Running and Risks
Ugh. Rough workout. Let’s just say my run was less than enjoyable this morning– I struggled through the entire thing! Mentally, I just wasn’t prepared to exercise this morning (I think I was still in dreamland), and physically, my legs felt like a million pounds– I pretty much dragged them along for almost 4.5 miles. On the bright side, the 20 minutes of Power Vinyasa Yoga that followed my run were awesome! My hamstrings and hips feel like a million bucks now! 
This morning’s workout reminded me a lot of HW’s Running into Yoga class that I took a few months ago.
Run stats:
- Distance: 4.40 miles
- Time: 40 minutes
- Pace: 9:04 min/mile
- Calories: 432
Breakfast
Bad workout, but good breakfast!! I love this new combo: oats, wheat berries, dates, vanilla soy milk, and shredded coconut.
In the mix:
- 1/4 cup dry oats
- 1/2 cup wheat berries
- 5 dates, chopped
- 1 tsp sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup vanilla soy milk
- 1/4 cup water
- Shredded coconut
With H20 and morning reading material…
At the office, I made myself a mug of Sumatra with soy milk and agave nectar.
I’m sure going to miss my morning coffee ritual next week! I’ve had the luxury of making a different variety of coffee everyday for the past 3 years. I’m going to miss the office coffee machine… and, of course, my coworkers and cute, little desk. Awww, I’m feeling a bit nostalgic this morning. I am SO excited to start my new position at the College, but at the same time, I know I am going to miss my current job.
To add to the nostalgia, a coworker stopped by my desk this morning to say goodbye (she’s out tomorrow) and give me a card. Inside was the sweetest message. *Sigh* I just need to keep reminding myself that bigger and better things are to come!
“Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.”
Frederick B. Wilcox
Question of the Day
What risk have you taken in your life (any aspect) that has paid off tremendously for you?
Tags: coconut, coffee, dates, soy milk, wheat berries
Jenny S — January 15, 2009 @ 9:54 am
I felt the same way at the gym this morning. Even with a great workout mix pumping in my ears (it includes Black Sabbath – classic) I wasn’t into it.
I’m not a big risk taker, and that’s something I want to change about myself in 2009. I’d say the biggest risk with great payoff so far has been sucking it up and going to grad school. I didn’t apply for many years because I was terrified of the cost, or that I wouldn’t get enough loans and would have to drop out halfway. One day I got sick of waiting and dove in, and now I’m one semester away from getting that degree and it feels amazing.
Remind me I said that when the first bill comes in!
Rebecca — January 15, 2009 @ 10:01 am
Aww, “Im sorry that you had a rough workout, hopefully the next one will go better!!
The Healthy Hostess — January 15, 2009 @ 10:03 am
I know what you mean about the rough workout. Those are the worst!! At least you got far and burned lots of calories! You inspired me to do Yoga when I’m done with my workout.
VeggieGirl — January 15, 2009 @ 10:09 am
You MADE IT through the rough workout – that’s what counts!! Yay!!
Mel — January 15, 2009 @ 10:15 am
I hate the rough workouts, but at least you made it!
Biggest risk I took was to transfer schools even though it made my parents angry. It’s helped me a lot and I’m in a much different place than if I had stayed at the original college.
Jenny — January 15, 2009 @ 10:20 am
I LOVE that quote! I moved back to my old school (I left due to my ED) on Tuesday, and I think this is one of the biggest risks and “leaps” I’ve made yet. But I’m ready and willing to do it, because I know it’s a risk worth taking. And I firmly believe that you can’t truly live your life with out taking the steps to do so.
Bridget — January 15, 2009 @ 10:25 am
Bummer about your morning run! I hate that feeling.
Delicious oats…I really want to try out that EXACT combo, sounds awesome.
I guess my best “risk” if you want to call it that, was making the first move and asking my now-fiance out on a date! Obviously that was a great move, and paid off amazingly
Sarah (Tales of Expansion) — January 15, 2009 @ 10:29 am
Mmmm, I’m so craving dates now. And yay for getting your rough workout out of the way — the worst part of your day is already ancient history
.
I’m an advance planner type of risk-taker. I lock myself into scary plans months and months in advance when they still sound fun so that there’s no way I can back out when it gets closer. This summer, I spent a month volunteering in a Peruvian orphanage with infants. I had no idea what I was getting into before I left home, but it was one of the BEST experiences of my entire life from the second I arrived!
It’s so hard to say goodbye to things that are comfortable, but it’s exciting, too — you’re going to do great in your new job!
