Monday, June 30, 2008
Sarah- Monday, June 30th
Another crazy day at the Parents. I 'taught' Sadie's ballet class this morning followed by a day of children at the house. Then to Wal-Mart. Then to dinner with Daddy. Oy. I'm tired! No more days off for a while! I MUST do something. So when we come home, Chris and I tag team bed preparations for the kiddos and I run off to the elliptical. 30 minutes on Performance/Level 4- damn that's tough! I read an article about living green on a budget, whether to vaccinate, and how to include kids in dinner preparation (so they'll eat it). I love the elliptical machine! I got to exercise and read all at the same time. I strapped on the 10 pound weights on my ankles afterward and did some leg strength work. I'll be feeling that tomorrow, for sure.
Sarah- Sunday, June, 29th
Chris is back! If you must know, he's been gone for 9 long days- hence my lack of child respite. I hung in there for a while but the days seemed to get busier and by the time both children actually fell into their beds, I was too exhausted to consider working out. So I've not worked out for 4 days (unless you count Mama cross-training which holds some weight b/c it's kept me in pretty good shape up to now, for sure).
He got home yesterday and I just couldn't tear myself away until this morning at 6:30. Off I went with my gigantic ipod :) I wasn't feeling the intervals this morning and just wanted to run. I ditched the dogs in the backyard, turned on the TV, and kissed my girl on the way out the door. It was so overcast this morning. Not like New England overcast. Texas overcast. Nuclear, bubbly clouds. The threat of electric skies and pounding, flooding rain. I figured it would make me run faster :) I ran the 4 mile loop that I did on that super-hot evening trial run a couple of weeks ago. I did it backwards to erase the memory of that day. It was very humid b/c of the impending rain and 72 degrees (which felt sooo cool!). It was a great run. My legs never 'talked' to me. I never felt like walking. The ipod helps to fill my head between mantra-moments- I didn't even really have many of those today. Generally the mantras come in when I'm sucking wind and today's run just felt like a puzzle piece that belonged in the day.
He got home yesterday and I just couldn't tear myself away until this morning at 6:30. Off I went with my gigantic ipod :) I wasn't feeling the intervals this morning and just wanted to run. I ditched the dogs in the backyard, turned on the TV, and kissed my girl on the way out the door. It was so overcast this morning. Not like New England overcast. Texas overcast. Nuclear, bubbly clouds. The threat of electric skies and pounding, flooding rain. I figured it would make me run faster :) I ran the 4 mile loop that I did on that super-hot evening trial run a couple of weeks ago. I did it backwards to erase the memory of that day. It was very humid b/c of the impending rain and 72 degrees (which felt sooo cool!). It was a great run. My legs never 'talked' to me. I never felt like walking. The ipod helps to fill my head between mantra-moments- I didn't even really have many of those today. Generally the mantras come in when I'm sucking wind and today's run just felt like a puzzle piece that belonged in the day.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Darcy - One long week.
So, it has been a week since I last posted. I decided that I should take a week off from running to let my ankle have some time. I didn't think it would be both running and cross training, but it turned into one of THOSE weeks... I could have really used some running time.
So, I busied myself with preparations mentally. I read everything I could get my internet on. On speed work. On flexibility training. On running marathons. On nutrition and supplements. On the importance of rest days, the long run, and tempo work. I learned about pacing, and how to effectively practice your pace. Though some of it, I felt, was out of my league, I read it anyway. It reinforced the hope that one day to I will be a runner who benefits from this information. One stride at a time.
I was able to keep my spirit and need for running alive by mentally rehearsing. At times, I felt like I was letting a week of valuable time slip by. I had to remind myself of the journey, and not the moment. And I'm glad I was able to make the most of it. It was a valuable challenge - a lesson in patience, listening to your body, and persistence.
Tomorrow will be a the test, in getting motivated to get out of bed early and beat the heat. To lace up again, and continue down The Road to Austin.
Stay tuned...
So, I busied myself with preparations mentally. I read everything I could get my internet on. On speed work. On flexibility training. On running marathons. On nutrition and supplements. On the importance of rest days, the long run, and tempo work. I learned about pacing, and how to effectively practice your pace. Though some of it, I felt, was out of my league, I read it anyway. It reinforced the hope that one day to I will be a runner who benefits from this information. One stride at a time.
I was able to keep my spirit and need for running alive by mentally rehearsing. At times, I felt like I was letting a week of valuable time slip by. I had to remind myself of the journey, and not the moment. And I'm glad I was able to make the most of it. It was a valuable challenge - a lesson in patience, listening to your body, and persistence.
Tomorrow will be a the test, in getting motivated to get out of bed early and beat the heat. To lace up again, and continue down The Road to Austin.
Stay tuned...
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Darcy - Saturday June 21st
Ahhhh, A house of sick kids.
It started a week or so ago. The cough, the runny noses, low grade fevers. All three kids shared the love with each other, and with Daddy.
Thursday - Ethan went down. Took him to the dr and discovered green puss behind his ear drum.
Friady - 5:45 PM, 45 minutes after the dr's office closes, Kayla announces that she too is suffering from some ear pain. The look in her eyes made it apparent to this Mama... she was in a lot of Pain. Packed in all three kids to the afterhours Pedi clinic to discover a bilateral ear infection.
Saturday - I wake up with the kids, Dylan's eye is goopy, and Dale sounds like he swallowed, not one frog, but a whole herd.
I spend the day playing nurse Darcy, on the brink of insanity, and about to lose it at around 6:15. Daddy announces that the kids and him are going to play Movie Theatre in his Man Cave, and that Mama will be off-duty.
Around 8pm, I suit up for my run. I'm excited. And exhausted.
I put on the iPod, lace up, and grab the leash.
I ran the first 1/4 mile okay, but then I realized that I forgot Ginger's collar! Back home we go to get it since the kids of the neighborhood are out in the full force of summer.
During the next half mile, I notice the tendons of my right ankle are tired. Kind of like my shoe is too tight, but its not.
During the second half mile, my left knee starts to throb, and then it hits me... The fall down the stairs last night. I'm devastated, heartbroken, and thoroughly disappointed. Frustrated. Angry.
I stop and walk it home upon my realization. Grab the bag of peas from the fridge and collapse into the couch and burst into tears. how could I have forgotten? I could I have not noticed my grapefruit sized ankle?
What I had hoped for was a great stress relieving run, goodness knows I really needed one that night. I've never wished for that pool we used to have (that got destroyed in the Blizzard of 2005) more than I did on this night, and in the subsequent days of nursing a tender tendon.
RICE. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. I plan to give it at least a week of rest, because I don't want to aggravate the injury. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to train for a marathon with an injury.
Here's hoping for a speedy recovery, and the motivation to cross train!
It started a week or so ago. The cough, the runny noses, low grade fevers. All three kids shared the love with each other, and with Daddy.
Thursday - Ethan went down. Took him to the dr and discovered green puss behind his ear drum.
Friady - 5:45 PM, 45 minutes after the dr's office closes, Kayla announces that she too is suffering from some ear pain. The look in her eyes made it apparent to this Mama... she was in a lot of Pain. Packed in all three kids to the afterhours Pedi clinic to discover a bilateral ear infection.
Saturday - I wake up with the kids, Dylan's eye is goopy, and Dale sounds like he swallowed, not one frog, but a whole herd.
I spend the day playing nurse Darcy, on the brink of insanity, and about to lose it at around 6:15. Daddy announces that the kids and him are going to play Movie Theatre in his Man Cave, and that Mama will be off-duty.
Around 8pm, I suit up for my run. I'm excited. And exhausted.
I put on the iPod, lace up, and grab the leash.
I ran the first 1/4 mile okay, but then I realized that I forgot Ginger's collar! Back home we go to get it since the kids of the neighborhood are out in the full force of summer.
During the next half mile, I notice the tendons of my right ankle are tired. Kind of like my shoe is too tight, but its not.
During the second half mile, my left knee starts to throb, and then it hits me... The fall down the stairs last night. I'm devastated, heartbroken, and thoroughly disappointed. Frustrated. Angry.
I stop and walk it home upon my realization. Grab the bag of peas from the fridge and collapse into the couch and burst into tears. how could I have forgotten? I could I have not noticed my grapefruit sized ankle?
What I had hoped for was a great stress relieving run, goodness knows I really needed one that night. I've never wished for that pool we used to have (that got destroyed in the Blizzard of 2005) more than I did on this night, and in the subsequent days of nursing a tender tendon.
RICE. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. I plan to give it at least a week of rest, because I don't want to aggravate the injury. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to train for a marathon with an injury.
Here's hoping for a speedy recovery, and the motivation to cross train!
Darcy - Friday June 20th
On Friday night, after tubbies for the little men of the house, and a day long battle with the walkway out front that we were building, I was carrying my littlest (moose) down the stairs. At 27.5 lbs, after a day of carrying 22 lb 16" x 16" squares (only to have them not line up right), Dylan is anything but Little. And when he saw Dadda, he lurched. Down the last three stairs I went, without touching any of them.
I landed it. Barely. I spared Dylan. But not my right ankle, not my left knee. I let out a yelp that brought my mom and Man of Few Words to the hallway. Dylan was extracted (landing just the way I was holding him - upright and giggling).
I checked my ankle, tested its range of motion. "I think I'm OK" I got up and gingerly applied pressure. It held.
