Reflections on August

I had three goals in August which I talked about in a post at the beginning of the month.

1. Half Marathon Training: B+
I did the vast majority of my runs, but was less successful in getting cross-training in. I am really hoping to focus more on that during September to strengthen my back, which has been my only problem area in terms of injury. I'm pleased with my progress and just hope to keep on track and possibly add some speed.

2. Career Management Coach Credential Exam: A
While I haven't actually taken the exam yet, I still give myself an A because I have finished my training and requested my exam date. It's due to scheduling problems on the Academy's end that it wasn't able to happen in August, but will definitely be happening soon!

3. Career Development/Job Search Plan: B
My contract was extended at my current client until October 2, so the urgency wasn't quite as much as I had anticipated on this. Still, I could have been more proactive about meeting with people and learning more about the areas I am interested in. August is a tough month to meet with people between vacations and just that overall summer vibe, so I'm looking forward to jumping in full force in September. More details in my September goal post tomorrow, but I'm hoping to take October "off" to focus on this and develop a plan for 2010.

Books

I read a lot of books. My apartment is overflowing with books, even though I have given away or stored many boxes of them over the last few years. I get really upset when I know I've read a book but just can't remember if I liked it or if it had an important message. I know this means I probably didn't like it and the message most likely wasn't that memorable, but it's disturbing anyway. I have big plans/hopes to write a business book blog someday, but also realize you have to start somewhere, so this post is a pledge to share my thoughts on the books I am reading.

Something for the Pain: Compassion and Burnout in the ER by Paul Austin

I just finished this one today. It definitely held my interest (finished it in about 5 days) and I enjoyed the stories from the ER, but for me something about it was missing. Or maybe there was too much, or maybe things were all jumbled together in confusing ways, I'm not sure. Now that I'm doing the same thing to you...

The book is about an ER doctor and the experiences he has in that role, both professionally and personally. Well at least the goal is to capture both parts of his life, but I'm left wondering if he really was successful. I'm not sure how it all fits together, even after finishing the book. Part of me feels like it was more of a diary that was published without thought to how it all fits together and what the message to the reader is supposed to be. For example, there are several passages, some in detail, that refer to Dr. Austin's sexual relationship and encounters with his wife Sally. I felt as though I was peering into someone's bedroom window and found myself skipping those pages because they were so intimate and I didn't understand how they were relevant to the book. He also talks about, but not in enough detail, his daughter who has Down's Syndrome. It's a heavy topic that's glossed over, like many in the book.

All that said, and almost as a result, I am left wanting more. Dr. Austin is a great writer, very engaging and a good story-teller. I want to understand more about his relationship with his wife and family, want to know more about his patients in the ER, etc. I felt as though there were lots of beginnings of stories, but no real endings. If he writes another book, I will probably buy it.

I don't know why I love these doctor books - I've also read "Better: A Surgeon's Notes on Performance" by Atul Gawande, "Final Exam: A Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality" by Pauline Chen, and "Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science" also by Atul Gawande, and those are just the ones I remember. I've always been fascinated by medicine, but didn't have the stomach to handle actually being a doctor. Maybe this is how I satisfy my curiosity about the profession!

Running: Friday August 21

I haven't been writing, but I promise I have been running! I rearranged the week to get my long run in on Friday because I went to a wedding this weekend. I was scheduled for 9 miles and I thought it would be absolutely impossible. I woke up at 5:30 hoping to be able to run outside, but the humidity was just too much. And I realized I also hadn't hydrated or eaten very well the day before. So, I drank lots of water in the morning, and had an egg and cheese sandwich.

At 11:30 I got on the treadmill at 49 Lynn Street. And at 1:15 I got off, having just run 9 freaking miles. It was the first long run where I needed to worry about mid-run nutrition. I had a Gu after running for an hour (about 60 minutes) and it seemed to go well. I didn't eat the whole thing, just about half, then I finished it during my cool down and it was great.

