The Heart of a Runner Girl

blogilates: Fabulous Flat Abs GIFs from Pilates Bootcamp! Click...

standstillwithme — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 19:31:40 -0400

Fabulous Flat Abs GIFs from Pilates Bootcamp!

Click here to see workout video.

Do this routine every other day for 2 weeks and you will see a noticeable difference in the definition of your abs!

<3 Cassey

Just a Few Minutes

standstillwithme — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 16:41:01 -0400

I’m sitting here in the only coffee house in my hometown, just killing time. Anyway, I am no longer training for a marathon. But I have been running.

And coaching.

I recently accepted a teaching job at my alma mater. I was involved in sports throughout high school. (I even held the school record for Cross Country for a few years.) Anyway, one of the interviewers was the Athletic Director who has been there since I was in school. He was very excited to learn that I was interested in coaching Cross Country and Track. So that’s what I’m doing. In addition to teaching. It’s going to be exciting.

I’m thrilled with the talent that we have on the team this year. And I get to work with some of my old coaches. I’m sure that this will open my eyes to a whole new side of running and mentoring. I love working with the athletes everyday. They’re all amazing. And they kick my butt. No joke. I’m sore everyday after leaving practice. But its such a good feeling. I’m looking forward to what this season has in store for me and my team.

5 Days of Success

standstillwithme — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 19:53:03 -0400

I always mean to sit down and write as soon as I get done running. I just feel so inspired afterwards. However, life always seems to get in the way. As soon as I get out of the shower, I’m running around again, trying to get stuff done.

I am so thankful that I have been so motivated lately. I have run the past 5 days in a row. And in this heat…I think that’s something to brag about. There has been a bit of a heat wave, but I have found that I get up earlier enough, the heat doesn’t bother me much.

I did run on a treadmill one day.

I hated it.

Sunday was great. I woke up at 6:30 and went for an 8-mile run. I felt amazing. Very few people were out. It was still cool. It was just great.

Today…I didn’t wake up so early. I wasn’t running until after 10. That was rough. But I think I sweat out a lot of the bad. I had a bonding moment with a deer when I finished. We stood and stared at each other for a little while. I think we’re friends now.

Another great think about running is that it’s a wonderful time to think. It always seems like I figure my whole life out on these runs. I plan out what I’m going to say to this or that person. I make the hard decisions. Life seems so simple and straightforward when I run. If only I were able to maintain that mindset after my run. Oh well. At least I gain some clarity and perspective.

Anyway, here are a few pictures of my running trail.

15 Great Reasons To Run

standstillwithme — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:57:00 -0400

15 Great Reasons To Run

This Blog is in Disrepair

standstillwithme — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:43:00 -0400

…much like my life.

But I have been running…a little.

Let’s see. This year, I helped coach track for the school that I was student teaching at. What a great experience. And it got me back into running.

And now: I’m training for a marathon - a full-blown marathon. It’s going to be intense. Tomorrow is day 2.

Today I ran 5 miles. It made me glad that I have [somewhat] kept up with my running. Tomorrow the plan is to run 3 miles.

It’s like greeting an old friend again. Returning to running, that is. It’s something that will be there for me and get me through the tough times. (And trust me, times have been hard.) I got some exciting and stressful news today - I’ll be interviewing for a big-girl job on Wednesday morning. That just added to the level of stress and anxiety that a girl is under. However, one of my first thoughts was that I needed to go for a run. Mind you, I had already gone earlier that day. In light of my marathon training, I opted out of a second run. It was nice to know that my old friend was there for me, ready to help me through the stress.

Anyway, this is a long and rambling post. I’ll try to keep up on how my training is going. I might need some motivation along the way.

standstillwithme: My life greyveins: 500 Days Of Summer (by...

standstillwithme — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:54:31 -0500

standstillwithme:

My life

greyveins:

500 Days Of Summer (by Tanisha Pina)

Running Through Mud Puddles

standstillwithme — Sat, 14 May 2011 13:50:17 -0400

When I woke up this morning and decided to go for a run, I had no idea that it would be such a liberating experience! Each run is unique - even if you travel the same path every day. It’s amazing to experience these subtle changes - not only in the environment, but also within myself.

As I laced up my shoes, I absentmindedly wondered if it was a good idea to run down the trails today, since we had that storm last night. Turns out, it was a great idea!

