Hurricane Irene

Image by NASA Goddard Photo and Video via Flickr

Sometimes Mother Nature puts a crimp in even the best intentions.

We, like so many people on the East coast, have been a wee bit set back by Irene. So many have it worse than we do, so we count ourselves lucky and pray for the people who have been harder hit.

Our power and bridge are out again, and we’re not certain when either will be back. This time the bridge was actually entirely washed away down river by a flash flood of epic proportions that rose approximately eight feet in thirty minutes. That was on top of the elevated river level (approximately ten feet above normal) and whitewater conditions. Due to the quick onset, we surmise that a lake upstream breached its bank like a dam breaking.

We’re all together and we have our health, water from the river to flush the toilets, bottled water to drink, a generator to run some urgent electrical units like the refrigerator, and emergency supplies, so it could be a lot worse and we’re hopeful that it will get a lot better very soon.

That being said, all of our time is presently consumed by caring for our toddler, and keeping us all safe and healthy. The only exercise I’ve gotten since Saturday is toting buckets of water, chasing our toddler, trying to keep myself and the foresaid toddler clean, and hiking along a relative cliff for purposes those who know us understand. Our previous mountaineering skills are coming to good use.

I’ll update you once our bridge is fixed and our electricity is back on, so that I can get back to my Losing Gamer campaign. Until then, stay safe!

Acorns

Image by clocker via FlickrThere are many subtle differences between running inside versus outside; the most obvious to me is the engagement of the senses.

Inside treadmill running can be an intense workout. It’s relatively direct in that one may program in hill intervals, varying courses and intense pace. Basically, one can push oneself as hard as one wants via buttons on the machine itself.

It’s also diverting. Now-a-days most people run toward an enormous flat screened TV bracketed to the wall directly ahead of the machine, so one may watch music videos, DVDs or regular programming. Ear pods and headphones allow the runner to listen to what’s on the screen or something completely different. I’m actually surprised that no one has developed a way to play video games while one is on a treadmill, sort of like Gamercize’s step and cycle machines. If someone out there develops the technology, please let me know, as I’d like to try it!

Outside, one must deal with the course that actually exists. The runner has the ability to vary her pace and the route taken depending her fitness level and the level of workout desired. Once you’re on the road, though, it’s much easier to settle into the workout and allow your mind and senses to wander.

I do not run with music. It’s not a hard core thing with me, as I understand it is with others, but more because I like to hear the wind in the leaves, the birds chirping, the deer squealing, etc. One can hear cars approaching and their general speed, so that one can move aside.

Mostly I like the ability to think that running without music gives me. Loud songs with intense bass battle my mind wandering. The quietude that my own breathing and footsteps give me allows me the space to defrag my consciousness like I defrag my desktop once a week. My mind moves through my various To Do lists and I can make mental notes of what goes where, what needs immediate action and what can be put aside for a wee bit.

Image by joshme17 via FlickrToday, as the wind blew across my face, leaves rustled and a rabbit hopped into a bush ahead of me, I dissected an insurance clause of a contract. As that box got moved to its defragged space, I noticed that the air spelled a little less lush and a bit more dry-rustley, like autumn. Looking down, I realized that I was running among the first fallen acorns of the season and thought about the intensity of the impending cooler months. Not only was my entire body occupied in the running experience, but all five senses and my mind were engaged as well. For as long as possible, I look forward to running outside.

Mid-August Malaise

Image via WikipediaAlthough writers' block doesn't hit me often, it does seem to have hit this week.

Everything is going along as planned. Work outs are going well. Weight stays lower than the weeks before. A couple of friends and I have signed up for another 10K in early October, which should be fun.

We're all enjoying the lovely summer with loads of fun outside activities and healthy eating.


Is there anything in particular you'd like me to discuss at this point in August? Email me and let me know.

***

Check back tomorrow for this week's guest blogger: friend and author, Sarena Straus!