I'm on day 7 of my 9 day holiday vacation from work. And, something I've been getting more of is ... sleep. Coincidentally, my running has really been a lot easier lately. I ran 5, 6, day off, 6 miles in the last 4 days. It's sad to say, but I haven't had a 4 day stretch like that in forever. In fact, those 17 miles in 4 days are two short of my week total high for the last 6 weeks or so. So, yeah, it's nice to be home and sleeping.
Also, this little spurt at the end of the year has put me dangerously close to 1000. After tonight's 6 miler, I am 18 miles away with 5 days to go. There is a rest day in there somewhere (maybe Monday?), but it is looking awfully reasonable all of a sudden.
As for tonight's six miler, it was cold and wet. I had planned to do 4 with my dog when I got home from my sister's. But, when I got out there, I just felt like doing more. I can't remember the last time that happened. In fact... lately, the exact opposite has been happening. I got out for 4 and only get 3 in. So, I think the tables are turning... just in time for 2009.
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sleep. Show all posts
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
On the Mend... Mentally
Did you ever wonder why all the see-sawing? Why all the mental battles? Why all the craziness? For me... I think it has a lot to do with sleep (as I write this at 12:30) and stress levels. But... mostly sleep. Lack of sleep, for me, leads to bad decisions (about food and otherwise), stress, and frustration... Overall, there isn't a single positive redeeming factor of staying up for the sake of staying up.
That said, I think I know why I do it (and, ok, I'm already backpedaling on the "no redeeming factor" statement). I think it is the only time in my life (between the hours of 11:30 and 1:00) that I get to myself. So... effectively, I sacrifice sleep for time in my own head. Good trade-off? Not always. But, I think it's important. Here's the point in my own post where I totally flip-flop my opinion.... Actually, despite the long list of negatives, I think I need it.
Where does that leave me? Eh... right where I was five minutes ago. But... just like the time I spend on the road running, 11:30-1 is the time that I pick to unwind. The only difference is... that time is truly "off the clock" (ironic huh?). I have no goals, no pressures, no anything. I think we all need a little more of that at times.
That said, I think I know why I do it (and, ok, I'm already backpedaling on the "no redeeming factor" statement). I think it is the only time in my life (between the hours of 11:30 and 1:00) that I get to myself. So... effectively, I sacrifice sleep for time in my own head. Good trade-off? Not always. But, I think it's important. Here's the point in my own post where I totally flip-flop my opinion.... Actually, despite the long list of negatives, I think I need it.
Where does that leave me? Eh... right where I was five minutes ago. But... just like the time I spend on the road running, 11:30-1 is the time that I pick to unwind. The only difference is... that time is truly "off the clock" (ironic huh?). I have no goals, no pressures, no anything. I think we all need a little more of that at times.
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