Steppin' Out

Saturday, July 20th - Mercer County Park, West Windsor, NJ - at 7:55am I stepped outside of my comfort zone...WAY out of my comfort zone!

Over the years I've become complacent with being "safe" inside my running circle.  Running is what comes naturally to me and it's what I love to do.  As I rapidly approach my middle 40's I've become anxious.  I guess I feel like I'm racing the clock.  There is so much that I haven't done, yet those things are the very things that make me nervous.  I love running and I love fitness ... and there is so much more out there to explore and experience!

As I noted in a previous blog, Eleanor Roosevelt dares us to do something every day that scares us.  Will I be "cheating" on running by trying something new?  Stupid, right?  Maybe if running isn't looking it won't notice that I'm in the pool or on the bike.  I took my chances and decided to try my hand at a tri.  So, in true 'Loren' fashion, I registered for 4 tri's - one each month from July through October.  And, to make things more challenging, my 4th and final one of the season is a 1/2 iron man. 

Let's back up a bit ... I did my first triathlon sprint 2 years ago - the NJ State Triathlon.  I signed up to provide morale support for a friend who had a failed tri attempt and wanted redemption (and company!).  I wanted to help as best I could, so I registered and had only a few weeks to train.  It wasn't enough.  I did my best and finished - it was far from pretty and the swim nearly killed me.  Fast forward to this past weekend - I returned to the scene of the crime, alone this time.

Comfortable is easy; comfortable is safe; comfortable is good in so many ways.  But I do have to say, busting out every so often is good, too.  I met some super nice and helpful people; and, after the anxious feeling left me, I was overcome with a feeling of accomplishment.  I had zero expectations and it turned out just fine.  I couldn't ask for anything more because I tried my best.

So get out there and experience it for yourself.  Step out - register for a 5k, a relay run with your friends, a charity walk, your first mud run or set a nutrition goal for yourself that you are actually going to keep.  Embrace the challenge and rise to the occasion.

Maybe stepping out of your comfort zone will be more comfortable than you think. 

A Little Change Will Do Ya Good!

My Fourth of July weekend was spent in Bradley Beach where family, good food and the jersey shore was the perfect combination for a great holiday.  As always I packed my running gear because, well, you just never know.  Although it was a short 2-night stay, it was just long enough to relax and enjoy.

Waking up to the sound of seagulls was enough to get my juices flowing.  I managed to talk Jeff into joining me ... he would go for 3 and wait for me up at the beach while I planned for 6.  It sounded like a brilliant plan although it took my legs and feet a little longer to warm up to the idea.  What I quickly realized was that no matter how fast or slow my legs were going, the view was still the same - and it was amazing.

So many people joined us in our quest to start the day on the right foot (pun intended!).  You literally had to weave in and out of cyclists, runners and walkers.  It was awesome!  The view fueled my workout and although it wasn't one for the record books, I was okay with that.  To this day, I'm amazed how something so simple as a change of scenery can help your psyche and put a pep in your step.

I highly recommend it ... whether it's a quick drive to the beach or a drive a few towns over to run in a park that you don't usually run in...the point is that it doesn't need to be an expensive get-a-way to rejuvenate...find your mojo...beat boredom.

Happy running and safe travels.

Blogger Newbie ... Exploring a new frontier

I'm finally jumping into the wonderful world of blogging at the recommendation of a few long-time 360 Community Wellness supporters.  Thanks for the push!

Today was an exciting day.  Using the Tour de France as inspiration, I finally ventured out from my house to Brookdale Park on my new Cannondale road bike.  You see, for the past several weeks I've been shoving the bike in the back of my car and driving to the park.  I was completely terrified to ride it on the roads at the risk of not being able to navigate through traffic OR stop on time for a traffic light. 

Strategically leaving the house super early and hoping that there would be less traffic on the road definitely worked in my favor.  Once I reached the park, I gained a bit more confidence until some dude on a mountain bike passed me like I was standing still.  How can that be?  I'm on a speedy bike and thought I was going at a good clip.  Guess I need to work a bit harder at this cycling thing.

I hit Ridgewood Road and really picked up the pace (at least I think so; no mountain bike in sight to measure my speediness).  I think I've got the gear shifting down thanks to my cousin, Jim, for the quick tutorial.  Next week I'll try to manage clipping in without killing myself.

I'd like to think that I've been athletic all of my life.  How hard could this cycling thing be?!  I've learned to be humble and respect the sport ... any new sport for that matter.

The great Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Do one thing every day that scares you."  Well, I had my quota  today before 7:30 this morning , thank you very much!

Until next time .... Be Well!