Tuesday, September 22, 2009

college musings

My brain feels like mush.

Today I had my first statistics exam (so much easier than I thought it would be) and my first exercise physiology exam (so much harder than I thought it would be). Ex Phys was one of those exams that really made you think, instead of just spewing memorized facts back out in the form of multiple choice answers. While I love easy tests (what student doesn't), I appreciate being forced to apply what I've learned and think out of the memorization box.

I've decided that there needs to be a "fast lane" installed on campus. That, or I'm just an incredibly obnoxious walker. Two or more times a day I have to cross campus. Apparently there is just something about being outside in a big open area that makes my legs think "oh hey, let's run!" But I can't. Believe me, I've thought about it. And I doubt that I'd stand out any more than the guys who go flying by on their skateboards and razor scooters. But I'm just afraid I might knock myself out with the bouncing backpack full of books. Unfortunately, I don't believe my statistics book will fit in my spi-belt.


And so I don't know if it's the crazy leg's urge to run, or just my nature, but I walk...FAST. I weave in and out, off the sidewalk, onto the grass, into the opposite "lane" on the bridge. I can't help myself. I'm not in a rush, I think my "slow" speed is broken.

But the problem that seems to be plaguing me at the moment hits once I sit down from speed walking to class. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I start my day at 5:00 am. Go to boot camp and get in a kick butt workout. Leave on that endorphin filled cloud 9 high. Go home, shower, change, and leave for school, all while feeling on top of the world. Get to school, plow some people down on my attempt to set the land record for crossing campus. Sit down, ready to learn aannnd: there go my eyes. It's all I can do to keep them open. I just want to SLEEP!


The irony here is that I am actually sleeping more now that I have since baby # 2 joined in the adventure. We are getting a good 7+ hours a night with only one 15 minute interruption (the chunk-a-munk still needs a 2 am feeding). So what gives? Stress? My horrific diet? (yeah it hasn't gotten better). Both?

Boot camp Coach's Phil and Beth rec commended a specific daily vitamin that they take, so I'm going to give it a shot. Prograde VGF 25+ for women (I'm guessing Phil takes the men's version...). I don't take a multi vitamin or any supplements as it is, so we will see if this helps. Something leads me to believe I'm not getting my daily dose of nutrients with mountain dew (I'm really working on quitting again, no really...for real this time!) Anyway, I'm hoping it can give me that little boost I need to get through the day, and not have that horrible "I need caffeine now" crash i have daily around 2:00 pm.

And maybe it will take a few seconds off my parking-lot-to-stats-class cross campus PR :)

I'd love to hear about any supplements any of you take, and if you feel they have really made a difference in your life!

Also, don't forget to enter the Run U Mother contest! All of the comments have been amazing and inspiring thus far, I really enjoy reading them!
Happy Running, Friends!

17 comments:

aron said...

are you superwoman or something? a mom, training for a marathon, AND going to school! geeeez you are awesome :)

Marlene said...

This post reminds me of my husband and I. We are SPEED walkers at the mall, constantly dodging people and weaving around. I think it's that race mentality. :p

Molly said...

oh I'm with you on this one. Not only are you a runner, but a student and of course, a Mom! You've got things to do!

Although my youngest is 3, I still take a prenatal vitamin. Plus I do Amazing Grass smoothies every morning, with fruit blended in. Plus coffee. I'll take whatever help I can get!

Lys said...

Wait, ONLY 7 hours? My baby/toddler finally sleeps through the night, and I feel like I still need 9 hours of sleep! What do you eat after your workout before class?

Mama said...

I may have to try that supplement. I'm always tired these days.

We used to walk fast too, but Jones is the biggest dawdler in the world, so those days are over for now.

MCM Mama

Kelly said...

I also use Amazing Grass in my smoothies, and take a daily multi, a calcium supplement, and a vitamin C. Really, though, a healthy diet is so key!!!

Britt said...

Totally hear you on this, as I'm the same way. No suggestions other than my vices: diet coke and coffee ( my equivalent to Mountain Dew. ;)) It's hard to have this type of a schedule AND raise a family! I'm all ears for the other suggestions, too. :)

Jo Lynn said...

I don't take supplements. I'm a firm believer in getting all the nutrients I need through the food I eat. I know, I know, sugar is not necessarily a nutrient but I do eat other foods, on occassion. ;)

Shannon said...

Supplements... I'm taking the Women's One a Day Prenatals - those things have seemed to help. But, when I need an extra pep in my step, I take some B vitamins. :)

Lisa Slow-n-Steady said...

'And maybe it will take a few seconds off my parking-lot-to-stats-class cross campus PR"

too funny!!

Irene said...

A fast lane on campus would be wonderful!

I only take fish oil caps and calcium citrate. I don't know if it's a placebo thing or not, but I've noticed that my knees don't ache so much since I've been taking the fish oil caps. The calcium citrate helps to prevent cramps in my calves. I notice cramping more
(in my calves) when I don't take the calcium citrate.

N.D. said...

Haha, a speed lane - they should do that EVERYWHERE!! Hmm.. it sounds like you are just going going going 24/7 and when you get a chance to sit down you are bonked? I am the same way - as soon as I sit. It's over!

Heather said...

I get tired just reading everything you are doing! :)

I don't take any supplements (except prenatals when preggo or trying to become preggo), so I'm no help there. But I'm guessing my Diet Mtn Dew intake isn't really a very nutrient rich program.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

I really should be more consistent with taking a multi-vitamin. I seem to go in waves. The chips I'm munching on as I speak are not doing anything for my nutritional intake at the moment, of that i'm sure :)

Lauren said...

LOVING your blog! :)

Lauren
http://www.teamgiles.com

L.A. Runner said...

Hi! Fast walker here, too! I love it. I teach 3rd grade and I have my students speed walking to the other end of the building. LOL. Some people need more than 7 hours of sleep. I am also guilty of the afternoon sleepies. Good luck getting the vitamin thing worked out. I talk a regular walmart multi, nothing fancy for me.

Alison B., "Runbuggy" said...

Hi! I know you may not like what I'm going to say, but as a dietitian I'm a firm believer in getting the energy you need from foods vs. supplements. If you're having that mid-day crash, it's highly likely that it's related to your diet. Here's some things that will make you feel groggy: If you're going 4-5 hours or more without eating and then eat suddenly - this messes around with your blood sugar levels, thus making you feel sleepy; eating high sugar, processed foods again will spike your blood sugar, then it will plummet and you feel like crap; caffeine - don't get me wrong, I love Dunkin' Donuts - but if you're taking in a lot throughout the day, that will set you up for crashes as well, and you'll keep needing more. Well, I could go on and on, but there's a just a few key things. Try eating more balanced (mix of complex carbs, lean protein and healthy fats) and eat every 3-4 hours if you're not already. Good luck!