40 Days/40 nights…meet you at the corner of Main and Main.

Posted on September 28, 2010 by Lisa Jamison

So, People, I’m getting ready.  And for me that means lots of thinking time.  People have told me that I can be a mover-and-a-shaker, that I go through the world like a whirlwind.  That I just set a course and move.  The reality is that I have generally taken the time to SET the course.  I’ve thought about WHY I want to move, figured out which WAY I want to go, and bought into the whole plan before I’ve taken a step.  When I finally set myself into action, I’m good and ready. 

I like the idea of 40 Days and 40 Nights for a lot of reasons.  The “40” has historical value, is used in the solar calendar, etc.  Of course, I like all the Biblical references.  (I’ve been told that when 40 is used in the Bible it isn’t really 40…it would be like me exaggerating and saying “I did that a zillion years ago”…but that’s another discussion).  I’m going to look at this 40/40 as a “fast”, of sorts.

We generally consider dietary fasts; cutting out certain foods or all foods.  Some deny themselves water as well.  Some have used fasting periods to give up alcohol or sex.  For me this is about giving up some habits that aren’t working for me.  Quite frankly, I’m not sure I have to list those habits (and I don’t mean to you in print, I mean to myself).  If my life were in perfect balance I wouldn’t feel the need to change a thing.  I could stand a little change, so that’s what this is about.  Quite frankly, by taking on some new behavior, I’ll probably drop an old one. 

Start by claiming what you want to do.  That’s a personal thing.  Start thinking about how your life could be in better balance, who you’d be if you practiced a little more balance, what you’d do if you were a little more balanced, etc.  Keep thinking; you might come up with a few more particulars.

Once you claim it, proclaim it.  Tell someone.  Call it accountabilty, call it the buddy system, call it whatever you like.  Throw it out to a friend, the universe, God, or whatever works for you. 

Follow along with me and consider (read:  think) about the daily posts and/or tasks.  Or actually “do” them.  Humbly deny yourself (the old ways) and take up a new.  The actually tasks may help you along, but they can also be viewed as that outward reminder of what you’re doing.  The acts themselves can be tangible, visible reminders of what you’re doing.  The focus for the day, merely marking the path.  Check the blog each day.  Check-in with someone (let me know how it’s going, if you want).  Take the time to think about how you’re getting stronger. 

Take your eyes off your ordinary everyday world for a bit.  Detour on the path?  You may be challenged to take one.  Lovely little side road?  You may enjoy yourself.  But make no mistake; the path still gets you to where you’re going.  That’s the main thing.   

As for me, my right lower body is still a little weaker than my left.  It will get stronger.  And I need better physical balance on that side.  I’m a little right-side dominant when I work, so I’m going to get better skilled at working with my left upper body.  My diet could use a little pre-holdiday moderation.  I could cut a little body fat.  I am going to be more social. 

I could be gentler with myself and  move into and amongst the world more lovingly.  Yeah.  Keeping the main thing the main thing:  More Lovingly.  To myself and to others. 

So what’s the main thing for you?  Proclaim it, people.  Get ready…

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People Get Ready

Posted on September 25, 2010 by Lisa Jamison

Sometimes it takes a little more than you think to find the balance!

Seems everyone around me is on a challenge, a fast, a…something.  We’ve got 40 days of this, 20 days of that, 7 habits of something.  We’ve got journeys and paths and disciplines and fasts. 

It’s all reminded me of why I ever started blogging in the first place:  to help myself maintain balance.  Balance of all kind.  To put the balance to good use.  To remain flexible while travelling life’s path.  To build a little stability so as not to over-extend.  To gracefully sway in the breeze instead of cracking at the base and while extending my foothold into deeper roots.
 
Either that, or I’m just jumping on the bandwagon.
 