BethT — January 15, 2009 @ 10:34 am
My husband and I took a major risk last year when we moved from North Carolina to San Francisco. We didn’t know anyone here, had no family here and had no idea if we’d like the jobs we both were offered. It was scary, but a year and a half later we are so happy and glad we made the decision! It was totally out of our comfort zone but now, it’s the best decision we could have made.
Mara — January 15, 2009 @ 10:36 am
i LOVE your oatmeal bowl! so CUTE!
Biggest risk: switching jobs and taking a $10k/year pay cut… my sanity is worth at least that much!
Missy (Missy Maintains) — January 15, 2009 @ 10:36 am
I know how you feel with that workout. Sometimes my legs feel so heavy in the morning and can only do a mild workout. That is great that you still got 4 miles in!
http://www.missymaintains.blogspot.com
Kaneil — January 15, 2009 @ 10:43 am
I read your blog every day and just wanted to say hi! Your post this morning really hit home for me. I am contemplating a job switch, but have a hard time thinking about the actual quitting and saying goodbye! Keep reminding yourself that you have to do what’s good for you!
Kaneil
Needing to Risk — January 15, 2009 @ 10:45 am
My biggest risk was taking a sabbatical a few years ago and going to study over in Europe for one year.I loved it so much I quit the old job and stayed an extra year working overseas. But now I have fallen in a rut back home again five years-single,overweight and lacking the desire to take risks.I hope in 2009 I can start to take risks and become a healthier person.I am happy but not as happy as I know I could be.
Sometimes I think I will never be as fit as you bloggers out there.Anyone else struggling like me??
Christy — January 15, 2009 @ 10:55 am
The biggest risk I have taken was moving to Hawaii for 2 years after my husband and I got married. We went there for our 1 yr anniversary and loved it so much, we decided to move there for one year. Well, we enjoyed it so much we stayed a little longer than anticipated. But we wouldn’t change it for the world. It was A-MAZING!
Brandi — January 15, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Good job getting through the workout! Maybe I should follow up sucky running days with some yoga
Biggest risk so far? Switching colleges after just one semester! The worst part was that I had a pretty big scholarship where I was attending, but I wasn’t happy there and I needed a big change in my life for a lot of reasons. A heap of debt later, and I’m so happy I did transfer. I met my husband at the second school and wouldn’t change it for the world.
Victoria — January 15, 2009 @ 11:05 am
Ugh that’s how yesterday’s run felt or me. I was miserable nearly every second of it.
Well I took a big risk by leaving my job (in the middle of a recession!) to go back to school. I’m applying to a very competitive program and I don’t get results back until the end of May, so I’m not sure it’s going to pay off yet, but I feel so much better just knowing I’m going after what I want.
Danielle — January 15, 2009 @ 11:14 am
Studying abroad is definitely one of the scariest most rewarding things I’ve ever decided to do. Ecuador and Chile went amazingly… so even though I’m nervous and was even unsure about my upcoming semester in France, as my French is levels behind what my Spanish was… I know it’ll be one of those things that I will never ever regret and always be thankful for my courage and perseverance
. I’m sure you will too! Best of luck Tina, I’m so excited for you!
ashley — January 15, 2009 @ 11:15 am
I moved into a new town in my own apartment! That was a risk and I am so glad I took it!
I’m impressed you still ran over 4 miles when it was so tough!
Jade — January 15, 2009 @ 11:16 am
Hi Tina,
I am with you this morning and asked myself when I’m this tired during a workout would sleep actually be more healthy for my body and mind?
Good question today; I think the risks with the greatest payoffs are the ones we take daily- allowing someone to love you, loving someone else, allowing someone to teach you a new thing, and teaching others as well.
Bon Dia!
Sarah (lovINmytummy) — January 15, 2009 @ 11:17 am
Sorry your run wasn’t the best…but just think, if all our runs were good ones, we wouldn’t appreciate the better ones…they’d just all be “ugh” runs.
Love the breakfast bowl and reading material. Isn’t that so blissful to eat a yummy warm bowl of oats while reading? My favorite time of day.
The biggest risk I took was just sending a casual email to my husband about the Blazers at the end of our 2nd year of law school. I’d known him since the beginning of school and every time I’d break up with a crummy boyfriend, I’d think, “At least Chris is still available!” Finally I thought, “What are you waiting for?!” So I sent him a little note asking what he thought about the Blazers firing their coach. That started things in motion and here we are today! By far the best risk I’ve ever taken!
I’m glad you can already see that this risk for you will pay off!
K — January 15, 2009 @ 11:18 am
Aw – it is bittersweet to leave something! You’ll adjust to your new job quickly though
That is my favorite oat bowl of yours! I took a big risk changing my major a year away from graduating – luckily I had a wonderful support system and I’m very driven to make things work, even if it means essentially starting all over.
