I know I've been absent here for a good long time, but if you'd like to see what I'm up to, please follow me on my new blog, One Girl, One Summer: Operation Ultra. I warn you, it is pretty self-indulgent, but if you are interested in my training for my first UltraMarathon, you may find it amusing.
My current plan is to spend some time improving my running resume (not by winning, just by completing!), my writing resume and my websites for a relaunch of Hit&Runners, which may be called another name. Becoming an entrepreneur is not a fast process, especially when you are still sorting out the bugs of what you have to say to the world and how you'd like to say it.
As always, all of your support is highly appreciated, and I truly hope you'll send me newsy updates of your own adventures. Even though I am focused inward, I always have an ear for listening and a couple of minutes to answer a question or at least point you on the right direction.
Go Go Go!
Coach Andi
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Get Real with a Guest Blogger!
Happy Get Real Thursday, Hit&Runners!
I've decided Thursdays are good days to get real. The weekend is coming, you have to have a strong plan, and in order to do that you need an honest assessment of your week. So welcome to Get Real Thursday, kicking off with a dazzling Guest Blog!
This weekend is my first race of the season, but much more importantly, the first race EVER of two of our very own Hit&Runners, Abbie and Karen. Both ladies are running their local major league baseball team's 5K (Abbie the Phillies 5K and Karen the Angels) and both of them trained using Couch to 5K. I got this email from Karen addressed to me and several other of her wonderful tribe of friends and family, and asked her if I could share what she wrote. I think many of you will find it to ring very true in your own hearts, no matter what level of training you are in right now. Enjoy, and let us know of your own joys and/or struggles!
Today there were many "excuses" NOT to run:
I've decided Thursdays are good days to get real. The weekend is coming, you have to have a strong plan, and in order to do that you need an honest assessment of your week. So welcome to Get Real Thursday, kicking off with a dazzling Guest Blog!
This weekend is my first race of the season, but much more importantly, the first race EVER of two of our very own Hit&Runners, Abbie and Karen. Both ladies are running their local major league baseball team's 5K (Abbie the Phillies 5K and Karen the Angels) and both of them trained using Couch to 5K. I got this email from Karen addressed to me and several other of her wonderful tribe of friends and family, and asked her if I could share what she wrote. I think many of you will find it to ring very true in your own hearts, no matter what level of training you are in right now. Enjoy, and let us know of your own joys and/or struggles!
Today there were many "excuses" NOT to run:
1. Late night last night
2. Terrible cramps today
3. Pre-storm, very windy weather
4. Stressful last week
5. Lots to do for the upcoming week
6. Big event next weekend
7. Blah, blah, blah
BUT, those excuses didn't exist for me today. Today I got dressed, went out in the less than ideal weather, and ran 2.11 miles in 25 minutes, in the wind, without stopping. And I was strong the whole time.
What I've found is that, excuses about running don't seem to exist anymore. Oh, I think of them... they pop into my head... but now when they come to mind, I sort of laugh to myself... laugh AT the voices that list them. It's as if I'm aware that I don't have to "fall" for it. I actually "call bullshit" on those thoughts. :) I just decide... I'm running or I'm not. Period. End of story. Nothing else plays into it.
That is, nothing plays into the mere FACT of me running or not running. I either do it, or I don't... it's simple!
The MOTIVATION, however, is a completely different thing. That is facilitated by a plethora of recent life changes (all self-imposed) that you are all aware of. My MOTIVATION to run each day is because Armida asked a question on our family's FB page. "Anyone want to run the Disneyland Half Marathon with me on September 4th?" My first response? "I'd love to think I could do that." But, my second response was quickly..." wait! why not? It's months away." And I started to research. Then I asked the question of Andi, "Am I crazy to think I could be ready to do this?" Her answer? "No, not at all." As a running coache, she quickly recommended several things, including the Couch to 5K program. Today, I finished week 7 of this 9 week program, and I am scheduled to run my first 5K a week from today, one week before I complete the C25K program! This is a step towards being ready for the half in September, my MOTIVATION to run.