Anyway, I’m getting ready for my 40 Days and 40 Nights.  And I choose October 1 to be my starting day.  Why 40?  That will be clearer once I begin. 
And because I like a few Bible roots, I will take Sundays off. 
October 1-November 16.  Soon to follow will be Thanksgiving.  I will either be able to sit and give thanks for all I have accomplished and some new found wisdom…or be darn glad it’s over. 
Three days after Thanksgiving marks the start of Christian Advent, so I’ll have a new “season” to honor. 
The holidays will be upon us, and I can once again chose the entrapments and overindulgence that they often bring, or approach them with ease and gentleness.
And then the new year; I’ll be ready to start anew.  Maybe, just maybe, having adopted a little more balance I’ll go into 2011 with fewer resolutions.
Perhaps you’ll join me…for all of it, for some of it.  But people, get ready.  Mark your calendars.  Change is coming.
And while he rested he took to himself an orange and tasted it,
And it was good…
And he saw…the balance. 
And he saw the magnificent perfection, wheron he thought of himself in balance. 
And he knew he was.
(The Moody Blues)
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Today, you can call me Gabby.

Posted on September 20, 2010 by Lisa Jamison

I was walking through Target today.  Just minding my own business, don’t you know.  My mind tripped that quick switch that goes from browsing knick-knacks to having the strange feeling you’re being followed.  I was.  Nobody is safe in the local Target. 

Well, OK…I overstate that.  I was perfectly safe in the Target.  The man was about my age, smiled, and looked pretty friendly as he quickly turned the aisle to follow my hasty dart away from him. 

“You’re the one I want on my volleyball team!”, he said. 

If she's scary, I guess I'll take it as a compliment.

I returned the smile and laugh.  “You clearly haven’t seen me jump!”, I told him.  “You wouldn’t want me on my team if you could see my lack of jumping ability”, I continued to warn him.

I pause here.  For those of you who know me well, you have learned that when such lines are delivered to me by men…the compliment can go right out the window as they continue to speak.  For those of you who don’t know me, go back a couple of entries and check out my Dara Torres blog. 

Leave it alone, Dude.  I’m smiling.  Leave it right there.  You don’t know that you’re about to blow it, but I dooooooo…

“I don’t actually need you to play”, he begins.  “I just need you to stand there and scare the hell out of them.”

Really?  Just as I was beginning to channel my inner Gabrielle Reece.  Just as I was starting to stand a little taller, feel a little leggier, move a little more like a superstar.  

Just for today, you can call me Gabby.

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Middle Child Syndrome

Posted on September 3, 2010 by Lisa Jamison

My father used to claim this as my biggest illness.  If I was irritable…middle child syndrome.  When the world was “unfair”…middle child syndrome.  When I was a snivelling bitchy sobbing sad moody pimple face adolescent with an “issue” (a-n-y issue!)…middle child syndrome. 

Tonight I’ve found an antidote.  Well, several of them.  And several glasses of one.  And this one is Wicked Cool.  That’s a shout out to the New Englanders in the house, and you know who you are. 

Sooooo, I’m supposed to be writing about “balance”.  I have none at this point, hence plopped on the couch. 

And in that, my friends, I believe I’ve once again found the perfect balance in life.

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Bruthas from anutha mutha.

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Lisa Jamison

Or Sisters, anyway.  But that didn’t work in the title.

I went to the indoor pool at my gym today.  I’ve mentioned this pool before.  I have great swims here.  I’m not really sure why, but it may be because I look like a rock star at this particular venue.  People stop me and tell me what a “lovely swimmer” I am.  In an effort to practice taking a compliment, I smile and say thank you.  Not “Gee, you don’t get out much” or “Wow, you really don’t know much about swimming, do you?”  For it’s true…I actually swim instead of sit in the hot tub, and I’m not the 400 pound guy in Lane 1. 

Anyway, I got there to day and walked right out to Lane 2.  Man in Lane 3 stopped, stood up, gave me a thumbs-up and said “You look good”.

“Thanks!”, I said.  Are your goggles foggy?  Oh, I’m just standing here.  In my speedo.  And I haven’t shaved my legs.  Yup, “thanks” will do.

“You look like an Olympic swimmer”, Lane 3 adds.

Who are you?  Mister Magoo?  Cataract Carl?  “Wow”, I say.  “Stop right there!  I just want to glory in that comment!”

“You know the swimmer I’m talking about, right?” Lane 3 continues. 