Miles 3 and 4 were tough (as always), but once I got through them, I was really fine. I took a couple 1 minute walk breaks during the last 2.5 miles or so, but still finished in about 93 minutes. I felt great yesterday too, no soreness really at all. None today either. During the run my hamstrings were a little tight, but nothing a couple quick stretches didn't fix. My left ankle was a little tender, but again, didn't stop or slow me down. The only other problem was my right lower shin. It felt fine when I was running, but then during my pedicure massage, it was incredibly tender and sore - but only when you touch it. So, I'm not touching it! My back felt really good, I think because I've been doing the exercises to strengthen my core.

I took a walk instead of doing my recovery run, which I think is ok. I like that my schedule is now on a Friday long run instead of over the weekend. I think it will work out better for me. Tomorrow is 7 miles, which hopefully I'll be able to do outside. I am actually looking forward to it!

Running: Thursday, August 13

I think I might actually be a runner. If you had told me even four weeks ago that running six miles would be just another item on the list of "to do's" for the day I would have laughed at you. But yesterday, I was looking at my calendar and saw that 6 miles was on the schedule. I just kind of shrugged and worked it into my plans for the day. I decided to run on the treadmill because I hadn't had the best day up to that point, and the weather was threatening, so I didn't want to run away from home and feel like I couldn't get back.

The first two miles were fine, miles 3 and 4 were a struggle, and 5 and 6 were actually kind of fun (71 to go for the month...which I might need to recalculate based on my revised schedule). Yes, I said fun. And during those miles I was thinking, I think I might have time to fit in a couple miles tomorrow...even though I am running 8 on Saturday! What has happened to the old Lynn?!

Some thoughts about today's run:

• My foot hurts from something I did playing tennis yesterday. It didn't impede my running (actually feels like more of a bruise than a sprain), but I definitely need to work in some more cross-training, especially stuff that involves lateral movement.
• My back hurt less than usual. I am going to do some stretching and strengthening exercises tomorrow, but I was pleased that it felt as good as it did.
• Miles 3 and 4 really sucked and I don't know why. I didn't feel particularly fatigued or out of breath. When I stopped to take quick (~1 minute) breaks, I actually wanted to start running again right away. I am going to try be more aware to see if this happens a lot or today was just that kind of day.
• I know I'm repeating myself, but I felt like an actual runner today. My foot was actually really bothering me all day, but I still ran. Those 2 middle miles were awful but I kept going. This is a major milestone and worth a second (and possibly a third and fourth) mention.
  

I think that's all for today. I'm tired, but the good kind. I'll report tomorrow on my level of soreness. Two preventive ibuprofen and I'm off to bed.

Running: Monday, August 10

Today was a "recovery run" of 4 miles (77 to go for the month). While I'm definitely getting into this running thing, I am still not convinced running 4 miles the day after running 7 is a good way to "recover", but my goal is to follow the plan. The plan said 4, so 4 it was.

Today was one of the hottest days of the summer - with the humidity it apparently felt like over 100 degrees. I really wouldn't know, because I avoided going outside and am currently camping out at my parents' house taking advantage of the central AC.

Anyway, today's run was on the treadmill at Work Out World in Nashua, while Mom had her personal training session with Gary, and it went shockingly well. I actually wanted to keep going since the run started at the top of the hour and I was watching a Law & Order episode. I'll always wonder who did it... Anyway, I'm just waiting for the terrible soreness to set in...hopefully all my stretching and hydration (although I admit I'm treating myself to a Stella right now - running 11 miles in 36 hours is cause for celebration!) will prevent that from happening. When I woke up this morning I dreaded attempting to get out of bed and take that first step, but it was actually fine...

One other note - my Mom's trainer gave me some tips to strengthen and stretch my back, so I am looking forward to taking advantage of those! Thanks Gary! Tomorrow is a fantastic day of rest and focus on the other August goals. Updates soon!

Running: Sunday, August 9

As promised, I ran my seven miles today (81 to go for the month). I may be delirious, but I think it actually felt good. I didn't take any breaks along the way, and at the end I felt like I could go farther. It wasn't a fast run my any means, but I felt strong and kept a steady pace. This is the farthest and longest I have ever run!

I think that today I also broke a psychological barrier. As I wrote about yesterday, I was really nervous about going so far. I wasn't sure if I could do it and I had visions of being far away from my apartment, hurt, limping home. That really wasn't the case at all, and I think moving forward I can build on this.