But, my workout for the day, on the longest "evening" of the year had to be scratched. At 8:18 PM, it was officially summer, and I had planned to celebrate with a killer workout. (as if laying 200 square feet of walkway wasn't enough exercise)
I put my workout on hold, and enjoyed a nice tenderloin fillet with my family for dinner, and forgot about my acrobatic endeavors of the day.
I landed it. Barely. I spared Dylan. But not my right ankle, not my left knee. I let out a yelp that brought my mom and Man of Few Words to the hallway. Dylan was extracted (landing just the way I was holding him - upright and giggling).
I checked my ankle, tested its range of motion. "I think I'm OK" I got up and gingerly applied pressure. It held.
But, my workout for the day, on the longest "evening" of the year had to be scratched. At 8:18 PM, it was officially summer, and I had planned to celebrate with a killer workout. (as if laying 200 square feet of walkway wasn't enough exercise)
I put my workout on hold, and enjoyed a nice tenderloin fillet with my family for dinner, and forgot about my acrobatic endeavors of the day.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sarah- Monday, June 23rd
The day starts out with me thinking of what the imperative things are for me to do today. I MUST: 1) do a drop-off at Fed-Ex and 2) workout. Brilliant! I'll do both. I sneak out to the garage and pump up the tires on the bike and the bike trailer (neither of which have been used in some time). The kids are excited to go for a ride!
The trailer is packed- 2 kids, Duckie, Pegasus, a bottle of Gatorade, a bottle of water, snacks, my camera, ATM card, and driver's license. It's only about a mile to the Fed-Ex place but I like to be prepared. Off we go! It's almost 11 AM and it's getting pretty hot but it's a short ride and I'd love to get my workout out of the way. Not bad! Pulling the kids is not as bad as I expected. TX is much flatter than NH and it's a mild decline all the way to.....The UPS Store?!? I need Fed-Ex! I thought this was one of those (insert expletive) mailbox places. The lady at the place tells me the closest Fed-Ex is not too far and gives me directions. The kids opt for a slightly longer bike ride rather than going home and taking the car. Off we go! I'm a couple miles down the road when I realize where the woman was talking about and that, since I didn't have my helmet on in the store, 'not too far' in a car is much different than 'not too far' on a bike. It's mid-90s and we're stopping at the Fort Worth library because I needed to get a new card anyway and we never get down this way (except by bike, apparently). Add a new library card, a few books and DVDs to the back of the bike trailer and off we go- further in the direction opposite home- in search of Fed- Ex. Found it (much further down the road from the library)! Made the drop. Add 2 bags of Skittles to the list of bike trailer cargo. This crunchy mom knows when to appease the masses with high fructose corn syrup and red #40. Now to get home. We are riding through the city here, Folks. I'm on the sidewalk the whole way b/c the 4 lanes of traffic on the road would be signing my children's death warrant. The kids are giggling and jostling b/c of all of the ups and downs to cross the zillion sidestreets and the wiggles of the windy sidewalks (not to mention my having to take it through the grass a couple of times to avoid blown down fences, garbage, and glass). This is an adventure to say the least. We get back to the vicinity of The UPS Store and I stop at the big intersection waiting for my turn to cross. The kids look wilty. The Gatorade is gone and the water is hot. We stop at Walgreen's and pick up a bottle of water (add that to the trailer for those that are counting). Then up that gradual uphill all the way home. I couldn't wait to GoogleMaps that expedition. All these crazy methods of exercise keep making me think of Rocky IV. I keep thinking Rocky could have laid Apollo Creed out the first time if he'd been a mom on top of all that beef punching and snow running (I know I'm blending the series here but you get my drift).
8 miles!
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The trailer is packed- 2 kids, Duckie, Pegasus, a bottle of Gatorade, a bottle of water, snacks, my camera, ATM card, and driver's license. It's only about a mile to the Fed-Ex place but I like to be prepared. Off we go! It's almost 11 AM and it's getting pretty hot but it's a short ride and I'd love to get my workout out of the way. Not bad! Pulling the kids is not as bad as I expected. TX is much flatter than NH and it's a mild decline all the way to.....The UPS Store?!? I need Fed-Ex! I thought this was one of those (insert expletive) mailbox places. The lady at the place tells me the closest Fed-Ex is not too far and gives me directions. The kids opt for a slightly longer bike ride rather than going home and taking the car. Off we go! I'm a couple miles down the road when I realize where the woman was talking about and that, since I didn't have my helmet on in the store, 'not too far' in a car is much different than 'not too far' on a bike. It's mid-90s and we're stopping at the Fort Worth library because I needed to get a new card anyway and we never get down this way (except by bike, apparently). Add a new library card, a few books and DVDs to the back of the bike trailer and off we go- further in the direction opposite home- in search of Fed- Ex. Found it (much further down the road from the library)! Made the drop. Add 2 bags of Skittles to the list of bike trailer cargo. This crunchy mom knows when to appease the masses with high fructose corn syrup and red #40. Now to get home. We are riding through the city here, Folks. I'm on the sidewalk the whole way b/c the 4 lanes of traffic on the road would be signing my children's death warrant. The kids are giggling and jostling b/c of all of the ups and downs to cross the zillion sidestreets and the wiggles of the windy sidewalks (not to mention my having to take it through the grass a couple of times to avoid blown down fences, garbage, and glass). This is an adventure to say the least. We get back to the vicinity of The UPS Store and I stop at the big intersection waiting for my turn to cross. The kids look wilty. The Gatorade is gone and the water is hot. We stop at Walgreen's and pick up a bottle of water (add that to the trailer for those that are counting). Then up that gradual uphill all the way home. I couldn't wait to GoogleMaps that expedition. All these crazy methods of exercise keep making me think of Rocky IV. I keep thinking Rocky could have laid Apollo Creed out the first time if he'd been a mom on top of all that beef punching and snow running (I know I'm blending the series here but you get my drift).8 miles!
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Sunday, June 22, 2008
Sarah- Sunday, June 22nd
Blogging text is so hard for a photo journalism junky like myself. I was in the pool today trying to figure out how to get pictures of stuff while I'm working out. End result- keep pondering, it's not going to work. I just can't seem to get these kids to wind down at a decent hour! By the time I got in the pool it was 8:30 PM and I was not feeling it. I was all strapped into the aqua jogger belt (the kids call it my 'floatie' :) and couldn't do it. So I did laps instead which I think was physically more demanding and it's a good thing b/c after 10 minutes I had a Sadie spectator sitting on the edge of the pool hollering, "Go Mama! Go!" and shortly thereafter, "How much do you have left?"
Me: "I think like 10 minutes."
Sadie: "Ohhhh. I think that sounds like too long."
Me: "Me too."
Sadie: "I think6 more laps would be good enough."
Me: "Me too."
And that's what I did. Heart rate was up for about 25 minutes. Then I cleaned up the yard, brought the barrels to the curb, read about fairies, and fell asleep cuddling.
Me: "I think like 10 minutes."
Sadie: "Ohhhh. I think that sounds like too long."
Me: "Me too."
Sadie: "I think6 more laps would be good enough."
Me: "Me too."
And that's what I did. Heart rate was up for about 25 minutes. Then I cleaned up the yard, brought the barrels to the curb, read about fairies, and fell asleep cuddling.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Sarah- Saturday, June 21st
"You have just completed my accelerated body sculpting workout and you did a grreat job!" says Mari Winsor.
I would have to agree with her. I have owned this DVD set for a couple of years and always just done the 20 minute workout. I love 20 minute workouts- so noncommittal. Sadie encouraged me not too long ago to try 'the pink one' (only b/c it's pink) and so I did 20 minutes or so of this workout. I bit the bullet tonight and did the whole 51 minutes. Good Lord, that was hard. My abs are gonna be sore tomorrow. I hate that I had to modify some of the exercises b/c they were too hard (I can only do so many exercises isolating one body part at a time- in a row!). Pilates does make me feel stronger and stand taller. I'll have to hit this DVD on a regular basis. I think it will definitely improve my tone.
I would have to agree with her. I have owned this DVD set for a couple of years and always just done the 20 minute workout. I love 20 minute workouts- so noncommittal. Sadie encouraged me not too long ago to try 'the pink one' (only b/c it's pink) and so I did 20 minutes or so of this workout. I bit the bullet tonight and did the whole 51 minutes. Good Lord, that was hard. My abs are gonna be sore tomorrow. I hate that I had to modify some of the exercises b/c they were too hard (I can only do so many exercises isolating one body part at a time- in a row!). Pilates does make me feel stronger and stand taller. I'll have to hit this DVD on a regular basis. I think it will definitely improve my tone.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Sarah- Friday, June 20th
So I am currently on a 9-day stretch without child respite. Workouts will be different and I will not be running. There are other things that I can do, though, and I do love being creative! The only issue is that when the kids finally go to bed, I am more motivated to sit in front of the computer than I am to go workout. It's much easier to take exercise time when I feel like I'm getting a 'break' than when I'm taking my only quiet time to do it.
Tonight I positioned the kids in front of a movie and went to the elliptical machine. I did 30 minutes of the Performance program on level 4. It was hard! I've never done Performance before but it's a tough one. I love that on the elliptical I can also read my magazine (LifeLearning) articles that I can't seem to get more than a few sentences of anywhere else. I wandered around checking e-mail, etc. for a few minutes and decided I wasn't done. Out to the pool (after noting that children are asleep in front of movie) to pool run for 10 minutes and swim laps for 15 minutes. Lulu gets her exercise by walking alongside the pool next to me while I swim.
