I love watching old movies, and by ‘old’ I mean movies from the 80s. I don’t get to do it very often which is probably why, when I spy one on TV, I try to take 10 minutes to at least watch a little…even if it’s from my shower which, outside of running, is my only alone time these days.
Last weekend I caught one of the greats, Say Anything, at the beginning. I can’t remember ever seeing the beginning of this movie and I was treated to an old scene, that I love more, watching as an adult. It’s the exchange between a real life brother and sister, playing on screen brother and sister (John and Joan Cusack):
Lloyd Dobler: Â “Why can’t you be in a good mood? How hard is it to decide to be in a good mood and be in a good mood once in a while?”
Constance: “Gee. It’s easy.” (with more scarcasm then even I’m capable of)Â
First off, who knew her character’s name was Constance? Second, I just love everything about this because YES, its a choice. Everything is. When you gain that perspective, it becomes a hell of a lot easier to do almost anything. Even marathon training on a treadmill…which the weather decided for me…but still.
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9, 2015
RUNNING: My coach makes a lot of my training decisions for me, but I use my own mind to get me though it. Instead of constantly bitching this week about how much I had to run on the treadmill, I decided to embrace it and be happy I had legs to run on and a marathon with great friends to look forward to. I decided to put my head down and make it work. Hard.
As the weekend and my 14-mile long run approached, the forecast was calling for more snow (6-10 inches) with temps below zero, I had to face a hard fact – I was going to have to get it done inside. My marathon training partner Chrissie and I devised a plan to meet at the gym when it opened, pick a treadmill, and just get.it.done. It took 110 minutes with an average pace of 7:50. It actually wasn’t that bad but I hope I never have to do it again.
Total miles: 40
CYCLING: I enjoyed all of my cycling workouts this week because most of them were in the gym, listening to some new podcasts (links below), and not in my basement on the bike trainer yelling at the boys. Here’s one of my favorites from the week:
Warm-up: 10 minutes done as 5 minutes of 30 seconds alternating b/t 100 and 80 rpm, 5 minutes at 95 rpm or higher.
Main Set
Set 1: 3 x (2 min standing at 70 rpm in low Z2 then 3 min standing at >100)
Set 2: 3 x (2 min standing at 80 rpm in Z1 then 3 min sitting at 100 rpm in in Z3)
Set 3: 3 x (2 min standing at 70 rpm in Z3 then 3 min sitting at 90 rpm in Z1)
Cool down: 5 min easy
Total cycling time for the week:Â 2 hours
On the bike at the gym listening to Tina Muir’s RunnersConnect Podcast!
SWIMMING: During these frigid days it is downright daunting getting into a pool! I try not to think about it too much before I just jump in. Brrrrrr. I had two great workouts this week and my lung capacity is getting bigger with each one!
Total: 4,500 yds
STRENGTH TRAINING: I’m still getting in one great strength workout per week but this is still my least favorite thing to do. CRS added some cable leg extensions and hip flexor work. I haven’t used cables since Say Anything came out in theaters. Seriously. Let’s just say it was comical and leave it at that.
Total time: 1 hour
Yes I’m using 3 lb weights to do ‘Ys’ ‘Ws’ and ‘Ts’ Also comical.
FUEL: My local grocery/lunch place/workstation strikes again! This weeks special? Goat cheese, cranberry and kalamata olives on homemade whole wheat bread. I mean, really? I decided to go twice this week just to get it again.
THINGS I LOVE: My babysitter. She is the absolute best! You know how hard it is to leave your kids (mom guilt anyone?) but she is amazing in every way. She brings her daughter Clara with her and the boys absolutely love her. She is also a wedding coordinator, photographer, party planner and super hero who sends me photos like this while I’m working:
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH: Making Valentines for 12 times 2. My boys handwriting is atrocious so I have to write the kids names and then their names after they do it on each and every Valentine. And, you can’t hand out candy at school…on Valentine’s Day. What the what? Last I checked there are no peanuts in candy hearts. When I was a kid (insert grandma voice here) we ate candy all.day.long at school on Valentine’s Day until someone threw-up pink puddles. #truestory What is the world coming to? Someone should make a decision to reinstate candy and holiday celebrations in school*.
