Believe it or not...I'm actually going to write another post and only a week apart...Either I don't have enough to do or I just find writing a blog so much fun! Actually I suppose it is option C I just have something else to say. I definitely have enough to do, especially with Christmas knocking on my door and my usual organized self not available!
Anyway...Last night after running to the Italian market for the 2nd time in less than a week and driving home in the snow, thinking how perfect this is for Christmas I saw two people out for their evening run. And while I've run in the cold, the rain, the wind and yes, the heat...I can't recall a time when I ran in snow...like measurable snow. So I had this fabulous idea! I would do it...Needed the run anyway. So I got home, found my ear warmer, my 4 layers of clothes and 2 pairs of gloves and off I went. Although, I did have to avoid a noticeable amount of ice patches, overall I felt great...I only slipped once, had to dig snow out of my shoes multiple times and ran slower than I'm used to. I'm sure I was a site...with my hair, eyebrows and sweatshirt covered in snow, snowflakes flying in my eyes and water falling off my face. But it was the most fun I have had in the snow in a long while.
So I highly recommend the running while snowing...maybe just in Colorado, I'm not sure!
22 December 2011
15 December 2011
2011 Christmas Letter
Yes, I have procrastinated as long as possible...not because I didn't want to write a letter this year (because I actually enjoy writing about my family!) but because I'm not sure I have anything of any substance to write about. I don't want to have a completely sugar coated letter that just says how great things are, because lets face it...we all have issues! So, I guess I'll get started and see where it takes me!
Tyler...oh my little Ty-guy. He has done well, and I've discovered he is far smarter than I've ever given him credit for. He turned 5 in September and started Kindergarten. I won't lie, I was a little worried how this was going to go since every time we had met with the teacher he wouldn't have anything to do with her. He kept telling me how much he liked preschool and his other teachers. Tyler spent the summer telling me that he was not going to Kindergarten because he liked Ms. Jan and Ms. Vicki. Even the kindergarten teacher was a little worried how this situation was gonna go. However, Tyler has surprised us all. He loves school, he has made some great friends, he thrives in the routine of school and learning new things. And amazingly he is reading books to me now instead of the other way around. I love it! A few weeks into school I did ask him how school was going and his response "Mom, I like school, but next year just go ahead and sign me up for the 1/2 day deal" Probably not gonna happen buddy, but that is a good thought! Tyler continued on with soccer this year. The whole team plays really well together and the coach almost has the 5 year old kids running like a machine. It is impressive. And while Tyler did plenty of growing in the game of soccer there is one goal that completely stands out...even the Colorado Rapids would have been impressed. Tyler's other new hobby is football. The little man has forced the issue at our house which made us start frequenting both little league and high school games, (as mom is too cheap to go to an NFL game!) Since the local high school went to the semi finals in the playoffs Tyler and I braved the cold to go watch the game. During the game (our team was loosing) Ty told me "Mom if they don't start picking different plays and passing the ball they are never gonna get a first down." Sure enough, they changed things up and things got better. The local team still lost, but I was more impressed with Tyler actually knowing the whole situation. I may have a future coach on my hands! I feel like I could go on and on for hours but this was just supposed to be a summary right?
My dear dear Brookie! 3rd grade started off a little rough for us. The whole mean girl drama thing has officially started and I (being the mom) am not impressed! They were supposed to be innocent a few years longer. Our first major hurdle of the school year was the teacher being male...but that only took a day or two to get over, then it started off how the girls were being mean, you don't dress stylishly (do they even know what that word means?) and it's hard work to hang out with us. While Brooke was telling me these stories I may have burst out laughing many times. However, I'm proud to say that Brooke successfully stood up to the girls and everyone is nice again! Good thing! More exciting news in Brooke's world...she went away for a week with Grammie and Papa and came back fully able to swim! I can finally say I have a child that knows how to swim, I could not be happier! Next year I'll send Tyler away with them and quit paying for the expensive private lessons! Brooke also had a change up in the dance department. I finally caved and let her start dancing hip hop along with Ballet, Jazz and Tap...Shortly after that decision the studio closed. Brooke's little heart broke, as did mine because that meant work for me. After interviewing numerous dance studios I found one close to the house and it has worked out beautifully! Her Ballet teacher thinks Brooke has amazing amounts of potential, and honestly Brooke has come so far since she started there! I have not seen her tap and jazz progress yet but Brooke loves those teachers as well so I'm thinking she is making progress there also! This year she decided that she wanted to concentrate on dance and give up soccer, so much to my dismay that is what we did. I will admit it was nice not having to navigate two games on Saturdays and having to be in two different places at the same time, none the less I was sad to see her give it up. I'm sorry, again I'm supposed to be summarizing!
Tyler...oh my little Ty-guy. He has done well, and I've discovered he is far smarter than I've ever given him credit for. He turned 5 in September and started Kindergarten. I won't lie, I was a little worried how this was going to go since every time we had met with the teacher he wouldn't have anything to do with her. He kept telling me how much he liked preschool and his other teachers. Tyler spent the summer telling me that he was not going to Kindergarten because he liked Ms. Jan and Ms. Vicki. Even the kindergarten teacher was a little worried how this situation was gonna go. However, Tyler has surprised us all. He loves school, he has made some great friends, he thrives in the routine of school and learning new things. And amazingly he is reading books to me now instead of the other way around. I love it! A few weeks into school I did ask him how school was going and his response "Mom, I like school, but next year just go ahead and sign me up for the 1/2 day deal" Probably not gonna happen buddy, but that is a good thought! Tyler continued on with soccer this year. The whole team plays really well together and the coach almost has the 5 year old kids running like a machine. It is impressive. And while Tyler did plenty of growing in the game of soccer there is one goal that completely stands out...even the Colorado Rapids would have been impressed. Tyler's other new hobby is football. The little man has forced the issue at our house which made us start frequenting both little league and high school games, (as mom is too cheap to go to an NFL game!) Since the local high school went to the semi finals in the playoffs Tyler and I braved the cold to go watch the game. During the game (our team was loosing) Ty told me "Mom if they don't start picking different plays and passing the ball they are never gonna get a first down." Sure enough, they changed things up and things got better. The local team still lost, but I was more impressed with Tyler actually knowing the whole situation. I may have a future coach on my hands! I feel like I could go on and on for hours but this was just supposed to be a summary right?
The kids at one of our 'weekends' in the mountains!
My dear dear Brookie! 3rd grade started off a little rough for us. The whole mean girl drama thing has officially started and I (being the mom) am not impressed! They were supposed to be innocent a few years longer. Our first major hurdle of the school year was the teacher being male...but that only took a day or two to get over, then it started off how the girls were being mean, you don't dress stylishly (do they even know what that word means?) and it's hard work to hang out with us. While Brooke was telling me these stories I may have burst out laughing many times. However, I'm proud to say that Brooke successfully stood up to the girls and everyone is nice again! Good thing! More exciting news in Brooke's world...she went away for a week with Grammie and Papa and came back fully able to swim! I can finally say I have a child that knows how to swim, I could not be happier! Next year I'll send Tyler away with them and quit paying for the expensive private lessons! Brooke also had a change up in the dance department. I finally caved and let her start dancing hip hop along with Ballet, Jazz and Tap...Shortly after that decision the studio closed. Brooke's little heart broke, as did mine because that meant work for me. After interviewing numerous dance studios I found one close to the house and it has worked out beautifully! Her Ballet teacher thinks Brooke has amazing amounts of potential, and honestly Brooke has come so far since she started there! I have not seen her tap and jazz progress yet but Brooke loves those teachers as well so I'm thinking she is making progress there also! This year she decided that she wanted to concentrate on dance and give up soccer, so much to my dismay that is what we did. I will admit it was nice not having to navigate two games on Saturdays and having to be in two different places at the same time, none the less I was sad to see her give it up. I'm sorry, again I'm supposed to be summarizing!
She can do the full split now, but this is the closest picture I have!
As for Louis, he again has been busy with work. We decided to put a bit of a hold on house projects especially since he has been working all the time anyway. With the addition on the building they have and the 'second' job it seems like he is there more than he is home. The 'second' job has been good for us. Although, I will admit that between all the work and summer activities Louis did find time to have the yearly 'yard competition' with the neighbor. I'm pretty sure that the neighborhood would agree that they both tie for first place. It is pretty fabulous to have the best yard in the neighborhood, but I do give him all the credit. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't even be able to start the mower. We celebrated our 10th Anniversary in June and spent a weekend in Beaver Creek. That was exciting to just be away from everyone. And it was a great time for us to catch up on sleep. We also spent a week last January in Maui. It again was good for us to catch up on our relaxing. Besides work and running kids from place to place it doesn't leave too much time for him to do much else.
For myself, I have still been running, working, along with trying to be an involved parent. Sometimes it is easier said than done but somehow it always works out. With Louis working a lot the kids and I have adapted to doing things on our own. I'm not sure I love it, but have learned to live with it. For some of the 'races' I participated in this year...I started with the Colfax 1/2 marathon and finished better than I have before but still not living up to the expectations I hold for myself...we all do that right? I then did the 'Tough Mudder Challenge" with my brother and some friends. That consisted of a 10 mile obstacle course in Beaver Creek Ski area. Some of the obstacles included swimming in 36 degree water, running up and down hills (steep never ending hills) snow, mud, electrical shock etc etc...and yes I did finish that. It was hard but I'm glad I had the courage to begin. Then I did the Georgetown to Idaho Springs 1/2 Marathon...I had a hard time with this race and vowed I would be better prepared next time. I set a personal record at an Oktoberfest 5k in September but went straight downhill after that as I had a knee situation crop up. Couldn't have had anything to do with hiking 14ers, running 1/2 marathons, hill repeat workouts, long runs and speed work all in the span of a couple of weeks. I've been very slowly rehabbing that and things seem to be on the mend. Other than the typical life of being a mom I really have no other exciting news to share.
The Krapes Family
07 December 2011
Parents wish list!
While reading an article online today (I'm thinking that is where I get most of my blogging ideas) it said that parents of older kids wished...and then they had a whole list...Well one of those items on the list was that they wish they had written down all those moments when your kids made you laugh...And while I have made a small effort in that area with this blog I totally forgot about Sunday's adventure so here goes....
So my last Sunday with just me and the kids, we are heading the mall and I had this conversation with Brooke...
Brooke : Mom I want a bunk bed
Mom: Probably not babe!
Brooke: Well dad can make me one.
Mom: Yeah, your right, if your on the 20 year plan
Brooke: Well China can make me one.
Yes my child, you are right China can make you one...
Meanwhile, it was a good thing I was parking because I was laughing so hard.
Then later in the day...Tyler is watching the Bronco game and he comes to find me doing laundry and says Tyler: "Mom it was 3rd and 7 and they ran the ball, why would you run the ball?"
Mom: "I'm not sure buddy, I wasn't watching!"
Tyler: "Mom, I'm not happy about this, they didn't make it!"
Mom: "I bet it will be all right buddy"
Tuesday afternoons are reserved for Tyler and I to hang out. Yesterday Tyler decided that he wanted to play wii and I had some Christmas things to attend to so I decided that would be fine.
Mom: "Tyler we need to get going because we have to pick Brooke up"
Tyler: "Ok mom, just give me a few"
Mom: "You have three minutes"
I continued reading my stuff, while sitting on the floor...he comes up and knocks me over "Mom, you just tackled like in tackle football!"
Mom: while trying not to laugh "Next time can you just give me a warning that I'm about to get tackled?"
Tyler: "Yeah, I guess, I wouldn't want to injure you!"
Next time you stop by the house just be prepared to tackled!
So my last Sunday with just me and the kids, we are heading the mall and I had this conversation with Brooke...
Brooke : Mom I want a bunk bed
Mom: Probably not babe!
Brooke: Well dad can make me one.
Mom: Yeah, your right, if your on the 20 year plan
Brooke: Well China can make me one.
Yes my child, you are right China can make you one...
Meanwhile, it was a good thing I was parking because I was laughing so hard.
Then later in the day...Tyler is watching the Bronco game and he comes to find me doing laundry and says Tyler: "Mom it was 3rd and 7 and they ran the ball, why would you run the ball?"