My body is sore from something. I took yesterday off to give it a rest- that and I was exhausted :). With all this variety of exercise activity it's tough to figure out the culprit. My guess is helping our friends move the other day after the 5 mile run. I have a few muscles that have me questioning slight pulls but nothing that will keep me from doing the elliptical, pool, and pilates for the next 8 days!
Tonight I positioned the kids in front of a movie and went to the elliptical machine. I did 30 minutes of the Performance program on level 4. It was hard! I've never done Performance before but it's a tough one. I love that on the elliptical I can also read my magazine (LifeLearning) articles that I can't seem to get more than a few sentences of anywhere else. I wandered around checking e-mail, etc. for a few minutes and decided I wasn't done. Out to the pool (after noting that children are asleep in front of movie) to pool run for 10 minutes and swim laps for 15 minutes. Lulu gets her exercise by walking alongside the pool next to me while I swim.
My body is sore from something. I took yesterday off to give it a rest- that and I was exhausted :). With all this variety of exercise activity it's tough to figure out the culprit. My guess is helping our friends move the other day after the 5 mile run. I have a few muscles that have me questioning slight pulls but nothing that will keep me from doing the elliptical, pool, and pilates for the next 8 days!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Darcy - Thursday June 19.
iPod is my friend too!
So, Man of few words decided to do a "project". It was a project started by me three years ago, when he left me home alone with a bobcat and a babysitter. Long story.
Anyway, Man of Few Words decides that we should finish it before our 5th of July party. I'm all for it, since its my fault it got that way in the first place. We dug the ditch yesterday. Of course, I've been working out for months, and he has not. Maybe I earned some respect? If nothing, I earned some sore muscles and blistered hand!
Bethany (my most favorite nanny) over slept for the first time ever. She's chronically late by 15 minutes, but any more than that and somethings not right. I was starting to think she bagged me for the Celtics victory parade!
I decided long before I got out of bed that at some point today, I would do at least 4 miles.
I set up my iPod NIke + thing and set on my way. First time with Ginger, a loop around Peter Rd, leave my driveway taking a left and through the cut through. My iPod is pretty accurate to my surprise.
I drop off Ginger, take a drink, reverse direction. My legs where heavy, it was hot, and then it occurred to me that I forgot to eat breakfast. The second mile ends at the mail box. Swig of water, run in and grab and energy chew.
The third time around, reverse direction, and concentrate on form. I felt better in mind and body, and I seemed to have evened off in energy.
The fourth time around, I maintained my direction. Since its a loop, the elevation change is the same in either direction. I zoomed through this mile. Nike + says it was an 8:40! But then I had to rest. It was a long rest. Maybe 5 minutes.
My 5th Mile was in sight. I had gas in the tank. It was hot, but not Texas hot (which is too hot for this Vermonter!). I gathered up my guts, and kicked the iPod up a notch with Linkin Park.
Throughout all 5 miles, I took my walk breaks, but this last mile, I pushed a little harder up the hills, and a little harder down the hills.
I made it home, with a little left over to spread some paving dust. Heavy stuff! My arms are going to be JACKED. We can call it cross training!
5 miles, 53 minutes.
Sarah- Wednesday, June 18th
Chris has the day off today (so no pressure about whether I can cram in a run before he leaves for work) as we are to help a friend move from outside of Ft. Worth back into the suburbs. I set the alarm for 6:30 but, of course, a young lady intercepts me before I can get out the door and requires breakfast and television. Then off I go! I'm back and forth between whether I want to do 4 miles or try for 5. I leash up the dogs (uh oh- they're starting to expect exercise. Guess I can't fall off the wagon now) and start around the loop. The first lap doesn't suck as bad today. I'm a little sore but I can't tell if it's the abs from two days ago or if it's related to the water running.
The ipod is my friend now. Maybe I have less angst to escape and mull now that I'm in my own house with a parenting partner. However, I have the world's oldest ipod- the 'big' one. I think they call it 'classic' which is really just a nice way of saying 'old' or 'obsolete.' I can't find an arm band for the thing and I think pretty soon it's going to go haywire from being held in my sweaty hand while I run (or I might- neither is good). And, to make the ipod rant longer, I can't keep the damn earbuds in my ears. Am I deformed? I spend half the run jamming them in my ear canals so hard that I can't hear the music anyway. And yet, it still seems worth it to bring it with me.
After the first lap, I decide that I don't trust my counting skills and that it might be motivational to have another, more decisive way to tell how many laps I've done. I get out the sidewalk chalk- a giant pink piece- and make a vertical slash at the end of the driveway next to my water bottle. I drop off the dogs in the backyard and stretch a little. I always thought it was masochistic to do long warm-ups (and by long I mean warming up at all). Why run more? At this point, I realize that it's futile and possibly asking for injury if I try to stretch before I run a bit. I don't stretch, I just pull. After the first mile, I'm pretty good and the stretching feels like it's occurring. Around I go- a pink chalk slash for each lap. After the 4th, I go in the house to pee. Chris is sleeping. The kids are making works of art. I'm off again for a final lap and I decide to time it. This should have occurred to me on the 3rd lap which really felt pretty good, not on the 5th, but whatever. And guess what it came out, Darcy? (9:30) Wow. 5 miles- go me!
The ipod is my friend now. Maybe I have less angst to escape and mull now that I'm in my own house with a parenting partner. However, I have the world's oldest ipod- the 'big' one. I think they call it 'classic' which is really just a nice way of saying 'old' or 'obsolete.' I can't find an arm band for the thing and I think pretty soon it's going to go haywire from being held in my sweaty hand while I run (or I might- neither is good). And, to make the ipod rant longer, I can't keep the damn earbuds in my ears. Am I deformed? I spend half the run jamming them in my ear canals so hard that I can't hear the music anyway. And yet, it still seems worth it to bring it with me.
After the first lap, I decide that I don't trust my counting skills and that it might be motivational to have another, more decisive way to tell how many laps I've done. I get out the sidewalk chalk- a giant pink piece- and make a vertical slash at the end of the driveway next to my water bottle. I drop off the dogs in the backyard and stretch a little. I always thought it was masochistic to do long warm-ups (and by long I mean warming up at all). Why run more? At this point, I realize that it's futile and possibly asking for injury if I try to stretch before I run a bit. I don't stretch, I just pull. After the first mile, I'm pretty good and the stretching feels like it's occurring. Around I go- a pink chalk slash for each lap. After the 4th, I go in the house to pee. Chris is sleeping. The kids are making works of art. I'm off again for a final lap and I decide to time it. This should have occurred to me on the 3rd lap which really felt pretty good, not on the 5th, but whatever. And guess what it came out, Darcy? (9:30) Wow. 5 miles- go me!
Sarah- Tuesday, June 17th
So, as you can see, I'm a cluster blogger. Especially since we've been back from California, things have been a little hectic. So here I am!
Getting up early is hard! I don't want to burn out on this whole regular exercise thing and having to get up at 6:30 every morning would get old really quick. I got online during the day on Tuesday and starting looking up pool running. I have a pool- it's 87 degrees- and I can swim pretty much anytime. After some seeking, it turns out that your feet aren't supposed to touch the bottom of the pool for pool 'running.' Hmf. My pool is 5 feet deep in the deep end. So I start looking at the aqua belts. $50?!?! Oy. On a whim, I decide to check out the local sports store on one of our regular pilgrimages to the Super Target. Voila! They have one made by Speedo for $25. No lines, no waiting, no shipping- sold!
When Chris got home, he set me up with a playlist on the ipod so there won't be anymore Mystical Call of the Loon or other such tracks (I really do have such tracks) sneaking into my workouts. I did an hour of pool running with my belt and my feet occasionally grazing the bottom of the pool. One definitely has to focus on form. I could feel it in my hamstrings and butt but it was never painful or intolerable. It definitely makes a difference when there's no impact. I actually wondered if I was getting a good workout- until I got out of the pool and felt a little like jell-o. Another awesome workout- 1 hour!
Getting up early is hard! I don't want to burn out on this whole regular exercise thing and having to get up at 6:30 every morning would get old really quick. I got online during the day on Tuesday and starting looking up pool running. I have a pool- it's 87 degrees- and I can swim pretty much anytime. After some seeking, it turns out that your feet aren't supposed to touch the bottom of the pool for pool 'running.' Hmf. My pool is 5 feet deep in the deep end. So I start looking at the aqua belts. $50?!?! Oy. On a whim, I decide to check out the local sports store on one of our regular pilgrimages to the Super Target. Voila! They have one made by Speedo for $25. No lines, no waiting, no shipping- sold!
When Chris got home, he set me up with a playlist on the ipod so there won't be anymore Mystical Call of the Loon or other such tracks (I really do have such tracks) sneaking into my workouts. I did an hour of pool running with my belt and my feet occasionally grazing the bottom of the pool. One definitely has to focus on form. I could feel it in my hamstrings and butt but it was never painful or intolerable. It definitely makes a difference when there's no impact. I actually wondered if I was getting a good workout- until I got out of the pool and felt a little like jell-o. Another awesome workout- 1 hour!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Sarah- Monday, June 16th
I was not down with getting up and running early again today and I love mixing up the training! It makes it so much easier and fun to stick to regular exercise. I have a fantastic elliptical machine that I just love (and I'd better b/c we moved it all the way from New Hampshire). I've never done more than 20 minutes on it at a time- a) b/c I don't usually have more than 20 minutes before a child needs me and b) it's hard! Today I set it for aerobic workout, 30 minutes (there aren't programs that are longer than that), on level 4, and whipped out my Life Learning Magazine. It was great until about minute 17 at which point I started checking the time periodically. I did the 30 minutes, stretched a bit, and then was inspired by Chris (who had been inspired by me and was lifting) to use the the free weights and bench that have been used minimally since their purchase. I did some arms and back then went to the kitchen to make dinner!