Oh She Glows — January 15, 2009 @ 11:18 am
My biggest risk was leaving all my friends behind and moving to a new province, not knowing a soul. It was tough, but I met my husband here, great friends, got a undergraduate/masters degree, and a new job. Good things happen if you take a leap!
Angela
http://www.ohsheglows.com
bobbi — January 15, 2009 @ 11:20 am
riks are great! I have taken a lot in my life. First being moving to Memphis TN, for college and having never been past Texas this was a big risk. But I met my future hubby so it was worth it!! And currently I am going back to school for a career change to become an RD instead of a teacher, this will be the biggest Risk!!!!
Melissa S. — January 15, 2009 @ 11:27 am
oh, i hear you about the run this morning…i wasn’t into mine at all either…i wanted to be in my bed.
scariest reward was turning down the most economically stable job i could have found for a field job with a pay cut…but it makes me so much more happy to be doing what i love instead of what i loath!
Kristin — January 15, 2009 @ 11:37 am
I went with my gut and moved from Miami (where I’m from) to my college town (Tallahassee). I knew a few people but not many. In less than a year, I’ve gained a fabulous group of friends, bought my first home, and am finally learning to trust that guiding light! It all works out for the best!
jenna — January 15, 2009 @ 11:43 am
everything will go great at your new job I’m sure of it!! when one door closes a new opens!! You’ll get to meet so many new people and get to experience new things!! it will great!
Hilary — January 15, 2009 @ 11:49 am
Those oats sound gooood! Do you think it is less expensive to buy a package of dates or to buy them in bulk? I need to look into that…
I decided to put off law school for a year when I didn’t get into my dream school and retook the LSAT…I’m still waiting for it to pay off but I know I made the right decision..if I hadn’t have done it I would have always wondered. Plus it is giving my boyfriend and I some time to live together before I go into stressed out mode for 3 years.
Tina — January 15, 2009 @ 11:50 am
@Hilary: Typically, I buy the Dole pitted dates (they’re usually with the raisins), but occasionally, I’ll splurge on Medjool dates, which are the BEST!
joyful — January 15, 2009 @ 12:05 pm
Many, many, many risks have been taken by me! Moving to Vermont after college to pursue who knows what, moving to a new state, getting a divorce, quitting my previous job to become a life coach and writer…they are so worth it when you are following your heart!
Taylor — January 15, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
Hey Tina! I love your blog and have been reading it for a while now! I think the biggest risk I have taken is joining the Junior League of Gainesville. I was not for sure I would like it- but it has paid off with volunteering and helping children and women in our community. Not only that- I have met so many great, powerful, smart, beautiful women who have now become my close friends!
Also- I just signed up for a 15K, and I have only done 5K’s! I know, I’m a little crazy, but I have until mid-March to train! What would you recommend for training??
Danielle — January 15, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
The biggest risk I took was after doing poorly my second year of college I took time off to find a job and figure out what I wanted to do, I applied as a temp at a job 3 years ago and after about 8 months was hired full time, I found what I want to do for a career and they’re paying for me to go to school, slowly but surely I’m going to finish.
rhodeygirl — January 15, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
Dating PhillyBoy. Seriously!
He lived so far and was older and it was SOOOO risky to just fly down with my best friend 2 weeks after we met to see him, but I fell in love with him that weekend.
Gosh, please don’t tell him I said that hahahahahaha
Leah — January 15, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
Ugh I miss running so much! I’ve been sick since Tuesday
.
I took a risk asking my boyfriend out during our senior year of college – we’ve been together three years and counting!
Rose — January 15, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
Sorry you had a bad workout – but glad you got some good eats.
Biggest Risk? Applying to grad school. I did it on a whim, and it’s somehow restructured so many parts of my life and changed who I was completely.
Nicole — January 15, 2009 @ 12:54 pm
We all have runs like that but at least you got it done.
Maggie — January 15, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
That is a great quote. Definitely applicable for me right now
Thanks dearie!!
Allison K — January 15, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
Hmmm….I made the first move to date my now husband, but i guess i don’t see it as a risk.
I think the biggest risk I took was taking a job in a different state for three months and going by myself. It was so worth it.
Tina — January 15, 2009 @ 1:16 pm
@Taylor: I love Hal Higdon’s training programs. He has lots of different ones on his website— varying distances and levels. Definitely check them out!
Michelle in Alaska — January 15, 2009 @ 1:28 pm
My biggest risk was taken when I seperated from my husband with my then 6 month old daughter, moved back to my hometown and opened a daycare to raise her and finished my degree online. I cried the whole flight home, but since I moved back, I got to raise my daughter until she was three (my dream after she was born!), earn my degree, and met the man of my dreams who soon moved to my hometown a year after I did. It has been three years, and we are still together and I am loving my life!