The weather was cool - ideal for running. I began my trek and saw several puddles within the first two miles. At first I was slightly irritated - these are new running shoes! I tried to avoid them at all costs. Then, I came out, onto Abbott and saw cars that were up to their windows in water at an apartment complex. That sucks! I continued my run. As I hit mile 3 I encountered another runner. Almost simultaneously there was a lake of a puddle in the middle of the trail! We both came to a halt as we looked for a way to avoid it. After quickly surveying my options, I decided that my only choice was to take off my shoes and socks and run barefoot through the puddle! I had a huge grin on my face - that was awesome! (The other runner was not so brave.) I continued barefoot for a few more feet - I could see another lake in the path just ahead. This one was even deeper. I was up to my hips and had to slow my pace. When I reached the other side, I put my socks and shoes back on and was able to finish my run without another incident.

It was such a beautiful experience. I felt like a kid again…romping around after a storm, careless and free. It turns out, it was just the type of lighthearted event that I needed to turn my mood around. Work has been wearing me thin lately and I’m glad that I was able to take that moment to live just a little outside the box.

Words on the Pavement (part 3)

standstillwithme — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 08:41:00 -0500

“Thud-thud. Thud-thud.” My footfalls on the pavement may sound monotonous, but each step is dear to my heart.

I have been pondering another common element of both writing and running: rhythm . Rhythm is a huge factor in running; however, we generally refer to it as pace. When a runner talks about pace, it is either in reference to miles per hour or minutes per mile. As I prepare for my next big race, I set a goal: the time I would ideal like to finish the race in. Then I calculate the pace necessary to attain my goal. Writers don’t always consider their rhythm when writing, but some genres make it more necessary (poetry, for instance). For some writers, the words come naturally and just flow on the page – one word after another – to create a natural tempo for the reader. Sometimes, as I struggle to write, I wish the words came as easily as the footsteps do. However, things that are fought for taste sweet with victory.

Writing may never give me the rush of joy that I experience when running, but it’s important to keep working on it. Plus, how do I ever expect to successfully teach student to love all aspects of English, if I can’t embrace them myself. Thus, I am resolved to continue writing and find the joy that other people have found through this same act.

Words on the Pavement (part 2)

standstillwithme — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 22:30:00 -0500

Inspiration.

Writing is like running. At some point in a person’s life, they will undoubtedly find it necessary to do both. Gym. Essays. Sports. Reflections. Running and writing happen and it is a personal choice whether to embrace these realities or fight them. Personally, I love running, but writing is like pulling teeth. (Funny that I have a blog about running, though, isn’t it?) When it comes down to it though, the two are very similar.

Each writer has a unique style, just as every race is different. Each and every word that is written is differs from the last – from the step before it and the step after. Some races are shorter – you can run them with out a ton of preparation. Perhaps you even get up the morning of the race and slip on your running shoes for the first time in a month and head to the race. This would probably be a shorter race – like a 5K (that’s 3.1 miles for all you non-metric people ). Most people can run a 5K without extensive training. Similarly, most people can write an essay without much preparation. Take me for example; I can pump out an essay for class in a few hours with minimal preparation and revision. I can also run a 5K without much thought. I experience both joy and satisfaction upon the completion of such a race. Likewise, at the end of an essay, relief washes over me. I find myself racing to the end. Reaching that word limit: “Thank goodness I’m done with that mess.” Mess?! Is that really how I want to think of an accomplishment (even one as small as an essay)? Probably not. However, I often feel that way after clicking “Submit” on a writing assignment. Where is the sense of true accomplishment, though? It is lacking from both this rote writing and this type of race.

I find that the most rewarding races are the ones that I spend more time preparing for. I pour my heart and soul into the pavement and I pound out the miles. Similarly, many writers find joy in lengthy writing. Take my brother, for example. He is working on his first novel – a novel!!! I struggle to eek out a few pages. However he finds pleasure and pride in his writing. Similarly, I take pleasure in pride in my long grueling runs. I am training for a 25K and the most relaxing parts of my weeks are the ones that I spend running. All the worries of the day are as far behind me as the starting point of my run. My brother, the writer, does not feel this way about running. I wonder: would I begin to feel that way about writing if I spent more time with it? It is a definite possibility. Perhaps I would feel more pride in my work, as well, if I became more dedicated to it.

