I used to think I didn’t have thick skin. Last week was a rough one for me and, I even literally ripped the skin open on my hands doing deadlifts at Boundless Performance. How’s that for a sign? But then, something occurred to me and I’ve started changing the way I see myself. Don’t worry, I’m not getting philosophical on you but, last week was about toughing it out.
I also want to extend a huge thank you to every single reader, friend, and family member who reached out to me, left a positive comment or contacted me in some way about the article I wrote for Women’s Running that created so much controversy. I will continue to speak my truth and write about uncomfortable things, as long as I know they are relatable and helpful. But, maybe next time I will leave my husband out of it!
Thank you for always supporting me in making this an honest space.
WEEK OF OCTOBER 17, 2016
RUNNING
This is my saving grace. Each time I had a problem this past week, I ran it out, and always felt better afterward. It may not have lasted but I’m so grateful for the euphoria I get from pounding out the miles.
On Monday, while doing the deadlifts that ripped my hands open, I also tweaked my back. It literally came out of nowhere as Hannah (my trainer) was watching my form like a hawk, I wasn’t struggling with the weight but, on set number four, it just gave out. I wasn’t able to finish my strength workout but, I did run the 5 miles I had planned afterward. It wasn’t the best, but I got it done.
I also had a track workout the following day of 9 miles with 5 x 1 mile repeats at 6:15 pace. Again, I went out there to test my back and walked away feeling great! I was only able to do 3 x 1 mile repeats at 6:22, 6:15 and 6:20 but, I knew after that, my back was fine.
Tuesday – 5 miles after strength and after I tweaked my back | 8:19 pace
Wednesday – 9 miles on the track with 3 x 1 mile at 6:22, 6:15, 6:20
Friday – 6 total miles with 3 at 10-15 seconds faster than half marathon pace | 7:42 pace
Sunday – 13 miles with 3 at marathon pace, 3 at half marathon pace and 3 at 10k pace
Total = 33 miles
CYCLING
I had an absolutely stunning recovery ride this week and the foliage kept me entertained for the entire ride! I actually stopped to take pictures and just take in the scenery at least three times, which is unheard of for me! After the week I had, I forced myself to slow down and appreciate the present.
SWIMMING
The one pool workout I had was amazing. Obviously I’m focused on the Las Vegas Half Marathon happening in just three weeks so, my pool time is limited these days. But, I made the most of my hour workout and loved the pacing drills. I needed the monotony of the swim to clear my head after the horrific flight I had on Sunday. It worked. Mostly because I wasn’t on a plane.
Monday – 500 yard warm up, 40×50 pace changers, 200 cool down | 3,000 yards
CROSS TRAINING
My sessions at Boundless Performance are coming to an end but my Barre classes are starting up! I cannot wait to get into the studio and get back to all those grueling exercises. Truly.
For the locals – – > Classes are at Laurie Nash Centre for Dance on Wednesdays at 9:00am starting 10/26. You can register online HERE. Bring a yoga mat and little tiny baby weights (3-5 pounds) unless you want to kill your back and shoulders on the first day.
FUEL
I’ve received so much goodness in the mail lately! I may be late to the party on this one but, have you all heard of EPIC bars and bites? My husband and I have been living on them!
It’s basically jerky but not at all what you think! There’s zero added sugar – – no maple syrup, no honey, no juice – – nada. Plus, they are gluten free, paleo, grass fed and every other wholesome thing you can think of. But, none of that matters if it tastes awful, right? Well, let me tell you how fast we ripped though the jerky and bars that were sent! We took them on flights, grabbed them heading out the door and snacked on them in between meals.
Put aside everything you think about jerky and try these. My top picks for the bag of bites are Chicken Sesame BBQ, Turkey Cranberry Sage, and Salmon Maple Dill.
[Tweet “Forget what you know about #jerky and #fuel up on @EPICbar #foodisfuel”]
GEAR
The Moji foot PRO we received at the Rise.Run.Retreat has given me more than just The Walking Dead to look forward to at night! I put this baby in the freezer all day, then retrieve it after the boys have gone to bed and press my feet into it, one at a time, while to veg out to tv or read a book.
If you run – get one.
If you do anything for any amount of time on your feet – get one.
If you have feet – get one.
And guess what? Natalie at NatRunsFar is giving one away! Enter to win HERE.
THINGS I LOVE
Planning 2017 with my coach! At the end of each year, CRS (coach rocket scientist) and I get together and excitedly start to plan for my future. I have some really big goals, some exciting race destinations and a boatload of hard work ahead of me. Bring it on! After all, I now have very thick skin.
