Perhaps it was not eating enough calories for the past few days. Perhaps it is the hormones that are bouncing around due to the unexplained endometriosis issues. Or perhaps it was a sheer lack of willpower. Whatever it was, Thursday was definitely NOT a day where I did not make my calorie quota. And this on a day that turned out to be a rest day, instead of a swim day.
I started Thursday with a bowl of weight control oatmeal, about 8 oz. of nonfat activia, and V-8. I had lunch with Mr. Darcy at Chipotle. Trying to be good, I had a salad with black beans, chicken, and salsa. And then I had them put cheese on it. I doubt it was fat free cheese. No dressing though. I cheated and had a diet coke. I haven't had a diet coke since December. Yum. We chatted and had a nice lunch and then I headed back to work. The wierd bit? I was hungry again by the time I hit the neighborhood. And I knew what I wanted. Somehow the car ended up outside of Davis Bakery. But it wasn't there for a nice wholesome sandwich. Nope. A Missisippi Mud Pie Brownie - a less sugary brownie on the bottom topped with marshmallow. On top of the marshmallow? Fragments of oreos and walnuts. Sigh. It called me by name and I ate every bite. Dinner consisted of chicken and veggies, so that wasn't so bad. But dear lord. Talk about "what can I do to lose weight" in the blog and then it's stuffing your face with a Mississippi Mud Pie Brownie? I even got Mr. Darcy into the act and bought him a Coconut Lime Cookie, which is one of his bakery favorites. I even gave it to him after the girls were in bed so he didn't have to share. Misery loves company, I guess. But never before did misery taste so good. I can guarantee you that. Sigh. At least we had chicken and veggies for dinner.
I also ordered a book called Forever Fit by Richard Katouff, MD. I had checked him out after Parismtnriding left a comment the other day. And while I'm not in the market at the moment for payment for ongoing advice, I thought his book sounded good and it had glowing reviews from his clients. Supposedly, it puts all the nutrition and workout stuff into an easy to read, understand and apply sort of system. Yet another thing that I will have to review for you all. And today after seeing RockStarTri's comment and the post at My Life as a TriMommy, I bought Racing Weight by Matt Fitzgerald also. I appreciated all of the comments from yesterday's post! I sometimes use Dailyplate.com to track my calories - I used to be great about it, and know I need to do better. I have a feeling I'm "undereating" again, which is probably why I've been so tired (not to mention the running around like a crazy thing). It's not like I don't eat, it's just evidently by eating what I do, I just don't eat enough of it even though I feel full and end up eating around 1100 calories instead of the 1500 - 2000 I should eat during training (per Daily Plate and all those formulas out there). Coach tells me that's why I don't lose weight - my body thinks I'm starving and then when I do eat the right amount it saves it for me so when I'm "starving" again I'll have it. It's complete counterintuitive, but at the same time I sort of get it. I sometimes think it funny that I once thought "wow with all the training I'll be doing, I'll be able to drop weight in no time."
But enough of that. What's done is done, and now we just have to see what we can do in the days to come. Now onto other tales.
This morning, I did not get out of bed at 5 am. The alarm clock went off and I told Mr. Darcy to just reset it. I couldn't move, I was so tired. But, I at least had a plan - and Mr. Darcy and I talked it over before bed last night just in case and he's on board with it. The plan? Do that swim today and run on Sunday morning. So, when the alarm went off at 6:15 am, I got up and put on my swimsuit and packed my gym bag. Then it was off to help the little ladies get up and dressed. Things went much better this morning than yesterday. Ladybug was in a much better mood about getting up and getting dressed, even if she threw a little fit because I fixed one of her pant legs and we had to have a discussion about behavior. Then I discovered that my watch was 7 minutes slow and I raced out of the house to get to the pool. I felt like a big meanie because Ladybug was crying and didn't want me to go, butI had to be tough and just go anyway.
It was great to be back in the pool. Monday I never really found my stroke, but today was awesome. I could feel the rolling motion as I reached and pulled and the sound of the water in my ears was making that familiar song. I am slower than I was when training for the 70.3, but I don't think I'm as slow as I was this time last year and from what I can tell I can keep going for longer distances. So I'm sure it will come back and get even better. Today's workout was 1800m: a 200 warm up, a ladder of sorts - 50m, 75m, 100m, 150m, 200m followed by 5 x 50m fast and descending (51.0, 49.02, 48.36, 47.49, 46.49) and then 200m, 150m, 100m hard, 75m hard, 50m hard, and a 200 cool down. Luckily for me, another swimmer hit the pool part way through my 50's. (There was no one in the pool when I got there except for a little kid who was about 12 that almost smacked into me when he decided to cross into my lane to get out of the pool as I was doing a flip turn - uh hello? wait until after I'm past you and then get into my lane. I had to pull up out of that turn super fast and he was lucky I was paying attention!) I say luckily because it made me want to race her. She was a good swimmer and about my height. When it came to the hard swims after the descending 50's, I used her as practice. I'd let her get about 1/2 of the way down the pool and then swim and the goal was to beat her every time. I'm happy to say that I did.... and pretty soundly on the 50 especially. But I'm not competitive... not me. : )
I'm still pretty tight. I didn't get a chance to do the yoga yesterday, but I did do my lower back and hamstring stretches this morning. I am like a rubber band that's been left out in the sun. Not especially stretchy. Those Trigger Point leg rollers are getting more and more tempting. It's funny really. When I didn't know they existed I just put up with the tightness. But now that I know they're there and that they can loosen me up for less pain and better performance on a very regular basis, it's like I can't get them out of my mind.
Anyway, I got home and had some Kashi Go Lean for breakfast. I hadn't eaten before the swim, even though I know I'm supposed to but just didn't have the opportunity, and was hungry. In fact, it's been almost an hour and I'm hungry again. I'm thinking of a v-8, a cup of coffee, an orange and some fat free activia. It's practically shouting my name.
Today I'm hoping will be relatively quiet on the work front (and home front). I have nothing on the calendar... oh except for that endocrine bloodwork I just realized I was supposed to do this morning. I'll have to move that to Monday and will have to try to show up when they open. OOPS. I think I need to add a post-it note to the door to the garage...
I did remember to leave a voice mail for the babysitter about the Blue Note Ball, and to register for the Wildman Triathlon. I'm holding off on buying tickets for the Blue Note Ball until I know that we definitely have a babysitter. No sense in spending more money than required if we can't find anyone to watch the little Ladies! Speaking of Money, I just remembered we need to buy birthday presents for the birthday parties the little ladies will be attending this weekend. Perhaps I'll squeeze that in after work and before dinner today after I pick up Ladybug and Angelfish from daycare. It's all about the timing, really. You can squeeze things into moments when you least expect it!
Tomorrow is a Team in Training group workout - bike and a little bit of running - followed by a Bike clinic. Then I have to teach a recruitment segment at an Area Wide Training. And then some time with the family (which may include our trips to the grocery and Costco). I wouldn't mind a nap in there either, but I'm not holding my breath.
Have a great weekend and Happy Training!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thursday Morning Ramblings
I'll warn you - with the way my brain is going today, this post may be all over the place as I don't pre-plan what I write. That's right, I'm stream of consciousness, which may or may not be the greatest way to write... but it works for me.
So the 1st bit of what is rumbling around in my brain is that I had to skip my swim this morning. It's a combination of things - I overslept; I hadn't gotten around to getting the LA Fitness membership reinstated (but I called this morning; their computer is down and they are supposedly calling me back as soon as it's back up); my wierd endometrial issues are back; my legs were tight as all get out this morning (which is wierd because I didn't really run all that much yesterday); and Ladybug was in rare (aka not a nice little girl due to lack of sleep) form this morning. It took a bit of doing to get everyone out of the house. I am hoping that I will be able to use today as my rest day and get the swim in this weekend. But my life is so work/training/event filled at the moment that I can't promise myself anything, but just do my best to do what I can.
