(L) Becoming….

 

So, we were basically in a dead tie and G left it up to me to be the tie breaker. So, I asked my family. One said, Poca because of the tribute to Pocahontas, the second said Loca because, “do I really want to be referred to as little Lowi?” My husband said, “I think you should be PocaLocaLowi because let’s face it, you are a little crazy!” So, after we all finished laughing we decided that it was actually fitting and it kind of solved the tie breaker issue. So, PocaLocaLowi it is!!

 

I have been off my game for most of August, but as I said last week, I was looking to finish the month with a little dignity. This last week I started lifting weights, doing a little running and I started the AB challenge again. Yes, September didn’t officially begin until yesterday, but I started last week. I figured I might need a few extra days as a buffer because we all know some days it’s just hard to get it done.

As for the weight lifting I jumped right in hard core. I may have bit off a little more than I should have as I almost had to call in an emergency medical response team just to get my shirt off! You now how it is you start to move and it’s all good…until it isn’t. I literally had to will my arms above my head to complete the shirt removal. Hoping this week the muscle soreness begins to subside. Then again, my legs are going to get hard this week!

New Name and New Mojo?

September is the month that I begin training again in earnest. I love the fall and running in the cool, crisp mornings. I think that finally having a new name is going to boost my motivation. So, I am committing to the AB Challenge, Weight Training and yes, September 100 Mile Challenge! Can’t wait to check in with everyone next week!

(G) As we mentioned previously, toenails are for sissies! I think it’s clear that keeping a full set is not in my future. I am down 2 and with a race in 10 weeks it’s not likely I will have that many come Thanksgiving. Oh what to be grateful for this year: 6 toenails?

Hot, Hazy, Humid

Saturday, I sadly didn’t drag my tired behind out of bed early enough so what was already going to be a hot run was even hotter. Around mile 6 I poorly planned my route and was about out of water. I was running back to a shelter house where there is drinking fountain and I made it there just shy of 8 miles. I filled my water bottle and took a series of serious gulps then I poured the rest on my head and repeated that a couple more times.

Taking a shower at the drinking fountain?

About that time a young man came up to the drinking fountain and I stepped back so that I didn’t sweat or drip water all over him. Then he asked me if I was trying to shower at the water fountain. It was clear that English was not his first language, which made his innocent question even better. It did kinda look like I was trying to shower at the drinking fountain. I told him I was just trying to cool off so then he wanted to know if I was there for “exercise.” Yes, exercise, torture, public humiliation, whatever you want to call it.

Acorn Roulette?

During my Saturday run however, it felt a little like Acorn Roulette. Not that acorn roulette is an official thing but that’s what it made me think of. Every time I heard one start to fall from a tree above it was a racing thought of: is this acorn going to crack me on the head or some other body part? Generally, I am not fearful of acorns but while they speed, with the help of gravity, toward the ground I tend to change my mind.
Thankfully, I left the park without an acorn incident.

12 miles post-downpour

Sunday, we started the day with a raging downpour of rain. Eventually, the rain stopped but the convection-oven quality the rain brought with it hung around. It was super muggy, muddy and murderous out there. But isn’t that what the torture report is all about?

 

August 100 miles and other challenge
I was able to wrap up the month with 145 miles. While not many of my challenges were been successful this month, this one thankfully was. Yesterday, as you know, was Sept. 1 which means all new torture, ahem, I mean challenges.

• The ab challenge from June is making a comeback.
• And because I can’t help myself, or stop myself, I have signed up for September 100 miles!
• I am sure all of this is bound to bring torture for me and, hopefully, entertainment for you!

Sunshine & Sarcasm,

Lowi & G

 

Tuesday’s Torture Report is a running log of our progress as we train toward fitness, specific races or our latest exercise-related obsession. Lowi’s working toward Becoming Pocahontas and G’s latest adventure goal is Croatan 24. To read last week’s torture report click here.