Andrea of Care to Eat — January 15, 2009 @ 2:17 pm
At the time I didn’t think it was a risk, but looking back at it, it totally was. I moved from Texas to Oregon after I graduated college back in 2001 with just what I could fit in my car. I had no job, a crappy apartment, and no friends – I just followed my instincts that Portland was where I needed to be. I had left my BF (now my husband) behind to finish grad school and crossed my fingers that he would join me. Over 7 years later, I have a great life and I’m extremely happy I moved.
HangryPants — January 15, 2009 @ 2:21 pm
Hey Tina! At least you made it through your workout!
Your new job will be great! I think it was pretty risky of me to just quit being a lawyer to become a teacher. While it hasn’t paid off monetarily, I am sure mentally healthier.
Also, wanted to say I read that Betheny Frankel article you mentioned from Health a week or so ago. Love it! That girl is awesome. So direct and smart and makes total sense. Thanks for mentioning it. I hardly ever buy Health, but I did for that article.
Jess — January 15, 2009 @ 2:26 pm
Hi Tina! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and thought your question today was the perfect opportunity for my first comment!
My biggest risk was leaving my family, friends, and job behind in upstate NY to move to Texas to be with a guy that I had only been dating for 6 months (most of which was long distance). It was definitely scary especially since he was the only person I knew in Texas and I had never lived anywhere other than NY, but I’m happy to report that it worked out great as we got engaged this past October and are currently looking for our first house! 
Shayla — January 15, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
Hi Tina! I absolutely love your blog and read it everyday and wanted to say congratulations on your new job!! How exciting! As always your bowl of oats look so yummy and delicious everyday and I was wondering about how many calories you do base your breakfasts, lunches and dinners? I’m trying to lose some weight and I’ve read your balanced eating portion, (which I love!) but was also wondering about the general basis of your meal calories as well.
Thanks!
Tina — January 15, 2009 @ 3:50 pm
@Shayla: Good question! My breakfast is usually my biggest meal of the day– I’m guessing about 500-600 calories (sometimes more!). Lunch and dinner are usually smaller (400-600), and then I will have a couple of snacks during the day. On average, I eat about 2000 calories a day (give or take). Check out my Weight Loss section for my story, tips/ideas, and Q&A: http://carrotsncake.com/weight-loss There’s lots of good stuff there!
Shayla — January 15, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
Thanks so much Tina, I really appreciate it! By the way, I’ve been voting for your pizza everyday, good luck and I hope you win!
Mary — January 15, 2009 @ 5:44 pm
Hi Tina!
I am new to your blog and I really enjoy it! Your motivation to exercise in the morning impresses me! I was wondering: at what time do you get up and at what time do you start working?
Thanks!
Alexia — January 15, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
Sorry you didn’t have a good run this morning. Breakfast looks great, pictures too!
I have not taken ant risks. I am a scaredy cat! LOL! I know it’s hard to be comfortable at a place for so long and then going into the “unknown”. You will be a great addition.
Tanya — January 15, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
Wowo – I read through all the responses and they were amazing. My biggest risk was leaving the big high paying PhD job to move out of a state I hated and knew no one, to one where I had family but no job. Now I work online, teach part time – have a severe paycut but I’m totally happy and just live simpler.
Tina — January 15, 2009 @ 8:54 pm
@Mary: I get up at 5:15 and start work at 9:00. But, unfortunately, my commute to work is an hour.
Joe Hrdlicka — January 15, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
Boy, your breakfast looked healthy AND delicious! Nice combo. Good luck in the new position.
Katie — January 15, 2009 @ 9:22 pm
Hey Tina,
That’s a great run for feeling not-so-great. I was wondering, when you run on a treadmill (I think this was a treadmill run?), do you run on an incline?
I’ve been trying to include hills in my runs, but they’re tough sometimes and I’d rather just run faster
Tina — January 15, 2009 @ 9:33 pm
@Katie: Yep. I always run at an 1.0 incline or higher.
Lara — January 16, 2009 @ 4:34 am
I know this is a late reply! My biggest risk was moving to the UK right after I graduated from college. It was hard to just up and leave but there was a whole world waiting for me and I wanted to see it! Fun question.
Nicole — January 16, 2009 @ 7:42 am
The biggest risk I’ve taken lately was making the decision to not finish university, pack up my life and move to New York City to persue my dream of becoming a vegan chef. I start culinary school Wednesday, so I guess I’ll know more then!