Although I cannot reveal everything right now (sorry, I hate when other people do that!) but I can tell you we agreed I should do my first 70.3 after USATriathlon Nationals in Omaha! I’m beyond excited and hope to maybe race with Organic Runner Mom or You Signed Up for What? or any other half ironman badass!
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH
ICYMI, although I’m not how you would have, my husband and I were verbally slammed online for the article I wrote for Women’s Running.
Obviously I hated every minute of that but I absolutely loved all the support and understanding from all of you when I posted my message to the haters.
Thank you for proving that love always wins. #suckithaters
READING
“Stunned” is the word I would use to describe how I felt when I got to the juicy parts of my latest read Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris. If you think you know what this book is about, think again. It was at times hard to read but such a suspenseful, shocking page-turner that I promise you will not be able to put down!
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK
[Tweet “The Rundown has thick skin, big #goals for 2017 and new #gear and #food to try!”]
How was your week?
Do you have thick skin?
Does running solve all your problems or is it just me?
It took me about four decades to HAVE thick skin.
For about a decade prior to that I think I thought I had it? I said I had it? I was delicate still when it came to criticism even if I didnt show it.
Now I know where my thinness is (HELLO TWEEN FICTION. PLEASE CRITICIZE ME SOOO GENTLY) but otherwise?
Im so so so damn thick.
If Im ok with it and me—I can take ANYTHING.
As someone who is also in her fourth decade, I agree it’s taken a while but dammit, here I AM!
The last statement – YES – I only have to live with myself and the decisions I make. xoxoxo
I agree with Carla – it takes time and experience to have thick skin. I can’t say that I have the thickest skin now but it’s loads better than when I was in my 20s.
I’m so excited to hear about 2017 goals for you! I knew you wouldn’t hold off much longer for the half Ironman. So cool!!!
And those bars? Even if you don’t like jerky, it’s still good? Really!?!?!
And this is just another reason why 30s and 40s are so much better!
I was actually surprised when my coach suggested I try a half at the end of the season. I was thinking more 2018 but…here we go!
And YES because I do not like jerky. Not even a little bit. These are amazingly better in every way!!
I think experience is definitely the only way to get through situations like that. You are tough and I’m in awe with how tough to be honest. I loved that article you wrote because it was genuine and true. I can’t believe how nasty some people can be.
Thank you so much Hollie. Coming from you, that means a lot to me!
I have combination skin. There are certain things that I am tough about, certain things that I am super sensitive about. I get embarrassed, and when I am embarrassed, THAT gives me anxiety. As does the discovering that I was wrong about something, or if I feel/know I have disappointed people.
All therapy and Daddy issues aside (lol but not), I think you are right on it–speak your truth the best way that you can but listen to reason. Those that understand will be your tribe. Those that don’t? You didn’t need them any way!
And I want to do a half IM!
Oh I love that – combination skin! HAHAHA So true in some situations, like the ones you mentioned. There is definitely a time and place to have thick skin and really only when you are solidly planted in your beliefs and know your intentions were true.
Love that you want to do a half IM! Let’s start planning 🙂
If its any constellation, Mike does talk you up and seems very proud of all your racing accomplishments all the time in conversations with clients! I loved the article though and love the fact that you share it all- the good, the bad, the uncomfortable, it is a good reminder we are all human 🙂
I definitely know he does that and THANK YOU for pointing that out.
Thanks for your support Jess 🙂 It’s always appreciated.
A few years ago, I was attacked by commenters after I responded to a comment on a certain runner’s blog. She was unhappy with her experience at urgent care and called the nurse practitioner “stupid” among other things. I responded to her comment (I think politely) but her minions hit me in droves, writing horrible things. I was writing a different blog, and I shut the whole thing down. Thick skin? Not so much. I was kind of scared too.
People are so “brave” behind their computer screens. Would they say these things to your face? Doubtful.
Just keep doing your thing.
OMG seriously???? That seems like overkill and I’m sure I would not handle an attack on my blog space very well. In fact, I was worried that the hate would spill over onto this space but luckily that did not happen.
And NO, no one would ever say those things to your face. The internet has made people into worse cowards than they already were. And, shame on that blogger for letting her commenters attack you like that. What ever happened to differing opinions and having some open discussion? I always invite people to challenge me, in a constructive way, because how boring is it when everyone agrees?
I will definitely keep doing my thing and I’m glad you’re back to doing yours!
