Spinning, marketing, arting, stretching, walking ... and finally, running

I’m a sweater. I know this. I should have been prepared for the level of sweat. I wasn’t.

I had a towel. I could have used another towel. So. Much. Sweat.

What produces this level of sweat? Spin.

On Saturday, I participated in my first spin class to benefit Pet Pal Animal Shelter.

Because it was an early weekend morning, it took me awhile to wake up and get oriented. But, about 20 minutes into the class, I finally figured out what was going on and started to really enjoy it. I loved climbing hills (huh?) and making turns. Aside from the sweat situation, I loved it all.

What I loved most is that it benefited sweet animals like this girl.

Sandy made an appearance at the spin-a-thon

After the class (which consisted of a lot of my running group since a running group friend was teaching the class), we headed to the market across the street ... and into heaven.

I love tomatoes, seriously.

I love guacamole, too, but I just had a sample ... and wanted to
take home the entire bowl.

Later that evening, I headed to an art show with a fabulous Tampa Bay artist's work in it. That fabulous local artist happens to be my coworker and friend who is extremely talented.

Me, not the creator, with her amazing artwork

The artist with another piece of work, Schlitz (only a dolla dolla bill, ya'll)

After a fun day and night, I headed to bed to start it all over again with a long run on Sunday morning. Problem: I woke up on Sunday to excruciating back pain. I couldn't stand straight. It hurt to take a step. Gah.

So instead of running, I spent the day stretching, applying heat and walking.

... and spotting dolphins

... and drinking delicious Dunkin' Donuts coconut
coffee in the dog park

I thought maybe I could run Sunday night, but I still wasn't comfortable. Better, but not great.

On Monday, the back was much better. Still sore, but not nearly as bad. So, I ran Monday night. The first mile was awful. It was so painful that I wanted to quit, but I told myself, "Self, run at least one mile and then reevaluate."

I ran 4 miles. Pretty decent miles for me running by myself (I hate running by myself). I felt awesome after (less back pain than before I ran).

Tonight, I ran 3 more miles. A little pain when I started, but it all worked out by the end. Whew! The half marathon on Sunday is still a go ...  

Ever have random back pain? What did you do? Did you run with it? Do you love tomatoes? Guacamole? Ever do a spin class? What did you think?

No resolutions for me

Happy New Year! But don’t expect any resolutions from me.

I’m not anti-resolution. I love hearing about other people’s goals for the year — it’s very inspiring. I just know that resolutions don’t work for me.

I used to carefully think out my resolutions and write them in notebook. A few weeks later (at the most), all of my resolutions ended in bitter disappointment. They probably tended to be a little too unrealistic and maybe a little too big. (I guess “Marry Reggie Bush” was too ambitious. Hmph.) I just know that instead of feeling new and inspired, I felt like a total failure. 

See why becoming Mrs. Bush was a previous (failed)
resolution? Source

 

To avoid that feeling, I quit.

I could make someone rich.

So, instead let’s look at what I have planned for the first half of 2013.

Jan. 12: Pet Pal Spin. It’s my first spin class ever, and it’s for a great cause. If you’re in the Tampa Bay area, come check it out (because it’s an awesome cause and we’ll have an awesome teacher (a running group friend) — not because you want to see me make a fool out of myself on a bike … well, if me making a fool out of myself will make you attend, I’m OK with it).

I'm attempting the 9 a.m. class.

Jan. 20: Clearwater Halfathon. It’s my first half marathon of the year, and I don’t feel prepared whatsoever. A few days off of running due to work madness and the holidays, and I assume that I’ve lost all running abilities.

Feb. 2: Best Damn Race 10K. It’s my second 10K after I said I’d probably never run another one. Yeah, that ended in failure, too. But, it’s a good thing.

Feb. 10: Rock ‘n’ Roll St. Petersburg. Yay! It’s my favorite half marathon! I loved this race last year, and I can’t wait to rock it again.

March 17: Florida Beach Halfathon. It’s my second half marathon on this course. I ran this route for the Halloween Halfathon, and I found it boring (and windy). But, it’s flat, I guess?

April 14: Iron Girl Half Marathon. It’s my first half marathon this late in the year. I’m nervous about the potential heat (and tall, scary bridges), but I’m running with running group friends, and that always makes everything better.

Do you make resolutions? Why or why not? What are your plans for the year? Have you ever done a spin class? Any tips for me?