One might wonder if the failure to get the LA Fitness membership reinstated was a subconscious statement about how I feel about training this year. In reality, I think it's just I've been all over the place and I just didn't get around to it. But I must say that I am a little concerned. Last year, you would have had to hold a searing poker to my eyes to make me miss a workout. This year, I'm enjoying all the activity but it's as though it's not as much of a priority for me. It troubles me because while I love it while I'm out there doing it, I'm not obsessed with it. Of course, that could just be the stages of love. You go through that where you want every waking minute to be with the one you love and then get to that comfortable stage where you still deeply love the person but you're happy to do your own thing as well and still spend some quality time with the one you love. I just don't want to turn into the woman that doesn't spend the time training and then can't understand why she couldn't quite finish the race.
The good news is that I just got off the phone with LA Fitness (you didn't even know I was gone... did you?) and now I'm signed up again. So, I'm hoping that I can either get the swim done tomorrow and move my 8 mile run to Sunday, or if I get myself out of bed at 5 am tomorrow, I'll get my 8 mile run done tomorrow and swim on Sunday. The funny bit is that when I saw my email confirmation from LA Fitness, I also saw an email from Buttar.com - they run the Wildman Triathlon that Coach told me we need to sign up for because we're going to use it to take the newbies on TNT out for a spin on their 1st triathlon. I went to their website to sign up and remembered that I have to renew my USAT membership. So I went to USAT's website and the renewal site isn't quite working. So, I've put a post it on my computer (right next to the "Buy JLGO tickets today" post it note) to do later.
Last year, I racked up quite the bills with Tri stuff so I'm trying to be better about it this year. Last night's shoe clinic didn't help much. I had to replace my shoes (they were so far gone that the saleswoman said to me "couldn't you tell that you didn't feel good when you were running"? I didn't have the heart to tell her that I don't derive great pleasure from the run so, no - not really.) and my inserts and I bought another pair of running shorts to try out. Coach and Coach G. both swear by them, and well, my upper inner thighs still rub together (but the good news is that since I started this the surface area that rubs together is a bit smaller) and these are a type of compression running shorts that are supposed to help. Perhaps I will do a product review for them in the coming weeks. I did resist the foam roller, the Trigger Point roller set for lower legs, the shoe inserts for my bike shoes, and the recovery flip flops. Not to mention more socks and running bras and that cute t-shirt that said "Will Run for Wine." I'm kind of regretting not getting the Trigger Point lower leg rollers, but maybe I'll get an early anniversary gift (we're not giving Valentine's gifts this year because of the cost of another event we're going to). I don't think Mr. Darcy quite understands the idea of the rollers and muscle needs, especially at a $70 price tag (I didn't have the heart to tell him the set I really want has the quad and hamstring roller, plus the lower leg roller stuff and it's $140). I tried the lower leg roller out and almost burst into tears and the woman said to me, "so that's why you get shin splints - you're tight. I couldn't figure it out because shin splints are for beginners." If only Trigger Point would send me a set to test and blog about it for them. How lovely that would be.
OH and Brooks, if you'd like me to test any of your gear too and report on the blog about it, I'd be happy to. I'm particularly taken with your running clothes and your Trace 9 running shoes. Hint, Hint.
Which reminds me. Our timed mile. Part way through the timed mile I had a very evil cramp in what I can only describe as my right ovary. Yes, it was a shooting pain that almost doubled me over. This of course came right after I felt my calf muscles tightening up and then the pain wrapping around my outer calf and running down my shins into the arches of my feet. I had to walk to losen things up so I could run again - twice. With all that, I pulled a 10:24 mile. I have to say that I was not happy with it because I think I could have gone faster sans all the issues. But, Coach says it was way better than last year's time, so I'll be happy with that. I wonder if my new Trace 9s (which replaced my old Trace 9's despite comparison shopping with other brands and similar shoe styles) would have prevented so much of the leg pain. Goodness knows what would have been needed to keep my right ovary from yelling for attention.
Oh and I'm still not sure what to do about how to lose weight. I really am seriously and completely confused about the entire thing. I've heard Weight Watchers is good, but I'm also hearing that if you train like we do then you end up with more points than it's possible to eat and blah. I have a hard enough time eating enough most days anyway. I eat until I am full, but the calories just don't add up. I don't lose weight but I don't necessarily gain weight either. I eat fruits and veggies, nonfat dairy, lean meats, and only whole grains (except for that occasional pizza). I want to lose weight but I just can't figure it out. But at this juncture, with everything else going on, I can't even contemplate trying to squeeze weight watchers into my schedule. So that is pretty much out. I feel like if someone would just tell me what to do, I'd do it. But I'm not sure anymore that what works for other people would even work with me. There aren't many mothers of twins out there that eat healthily already, train for endurance events, oh and happpen to have endocrine system issues that make your cortisol up through the roof, with an enlarged thyroid but whose thyroid supposedly works okay, and with genetic cardiology issues too. I just get to be special. The joy of it all.
My ideas about change are floating around too, but luckily without as much crying as earlier in the week. At least so far. It's an odd sensation to realize that you're (gulp) about to be 35 and t you're not really sure what you want to be when you grow up, but you're supposed to be grown up already. Somehow you took steps that got you to a place and one day you look around and think "How did I get here? I don't really think this is where I intended to be." It's not necessarily a terrible place, but it's not what you want. And then you take some steps to try to find a way to somewhere you might want to be, which makes you happier and more relaxed then you've been in awhile despite all that's on your plate, and you think that means that you're doing the right thing. But of course, the steps are confusing because you don't want to take the wrong step and you're not 100% sure what the right step really is, but the good news is that you're thinking about options when you haven't felt like you've had any options in a good long time. It's like you're in a maze in your own head and in your little world. There's pros to everything and cons to everything too.
I envy people like Mr. Darcy who somehow always went for exactly what he wanted, never putting anything else in front of that and who are perfectly happy. I wonder if it's easier for men to do that than women because women tend to be taught to take care of everyone, and to do that you can't just always go for what you want. It's a thought, but at the same time there is no one to blame but me for making the life decisions I did... and I don't necessarily regret any of them because they've made me who I am. But it does make me wonder if there's another me in an alternate dimension living out what would have happened if I made some decisions differently and if she's any less confused than I am now. I'm just glad I have Mr. Darcy and some good friends to talk to about the whole thing. It makes me feel a little less adrift.
Maybe I'll try to squeeze some yoga in today to see if I can feel more centered afterwards - and maybe my legs will feel a little better too.
But for now, it's more work, events, life, and attempting to get that training in at some point in the very, very near future!
So the 1st bit of what is rumbling around in my brain is that I had to skip my swim this morning. It's a combination of things - I overslept; I hadn't gotten around to getting the LA Fitness membership reinstated (but I called this morning; their computer is down and they are supposedly calling me back as soon as it's back up); my wierd endometrial issues are back; my legs were tight as all get out this morning (which is wierd because I didn't really run all that much yesterday); and Ladybug was in rare (aka not a nice little girl due to lack of sleep) form this morning. It took a bit of doing to get everyone out of the house. I am hoping that I will be able to use today as my rest day and get the swim in this weekend. But my life is so work/training/event filled at the moment that I can't promise myself anything, but just do my best to do what I can.