Words on the Pavement - Soundtrack

standstillwithme — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:07:00 -0500

Cities of the Future - Infected Mushroom
This is one of my favorite “pump-up” songs. It has a killer beat and a very optimistic feel to it. It’s a great song to get a jump on any project, be it running or writing.
I Just Wanna Run - The Downtown Fiction
I love the title of this song. It really describes how I feel sometimes.
Brick by Boring Brick - Paramore
This song has a lot of energy. It keeps the creative juices flowing and helps me keep my pace up when the going gets tough.
Farewell to the Fairground - White Lies
I just stumbled upon this song one day and fell in love with it. Its quick beat urges me forward, no matter what looms ahead of me.
Disaster Button - Snow Patrol
“Hit the button there, the one that just says ‘wrong’, and we’ll lose our minds to all our favorite songs.” I love that line! Snow Patrol is one of my favorite bands and this is one of my favorite songs so of course I had to include it! This song just has so much energy, I can’t help but want to move when its on.
I Love My Sex - Benny Bannassi Presents the Biz
Another amazing beat that makes you want to start moving. It keeps me moving, both mentally and physically, with its high energy tempo.
Volcano - Damien Rice
This song is quite different than my first 6 songs. It’s very chill and calming. Damien’s voice soothes me into work mode. It also edges me into a good cool-down after a strenuous run.
Naked as We Came - Iron & Wine
I cannot say enough good things about Iron & Wine. Sam Beam has a beautiful voice and softly sings to me throughout my daily activities.
World Spins Madly On - The Weepies
This song seems a little sad; however, I like to listen to it when the going gets touch. It has a good message - the world goes on. It’s perfect to listen to when I get stuck and don’t think that I can go on.
Lift Me Up - Kate Voegele
Even the title is encouraging! This song has a pretty slow tempo, but just listening to the words keeps me motivated. Kate wrote it for the 2008 Olympics. It’s great for both running and writing.
Thistle & Weeds - Mumford & Sons
I can think of a special reason why I like to listen to this song as I run or write. It’s just an amazing song. Mumford & Sons have great raspy vocals that are unlike other bands of this era.
Satellite - Dave Matthews Band
This song got me through reading Hamlet. If it can get me through that, I’m of the opinion that it can get me through anything.
9 Crimes (Demo) - Damien Rice
Another Damien Rice song… He’s a great Irish singer/songwriter with a unique style. This one is still pretty mellow, but it has more energy than other versions of 9 Crimes that I’ve heard.
I Want to Break Free - Queen
Any mix that is at all related to sports, that I make, has to include Queen. They’re an amazing band with many great ‘pump-up’ songs! I chose one that is not so common and cliched.
Tamacun - Rodrigo y Gabriela
This Latin American couple creates amazing, high-energy, instrumental songs. I always listen to this song when I’m looking for a pick-me-up.
What Part of Forever - Cee Lo Green
I love the whistling in the beginning of this song. That’s pretty much why I picked it. That, and the first word is “run”. :)
Evening on the Ground (Lilith’s Song) - Iron & Wine
This is a feisty song from my favorite band. It still maintains the traditional Iron & Wine sound with a little bit of an edge to it.
How You Survived the War - The Weepies
This song reminds me of reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It is a great book and this song brings back memories of a summer spent reading. I picked it simply for the memories it conjures up.

Words on the Pavement (part 1)

standstillwithme — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:06:00 -0500

I quietly lace up my shoes, pop in my ear buds, and head out the door. I need time to think things over. “I’m not a writer! I mean, when do I have time to be a person, let alone a writer?!” I want to shout, but for now, I’ll let my shoes do the talking. They beat my angry thoughts into the pavement mercilessly. I’m in dire need of some inspiration. At this point, anything will do. Quickly, though, I lose myself in the smooth, even rhythm of my running. One foot in front of another – it’s just as easy as that. By the time I return home, I have found what I was looking for. Running has once again given me the release I was searching for. Also, somewhere in those 6 miles I found my inspiration as well.