But, something happened to me today as I finished my 2 miles of running: An overwhelmingly strong wave of emotion came over me. Having struggled with this assignment the last two times (had to walk a minute or two at the halfway point), I had started to feel discouraged. So, at this moment, I felt absolutely triumphant. Melodramatic? Maybe. But accurate, nonetheless. At that moment, a flood of emotion was just THERE... it arrived without warning. And, part of its beauty was that each and every one of you women were a part of it, filling my mind and my heart. I felt you all with me.
What I learned in this moment was this: Even MOTIVATION needs to be fueled... and, for me, what fuels my motivation is INSPIRATION and ENCOURAGEMENT. You each INSPIRE and ENCOURAGE me in ways you may never know and I may never be able to express... Your presence in my current journey is palpable.
Thank you all... for being a part of it... emotionally. It gets me through.
No, Karen...thank YOU. Thank you for sharing your heart and letting Hit&Runners be a part of your journey. You're right where you need to be, and working from the outside in your light, which has always been brighter, is shining even brighter from the inside out!
GO GO GO!
Coach Andi
No, Karen...thank YOU. Thank you for sharing your heart and letting Hit&Runners be a part of your journey. You're right where you need to be, and working from the outside in your light, which has always been brighter, is shining even brighter from the inside out!
GO GO GO!
Coach Andi
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Trust the Process.
Spring has sprung, Hit&Runners!
We are coming to the close of the 100 Day Challenge, and I am thrilled to say I've whipped it into high gear. I'm healthy, intact, and full of renewed spirit!
There is a phrase that has come back into my life recently, and if you are being coached by me or have been around me you've heard me say it: Trust The Process. This is something that goes back to my acting school days, where rolling around on the floor yelling numbers and deciding what color underwear your character might chose was process, and you'd be surprised at what happened when that process was trusted. But I digress.
We are a result-oriented group of people, Hit&Runners. Setting a goal takes a lot of courage, a lot of heart and a lot of faith. You've dug deep into your heart and pulled out a piece of yourself that you may not have known existed, or maybe you've been embarrassed about or judged yourself for. Once you've taken that enormous deep breath and given yourself over to the challenge and started putting the blood, sweat and tears into it, you start feeling discouraged that your goal still seems out of reach.
This is what I'd like you to do: Every time you start to despair that you aren't fast enough or strong enough ("I SHOULD be faster!" "Aunt Tillie is faster and she's 72!" "I used to be an Olympic caliber curler!" "That guy wears Chuck Taylors when he runs and always passes me!"), stop and think about what you used to think about running (or whatever fitness activity you are embarking on). Did you think you could never run two miles? Did you think you weren't built for it? Were you one of those oh-so-original jokesters who told runners you only ran if a bear was after you? And now look at you. Look at what your body can do. More importantly, look at what your mind and heart can do.
Physical fitness, weight-loss, marathon training...they are all processes that do not happen overnight. Six weeks is not a very long time. I have still edible dairy products that are older than six weeks old in my refrigerator. Six months, a year...still not very long. Instead of ruminating over where you still aren't, trust that if you are committed to it, your process is getting you there, and that you are truly only able to be who you are right in this very moment, putting that cliched one foot in front of the other that brings you literally one step closer.
I've been trusting the 100 Day Challenge process, which is surprising hard on my ego some days. If you had asked me in December, I would have told you I already was moving for 30 minutes every day. I was wrong. It is also hard to let a 30 minute stroll count when a "challenge" to me means work really hard. Just like I tell all of you, though, I can't believe what has been coming to the surface as I continue to stick with it.
Trust the process. If you don't have a process and you would like some guidance, I'm an email or comment away.
Go Go Go!
Coach Andi
For tips, resources and general merriment, follow @CoachAndi on Twitter, and like the Hit&Runners page on Facebook!
Copyright 2011 by Andrea Whaley
We are coming to the close of the 100 Day Challenge, and I am thrilled to say I've whipped it into high gear. I'm healthy, intact, and full of renewed spirit!
We are a result-oriented group of people, Hit&Runners. Setting a goal takes a lot of courage, a lot of heart and a lot of faith. You've dug deep into your heart and pulled out a piece of yourself that you may not have known existed, or maybe you've been embarrassed about or judged yourself for. Once you've taken that enormous deep breath and given yourself over to the challenge and started putting the blood, sweat and tears into it, you start feeling discouraged that your goal still seems out of reach.