Thanks for putting that article out there. It really hit home for me. My husband is an amazing man who loves me and would do anything for me, but he does not get running/races. The last thing that he wants to do on a weekend is go watch a race. I’ve gotten him to go to a few, but it was always reluctantly and not something he enjoyed. Similar to you, I have come to accept it and enjoy running with Oiselle and hanging out with friends after races.
You are welcome and thank YOU for telling me you can relate. It’s for all the runners like US that I wrote it.
As I had said in the comments on the article, I am so glad you wrote that article. I could totally relate to not having the support of my husband at races. He’s just not that guy when it comes to getting up early, driving with me to a race and standing around spectating. Actually, it’s my dad who most often is the one that still shows up for my races and I love it! Running is my outlet and my way to connect with other women-it is my “me time”. I am good with being able to focus on myself at a race and not worry about whether or not my husband is having a good time.
On another note-wow-the Las Vegas half in three weeks!! I am sure you will have a great race! I always enjoy reading about all your training. Have a great week!
Thanks Kara and I love that your dad is your go-to guy for your races!! My dad is pretty supportive as well and goes to every event I ask him to and whistles my ears off – I love it 🙂
So excited about running Vegas!! I’ve been there several times but never to race. Thanks Kara.
Catching up- I just read your article and I’m surprised there was such backlash! I really appreciate your honesty, and I would think more people can relate to it than those that can’t. My husband will pick maybe one or two races a year to come along and be supportive but that’s about it- he would be thrilled if I dropped running and definitely doesn’t ‘get it’… in any case, running definitely solves everything!!
Thanks Laura. I think a lot of people CAN relate, which is why so much drama!
I also love that your husband would be thrilled if you dropped running – hahaha 🙂
I’m definitely getting thicker skin since marrying Andrew and blending our families and having my boys enter their teenage years. It’s amazing how strong we realize we are when we have to be. Did that make sense?
“if you have feet, get one.” Ha that was funny.
Yes, running solves all my problems. Amen and goodnight.
It makes PEFECT sense and, so much strength comes from so much LOVE.
Hope you slept well 🙂
Not to get all Taylor Swift on you, but Haters will hate ! because people are people! But you are so awesome, that they had to find a way to hate, that’s all there was to it.
Again, not to get all physiological, but I have had to develop thick skin, between being an overly opinionated Mexican woman, and not wanting to sit down and take sh!it from anybody, I had to have thick skin.
I can’t keep up with all of your book recommendations! but I am now number 12 on the waiting list for one of the books you recommended before.
Oh hell yes on being a Mexican woman who doesn’t take other people’s sh*t! Keep doing what you’re doing and thanks so much for the support.
Too funny about the book recommendations. I do tend to fly through them! Looking forward to seeing which one is waiting for you…
Oooooohhhh how exciting about your 2017 race goals – especially a half IM! And I’m super excited to see how you do at Las Vegas because you are killing it with your runs!
I used to have thin skin – like I had several incidents in grad school where I would go to my car to cry when school got stressful or if a professor or classmate said something. But now mentally my skin is getting thicker. Although my actual skin is pretty thin and sensitive to cuts, abrasions, etc.
I’m excited too! I thought it would be another year before I would “get” to do a half IM so I’m scared/excited!
I’ve definitely had my share of “crying in the car” episodes in the past. You’re still young, and I think those incidents are the ones that create the thicker skin 🙂
Thanks Laura!
I like to think I have thick skin but I’m certain I would have crumbled like stale cookie if I’d been in your shoes. And, for the record, while my husband is supportive of my running and other fitness activities, I HAVE gone and run races without him there and he’s only “dropped by” for the 2 CrossFit competitions I’ve been in. Supportive….but mostly absent. Frustrating sometimes but, it’s how we do. I’m amazed at how you handled it. Grace, strength, and honesty. Love all that!
Running tends to solve all my problems. When I can run. Which I canNOT do currently. 🙁 Find out Wednesday what the options are. Ugh.
Thank you so much Jennifer! “Supportive but mostly absent” is a good way to describe it and, although I’m sorry you can relate, I think we are the rule and not the exception, which is also why there was so much “defensiveness” about my piece!
So sorry to hear you are currently sidelined. I hope you get some really good options tomorrow!!
First, just to clarify, does your swim workout say 40 x 50? You are amazing. That would drive me nuts. But also makes me look forward to getting back in the pool once all this silly half marathon business is done with! Sometimes I think I’ve grown thick skin but others times I realize that nope, I don’t. But like I said, so glad that you wrote the piece and that you share so openly and honestly. And I cannot wait to hear what you have lined up for next year! You are going to rock the half IM!