“Oh, you had a particular swimmer in mind?”, I query.  Please God, I’m having a good day.  Please let it be someone other than that East German.  Or the one that they had to do testing on to see if she was really a woman…

“You know the one I’m talking about.”, Lane 3 says.  “The older one.”

Well of course you’re not talking about some young chippy with these thighs.  But c’mon.  Did you have to lump me with “older”?  Oh wait…older Olympian…this is still quite wonderful!  “Why yes, I know exactly who you’re talking about!  And you Sir, are officially on my Christmas card list!  Stop talking right now!  I just want to savor that comment…”

“Yeah.  She doesn’t look bad for someone her age, does she?”, Lane 3 says. 

And there you have it.  I remind (one very small piece of) the world of Dara Torres.  And she doesn’t look bad.  For someone her age. 

Should I call her and tell her?

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Nautica NYC Tri Update

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Lisa Jamison

“Panic” wasn’t on the to-do list!

   

Well, the day has come and gone, and the 2010 Nautica NYC Triathlon is officially in the books.  In many ways it’s not one I’d like to have on record.   Let me begin this by saying that the NYC Triathlon is a GREAT race.  It’s interesting, unlike some of the “flat and fast” courses we so often encounter.  The roads are hilly and bumpy with hair-pin turns.  The run boasts locals cheering along every step of the mostly shaded course.  The swim is cool, refreshing, and wicked fast. 

Unless you have a panic attack.  Yup, that would be me.  We were told in the pre-race meeting that if you just put your arms out and floated that it should take 23 minutes (one guy did that last year and that’s what happened, anyway).  We were told that the water was chilly enough to take your breath away and that we should “burp” our wetsuits as soon as we got in.  We were warned of quick current, so to slide into the in-water start and quickly grab the rope so as not to float away.  We were warned NOT to touch the bottom as you approached the exit ramp; the silt did not need to be disturbed. 

That’s what we were told, which made me quickly walk away from the race expo.  I was glad to be staying in mid-town, away from the throngs of athletes.  I was glad to be able to walk for miles, visit good restaurants, and live on a non-triathlon schedule.  It’s NYC, and I was there to have an enjoyable time. 

What I actually SAW and FELT on race morning was different.  Very calm.  I watched people get in the water and quickly rush downstream.  I saw the “panic stricken” swim towards the sea wall and miss the benefit of the current completely.  I saw small waves of folks with lots of room happily floating by.  I couldn’t wait.   So I gently slid in the water and grabbed the rope.  No adrenaline rush.  The 75-ish degree water feld lovely, but I “burped” anyway.  I dunked my head and still didn’t get a head freeze.  I tasted the water and didn’t….die.  I chatted.  positioned myself in mid-stream and propped my feet up on the dock so I could get a good push.  The horn went off, and I swam.  And I was enjoying myself.  Yeah, I really love to race and I could hardly wait to conquer this course!  Well, I swam for about 150 yards.  Then the panic set in.  If you know me you are aware that I’ve had my “issues” with swims.  But that is all behind me.  I haven’t pulled a big panic in 5 years or more.  I have gotten moments of “uncomfortableness” down to 15 seconds or so.  But not on this day.  It hit big.  My arms move quickly, but my legs feel like lead…so they sink.  I can’t get horizontal in the water.  I pulled immediately to the left (sans current).  I breathed so loudly that people on the sea wall spoke to me.  I clung to a kayak until my breath regulated, let go, only to have it happen again.  I couldn’t see the end, but I figured I was going to make it.  I watched myself slip from a leader amongst the Lady Clydesdales to a scared child being thrown into a pool and told to swim.   Lessons from the Aqua-Jog down the Hudson:   

  

  • Panic runs on no man’s schedule.  It comes when it wants.
  • Rhyme and reason don’t have much to do with anything.  I KNOW what’s right, and I KNOW what would work better.  It just don’t matter.
  • People are very nice.
  • If you suck, they will give you a pool noodle to help you along.
  • If you float with said pool noodle, you will go faster than the Aqua-Jogger. 
  • You can touch the bottom of the Hudson.
  • You really don’t want to know what the bottom of the Hudson feels like.  Really.
  • Panic will leave you only when you’re good and ready.
  • Who the hell knows when you’re ready to drop the madness?