Mom: "I'm not sure buddy, I wasn't watching!"
Tyler: "Mom, I'm not happy about this, they didn't make it!"
Mom: "I bet it will be all right buddy"
Tuesday afternoons are reserved for Tyler and I to hang out. Yesterday Tyler decided that he wanted to play wii and I had some Christmas things to attend to so I decided that would be fine.
Mom: "Tyler we need to get going because we have to pick Brooke up"
Tyler: "Ok mom, just give me a few"
Mom: "You have three minutes"
I continued reading my stuff, while sitting on the floor...he comes up and knocks me over "Mom, you just tackled like in tackle football!"
Mom: while trying not to laugh "Next time can you just give me a warning that I'm about to get tackled?"
Tyler: "Yeah, I guess, I wouldn't want to injure you!"
Next time you stop by the house just be prepared to tackled!
30 November 2011
Universal Answers
Isn't it funny how the world or universe has a way of answering questions?
Yesterday I was all set to go run the track with some girls from the running club. I had been going back and forth all day long because at the gym my knee was sore, I'm sure from the 4 road miles I was finally able to accomplish. Anyway, I was gonna go to the track and just run 3 miles...I would slow down even, just be able to run, be with some friends. Well Brooke was all worried that if I went running I would be late to pick her up (which really makes no bearing on my choice) and then walking up the stairs to my front door to change I felt the pain in my knee again (for the 120th time that day) and thought maybe running on it wasn't the best idea. However, I'm not one that easily skips a workout, I need validation that it is ok to miss the workout, your not going to get instantly fat and your not going to loose all the strength you have over missing one workout. However, I don't want to go the other way...over do it again and be back at square one. Anyway, I missed the workout, kinda felt guilty (ok really felt guilty) etc etc...
Again you ask where I'm going with this right? How did the world answer any question? Well, in my inbox this morning was my daily RW quote of the day and guess what that was? The very wise Ryan Hall said...
"I actually think being a more balanced person makes a healthier, happier, and thus faster person. The question I try and ask myself when I consider whether or not to train more is what is my body craving and what is my body ready to absorb? Sometimes pushing harder is not the answer. It takes self control, confidence, and intuition to know when to train and when to rest, but when in question error on the side of being over rested."
Isn't it interesting to find out that even the 'professional' runners (ok, maybe just the runners that are far better than me) struggle with the same questions? But to hear them say it is ok to error on the side of rested makes my life a little less guilt filled...maybe. But, also when you read the quote again, it says it takes self control and confidence to know when to train...maybe that is the answer. I know when I want to train (every day for about 6 hours), but I also know when I should train and the bottom line is when those two don't agree I question myself, I seek validation from other people and then I feel guilty.
The thing is I've been pretty safe, having good runs around the track and a little track and road combinations. I've been running pain free and good times for me and so when I ventured out a little bit and ran totally on the road and came across a little pain I get scared. And I question if it is real pain or is it phantom pain of something that used to be there that my body is used to feeling? So, I'll run another 4 miles on the road, I'll limit my hills and wait to see what happens. And I'll obviously have to move around a few workouts so I can rest/recover longer between runs. Hopefully, it is the phantom pain thing or just strengthening pain so I can continue on the road to recovery...
Yesterday I was all set to go run the track with some girls from the running club. I had been going back and forth all day long because at the gym my knee was sore, I'm sure from the 4 road miles I was finally able to accomplish. Anyway, I was gonna go to the track and just run 3 miles...I would slow down even, just be able to run, be with some friends. Well Brooke was all worried that if I went running I would be late to pick her up (which really makes no bearing on my choice) and then walking up the stairs to my front door to change I felt the pain in my knee again (for the 120th time that day) and thought maybe running on it wasn't the best idea. However, I'm not one that easily skips a workout, I need validation that it is ok to miss the workout, your not going to get instantly fat and your not going to loose all the strength you have over missing one workout. However, I don't want to go the other way...over do it again and be back at square one. Anyway, I missed the workout, kinda felt guilty (ok really felt guilty) etc etc...
Again you ask where I'm going with this right? How did the world answer any question? Well, in my inbox this morning was my daily RW quote of the day and guess what that was? The very wise Ryan Hall said...
"I actually think being a more balanced person makes a healthier, happier, and thus faster person. The question I try and ask myself when I consider whether or not to train more is what is my body craving and what is my body ready to absorb? Sometimes pushing harder is not the answer. It takes self control, confidence, and intuition to know when to train and when to rest, but when in question error on the side of being over rested."
Isn't it interesting to find out that even the 'professional' runners (ok, maybe just the runners that are far better than me) struggle with the same questions? But to hear them say it is ok to error on the side of rested makes my life a little less guilt filled...maybe. But, also when you read the quote again, it says it takes self control and confidence to know when to train...maybe that is the answer. I know when I want to train (every day for about 6 hours), but I also know when I should train and the bottom line is when those two don't agree I question myself, I seek validation from other people and then I feel guilty.
The thing is I've been pretty safe, having good runs around the track and a little track and road combinations. I've been running pain free and good times for me and so when I ventured out a little bit and ran totally on the road and came across a little pain I get scared. And I question if it is real pain or is it phantom pain of something that used to be there that my body is used to feeling? So, I'll run another 4 miles on the road, I'll limit my hills and wait to see what happens. And I'll obviously have to move around a few workouts so I can rest/recover longer between runs. Hopefully, it is the phantom pain thing or just strengthening pain so I can continue on the road to recovery...
21 November 2011
Should I be a stay at home mom?
As of recently I have had an abundance of time to spend with my kids...and I do have to say I'm beginning to understand why stay at home moms are stay at home moms. Don't get me wrong I love my job, and the independence away from the kids and talking to adults...but when I hang out with the kids I am laughing all the time..I'm not sure if it is because they are so goofy...or masters of the obvious, or whatever...
Tyler recently told me that I was only allowed to kiss him until he is 10, then that is all...Which I just laughed because if I really am still able to kiss him when he is 10 I'll be amazed but then he revised his statement and told me 12 was the new number... I might make him sign a contract!
Brooke, while telling me about her 'boyfriends' recently told me that Usher, yes the singer, was my boyfriend...This intrigued my interest on what her definition of a boyfriend actually was...she said it was a boy that was nice to her and she liked playing with. I asked if any of these boys had any idea that she thought this and she quickly replied "no, I wouldn't dream of telling them that!" I'm not sure why she thought Usher was boyfriend, clearly she doesn't have my 'type' down.
So, because Christmas is coming and because I feel obligated to get the kids pictures taken once a year...although I'm not sure why because it is pure torture for me every single year...I had their pictures taken and the photographer did a fabulous job of capturing their full spirit as of recently.
And while I'm not bragging...I do think my kids are pretty darn cute! Ok I am bragging, just a little.
Don't worry, though, I do love my time away from the kids so I'm thinking the chances of me quitting my job any time soon are slim to non...
My running as of recently has been kind of halted. Not really, I'm still running 3 days a week, I just wonder some days if I'm making any progress...After running a long 16 laps on the track I was given permission to convert slowly to the road...so I did the 3 miles on the track 1 on the road and things were great...I tried to go to the 2 and 2 and had to cut the run short so I tried again 2 and 2 and the run went great...I averaged an 8:52 mile so I was happy about that. One more time with the 2 and 2 and then I'll try for the 3 on the road and 1 track before I do 4 miles on the road...However, I'm still only allowed to run 3 times a week and will very slowly build my mileage back up...When I say slowly, I mean like no 1/2 marathon until May...This process is painful but I know it is the right thing to do, and I don't want to go back where I was...so I'm listening!
Tyler recently told me that I was only allowed to kiss him until he is 10, then that is all...Which I just laughed because if I really am still able to kiss him when he is 10 I'll be amazed but then he revised his statement and told me 12 was the new number... I might make him sign a contract!
Brooke, while telling me about her 'boyfriends' recently told me that Usher, yes the singer, was my boyfriend...This intrigued my interest on what her definition of a boyfriend actually was...she said it was a boy that was nice to her and she liked playing with. I asked if any of these boys had any idea that she thought this and she quickly replied "no, I wouldn't dream of telling them that!" I'm not sure why she thought Usher was boyfriend, clearly she doesn't have my 'type' down.
So, because Christmas is coming and because I feel obligated to get the kids pictures taken once a year...although I'm not sure why because it is pure torture for me every single year...I had their pictures taken and the photographer did a fabulous job of capturing their full spirit as of recently.
Don't worry, though, I do love my time away from the kids so I'm thinking the chances of me quitting my job any time soon are slim to non...
My running as of recently has been kind of halted. Not really, I'm still running 3 days a week, I just wonder some days if I'm making any progress...After running a long 16 laps on the track I was given permission to convert slowly to the road...so I did the 3 miles on the track 1 on the road and things were great...I tried to go to the 2 and 2 and had to cut the run short so I tried again 2 and 2 and the run went great...I averaged an 8:52 mile so I was happy about that. One more time with the 2 and 2 and then I'll try for the 3 on the road and 1 track before I do 4 miles on the road...However, I'm still only allowed to run 3 times a week and will very slowly build my mileage back up...When I say slowly, I mean like no 1/2 marathon until May...This process is painful but I know it is the right thing to do, and I don't want to go back where I was...so I'm listening!
02 November 2011
Halloween
As I type this I wonder...What did my parents think of me when I was trick-or-treating? I remember them taking me and following me street after street for hours. I'm not sure why, or the goal as I never really ate the candy...I suppose it was just something to do, then as I got older it was fun to hang out with my friends and there was one year that we started at 1 point and traveled 12 blocks south hitting house after house after house... To this day I'm not really sure what we were thinking but I sure loved the hot cider at the destination house. And as a side note; I'm pretty sure that costume manufacturers of little girl costumes never, ever thought about little girls in Colorado! We freeze, even when we try to layer clothes underneath...there is no way to accomplish the feat of enough clothes underneath a costume and still look like the costume...Just sayin!
Anyway, my children continue on the tradition of trick-or-treating...again we aren't sure why except that is what you are supposed to do on Halloween night...And still 20 years later little girls still freeze in Colorado...Nothing has changed on that avenue! However, my confusion comes with my Brooke...she kinda wimped out on us...about 45 minuets into the trick or treating and Tyler is really getting excited as he finally has remembered to say BOTH 'trick or treat' and 'thank you' Brooke tells us that she is cold and doesn't think she wants to go any further. I'm sorry, what? What child hates this tradition? And Lou and I are thinking how great this night is, not too cold, we don't have to go to the door, we can talk to a few neighbors if we want etc etc etc... We convince her to just go to the end of the street and then we will turn and start heading home. But then she just started walking slower and slower and we kept telling Tyler to slow down and wait for his sister. Finally though, when I told her she was going to have to skip a few houses for going too slow did she pick up the pace. I think next year Tyler and I will go out all alone and travel 12 blocks until the boy is worn completely out...
Anyway...here are some pictures of the costumes!
Anyway, my children continue on the tradition of trick-or-treating...again we aren't sure why except that is what you are supposed to do on Halloween night...And still 20 years later little girls still freeze in Colorado...Nothing has changed on that avenue! However, my confusion comes with my Brooke...she kinda wimped out on us...about 45 minuets into the trick or treating and Tyler is really getting excited as he finally has remembered to say BOTH 'trick or treat' and 'thank you' Brooke tells us that she is cold and doesn't think she wants to go any further. I'm sorry, what? What child hates this tradition? And Lou and I are thinking how great this night is, not too cold, we don't have to go to the door, we can talk to a few neighbors if we want etc etc etc... We convince her to just go to the end of the street and then we will turn and start heading home. But then she just started walking slower and slower and we kept telling Tyler to slow down and wait for his sister. Finally though, when I told her she was going to have to skip a few houses for going too slow did she pick up the pace. I think next year Tyler and I will go out all alone and travel 12 blocks until the boy is worn completely out...
Anyway...here are some pictures of the costumes!
Obviously, Tyler is super excited for his night!
And Brooke seems excited here!
But the more impressive part here, Brooke carved that pumpkin completely by herself...That is also another fabulous thing about the kids getting older!