*I wrote this before the boys came home on Friday. Guess what? They had no less then 10 lollipops each. #rebelmoms
This picture is not a good representation of the madness of stuffing 24 bags with pencils and erasers. #lame
TV: If you cannot decide to be in a good mood, go watch Jimmy Kimmel’s “Mean Tweets” series on YouTube. In case you’ve never heard of it, it’s a series where the actual celebrity reads mean tweets that people write about them. They are equal parts vicious and hilarious.
The reactions of the celebrities themselves are sometimes the best part. It’s obvious that a lot of them don’t read their twitter feed at all!
Caution: like everything on this blog, there’s a lot of potty mouth in the videos. Be sure to stick your kid in front of the TV in another room before you watch these…
PODCASTS: I’m still in mourning after the end of Serial Season 1 but very hopeful and anxious for Season 2! In the meantime here’s some podcasts I’ve been geeking out to:
RunnersConnect Run to the Top – Featuring (among others) Tina Muir from Fuel Your Future with Tina
On Being – This is an interesting one suggested by a good friend of mine. It can be deep if you let it since it’s talks on a variety of topics about “what it means to be human and how we want to live.” It’s best reserved for a long run or when you want to ponder life’s mysteries.
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK:Â “I always let him have my way!” – Alice, 99 years old, married to Dale for 81 years, when asked what the secret to their marriage was.Â
Can you imagine being married for 81 years?
How was your week? Training? Running?
What do you think about making a decision to be in a good mood?
I think you know how I feel about those Valentine’s, but like you I also hardly ever get to veg out watching old movies in their entirety, but yesterday I did just that with the movie, Clerks as a reward for this crazy past week. It was totally worth it and now only wish I could do it more often though.
That is GREAT! Isn’t it the best when you can just sit and watch an entire movie?? Good for you!
I can’t even describe how happy it makes me when I see that pic of you listening to my podcast. I am inside your head…..sccaarrrryyyy hehe 🙂 Thanks so much for the shout out, so glad you enjoyed it. I think today is the day to try serial to get me through the treadmill run as I hate it as much as you do haha. I have decided anytime I am not feeling 100% happy, I am gonna head over to your page, every photo in here made me smile SO much, especially the ones with your kids 🙂
You are so great! Thank you Tina and I really enjoyed your podcast and can’t wait to hear more. Keep them coming!!!
Good luck on the treadmill – it’s not THAT bad 🙂
Way to get it done, no matter what, this week! So glad you had company on that long treadmill run. Can’t even imagine attempting it. After my whopping 3.5 miles yesterday, I am more determined than ever to get outside this week, even though the temps are going to be worse than I can ever remember here, AND we are getting snow tomorrow. Ugh. I will try to adopt your good attitude!
I was actually sad this week when my daughter made her valentine’s b/c I realized that next year is the last time either of my kids will do so. How did that happen so quickly?!
Having my friend next to me, and chatting with a few people I knew during the epic run, kept my mind busy. I don’t think I could have done it by myself. And yes, I’m bracing for yet another week of treadmill running. We’re getting more snow and the roads are just far too dangerous around here. Good luck with your runs! At least you’re tapering right??
That is sad about your kid’s Valentines! Everything with kids just moves so FAST.
Yay for you making it happen this week!!! Your pool game is quite admirable my dear. But as happy as I am for legs and the ability to run, the treadmill and I are on a little break. I’m trying to make it work!!
I forgot about sending Valentine’s Day candy for each kid. And I didn’t feel bad about it lol. Go rebel moms!! Too many rules these days. I get the peanut thing but geesh.
Going to check out the podcasts!!
The treadmill is a constant battle so good luck! Maybe the podcasts will help?? I hope so!!!
Way to go go for the 14 on the treadmill!!!!!!!! That is the longest I have ever done on a treadmill. :). Do you watch anything at the gym…sometimes that helps. We all know I am not a fan of the treadmill….mostly because I feel like I run differently. I am not sure why, but it just feels weird to me. Usually, once I get into I feel ok, but still like I run different. I have a feeling this week is going to be more treadmill than I like. I just don’t want to do these below zero wind chills….why do I not live in the south!