Hmm- 9:30 huh Darcy? I really don't want to know what I'm running a mile in right now. I put some ridiculously high number on my Austin registration b/c I had no idea and was wondering- do they want an average over 26.2 miles or my time for one? I went with the former so there was no pressure. Plus, they only use it for pack placement and passing people would be awesome! You can thank me later, Darcy :)
Hmm- 9:30 huh Darcy? I really don't want to know what I'm running a mile in right now. I put some ridiculously high number on my Austin registration b/c I had no idea and was wondering- do they want an average over 26.2 miles or my time for one? I went with the former so there was no pressure. Plus, they only use it for pack placement and passing people would be awesome! You can thank me later, Darcy :)
Sarah- Sunday, June 15th
I set the alarm for 6:30 but Sadie woke me up slightly before for an early morning snuggle. When I got up, so did she and was cerealed, juiced, and TV'd before I escaped out the door at 6:45. I snagged the dogs from the backyard and placed my water bottle strategically at the end of the driveways. I decided to try this interval thing. I have an exactly one-mile loop around the neighborhood that the kids usually ride on their bikes. Off we go! The first 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile always sucks but now that I know that, I can push through it. After that, I can pretty much plod without too much resistance from the quads. I dropped the girls back off at the house after the first mile, stretched a bit, sipped some water, and reversed my direction around the loop. The last three steps were repeated with each mile. I cannot stretch cold and one of the things that running does for me is that I get warm enough that I can work out some of the chronic stiffness in my muscles by stretching during/after. The temp was good that time of the morning and I got a good workout in- all by 7:45 AM. Pretty cool the rest of the day knowing that I've already run 4 miles. Very satisfying.
Darcy - Monday June 16th
WELCOME HOME! I've missed you Sarah! and I want to come play in your pool... I have three little fishes who would LOVE to splash with your little fishes! I saw you had posted as I was walking out the door to my workout, but I didn't have a chance to read... wondering what you had to say gave me something to ponder!
I think I have to agree - it takes a lot of will power to continue on a run when doing the 1 mile loop. And plenty of Arbonne Energy Chews!
Since I'm still in weight loss mode with 30 more pounds to go to "ideal", I have to count my calories even in energy replacement! I have hit a weight loss plateau, and I think its my replacement smoothies that i get at the gym when I burn more than 800 calories.
For Vermont City (May), I logged several long workouts on a treadmill in the Athletic Club that I went to at the time during our lovely New England winter weathers. I'm not one for logging miles in sleet, snow, sub freezing temperatures, and slush that makes your toes soaked and frozen. The longest one on the treadmill was 18 miles. It takes mental toughness, a good soundtrack, and some bad daytime shows to actually make it that long! One of the keys to a treadmill workout like that is the ability to hop off, refill water, use the potty, and hop back on. I'm pretty sure that come January, I'll be back on the 'mill instead of out on my loop.
Today's workout was a gym cross training workout. I brought my running shoes (yes, I have separate pairs, which Dale thinks makes me a shoe snob) so I could calibrate my iPod.
I did 45 minutes on the elliptical, working my upper and lower body in an all out cardio workout. 550 cals down, and a calibration to go.
You need a known distance to calibrate your iPod Nike thing. So, I decided to do a mile. I had now idea what my pace was going to be, but knew I needed to settle on a comfortable pace, so I chose 11:30. Too slow. Cranked it up a notch, 10:30. Too slow. In running on the road, I hadn't realize what my pace actually was! I settled for a 9:30 pace since I could still talk to my mom on the 'mill next to me and it felt good, even if it felt too slow. Its amazing that the iPod got it right! I don't have my brain all the way around the technology, but its pretty cool!
So, My workout for today is over. Tomorrow is another day!
Welcome home Sarah!
I think I have to agree - it takes a lot of will power to continue on a run when doing the 1 mile loop. And plenty of Arbonne Energy Chews!
Since I'm still in weight loss mode with 30 more pounds to go to "ideal", I have to count my calories even in energy replacement! I have hit a weight loss plateau, and I think its my replacement smoothies that i get at the gym when I burn more than 800 calories.
For Vermont City (May), I logged several long workouts on a treadmill in the Athletic Club that I went to at the time during our lovely New England winter weathers. I'm not one for logging miles in sleet, snow, sub freezing temperatures, and slush that makes your toes soaked and frozen. The longest one on the treadmill was 18 miles. It takes mental toughness, a good soundtrack, and some bad daytime shows to actually make it that long! One of the keys to a treadmill workout like that is the ability to hop off, refill water, use the potty, and hop back on. I'm pretty sure that come January, I'll be back on the 'mill instead of out on my loop.
Today's workout was a gym cross training workout. I brought my running shoes (yes, I have separate pairs, which Dale thinks makes me a shoe snob) so I could calibrate my iPod.
I did 45 minutes on the elliptical, working my upper and lower body in an all out cardio workout. 550 cals down, and a calibration to go.
You need a known distance to calibrate your iPod Nike thing. So, I decided to do a mile. I had now idea what my pace was going to be, but knew I needed to settle on a comfortable pace, so I chose 11:30. Too slow. Cranked it up a notch, 10:30. Too slow. In running on the road, I hadn't realize what my pace actually was! I settled for a 9:30 pace since I could still talk to my mom on the 'mill next to me and it felt good, even if it felt too slow. Its amazing that the iPod got it right! I don't have my brain all the way around the technology, but its pretty cool!
So, My workout for today is over. Tomorrow is another day!
Welcome home Sarah!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Sarah, Saturday, June 14th
My body felt beat up after last night. I bought a bunch of Gatorade today and did a Pilates workout tape. I love Pilates because I can get my ass kicked while never having to leave the floor. I can make my muscles burn and stretch while mentally feeling both strong and relaxed at the same time. I just put out my clothes and put my ipod on the charger for the morning (maybe tough music will bring on toughness prematurely). Hubby bought me ipod headphones today and suggests 6:30 AM for good temps. Really? Is that funny?
Contemplating doing intervals around my 1-mile neighborhood loop like Darcy's doing. Wondering if I can make myself go around again once I'm in front of my house. I could take the dogs on the first one and then I'd be killing the dog walking bird with the same stone as the Mama-exercising bird.... I also like the idea of water breaks. Part of the excitement, though, seems to be running away from the house. Oooh- that seems like a bad thing to say. It's very liberating, though, to run away from the house. I sometimes have thoughts of running away until I can't run anymore and then calling hubby to pick me up. I wonder how far I could go if it wasn't a loop.
I'm all over the map with my workouts- don't plan how far I'm going, half the time don't know where I'm going even when I'm running, don't plan from one day to the next when I'm going or even if I'm going to throw in something else. I'm loving the spontaneity of it which is making this much more fun than obligatory.
Contemplating doing intervals around my 1-mile neighborhood loop like Darcy's doing. Wondering if I can make myself go around again once I'm in front of my house. I could take the dogs on the first one and then I'd be killing the dog walking bird with the same stone as the Mama-exercising bird.... I also like the idea of water breaks. Part of the excitement, though, seems to be running away from the house. Oooh- that seems like a bad thing to say. It's very liberating, though, to run away from the house. I sometimes have thoughts of running away until I can't run anymore and then calling hubby to pick me up. I wonder how far I could go if it wasn't a loop.
I'm all over the map with my workouts- don't plan how far I'm going, half the time don't know where I'm going even when I'm running, don't plan from one day to the next when I'm going or even if I'm going to throw in something else. I'm loving the spontaneity of it which is making this much more fun than obligatory.
Sarah- Friday, June 13th
I laced up again today and decided to hit the pavement (without dogs, thank you!) at about 5:30 this evening while the potatoes au gratin were cooking in the oven. I love the Texas heat and didn't think it would be so bad. We don't have an outdoor thermometer and I've only been back in Texas one day so I've not really acclimated to when it starts to cool down. I made it a little over a mile before I had to take a walk break- longer than usual. Talked myself into running- briefly. Walk break. I did that about 4 times watching the evening traffic creep by with windows up and a/c cranked. Then I ran the rest of the way home. By the time I got to the driveway I was close to throwing up. I felt dizzy and a little disoriented. I'm aware that I don't drink enough water regularly but I don't think it really would've mattered. It was 95 degrees and that was stupid. Guess I'm going to have to get my butt out of bed and screw my head on straight to run in the morning. I don't feel tough in the morning....
4 miles
4 miles
Sarah- Thursday, June 12th
Here I am back in Texas! The best laid plans of running last night after flying in from CA with the kids (one of whom peed in my shoe while napping on me) went awry after a few margaritas by the pool with my reclaimed hubby and happy, splashing children. So there I was left with a morning opportunity because Chris took Thursday off to be with us and catch up. Missing my doggies and knowing that they got no exercise while I was gone, I leashed them up and off we went. They were jazzed and so was I- beautiful morning. Lulu started dragging at about mile 1.5 (I'm getting pretty good at gaging distance in my head) and it was tough going from then on. She's a big girl and when she lacks exuberance there's not much one can do about it. So, all in all, I'm going to guess I got a shade over 2 miles but it was pleasant and I'm home! It's going to take a little time to figure out scheduling with the heat, childcare coverage, etc.