31 October 2011
More running issues...
You know, there was a time on this very blog that all I did was talk about my kids...and I will eventually get back to having nothing to talk about except my kids...but for now...I'll continue on my running stories, issues etc...
After getting clearance to try and work off of running on the track I decided I would run my 2.75 miles this way... .9 mile to the track, 3 laps and then .9 miles home...which I think works out to 2.8 but I promise I stopped at 2.75 and walked the rest of the way home. I felt great (aside from the small problem of getting trampled by the local high school football team and getting run over by a truck on the track...yes you read that right) It was fabulous to be out just running and not in circles...to see the scenery (that I have seen a thousand times before) and look forward to the hills and my next turn etc etc...However, when I woke up to go to the gym Tuesday morning there was a small pain in the same freaking spot! I was severly disappointed, but went to the gym and rode the bike. I did ditch the swim last week on account of the freezing whether and not wanting to be in it while wet...Because of the snow on Wednesday I choose not to run and after talking with the coach and the doctor decided I would go back to the last workout that didn't hurt, which was 9 laps around the track, as the surface really is a lot better and more forgiving for such situations. Well Saturday came around and I went out there...thank goodness for no football team practicing at 7 in the morning. Anyway, I was feeling good so I did 10 laps. Again my knee felt great and even with the swim this morning there is not any pain. So now the big debate...do I try to run there again, run the track and run home? Or do I step it up to the 12 laps? Seriously, 12 laps? 3 miles sounds so much better! I suppose I should just go run the 12 laps...After all I am going to have to take my kids trick or treating tonight and why make them wait? Then I won't have to worry if the pain will come back.
I have been trying for a long time now, to keep the frustration away thinking I just needed a break but slowly it starting to come back...since I haven't been able to go run with the club and my runs are limited to the track I can see where people get bored. However, I am thankful that I can at least do that instead of just sit home. I will say I am getting more things accomplished at home. Laundry is actually getting folded and dinner is getting made...Interesting how that works out.
After getting clearance to try and work off of running on the track I decided I would run my 2.75 miles this way... .9 mile to the track, 3 laps and then .9 miles home...which I think works out to 2.8 but I promise I stopped at 2.75 and walked the rest of the way home. I felt great (aside from the small problem of getting trampled by the local high school football team and getting run over by a truck on the track...yes you read that right) It was fabulous to be out just running and not in circles...to see the scenery (that I have seen a thousand times before) and look forward to the hills and my next turn etc etc...However, when I woke up to go to the gym Tuesday morning there was a small pain in the same freaking spot! I was severly disappointed, but went to the gym and rode the bike. I did ditch the swim last week on account of the freezing whether and not wanting to be in it while wet...Because of the snow on Wednesday I choose not to run and after talking with the coach and the doctor decided I would go back to the last workout that didn't hurt, which was 9 laps around the track, as the surface really is a lot better and more forgiving for such situations. Well Saturday came around and I went out there...thank goodness for no football team practicing at 7 in the morning. Anyway, I was feeling good so I did 10 laps. Again my knee felt great and even with the swim this morning there is not any pain. So now the big debate...do I try to run there again, run the track and run home? Or do I step it up to the 12 laps? Seriously, 12 laps? 3 miles sounds so much better! I suppose I should just go run the 12 laps...After all I am going to have to take my kids trick or treating tonight and why make them wait? Then I won't have to worry if the pain will come back.
I have been trying for a long time now, to keep the frustration away thinking I just needed a break but slowly it starting to come back...since I haven't been able to go run with the club and my runs are limited to the track I can see where people get bored. However, I am thankful that I can at least do that instead of just sit home. I will say I am getting more things accomplished at home. Laundry is actually getting folded and dinner is getting made...Interesting how that works out.
21 October 2011
A letter
Dear Left Knee...
I want to take this time to apologize to you...for many things really...Lets start with apologizing for all the overuse, all the time really but I know the month of August was rough. Next time I want to go hiking every weekend, then running 10-12 miles, then speed workout, the hill repeats up Ward hill, then the Georgetown 1/2 marathon all the while continuing my gym attendance of 3 days a week etc etc I will try to spread it out to allow proper time for you to heal. Next, I want to apologize for continuing to try and run after you had informed me of such issues. If I would have slowed down right away I might have been able to rehab much quicker...But I do want to thank you for allowing me to run the Oktoberfest 5K as it currently is my PR time to beat...Finally I want to apologize to you for being so frustrated when I finally found out the real issues, I apologize for my frustration of not being able to run and only blaming you as the culprit...You see, you have taught me a lot about running and exercising in this little stint. First, I learned that while I was busy blaming you for not being able to run, when in reality my whole body needed a break...body, mind and spirit. I might have been a little bit burned out on running but I also thought I was using that as my life line. Do you know how much better of a mood I'm in after a long run...whether the run was hard or not my mood is always lifted when I'm done. I thought running was the only thing that could do this. Well...I biked and I learned to swim...and my not being able to run has actually opened a whole new avenue for me. There are other workouts that can improve my mood. Swimming isn't bad...and I have actually improved and enjoyed the improvement. Funny when you practice something how much better you get! Still not in love with the biking. So, left knee, I want to thank you for opening all these avenues...for helping me see that running isn't everything. I'm sorry I ever doubted you! I know it took me a while to see your side of the story and become flexible to your line of thinking but I'm glad I did!
Love,
Trisha
I want to take this time to apologize to you...for many things really...Lets start with apologizing for all the overuse, all the time really but I know the month of August was rough. Next time I want to go hiking every weekend, then running 10-12 miles, then speed workout, the hill repeats up Ward hill, then the Georgetown 1/2 marathon all the while continuing my gym attendance of 3 days a week etc etc I will try to spread it out to allow proper time for you to heal. Next, I want to apologize for continuing to try and run after you had informed me of such issues. If I would have slowed down right away I might have been able to rehab much quicker...But I do want to thank you for allowing me to run the Oktoberfest 5K as it currently is my PR time to beat...Finally I want to apologize to you for being so frustrated when I finally found out the real issues, I apologize for my frustration of not being able to run and only blaming you as the culprit...You see, you have taught me a lot about running and exercising in this little stint. First, I learned that while I was busy blaming you for not being able to run, when in reality my whole body needed a break...body, mind and spirit. I might have been a little bit burned out on running but I also thought I was using that as my life line. Do you know how much better of a mood I'm in after a long run...whether the run was hard or not my mood is always lifted when I'm done. I thought running was the only thing that could do this. Well...I biked and I learned to swim...and my not being able to run has actually opened a whole new avenue for me. There are other workouts that can improve my mood. Swimming isn't bad...and I have actually improved and enjoyed the improvement. Funny when you practice something how much better you get! Still not in love with the biking. So, left knee, I want to thank you for opening all these avenues...for helping me see that running isn't everything. I'm sorry I ever doubted you! I know it took me a while to see your side of the story and become flexible to your line of thinking but I'm glad I did!
Love,
Trisha
04 October 2011
Things
So after the whole knee debacle I've been 'banned' from running (for a few weeks). The first 2 weeks was incredibly difficult to miss the running. Unfortunately, it is easier this week, which worries me in a whole different way. I have since taken up biking and swimming to both fill the void and help to rehab the knee and at first that was complete murder. Biking is not that fun and swimming seemed so high maintenance. My husband, however, put things in way better perspective...why is swimming so difficult? My excuses included that I had to make sure the swim suit was out and I have drive somewhere and a towel and pay to get it etc etc etc. So in total Lou fashion he mentioned that most of the time I went running I would drive somewhere, whether it be the track, or Ward hill or the Sunday morning meeting place...And I had to get dressed didn't I? What difference was it if it was a swim suit or running clothes? And you actually have to remember your music and making sure it is charged and water so swimming isn't that much more high maintenance it is just different maintenance. Is that the problem? You have to be flexible? Yes, as a matter of fact, that is the problem. I like my routine...I'm a creature of routine. Sick, I know. And I'm afraid I've breed that fabulous trait into my children. So, since I have become more flexible the swims are not so terrible and I can even see progression in how well I'm doing, which is exciting. The biking is still biking, it is just there.
So all of that brings me to my new found realization. That how hard we try not to...how we stick with our routines day after day after day we all change and morph and adapt to new things. I just hope at the end of it all that all the changing has made us a person that we like, that we want to be, a person we like! My very loving 8 year old told me :"Mom, do you remember when you were 29? You were nice when you were 29." She had far different reason for asking the question but I took it to...Wow, I didn't think I had changed that much in 2 years but apparently, somewhere I have changed. Then this morning a friend and I were talking and she mentioned in high school she ran track. I thought...wow, in high school I thought the people that did track and cross country were crazy... and look at me now. I have a hard time taking a few weeks off of running and exercising...The question was...do I like who I have become? I think so...I think I like being the exercise crazed person always looking forward to my next workout, balancing that with the fun family mom and then crossing in some friends and gatherings. I would like to think I balance everything well enough while not allowing one certain thing define me. I'm not only a mom, or an employee or whatever.
Yes, after my mild depression induced from lack of exercise and mind clearing running this is the best you get...The realization that I think I like myself!
So all of that brings me to my new found realization. That how hard we try not to...how we stick with our routines day after day after day we all change and morph and adapt to new things. I just hope at the end of it all that all the changing has made us a person that we like, that we want to be, a person we like! My very loving 8 year old told me :"Mom, do you remember when you were 29? You were nice when you were 29." She had far different reason for asking the question but I took it to...Wow, I didn't think I had changed that much in 2 years but apparently, somewhere I have changed. Then this morning a friend and I were talking and she mentioned in high school she ran track. I thought...wow, in high school I thought the people that did track and cross country were crazy... and look at me now. I have a hard time taking a few weeks off of running and exercising...The question was...do I like who I have become? I think so...I think I like being the exercise crazed person always looking forward to my next workout, balancing that with the fun family mom and then crossing in some friends and gatherings. I would like to think I balance everything well enough while not allowing one certain thing define me. I'm not only a mom, or an employee or whatever.
Yes, after my mild depression induced from lack of exercise and mind clearing running this is the best you get...The realization that I think I like myself!
19 September 2011
Oktoberfest!
After having the second crazy weekend in a row I finally have walked away with some decisions made...I'm out on the upcoming race...which actually is ok...I don't have the stress of fitting runs in anymore or the guilt when I can't do what I'm should be doing.
For the busy weekend, it started off with the Oktoberfest 5K...the first year I've done the race. It was fun to do the shorter race especially after running 8-10 miles all the time it made 3 seem like a walk in the park...I went to the race with Lori and some girls from the club so we did a true warm up with dynamic stretching...I started to get my ipod all set so I could tell times and stuff...however it locked up. I tried to turn it off and then it wouldn't turn back on...so there we go...no music...no watch just run...instead of getting irritated I just ran, enjoyed being downtown and really had time to notice the hills...and the last hill was a long annoying hill...At that point I was thanking God for doing all those repeat hill workouts. The final turn, you run through the tents and tables that are set up for the VIP Oktoberfest people...not exactly the ideal situation for speeding up to finish strong...However, when I crossed the finish line the clock said 24:35. I was super excited with that, but then I started thinking I was seeing things. So then I spent much of the afternoon waiting for them to post results...The official results finally said 25:15 which I question...but I'm still happy with it. Louis ran Brooke to dance in Broomfield and then I ran Tyler to soccer...
After the exciting day I thought the run on Sunday would be great...no knee pain...feeling great etc etc...I was rather disappointed when at mile 5 my knee locked up, I tried to walk and it loosend up a little so I ran another mile...only to have it hurt immensly and had to walk the last two miles...After that expierence I have decided that I'm out for the 1/2. It's ok...heal the knee and look forward to a different race. That will be the best for me right now both mentally and physically...
I have to mention...Tyler has been so cute...with his overly obvious observations...I don't really have any specifics but I love it!
