Saturday, January 24, 2015

January 24th, 2015 Perhaps I Did Score Well

January 24th, 2015 Perhaps I Did Score Well

My time management skills were tested today. I did not score well! But I made the best of it, modified my plan and feel good about the outcome. On second thought, perhaps I did score well.

I had an early morning airport trip, driving a friend and colleague with a pickup time before 7am. I didn't get in bed and asleep until nearly 1:30am. Getting up a little after 5am, 20 minutes ahead of my alarm, wasn't enough sleep. I couldn't go back to bed upon my return because I had a location broadcast at noon. My plan was to come directly home after the broadcast, eat something, then take a relatively short nap, getting up in time to make the YMCA by 5:15pm. This would give me enough time for a good cardio workout on the elliptical before they closed at 6pm.

I overslept my alarm. It was 6:50pm before I opened my eyes. My alarm had blared for an hour before it automatically shut itself off. I was obviously in need of rest.

This is where I had to shift plans quickly. I had a play to attend at 8pm, dinner and a workout still ahead of me.

I called a restaurant to see what time they closed--and it was too early. They would be closed by the time the play concluded. I decided to order the grilled chicken and zucchini for pick-up on my way to the Ponca Playhouse. I would leave it in the car and reheat when I arrived home later. The workout?

I decided on a 5K at the park, late. This would be one of those workouts where I care more about the mental benefits of getting it done, than the physical benefits.

The play was Marc Camoletti's "Don't Dress For Dinner," directed by my friend Chris Williams. It was the play I wrote about wanting to audition for a couple of months ago, but decided against that notion. It was fun, hilarious really--and it would have been a blast to be in the cast, but I couldn't commit the time it takes to prepare. Besides, Chris had a wonderful pool of talent and each of them made the production great.

I came home from the play, prepared my grilled chicken salad--yes, I said the "S word," finished eating and then prepared for my late night 5K at the trail.

I don't like going out there this late, but I needed it. It was 52 degrees, so that wasn't bad at all. I arrived and had the entire park to myself. The police on patrol scared the living daylights out of me with their side-car spotlight (don't get me wrong, I appreciate their watchful eye and protection). Other than that, the only other thing making it a challenge was the threat of rain.

As soon as I started, it started sprinkling. I was preparing myself for a downpour, but it never came. Just sprinkles. As I started lap 3 of 4, I noticed a couple of cars pulling into the park. I get weird when I'm at the trail this late. Everyone is suspect and my imagination is very creative with reasons why they're visiting the park this late. It was obvious they were not there to workout. Maybe make out, but not workout.

It was a little after midnight when I decided I didn't like the uneasiness I felt out there. And really, it was likely just fine--but again, imagination gets the best of me. I decided to end the 5K early at 2.7 miles. When I do a 5K there, it's actually 3.4 miles, not 3.1...four laps is 3.4, so 2.7 miles was close enough for me. And ultimately, it served its purpose of mentally satisfying my need to do something to salvage a strange/messed up schedule.

It would have been very easy to chalk this day up as a loss and do better tomorrow. But after my recharging nap, I really didn't have a good reason why I couldn't get done what I wanted. I'll sleep in tomorrow morning.

My Tweets Today:






























Thank you for reading and your continued support,
Strength,
Sean
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10 comments:

  1. NatalieJanuary 25, 2015 at 3:27 AM

    You are wise to be cautious when alone late at night. (Alert but not alarmed was an Australian government slogan.) people get in trouble when not listening to their feelings, and also by being worried they will offend someone with their suspicion. I think you did great.

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    1. Sean AndersonJanuary 25, 2015 at 11:13 PM

      Thank you, Natalie! You're absolutely right. Love that slogan, too!

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  2. PJ GeekJanuary 25, 2015 at 7:11 AM

    There is a park near my home where I like to walk close to sunset in order to see the deer. The main walking trail is paved around a lake. But there is a trail off to the side that goes through an orchard and then skirts the edge of a large meadow which is where the deer are. I've been there early morning (7 ish) and at sunset and I am sometimes the only person there. It gives me the willies but I also kind of like it. I think making sure I have my phone would make me feel safer but I don't always remember. I've talked to the police that park there in the evening and they say it's safe...but still. I feel pretty safe walking in my neighborhood at night and I love looking at the stars overhead.

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    1. Sean AndersonJanuary 25, 2015 at 11:17 PM

      Sounds beautiful, PJ! On a peaceful, mild night--I love being out under the stars. I feel safe in my immediate area, too--but for some reason--even though I see runners in the morning along the sidewalk--I still think, walk=go to trail. I could totally and very simply, walk out my front door and hit the sidewalk for a good long while. Thank you for the reminder! Phone handy--always a good idea!!

      Delete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2015 at 10:03 AM

    Sleep is the foundation of our health. All the things you accomplished while feeling tired! You should be patting yourself on the back for sure! You have built a great foundation. Perfection is what kills all of us. It is just a chance for that little negative voice to rear up its ugly head. The gentle, real, loving voice knows how hard you worked. Take care. You always ispire.

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    1. Sean AndersonJanuary 25, 2015 at 11:18 PM

      I agree, 100%, A! I sincerely appreciate your words here, thank you very much.

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  4. BoJanuary 25, 2015 at 11:23 AM

    Just stopping by to say that I appreciate your posts. I live close to a park, but often there are unsavory characters/situations there. I've taken the risk to walk once it's gotten dark, but I try not to make it a habit. Thankfully soon enough we'll have more daylight to use!!

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    1. Sean AndersonJanuary 25, 2015 at 11:20 PM

      Bo, thank you! Yes-- more daylight will be here before we know it!

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  5. ajwhet10January 25, 2015 at 12:27 PM

    Pepper spray is good. Daylight is better. :)

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    1. Sean AndersonJanuary 25, 2015 at 11:21 PM

      LOL, Amy-- you're so correct. Pepper Spray + Daylight= Double good! :)

      Delete

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