Change ain't just a river in....awww hell....wrong saying...

As you may well remember, my Nike+ sensor died an unexpected death last week. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye, and although I've been thinking of the wonderful times we've had together, I am trying to do my best to pick up the pieces and move on. On Friday morning, I decided to go on a completely "untethered" run. And by that, I mean, I left my iPod at home. No tunes, just the sounds of the neighborhood, my feet hitting the pavement, and my not-so-awful breathing. I pushed myself farther than I had gone in a long time, at least 3.5 miles total when all was said and done. Now granted, I would like something that tells me how far I've gone. I like the data. I'll admit it. And if I was better at running the same general pace, which I probably am, I could tell you generally how far I've gone if I just looked at a clock.

I ran up the bike path, starting up at the beginning of it off of Cedar St, and then headed through Davis, up across Mass Ave and went almost all the way to Alewife, then turned around and came back. I had to talk myself into going that far. I wanted to turn around at Mass Ave, but there was no reason to stop. I had no time constraints. I went out around 945 am, didn't have any pressing plans until 330 in the afternoon. I'm glad that I pushed myself. I need to stop making excuses. I am in WAY better shape now that I ever have been. Going a few more blocks isn't going to kill me. I am NOT going to keel over from exhaustion. I could probably keep going for quite a while, definitely need a few walking breaks in there, but probably wouldn't fare too badly.

The sounds of my shoes hitting the pavement/gravel/grass/wherever I chose to run was a soothing sound. My breathing, mostly even, and not at all distressed felt good, sounded good. I live in a busy area, so the cars around certainly make noise, but the bike path is a little bit of a retreat from the world. At certain times, you feel like you're almost not in a big city. I felt proud for doing it. Working out without music isn't as awful as it seems to be. I am even considering getting the Nike+ wristband instead of a new sensor. That way, I can track my runs but without the need of the iPod. Don't get me wrong, I love my iPod and my tunes, but I've fallen into quite a pattern. I need to break out of my rut. And perhaps, quiet workouts are the answer.

I went to the gym today, as it's pretty steamy out there. I've had quite the problem getting my ass on a treadmill. I get bored very quickly, but luckily, my certified trainer friend, EO'B suggested I do an interval workout going between 2 machines, choosing between bike, elliptical and treadmill. 30 minutes total, split between the 2 machines...starting with 5 minutes each, then 4, then 3, 2, and 1. It was great. i wasn't bored. I didn't take my iPod out. I watched a bit of Sportscenter while on the elliptical, but the bike had a broken TV. But I found I was motivated to keep moving, was concentrating on my breathing, my form, whatever. NOT concentrating on the timer for reasons other than to say "go faster!". It was quite liberating. Change is good.

I'm also looking into taking some dance classes over at the Dance Complex in Central Square. I took a tap class there when I was still at Longy, and it was fun, just not much of a workout. I don't know if I can justify the $45 a week to take all 4 of the classes I'm interested in. I'm going to take a look at a Stretch class, a Jazz class, a Ballet class and a Cardio Kickboxing class. I think I'm most interested in the Kickboxing. But, I've taken dance previously in my life, so these other classes may be too beginner for me. We'll see. It's been a long damn time, so I might not remember anything anyway. I just think it'll be a great way to get myself moving, and doing something OTHER than running and going to the gym. Plus, it'll get me out of the house and off of the couch. (***Just hooked up the wireless network today, so this is VERY important***) I'm hoping to maybe meet some new people too. Don't get me wrong, I love my friends, and I love you readers, but new perspectives and people are always good. It's hard to meet people when you're older and out of school. No matter what you try, it looks like you're hitting on someone else if you show any interest in getting to know them.

My mind is in a little bit of a better place this week than it was last week. I'm feeling the need to really watch what I'm doing, although still guzzled down 3 iced coffees at work today...granted, all decaf, but still. A little bit too much. I almost bought some chocolate milk at the grocery store today, but knew that I'd drink the entire container of it in one day, I'm sure, so I left it there. THAT I consider a victory. I suppose my mindset from last week was also because I'm feeling bored, in all aspects of my life. Everything is the same. I went away for almost a month, and came back, and it was all...the same. I'm the only one who can change that. I have to be willing to stand up and choose something different. I have to step out of my box, buck the system, refuse to accept status quo. But how do you do that? How do I go about changing my life for the better? Yes, I know, I've already started. But how do I continue? How do I roll this hard work over into the other aspects of my life? I look at everything I want to change and I get very overwhelmed. It's hard when you feel like you have to live up to some high expectations that may have been placed on you, or that you've placed on yourself. Trust me, I never thought that my life would be what it is today. I feel I'm a lot smarter and worthwhile than the job I'm in. I'm more valuable than those people make me feel. I'd be an asset to any company. I just have to make someone realize that...