For the busy weekend, it started off with the Oktoberfest 5K...the first year I've done the race. It was fun to do the shorter race especially after running 8-10 miles all the time it made 3 seem like a walk in the park...I went to the race with Lori and some girls from the club so we did a true warm up with dynamic stretching...I started to get my ipod all set so I could tell times and stuff...however it locked up. I tried to turn it off and then it wouldn't turn back on...so there we go...no music...no watch just run...instead of getting irritated I just ran, enjoyed being downtown and really had time to notice the hills...and the last hill was a long annoying hill...At that point I was thanking God for doing all those repeat hill workouts. The final turn, you run through the tents and tables that are set up for the VIP Oktoberfest people...not exactly the ideal situation for speeding up to finish strong...However, when I crossed the finish line the clock said 24:35. I was super excited with that, but then I started thinking I was seeing things. So then I spent much of the afternoon waiting for them to post results...The official results finally said 25:15 which I question...but I'm still happy with it. Louis ran Brooke to dance in Broomfield and then I ran Tyler to soccer...
After the exciting day I thought the run on Sunday would be great...no knee pain...feeling great etc etc...I was rather disappointed when at mile 5 my knee locked up, I tried to walk and it loosend up a little so I ran another mile...only to have it hurt immensly and had to walk the last two miles...After that expierence I have decided that I'm out for the 1/2. It's ok...heal the knee and look forward to a different race. That will be the best for me right now both mentally and physically...
I have to mention...Tyler has been so cute...with his overly obvious observations...I don't really have any specifics but I love it!
11 September 2011
Big Decisison...
Since the last post I've been floundering (I guess would maybe be the right term) because of a nagging knee issue. I've had to 'rest' my knee by not running, originally for 2-3 days...So I did, it still hurt and I ended up resting my knee for an entire week missing an important 12 mile run along with several hill workouts and other various runs and workouts. I kept telling myself that I'm in good enough shape that it will be fine. So I changed the run schedule a little (made this weeks run a little longer) and said that if I could handle that then I would go full steam ahead with the 1/2 marathon. Otherwise I'll go into full support team mode. Well I'm still torn...I ran the 10 miles today, my knee was sore for the first 3ish miles. I picked up the pace and it felt better...At mile 9 I joined someone running and slowed down and could feel the pain again so I sped back up and it was a little better. I then decided to take it easy for the rest of the day, but I guess the bottom line is that I still don't know if I should run the race or just wait and let my knee heal. I don't want to be in pain for the whole time I'm running. Am I stressing myself out because I missed some important runs and therefore psyching myself out? Is 2 serious 1/2 marathons in 6 months more than my body can handle? Do I just feel too much pressure with the rest of my life to add this on also? I guess all I've decided is that I'll wait and see how I feel this week and then sign up...This coming weekend I'm running a 5k and then supposed to do 14 miles on Sunday...I guess if I can make it through that, I'll bite the bullet. I'm currently reading about Marshall Ulrich...this amazing ultra marathon runner and I sometimes figure that if he can run with all the pain and agony then why can't I keep running with simple knee issue? I guess I must just be a giant wimp.
In other news...Tyler is back to playing soccer and played very well in his first game yesterday...I love to see him involved in the game and making plays and actually knowing what he is supposed to be doing. Brooke danced in the Harvest festival parade as well yesterday...She did well for as far as she had to go, but it was an enlightening experience for her.
In other news...Tyler is back to playing soccer and played very well in his first game yesterday...I love to see him involved in the game and making plays and actually knowing what he is supposed to be doing. Brooke danced in the Harvest festival parade as well yesterday...She did well for as far as she had to go, but it was an enlightening experience for her.
31 August 2011
weekly updates...
I'm trying to be better about writing...Not too sure how to go about that with the time schedule I have...Or there are many days that I just don't have anything to say...How sad is that?
Anyway, I did the hike on Saturday...it was good...took my mom and sister...I think they were surprised by the effort it took...We went to Mt. Democrat, and on that same range there is 3/4 other peaks that you could have hiked. I probably was up for it, but my mom was not so we did Democrat and then left. I was a little disappointed but it was for the better I've since found out...I ran 8 miles on Sunday and was fine...Started out running pretty fast for me but it felt good, then after mile 4 I slowed down. My legs were tired and the hills were hard on my tired legs. At the end I had crazy knee pain so I stayed off it for awhile (2 ish days). I ran at track last night...and the times were pretty good (7:51, 7:56 and 8:02 miles) but the knee was still sore...looks like I'm off the exercise wagon for a few days. You have no idea what that does for my mood!
On to more positive things...I picked the kids up for school yesterday and had to take Brooke to dance. She is relatively in her routine so there is no big deal there...Tyler gets in the car after we drop her off to go run some errands and the boy is exhausted...He slept forever...I only vaguely remember when Brooke started school how tired she was. Anyway he could have been down for the night but Lou decided he needed to wake him up to eat, which just means that it took awhile for him to go back to sleep. He is doing so good at school...and it made me feel good, the teacher stopped Louis in the hall to tell him how good Tyler has been, what a great helper he is etc etc. I love it when teachers appreciate parents efforts. And I love when you have fabulous teachers who care about the kids!
Anyway, I did the hike on Saturday...it was good...took my mom and sister...I think they were surprised by the effort it took...We went to Mt. Democrat, and on that same range there is 3/4 other peaks that you could have hiked. I probably was up for it, but my mom was not so we did Democrat and then left. I was a little disappointed but it was for the better I've since found out...I ran 8 miles on Sunday and was fine...Started out running pretty fast for me but it felt good, then after mile 4 I slowed down. My legs were tired and the hills were hard on my tired legs. At the end I had crazy knee pain so I stayed off it for awhile (2 ish days). I ran at track last night...and the times were pretty good (7:51, 7:56 and 8:02 miles) but the knee was still sore...looks like I'm off the exercise wagon for a few days. You have no idea what that does for my mood!
On to more positive things...I picked the kids up for school yesterday and had to take Brooke to dance. She is relatively in her routine so there is no big deal there...Tyler gets in the car after we drop her off to go run some errands and the boy is exhausted...He slept forever...I only vaguely remember when Brooke started school how tired she was. Anyway he could have been down for the night but Lou decided he needed to wake him up to eat, which just means that it took awhile for him to go back to sleep. He is doing so good at school...and it made me feel good, the teacher stopped Louis in the hall to tell him how good Tyler has been, what a great helper he is etc etc. I love it when teachers appreciate parents efforts. And I love when you have fabulous teachers who care about the kids!
25 August 2011
So many things to blog about...
I've tried, I think, to use my blog as my journal...except a journal that I would be ok with anyone reading. However, I've discovered through the past couple of weeks I don't always have time for this...I love to go back and read stuff that I wrote a year ago and remember all that stuff...So I guess with my one post here I'll try to remember everything that has happened recently...
After running Georgetown and getting over my disappointing finish (I've finally decided that I was waiting for a miracle and in running miracles don't happen unless you train for them to happen) I took off the Tuesday track workout...ran on Wednesday but cut it short because of the nagging calf issue...did the gym thing on Tuesday and Wednesday and then I ran 4 miles on Saturday in the heat, which almost killed me. I hiked Mt. Bierstadt with some friends on Sunday (more on that later). I then did a repeat hill work out (Ward Road 4 times) on Monday, I did the gym thing Tuesday morning and then track work out (5 800's) Tuesday night and a short walk Wednesday morning...After all of that and no calf issue I feel like I'm back to really get down to business so that the Rock - n - Roll 1/2 is a positive outcome! I feel like the workouts are making me stronger and all the strain I've put on my body in the past week has not killed me. Looking ahead, I have the gym in the morning, hiking Mt. Lincoln on Saturday and 8 miles Sunday...With 6 weeks to go until Rock - n - Roll I have some ground to cover but I think I can do it...NO...I know I can do it...I'm thinking for a positive outcome I want to finish in a 2:00 - 2:05. It's not too far out of reach...and at Georgetown I ran with the 2:05 pace group until I hit the wall.
Hiking...I had it in my head that I wanted to hike a 14er last weekend and as it turned out some friends also had time...so after looking at all the 54 options of mountains we could do Mt. Bierstandt it was decided...mainly because it was close and not rated difficult (it is only the 2nd one I've hiked and the other 2 are newbies also). Anyway, we decided to meet at 6:00 at the parking lot and all drive to Georgetown together...I can't believe how full the parking lots were at 6 on a Sunday morning. Apparently we aren't the only demented ones out there. So we found the trail fairly easily...do the whole bathroom thing and I'm estimating that we were on the trail head at 8 ish... Anyway, off we go and the trail was groomed, quite well I will say...We are seeing a lot of people and I guess it didn't dawn on me that all of these people are headed to the same spot we are. We did take some 'catch your breath' type breaks and one that we had a snack...all in all we kept going. When we got to the steep part we did have to go from trail marker to trail marker to catch our breath but not bad. We get to where the trail flattens out, take a few pictures and look at the last 250ft up...Actually that was the most fun, figuring out your own path and jumping from rock to rock. The top, was amazing...where you can see the whole world (at least it feels like that). The bummer, there was all the people up there plus many more that were going to the same place I was...At the top we saw this guy who was carrying a toddler on his back...He started heading down the same time we did...so we thought we should be able to keep up with him...Wow...you could tell this was not his first rodeo...I'm figuring 3 hours up a little over an hour down. Amazing how much easier going down is! The hike was great, the conversation and company was great...I just wish now I had more time to fit these in!
Next...The kids started school...And actually I have to start with Back to School night...I had been positive about this for weeks...The kids are going to meet their teachers, life is going to be great. I knew Tyler was very nervous about starting Kindergarten and having to be there ALL day, but I was hoping my positive vibes would out weigh his nervous attitude. Well that worked. We got to school, got his teaching assignment, that we already knew and life was great. Brooke, however, she was excited until she got her teaching assignment. Mr....I think her hearing stopped working after that. She looked at the paper dumb founded. We got to her class, she robotically (is that a word?)2 did her assigned tasks, we left to go to Tyler's class and immediate tears formed. I had to stop that because I had to get Tyler all settled in to his assigned tasks...Anyway, many tears and conversations later Brooke decides she can give it a try. Now, 3 days into school the kids are both so happy, they can't stop talking about things they did or how the teacher sets traps for them to fall into or how they meet new friends. Brooke loves the new teacher so far...the funny thing "Mom did you know in 3rd grade it is really hard to get SOAR slips but really easy to get warning cards?" That is the biggest of your worries? Tyler loves his teacher, Kindergarten etc etc...except "Mom, do you think next year you can sign me up for 1/2 days?" No buddy, I think your going to be stuck with the long days for awhile.
Brooke's other big dilemma...Girls are finding their 'sassy' attitudes. I'm not too sure I'm excited about this but knew it would happen sooner or later.
The first day of school she comes home and says "Mom, (friends name) was really sassy to me today, with her hand on her hip and sassy voice."
Me "So what did you do?"
Brooke: "Well you told me it's not nice to be sassy so I just walked away and found a different friend."
Thank God she is listening...Maybe I have another few months before she finds her sassiness. But I sure was hoping that these girls could all just stick together and be friendly to each other a little longer than now...but it will all work out...I just remember being a girl and mean and stuff...some things never change! Hopefully tomorrow they can all be friends!
I think that is all of my updates...It would be sad if only a week later I can't remember things that happened...
After running Georgetown and getting over my disappointing finish (I've finally decided that I was waiting for a miracle and in running miracles don't happen unless you train for them to happen) I took off the Tuesday track workout...ran on Wednesday but cut it short because of the nagging calf issue...did the gym thing on Tuesday and Wednesday and then I ran 4 miles on Saturday in the heat, which almost killed me. I hiked Mt. Bierstadt with some friends on Sunday (more on that later). I then did a repeat hill work out (Ward Road 4 times) on Monday, I did the gym thing Tuesday morning and then track work out (5 800's) Tuesday night and a short walk Wednesday morning...After all of that and no calf issue I feel like I'm back to really get down to business so that the Rock - n - Roll 1/2 is a positive outcome! I feel like the workouts are making me stronger and all the strain I've put on my body in the past week has not killed me. Looking ahead, I have the gym in the morning, hiking Mt. Lincoln on Saturday and 8 miles Sunday...With 6 weeks to go until Rock - n - Roll I have some ground to cover but I think I can do it...NO...I know I can do it...I'm thinking for a positive outcome I want to finish in a 2:00 - 2:05. It's not too far out of reach...and at Georgetown I ran with the 2:05 pace group until I hit the wall.