 

I stood shaking on the sidelines when I got out of the water, unable to breathe normally.  I stopped twice on the bike because I was shaking so badly.  On my way out on the bike I saw returning cyclists climbing enormous hills that I was not sure I could endure.  I finished the bike without encountering those hills (really, don’t know what that was all about…), so decided to try the run.  I hyperventilated my way through transition and then stopped and sat a half mile into the run.  Tired, but angered, I went on.  As the onlookers cheered even the weariest of us, I started to feel better.  I was simply exhausted and my head still pounded, but it was so much fun to be there.  The hilly Central Park course was shady.  It brought back memories of other events.  I was glad to be at the race, even if not “racing” at this point.   

God, I do love this sport.   

After the race I quickly departed.  My pounding head and heavy legs just needed to be somewhere else.  I drank more water.  Ate some food.  Took some ibuprofen.  Napped.  Met friends for drinks.  Got a good night’s sleep.  And finally, over a strong cup of coffee and pleasant chatter with my cousin early the next morning, the pounding in my head would subside.  

What I was told and what I saw and what I felt were all quite different.  But what I now know never seems to change.  What I know remains the constant and the balance in my life.  What I know is that I need to keep moving, to keep moving on, and to keep a driving force.  I know that my mobility breeds my overall stability.  I Love this game.  I Will do it again.  I’m damn glad to be a part of it, in whatever shape and form it takes. 

And now…gotta get back to training. 

  

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Reindeer Games

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Lisa Jamison

A decade ago a friend and I were training for a marathon together.  When we met early one morning she said “So what reindeer games to you have set for us today?”.  The name has stuck, and nobody ever really needs an explanation.  Picture Rudolph, picture learning to fly, and picture the joy of youth that comes with just trying to keep up with the others.  As a trainer and lover of the science/process of sport, I’m always about the plan.

But as I’ve said, I’m not always good about following my own plan.  I’m trying to do better.

On that note, let me say thanks to those of you who commented, emailed, or called after my last post.  I really appreciate the kind words, the encouragement, the offers to train, etc.  I feel so much less alone and thankful!  My spirits are bouyoed and I’m sticking to the system.  I mean…all three days of it so far:

Saturday:  Solo bike ride with an aching spine.  Nice to be out there by myself.  Pain was the limiting factor, but that’s what happens when you screw up.

Sunday: Met with Susan, a running comrade through the years.  We’ve agreed to  meet every Sunday, just like we have in the past.  Because we’re not actually running the same pace right now, we will not actually run together.  We meet, we run, we have coffee together and debrief.   We’ve also selected a book to read together, so we’ll take the coffee time to discuss.  And we’ll actually make it to church after that.  That’s our old “normal”, and we miss having those Sundays together.  Natural balance is restored.

Monday:  Long OWS followed by butt parked in chair.  With a good novel.  Gotta love a holiday.

Tuesday:  Reindeer Ride by myself.  I did 5 mile loops on Davis Island.  Warm up loop followed by “hills”, spin, hills, spin.  Done.  My hills…50 revolutions in each of the back gears…work way up and then back down.  Fun when you throw a little wind in there, too.  I think I almost took off!   My nose definitely got red. 

Wednesday:  Evening St. Pete Mad Dogs training at the beach.  I only swam the half-mile, and then ran.  Happy with my 3.75 mile run.  NO PAIN!  There was, of course, the “discomfort” that comes with being out of shape.  But I’ll take THAT!  Workable, indeed. 

Thursday:  Hour workout with Mr. McSpeedy.  My hip flexors fatigue incredibly quickly, so I did lots of mountain climbers, back lunges with knee lifts, and sprinting in the sand pit.  Right after I was done with him I went for a ride with Ernie and Erin.  I only had an hour, but made the best use of my time.  We did short pulls keeping the pace between 20-22 mph…steady.  It’s obvious who the lead reindeer is in that team.  Ernie keeps us going, tells us to pull off if our tri-brain gets out front for too long, and nudges us from behind if we happen to start dragging.  Santa would be very happy with him.