One might wonder if the failure to get the LA Fitness membership reinstated was a subconscious statement about how I feel about training this year. In reality, I think it's just I've been all over the place and I just didn't get around to it. But I must say that I am a little concerned. Last year, you would have had to hold a searing poker to my eyes to make me miss a workout. This year, I'm enjoying all the activity but it's as though it's not as much of a priority for me. It troubles me because while I love it while I'm out there doing it, I'm not obsessed with it. Of course, that could just be the stages of love. You go through that where you want every waking minute to be with the one you love and then get to that comfortable stage where you still deeply love the person but you're happy to do your own thing as well and still spend some quality time with the one you love. I just don't want to turn into the woman that doesn't spend the time training and then can't understand why she couldn't quite finish the race.
The good news is that I just got off the phone with LA Fitness (you didn't even know I was gone... did you?) and now I'm signed up again. So, I'm hoping that I can either get the swim done tomorrow and move my 8 mile run to Sunday, or if I get myself out of bed at 5 am tomorrow, I'll get my 8 mile run done tomorrow and swim on Sunday. The funny bit is that when I saw my email confirmation from LA Fitness, I also saw an email from Buttar.com - they run the Wildman Triathlon that Coach told me we need to sign up for because we're going to use it to take the newbies on TNT out for a spin on their 1st triathlon. I went to their website to sign up and remembered that I have to renew my USAT membership. So I went to USAT's website and the renewal site isn't quite working. So, I've put a post it on my computer (right next to the "Buy JLGO tickets today" post it note) to do later.
Last year, I racked up quite the bills with Tri stuff so I'm trying to be better about it this year. Last night's shoe clinic didn't help much. I had to replace my shoes (they were so far gone that the saleswoman said to me "couldn't you tell that you didn't feel good when you were running"? I didn't have the heart to tell her that I don't derive great pleasure from the run so, no - not really.) and my inserts and I bought another pair of running shorts to try out. Coach and Coach G. both swear by them, and well, my upper inner thighs still rub together (but the good news is that since I started this the surface area that rubs together is a bit smaller) and these are a type of compression running shorts that are supposed to help. Perhaps I will do a product review for them in the coming weeks. I did resist the foam roller, the Trigger Point roller set for lower legs, the shoe inserts for my bike shoes, and the recovery flip flops. Not to mention more socks and running bras and that cute t-shirt that said "Will Run for Wine." I'm kind of regretting not getting the Trigger Point lower leg rollers, but maybe I'll get an early anniversary gift (we're not giving Valentine's gifts this year because of the cost of another event we're going to). I don't think Mr. Darcy quite understands the idea of the rollers and muscle needs, especially at a $70 price tag (I didn't have the heart to tell him the set I really want has the quad and hamstring roller, plus the lower leg roller stuff and it's $140). I tried the lower leg roller out and almost burst into tears and the woman said to me, "so that's why you get shin splints - you're tight. I couldn't figure it out because shin splints are for beginners." If only Trigger Point would send me a set to test and blog about it for them. How lovely that would be.
OH and Brooks, if you'd like me to test any of your gear too and report on the blog about it, I'd be happy to. I'm particularly taken with your running clothes and your Trace 9 running shoes. Hint, Hint.
Which reminds me. Our timed mile. Part way through the timed mile I had a very evil cramp in what I can only describe as my right ovary. Yes, it was a shooting pain that almost doubled me over. This of course came right after I felt my calf muscles tightening up and then the pain wrapping around my outer calf and running down my shins into the arches of my feet. I had to walk to losen things up so I could run again - twice. With all that, I pulled a 10:24 mile. I have to say that I was not happy with it because I think I could have gone faster sans all the issues. But, Coach says it was way better than last year's time, so I'll be happy with that. I wonder if my new Trace 9s (which replaced my old Trace 9's despite comparison shopping with other brands and similar shoe styles) would have prevented so much of the leg pain. Goodness knows what would have been needed to keep my right ovary from yelling for attention.
Oh and I'm still not sure what to do about how to lose weight. I really am seriously and completely confused about the entire thing. I've heard Weight Watchers is good, but I'm also hearing that if you train like we do then you end up with more points than it's possible to eat and blah. I have a hard enough time eating enough most days anyway. I eat until I am full, but the calories just don't add up. I don't lose weight but I don't necessarily gain weight either. I eat fruits and veggies, nonfat dairy, lean meats, and only whole grains (except for that occasional pizza). I want to lose weight but I just can't figure it out. But at this juncture, with everything else going on, I can't even contemplate trying to squeeze weight watchers into my schedule. So that is pretty much out. I feel like if someone would just tell me what to do, I'd do it. But I'm not sure anymore that what works for other people would even work with me. There aren't many mothers of twins out there that eat healthily already, train for endurance events, oh and happpen to have endocrine system issues that make your cortisol up through the roof, with an enlarged thyroid but whose thyroid supposedly works okay, and with genetic cardiology issues too. I just get to be special. The joy of it all.
My ideas about change are floating around too, but luckily without as much crying as earlier in the week. At least so far. It's an odd sensation to realize that you're (gulp) about to be 35 and t you're not really sure what you want to be when you grow up, but you're supposed to be grown up already. Somehow you took steps that got you to a place and one day you look around and think "How did I get here? I don't really think this is where I intended to be." It's not necessarily a terrible place, but it's not what you want. And then you take some steps to try to find a way to somewhere you might want to be, which makes you happier and more relaxed then you've been in awhile despite all that's on your plate, and you think that means that you're doing the right thing. But of course, the steps are confusing because you don't want to take the wrong step and you're not 100% sure what the right step really is, but the good news is that you're thinking about options when you haven't felt like you've had any options in a good long time. It's like you're in a maze in your own head and in your little world. There's pros to everything and cons to everything too.
I envy people like Mr. Darcy who somehow always went for exactly what he wanted, never putting anything else in front of that and who are perfectly happy. I wonder if it's easier for men to do that than women because women tend to be taught to take care of everyone, and to do that you can't just always go for what you want. It's a thought, but at the same time there is no one to blame but me for making the life decisions I did... and I don't necessarily regret any of them because they've made me who I am. But it does make me wonder if there's another me in an alternate dimension living out what would have happened if I made some decisions differently and if she's any less confused than I am now. I'm just glad I have Mr. Darcy and some good friends to talk to about the whole thing. It makes me feel a little less adrift.
Maybe I'll try to squeeze some yoga in today to see if I can feel more centered afterwards - and maybe my legs will feel a little better too.
But for now, it's more work, events, life, and attempting to get that training in at some point in the very, very near future!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Recovery Sock Giveaway
Visit one of my favorite running blogs Tall Mom Running and enter to win a pair of recovery socks from The Recovery Sock store in your choice of color and size. I'm torn between fuschia and lime green, personally.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
Early Morning Karma, Chick-fil-a Night, The Morning, and Plans for a Timed Run
Early Morning Karma.
I believe in karma. You know. What goes around, comes around. Well, the karma of early morning wake ups came to visit last night. At a little after 3 am, I heard crying and yelling for Mommy. I went running to discover that Angelfish woke up because she had to go to the potty but didn't want to get in trouble for getting out of bed and wanted permission. Her yelling woke Ladybug up and scared her, so she was crying as soon as I went to the restroom with Angelfish. I ended up having to lay in bed with Ladybug until she fell asleep, and then it took me awhile to fall asleep too. I'm hoping for a solid, full night of sleep tonight. I figure after an evening run and a shoe clinic with the Team in Training team and a shoe clinic, I'll be ready to sleep well.
Chick-fil-a Night
Speaking of sleeping well... the liliputians were tuckered out last night when it was time for bed. Mr. Darcy was out at an Orlando Magic game with some contractors, so I decided that the girls and I would have some fun. I gave them the option of where they wanted to go for dinner: Chick-fil-a or our local pasta place, Papa Gio.