Hiking...I had it in my head that I wanted to hike a 14er last weekend and as it turned out some friends also had time...so after looking at all the 54 options of mountains we could do Mt. Bierstandt it was decided...mainly because it was close and not rated difficult (it is only the 2nd one I've hiked and the other 2 are newbies also). Anyway, we decided to meet at 6:00 at the parking lot and all drive to Georgetown together...I can't believe how full the parking lots were at 6 on a Sunday morning. Apparently we aren't the only demented ones out there. So we found the trail fairly easily...do the whole bathroom thing and I'm estimating that we were on the trail head at 8 ish... Anyway, off we go and the trail was groomed, quite well I will say...We are seeing a lot of people and I guess it didn't dawn on me that all of these people are headed to the same spot we are. We did take some 'catch your breath' type breaks and one that we had a snack...all in all we kept going. When we got to the steep part we did have to go from trail marker to trail marker to catch our breath but not bad. We get to where the trail flattens out, take a few pictures and look at the last 250ft up...Actually that was the most fun, figuring out your own path and jumping from rock to rock. The top, was amazing...where you can see the whole world (at least it feels like that). The bummer, there was all the people up there plus many more that were going to the same place I was...At the top we saw this guy who was carrying a toddler on his back...He started heading down the same time we did...so we thought we should be able to keep up with him...Wow...you could tell this was not his first rodeo...I'm figuring 3 hours up a little over an hour down. Amazing how much easier going down is! The hike was great, the conversation and company was great...I just wish now I had more time to fit these in!
Next...The kids started school...And actually I have to start with Back to School night...I had been positive about this for weeks...The kids are going to meet their teachers, life is going to be great. I knew Tyler was very nervous about starting Kindergarten and having to be there ALL day, but I was hoping my positive vibes would out weigh his nervous attitude. Well that worked. We got to school, got his teaching assignment, that we already knew and life was great. Brooke, however, she was excited until she got her teaching assignment. Mr....I think her hearing stopped working after that. She looked at the paper dumb founded. We got to her class, she robotically (is that a word?)2 did her assigned tasks, we left to go to Tyler's class and immediate tears formed. I had to stop that because I had to get Tyler all settled in to his assigned tasks...Anyway, many tears and conversations later Brooke decides she can give it a try. Now, 3 days into school the kids are both so happy, they can't stop talking about things they did or how the teacher sets traps for them to fall into or how they meet new friends. Brooke loves the new teacher so far...the funny thing "Mom did you know in 3rd grade it is really hard to get SOAR slips but really easy to get warning cards?" That is the biggest of your worries? Tyler loves his teacher, Kindergarten etc etc...except "Mom, do you think next year you can sign me up for 1/2 days?" No buddy, I think your going to be stuck with the long days for awhile.
Brooke's other big dilemma...Girls are finding their 'sassy' attitudes. I'm not too sure I'm excited about this but knew it would happen sooner or later.
The first day of school she comes home and says "Mom, (friends name) was really sassy to me today, with her hand on her hip and sassy voice."
Me "So what did you do?"
Brooke: "Well you told me it's not nice to be sassy so I just walked away and found a different friend."
Thank God she is listening...Maybe I have another few months before she finds her sassiness. But I sure was hoping that these girls could all just stick together and be friendly to each other a little longer than now...but it will all work out...I just remember being a girl and mean and stuff...some things never change! Hopefully tomorrow they can all be friends!
I think that is all of my updates...It would be sad if only a week later I can't remember things that happened...
15 August 2011
Running Georgetown!
I had the 'privledge' (I use that term loosely) of running and finishing the Georgetown to Idaho Springs 1/2 marathon this past weekend. The reason that I use the term privilege is because I finished under my own power...no EMT assistance needed. Unfortunately I can't say that for all of us runners. It was a hot, long, hilly run but in the end I finished with a smile on my face and able to run (hobble) another day and sometimes we have to use that as our goal. My new friend and author, John Bingham, told me through his article "Managing Great Expectations" that we need to remember the following. "What's clear is that preparation is the price of admission to the start line. You set a goal, you make a plan, you do your best. Through commitment, you earn your right to start. Every finish line is a gift. Every time you cross that finish line you can take pride in what you've accomplished. Every time. Not just the PR finishes. Every finish." You see I had to read this from a guy I have never met for it to finally hit home...My very supportive husband, my mom and friends all told me that I was doing great things. They aren't runners though, do they 'really' understand or are they just trying to be nice? My runner friends understand my side as well...We set out at every race, sub consciously to set a PR. Unfortunately my average 10.40 min miles and 2.20 finish time did not set a PR. So I'll have to come back, try again! I also understand that we all have great runs and we all have hard runs. And sometimes what is supposed to be easy is murder and what is supposed to be hard is easy and we wonder if we did enough. That is the joy of running and many of the reasons that we keep going back!
On the positive side, Georgetown was a beautiful race, aside from the hills and the sun it was great. I would sign up again...I would train differently also! For the most part it was a very well organized race...
I can also tell my strength as an athlete is improving. It used to be after a long run, anything over 10 miles I would be spent for the day...But I had a full weekend in front of me...Sore muscles yes, nap wanted yes...However, I was able to run errands and attend parties well into the night.
On the positive side, Georgetown was a beautiful race, aside from the hills and the sun it was great. I would sign up again...I would train differently also! For the most part it was a very well organized race...
I can also tell my strength as an athlete is improving. It used to be after a long run, anything over 10 miles I would be spent for the day...But I had a full weekend in front of me...Sore muscles yes, nap wanted yes...However, I was able to run errands and attend parties well into the night.
06 August 2011
Missing Brooke
This week I've been without Brooke...she went on a vacation with her Grammie and Papa! And I could totally be the mom that says that it was nice to have a little time to myself, nice to give Tyler some extra attention, nice to not have activities to run to...And although all of that was true it finally hit us (by us I mean Lou, Tyler and myself) last night that we miss Brooke, her fun, silly sometimes bold and brash behavior. We missed her crazy ideas, we missed her keeping Tyler busy, we missed the silly stories, the cuddles and maybe just the 'business' of the house. We missed the good night book reading and tucking her in and yes, making her bed. We missed taking her to dance and work and her music. I missed her demands and maybe even her lectures on how I need to be a better mom...
So come home Brooke...Don't worry, I'll let you go again, just next time you must take your brother, because he sure is lonely without you!
It is amazing how you can be busy, like really busy but then you still realize you would have lost that much more sleep just to have the kids around...not sure how I'll handle college...good thing I still have some years before dealing with that!
So come home Brooke...Don't worry, I'll let you go again, just next time you must take your brother, because he sure is lonely without you!
It is amazing how you can be busy, like really busy but then you still realize you would have lost that much more sleep just to have the kids around...not sure how I'll handle college...good thing I still have some years before dealing with that!
03 August 2011
Running...
I'm asked...on a daily basis almost, why I'm so addicted to running, why I run, why do I 'hate' my body so much. I don't typically have a great answer...usually something to the effect that it gives me quiet time or it is much like therapy or I just need to keep moving. I read an article today that I totally identified with...ok, not all of it, but it explains a lot about my running addiction...
"I’ve learned that I associate running with my best self. When I go through a dry spell, not training, it indicates that the rest of my life is a little messy or worn down. Running strips away something like what Virginia Woolf called “the cotton wool of everyday life” so that there is nothing between my intimate insides and the air and light and landscape unfurling under my sneaker treads. It’s release through motion."
Basically saying that I'm truly myself when I'm running. Even when I struggle with a workout or have unknown pain I still am the best version of me and I strive to be that person more and more often. I want to be the best version of myself more that I want to be identified otherwise. I encourage people to come run with me...not sure if I want them to see the best version of themselves, or if I want them to witness the best version of me; it is probably a combination of both. So there it is...that is why I run!
"My husband teases me about my obsession with running: the blogs, the books, the GPS watch, the shoes, the fartleks, the ice bath, and the tapers. These are the trappings of a cultish devotion, a way to burrow deeper into an identity that I am breathlessly gleeful and grateful to claim: that of a runner."
I'm not sure I could have said this any better myself...People shake their heads at me when I say I'll just go for a run or I need a hill workout etc...or they joke that they will join me. They don't yet understand the 'cultish devotion' that keeps me coming back! They don't understand that the sore muscles and tight ligaments are a sort of badge of honor that I wear proudly. And that is why I keep going back...week after week, day after day.
So, yes, I could say it is the therapy and the quiet time away from everything and the hope and the challenge of running further and faster. And, yes, there is gratification and emotion when you finish a race for a few seconds the world is a fabulous place and meeting goals has its perks.
There you have it...that is why I run!
"I’ve learned that I associate running with my best self. When I go through a dry spell, not training, it indicates that the rest of my life is a little messy or worn down. Running strips away something like what Virginia Woolf called “the cotton wool of everyday life” so that there is nothing between my intimate insides and the air and light and landscape unfurling under my sneaker treads. It’s release through motion."
Basically saying that I'm truly myself when I'm running. Even when I struggle with a workout or have unknown pain I still am the best version of me and I strive to be that person more and more often. I want to be the best version of myself more that I want to be identified otherwise. I encourage people to come run with me...not sure if I want them to see the best version of themselves, or if I want them to witness the best version of me; it is probably a combination of both. So there it is...that is why I run!
"My husband teases me about my obsession with running: the blogs, the books, the GPS watch, the shoes, the fartleks, the ice bath, and the tapers. These are the trappings of a cultish devotion, a way to burrow deeper into an identity that I am breathlessly gleeful and grateful to claim: that of a runner."
I'm not sure I could have said this any better myself...People shake their heads at me when I say I'll just go for a run or I need a hill workout etc...or they joke that they will join me. They don't yet understand the 'cultish devotion' that keeps me coming back! They don't understand that the sore muscles and tight ligaments are a sort of badge of honor that I wear proudly. And that is why I keep going back...week after week, day after day.
So, yes, I could say it is the therapy and the quiet time away from everything and the hope and the challenge of running further and faster. And, yes, there is gratification and emotion when you finish a race for a few seconds the world is a fabulous place and meeting goals has its perks.
There you have it...that is why I run!
09 July 2011
I've had a moment!
Yesterday, while listening to a well educated person speak (I know, I should have been doing something a little more constructive or productive) I had one of those moments! One of those light bulb type things where your world all of a sudden makes sense! This could get to be a little long winded as I explain the whole enlightening experience!
So, lets start with this friend. I have a friend who, I think, lacks confidence and questions her decisions on a daily basis. Always wondering if she is going to offend someone and is always looking for acceptance. I've tried to mention to her (as nicely as possible) that we are old enough that we need to be confident in our decisions and know ourselves well enough that if someone else is offended we weren't meant to be friends with them in the first place. After those pep talks went to a black hole I finally had decided that avoidance of the situation was warranted. Anytime said friend would call I would avoid it, Lou would answer or voicemail and if we were to see each other I would just cut the conversation short. After many pep talks from Lou I was told that I had to continue to help her along, after all there was a reason she was brought into my life...
Then as of recently (and as I think everyone I come in contact with knows) I've recently ramped up my entries into races (yes running!) and challenges (yes again on foot) and I've done this all on my own (no one pushing me) and have yet to figure out the reasoning. So far since May I've done a 1/2 marathon, a 5K, the Tough Mudder and then I have at least 2 more 1/2 marathons and another 5K scheduled. I'm not sure why because I don't need more motivation to go to the gym (ok maybe this week but not normally) and I think I'm currently happy about my fitness level!