LOL – yes, it sure does! It was a pattern that repeated, so it wasn’t as mind numbing as it looks but still…it was A TON of 50s!!
Thanks so much Christine!! And get back in the pool and watch your endurance improve on the run 🙂
boy oh boy so much to say about all this!!! ok first off, holy crap are gonna whoop ass at your 70.3!!! i mean like for real, your training is so tight and right on the money, i just feel humbled when i see your stats. you definitely have everything to rock the heck outta any race you take on. so excited for what’s to come for you!
that’s still so crazy about the haters – i have such a big, fowl mouth but yet am still rather timid when it comes to putting myself out there like for real. i’m still trying to find my voice and not pressuring myself, but when i figure it out i’ll own it and embrace it. i don’t care about what people think, but i do think (too much) about what my kid my think later on. i think about stuff way too much and can be overly sensitive about certain things, but mostly i just have a big mouth. it’d be nice to unload it one day LOL
omg i love my moji foot pro! i actually got one a couple of years ago during my triathlon days and now i travel with it. i certainly don’t need it but i love it!
i totally use running or physical activity to release and deal with whatever. a few weeks ago i was trying to get in 2 x 10 mile runs in per week and spin on the other days. this was ridiculous and of course was not sustainable. my chiro was polite but said um yeah, you need to run more days per week. less miles per run, more days per week. so now i get my runner’s high most days and my body is thanking me for it. funny how doing things the right way actually makes such a difference. but i’ll always have that part of me that wants to do ‘as much as i can’ in one session so i can rest later.. kinda like starving all day then pigging out at night. well that ain’t a good idea and it’s not good for running either. i’m my own guinea pig and apparently enjoy being a human test dummy. emphasis on the dummy part 🙂
overall my week was superb. i got more runs in, my little fem nugget is joining me on some of the runs, and i’m starting to feel like i have about 30% of my life together. that’s much better than 5% so i’m calling that a success.
have an awesome week!!
All such good stuff and I love that you have and already love your mojo foot pro!!! So great. And 30% is a huge improvement. You’re getting there…now make sure you’re eating to fuel that growth 🙂 LOL!!
I think I have grown a bit of a thicker skin over time. Like I realize not everyone is going to like you – even if you are just in your space, doing you. That used to really bug me, like – why doesn’t she/he like me? Now, I barely blink, because it’s just life/people/whatever.
Not to say I am all big and bad at all – I would definitely say more sensitive than not…
Anyway, you have so much to look forward to!! Vegas!! You are going to kill Vegas and then party afterwards!! I am still on the fence, but glad that it’s relatively close and I can make a last ,minute decision. Would LOVE to see you again and hang out!!
Half IM next year – yes!! That will be epic and you will kill that also…
I love how you have handled all the craziness of this article. #classy
Thanks for sharing my post!! I use that thing everyday – PF demons be gone forever, I say! 🙂
xoxox
YES, exactly that! I used to want everyone to like me but, when you have your own mind and personality, that is just not happening!
I SO hope you can make it to Vegas but obviously you have to do what is right for you and your running right now. I’m so happy you’re back to it and obviously you need to keep making the right decisions where your foot is concerned.
And that Moji foot thing is SO GREAT!! Your giveaway was perfect timing 🙂
xoxoxo
I have tried TWO types of EPIC bars and I have to say, I was totally a FAN! I really loved the VENISON, SALT & PEPPER ONE (more so than the SALMON, SALT & PEPPER one)… Because it was less PEPPERY. They’re legit on the go protein bars that I certainly can sink my teeth into 😉 AND GIGI DIET FRIENDLY! WOOO WOOO!!
As for thick skin. You are a bad ass. You not having thick skin has NEVER EVER crossed my mind.
Makes total sense and I also hate the word EPIC so, there’s that 🙂
Running definitely helps me solve my problems. This is probably why I am feeling so down this week. I had to skip my long run this weekend as I could feel a nasty virus coming on. I am currently fighting to get healthy so I can have a solid NYC marathon! Hope your back is not bothering you anymore. Back stuff sucks! As usual I always feel greatly inspired to get moving after reading your blog. Oh and Epic, great stuff!
You WILL be great for NYC – plenty of time but I totally understand all the feelings.
And um, did you see where I mentioned YOU about doing my FIRST half ironman???? I need to do one after nationals in August so let’s get it on the calendar mama!!!
Ok, I may be a complete idiot, but what does ICYMI mean??? I need you to help me find a coach that will help me get a BQ!!
Not an idiot at all – I too had to google it once upon a time. It stands for “In Case You Missed It.” xo