Swing Your Arms
I listen to everything I’m told when it comes to speed skating. Unfortunately taking what I learn and attempting to make my body do it is a whole other story. Two weeks ago, we were running sprints and E. told us if we feel our feet slowing down, concentrate on swinging our arms faster and our feet will automatically follow suit.
It totally works. Seriously, try it. It’s freaky.
Also? Finally something I can actually do. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
Kids are FUN! *Looks around for sarcastic font*
Last Wednesday Hockey Skating Husband and Speed Skating Son couldn’t come to dryland training which left only Hockey Skating Son and I. Hockey Skating Son is more than slightly skeptical that dryland will improve his hockey skating no matter how many times I tell him it will which is why I totally need someone else to explain to him how it will help because Rule No. 1 of parenting is that when parents tell their kids something, those kids will think their parents are completely wrong but the minute someone else tells them the exact same thing they will believe it–any takers?
So it was the two of us and I let him do his own thing until it came to the running. This past week we ran 6 minutes 10 seconds (I think?) and knew he’d have a hard time so I slowed down my pace and told him I’d run with him. For two laps I did this, then we rounded a corner and I was slightly ahead of him and E. yelled out “Don’t let your mom beat you” and didn’t the little fuc… munchkin take off and continue running fast for the rest of the time.
I am so not running with him next week.
Motivation
My friend, Maija (who also writes for YMC) asked me where I get my motivation. Well, Maija, there are two primary motivations:
1) Humiliation: While I don’t ever think I’ll ever be a good speed skater I would like to not completely embarrass myself when I race at a meet next year. Doing all this extra stuff, I hope, will at least help me not suck as badly as I suck at the moment.
2) The tops of my thighs rubbing together and giving me a rash when I run wearing shorts.
Is it just me or can anyone else see the face on the knee on the right? Sort of squinty eyes and a little smile? I swear I'm sober.
But seriously, the real motivation is that this is the best I have felt in about five years–both mentally and physically–and no matter how much I don’t want to work out–and make no mistake there have been many times I haven’t wanted to–I do it because I always, ALWAYS feel better afterwards.
But the rubbing thighs is right up there too.
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Mine look down at me and pat me on the head now when they run past, the big funchkins…
Go Sharon, go! You rock the thighs and the butt and the knees and the everything. : )
This is why I don’t run with my son. Also his constant, “I can’t run this slow. Why can’t we go faster. It’s IMPOSSIBLE to run this slow, I’m going ahead.” I’m with you on the thighs, now let me examine my knees for chubby, bald men faces.
I love how encouraging kids are.
Just when I need motivation and a reminder why we do things, you provide it. You’re right the best part is how good we feel afterwards. I know you’ll make us all proud when you skate your first meet
How is roller derby going?
HA! I can remember some of SAME things with DS… aren’t boys *adorable*!?!? lol
On one hand, I’m proud he can do it. On the other hand, he totally fucked up my pace.
hahahaha! Love this post. My knees totally have faces on them. Chubby saggy faces. And don’t even get me started on my thighs these days.
I could start fires with mine
haha, I love this. i totally see thee face, wish my thighs stopped rubbing, and know that my lils will be just like your boy when they get a bit older..
My favourite part of this post is your real motivation! So great that you feel that way
It is so awesome that you are feeling so much better for this hard work, I truly admire you!
You admire me? Aren’t you the one who can do 100 full push ups? I bow down to you!
Sharon I love how you can mix honesty, humor and words of motivation that really make me think all in one post. Of course most of all I love that you called me your friend ((hugs))!
Rubbing thighs are my constant reminder
This comment made my day: ““Don’t let your mom beat you” and didn’t the little fuc… munchkin take off and continue running fast for the rest of the time.” and of course, you won’t be running with him next week. lol
Next week I’m not being nice now that I know he can do it
I laughed when I read your description of running with your son. And I am right up there with you about the feeling better after working out, no matter the bruises and abrasions that I might come home with. Everything you do will help you get that much better ( although I don’t think you suck now). You totally get back what you put into it.
I have given up on getting my thighs not to touch though, I just think it is how my legs are. Plus, it helps me stick to the pole.
Helps me stick to the pole made me laugh out loud!