This is what I'd like you to do: Every time you start to despair that you aren't fast enough or strong enough ("I SHOULD be faster!" "Aunt Tillie is faster and she's 72!" "I used to be an Olympic caliber curler!" "That guy wears Chuck Taylors when he runs and always passes me!"), stop and think about what you used to think about running (or whatever fitness activity you are embarking on). Did you think you could never run two miles? Did you think you weren't built for it? Were you one of those oh-so-original jokesters who told runners you only ran if a bear was after you? And now look at you. Look at what your body can do. More importantly, look at what your mind and heart can do.
Physical fitness, weight-loss, marathon training...they are all processes that do not happen overnight. Six weeks is not a very long time. I have still edible dairy products that are older than six weeks old in my refrigerator. Six months, a year...still not very long. Instead of ruminating over where you still aren't, trust that if you are committed to it, your process is getting you there, and that you are truly only able to be who you are right in this very moment, putting that cliched one foot in front of the other that brings you literally one step closer.
Trust the process. If you don't have a process and you would like some guidance, I'm an email or comment away.
Go Go Go!
Coach Andi
For tips, resources and general merriment, follow @CoachAndi on Twitter, and like the Hit&Runners page on Facebook!
Copyright 2011 by Andrea Whaley
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Coaching, Day 71 and Where We Are Today
Hit&Runners,
Sometimes, I am simply overwhelmed by the happiness that comes with this community of people. People large and small, super athletic and just starting out, people from my life in NY, my life in CO, and my virtual life on the internet...it's a truly special feeling to be here, to be present with you all.
The 100 Day Challenge didn't work out exactly as I'd planned. Honestly, though, I think it has worked out better. I know I have moved with intention every single day for at least 30 minutes, but often the intention part isn't conscious. It's a walk with my cousin and her dog, parking further from my destination to save a couple of bucks, drumming my heart out on Rock Band, or jumping around a field with 13 little girls.
I have a tendency to think really, really big. I then have a tendency to perpetually let myself down. Little by little, though, 2011 is becoming a year of putting things in perspective, celebrating small accomplishments and taking proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle, physically and emotionally.
Finally, after many nagging injuries, a weird virus and just a really hard time feeling like myself, I feel I've had a breakthrough in my running. I have run now three times pain-free, I have discovered some things about preparing my muscles and preparing nutritionally that have me in a better place. It feels in so many ways like I am coming back to myself: back to running, back to seeing the world around me, back to the optimism that keeps me putting myself out there for whatever wondrous adventures the world sees fit to bestow upon me.
Coaching for me is a way of turning down the volume on myself and taking the time to hear things that have been drowned out by the blaring of my own broken records playing in my head. I find myself saying things I didn't know I believed. I make similies and metaphors that clear up mysteries for others that I was pondering myself. I try to be gentle with others but tough when it is necessary, which are gifts I'd like to give to myself. From my GOTR girls, from my runners scattered around the globe, and from the ones I see here in Denver on a regular basis, I get, quite simply, joy. I almost feel guilty to selfishly slurp up the joy that radiates off of all of you, but somehow I don't think you mind.
I am running the Colfax Half-Marathon on May 15, and I am running to raise funds for Girls on the Run of the Rockies. If you can donate, even just a dollar or two, I'd be incredibly grateful. I promise not to use this forum to continually solicit donations, but this is such an important program. I haven't met any woman who has heard about this who doesn't say, "Gosh, I wish I'd had this as a kid!" Here's the link to my page: Donate!
Thank you, and please send newsy updates!
Go Go Go!
Coach Andi
Sometimes, I am simply overwhelmed by the happiness that comes with this community of people. People large and small, super athletic and just starting out, people from my life in NY, my life in CO, and my virtual life on the internet...it's a truly special feeling to be here, to be present with you all.
The 100 Day Challenge didn't work out exactly as I'd planned. Honestly, though, I think it has worked out better. I know I have moved with intention every single day for at least 30 minutes, but often the intention part isn't conscious. It's a walk with my cousin and her dog, parking further from my destination to save a couple of bucks, drumming my heart out on Rock Band, or jumping around a field with 13 little girls.
