Politics and Your Opinion
I barely made it out the door on time this morning to meet SJT for a run. I ended up running 6 miles. The last mile was torture. I think my legs are not doing well in the cold. Even though it wasn’t that cold this morning (28 degrees) my legs felt stiff even after a rest day.
Check out my blurry, sweat frost.
A few of you asked why I ever stopped running with an ipod in the first place. The truth of the matter is I started running in middle school, which was about 20 years ago (yes I’m old). Ipods did not exist and I can’t imagine my coach would have allowed them at track and cross country practice. So, I guess you can’t stop something you never started. In rare instances of needing extra motivation, I’ll run with music.
Other reasons I don’t regularly run with an ipod are: 1) Safety 2) Pace – the music always throws me off 3) It doesn’t allow me to listen to my own thoughts
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In other news there is quite a bit of talk about the new Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin’s weight. In an interview on Good Morning America, she was asked what she wants to be her top priority or her legacy. She responds with “Wellness and prevention those are very important. Obesity, tobacco those sort of things to make sure that we can do the things that we need to do as a nation to be healthier.”
The following quote is from the ABC online article:
“Critics blasted Benjamin about her weight following her appointment in July, saying a “noticeably overweight” surgeon general, as the public face of America’s health initiatives, sends the wrong message.“
What are your thoughts? Can an over weight person convey the message of health to America in an effective way?
I’m asking because honestly I’m not sure what my thoughts are on this subject. I definitely want to read more about her.
“Other reasons I don’t regularly run with an ipod are: 1) Safety 2) Pace – the music always throws me off 3) It doesn’t allow me to listen to my own thoughts”–OMG I thought I was the only one who doesnt run w/ an ipod. One out of every 50 runs i may take it and within 10 mins i whip the buds outta my ears b/c i cant think, i dont “find” my own thoughts and let my mind wander AND safety. I remember about 15 yrs ago living downtown chicago and the thought of running without ALL of my faculities/senses being totally in tune w/ the n’hood would have scared the crap outta me. So i am always a safety first girl. And frankly, music blocks so much noise out that bad things can happen if you can’t hear. Hate to be gloom and doom, but as a woman, safety first means no ipod for me.
The surg general thing. I’ll let your other readers chime in
I can;t imagine running without music, but at the same time I can see how it would throw off your pace. I tend to exercise to the beat of the music, too.
I can’t imagine running without my iPod, but that’s just me. I know some people just don’t like running with them, or like you, they grew up without them! I didn’t run as a kid, so I’m not in the same boat.
Regarding the surgeon general, I have to say I sort of agree with the above quotes. She doesn’t look REALLY heavy, but she is for sure overweight, and people need to realize that obesity isn’t the only problem, even being 20-30 pounds overweight is unhealthy! MAybe she will agree to use some of her own prevention strategies herself, and she could be an inspiration to millions! I don’t think she should be fired, by any means, but let us know that she is working on losing some weight in a healthy way.
As for my NBC status, I have not been recognized on the streets yet. haha, maybe that’s coming! It would be so weird if someone recognized me. My face may get BRIGHT red!
I try to run with an iPod at a VERY low volume level (for safety). While some people like hearing their own thoughts – I find that I tend to get stressed out because I start thinking about work and crap like that. Its nice to zone out.
As for the surgeon general – I don’t think she should be fired. If anything -she probably is a good representative of the majority of Americans! Isn’t the average size of an American woman a size 14 (or something like that… don’t quote me). If anything, I think she could set a good example by following whatever initiatives/recommendations she makes and inspire everyone.
Hmmmm . . . good question today
and I’m not sure how I feel on the subject either. Not that it directly affects me since I’m Canadian. But a very interesting topic.
It makes me think of my industry. A lot of people don’t think it’s right to put focus on beauty in the sense of being “styled” . . . however, how could I succeed in the beauty industry without coming into work everyday with perfect makeup and a polished hair style. None of my staff or clients would take me seriously.
An issue which may end up being troublesome for her?!?!
I know that is it is not very PC to say this but I kind of agree with the quote She should be an example of health and I don’t think that she is at her current weight. But yet she DOES represent Americans and most Amerians DO look like this so who knows lol
The question about the surgeon general is very interesting and close to my heart. I’m a personal trainer. I am also not a size 6. This may be a turn off for one segment of clients, but it could be a selling point for another segment. I am actively trying to lose some weight, and also live a balanced and healthy lifestyle so I can be an example for my clients. It isn’t a matter of do as I say, not as I do…because I’m living the lifestyle. But I lose weight SLOWLY and so there you have it. If I saw that she was actively trying to improve her own health and inspiring Americans in the process I think that would be great. The average person struggles with being healthy and we all need good examples to strive towards.
Courtney
adventures in tri-ing
I feel like music gets me through a run most of the time, although I am a new runner-don’t LOVE LOVE LOVE it yet
I generally run with an IPod if I’m at the gym (otherwise the treadmill is so borringgg) but if I’m outside, I try to run without. It’s really cool to hear your breathing, be with your thoughts, and get lost in the running!
I feel a little bit torn about the Surg General issue because I really want to say that she should be a role model for everyone regarding good health and healthy practices, but how do we know that’s not true? She might be the model of good health, eating well, exercising, etc. I think I’m biased because I feel like I can relate to her too. I’m about 20 pounds over my “healty weight” for body size, height, etc., but I’m also “healthy” according to my BMI, blood pressure, tests, and exercise abilities. Yes, I could certainly lose that weight and become even more healthy, but I don’t think people would consider me unhealthy, just because of my weight. And like Courtney says above, people can certainly relate to someone who is trying to improve their health vs. someone who they think is “perfect” already. It’s really interesting, to say the least!
I went back to Flywheel yesterday and had a much better experience than the last class we took. The class was packed, the intructor was really tough and gave a way different class. The vibe was strong and I left there feeling like it was worth the $30 (even though I used the free class token). Definitely thinking of buying a package.