At first Angelfish wanted Chick-fil-a and Ladybug wanted Papa Gio. I told them that we could only go one place so they had to agree on where to go. Angelfish looked at Ladybug and said, "Chicken nuggets and playground." Instantly, the decision was made: Chick-fil-a. I had actually hoped for Papa Gio because it's a bit healthier, but I also liked the idea of Chick-fil-a because they could run and play after we ate.
Well, it was a great time! We walked in and there are Angelfish's buddy C and his very nice parents. It turned out it was Kids Night at Chick-fil-a. Angelfish likes C. so much that her valentine (that is posted in the front desk area for all to see) does not say that she loves her Mommy, Daddy, or sister, like all the other little kids. Nope. Her valentine says "I love C. because he is my friend and plays with me outside." Yup. Mommy, Daddy and Ladybug all got the shaft for C. He's a sweet kid though, so I can't hold it against him.
Anyway, we ended up eating with C. and his parents and after we ate, the kiddies all played like mad little things in the play place, pretending to go to outer space and back. They ran themselves ragged to the point they were all sweaty and their cheeks were bright red. While they played, the adults actually got to have a conversation. It was wonderful!
On the way home, Ladybug asked if she could have Gatorade when we got home. I told her no. As a rule, we do not give the girls Gatorade. It's not good for them to have all that salt, etc. But they've had a sip of Mr. Darcy's from time to time and pine for the day when they too can have Gatorade. (Of course, I tell Mr. Darcy that unless he's working out or mowing grass during the summer, really he shouldn't be drinking it either....) Then she asked when she could have some and I said, "When you get older." And Angelfish said, "Yeah. 'Cause then we can go running with you, Mommy! And once we're all sweaty and stinky after we're done running, we can have it then." I love it!
Once we got home, the girls had a bubble bath and pretended to swim in the tub. Then a Curious George story, a couple of songs and then bed. It was a great night! I had really wanted to spend a fun evening with them since I've been so busy, and it was perfect. And it made it so much easier to get the ladies into bed. I didn't hear one, "but I'm not tired."
The Morning
This morning I took the ladies to school since Mr. Darcy will be picking them up from school today. They were great. They got ready nicely, and even Ladybug didn't meltdown except over a pair of socks (they weren't fitting her the way she wanted them to) and she fixed the problem herself by getting a different pair of socks. I realized too this morning how much the girls have grown. Just 3 years ago, they were little bitty things that needed me to dress them and change their diapers. Now, at 3 1/2 they're picking out their clothes, using the potty (most of the time), having opinions and telling me them, and can figure out how to put a sweater on by sticking the hood on their head and putting an arm in each sleeve. It's really amazing if you stop to think about it.
Ladybug's outfit wasn't too bad today either - a black shirt that has a pink cat on it, a cornflower blue (check out the crayon in a crayon box, you'll know what I mean) skirt, white socks and black patent leather shoes, and a red "peppermint" (as she calls it) hair clip that has curled ribbons on it. (When we got to school, Ladybug's friend Ch. asked me, "Why is Ladybug wearing a cheerleader hair tie in her hair?" I hadn't realized it, but that's kind of what it looked like with all the ribbons.)
Angelfish made me laugh this morning when she stubbed her toe and told me, "My foot hurts. I think it has a headache."
But I think one of my favorite parts of the morning was when Angelfish said: "Mommy, can I tell you something?" Me: "Yes, honey, what is it?" Angelfish: "I love you." and then Ladybug chimed in: "I love you too Mommy!" It made me feel so good that Angelfish really wanted me to hear what she had to say and that it was to tell me she loved me.
When we got to school, they walked in their classroom, found their friends, and didn't really notice when I left. We had such a good time, that it made me sad to leave and to realize that I might not make it home in time for bed tonight.
Plans for a Timed Run
But it should be a good workout tonight. Core and a timed mile. I just hope I have the energy for the timed mile after a day of work and lack of sleep from last night. It's not like I won't be able to get the mile done, but it's a matter of how fast. I just thought back to my first run practice last year with Team in Training - right about this time almost exactly to the day last year. Running 1 mile was HARD for me, and not just because I was running it fast but because I was running at all. Some of my faster teammates finished so far ahead of me I didn't even see them. They're back on the team this year and while I do not think I'll be able to keep up (they can do their fast mile in under 6 minutes), I'm hoping to at least be able to see them when I finish. But, I definitely perform better in the mornings than the evenings. Good thing that's when race time typically is... but in the end, I will cut myself a break. I'll do my best and that best is the best for me on this day, and it doesn't matter what the fast kids do.
Well, it's off to work some more and to remember to renew my USAT membership and buy tickets for the JLGO Blue Note Ball and get that membership at LA Fitness so I can get my swim done in the morning. I'll let you know how it goes. Until then!
I believe in karma. You know. What goes around, comes around. Well, the karma of early morning wake ups came to visit last night. At a little after 3 am, I heard crying and yelling for Mommy. I went running to discover that Angelfish woke up because she had to go to the potty but didn't want to get in trouble for getting out of bed and wanted permission. Her yelling woke Ladybug up and scared her, so she was crying as soon as I went to the restroom with Angelfish. I ended up having to lay in bed with Ladybug until she fell asleep, and then it took me awhile to fall asleep too. I'm hoping for a solid, full night of sleep tonight. I figure after an evening run and a shoe clinic with the Team in Training team and a shoe clinic, I'll be ready to sleep well.
Chick-fil-a Night
Speaking of sleeping well... the liliputians were tuckered out last night when it was time for bed. Mr. Darcy was out at an Orlando Magic game with some contractors, so I decided that the girls and I would have some fun. I gave them the option of where they wanted to go for dinner: Chick-fil-a or our local pasta place, Papa Gio.
At first Angelfish wanted Chick-fil-a and Ladybug wanted Papa Gio. I told them that we could only go one place so they had to agree on where to go. Angelfish looked at Ladybug and said, "Chicken nuggets and playground." Instantly, the decision was made: Chick-fil-a. I had actually hoped for Papa Gio because it's a bit healthier, but I also liked the idea of Chick-fil-a because they could run and play after we ate.
Well, it was a great time! We walked in and there are Angelfish's buddy C and his very nice parents. It turned out it was Kids Night at Chick-fil-a. Angelfish likes C. so much that her valentine (that is posted in the front desk area for all to see) does not say that she loves her Mommy, Daddy, or sister, like all the other little kids. Nope. Her valentine says "I love C. because he is my friend and plays with me outside." Yup. Mommy, Daddy and Ladybug all got the shaft for C. He's a sweet kid though, so I can't hold it against him.
Anyway, we ended up eating with C. and his parents and after we ate, the kiddies all played like mad little things in the play place, pretending to go to outer space and back. They ran themselves ragged to the point they were all sweaty and their cheeks were bright red. While they played, the adults actually got to have a conversation. It was wonderful!
On the way home, Ladybug asked if she could have Gatorade when we got home. I told her no. As a rule, we do not give the girls Gatorade. It's not good for them to have all that salt, etc. But they've had a sip of Mr. Darcy's from time to time and pine for the day when they too can have Gatorade. (Of course, I tell Mr. Darcy that unless he's working out or mowing grass during the summer, really he shouldn't be drinking it either....) Then she asked when she could have some and I said, "When you get older." And Angelfish said, "Yeah. 'Cause then we can go running with you, Mommy! And once we're all sweaty and stinky after we're done running, we can have it then." I love it!