Darcy - Saturday June 14th
It was brilliantly sunny and warm today. It was a lazy Saturday morning, that started far too early. Have I mentioned that before? I feel like a broken record. After playing waitress, and short order cook, doing the dishes, and getting the kids cleaned up, I went upstairs and suited up for my workout today.
Man of few words was less than thrilled that I was ditching him and the kids to go off by myself. I had a full day planned with them - shopping for a birthday gift for a party, shopping for the perfect father's day gift, a 2.5 hour birthday party in the land of over-stimulation. I needed the time to myself. I needed to catch a breather, and revitalize...
I planned on just doing 2.
Ginger only lasted 1. It was warm. We were tired from a late night last night, and too much wine.
Doing my normal Peter Rd Intervals, I plodded along. Looking forward to my rest breaks, but digging down deep as I came upon each one, I sweat through my workout. Today was an iPod day because I needed all the motivation I could get. Day 6 of my workouts, I'm proud of my motivation, but it still made today's workout a little more difficult on the heals of my cross-training 900 calorie burn from yesterday.
At the 2 mile mark, I hit a pit stop at the house. Refreshed with a drink break, and a potty stop, I went on to "do one more". One more turned into 2 more which in turn emptied the tank!
At least I laced up the kix and made it! I'm looking forward to my day off from exercise, but am very pumped about how well I did this week!
Monday I plan to calibrate my iPod runnign thingee on the treadmill, along with my cross-training workout at the gym. (is this iPod thingee called a +, or a nike+ or an iPod + I have no idea!)
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! Hoping for cold beers, hot coals on the BBQ, and a day full of sunshine and love.
Man of few words was less than thrilled that I was ditching him and the kids to go off by myself. I had a full day planned with them - shopping for a birthday gift for a party, shopping for the perfect father's day gift, a 2.5 hour birthday party in the land of over-stimulation. I needed the time to myself. I needed to catch a breather, and revitalize...
I planned on just doing 2.
Ginger only lasted 1. It was warm. We were tired from a late night last night, and too much wine.
Doing my normal Peter Rd Intervals, I plodded along. Looking forward to my rest breaks, but digging down deep as I came upon each one, I sweat through my workout. Today was an iPod day because I needed all the motivation I could get. Day 6 of my workouts, I'm proud of my motivation, but it still made today's workout a little more difficult on the heals of my cross-training 900 calorie burn from yesterday.
At the 2 mile mark, I hit a pit stop at the house. Refreshed with a drink break, and a potty stop, I went on to "do one more". One more turned into 2 more which in turn emptied the tank!
At least I laced up the kix and made it! I'm looking forward to my day off from exercise, but am very pumped about how well I did this week!
Monday I plan to calibrate my iPod runnign thingee on the treadmill, along with my cross-training workout at the gym. (is this iPod thingee called a +, or a nike+ or an iPod + I have no idea!)
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there! Hoping for cold beers, hot coals on the BBQ, and a day full of sunshine and love.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Darcy - Thursday June 12
Being jarred out of bed by a giggling, squealing 13+ month old was not what I wanted. I was hoping to hop out of bed this morning, and go for a jog! Alas, the munchkin had different ideas. And he was full of it, waking his brother and sister at 6 am.
By 6:30, we were downstairs, making coffee, and juices. No possibility of going for a jog when all three are awake... the double doesn't hold two bigs and a 1 year old who thinks he's three. besides that would have been over 100 lbs of kids that I would be pushing!
Its chaotic mornings like this that I feel like a cross between a short-order cook, and a waitress. As soon as the demands of one are met, there are more needs to be fulfilled. I just wanted to grab my shoes and get out of Dodge!
It was 10 before I gathered my running clothes, found a headband, tracked down my other running shoe. My inhaler had been hobbitized (verb. mischief making by a little person under 3 ft tall, and younger than 10 years of age). I located it in the bottom drawer of the fridge, with my hairbrush and a half eaten banana.
I set out with all good intentions of trying for 5, but my time was limited and it was starting to get warm in the sun. Ginger lasted 2 miles, but I had to do my last two solo.
I felt good, refreshed, relaxed as I ran through my neighborhood. I enjoyed my time to my thoughts, and listening to my body work out its stiffness from a night of sleeping wedged between a 5 and 3.5 year old.
I'm sticking with the loop in my neighborhood for now, since the old 44 is a little two wild and crazy for me to comfortably run on. And it means I don't need to carry my water - just rest it on mailbox for my walk breaks.
Sarah was in my thoughts as I ran. I wonder how the journey home yesterday was, and how she felt walking into her house after a 5 week hiatus. I was thinking about her furbabies, and betting that they were almost as thrilled to see her as Chris was - wiggling and wagging all the way. I wondered if the Texas heat and humidity would get to her, as she put her running shoes back on to continue on our long distance journey.
After 5 days of 90+ degree temperatures and humidity here in Plymouth, MA, I knew that summer training is just not for me! I much prefer a cool 65 and over cast skies! I can't imagine running in the heat of a summer in Texas, but I know Sarah will do it. She can do anything she puts her heart and soul into!
And then I finished my 4th mile. Sweaty, tired, stinky, and satisfied! I could have gone more, but decided to save my legs for tomorrow.
Cheers Sarah!
By 6:30, we were downstairs, making coffee, and juices. No possibility of going for a jog when all three are awake... the double doesn't hold two bigs and a 1 year old who thinks he's three. besides that would have been over 100 lbs of kids that I would be pushing!
Its chaotic mornings like this that I feel like a cross between a short-order cook, and a waitress. As soon as the demands of one are met, there are more needs to be fulfilled. I just wanted to grab my shoes and get out of Dodge!
It was 10 before I gathered my running clothes, found a headband, tracked down my other running shoe. My inhaler had been hobbitized (verb. mischief making by a little person under 3 ft tall, and younger than 10 years of age). I located it in the bottom drawer of the fridge, with my hairbrush and a half eaten banana.
I set out with all good intentions of trying for 5, but my time was limited and it was starting to get warm in the sun. Ginger lasted 2 miles, but I had to do my last two solo.
I felt good, refreshed, relaxed as I ran through my neighborhood. I enjoyed my time to my thoughts, and listening to my body work out its stiffness from a night of sleeping wedged between a 5 and 3.5 year old.
I'm sticking with the loop in my neighborhood for now, since the old 44 is a little two wild and crazy for me to comfortably run on. And it means I don't need to carry my water - just rest it on mailbox for my walk breaks.
Sarah was in my thoughts as I ran. I wonder how the journey home yesterday was, and how she felt walking into her house after a 5 week hiatus. I was thinking about her furbabies, and betting that they were almost as thrilled to see her as Chris was - wiggling and wagging all the way. I wondered if the Texas heat and humidity would get to her, as she put her running shoes back on to continue on our long distance journey.
After 5 days of 90+ degree temperatures and humidity here in Plymouth, MA, I knew that summer training is just not for me! I much prefer a cool 65 and over cast skies! I can't imagine running in the heat of a summer in Texas, but I know Sarah will do it. She can do anything she puts her heart and soul into!
And then I finished my 4th mile. Sweaty, tired, stinky, and satisfied! I could have gone more, but decided to save my legs for tomorrow.
Cheers Sarah!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The TreadClimber
Too hot. Too humid. Too tired!
I went to the gym today with all intentions of doing my typical hard cardio workout, followed by some light stretching and weights... but I got put 90 minutes behind schedule first thing this morning, and it was a downward spiral from there.
At least I got to workout in the a/c with my mom!
The Treadclimber by Nautilus is a great alternative to running on the treadmill. I would equate the workout to a good hike. I get a great calorie burn - better than the 'mill, and it seems to use most of the same muscles as I would running hills.
Of course, there's never a pause in my conversations with my mom while we Treadclimb side by side... bright red faces, and dripping sweat. I don't know how she stands the stinky one next to her!
To bed early with hopes of an early morning jog!
I went to the gym today with all intentions of doing my typical hard cardio workout, followed by some light stretching and weights... but I got put 90 minutes behind schedule first thing this morning, and it was a downward spiral from there.
At least I got to workout in the a/c with my mom!
The Treadclimber by Nautilus is a great alternative to running on the treadmill. I would equate the workout to a good hike. I get a great calorie burn - better than the 'mill, and it seems to use most of the same muscles as I would running hills.
Of course, there's never a pause in my conversations with my mom while we Treadclimb side by side... bright red faces, and dripping sweat. I don't know how she stands the stinky one next to her!
To bed early with hopes of an early morning jog!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Darcy - Tuesday June 10...
HOT. HUMID. Up at 5 am with a crying baby. Sweet.
6:20 brings with it an Ethan-man coming downstairs to find us...
I decide to be proactive. I get the chocolate milks, and the stroller ready and plop the kids in for a nice early morning jog. So glad I went to bed early last night!
Its sweet, damp and you can feel the heat building in already. Not many people out on Peter Rd at this hour! I've lost 35 pounds. This morning, I gained 58! The combined weight of the two little kids in my stroller was enough to put the doubt in my head. I was sweating after 10 steps... Ginger was PSYCHED!
I did 2 miles pushing the kids. I was spent... They were urging me to go faster! YAH RIGHT... stinkers.
I dropped them off and sent Ethan to wake up Daddy because I wanted to continue.
Off I went again. Half mile in, I run into the women that I usually hear doing their morning stroll around the neighborhood while I'm still in the comfort of my bed. One asked if I was new in the neighborhood... um, no I've lived here for 5 years, this is just the first time I've been up at 6:30 and out running! I confessed I usually hear them and that's my alarm clock! They admit, they sound like a gaggle of geese...