I have a tendency to think really, really big. I then have a tendency to perpetually let myself down. Little by little, though, 2011 is becoming a year of putting things in perspective, celebrating small accomplishments and taking proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle, physically and emotionally.
Finally, after many nagging injuries, a weird virus and just a really hard time feeling like myself, I feel I've had a breakthrough in my running. I have run now three times pain-free, I have discovered some things about preparing my muscles and preparing nutritionally that have me in a better place. It feels in so many ways like I am coming back to myself: back to running, back to seeing the world around me, back to the optimism that keeps me putting myself out there for whatever wondrous adventures the world sees fit to bestow upon me.
I am running the Colfax Half-Marathon on May 15, and I am running to raise funds for Girls on the Run of the Rockies. If you can donate, even just a dollar or two, I'd be incredibly grateful. I promise not to use this forum to continually solicit donations, but this is such an important program. I haven't met any woman who has heard about this who doesn't say, "Gosh, I wish I'd had this as a kid!" Here's the link to my page: Donate!
Thank you, and please send newsy updates!
Go Go Go!
Coach Andi
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Walking on (Thru Day 55, plus days 56 and 57)
Hello Hit&Runners,
Balance is an interesting concept. I've talked about it before, but it is really smacking me in the face right now as I notice imbalances that I would like to remedy.
Imbalances come in many forms: Physical imbalances that cause injury, imbalance of chemicals in your brain that make you feel crazy, nutritional imbalances that cause illness or fatigue, and of course the ever popular work/life juggling act. All of them basically stink when they become apparent, and I think I am experiencing a cluster: Random little annoying injuries, feeling slightly crazed, chest cold and figuring out how to proceed career-wise. I am really feeling good that I have not missed a day, but I am starting to wonder if I've been expecting a bit much of myself.
I took some days this past week or so to just walk, easily and with no real destination or goal except to walk. I forget sometimes that walking is very therapeutic. It's great for reflecting alone, and if you ever need to have a bonding experience or a hard conversation with someone a walk is a good way to do it calmly.
I was able to run a bit yesterday and today, though I am doing run/walk intervals until the congestion is completely gone from my chest. I keep trying to just keep doing what I can to be healthy and taking it a day at a time. I am frustrated, but staying positive.
Yesterday I got to go to Coach's Training for Girls on the Run, which was a huge boost to my positive attitude! The women I am coaching with are going to be great pals I can tell, and I cannot wait to get started.
So that's all for now, what is new and exciting with all of you? I encourage all of you to spend a few minutes this week writing down the things that are going to get you attention this month and what things are not. Balance may not be entirely possible as life happens, but having a plan is always a step in the right direction.
Go Go Go!
Coach Andi
Balance is an interesting concept. I've talked about it before, but it is really smacking me in the face right now as I notice imbalances that I would like to remedy.
Imbalances come in many forms: Physical imbalances that cause injury, imbalance of chemicals in your brain that make you feel crazy, nutritional imbalances that cause illness or fatigue, and of course the ever popular work/life juggling act. All of them basically stink when they become apparent, and I think I am experiencing a cluster: Random little annoying injuries, feeling slightly crazed, chest cold and figuring out how to proceed career-wise. I am really feeling good that I have not missed a day, but I am starting to wonder if I've been expecting a bit much of myself.
I took some days this past week or so to just walk, easily and with no real destination or goal except to walk. I forget sometimes that walking is very therapeutic. It's great for reflecting alone, and if you ever need to have a bonding experience or a hard conversation with someone a walk is a good way to do it calmly.
I was able to run a bit yesterday and today, though I am doing run/walk intervals until the congestion is completely gone from my chest. I keep trying to just keep doing what I can to be healthy and taking it a day at a time. I am frustrated, but staying positive.
Yesterday I got to go to Coach's Training for Girls on the Run, which was a huge boost to my positive attitude! The women I am coaching with are going to be great pals I can tell, and I cannot wait to get started.
So that's all for now, what is new and exciting with all of you? I encourage all of you to spend a few minutes this week writing down the things that are going to get you attention this month and what things are not. Balance may not be entirely possible as life happens, but having a plan is always a step in the right direction.