Once we got home, the girls had a bubble bath and pretended to swim in the tub. Then a Curious George story, a couple of songs and then bed. It was a great night! I had really wanted to spend a fun evening with them since I've been so busy, and it was perfect. And it made it so much easier to get the ladies into bed. I didn't hear one, "but I'm not tired."
The Morning
This morning I took the ladies to school since Mr. Darcy will be picking them up from school today. They were great. They got ready nicely, and even Ladybug didn't meltdown except over a pair of socks (they weren't fitting her the way she wanted them to) and she fixed the problem herself by getting a different pair of socks. I realized too this morning how much the girls have grown. Just 3 years ago, they were little bitty things that needed me to dress them and change their diapers. Now, at 3 1/2 they're picking out their clothes, using the potty (most of the time), having opinions and telling me them, and can figure out how to put a sweater on by sticking the hood on their head and putting an arm in each sleeve. It's really amazing if you stop to think about it.
Ladybug's outfit wasn't too bad today either - a black shirt that has a pink cat on it, a cornflower blue (check out the crayon in a crayon box, you'll know what I mean) skirt, white socks and black patent leather shoes, and a red "peppermint" (as she calls it) hair clip that has curled ribbons on it. (When we got to school, Ladybug's friend Ch. asked me, "Why is Ladybug wearing a cheerleader hair tie in her hair?" I hadn't realized it, but that's kind of what it looked like with all the ribbons.)
Angelfish made me laugh this morning when she stubbed her toe and told me, "My foot hurts. I think it has a headache."
But I think one of my favorite parts of the morning was when Angelfish said: "Mommy, can I tell you something?" Me: "Yes, honey, what is it?" Angelfish: "I love you." and then Ladybug chimed in: "I love you too Mommy!" It made me feel so good that Angelfish really wanted me to hear what she had to say and that it was to tell me she loved me.
When we got to school, they walked in their classroom, found their friends, and didn't really notice when I left. We had such a good time, that it made me sad to leave and to realize that I might not make it home in time for bed tonight.
Plans for a Timed Run
But it should be a good workout tonight. Core and a timed mile. I just hope I have the energy for the timed mile after a day of work and lack of sleep from last night. It's not like I won't be able to get the mile done, but it's a matter of how fast. I just thought back to my first run practice last year with Team in Training - right about this time almost exactly to the day last year. Running 1 mile was HARD for me, and not just because I was running it fast but because I was running at all. Some of my faster teammates finished so far ahead of me I didn't even see them. They're back on the team this year and while I do not think I'll be able to keep up (they can do their fast mile in under 6 minutes), I'm hoping to at least be able to see them when I finish. But, I definitely perform better in the mornings than the evenings. Good thing that's when race time typically is... but in the end, I will cut myself a break. I'll do my best and that best is the best for me on this day, and it doesn't matter what the fast kids do.
Well, it's off to work some more and to remember to renew my USAT membership and buy tickets for the JLGO Blue Note Ball and get that membership at LA Fitness so I can get my swim done in the morning. I'll let you know how it goes. Until then!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
It's only Tuesday?
There is so much whirling around in my brain at the moment that I feel shocked that it's only Tuesday!
First, I have to say thank you to Big Daddy Diesel who had some very kind words to say about my blog. And an apology to him as well since I didn't get this blog entry done in time for today's morning cup of joe. I endeavor to do better tomorrow. : ) Also now I know where you new readers have come from - Big Daddy Diesel's blog! Welcome one and all. No pressure.
This must be my version of getting Blog of Note. But luckily, I'm a "talker" and I seem to always find something to write.
Last night was swim practice with TNT. I had fun because I was in a pool. That's right. 80 degree pool water that was only 4 feet deep and had only 3 lanes. Yup. They shut us out of the big pool because they wanted to cover it because of the rain. New Tri members are always fun at the 1st swim where it rains. Why complain? You're gonna get wet anyway, right? Turns out that our team consists of 2 types of swimmers - good and ummm... not so good. As in, some can barely swim 50 m without stopping. Did I mention we'll be swimming in the ocean? In about 12 weeks? So half of us tried to keep as busy as we could with 5 people in our lane while the Coaches helped those others. Now, I know that they'll be kicking booty in no time, but it was a little bit of a scary 1st practice.
We also got ourselves a cocky college kid. I'm trying to convince Coach to run him until he pukes, but she's not really buying it. Something about liability and all. (I told her that I'm a lawyer and that as long as he only pukes, it it'll be okay. Passes out, different story - but there's such a fine line.) My personal favorite was when he was telling us that this was nothing and that his Daddy was a swim coach for awhile, and then he was sucking for air after swimming backstroke for 200m. It's backstroke. It's not that hard and it was an easy 200 m after we swam some freestyle. I'm not typically a snarky sort, so that should tell you how full of himself this kid was. But it's a good cause so let's hope he raises his money.
Being in the pool again felt good. I was a little slower than the last time I was in the pool, but that was November so it's to be expected. I know. Bad triathlete.
This morning I was up at 4:24 am. Yup. I know the exact time. I had a horrible dream and then woke Mr. Darcy up and ended up talking the poor guy's ear off until 6:30 when he was going to be late for work if we didn't get up.
This self realization stuff is kind of emotional. I'm not a big crier. Never was. I mean sure I tear up when there are natural disasters on the news, they show those abused animal commercials, and something is overly sweet. I am a woman after all. But, not one of those weepy kinds. Remember my bike crash last year? I never cried except for when I thought I might not get to finish the race and that was only for about 1 minute while Mrs. Training Buddy told me I could do it and then I set off to do it. So to say that I'm dealing with things is to say I've been crying.
You see, there's something that happened about 6 years ago at my old law firm. Someone in a power position said something very terrible and very false about my abilities so that he could make himself seem even better and not admit that he was a loser. But, being raised to believe those in positions of authority, I believed what this mean person said. Later, I was told by other authority figures that the person was completely wrong and that what they said wasn't what the rest of everyone thought. But it's not until now after years of really great reviews and people telling me that I do a great job, and being a little overachiever, and somewhere this bit of self realization brought it all to the forefront on my mind again. And I realize that the person is terrible, that his values are base and only ruled by money, and that he was completely wrong. I'm pretty ticked off really that I let myself believe this idjit just because he was an "authority figure." To Hades with that and him!
It's a nice feeling to be rid of that crud. But it took a toll on me and now I'm unraveling it and seeing that I'm pretty super cool, if I do say so myself. I am smart, nice, compassionate, funny, fun to be around (while I'm not in the process of being a weepy self actualizationist), adventureous, loving, and I care about everyone. I go to the world with the attitude that we are all good and I accept everyone as they are... even if I don't always care for attitudes, etc. I just accept people and know that we all have something to share and offer in this world. There aren't a lot of people like me. And unfortunately when people like me meet mean people, we often get really hurt because we don't expect it (even if maybe we should). This sort of sounds like "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and gosh darn it, people like me..." Oh, yes, and I'm not afraid to laugh at myself. : )
Another brick on my road to where ever it is I'm going, laid and mortared. All before 7 am.
Then Ladybug was difficult to get up this morning. Screaming, hitting, kicking. (She did that. Not me.) It took Mr. Darcy threatening to spray her with the shower head to get her to go with me and get ready for daycare. Meanwhile Angelfish was running around like a happy sprite... of course, I had to make a game out of getting her out of her pajamas and into her clothes, but it happened. By 7:25 Mr. Darcy was out the door, and I was to the Y.