As for food, I’m doing well.  I’m trying out some supplements and will keep you posted on them.  I had some minor dental work (phase 1) done yesterday.  The dentist’s parting shot was “No chewing, no hot, no cold, no flossing on that side for 3 weeks.”  That makes me a little nervous; cognizant of what’s going on, at the very least.  I’ve been thrown into the natural balance of things…I will focus on HOW I eat as well as WHAT I eat.  That’s a lesson on which I could stew!

I’m re-finding the joy of training by myself.  For years it made me very happy, but often get hung up on the safety of doing that.  For now I’ll focus on being the best reindeer I can be.  Today, and in the long run.

Switch your thinking from “what can I get away with?” to “what’s the best I can do?”

 

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Willing to Tri

Posted on May 31, 2010 by Lisa Jamison

I'll be ready...

Seven weeks.  That’s how long I have to get ready for my next “big” (read:  meaningful) race.  I generally take more time to prepare.  As I’m typing, I find the fact that I’ve chosen the word “prepare” over “train” interesting; perhaps telling how far I feel from the sport of triathlon.  Although I’m heading back in that direction physically, and my mind is on board…it’s almost like the two can’t quite get it together. 

As I’ve said before, 2009 was a tough year physically for me, and I’ve come to realize just how much that played games with the emotional “me”.  I’ve spent the last six months heading back to the proverbial tracks, and now this train is going to jump back on and get headed back “home”.  I’m ready for an attitude adjustment. I don’t want to be afraid of pain returning, just cognizant of how I go about the task at hand.  On the other hand, while I continue to be thankful for how far I’ve come, I need to stop thinking of pain and move forward to…great things.

I look at my weekly workouts with Sir Speedy McSpeedster (aka Mark).  If he has me running treadmill sprints on too steep of an incline, my nerve gets all jacked up. If we find the correct tempo:incline balance, my limiting factor is my lack of strength.  One leaves me non-functional and afraid to run and the other leaves me  face down in a pool of sweat and snot in the astroturf.  Guess which one I prefer.

I’ve got seven weeks to get ready for a triathlon I haven’t done in a long time, the Nautica New York City Triathlon.  It’s hillier than this Floridian is ready for.  My eating is a little out of whack.  My training partners have moved on.  I’m feeling a little alone…sports-wise, that is.  And as it is, that leaves me a little out of balance.

So, for the first time ever, I’m throwing out a little cry for help.  I’m posting my intentions, I’ll tell you how it’s going, and I shall be a little more accountable.  To “you”. 

I’m willing this to work.  I’m willing to give it a chance.  Willing to tri.

Learn to adjust yourself to the conditions you have to endure, but make a point of trying to alter or correct conditions so that they are most favorable to you.  (William Frederick Book)

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Gotta’ Train!

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Lisa Jamison

Upon my departure to Hawaii, a friend said “Have a perfect vacation.  You might even think about relaxing a bit!”.  Perhaps because so much of my life is wrapped up in the “balance” of things, I was a little insulted (briefly, and I do mean just a little).  That switched quickly to the OF COURSE I’M GOING TO RELAX, IT”S FREAKIN’ HAWAII!!!! voice in my head. 

The truth is, I believe this trip is an example of the perfect balance of life.  I’ve finished the Chinese Drywall Project that was the focus of living for the better part of a year.  My body is on the mend and I’m ready to step out of the comfort zone that was ruled by discomfort.  I’m here with friends who are also clients and employers; I have work and I have play.  This trip was planned at about the same time I was planning my spirit-filled visit to Sedona…the same muddy boots will traverse the lava fields and climb the volcanoes…all in an effort to please the Gods.  And as a triathlete, It’s Hawaii!  

Driving out of the Kailua-Kona Airport I quickly see a sign for Ali’i Drive.  All I want to do is run!  The likes of me will NEVER see my way to the mack-daddy of all triathlons, but I’m overwhelmed with the need to stop the car, pull out my running shoes, and pretend.  If I were to make it to the Ironman World Championships…would I make it to Ali’i Drive?  Yes, I would.  I would be in pain, but it would disappear as the crowd cheered me on.  It may be close to midnight, but I would do it.  Crawling would turn to walking, walking to running, and running to floating.  I would channel the wings of friends who have gone before me and hamstrings that have seen better days.  Tears of blistering feet become tears of joy.  Memories of the long hours training with friends…the counting of the calories…mounds of laundry…it’s all good.  I MUST RUN!