Go Go Go!
Coach Andi
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Day Something or Other! Plus, introspection to inspire.
Hey there Hit&Runners,
I'm still on the challenge! I haven't given up! My life has just been going in so many directions the past week or so that I haven't been keeping a daily journal. The great thing is that the directions are all so positive and so thought-provoking that I am overwhelmed by a sense of taking control of my own life. One thing leads to another, and taking this step of committing to this challenge has led to more blogging, which means more connections, which means more inspiration, which means better work-outs, which means more endorphins, which means more productivity, which means more opportunities, which means another 5 steps closer to figuring out the puzzle of how to make my work and life be what I want them to be.
Have you ever had moments where you just suddenly feel so centered, so in sync with your place in the world, that you truly see that whatever hurts or misfortunes are in your past really did happen for a reason? It's been said so many times that whatever doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. Who would I be today without who I was?
There's a woman who comes into my office every Wednesday who is about to turn 90. Today she asked me where I studied theatre and I told her. She congratulated me, which took me aback. Then, she stood up about 3 inches taller than she usually does and said that she studied theatre at Vassar under a very prominent acting teacher, back in the late 1930s. I looked at this woman, who's rich history I have heard only snippets about and thought, how many times did her life change direction? How did she get from Vassar to here? For whatever reason in that very moment I knew that I had nothing to regret. No reason to worry over the past. It's done. I did the best I could, or maybe not. I can hold all of the things and people that I loved in the past in my heart without the pain of how it ended, because while they were happening, they were real. I am so lucky to have experienced love in many forms. I continue to be lucky.
I am feeling so very encouraged and enjoying reading about all of your victories so much!
I have a few specific shout-outs to give:
Karen - I want to cry every time I see anything you post about your training, I am so excited for you!
Abbie - Congrats on geting through a vacation and sticking with the program! I'll bet I have the more obnoxious Phillies hat at the 5K!
Pamela - Your strength and commitment to your training, your career and your life inspire me every day. Keep on keepin' on, girlie, you've got Pixie Power!
So very many things are going to happen in the coming weeks, H&Rs. Visits from family, starting a new coaching season with Girls on the Run, lots of training for the 4 events I have planned in May (yes, I said 4) and a trip home to Jersey. I know I won't lapse on the challenge, even if I lapse on the blogging a little (though I'll try not to). You keep me honest!
Go Go Go!
Coach Andi
I'm still on the challenge! I haven't given up! My life has just been going in so many directions the past week or so that I haven't been keeping a daily journal. The great thing is that the directions are all so positive and so thought-provoking that I am overwhelmed by a sense of taking control of my own life. One thing leads to another, and taking this step of committing to this challenge has led to more blogging, which means more connections, which means more inspiration, which means better work-outs, which means more endorphins, which means more productivity, which means more opportunities, which means another 5 steps closer to figuring out the puzzle of how to make my work and life be what I want them to be.
Have you ever had moments where you just suddenly feel so centered, so in sync with your place in the world, that you truly see that whatever hurts or misfortunes are in your past really did happen for a reason? It's been said so many times that whatever doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. Who would I be today without who I was?
There's a woman who comes into my office every Wednesday who is about to turn 90. Today she asked me where I studied theatre and I told her. She congratulated me, which took me aback. Then, she stood up about 3 inches taller than she usually does and said that she studied theatre at Vassar under a very prominent acting teacher, back in the late 1930s. I looked at this woman, who's rich history I have heard only snippets about and thought, how many times did her life change direction? How did she get from Vassar to here? For whatever reason in that very moment I knew that I had nothing to regret. No reason to worry over the past. It's done. I did the best I could, or maybe not. I can hold all of the things and people that I loved in the past in my heart without the pain of how it ended, because while they were happening, they were real. I am so lucky to have experienced love in many forms. I continue to be lucky.
I am feeling so very encouraged and enjoying reading about all of your victories so much!
I have a few specific shout-outs to give:
Karen - I want to cry every time I see anything you post about your training, I am so excited for you!
Abbie - Congrats on geting through a vacation and sticking with the program! I'll bet I have the more obnoxious Phillies hat at the 5K!