I think there's a conspiracy about me and my bike. Everytime I go to ride it in the past 2 months, it rains or is super cold. Today it was raining buckets when I woke up. Then it stopped and then by the time I got to the Y it started up again. So I rode the stationary bike because well, I hate the trainer. I have a feeling it's not set up right and I just need to get someone who is not judgmental to come to the house and fix it. No matter what I do, the trainer makes it seem like I am in the hardest gear and riding up hill. It's probably an easy fix, but goodness if I can figure it out. That will be a goal for the next rainy bike day.
But today, it was the Y. I jumped on the stationary bike and did 17 miles on level 8 of the random hill program (and stayed in level 8 the entire time - even on the big nasty hills) in 47 minutes. I would have gone for 20, but I was running a bit behind schedule. Ate some breakfast, talked to my friend Shopping Girl about one of my secret change issues. (Training Buddy commented on my blog via email that my #2 troubled him. I laughed out loud. THen he clarified he meant in reference to my blog not poopie, which I had realized but it gave me a good laugh.) Worked like the dickens, had some soup for lunch (and am ravenous today - must have been the swim and bike combo kind of back to back after a nap in between), and went back to it. Plus some sorority issues - all good, but a little bit of time consumed. Emails with some TNT members. Call with Coach. And now the blog.
Not really that super busy of a day, yet it seemed like time flew by today. Mr. Darcy is out at an Orlando Magic basketball game with a contractor, so I have the little ladies to myself.
Tomorrow night is a run workout and a shoe clinic with Team in Training. Coach promises 20 minutes of killer ab workout followed by a 1 mile timed run. (I hate timed runs. Why can't I just run for 6 miles at whatever pace I feel like? I know, I know. The idea is to get faster and we need a measure for the beginning of the season. Doesn't mean I have to like it.) Then the shoe clinic. I may get some new kicks since these are probably at the 350 mile point by now. We'll just have to see.
I wonder what else I'll have up my sleeve for this week? I know Mr. Darcy is hoping that it does not involve a 4:24 chat session...
First, I have to say thank you to Big Daddy Diesel who had some very kind words to say about my blog. And an apology to him as well since I didn't get this blog entry done in time for today's morning cup of joe. I endeavor to do better tomorrow. : ) Also now I know where you new readers have come from - Big Daddy Diesel's blog! Welcome one and all. No pressure.
This must be my version of getting Blog of Note. But luckily, I'm a "talker" and I seem to always find something to write.
Last night was swim practice with TNT. I had fun because I was in a pool. That's right. 80 degree pool water that was only 4 feet deep and had only 3 lanes. Yup. They shut us out of the big pool because they wanted to cover it because of the rain. New Tri members are always fun at the 1st swim where it rains. Why complain? You're gonna get wet anyway, right? Turns out that our team consists of 2 types of swimmers - good and ummm... not so good. As in, some can barely swim 50 m without stopping. Did I mention we'll be swimming in the ocean? In about 12 weeks? So half of us tried to keep as busy as we could with 5 people in our lane while the Coaches helped those others. Now, I know that they'll be kicking booty in no time, but it was a little bit of a scary 1st practice.
We also got ourselves a cocky college kid. I'm trying to convince Coach to run him until he pukes, but she's not really buying it. Something about liability and all. (I told her that I'm a lawyer and that as long as he only pukes, it it'll be okay. Passes out, different story - but there's such a fine line.) My personal favorite was when he was telling us that this was nothing and that his Daddy was a swim coach for awhile, and then he was sucking for air after swimming backstroke for 200m. It's backstroke. It's not that hard and it was an easy 200 m after we swam some freestyle. I'm not typically a snarky sort, so that should tell you how full of himself this kid was. But it's a good cause so let's hope he raises his money.
Being in the pool again felt good. I was a little slower than the last time I was in the pool, but that was November so it's to be expected. I know. Bad triathlete.
This morning I was up at 4:24 am. Yup. I know the exact time. I had a horrible dream and then woke Mr. Darcy up and ended up talking the poor guy's ear off until 6:30 when he was going to be late for work if we didn't get up.
This self realization stuff is kind of emotional. I'm not a big crier. Never was. I mean sure I tear up when there are natural disasters on the news, they show those abused animal commercials, and something is overly sweet. I am a woman after all. But, not one of those weepy kinds. Remember my bike crash last year? I never cried except for when I thought I might not get to finish the race and that was only for about 1 minute while Mrs. Training Buddy told me I could do it and then I set off to do it. So to say that I'm dealing with things is to say I've been crying.
You see, there's something that happened about 6 years ago at my old law firm. Someone in a power position said something very terrible and very false about my abilities so that he could make himself seem even better and not admit that he was a loser. But, being raised to believe those in positions of authority, I believed what this mean person said. Later, I was told by other authority figures that the person was completely wrong and that what they said wasn't what the rest of everyone thought. But it's not until now after years of really great reviews and people telling me that I do a great job, and being a little overachiever, and somewhere this bit of self realization brought it all to the forefront on my mind again. And I realize that the person is terrible, that his values are base and only ruled by money, and that he was completely wrong. I'm pretty ticked off really that I let myself believe this idjit just because he was an "authority figure." To Hades with that and him!
It's a nice feeling to be rid of that crud. But it took a toll on me and now I'm unraveling it and seeing that I'm pretty super cool, if I do say so myself. I am smart, nice, compassionate, funny, fun to be around (while I'm not in the process of being a weepy self actualizationist), adventureous, loving, and I care about everyone. I go to the world with the attitude that we are all good and I accept everyone as they are... even if I don't always care for attitudes, etc. I just accept people and know that we all have something to share and offer in this world. There aren't a lot of people like me. And unfortunately when people like me meet mean people, we often get really hurt because we don't expect it (even if maybe we should). This sort of sounds like "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough and gosh darn it, people like me..." Oh, yes, and I'm not afraid to laugh at myself. : )
Another brick on my road to where ever it is I'm going, laid and mortared. All before 7 am.
Then Ladybug was difficult to get up this morning. Screaming, hitting, kicking. (She did that. Not me.) It took Mr. Darcy threatening to spray her with the shower head to get her to go with me and get ready for daycare. Meanwhile Angelfish was running around like a happy sprite... of course, I had to make a game out of getting her out of her pajamas and into her clothes, but it happened. By 7:25 Mr. Darcy was out the door, and I was to the Y.
I think there's a conspiracy about me and my bike. Everytime I go to ride it in the past 2 months, it rains or is super cold. Today it was raining buckets when I woke up. Then it stopped and then by the time I got to the Y it started up again. So I rode the stationary bike because well, I hate the trainer. I have a feeling it's not set up right and I just need to get someone who is not judgmental to come to the house and fix it. No matter what I do, the trainer makes it seem like I am in the hardest gear and riding up hill. It's probably an easy fix, but goodness if I can figure it out. That will be a goal for the next rainy bike day.
But today, it was the Y. I jumped on the stationary bike and did 17 miles on level 8 of the random hill program (and stayed in level 8 the entire time - even on the big nasty hills) in 47 minutes. I would have gone for 20, but I was running a bit behind schedule. Ate some breakfast, talked to my friend Shopping Girl about one of my secret change issues. (Training Buddy commented on my blog via email that my #2 troubled him. I laughed out loud. THen he clarified he meant in reference to my blog not poopie, which I had realized but it gave me a good laugh.) Worked like the dickens, had some soup for lunch (and am ravenous today - must have been the swim and bike combo kind of back to back after a nap in between), and went back to it. Plus some sorority issues - all good, but a little bit of time consumed. Emails with some TNT members. Call with Coach. And now the blog.
Not really that super busy of a day, yet it seemed like time flew by today. Mr. Darcy is out at an Orlando Magic basketball game with a contractor, so I have the little ladies to myself.