I think it is funny how 80’s movies didn’t used to be “old” and now they are! Do you do any weight lifting? I am trying to research a little weight lifting vs those who say no weights only use your own body weight for strength.
No candy at Valentine’s Day… seriously?! Way to not be a rebel mom 🙂
That is so sweet that your sitter sends you pictures :).
I don’t know how people watch movies or tv on the treadmill. I need music when I’m on there! Even podcasts I need to listen to out on the roads or on the bike but not the ‘mill. I wish I could as I’m sure it helps pass the time but I just can’t. I know…it’s weird.
Yes the wind chills!!! They are absolutely killing me!!!
And yes I strength train once a week and focus on abs, hips, glutes and lower body stuff. I can share if you need a good workout 🙂
I’ve been the same way with the treadmill running lately. Instead of complaining I’m just feeling happy I have access to one. I’m also glad I’m not in the Boston area.
That sandwich combination is one of my favorites. I think goat cheese has a magic power to make everything better.
I definitely believe in the magic of goat cheese!!
Ha! Those tweets are hilarious! I laughed out loud.
Your kids are so cute with the Valentines. I am a terrible mom. I have no guilt leaving the little guy to go workout or something. So bad.
When I was in school we had tons of candy on holidays! I am kind of scarred from Valentine’s Day though because there was a rule that you had to give a valentine to every single kid in the class. Of course, being the good rule follower I am, I did this but I must have accidentally left Caleb Taft’s valentine at home or dropped it or something because I didn’t have one for him. I got in trouble with the teacher, which for someone like me was mortifying. I then had to make him a valentine because I couldn’t find the store bought one I had written out for him. So I gave him a frilly homemade valentine and then all the other kids made fun of me saying I liked Caleb. Worst Valentine’s Day ever. I was 8.
Aren’t those the best? OMG I almost died laughing the first time I saw them!
And no, you’re a great mom because you have no guilt about leaving him. You absolutely shouldn’t!
Isn’t it crazy how those stories stay with us? I can’t believe you got in trouble and that most embarrassing of 8 year-old embarrassments! Of course you’re scarred! Didn’t she get that you didn’t do it on purpose?? Horrible.
I also remember the kid who threw-up pink all over his desk on Valentine’s Day in the third grade – Mike Flynn!
Oh I love Mean Tweets! It is such a good bit. Fran and I are considering getting a sitter for the re-release of The Breakfast Club…for its 30TH ANNIVERSARY. Whaaaaat??? I bet you’re so happy that treadmill long run is done. I’m considering a spring 2016 marathon to train for after baby but all this winter running training talk and photos on the blogs are freaking. me. out.
30th Anniversary of the Breakfast Club? Oh dear Lord I am so old. That is insane!!
Don’t let this year make your decision b/c #1 it’s truly not THAT bad and #2 next winter will probably be very different. At least i really, really, really, hope so!
Great run down! I absolutely loved Say Anything! That scene with Lloyd holds up the boom box with that Peter Gabriel song still makes me cry!! I can’t imagine being married that long even if I wasn’t leaving my marriage. That’s a long time plus I don’t think I will live that long anyway. We do choose how we react to life and yes, you can choose to be in a good mood!
Thanks so much Kris!! And I couldn’t agree more about Say Anything. I wish I could have watched the whole movie!
Strength is your least favorite?! *insert horrified look*
I get it… if you made m swim I think I’d shut down. 😉
I know, I know. I definitely get into it once I get going but, unless I’m teaching a strength class, my mind wanders!
Sorry that y’all keep getting pummeled with snow!! I wish we lived closer (south, of course) – I would gladly run on the treadmill next to you and help pass the time!!!
And, I do NOT miss the days of school valentines to be written on!!
You would be the BEST treadmill partner!
My husband is in Tulsa this week and ‘enjoying’ the 60 degree weather. #jealous
14 miles on the treadmill is awesome!!
