Unplugged and a new plan

We just got back from a week unplugged. My family went to the semi-wilderness in Canada and had no mobile phones or access to email. It took a few days to get used to it, but was nice to slow down a bit. I'll admit that Ken, Val, and I turned on our phones immediately after crossing the border back into the States on Saturday, though. It took awhile for my Blackberry to sync all the emails and tweets and facebook updates I missed.

In the Canada wilderness, the evil biting flies kept me from running during vacation. A few hours of kayaking was the extent of my exercise, so I'm really itching to get moving again. Truth be told, I haven't exercised much since I completed my Trifecta of running events this Spring, so I'm well past due.

I ran this morning and logged 3 miles slow (~11:30 pace with 3:1 run/walk intervals). Then I walked another 1.36 miles to spend a total of 60 minutes to demonstrate (to myself) my commitment to my new training plan. Actually, it's not a training plan. Just a fitness commitment to help me with motivation and keep me interested.

While running, I listened to a Steverunner intervals episode about his fascination with all things involving endurance. He can collect pennies for 40 years and feel a sense of accomplishment for filling a 5 gallon glass water container. I think that shows amazing tenacity and stamina, as does running marathons. What's even more impressive to me is that he has committed to running for so many years; running as a primary exercise activity.

I'm not very good at maintaining. I'm a vision, ideas, passion, and action kind of person who craves change. I get bored and need to mix it up a bit to keep interested and motivated.

After my trifecta, I got burnt out with running so now I'm going to try to expand my training to include strength and flexibility training along with running. I also want to be more consistent with exercise.

So my new plan is to try to find an hour per day every day of the week for my workout. With just an hour, I won't be engaging in the longer runs. I'll just run/walk/run an hour 3 days a week. I'll also spend an hour 2 days a week on yoga and an hour 2 days a week on core/arms strength training.

I hope I can make this plan stick for awhile. I have such a crazy schedule with work and the kids' sports schedules. I know making time for me is critical, though. Send me some of those perseverance vibes.