at exactly 5:00.
It's the OCD in me I guess. :-)
I hit it twice today....after the second time, I ended up just shutting it off completely and turning on my second "never mind, I'm sleeping in" alarm. One of the benefits of each of us having a dual alarm clock. We each have two alarm times at our disposal. :-)
After I switched it to my second alarm....I laid there....wide awake. Staring at the ceiling.....staring at the wall.....staring at my dog sleeping on his bed on the floor.
(sigh)
I got up, put on my gym clothes, and headed out the door. It took every ounce of willpower I possess to get up and go.
My sister and I have been getting together to lift weights (twice a week) for about 6 months...but with her schedule, it hasn't been happening lately. Having someone waiting for you to arrive is a great motivator.....and I haven't had that for a couple of weeks.
I haven't been to the gym to lift for a week and a half. (hehehehe)
So.....there I was, at the gym...lifting weights.....bored to death. I could start bringing my iPod for music...but there's already music playing at the gym. Music just isn't effective workout entertainment for me. Never has been.
Then I got to thinking (always a scary thing).....I love listening to audio books on my long runs. I refuse to listen to anything while running in the mornings...because no one is around and I want to hear the boogieman sneaking up on me. But my longer runs are usually on a city trail...without car traffic, and with other people around....plus it's daylight, and the boogieman is afraid of daylight...right? :-)
I also got to thinking....my high school didn't ask us to read the classics. No Moby Dick, Jane Eyre, Catcher in the Rye, Great Gatsby, etc. Oh wait, we had to read To Kill a Mockingbird...so I can cross that one off the list.
So, what better way to multitask, than to get fit and get caught up on the classics at the same time???
Now I've come to the part where I need your help. I need suggestions of which ones I should read first. What are your favorites????????
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03/16/11: 45 minutes, full body strength workout
12 comments:
Aha there is a difference between us: I love music while running, can't even run without it. During my early morning runs I turn down the volume so I can hear traffic.
I'm not afraid of the boogie man because if he sees me running in the morning, the way I'm dressed, I think I scare the hell out of him and he runs LOL
It depends on what you like to read. I read the Millennium triology last Summer and really loved it. That will certainly keep you busy on your long runs.
When I do weights in the gym I don't bring my music. The Ipod and especially the headphones are in the way and I don't like that during weight training.
@ Fran - I just KNEW the similarities couldn't last forever. (hehehehe)
I tried to stay away from running with anything at first, because I'd read that you can't have them during half and full marathons. I was afraid to train while listening to it, and then be stripped of it during the actual events. But I've since let that go, and listen on my longer runs.
I grew up reading pretty much nothing but Stephen King...but have since started reading mysteries. Being so limited in what I read makes it hard to say what kind of books I'd enjoy. I'm pretty open to trying anything. If I like it, cool...if not, I'll move on to something else. Should be a fun challenge, if nothing else. :-)
The explanation of the alarm clock was really funny.
I also love music when running. Tried the audiobook and it was torture. When I think about weights + audiobook, I think I'd rather... I don't know what I'd rather do, but most anything over that combo. BUT if it will help pass that time, by all means, you go girl! I wish I knew the classics, but sadly, I'm a modern book reader. Kudos for getting up this morning!!
@ Mike - my hubby doesn't the snooze button thing is very humorous. (hehehehehe)
@ LoriV - I'm a modern book reader as well.....I went online and found some "100 books you must read before you die" websites. I recognize the names of most, but NO idea what they are about. This should be interesting! :-)
Music doesn't do it for me either. I do like it in the gym, but outdoors I can't stand it. An audio book however ... well that would never happen, and certainly not for the classics. I'm a humbug and have no appreciation for them. Sorry, no suggestions from this chatter box. ;) Hope you find something interesting though!
I love your alarm method. That's so something I would do. ;)
Thanks for stopping by my blog!! :) I did some weight lifting today too! I think it definitely helps to have someone there meeting up with you at that godawful time! LOL! :) And I have never thought about listening to books while working out but I think it's brilliant!
@ Heidi - the ones I listen to now are....exciting....I guess would be the word. Thrillers, mysteries, etc. They keep me going and are interesting. When I think of the classics, the words dry and boring come to mind. I'm sure that's probably not actually the case. Only time will tell. I've got the first one requested at the library, and I should be able to pick it up before this weekends' run. :-)
@ Dest 26.2 - Yep, it's so very easy to keep hitting the snooze and stay in bed when it's only yourself you have to "report" to. When I knew that my sister would be there waiting for me, it helped.
Although, I get up at that godawful time 4 days a week to run, without someone waiting for me to arrive...so I have no excuse now to not lift weights with the same dedication.
(famous last words) :-) :-)
Just read the second book in the Hunger Games series. This would be a great series to run to. The anticipation makes me read faster and faster so I can just imagine hanging on the edge as someone reads it to you. I am waiting to by book 3. I get so engulfed in books that I then forget the rest of the world still exists!
Running Mama - I'm writing that down on my list now! Thanks for the tip!!!!! :-)
Running Mama - I just started listening to the Hunger Games based on your recommendation and it rocks!!! That's for the tip!!!!!!!!!!!
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