Off I set again, and completed another mile an a half (and running into them again), before I gave up... covered in sweat, dripping, and stinking, I make my way inside where my Kayla quips "Mama, I've never seen you so sweaty!"
This is a happy Mama, sweetie! And so happy to be back in my running shoes!
4 miles down, and a long long day ahead!
6:20 brings with it an Ethan-man coming downstairs to find us...
I decide to be proactive. I get the chocolate milks, and the stroller ready and plop the kids in for a nice early morning jog. So glad I went to bed early last night!
Its sweet, damp and you can feel the heat building in already. Not many people out on Peter Rd at this hour! I've lost 35 pounds. This morning, I gained 58! The combined weight of the two little kids in my stroller was enough to put the doubt in my head. I was sweating after 10 steps... Ginger was PSYCHED!
I did 2 miles pushing the kids. I was spent... They were urging me to go faster! YAH RIGHT... stinkers.
I dropped them off and sent Ethan to wake up Daddy because I wanted to continue.
Off I went again. Half mile in, I run into the women that I usually hear doing their morning stroll around the neighborhood while I'm still in the comfort of my bed. One asked if I was new in the neighborhood... um, no I've lived here for 5 years, this is just the first time I've been up at 6:30 and out running! I confessed I usually hear them and that's my alarm clock! They admit, they sound like a gaggle of geese...
Off I set again, and completed another mile an a half (and running into them again), before I gave up... covered in sweat, dripping, and stinking, I make my way inside where my Kayla quips "Mama, I've never seen you so sweaty!"
This is a happy Mama, sweetie! And so happy to be back in my running shoes!
4 miles down, and a long long day ahead!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sarah- Monday, June 9, 2008
So I haven't posted because...um...I haven't run. My 5 year-old has asked me to promise that I will not leave him again (not even for a run) until it can be with his daddy. I am honoring that and will be putting on my shoes on Wednesday evening back in Texas (after 5 weeks!)
Friday, June 6, 2008
P.S.
Just saw the new byline. 'With a smile' Darcy? Really? 'Every mile'?
And that, folks, is why I love Darcy...and am wondering if I will have 26.2 smiles.
And that, folks, is why I love Darcy...and am wondering if I will have 26.2 smiles.
Sarah- Friday, June 6, 2008
I'm sooo tired in the evening! Have I cried enough about that? Apparently, though, that's the best time to run. I have built up angst and anxiety from the day that I can burn and it fuels me. I really thought tonight was going to be a bust. I left the house and headed down the hill still unsure where I'd go. I headed straight out the main road at the bottom of the hill and just kept running...and running...I don't even know where this road goes...and running. An old man at a bus stop bench said, "I wish I had some of that energy!" Me too, I thought, but the recognition for my efforts felt good. And running. Here's where the mantras start. I have those when I run. I repeat things in my head in between all the other random thoughts.
"How far will I run?" (before I walk) became "Can I run now?" The answer to this is almost always "yes." If I think 'right now' it seems I always have a little left. So I decide not to borrow trouble. I remember my high school running days when I would answer that last question with, "I don't want to." Funny the paradox. Now, in my 30's I say, "I can." These are all my thoughts.
And so I run. And the mantras continue.
"I have this time." "I have this moment."
I'm thinking at this point that I'll cut down to the beach road to make my way back. It will be a smidge farther and more interesting. I don't know how to get there. One of these roads off to the right. Like this one. I take it all the way down the hill and see this:
Damn. Really? I don't want to run back up that hill! I stand there for a moment pondering- the beach is right there! I jog down into the condos at the end of the street wondering if there's any way through and see this:
It's a tiny little dirt path through some major overgrowth- I'm totally taking it. I can't run it- too steep, holes all over, uneven, and overgrown. Then I notice there's a rope- to hang on to so I don't go ass over teakettle down the hill!!! I manage to come out into the light and there's the ocean. Amazing. And I run. Along the beach and it's not long before the mantras start again. More "I can run right now." As I continue I need something stronger to keep me going. "I have this moment." "I have this chance." "I deserve this." What? And it felt good to say, "I deserve this." Like it's a reward. Funny that I used to feel like this was penance. The runner's high afterward was always good but the means to that end...well...sucked. I know where I am now. I'm a ways from 'home.' "I can run now." "I'm a mother." That one didn't work- it made me feel tired. "I am Sarah." Wow! That one was awesome! Totally using that again. So I did- all the way home. And proceeded to analyze how cool and strange it was that just saying that sentence could be so empowering. Try it!
Googlemaps says: 4.5 miles!!!!
"How far will I run?" (before I walk) became "Can I run now?" The answer to this is almost always "yes." If I think 'right now' it seems I always have a little left. So I decide not to borrow trouble. I remember my high school running days when I would answer that last question with, "I don't want to." Funny the paradox. Now, in my 30's I say, "I can." These are all my thoughts.
And so I run. And the mantras continue.
"I have this time." "I have this moment."
I'm thinking at this point that I'll cut down to the beach road to make my way back. It will be a smidge farther and more interesting. I don't know how to get there. One of these roads off to the right. Like this one. I take it all the way down the hill and see this:
Damn. Really? I don't want to run back up that hill! I stand there for a moment pondering- the beach is right there! I jog down into the condos at the end of the street wondering if there's any way through and see this:
It's a tiny little dirt path through some major overgrowth- I'm totally taking it. I can't run it- too steep, holes all over, uneven, and overgrown. Then I notice there's a rope- to hang on to so I don't go ass over teakettle down the hill!!! I manage to come out into the light and there's the ocean. Amazing. And I run. Along the beach and it's not long before the mantras start again. More "I can run right now." As I continue I need something stronger to keep me going. "I have this moment." "I have this chance." "I deserve this." What? And it felt good to say, "I deserve this." Like it's a reward. Funny that I used to feel like this was penance. The runner's high afterward was always good but the means to that end...well...sucked. I know where I am now. I'm a ways from 'home.' "I can run now." "I'm a mother." That one didn't work- it made me feel tired. "I am Sarah." Wow! That one was awesome! Totally using that again. So I did- all the way home. And proceeded to analyze how cool and strange it was that just saying that sentence could be so empowering. Try it!Googlemaps says: 4.5 miles!!!!
Darcy got new kix!
Thursday - June 5, 2008
So, I went out today and bought running shoes. Hit up Dick's Sporting goods for a new set of kix, and perhaps one of those iPod thingies I've read about.
Read more about Nike +
So, another exhausting day... getting ready for pre-K graduation, kindie screen for Kayla, appointment with Speech Therapist for Kayla... and a stop at Dick's.
Dale asked if I was watching the C's with him. Of course I was! duh....
Then I spied my new shoes sitting by the door.
hmmm.....
I was sore from last nights run. I was still tired. I decided to take a test drive....
Ginger is loving this new addiction! We set out to do an out and back of Peter Rd. The shoes I got felt good... My muscles objections faded after the first few strides. Unfortunately, Ginger hasn't spent the last 5 months at the gym. I drop her off after mile 1, and announce that I'm continuing... C's were up, exciting game but my body wanted more!
I set off. Taking my rest breaks. At the end of the street, I walk for a minute and pick back up. Intervals. Just like the gym.
I'm an analytical person by trade. I graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. I like to crunch the numbers. Analyze results. This weight loss thing... I run everything by the numbers. This journey will definitely not be any different! In my head, I run over the training schedule, the logging, the new iPod thingee in my shoe which hasn't been calibrated yet. Of course, I can turn the simplest endeavors into a big fat math equation!
2 miles later, I decided to go stink up the man cave and watch the end of the C's game! GO GREEN!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
To iPod or not to iPod ...
Last night, in the chaos that always comes with me gearing up to do anything, I reached for my iPod. I live and sleep by that thing. My playlists are as eclectic as they get. From Jack Johnson, Foo Fighters, old school beasties, and Linkin Park to Sarah Mac, Rusted Root, Ska, Hip Hop (yes, tap the bottle and twist the cap!), to Simon and Garfunkle, and Steve Miller band... The music will last me hours and hours...
I have come to the same discussion with myself that Sarah appears to be having. Will schlepping the iPod help or hinder?
In my experience, on my short runs (especially at night), I do not use it. But once you get to 5 miles and beyond, I find that I need some distraction, motivation, and OOHPH to reach my goal.
Luckily, last night the battery was dead (though, Thing 1 on my shoulder wasn't happy about it). I think the decision I came to is to thoroughly enjoy the serenity, peace and quiet away from the chaos of the three Little Rippa's when it comes to my shorter runs. I'll schlep the iPod as I start going 8, 10 and beyond.
I have come to the same discussion with myself that Sarah appears to be having. Will schlepping the iPod help or hinder?
In my experience, on my short runs (especially at night), I do not use it. But once you get to 5 miles and beyond, I find that I need some distraction, motivation, and OOHPH to reach my goal.
Luckily, last night the battery was dead (though, Thing 1 on my shoulder wasn't happy about it). I think the decision I came to is to thoroughly enjoy the serenity, peace and quiet away from the chaos of the three Little Rippa's when it comes to my shorter runs. I'll schlep the iPod as I start going 8, 10 and beyond.
The Gall-o-way - an introduction.
Jeff Galloway www.jeffgalloway.com has started a phenomenon. Running injury free.
In my training for my last two marathons, my father (a 25+ marathoner, who has a sub-3 under his belt) introduced me to this plan. My dad even got to do the Galloway Tahoe training camp on the summer he turned 50. (something I think Sarah and I should do... Next year.)