So bring me to this speech and it starts out saying 'everyone in this world is here for connection.' While I'm still asking myself why I'm taking the time for this. 'We all need connection with other people otherwise we have nothing. If we can't identify with another, can't compare notes or simply be able to have a relationship with another we have nothing.' Ok, so maybe I take this for granted. I've always had people I connect with, identify with, struggle with, have fun with...I have always had 'connections' and maybe I don't understand the feeling of not having this. The lady goes on 'Also, as people we are all vulnerable and it is how we deal with this vulnerability on how we as people continue to grow and have connections.' Let me explain what she goes on to say in my own words...There are two different people in this world. Those that feel worthy and know that they have a reason for people to love/like them and those that don't. There are those that are not afraid to take chances or make choices because in the end they know they are worthy of the outcome. There are those that can not jump out of the comfort zone because they don't feel like they are 'worthy.' This is where my mind wonders and I say to myself how sad for them to live so closed in because no one ever gave them the reassurance they needed to feel worthy. But back to my moment! She says that when people are faced with a vulnerable situation there are people that look at the situation and jump in head first and then the 'non worthy' people that turn and cower from it all. And sometimes these people take a situation of vulnerability and try to skim around it so many different ways that nothing is ever accomplished. So...immediately it jumps out at me! I'm finally confident enough in my choices, in my worthiness, that I'm not afraid to sign up for these races/challenges and find out the outcome and I'm not afraid of what the outcome might be! How exciting that it has only taken me 31 years to figure this out. Here all this time I thought maybe it was the validation I needed but in the end it is just that I'm not afraid of the outcome. Don't get me wrong, on the Tough Mudder there was some probing and stuff but in the end I went...Recently (or maybe not so recently) a friend told me not to be afraid to get older because you just grow more confidence and life becomes much more fun because you aren't worried about what other people think, or maybe you just don't care what other people think! How true this statement is!
For the other part of the 'moment' and probably the more important! There are people in this world that are not confident or don't feel worthy or don't face 'vulnerability' with the same grace and eagerness that I do and I need to respect those people. I need to learn to understand that those people need 'connections' just as much as I do and maybe they need a little probing along the way to show them that vulnerable situations aren't that bad! If you noticed I'm not blaming childhoods or previous experience or anything...everyone has their own journey through this world but we are all brought together for a reason and perhaps if we were all a little more knowledgeable about things then we wouldn't be so quick to run when people say or do something that we don't agree with! These people seem less confident and are always need reassurance and acceptance and maybe it is time that I learn to be the person accepting and reassuring!
So my moment...I guess in the end I feel better about my friend, that just needs the confidence that many of us posses all on our own...hopefully this will make me a better friend, better person, better parent. I'm not sure, but for that brief moment of clarity I did realize that we all struggle and it is alright to be the person helping instead of the one needing help!
So, lets start with this friend. I have a friend who, I think, lacks confidence and questions her decisions on a daily basis. Always wondering if she is going to offend someone and is always looking for acceptance. I've tried to mention to her (as nicely as possible) that we are old enough that we need to be confident in our decisions and know ourselves well enough that if someone else is offended we weren't meant to be friends with them in the first place. After those pep talks went to a black hole I finally had decided that avoidance of the situation was warranted. Anytime said friend would call I would avoid it, Lou would answer or voicemail and if we were to see each other I would just cut the conversation short. After many pep talks from Lou I was told that I had to continue to help her along, after all there was a reason she was brought into my life...
Then as of recently (and as I think everyone I come in contact with knows) I've recently ramped up my entries into races (yes running!) and challenges (yes again on foot) and I've done this all on my own (no one pushing me) and have yet to figure out the reasoning. So far since May I've done a 1/2 marathon, a 5K, the Tough Mudder and then I have at least 2 more 1/2 marathons and another 5K scheduled. I'm not sure why because I don't need more motivation to go to the gym (ok maybe this week but not normally) and I think I'm currently happy about my fitness level!
So bring me to this speech and it starts out saying 'everyone in this world is here for connection.' While I'm still asking myself why I'm taking the time for this. 'We all need connection with other people otherwise we have nothing. If we can't identify with another, can't compare notes or simply be able to have a relationship with another we have nothing.' Ok, so maybe I take this for granted. I've always had people I connect with, identify with, struggle with, have fun with...I have always had 'connections' and maybe I don't understand the feeling of not having this. The lady goes on 'Also, as people we are all vulnerable and it is how we deal with this vulnerability on how we as people continue to grow and have connections.' Let me explain what she goes on to say in my own words...There are two different people in this world. Those that feel worthy and know that they have a reason for people to love/like them and those that don't. There are those that are not afraid to take chances or make choices because in the end they know they are worthy of the outcome. There are those that can not jump out of the comfort zone because they don't feel like they are 'worthy.' This is where my mind wonders and I say to myself how sad for them to live so closed in because no one ever gave them the reassurance they needed to feel worthy. But back to my moment! She says that when people are faced with a vulnerable situation there are people that look at the situation and jump in head first and then the 'non worthy' people that turn and cower from it all. And sometimes these people take a situation of vulnerability and try to skim around it so many different ways that nothing is ever accomplished. So...immediately it jumps out at me! I'm finally confident enough in my choices, in my worthiness, that I'm not afraid to sign up for these races/challenges and find out the outcome and I'm not afraid of what the outcome might be! How exciting that it has only taken me 31 years to figure this out. Here all this time I thought maybe it was the validation I needed but in the end it is just that I'm not afraid of the outcome. Don't get me wrong, on the Tough Mudder there was some probing and stuff but in the end I went...Recently (or maybe not so recently) a friend told me not to be afraid to get older because you just grow more confidence and life becomes much more fun because you aren't worried about what other people think, or maybe you just don't care what other people think! How true this statement is!
For the other part of the 'moment' and probably the more important! There are people in this world that are not confident or don't feel worthy or don't face 'vulnerability' with the same grace and eagerness that I do and I need to respect those people. I need to learn to understand that those people need 'connections' just as much as I do and maybe they need a little probing along the way to show them that vulnerable situations aren't that bad! If you noticed I'm not blaming childhoods or previous experience or anything...everyone has their own journey through this world but we are all brought together for a reason and perhaps if we were all a little more knowledgeable about things then we wouldn't be so quick to run when people say or do something that we don't agree with! These people seem less confident and are always need reassurance and acceptance and maybe it is time that I learn to be the person accepting and reassuring!
So my moment...I guess in the end I feel better about my friend, that just needs the confidence that many of us posses all on our own...hopefully this will make me a better friend, better person, better parent. I'm not sure, but for that brief moment of clarity I did realize that we all struggle and it is alright to be the person helping instead of the one needing help!
06 July 2011
4th of July
I don't have any great words...great thoughts or ideas or any running tribulations...
We had a great holiday with the kids. They enjoyed all the activities that we had planned which was very exciting considering the last week we had with them.
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We (by we I mean they) went fishing...luckily they didn't catch anything...otherwise I'm afraid they wouldn't be so happy!
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We (this time it really is we) decorated bikes for the annual parade!
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They ate pie in a pie eating contest...Brooke : This tastes gross and I have to get my face dirty! Not impressed!
Tyler... He tried everything...driving the tractor...playing kickball, jumping in the jumping castle, swimming, biking, fishing...I'm a little nervous what this guy has in store for me in a few years.
We had a great holiday with the kids. They enjoyed all the activities that we had planned which was very exciting considering the last week we had with them.
Tyler... He tried everything...driving the tractor...playing kickball, jumping in the jumping castle, swimming, biking, fishing...I'm a little nervous what this guy has in store for me in a few years.
27 June 2011
The Tough Mudder Challenge
Well after serious self convincing to get up Saturday morning to meet my fellow teammates, we competed in the 1st Tough Mudder Challenge in Colorado at Beaver Creek Resort. While a beautiful facility, I (and my butt) have a new appreciation for the steepness of those 'hills.' We had a late start time (the race is set up to start 500 people every 20 min) so we watched at the finish line with the electroshock therapy. This was more than likely a giant mistake! We watched people get shocked, convulse to the ground and have a hard time get back up. But then there were others that just ran right through it like it was no problem.
Anyway, we started with the Tough Mudder Mantra that mudders don't whine, kids whine...something else about team spirit and helping out your fellow man and taking on the toughest event on the planet. All the while I'm thinking that I just want to be fit, not sure I need all this extra stuff! Off we go, starting out with a nice downhill jog...Then starts the first hill...and just like a 14er there are many false peaks that make you believe that your at the top. But at this point spirits are good and upbeat, although with the altitude and length of the hill, it by far was not easy but with good vibrations anything is possible. A few obstacles and 3 miles later we run into a sign that says if you were doing the Warrior Dash you would be done by now...I still felt great at that point, I'm gonna be fine right? Then comes along the 'Swamp Stomp' where you jump into a 36 degree pond and wade your way across, cold -- yes, giant rocks in the bottom -- yes that would be the point of a few bruises. Out we go, no big deal. Turn the corner only to have to get back into the cold pond and swim under some barrels. I'm thinking that as long as I can touch the bottom I'll be alright. Under the first barrels -- can't touch, can't see anything, colder than cold, not sure which way to go, second set of barrels -- still can't touch, looking for a way out starting to have a really hard time breathing the only way out is to go through the 3rd set...People are trying to help me out of the water and give me a warming sheet...I just need to keep moving, where is the path, where do I go. Super disoriented I then have to carry a log around in the mountains. Things did improve slightly until this 'jacuzzi' thing. That same cold water only ice and other 'stuff' added to turn me blue. The problem. My legs wouldn't listen to my brain to actually help get out of this tub...My brother had to jump back in to help me out. Many things are just a blur after that. It was hill after hill after giant hill. Many times of wet and cold...never hot. I never complained once of being hot. This challenge was never ending. I never felt like we would actually see the electroshock therapy and the finish line. Eventually it did come around and after watching my teammates go through and after all the other obstacles of the day I politely walked around. Guess what? They still gave me the coveted orange headband, they still gave me the beer and the shirt and all the proof I will ever need to show that I'm a Tough Mudder. At this point I'm not sure if that is something I'm proud of or something that just goes to show that I'll try anything once!
My sister, the one that never signed up is currently jealous...saying I should do it with her next year. After signing my death waiver once, I'm a little skittish about doing this all over again, however, I now know what to expect and could very well be better prepared for this. After all, how many times have all of us said never again and how short of memories we all carry!
The Tough Mudder was hard, not only physically but mentally. The Tough Mudder was great team building and meeting other crazy or idiotic folk just like yourself and in the end I'm glad I had that serious convincing conversation with myself Saturday morning. I'm glad that I participated and survived with many sore muscles, sunburn and more bruises and scrapes that I can count. It was totally worth it, the sense of accomplishment and to be among the few people that actually finish makes it all worth it!
Anyway, we started with the Tough Mudder Mantra that mudders don't whine, kids whine...something else about team spirit and helping out your fellow man and taking on the toughest event on the planet. All the while I'm thinking that I just want to be fit, not sure I need all this extra stuff! Off we go, starting out with a nice downhill jog...Then starts the first hill...and just like a 14er there are many false peaks that make you believe that your at the top. But at this point spirits are good and upbeat, although with the altitude and length of the hill, it by far was not easy but with good vibrations anything is possible. A few obstacles and 3 miles later we run into a sign that says if you were doing the Warrior Dash you would be done by now...I still felt great at that point, I'm gonna be fine right? Then comes along the 'Swamp Stomp' where you jump into a 36 degree pond and wade your way across, cold -- yes, giant rocks in the bottom -- yes that would be the point of a few bruises. Out we go, no big deal. Turn the corner only to have to get back into the cold pond and swim under some barrels. I'm thinking that as long as I can touch the bottom I'll be alright. Under the first barrels -- can't touch, can't see anything, colder than cold, not sure which way to go, second set of barrels -- still can't touch, looking for a way out starting to have a really hard time breathing the only way out is to go through the 3rd set...People are trying to help me out of the water and give me a warming sheet...I just need to keep moving, where is the path, where do I go. Super disoriented I then have to carry a log around in the mountains. Things did improve slightly until this 'jacuzzi' thing. That same cold water only ice and other 'stuff' added to turn me blue. The problem. My legs wouldn't listen to my brain to actually help get out of this tub...My brother had to jump back in to help me out. Many things are just a blur after that. It was hill after hill after giant hill. Many times of wet and cold...never hot. I never complained once of being hot. This challenge was never ending. I never felt like we would actually see the electroshock therapy and the finish line. Eventually it did come around and after watching my teammates go through and after all the other obstacles of the day I politely walked around. Guess what? They still gave me the coveted orange headband, they still gave me the beer and the shirt and all the proof I will ever need to show that I'm a Tough Mudder. At this point I'm not sure if that is something I'm proud of or something that just goes to show that I'll try anything once!