PR Heaven

standstillwithme — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:42:46 -0500

Visualize:

A crowd of people
A line in the grass
A nervous thought
A quick prayer
A hand raised
A voice above the rest
A gunshot

Then:

Heart-thudding
Mind-numbing
Feet pounding
Earth quaking
Running

Down a hill
Up a hill
Over the grass
Under the tree
Running

Breath-taking
Sweat dripping
Fierce competing
Soul spilling
Running

A bond made
Father-daughter
A tradition kept
Dust biting
Running

Passing pleasure
Sprinting finish
Falling down
Record breaking
Running

Treadmills Just Don't Cut It

standstillwithme — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:33:42 -0500

So now that it is actually starting to feel like November outside, I find myself at the gym more often. Now, the gym is great, don’t get me wrong, but treadmills just don’t cut it. I get bored quickly and I tire our faster (probably from the boredom). I just don’t feel like a good runner when I’m at the gym. There is really nothing that compares to dashing down a trail in fall with your feet crushing crispy leaves. It’s just sublime! I don’t feel the same when I’m pounding out 5 miles on the “dreadmill” (thanks, Michael Scott).

But even as I sit here, with my coffee and computer, I’m making plans to go to the gym today. Such is life.

The Evolution of the Runner

standstillwithme — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:38:00 -0500

I remember my first race: I was in 6th or 7th grade and we needed someone to run the ‘long distance’ race…600m at the MLHS invitational track me. I volunteered, knowing that my dad was a runner in high school. “Why not give it a try?” I thought. My next thought was that I hoped that my dad (heretofore referred to as Papa) would make it in time to see me race. Unfortunately, he was not there when the gun went off and if you know anything about track-running, 600m is only 1.5 laps around a traditional track. Bummed that he didn’t make it, I started that fateful run. Rounding the last curve, I saw my dad running across the field cheering for me. WOW! I was so elated that he made it that I just kicked it in for the very end. I came in 6th, which wasn’t bad for a first-time runner.

After that, I was hooked.

However, I derailed my passions for running to pursue a basketball career in high school. I mean, who was I kidding: a 5 foot-2, 100 lb freshman - I was destined to be a basketball player. I continued to play basketball in the fall and run track in the spring for my Freshman & Sophomore years. However, by the end of my second track season, I knew that I had to make the change and run cross-country: I wouldn’t be a starter on the basketball team next year but I could be number 1 (maybe number 2) runner for Girl’s Cross Country.

That was one of the best decisions of my life. I maintained the first or second position on the team and was able to compete in the Regional competition. The top 15 individuals and top 3 teams get to go to the State competition at the Michigan International Speedway. I placed 17th overall. Not bad, I told myself, but I knew that I wouldn’t let 17 cut it next season.

Next season rolled around and we set personal goals. Mine was to make it to the State competition: no more 17. I put my heart in it…completely. I pushed myself harder than ever. Each race, my heart and effort paid off. I was improving all the time. As I stood at the starting line of the Regional race, I was consumed with nerves. This was the do-or-die moment. I gave it all that I had. 11! I made it! I was going to the State race. I couldn’t have been more excited, or so I thought. Some time later, Coach Haga (who had become a second father to me) informed me that I had broken the school record. 20:06. I was the new record holder! I couldn’t believe it!

The State meet was HUGE and I was a little overwhelmed. It was a great experience, and though I didn’t run my best time ever, I had a great time and was glad that I was there. Looking back now, I can say that I didn’t give it my all in the race. I had already met and surpassed my goal for the season. It stings a little to say that, and if I could go back, I would tell my younger self to snap out of it, and run like I knew I could. That’s not to say my time was horrible at all, but it could have been better.

After high school, I ran the occasional road race, but I had lost my drive. I no longer had the bond of a team and running just didn’t seem that run. Sure, I still ran every once in a while (probably once a blue moon) but it just wasn’t a major part of my life anymore. I had a whole host of unhealthy things in my life, including a good-for-nothing boyfriend, but ultimately, the blame lies with me for not continuing to run like I knew that I could.

However, since then, I have lost the extra baggage and have started running again. Thanks to Kelly E and Becky S, I ran my first half marathon in Detroit on October 16 (happy birthday, Mom)! It was one of the best experiences of my life. 1:55:58. Less than 2 hours. I was pumped! Not to mention the fact that my parents and Travis were there for me. I realize now that running is a huge part of my life: its healthy and healing. I will not give it up again.

There, now you know where I come from as a runner. This space is pretty much my running paradise. (Well not really, because it’s a cyber space and I can’t actually run here.) I will be recording my running conquers and such. I will be searching my runner’s soul and all that fun stuff. So, if you like running and you want to follow me on my endless journey…read on!