The idea is simple. Run for a minute, recover for a minute. 26.2 miles of intervals. I have always found intervals an easier workout than any other when it comes to high intensity aerobic activity.
Read more here ...
Of course, if coach bell just wants us to run, I wonder how he'd feel about walk breaks!
The goal is to run, injury free. To train for a marathon IS really insanity! The body doesn't want to do it... but the brain, the soul, and the willpower inside does. I've done this program successfully both times I completed my training, and completed the marathon... The doubters are out there, but until you try it and succeed, you probably would never believe!
By the way, Sarah - you and I are getting side by side massages after we reach the finish! as stinky and crusty as we will probably ever be!
In my training for my last two marathons, my father (a 25+ marathoner, who has a sub-3 under his belt) introduced me to this plan. My dad even got to do the Galloway Tahoe training camp on the summer he turned 50. (something I think Sarah and I should do... Next year.)
The idea is simple. Run for a minute, recover for a minute. 26.2 miles of intervals. I have always found intervals an easier workout than any other when it comes to high intensity aerobic activity.
Read more here ...
Of course, if coach bell just wants us to run, I wonder how he'd feel about walk breaks!
The goal is to run, injury free. To train for a marathon IS really insanity! The body doesn't want to do it... but the brain, the soul, and the willpower inside does. I've done this program successfully both times I completed my training, and completed the marathon... The doubters are out there, but until you try it and succeed, you probably would never believe!
By the way, Sarah - you and I are getting side by side massages after we reach the finish! as stinky and crusty as we will probably ever be!
Ahhh, Coach Bell...
The "good old days"... hot days on that loop at the high school. The shade of the trees. Heartbreak hill... running through the fields, dodging cow pies...
Yes, we lived in the sticks. Sticks makes for good running. Especially good pit stops at the cold stream (what was its name? green something maybe)... jumping in the pools of water to cool off.
Tour de Berkshires - the yearly "double sessions" get together at the end of the summer, where we all camped out, slept over, ran at midnight, mt biked, and then UP MT.GREYLOCK. Those were definitely times of my life I will never forget. The memories are those that I carry with me when I start to log miles.
Coach Bell is always in my head... "No matter how fast you fun down a hill, your heart rate will always decelerate giving you a chance to rest." "Don't lean into an uphil... keep your body straight, it helps your stride"
Do you remember pool work outs? Those were the best. Pool workouts are always great cross training. A way to relieve the pounding on your body, with an intense workout. Of course, I always hate GETTING OUT of the pool in my bathing suit!
After I completed my first marathon, I emailed Coach to brag. I don't have that reply anymore - lost in years of emails... I wish I had saved it.
HERE'S TO YOU COACH! Cheers, with a big glass of ice water!
Yes, we lived in the sticks. Sticks makes for good running. Especially good pit stops at the cold stream (what was its name? green something maybe)... jumping in the pools of water to cool off.
Tour de Berkshires - the yearly "double sessions" get together at the end of the summer, where we all camped out, slept over, ran at midnight, mt biked, and then UP MT.GREYLOCK. Those were definitely times of my life I will never forget. The memories are those that I carry with me when I start to log miles.
Coach Bell is always in my head... "No matter how fast you fun down a hill, your heart rate will always decelerate giving you a chance to rest." "Don't lean into an uphil... keep your body straight, it helps your stride"
Do you remember pool work outs? Those were the best. Pool workouts are always great cross training. A way to relieve the pounding on your body, with an intense workout. Of course, I always hate GETTING OUT of the pool in my bathing suit!
After I completed my first marathon, I emailed Coach to brag. I don't have that reply anymore - lost in years of emails... I wish I had saved it.
HERE'S TO YOU COACH! Cheers, with a big glass of ice water!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Sarah- Wednesday, June 4, 2008
I finally get to running about 7 PM tonight. By 7 PM I've been to the park, library, and then played at home all afternoon with 3 kids- all on 4.5 hours sleep (I blog and do random social media stuff long into the quiet night). It was a great day but getting off my ass to run is a tough sell. But I've been trying to stick to the every-other-day routine so off I go. I take the route that I had actually intended on taking yesterday. To my pleasant surprise, I also end up finding a 50 acre area of conservation land with a thin trail winding through it. It looks too good to resist. I take it up a bit and am thoroughly enjoying a little cross-country action when I realize that no one knows were I am and I don't have a big dog. Damn. Where's Lulu when I need her- Texas. That dog's gonna be getting some exercise. I double back to the street. I'm not feeling as good today as I usually do. I think of Darcy and the marathon often and that is motivation to continue running. I hear Mr./Coach/Larry Bell in my head, "I don't care how fast you run as long as you're running." Here's a couple of other quotes I like.
Distance today: 2.25 miles
Question for the day: Will music help or hinder? Will I lose that peace that I now feel when I run or will it be better and help me to run farther? Pondering use of the IPOD...
Having a massage tomorrow and CAN'T WAIT!!!
Jacqueline Gareau, 1980 Boston Marathon champ:
"The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed."John J. Kelly, winner of the 1952 Boston Marathon:
"Marathoning is just another form of insanity."Distance today: 2.25 miles
Question for the day: Will music help or hinder? Will I lose that peace that I now feel when I run or will it be better and help me to run farther? Pondering use of the IPOD...
Having a massage tomorrow and CAN'T WAIT!!!
A Preface ....
So.... A preface to my training log. I haven't run since I got pregnant with Dylan. Dylan was 1 on April 19. I was training for the Disney Marathon - to run with my mom, when I was "suprised" by the positive sign on that stick. It is almost 2 years since I ran.
For 5 months, every possible MWF, I've been at the gym. On the ArcTrainer, the Elliptical, and the treadclimber (great solution to treadmill by Nautalis). I now work out for 1 hour, hard cardio plus stretching and lifting when time allows. I have lost 35 pounds since January 2. January 2 was a day that changed my life. I weighed myself and was disgusted at the number I saw. I vowed to myself to do something now. I had to dedicate something in my life to just me.
I have spent the last 6 years pregnant, breastfeeding, being a SAHM, being a "corporate" slave, being a consultant, being a full time work out of the house mom, and a wife. I have overcome postpartum depression, a nasty divorce of my parents (which I'm thankful for since it brought my mom and I closer), and a host of other stressful events.
My all consuming life is coming to an end, and this will hopefully teach me how to balance being Darcy, with being Mama.
For 5 months, every possible MWF, I've been at the gym. On the ArcTrainer, the Elliptical, and the treadclimber (great solution to treadmill by Nautalis). I now work out for 1 hour, hard cardio plus stretching and lifting when time allows. I have lost 35 pounds since January 2. January 2 was a day that changed my life. I weighed myself and was disgusted at the number I saw. I vowed to myself to do something now. I had to dedicate something in my life to just me.
I have spent the last 6 years pregnant, breastfeeding, being a SAHM, being a "corporate" slave, being a consultant, being a full time work out of the house mom, and a wife. I have overcome postpartum depression, a nasty divorce of my parents (which I'm thankful for since it brought my mom and I closer), and a host of other stressful events.
My all consuming life is coming to an end, and this will hopefully teach me how to balance being Darcy, with being Mama.
The first jog...
On with the story...
The day starts with a plan for working in Boston. (more on that later) My client asks me to come into the office every few weeks for a "productive day". I oblige. They pay for my dream job.
Boston Days are long days. They are my least favorite days because I have to deal with traffic, looking presentable, and being a Work OUTSIDE the house mom. (Bethany is my ... sanity) Other than that I LOVE THEM!
Today was especially long. Productive, but long.
I got home at 8. Grumpy. Tired. Exhausted is more like it...
I made a yummy dinner - omelet with peppers, onions, garlic herb cheddar, honey ham ... Ate it over sox with my beloved man of few words (Dale). Ginger was whining at me. Did I forget to feed her again? Then I realize what she REAALLY wants.
It began as a fleeting thought... working out didn't have to mean the gym. Isn't now, as good of a time as any. Thing 1 on my shoulder reminds me that I haven't bought running shoes yet. I look for my old ones. Can't find them. Put on the "gym shoes" that I only wear to the gym. I suited up, tied them tight, and grabbed the leash.
I start out the door...
I'm skeptical.
How much does the cross training machines strengthen one's muscles to ready them for running?
This is my road. I "guestimate" that its about 1 mile around the horseshoe. (but I know what it really looks like on google maps)
View Larger Map
I took a left out of my driveway and headed down the street. My legs felt good. Ginger is PSYCHED.
I get to the end and take the cut through to the other side. Scary in the dark, I decide not to do that again. I run the loop once, returning home with a tired Ginger... all p-mailed out, sniffed out, pooped out, and luppa'd out, I needed to ditch the dog. I continue after a potty break. This time, out and back to the house... re-evaluate at the house... and continue... out and back in the other direction... I decide I can do one more if I really want to push... but as I crested the hill to my mailbox, I decided best end the day on a really really good note.
Energized, happy, and damn proud. and so glad I didn't have to deal with gangbanging flatlands!
The day starts with a plan for working in Boston. (more on that later) My client asks me to come into the office every few weeks for a "productive day". I oblige. They pay for my dream job.
Boston Days are long days. They are my least favorite days because I have to deal with traffic, looking presentable, and being a Work OUTSIDE the house mom. (Bethany is my ... sanity) Other than that I LOVE THEM!
Today was especially long. Productive, but long.
I got home at 8. Grumpy. Tired. Exhausted is more like it...