My sister, the one that never signed up is currently jealous...saying I should do it with her next year. After signing my death waiver once, I'm a little skittish about doing this all over again, however, I now know what to expect and could very well be better prepared for this. After all, how many times have all of us said never again and how short of memories we all carry!
The Tough Mudder was hard, not only physically but mentally. The Tough Mudder was great team building and meeting other crazy or idiotic folk just like yourself and in the end I'm glad I had that serious convincing conversation with myself Saturday morning. I'm glad that I participated and survived with many sore muscles, sunburn and more bruises and scrapes that I can count. It was totally worth it, the sense of accomplishment and to be among the few people that actually finish makes it all worth it!
20 June 2011
Running a Father's Day 5k
Yet another busy weekend...I decided to overcome my fear of the unknown and run a 5k yesterday...First one since I've been training steadily...My last 5k was Thanksgiving, last year... I ran a 30:29 which honestly I was more than a little disappointed with at the time. Now looking back at my history, I cut off about 4 minutes from the previous 5K...so not bad...yesterday I ran a 26:51 which placed me 8th in females 30-39. I'm happy with that...to know that I can run 8:40 minute miles for that long does boost the confidence a little. If I remember correctly my best mile in junior high (lots of years ago) was a 7:53. I'm starting to think I may be able to do that with enough practice and track workouts. Maybe another 5K in August/September just to see where I'm at. And I'm not saying that an 8 minute mile 5K would get me first in my division but maybe 2nd. I would be ok with that...Baby steps...
Anyway, after my exciting 5K Lou and I took the kids swimming, for a bike ride and then I ran my remaining 5 miles for the day. All in all it was great...my muscles are currently fatigued and by butt is sore from sitting on a bike seat. I'm sure things will get better soon!
From here...I'm doing a mile repeat track workout on Tuesday. I have not done one of those since the fall...hopefully it doesn't kill me. Then off to the Tough Mudder challenge on Saturday (I'm still wondering what the heck I was thinking when I signed up for this one!) And 8 miles on Sunday...
From here with the kids...we are looking forward to getting structure back in the kids' day since school has been out. My thinking that track, soccer and dance would keep them busy enough has backfired a little. Instead the nightly activities have worn them out to the point where they are mostly crabby. I've since had to make a few changes and hopefully things smooth out for the next two months before school starts again!
Anyway, after my exciting 5K Lou and I took the kids swimming, for a bike ride and then I ran my remaining 5 miles for the day. All in all it was great...my muscles are currently fatigued and by butt is sore from sitting on a bike seat. I'm sure things will get better soon!
From here...I'm doing a mile repeat track workout on Tuesday. I have not done one of those since the fall...hopefully it doesn't kill me. Then off to the Tough Mudder challenge on Saturday (I'm still wondering what the heck I was thinking when I signed up for this one!) And 8 miles on Sunday...
From here with the kids...we are looking forward to getting structure back in the kids' day since school has been out. My thinking that track, soccer and dance would keep them busy enough has backfired a little. Instead the nightly activities have worn them out to the point where they are mostly crabby. I've since had to make a few changes and hopefully things smooth out for the next two months before school starts again!
17 June 2011
Weekly tribulations...
This week started off just like any other summer week...just run of the mill happenings that one can deal with. Tuesday's track workout was overly difficult (probably just for me) as I had back / hip issues going on. Wednesday my kids completely melted down. Go 2 weeks without the structure of school and they don't know what to do with themselves. We then followed that up with Tyler getting a rash / welt / itchy red spots that move all over his body. Kinda get that all under control and then Brooke receives some news that devastated her. ( I know that is not difficult to an 8 year old, but it was hard for me to watch. ) Then while at work this morning I got some not so fabulous news. I even called Louis and cried...which I can honestly say I haven't done in years. And it wasn't even that terrible of news...just something I didn't want to hear.
So I guess I'm looking forward, life will look better if I continue to look forward instead of behind me...Sunday I'm doing my first 5K since I've started doing well with my running. I secretly probably have some goals but after this week I'll be happy just to finish.
So I guess I'm looking forward, life will look better if I continue to look forward instead of behind me...Sunday I'm doing my first 5K since I've started doing well with my running. I secretly probably have some goals but after this week I'll be happy just to finish.
08 June 2011
I guess you could call these weekly updates?!
I'm sure that everyone has been wondering if my lazy feeling has gone away...You know that one I complained about in my last post...Well you will be happy to know that it is gone. All of my muscles are properly sore again. And as I sit here I wonder if this is my new 'normal.' You know to have constant sore muscles. I have gotten to the point where the pain is just a dull ache to let me know it is there and then if you stand up too fast or move the wrong way it very gently reminds you in the most earth shattering feeling ever. At least the pain isn't so bad that I have to act like Brooke and pick my legs up with my hands to get up the stairs.
Also wondering if my new normal is to constantly over schedule myself. Ok, maybe over schedule is a bit exaggerated. Maybe just scheduled down to the minute. For example, last Saturday I had an 8 a.m appointment, followed by a thing for Tyler at noon, (oh and I had to make cupcakes and cookies sometime in there) followed by a birthday party for Brooke that was scheduled at 2. I also had plans of cleaning the house, having Lou mow the yard etc etc so we could help with another project at my parents house. Needless to say I didn't get everything done and my parents didn't get any help from me. Then Tuesday my day consisted of a 4:36 wake up call, gym, work, Brooke having 2 soccer games and a track workout. I didn't think about drive times, so needless to say I was a little late...and I hate being late...Anyway, it all worked out and I survived to do it all again today...
As for my track work...I'm hoping that when I start going weekly again this will get easier, but oh my goodness...Last night was tough...Not great times for me, but great motivation!
Also wondering if my new normal is to constantly over schedule myself. Ok, maybe over schedule is a bit exaggerated. Maybe just scheduled down to the minute. For example, last Saturday I had an 8 a.m appointment, followed by a thing for Tyler at noon, (oh and I had to make cupcakes and cookies sometime in there) followed by a birthday party for Brooke that was scheduled at 2. I also had plans of cleaning the house, having Lou mow the yard etc etc so we could help with another project at my parents house. Needless to say I didn't get everything done and my parents didn't get any help from me. Then Tuesday my day consisted of a 4:36 wake up call, gym, work, Brooke having 2 soccer games and a track workout. I didn't think about drive times, so needless to say I was a little late...and I hate being late...Anyway, it all worked out and I survived to do it all again today...
As for my track work...I'm hoping that when I start going weekly again this will get easier, but oh my goodness...Last night was tough...Not great times for me, but great motivation!
03 June 2011
Lazy Week...
Well, after missing 2 workouts this week, I'm feeling super lazy. Which I guess is a little bit out of control. After all, for weeks (ok more like months) I've done long runs on Sundays, track workouts on Tuesdays and gym workouts Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings along with a few other 'shorter runs'...After running Colfax my legs have felt weak and frankly taken too long to heal...So I decided, since we were 'between sessions' I would try out trail running. I had a fabulous time, never having done this type of running I learned an amazing amount, while the world was showing me how 'not in shape' for that kind of running I really am. So I did it again on Monday (maybe that wasn't the best idea, but I'm a runner) and had a great time (snake and all). So I'll be doing that again...however, I woke up with really, really sore ankles and foot...I made it to the gym on Tuesday but struggled through the workout...skipped the track session (super guilty about that one). Went to the gym on Wednesday and then I haven't done anything since. My philosophy...I need to rest up before the session starts on Sunday...oh yeah...and Lori (my coach) told me I'm not a beginner... Or maybe I just know that this is the time that I need to rest because summer has it out for me. Either way...I hope the lazy feeling goes away soon!
18 May 2011
Running Colfax!
So just last night I was running with the club and talking about various things. One of blogging. So they are saying they blog about running etc. I started thinking, all I blog about are my kids and some inner thoughts I have while driving or showering. Why aren't I blogging about running too? I mean I have my issues right? So here goes.
On Sunday I ran the Colfax 1/2 marathon in the cold and the rain which was actually very fitting as the whole training session has been about the cold and the wind and the snow and the ice. I'm pretty sure that the only training we had in nice weather was Mother's day, five miles. I'm not complaining, just setting the stage. I finished the half marathon in 2 hours 11 min (officially) which works out to 10.02 min miles. I had severe foot pain that I ran through that finally went numb (I think my 4th toe is still swollen from it) and the beginnings of knee pain. I had moments that I thought I could run faster, moments that I thought my foot would just be better if it would fall off, moments of clarity that I belonged there at that time and place running; but never did I have a moment that asked why I was doing this, or why would I endure such torture on purpose. Which is a great moment. And when I finally reached the finish line (which was a great moment that I will explain) I did feel like I could go farther, which maybe means I didn't run fast enough or maybe it was just an emotional rush. But there were not any thoughts of 'OMG I finally finished, or that was the longest race ever." All of which are thoughts I have had before in other races. In fact just last October I told myself, during the 8 mile leg of the relay that I'm never doing this again!
And through all of this I've learned there is a mind game, a journey that begins every time you start running, no matter the distance. Whether the game is I only have 5 more miles then 4, then 3 etc, or you only have to run in the wind for a 5 more min...there is a game every time. Usually during this game you have the "I just started, this and I feel great," then you usually have many random thoughts you don't remember, and then you start the "when am I gonna be done with this deal." When you learn to go through the game then you have made running that much easier. Some other things that have made running easier...confidence, knowing you have traveled that distance before, support whether it is family that don't truly understand or fellow runners that have worked with you for months in the crappy weather. Someone waiting for you at the end because then you think "I can't stop now because they will have to wait longer". And one more thing that makes these runs easier...the pure pride and acceleration of emotions when you finish makes it all worth it. The pure joy that muddles all the pain and make the negative thoughts disappear, that feeling all on its own make all the months or torture and training and mind games worth it.
So those are my running thoughts as of recently. I'm still struggling with not making my 2 hour time goal, but I am proud to say that I took 36 min off my last time. And that is whey I sign up for more. Maybe next time I can get a few extra runs in or whatever to make that 'journey' that much easier!
On Sunday I ran the Colfax 1/2 marathon in the cold and the rain which was actually very fitting as the whole training session has been about the cold and the wind and the snow and the ice. I'm pretty sure that the only training we had in nice weather was Mother's day, five miles. I'm not complaining, just setting the stage. I finished the half marathon in 2 hours 11 min (officially) which works out to 10.02 min miles. I had severe foot pain that I ran through that finally went numb (I think my 4th toe is still swollen from it) and the beginnings of knee pain. I had moments that I thought I could run faster, moments that I thought my foot would just be better if it would fall off, moments of clarity that I belonged there at that time and place running; but never did I have a moment that asked why I was doing this, or why would I endure such torture on purpose. Which is a great moment. And when I finally reached the finish line (which was a great moment that I will explain) I did feel like I could go farther, which maybe means I didn't run fast enough or maybe it was just an emotional rush. But there were not any thoughts of 'OMG I finally finished, or that was the longest race ever." All of which are thoughts I have had before in other races. In fact just last October I told myself, during the 8 mile leg of the relay that I'm never doing this again!
And through all of this I've learned there is a mind game, a journey that begins every time you start running, no matter the distance. Whether the game is I only have 5 more miles then 4, then 3 etc, or you only have to run in the wind for a 5 more min...there is a game every time. Usually during this game you have the "I just started, this and I feel great," then you usually have many random thoughts you don't remember, and then you start the "when am I gonna be done with this deal." When you learn to go through the game then you have made running that much easier. Some other things that have made running easier...confidence, knowing you have traveled that distance before, support whether it is family that don't truly understand or fellow runners that have worked with you for months in the crappy weather. Someone waiting for you at the end because then you think "I can't stop now because they will have to wait longer". And one more thing that makes these runs easier...the pure pride and acceleration of emotions when you finish makes it all worth it. The pure joy that muddles all the pain and make the negative thoughts disappear, that feeling all on its own make all the months or torture and training and mind games worth it.