I will have to check out the Celebrity mean tweets tonight when the kid go to bed 🙂
You have such a great sitter – so thoughtful of her to send you those pics!
My son gets candy at school for holidays, but my daughter (preschool) has a non candy school. Yep, totally different than when I was growing up! Love that you had lollipops for them!!
I am in the pool and on the bike a lot these days due to my injury.
Have a great day!
Hi Natalie! Thanks for your comment. The treadmill run was definitely mentally challenging but at least I was able to do it. It would have been much worse if I had to skip the whole thing. Sorry you’re injured! I hope you’re back to running soon. The bike and pool workouts will definitely help keep your endurance up!
Too funny, I NEED to watch the Mean Tweets series! That sounds hilarious.
Also, your boys are too adorable holding their valentines!
OMG the more you watch, the funnier it gets. It’s a brilliant idea by Kimmel and the celebrities are too funny. There’s also a lot of cleverly mean people out there!
I was so pleasantly surprised to get my little Valentine pictures. She’s so thoughtful like that.
Great job lady on the treadmill run, I know it’s hard! I got 16 miles in on it this weekend and it was brutal. But then again, I”m on it a lot longer than you were as I’m much slower! As for the Valentines, I actually a fan of no candy. My boys came home with so much candy and on a sugar high it was ridiculous 🙂 We are finally getting snow here in DC!! I’ve seen the mean tweets and it’s hilarious!! I need to listen to Tina’s podcasts as soon as Serial is over!
I saw your sunrise picture from the treadmill and was jealous. I stare into the lobby of the Y. Not so pretty.
I see your point about Valentine’s Day. Especially when the kids don’t eat junk candy that often, the repercussions can be disastrous!!
The mean tweets series is just too much. It kills me.
Definitely check out Tina’s podcast. Very interesting!!…and wait until you get to the end of Serial – yikes!!!
haha – “I always let him have my way”! That’s brilliant! And so are you in getting all your workouts in. And the Valentine’s card – oy! Thankfully, one of my kids is old enough and has decent writing to write his own cards. The other? I’m actually not sure who wrote them! At their school, the could give candy (cleared by teacher re: allergies) but didn’t get their Valentine’s “mailbox” until after school. I remember eating candy all day long too!
Isn’t that the best quote! And she’s 99 years old. Genius.
I found out that most of the other kids in the boys class have awful handwriting as well 🙂 but I wish someone told me we could send lollipops in!? I guess they got enough from everyone else…
I love watching Mean Tweets! I snort laugh each time.
I love the new Dear Sugar podcasts. Also, The American Life.
Can’t wait for season 2 of Serial!
Dear Sugar? Must check it out!!
Mean Tweets are just hilarious. I totally do the embarrassing snort/cry laughter.
GOOD LORD I ADORE YOU.
and SAY ANYTHING.
and cables.
xoxoxo
Right back at you Carla! xoxo
Ah, Lloyd. I loved that movie, and always thought he’d be happier with me than with the chick on the plane.
I couldn’t keep up with you running, cycling, or swimming, but I’d love to do Y’s, W’s and T’s with you. Maybe some day…
Now THAT would be fun!…and then we could drink wine and read 🙂
Say Anything!! Great movie! I have been walking daily and hoping the plantar fasciitis doesn’t come back. And hanging with a trainer a few days a week to rehab the shoulder and attempt to reverse gravity. And in most cases, happiness and good mood and lots of other things are most certainly a choice.
Such a great movie!! Good for you treating all your aliments 🙂 Keep it up!
That sandwich looks amazing!
Good way to approach a long mill run too. It is all about attitude!
You have to go in with the right mindset or the TM will eat you alive!
I never saw Say Anything until I was a grown-up! Like.. recently! I love that scene where the fasten seatbelt sign goes off. Or you know, the last scene.
I also love Mean Tweets! It’s hilarious! And I think all babysitters should be photographers, don’t you?
How did that happen??? I actually think of that scene when I’m flying. Helps me relax…slightly.
YES all sitters should be photographers. 🙂