Tomorrow night is a run workout and a shoe clinic with Team in Training. Coach promises 20 minutes of killer ab workout followed by a 1 mile timed run. (I hate timed runs. Why can't I just run for 6 miles at whatever pace I feel like? I know, I know. The idea is to get faster and we need a measure for the beginning of the season. Doesn't mean I have to like it.) Then the shoe clinic. I may get some new kicks since these are probably at the 350 mile point by now. We'll just have to see.
I wonder what else I'll have up my sleeve for this week? I know Mr. Darcy is hoping that it does not involve a 4:24 chat session...
Monday, February 1, 2010
Changes
I can tell there are some changes brewing and they're good ones.
First of these changes: Welcome New Readers (new followers just sounded odd to me)! It was a nice surprise upon returning from Birmingham to see not the usual 31 (who I am always thrilled to see) but an additional 6 added to the list. So Welcome!
The second change: I think I'm figuring out what I want. A lot of it's complicated and stuff that for both your sake and mine will not appear on the blog, but it's good stuff. And no, Mr. Darcy and the girls are not going anywhere. I'm keeping them. : ) I'll let you in on these when I can.
The 3rd change: call me crazy, but I realized that I want to be the National Recruitment Director for the sorority. Whether they want me as the National Recruitment Director remains to be seen. But that will iron itself out one way or the other, and either decision will result in a change too.
The 4th "change": Team in Training starts today! Oh yeah! Our official 1st practice is this evening - swimming in the allegedly heated pool at Lake Highland Prep. Of course it's raining and chilly, but what'ev. It's never stopped me from getting in the pool before. I'm looking forward to a good swim and meeting all the new peeps (and serving up the triathlon cool aid to those who have never done one before). Not to mention the return to the intensity of working out in groups. I rarely miss a group workout.
Also on the menu for change are probably my running shoes. I trained in them for my 70.3 and have been doing my 1/2 marathon training in them too. Luckily this Wednesday we'll be running and then going to a shoe clinic at my favorite running shop (which is a hike from my house), so I'll probably get new shoes then.
I'm also contemplating Weight Watchers. I'm eating healthy foods, not eating overly large portions, etc. but even with all this training I'm doing, nothing is really coming off. Perhaps it would help. I just can't decide if it would be worth $40+ per month and adding yet another meeting to my schedule. Anyone out there done it? Does it make sense to do it for distance athletes? I feel like all these weight loss systems are made for people that aren't active and eat poorly to begin with. But then, what do I know?
I like this new way of thinking - paying attention to what I really want and not doing what I really don't want to do. It's making me see what my priorities are, where I've mislaid some time and energy and is helping get on the right track.
Unfortunately, in all this my weekend 8 miler got dumped into the not doing it pile. I actually really did want to run, but Mr. Darcy needed a helping hand to get the ladies to school on Friday and by the time I got them there and home there wasn't enough time to run before leaving for the airport. Almost the second from touching down at the Atlanta airport, I was on sorority business and off and running until around midnight every night. So by the time I got home on Sunday, I fell into bed and didn't wake up until around 3 pm when Mr. Darcy and the little ladies returned from the Darcy Seniors. You know you're tired when you didn't realize that the dog wasn't even home. So, it was probably a good thing that I didn't run that tired.
So bad me on the run, but I'm back in the game for training as of today! I'll let you know how the swim tonight goes... and it should be interesting to find out what my "more difficult schedule" for the St. Anthony's training with TNT will consist of.
I was hoping for a "slower" week in the life side of the coin, but looking at my calendar makes me think it may not work out that way. Swim with TNT tonight, Mr. Darcy at a Magic game tomorrow night, lunc hwith a friend on Wednesday followed by a conference call, 6 pm TNT run practice and 7 pm shoe clininc, Thursday is free so far, Friday I have to get bloodwork done for a re-check of the ol' endocrine system issues, Saturday morning is a TNT bike ride and a bike maintenance clinic, followed by a few hours of my teaching at an Area Wide Training (while Mr. Darcy and the girls are at a birthday party...) and then Sunday is another birthday party for the girls to attend.
Yesterday Angelfish told me that I was like a nest. When I asked her why, she said that I was warm and cozy and she could snuggle in. I have to say I rather liked that. Ladybug was pretty good this morning about getting ready for school, and even her outfit wasn't overly outrageous - for her - purple t-shirt with a witch silouette on it, a pink ruffled skirt, a floral headband, a turquoise colored bead necklace, bright blue socks, and black patent leather shoes. The poor thing didn't want to go to school once we got there. She said she didn't like the toys and didn't feel like talking to her friends. She even gave me the pouty look. It breaks my heart every time... and I think she knows it.
Now I'm off ... And I'll keep you posted on any other changes that come my way!
First of these changes: Welcome New Readers (new followers just sounded odd to me)! It was a nice surprise upon returning from Birmingham to see not the usual 31 (who I am always thrilled to see) but an additional 6 added to the list. So Welcome!
The second change: I think I'm figuring out what I want. A lot of it's complicated and stuff that for both your sake and mine will not appear on the blog, but it's good stuff. And no, Mr. Darcy and the girls are not going anywhere. I'm keeping them. : ) I'll let you in on these when I can.
The 3rd change: call me crazy, but I realized that I want to be the National Recruitment Director for the sorority. Whether they want me as the National Recruitment Director remains to be seen. But that will iron itself out one way or the other, and either decision will result in a change too.
The 4th "change": Team in Training starts today! Oh yeah! Our official 1st practice is this evening - swimming in the allegedly heated pool at Lake Highland Prep. Of course it's raining and chilly, but what'ev. It's never stopped me from getting in the pool before. I'm looking forward to a good swim and meeting all the new peeps (and serving up the triathlon cool aid to those who have never done one before). Not to mention the return to the intensity of working out in groups. I rarely miss a group workout.
Also on the menu for change are probably my running shoes. I trained in them for my 70.3 and have been doing my 1/2 marathon training in them too. Luckily this Wednesday we'll be running and then going to a shoe clinic at my favorite running shop (which is a hike from my house), so I'll probably get new shoes then.
I'm also contemplating Weight Watchers. I'm eating healthy foods, not eating overly large portions, etc. but even with all this training I'm doing, nothing is really coming off. Perhaps it would help. I just can't decide if it would be worth $40+ per month and adding yet another meeting to my schedule. Anyone out there done it? Does it make sense to do it for distance athletes? I feel like all these weight loss systems are made for people that aren't active and eat poorly to begin with. But then, what do I know?
I like this new way of thinking - paying attention to what I really want and not doing what I really don't want to do. It's making me see what my priorities are, where I've mislaid some time and energy and is helping get on the right track.
Unfortunately, in all this my weekend 8 miler got dumped into the not doing it pile. I actually really did want to run, but Mr. Darcy needed a helping hand to get the ladies to school on Friday and by the time I got them there and home there wasn't enough time to run before leaving for the airport. Almost the second from touching down at the Atlanta airport, I was on sorority business and off and running until around midnight every night. So by the time I got home on Sunday, I fell into bed and didn't wake up until around 3 pm when Mr. Darcy and the little ladies returned from the Darcy Seniors. You know you're tired when you didn't realize that the dog wasn't even home. So, it was probably a good thing that I didn't run that tired.
So bad me on the run, but I'm back in the game for training as of today! I'll let you know how the swim tonight goes... and it should be interesting to find out what my "more difficult schedule" for the St. Anthony's training with TNT will consist of.