So those are my running thoughts as of recently. I'm still struggling with not making my 2 hour time goal, but I am proud to say that I took 36 min off my last time. And that is whey I sign up for more. Maybe next time I can get a few extra runs in or whatever to make that 'journey' that much easier!
06 May 2011
Spring...
As I look at my blog and see pictures of my adorable kids from last year I wonder...where did it all go? All that time? Did I live each day? Did I try new things? Am I happy? And you know the funny thing is that you can say that you live for your kids, or you do things for work or your house or whatever, but as I look back I realize that yes, I did do things for the kids but somewhere I had some minor satisfaction! Brooke will be making her First Communion tomorrow. I'm very proud of her achievements, but this one was a bit of a struggle...not for her, mind you...For me and her dad...You see, it was just one more place that she had to be by a certain time and with our hectic schedule it was crazy! But she made it! And so did we! And now that it is finished I guess there was some selfishness in having Brooke attend those classes. I can't describe why or what the root was...maybe just to prove to ourselves that we can survive this crazy schedule; I'm not sure...But then my rambled thoughts go to if I'm really happy. Is this crazy life and schedule that I'm living allowing me to be happy? Or do I just go through the motions everyday. Am I moving from one task to the next to make sure that someone else is taken care of? Or like Bon Jovi mentions in some of his songs...'everybody's broken.' Are we all broken in some way and the form of brokeness (is that really a word?) has caused us pain and depression. Do we cover up our form of brokeness with duties, places to be, people to see, tasks to be accomplished? Is everyone 'hiding' behind their schedule because they don't want to face the real situations, the real questions? Or maybe we live this life now because we think if we accomplish this all now that down the road life will be better, be different. I'm thinking that I need to live in the now...Live for the present because no one knows when 'better' is supposed to be here or if it will be here. So I guess that would mean that I need to make some changes...
In the end of all my reflection I'm not sure if I'll make changes or not, if I'll figure out if I'm really happy or if I'm broken and hiding...but at least I know that I have questions that eventually I'll be able to answer.
In the end of all my reflection I'm not sure if I'll make changes or not, if I'll figure out if I'm really happy or if I'm broken and hiding...but at least I know that I have questions that eventually I'll be able to answer.
07 March 2011
Quotes
Tyler has had some great quotes lately and I know that if I don't write them down I won't remember them!
While talking to my mom about Brooke's recent crises of me not being able to go on a field trip with her...
Me -- "So Brooke just doesn't know what to do without me there."
Tyler -- "She is going to have sit on the bus next to her friends instead of next to her mom, just like I'm gonna do!"
The wisdom of a 4 year old!
While talking to Louis over dinner...
Tyler -- "I know lots of things dad."
Louis --" Oh yeah, like what?"
Tyler -- "I know everything about cars, because I've watched my papa and uncle Chad."
Louis -- "Oh yeah, everything huh?"
Tyler -- "Yeah, everything because my papa is smart. And tractors too, I know lots about tractors."
Louis couldn't help but laugh!
On his recent struggle with going to Kindergarten...
Mom --"So Tyler, we are going to meet with Mrs. Clapes as soon as dad gets here."
Tyler -- "Lets just let dad meet with Mrs. Clapes and you and I can go home, deal?"
Mom-- "No, you and I are going to go in also and see the classroom."
Tyler -- "I bet it looks just like my classroom with Mrs. Vicki, I'm good, lets go."
Just FYI, we are still struggling a little with that situation but it is getting better!
While talking to my mom about Brooke's recent crises of me not being able to go on a field trip with her...
Me -- "So Brooke just doesn't know what to do without me there."
Tyler -- "She is going to have sit on the bus next to her friends instead of next to her mom, just like I'm gonna do!"
The wisdom of a 4 year old!
While talking to Louis over dinner...
Tyler -- "I know lots of things dad."
Louis --" Oh yeah, like what?"
Tyler -- "I know everything about cars, because I've watched my papa and uncle Chad."
Louis -- "Oh yeah, everything huh?"
Tyler -- "Yeah, everything because my papa is smart. And tractors too, I know lots about tractors."
Louis couldn't help but laugh!
On his recent struggle with going to Kindergarten...
Mom --"So Tyler, we are going to meet with Mrs. Clapes as soon as dad gets here."
Tyler -- "Lets just let dad meet with Mrs. Clapes and you and I can go home, deal?"
Mom-- "No, you and I are going to go in also and see the classroom."
Tyler -- "I bet it looks just like my classroom with Mrs. Vicki, I'm good, lets go."
Just FYI, we are still struggling a little with that situation but it is getting better!
21 February 2011
sick...
So, I'm going on week number 2 of feeling crappy. Frustration has set in because I have a million things to do and no motivation in which to accomplish it. I can't sleep because of the pain. Work drags on for years. My workouts have been non existent (which is making me even more frustrated). Now I fully understand how Brooke felt a few weeks ago when she was complaining. I pushed her and she was happy that I did but now I feel like a sub par mom, I should have just let her stay home and relax. Not that I'm at home mind you!
I know the world is trying to teach me a lesson...let me just mention that it doesn't need to be quite so mean. I'm listening, world...now can you give me a break? Please? I'm begging!
I know the world is trying to teach me a lesson...let me just mention that it doesn't need to be quite so mean. I'm listening, world...now can you give me a break? Please? I'm begging!
10 February 2011
Disturbing...
About once a week I find a few minutes to read a magazine, book etc. Usually I find great things to read that either teach me or inspire me. Sometimes I read silly things like People and tend to realize how normal my life really is and occasionally I read something that is really disturbing. Well today, I found my 10 minutes and was reading People and the article was about this lady who had teenage kids 13 and 16. She shot the kids twice in the head killing both of the them because (and I quote) " they talked back, they were mouthy and she was tired of it." She shot the boy after she drove him home from soccer practice and the girl while she was doing her homework. Are you kidding me? Please tell me what 13 and 16 year child is not mouthy or pushing their limits? I can't even find words to express my total disgust at this woman. Meanwhile, the dad / husband is 1/2 world away, working. Enough of the details. What kills me, is that there are so many people out there who can't have children, who have issues with kids not making it because of a disease or car accident etc. And the anguish of these people is amazing...to the point that I could not even imagine it. Yet here is this woman who can't figure out how to just walk away and count to 10, she buys a gun for the sole purpose of killing her children.
I know, I have said I would sell my children, drop them off at the fire station, trade them in for a new model etc. But I have never meant it, for more than 5 minutes.
When I was talking to someone and told them this story the response I got was..."That just goes to show that there are some crazy people out there." I'm sorry...this is so far past crazy the two aren't even in the same zip code. At least they put the lady in jail with no bail...but seriously...
I know, I have said I would sell my children, drop them off at the fire station, trade them in for a new model etc. But I have never meant it, for more than 5 minutes.
When I was talking to someone and told them this story the response I got was..."That just goes to show that there are some crazy people out there." I'm sorry...this is so far past crazy the two aren't even in the same zip code. At least they put the lady in jail with no bail...but seriously...
31 January 2011
Revelations!
So out with friends the other night and one of them said..."If you put the worlds problems in a pile and you could choose any of them, most people would take back their own problems." I didn't really think about that until I got this email that said "Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime." So twice in 3 days I was reminded that my problems aren't that bad...and the funny thing, I didn't think my issues were that bad. Sure, there are days when negative takes over and everything seems horrid. But you know what, I know how to deal with the problems I have. I know how to fix the issues I've got. Ok, well, maybe not all the issues but I've got them all under control. I don't want to take on anyone else's issues or figure out another set of problems. So it is true, I would take my batch back out of the pile, and then following code I will learn my lesson from those issues.
19 January 2011
There are days...either full of energy or not....they still go on.
So the exact definition of the word exhausted is drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired. Completely emptied of resources or properties... So explain please, why we as a society push so hard that we do this to ourselves?
My family and I went on vacation. Aside from when it was late I don't remember ever being tired, the whole week... We returned from vacation Sunday morning and ever since I don't think I haven't been not tired. I feel like I'm dying a slow miserable death and hoping that eventually I'll fall into a sleep induced abyss. Until then, I've had very short spurts of fabulously interrupted sleep and jumped back into my crazy schedule head first. Nothing like easing back into life right?
I don't have answers to why we push so hard. Because really, it doesn't matter if the laundry goes one more day or the dishes stay clean in the dishwasher an extra night but still we feel like we must get it 'all' done right?
Anyway, this is life. And we all go through it, whether it be in a coma zombie state or in such a mind that is full of inspiration and energy!
My family and I went on vacation. Aside from when it was late I don't remember ever being tired, the whole week... We returned from vacation Sunday morning and ever since I don't think I haven't been not tired. I feel like I'm dying a slow miserable death and hoping that eventually I'll fall into a sleep induced abyss. Until then, I've had very short spurts of fabulously interrupted sleep and jumped back into my crazy schedule head first. Nothing like easing back into life right?
I don't have answers to why we push so hard. Because really, it doesn't matter if the laundry goes one more day or the dishes stay clean in the dishwasher an extra night but still we feel like we must get it 'all' done right?
Anyway, this is life. And we all go through it, whether it be in a coma zombie state or in such a mind that is full of inspiration and energy!
03 January 2011
Happy New Year!
So the New Year has come and gone...with it I've heard many people mentioning their 'resolutions' and it prompted me thinking! I believe that we (as a country) dwell far too much on the negative sides of us and not enough on the positive aspects that we possess. Don't misunderstand, I'm proud of people recognizing their faults and making efforts to right those faults. However, doesn't everyone have faults? And isn't it easy to find those? Lets instead look at all the great things we accomplish each and every day. For some of us it might be as simple as getting out of bed on time or getting to work without having a meltdown. For others it may be bigger accomplishments like running a marathon or eating healthy for a meal. My idea to all of this is to focus more on the great aspects of ourselves.
Instead of saying that I shouldn't have acted so silly at that party, maybe we should say that I had fun at that party and I'm glad I was invited. Or instead of focusing on all the things we shouldn't have said or on the things we should have said but didn't, maybe we should focus on all the great things we offer! Or maybe our resolutions should be more positive focused...instead of saying I'm going to loose weight, we should say we are going have healthier meals or we are going to start an exercise program.
Don't misunderstand. I'm proud of all the people that realize they have issues and they are taking strides to correct that... one of lifes biggest lessons is that no one is perfect, all of us have faults. Maybe our question should be closer to am I happy with the person I am?
After living the previous 29 years in a very toe the line type of way I've discovered that it is ok to have fun and be silly sometimes. No one holds it against you and sometimes your a better person in the end. Don't get me wrong I still take things very seriously when it comes to being a good parent and other responsibilities but I've also realized that life is also about enjoying the moment and that it is ok to do that.
Good luck for the New Year! Keep in mind that no one is perfect, we all have flaws and issues and many times we are ok with those. Congratulations to those of you that are making strides to adjust your flaws and congratulations to those of you that are happy with who you are!
Instead of saying that I shouldn't have acted so silly at that party, maybe we should say that I had fun at that party and I'm glad I was invited. Or instead of focusing on all the things we shouldn't have said or on the things we should have said but didn't, maybe we should focus on all the great things we offer! Or maybe our resolutions should be more positive focused...instead of saying I'm going to loose weight, we should say we are going have healthier meals or we are going to start an exercise program.
Don't misunderstand. I'm proud of all the people that realize they have issues and they are taking strides to correct that... one of lifes biggest lessons is that no one is perfect, all of us have faults. Maybe our question should be closer to am I happy with the person I am?
After living the previous 29 years in a very toe the line type of way I've discovered that it is ok to have fun and be silly sometimes. No one holds it against you and sometimes your a better person in the end. Don't get me wrong I still take things very seriously when it comes to being a good parent and other responsibilities but I've also realized that life is also about enjoying the moment and that it is ok to do that.
Good luck for the New Year! Keep in mind that no one is perfect, we all have flaws and issues and many times we are ok with those. Congratulations to those of you that are making strides to adjust your flaws and congratulations to those of you that are happy with who you are!
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