A random collection of thoughts through time. Some informative, some explicative, some strange.

I’ve found that I have a hard time lately saying exactly what I want to say, in the way that I need to say it, when I need to say it. I can’t tell someone that their idea is bad, or what’s on my mind without parsing it eleventy times. By the time I deliver my message, it’s diluted and meaningless…if I say it at all.

I’ve been somehow so worried about offending folks or not being heard, I’ve been staying silent. I can’t shoot down bad ideas or tell friends what I think because I don’t want to offend. It’s dumb.

I’ve somehow conditioned myself to be overly cautious. What has it gotten me? Nothing but tongue tied. And I’m no better off for it. It’s not important to point out why this has happened. It won’t solve the problem this time.

So….I need to stop it. No sugarcoating, no bullshit, just honest tactful truth. It’s not blurting out whatever comes to mind, it’s finding a way to always say what needs to be said.

And I’ll just stop overthinking and start enjoying life a lot more.

I’ll probably apologize a few times. But screw it…some of y’all need to hear the truth.

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Working in conjunction with @MommyGeekology, we’d take our cameras with us and just take photos all day – showing a day in the life.

I kinda failed cause Ty was not with us on Tuesday evening, if she was, I’d have far more photos since she’s such a ham.

Breakfast of Champions

Doggie out the windooow!

Move, get out the way!

Pile o'trees from the tornado

And...I missed my train. Again.

I never walk down escalators.

This is my view most of the day. Coding.

Fuel.

Reminding myself that these pants are way too baggy.

Someone wanted to fight me over this. OK, it was @MommyGeekology.

{Evidence of threat deleted}

Dude, where's my car?

En route to the gym.

I didn't hit them. Promise.

Post-workout Dinner. Ravenously hungry.

Apparently, I can eat three meals a day in front of the computer.

I’m going to try this again, next time with Ty at home. Lots of fun, and it forces me to carry and use my camera all day, which is welcome.  I wanted to post this earlier in the day, but the day I leave for vacation is always bananatown.

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I started the Couch to 5k program (c25k) in 2007 to become a little more active. This is a little bit of what knowledge I’ve gained since then. The c25k builds you up slowly from walking to running over 9 or so weeks. I repeated days when I had problems. I think I repeated a week or two. It took me about 12 weeks to finish.

First, find a place nearby that not only sells running shoes, but will do a detailed analysis of your feet. Alternatively, take a look at the runner’s world shoe finder. The shoes you buy should be suited to your feet. Your shoes will be different depending on the height of your arches and how you walk/run. Improperly fitted shoes can wreak havoc on your knees and back. When you get your running shoes, break them in by wearing them for a half day, then a full day. After that, only use them for running. Then keep a count of how many miles you put on them. The rule of thumb is usually about 300 miles, but I replace them sooner since I’m larger than the average runner.

Second, dedicate the time to it. Be patient with yourself as you train. About 3 times a week for about an hours a time is fine.  Don’t get discouraged. Even when you’ve been running for a while, not every run will feel great. I still struggle from time to time. Sleep and hydration level has a huge effect on how I feel and perform.  I’ve had side stitches. I’ve had people laugh and/or point while I’m running outside or during an event. I keep saying to myself, “I’m doing this, and you’re not.”  If you start out running too far or to fast before you’re ready, you are likely to injure yourself.

I was a little lucky to get an iPod as a gift. I found a set of podcasts from Robert Ullrey (ok, Rick found them) that had voice overlays with cues that told me when to run and walk. The music was not to my suiting (electronica), but I figured that it’s okay if I simply focus on the running and not the music. There is also are c25k apps on the iPhone. In either case, the podcast or app will give you cues when to start and stop running and walking. From there you can run for a good half hour or so. At worst, you’ll be able to run for most of the 3.1 miles. In truth, I don’t even run for a half hour straight every time I get out to run.

The other thing I did after I finished the program was to use the Nike+ system, but that is totally optional. I like to see how I progress in distance and time; I’m nerdy and love to see data. I even entered that insane challenge I mentioned before. I think 2010′s competition has fizzled out. It might be for the best.

I also bought some dri-fit shirts because they don’t stick to you like cotton shirts do. Also get good socks that wick moisture. Then take good care of them. I sweat like it’s going out of style, so I let my shirts and shorts dry out fully before putting them in the wash. Then I use vinegar and wash them in warm water. I dry them on low without fabric softener. Fabric softener diminishes the effectiveness of the wicking materials, as does high heat.

As an aside, I subscribe to Runner’s World, and follow @runnersworld and @Cool_Running on Twitter for in-depth information.

Much later on, there are also programs to take you from 5k to 10k. I didn’t feel comfortable running more than 4mi until recently. I did 4 5ks this in 2009 and only now I am running/walking 10k on the treadmill. It does take some time…but I started out in terrible shape.

I’m inspired to run a half marathon, but with my current schedule and level of fitness, I fear I’m not truly ready for a half right now. I’ve started cross-training and hope to become stronger and better fit before I really try that. I should also try a timed 10k. It’s tempting to try it, but I need to feel like I’m truly ready. When I started c25k, I never thought I’d have a half marathon as a goal.

Props to my little sister Serene who started running long before I did. She’s run many marathons and half marathons. She even ran my first 5k with me. However, I still remember her finishing one second before me. (Kindness only goes so far.) Thank you.

If there’s anything you want to ask, feel free to put it in the comments. I’ll answer anything I can, or point you to a resource.

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1. It shouldn’t be a big deal if someone’s gay. We don’t need a press release. Treat them like an equal human being.
2. Your point of view isn’t the only one in the issue. Listen and digest a different one once in a while.
3. Truth doesn’t come in bite-sized packages that taste sweet. If someone tells you the truth, and it sounds harsh, don’t take it out on them. Marinate on it.
4. Sexism is sexism. Period. I don’t bash women on a whole, I’d appreciate it if women take the same path.
5. Lighten up. No one should be that damn serious all the time.
6. Just because you’re passionate about your point of view doesn’t mean I’ll accept it as my own.
7. If you spend a lot of time keeping score of how you’ve been wronged, etc. Stop it. It’s petty, dumb and a waste of time. Stop living a victim’s mentality. Get better and move on.
8. If everyone’s dumb and pissing you off, It’s likely that you’re the problem. Adjust your situation and attitude.
9. Everyone is quick to point out other people’s faults. Take some time to reveal and fix some of your own faults. If you’re in a screwed up situation, you probablty contributed a little bit to it.
10. Just because you show someone a better way to do something doesn’t mean that person will drop everything and move. Sometimes, it takes time to be ready to accept that new path. Other times, you’re not ready. Let others come into their own. You can’t rush everyone to do what you want.
11. You’re not always going to get the support you need, even from folks who love you. It’s ok. Push on. Maybe they’ll come around. Maybe not.
12. Seriously, lighten up.
13. Do something silly every once in a while, simply because you can.
14. Controlling your spouse is not sexy or cool. That goes for both sexes.
15. Have an opinion.
16. Spend less time convincing me that you’re right. just do good things.
17. Break the rules when it suits you.

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