I made a yummy dinner - omelet with peppers, onions, garlic herb cheddar, honey ham ... Ate it over sox with my beloved man of few words (Dale). Ginger was whining at me. Did I forget to feed her again? Then I realize what she REAALLY wants.
It began as a fleeting thought... working out didn't have to mean the gym. Isn't now, as good of a time as any. Thing 1 on my shoulder reminds me that I haven't bought running shoes yet. I look for my old ones. Can't find them. Put on the "gym shoes" that I only wear to the gym. I suited up, tied them tight, and grabbed the leash.
I start out the door...
I'm skeptical.
How much does the cross training machines strengthen one's muscles to ready them for running?
This is my road. I "guestimate" that its about 1 mile around the horseshoe. (but I know what it really looks like on google maps)
View Larger Map
I took a left out of my driveway and headed down the street. My legs felt good. Ginger is PSYCHED.
I get to the end and take the cut through to the other side. Scary in the dark, I decide not to do that again. I run the loop once, returning home with a tired Ginger... all p-mailed out, sniffed out, pooped out, and luppa'd out, I needed to ditch the dog. I continue after a potty break. This time, out and back to the house... re-evaluate at the house... and continue... out and back in the other direction... I decide I can do one more if I really want to push... but as I crested the hill to my mailbox, I decided best end the day on a really really good note.
Energized, happy, and damn proud. and so glad I didn't have to deal with gangbanging flatlands!
Sarah- Monday, June 2, 2008
I decided to mix things up and run in a different direction today. If you're just catching up, I'm still in Santa Barbara with the kids so the territory is a bit unfamiliar. I ran up the hill to start rather than down which, in it of itself deserves a standing ovation. I thought I could wing it on a little loop I thought I had figured out in my head. No idea the distance- still going with the flow and trying not to make it about distance lest I get frustrated. The street signs aren't familiar and by the time I realize that I'm not going to find my loop, I'm down off the Mesa and into 'the West Side.' As beautiful and rich as Santa Barbara is, I find the few blocks where the gang activity occurs. I'm amused as I run through this area of beautiful stucco bungalows with chain link and dobermans. The streets are full of kids getting walked home by their parents from the after-school program. I chuckle to myself that this is no time to walk! I see the mountains and turn myself in the opposite direction toward the beach knowing that will loop me back toward home. I make it there after jogging in place at just about every street junction to read the signs and determine my next move. There were good hills and gangbanging flatlands. I felt fantastic! Googlemaps says- 3.5 miles!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Finding Darcy
Yes, we're co-authoring. This is a joint venture, after all. I've been looking for Darcy for years. Refusing to pay Classmates.com any hard-earned money for information, I google her name about a million times in vein over the last 10 years because I didn't know her married name! Why search? Simple. There's a bond there that will never go away. Darcy is the kind of person who's a friend no matter what. She may have dropped her pom-poms but she's always been everyone's biggest cheerleader. We spent entire summers by her pool, went camping with her family, fished (I'm not sure what I would've done had I actually caught something), were almost abducted once (do you remember that, Darcy?), flirted with boys, ran (slowly), babysat, drove around in her cute little red hatchback (Darcy was the first person to teach me to drive standard)- there's so much more. I felt so at home at Darcy's that I almost never went home.
And now, come to find out, here we are married and five children between us- she in Massachusetts and I in Texas. So much of each other's lives between then and now. And here we are still so much alike.
Wanna talk about serendipity? I'm almost 4 years out from the birth of my second child wondering how to gain closure on the pregnancy/birth era of my life. My husband and I realistically decide that, despite our original plan of 3, 2 children is much more optimal for our personalities, emotional well-being, and the lifestyle we have chosen. I didn't know then. I thought I would be pregnant and experience the exhausting miracle of the birth of one more child. I mourn the loss of the challenge but not the addition of another child. A marathon has crossed my mind several times in my life. Each time I thought- 'yeah right- I'll never be fast enough for that.'
BIL calls me. 'I know that you may not have been serious but I'd like to talk to you about whether it's actually an option for you and the kids to come to CA and take care of Emma for a while as we work out our daycare.' Huh. Well, of course! Emma is my husband's brother's newborn daughter. We leapt at the chance to spend 5 weeks with her in CA. Off we go. They gave me the chance to love all over my niece and feel what it's like to 'mama' 3. BIL is in social media and convinces me to start on Facebook where I immediately look up Darcy- and find her!!!
So what's Darcy been doing? She ran 2 marathons! What? If she can do it, maybe I can too. But not alone. I start googling. Austin, the pie-in-the-sky Texas city where hubby and I would love to have a w/e place has a marathon that boasts rave reviews. I throw it out to Darcy just to see if she'll bite and mention it to hubby laying in bed that night. He says, 'I'll do whatever you need me to do to support you- except run.' Really? He never once doubted that I could do it. What a guy.
Who needs fast? I want this experience, this challenge, this bond. I just want to get to the finish line. For me, the challenge started 4 weeks ago when I bought shoes. I feel better running now than I ever have in my life. It's not fast but at least it feels pretty good. It's very liberating to be alone with my own thoughts. Maybe it took this long to gain the appreciation for that.
And now, come to find out, here we are married and five children between us- she in Massachusetts and I in Texas. So much of each other's lives between then and now. And here we are still so much alike.
Wanna talk about serendipity? I'm almost 4 years out from the birth of my second child wondering how to gain closure on the pregnancy/birth era of my life. My husband and I realistically decide that, despite our original plan of 3, 2 children is much more optimal for our personalities, emotional well-being, and the lifestyle we have chosen. I didn't know then. I thought I would be pregnant and experience the exhausting miracle of the birth of one more child. I mourn the loss of the challenge but not the addition of another child. A marathon has crossed my mind several times in my life. Each time I thought- 'yeah right- I'll never be fast enough for that.'
BIL calls me. 'I know that you may not have been serious but I'd like to talk to you about whether it's actually an option for you and the kids to come to CA and take care of Emma for a while as we work out our daycare.' Huh. Well, of course! Emma is my husband's brother's newborn daughter. We leapt at the chance to spend 5 weeks with her in CA. Off we go. They gave me the chance to love all over my niece and feel what it's like to 'mama' 3. BIL is in social media and convinces me to start on Facebook where I immediately look up Darcy- and find her!!!
So what's Darcy been doing? She ran 2 marathons! What? If she can do it, maybe I can too. But not alone. I start googling. Austin, the pie-in-the-sky Texas city where hubby and I would love to have a w/e place has a marathon that boasts rave reviews. I throw it out to Darcy just to see if she'll bite and mention it to hubby laying in bed that night. He says, 'I'll do whatever you need me to do to support you- except run.' Really? He never once doubted that I could do it. What a guy.
Who needs fast? I want this experience, this challenge, this bond. I just want to get to the finish line. For me, the challenge started 4 weeks ago when I bought shoes. I feel better running now than I ever have in my life. It's not fast but at least it feels pretty good. It's very liberating to be alone with my own thoughts. Maybe it took this long to gain the appreciation for that.
The commitment ...
Commitment. Defined as
So, I finally got up the courage to notify my husband of the challenge that has been put forth. On the night before June 1st. He's been with me through all of my crazy training days, of the two that culminated in the finishing of 26.2 miles, and of the three that never came to be. His reply "Sure. If its something you really want to do..." which read in my mind, "If I have to support you, I will." My loving man of few words :-)
Sarah is crazy. She got up and was registered by 6:30 am! I slept in. I lingered over coffee. I weeded the garden... pushed kids on the swing, bounced on the trampoline, played in the sprinkler. All the while the butterflies were growing larger... as Sarah said "Large Bats or something".
Finally I got up the courage. I walked down to my office with my credit card. Man of few words says "waddya doin?". I am registering for the me-moment of my last 6 years. "Already?" yep. Sarah's been registered for like 6 hours. If I don't follow suit, She'll come to MA and kick my bootie!
So, the commitment comes when I put my money where my mouth, brain and heart and soul are... 100 big bucks to do this (plus a $5 donation to the green fund).
Guess I better go buy new running shoes! (and some cool ipod adapter that tracks your running mileage.... ) Sarah's watching :-)
- The act or an instance of committing, especially:
- The act of referring a legislative bill to committee.
- Official consignment, as to a prison or mental health facility.
- A court order authorizing consignment to a prison.
- A pledge to do.
- Something pledged, especially an engagement by contract involving financial obligation.
- The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons
So, I finally got up the courage to notify my husband of the challenge that has been put forth. On the night before June 1st. He's been with me through all of my crazy training days, of the two that culminated in the finishing of 26.2 miles, and of the three that never came to be. His reply "Sure. If its something you really want to do..." which read in my mind, "If I have to support you, I will." My loving man of few words :-)
Sarah is crazy. She got up and was registered by 6:30 am! I slept in. I lingered over coffee. I weeded the garden... pushed kids on the swing, bounced on the trampoline, played in the sprinkler. All the while the butterflies were growing larger... as Sarah said "Large Bats or something".
Finally I got up the courage. I walked down to my office with my credit card. Man of few words says "waddya doin?". I am registering for the me-moment of my last 6 years. "Already?" yep. Sarah's been registered for like 6 hours. If I don't follow suit, She'll come to MA and kick my bootie!
So, the commitment comes when I put my money where my mouth, brain and heart and soul are... 100 big bucks to do this (plus a $5 donation to the green fund).
Guess I better go buy new running shoes! (and some cool ipod adapter that tracks your running mileage.... ) Sarah's watching :-)
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