But I don’t.  I’m not driving the car, and I just don’t think my non-triathlete friend would get it.  I’m completely zoned for the 30 minute drive to the hotel.

Sunday was a day of rest and recovery for us.  No workouts.  My legs are sporting a lovely set of cankles from the journey, and they ache.  I convince the pool boys (note:  they are not, as I had hoped, hunky natives in skimpy wraps that have bee put there for my viewing pleasure) that I will not be in their way as they vacuum and scrub.  The cold pool is just what I needed.  We decide to walk to Starbucks.  I enjoy the well manicured grounds, but I want to bust out a run.  Later, sitting by water’s edge, I squirm in my chaise lounge…I really want to run.  Gotta’ train.  Just want to run!

Really?  Can I not relax?

But I do.  As I get a few pages into a Pat Conroy novel I get lost in his words and wordiness.  I’m calmed and soothed, just like the drawl was intended.  In the peace it all makes sense; the natural balance is obtained.

Sunday.  Rest.  Relaxation.  Recovery.  Rejuvenation.  Monday is a new day, a new week, a new training session.  I will float and fly and be great.  And I can’t wait!

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Travelling Light

Posted on May 15, 2010 by Lisa Jamison

Seeing the world...or at least my feet...through rose colored glasses.

I’m travelling today.  After packing-procrastination I got three hours of sleep before the alarm went off at 3:30 am.  Unusual for me (a lover of the snooze button) I jumped right out of bed.  Had the requisite shower and shine.  Watered the plants, left notes for the house-sitter, and lugged the (overly packed and way too heavy) suitcase to the curb.  The cab driver had that sucker in the trunk before I skipped back down the steps, and handed it to the curb-side blue uniform before I hopped out of the back seat.  Armed with my blue and green paisley quilted duffle, I’m travelling light.

I know we haven’t seem Memorial Day yet, but I’m donned in white jeans and pink flip-flops.  Pink toes.  Pink lips.  Pink shirt.  If you think it’s too early in the season for all that, well…lighten up.  That’s what I’m doing.

I play a little game with myself when I travel by airplane.  I’ve been told I work in a little fantasy world, that I’m delusional, that I’m a little closer to crazy because of this, and maybe there is a hint of truth, but this gives me intense joy.  Everytime I travel, despite the reason, I spend at least a portion of the actual travel time pretending I’m going on holiday.  Not work.  Not a visit home.  Not a short trip up the coast.  A real HOLIDAY.  The word itself changes tone and meaning as much as it changes my outlook and demeanor.  Whatever happens…it’s all good.

Holiday is travel.  It’s journey.  It’s new and different, and meant to lighten the stress and burdens of one’s everyday life.  It often brings the unexpected, and that unexpected is usually met with a “no worries” attitude and a cocktail in hand. 

(Try a “holiday” attitude the next time you travel on business, even if it’s for none small portion.  For me it means bellying up to a bar to enjoy conversation with strangers, a food not generally seen in my diet, a great novel, a confident gait, and a big smile.)

This time around I AM on holiday.  I’m heading for Hawaii.  The entire trip is to be taken in stride.  And that holiday attitude has elements that should be used well after the trip is completed.

Life is a journey, not a destination.  No matter what happens on the path, it’s where you are, so get something good out of it.

Why worry about tomorrow; tomorrow has worries of its own. Have a great time today, and deal with the issues of the day.  Yeah, it might rain tomorrow.  Yeah, you may not like your job next month.  Deal with it then. 

Wherever you go, there you are.  Realize that you’re not running away.  Your problems and issues will come along with you.  Decide which ones you want to deal with right now.  Put the others on the back burner.  Better yet, throw some of them away.  Pick the useless ones up later…if you really want.

Today, I’m travelling.  I laid down some burdens and got rid of some junk.  I sitting in a bar in Phoenix trying to type and look friendly at the same time.  Gotta’ go…travelling lighter.

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