A few notes about the run:

• we are definitely at the point where I need to think about mid-run nutrition; I felt good during the run, but I could tell my overall energy level was waning
• the outer part of my right knee hurt during my cool down after I stopped running; feels fine now (it's been about 25 minutes including stretching time)
• my back is still bothering me; it felt tight during the run and I have a feeling it is going to be tight and sore later today/tomorrow
• Cross-training: focus this week will be on strengthening my core and on my glutes/hamstrings so I can be stronger on the hills
  

(Not) Running: Saturday August 8

Today is supposed to be my long run day, 7 miles. I was really looking forward to it all week, but as it approached I got more and more nervous. I have never run that far before, and I was worried about finishing it. Then my sister mentioned that she wanted to go out last night, and I jumped at the chance, sabotaging the run.

We stayed out pretty late, so this morning I woke up a little after 8. When I saw the time, I was immediately disappointed in myself. I thought, "I could have been finished with my 7 miles by now!" I am a morning person, I love waking up at 6 and getting things done, especially running. The weather is finally gorgeous - dry and cool enough to run outside, so there are no excuses. I've learned my lesson.

The plan for today is to rest, drink lots of water, stretch, clean up the apartment, and run a few errands. Then tomorrow morning get up at 5:45 and run to Fenway Park and back, conquering those 7 miles! I know I can do this, and I will.

Running: Wednesday August 5

Whew. Only 3 miles today (88 to go for the month), but it was extremely humid and about 79 degrees this morning when I went out. I'm very happy though: 3 miles at about 9:20 steadily without any breaks! That means if I did a 5K right now I could actually break the 30 minute mark, which I've never done in a race before, so I feel pretty good about that.

Today's run was in Nashua, from my parents's house out to Main Street, down to my aunt's house, and back for the total of 3 miles. Steady slow downhill grade on the way out, and uphill on the way back. Reminded me of when I was a little kid riding my bike saying to myself, "If I can just get up this last hill [on Taylor Street] without getting killed by a car or truck coming around the bend, I can get to the downhill on Lynn Street and not have to pedal again!"

Back is still bothering me a little, but didn't feel bad at all during the run today. I have a little tightness in my hamstrings, but nothing some stretching can't fix. Had LOTS of water yesterday and I think that helped today. Tomorrow is a cross-training day, and the plan is yoga after work. I can't wait!

Running: Tuesday August 4

This morning I ran 4 miles on the treadmill at the gym. That means 91 left to go for the month. I am going to have to sneak in a mile or two here and there to make up for a few miles lost this weekend. My back has really been bothering me, so I am trying to rest when I can and stretch as much as possible. Plus, the humidity and I really aren't getting along, so I have to do a better job planning when I can run outside or get to the gym.

Today's run: tough, but not too bad; pace: between 9:45 and 10:20 or so; lungs: good; legs: a little heavy but not bad; flexibility: not as loose as I would like to be after a run, so spent an extra five minutes or so stretching and foam rolling.

Tomorrow's either another 4 or 3, we'll see how I'm feeling. Yoga is planned for Thursday night and I can't wait!

August

Well, it's the first day of the month so I thought it would be a good time for me think about some of my goals and make myself accountable by writing them.

Goal 1: Half-Marathon Training.
The goal here is to stick with the plan. That means this month I will run 95 miles, including a long run of 9 miles. Yikes. The goal is to take it one day at a time, making sure I manage hydration and nutrition so I can actually do this.

Goal 2: Career Management Coach Credential Exam.
After about 6 months of classes and training, I will be sitting for my credentialing exam at the end of the month. The action steps here are to continue preparing for my mentor coaching calls, studying the various competencies, and practicing as much as possible.

Goal 3: Career Development/Job Search Plan.
My major consulting contract will be complete at the end of the month, so it's time to develop a plan for next steps in my career. I need to think about how I want to leverage my CCMC credential (see goal 2), my education, the personal and professional development work I have been doing, and what I have learned over the past two years of doing independent consulting work. Action steps include: continuing informational interviews, professional networking, some introspection, and developing my list of "Things that Matter" for my next professional role.

Should be a busy and very exciting month!