Pamela - Your strength and commitment to your training, your career and your life inspire me every day. Keep on keepin' on, girlie, you've got Pixie Power!
So very many things are going to happen in the coming weeks, H&Rs. Visits from family, starting a new coaching season with Girls on the Run, lots of training for the 4 events I have planned in May (yes, I said 4) and a trip home to Jersey. I know I won't lapse on the challenge, even if I lapse on the blogging a little (though I'll try not to). You keep me honest!
Go Go Go!
Coach Andi
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Why I Almost Quit on Day 40.
I have been putting on a brave face, Hit&Runners.
I am injured. And it's really not that bad, believe me. I am so happy that I have my health and that these minor injuries that are plaguing me are just that: minor. But I am so, so discouraged. Sara the Pink Turtle once said out of frustration at a disappointing work-out something like, "My heart is so much faster and goes so much further!" I know that too well.
I want to be very honest with you: This all comes back to the marathon I ran in October. I had ZERO business running that race. I was not prepared. I failed to respect the distance, and I've read about every single thing Coach Jenny and lots of others have written about marathoning and that is rule number two, right after never try anything new on race day (and I wore a new sports bra, too, and let me just say: OUCH).
I started my training strong, but in essence, 2010 was a bad year for me to marathon. I had a lot going on, new city, new job, another new job, travel, moving into a new place...I don't know what I was thinking. I still may have been able to get the last distances in adequately, but I let myself curl into a ball and cry over my broken heart when I should have been out running. Or maybe crying was okay, but I should've given myself a break and dropped to the half, medal or not. Even on the day of the race, I knew: This is a bad idea. My ego had other plans, though.
What's done is done. I have learned a very valuable lesson, because I have been injured in one way or another ever since. Every joint and muscle on my right side from my shoulder down to my toes has had problems in the months since. Now, just for fun, my left knee is joining in out of compensation.
Today was Day 40. I worked at the store last night on my feet and am committed to going in tomorrow night again. I am tired, sad, frustrated and just plain worn out. At 9:30 tonight, I was about to curl into that ball again and I thought, you know what...30 minutes of pilates mat isn't that bad, it won't hurt any of my aching anythings and will probably make them feel better. So, with very dramatic tears running down my face, I moved the coffee table, turned on the DVD player and made it to Day 40.
I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks.
Go Go Go!
Coach Andi
I am injured. And it's really not that bad, believe me. I am so happy that I have my health and that these minor injuries that are plaguing me are just that: minor. But I am so, so discouraged. Sara the Pink Turtle once said out of frustration at a disappointing work-out something like, "My heart is so much faster and goes so much further!" I know that too well.
I want to be very honest with you: This all comes back to the marathon I ran in October. I had ZERO business running that race. I was not prepared. I failed to respect the distance, and I've read about every single thing Coach Jenny and lots of others have written about marathoning and that is rule number two, right after never try anything new on race day (and I wore a new sports bra, too, and let me just say: OUCH).
I started my training strong, but in essence, 2010 was a bad year for me to marathon. I had a lot going on, new city, new job, another new job, travel, moving into a new place...I don't know what I was thinking. I still may have been able to get the last distances in adequately, but I let myself curl into a ball and cry over my broken heart when I should have been out running. Or maybe crying was okay, but I should've given myself a break and dropped to the half, medal or not. Even on the day of the race, I knew: This is a bad idea. My ego had other plans, though.
What's done is done. I have learned a very valuable lesson, because I have been injured in one way or another ever since. Every joint and muscle on my right side from my shoulder down to my toes has had problems in the months since. Now, just for fun, my left knee is joining in out of compensation.
Today was Day 40. I worked at the store last night on my feet and am committed to going in tomorrow night again. I am tired, sad, frustrated and just plain worn out. At 9:30 tonight, I was about to curl into that ball again and I thought, you know what...30 minutes of pilates mat isn't that bad, it won't hurt any of my aching anythings and will probably make them feel better. So, with very dramatic tears running down my face, I moved the coffee table, turned on the DVD player and made it to Day 40.
I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks.
Go Go Go!
Coach Andi
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