I was hoping for a "slower" week in the life side of the coin, but looking at my calendar makes me think it may not work out that way. Swim with TNT tonight, Mr. Darcy at a Magic game tomorrow night, lunc hwith a friend on Wednesday followed by a conference call, 6 pm TNT run practice and 7 pm shoe clininc, Thursday is free so far, Friday I have to get bloodwork done for a re-check of the ol' endocrine system issues, Saturday morning is a TNT bike ride and a bike maintenance clinic, followed by a few hours of my teaching at an Area Wide Training (while Mr. Darcy and the girls are at a birthday party...) and then Sunday is another birthday party for the girls to attend.
Yesterday Angelfish told me that I was like a nest. When I asked her why, she said that I was warm and cozy and she could snuggle in. I have to say I rather liked that. Ladybug was pretty good this morning about getting ready for school, and even her outfit wasn't overly outrageous - for her - purple t-shirt with a witch silouette on it, a pink ruffled skirt, a floral headband, a turquoise colored bead necklace, bright blue socks, and black patent leather shoes. The poor thing didn't want to go to school once we got there. She said she didn't like the toys and didn't feel like talking to her friends. She even gave me the pouty look. It breaks my heart every time... and I think she knows it.
Now I'm off ... And I'll keep you posted on any other changes that come my way!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
My Wheels Are in Motion
I rather liked RockStarTri's comment yesterday. I'm not saying No (which makes me feel guilty for some reason), I'm saying yes to what is really important to me. I'm going to remind myself of that on a regular basis. Thank you!
Yesterday was super stressful and I didn't get around to doing my workout. Start with a 8 am conference call, have a multitude of work questions to answer while attempting to finish an urgent research project, at the moment I finished said research project at 1:29, have conference call at 1:30 to discover the parameters of the project were changed, return to research project, finish said research project after other questions and work issues come in, finally get to legislative tracking to go through just under 200 bills, finish when Mr. Darcy, children and pizza get home and the girls have eaten all the garlic knots save 2, and then jump on conference call at 7 pm, straighten house so cleaning people can actually clean (the majority of the work was located in the playroom), and then plopped down on the sofa at 9 pm to see the State of the Union and after joking about Biden's inability to clap at the appropriate juncture, fell asleep. I don't even remember going to our bedroom last night.... but I evidently did because I woke up there at 6:20 this morning.
Today will be another super busy one, although I don't have anything other than packing for this weekend to do in the evening. And to make up for missing my speedwork yesterday, I did it this morning. And I rocked it! I think I might even have been able to go faster, but I was hesitant with my shin splints. After each 3 minute interval, I walked for my minute over to the water fountain and then back to the treadmill and stretched each time and that seemed to keep the steak knives down to more of a sharper table knife. I did a 10:20 pace for the 1st one, 10:00 for the 2nd, 9:40 for the 3rd, and 9:20 for the last one. I think next week, I may try for 10:00 for the 1st, 9:40 for the 2nd, 9:20 for the 3rd, and 9:00 for the last one.
But I also didn't want to completely miss my weight training, so I did one loop of the weight machines and some ab work. Then it was off to grab some breakfast at Davis Bakery - a berry smoothie (no corn syrup, added sugar, or other non-natural stuff and the equivalent of 3 servings of fruit and 10 g of protein) and an english muffin with an egg, some ham, and cheddar cheese. Yum! I haven't been the greatest about eating anything at all the past couple of days. Yesterday I actually forgot to have breakfast (which is something I NEVER do) and ended up not eating until lunch at 3:30 when I couldn't hold out any longer - I had low fat cheese, a v-8 and a hearty soup. Then pizza for dinner. So I thought that maybe I should start with a good filling breakfast to try to help myself out. I'll have a v-8 in a few minutes and I'm thinking a nice salad and a sandwich for lunch. I know I can't not eat right with Team in Training starting Monday and an 8 mile run on the schedule for the morning!
While I was waiting at the bakery, I did something I don't usually do. I looked out the window at the beautiful "lake" with the pretty fountain spraying up in the air, and the blue sky and the pretty houses and quaint downtown area and I realized that my life is blessed and that it is really beautiful outside. I had a little feeling of peace that I haven't had in a bit, and I knew that all my rearranging of how I look at things is good. That saying yes to what is really important to me, is going to let me realize on a more regular basis how beautiful this life of mine and this world really are. I think it also helps that I realized while talking to Mr. Darcy about my parents that I've always worried that on their death beds they'll realize how much they missed out on in life because they didn't DO things, but that I don't want to be on my death bed someday realizing that by trying to experience everything that I didn't experience the things I needed to by doing too much.
So my wheels are in motion... and it's going to all work out just fine. And training is definitely something that keeps me in motion and in the moment. What a journey!
Yesterday was super stressful and I didn't get around to doing my workout. Start with a 8 am conference call, have a multitude of work questions to answer while attempting to finish an urgent research project, at the moment I finished said research project at 1:29, have conference call at 1:30 to discover the parameters of the project were changed, return to research project, finish said research project after other questions and work issues come in, finally get to legislative tracking to go through just under 200 bills, finish when Mr. Darcy, children and pizza get home and the girls have eaten all the garlic knots save 2, and then jump on conference call at 7 pm, straighten house so cleaning people can actually clean (the majority of the work was located in the playroom), and then plopped down on the sofa at 9 pm to see the State of the Union and after joking about Biden's inability to clap at the appropriate juncture, fell asleep. I don't even remember going to our bedroom last night.... but I evidently did because I woke up there at 6:20 this morning.
Today will be another super busy one, although I don't have anything other than packing for this weekend to do in the evening. And to make up for missing my speedwork yesterday, I did it this morning. And I rocked it! I think I might even have been able to go faster, but I was hesitant with my shin splints. After each 3 minute interval, I walked for my minute over to the water fountain and then back to the treadmill and stretched each time and that seemed to keep the steak knives down to more of a sharper table knife. I did a 10:20 pace for the 1st one, 10:00 for the 2nd, 9:40 for the 3rd, and 9:20 for the last one. I think next week, I may try for 10:00 for the 1st, 9:40 for the 2nd, 9:20 for the 3rd, and 9:00 for the last one.
But I also didn't want to completely miss my weight training, so I did one loop of the weight machines and some ab work. Then it was off to grab some breakfast at Davis Bakery - a berry smoothie (no corn syrup, added sugar, or other non-natural stuff and the equivalent of 3 servings of fruit and 10 g of protein) and an english muffin with an egg, some ham, and cheddar cheese. Yum! I haven't been the greatest about eating anything at all the past couple of days. Yesterday I actually forgot to have breakfast (which is something I NEVER do) and ended up not eating until lunch at 3:30 when I couldn't hold out any longer - I had low fat cheese, a v-8 and a hearty soup. Then pizza for dinner. So I thought that maybe I should start with a good filling breakfast to try to help myself out. I'll have a v-8 in a few minutes and I'm thinking a nice salad and a sandwich for lunch. I know I can't not eat right with Team in Training starting Monday and an 8 mile run on the schedule for the morning!
While I was waiting at the bakery, I did something I don't usually do. I looked out the window at the beautiful "lake" with the pretty fountain spraying up in the air, and the blue sky and the pretty houses and quaint downtown area and I realized that my life is blessed and that it is really beautiful outside. I had a little feeling of peace that I haven't had in a bit, and I knew that all my rearranging of how I look at things is good. That saying yes to what is really important to me, is going to let me realize on a more regular basis how beautiful this life of mine and this world really are. I think it also helps that I realized while talking to Mr. Darcy about my parents that I've always worried that on their death beds they'll realize how much they missed out on in life because they didn't DO things, but that I don't want to be on my death bed someday realizing that by trying to experience everything that I didn't experience the things I needed to by doing too much.
So my wheels are in motion... and it's going to all work out just fine. And training is definitely something that keeps me in motion and in the moment. What a journey!
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