Perspective

Training this past week was right on track.  At the end of the week, however, I find myself reflecting on perspectives.  Here is my list of reflection:

1. My training partner left for a month in order for her oldest son to attend camp.  This may seem strange to some that you would travel out of state for an entire month so your kid can go to camp but when it is what they need, you do whatever it takes to make it happen.  Perspective.....is what I am doing in the best interest of my family or am I selfish in my goals?

2. As a result of #1, I had to adjust when I got my runs in.  In order to accomplish my goal of finishing the Mankato Marathon with a certain time I HAVE to complete each workout at a set pace.  I say this so you understand that when I went out for a 7 mile run with 3 kids on bikes in tow, this was going to be difficult.  The logical me knew this but the irrational focus driven me didn't want to listen.   This resulted in feelings of frustration towards the kids.  Perspective....what the hell is wrong with me?!  They rode their bikes 7 MILES!!!!!

3. This last reflection really has me pondering.  "I" had a soccer tournament this weekend & I wasn't able to attend the first day.  J took her to the first game & when asked how it went, his perspective was she didn't play much.  Hmmm.  2nd game didn't go well according text message updates but I didn't realize the full extent of "not well" until the next morning.  The girls lost the game but it was the sideline behavior on the spectator side of the field that may need some perspective.  Have we lost sight of the importance of leading by example, being respectful,  supporting our coach, letting him be our voice & just being our kid's cheerleaders?

This morning I had a track workout scheduled and it sucked but I did it & there was one vision that kept me going & pushing to give it my all.  I watched one of our girls yesterday (who is not the fasted on our team) chase a girl halfway down the field to cut off her shot on goal.  She gave it her all, physically & with her heart!  She has been working so hard this summer to build her endurance & I COULD NOT have been prouder of her!  She got there & because if her, I did too!  Thank you M!

My goal has not changed but my perspective I hope has.  I will run, I will push but I will do it with heart & I will not beat myself up when I don't hit a mark!  I want my kids to see that isn't just about the finish, its about the journey & keeping things in perspective!

One year ago...

This past week was a trying one...

Emotions ran very high with everyone in the house and I couldn't quite figure out why.  I chalked it up to summer coming to an end.  Perhaps the kids & I were just done with so much time spent together, except it had been our busiest summer and we weren't all together a whole lot.  Someone had always had a camp to go to or a friend to visit, so what was our deal?!  Then it hit me, a year ago we all said goodbye to a very important person in our lives.

Arnold Van Zanten, aka Grandpa Beach finally lost his long battle against prostate cancer.  So while none of us voiced it, I think deep down we all were dealing with the loss in some way or another.  John & I were preparing to travel to Florida to be with his mom on the anniversary and to take Arnie to his final resting place.

As a result, my week of training was off.  Twice I overslept for boot camp and Friday's run had to be done on Thursday.  I planned to get as much of my long run in as I could while we were there on Saturday morning.  My hope was that it would help me get through the emotions of the day.  I had no idea how John was going to get through the day & I wanted to be the support he needed me to be.  I got in a little over 11 pavement pounding, sweat & tears pouring miles.

The morning was beautiful and the water was so calm.  We set out 3 miles off shore with a Captain that Arnie would have loved.  He was a diver & lover of the sea.  It was starting out to be perfect.  We anchored and while John held his dad's urn, his mom & sister said a few words.  It was soon time to say goodbye.  We toasted to him and continued to regale in stories of his love of the water.  We talked about the first diving trip I took with him.  I was a mess!  I had splinters in my hands from the tow line, a goose egg on the back of my head from the tank, and every blood vessel inside my goggles popped due to a mask squeeze.  He just kept telling me, DO NOT tell your mother!  I experienced a lot of firsts, things I never imagined doing in the short time I had the pleasure of knowing him and I was lucky for that.

Arnie provided so many opportunities for so many people, even outside his own family.  All who knew him were blessed to have been touched by him.  I know this weekend doesn't completely heal us but as I sat in church this evening I was reminded that while our bodies will return to dust, our souls go on forever.  Until we meet again, I am comforted by the thought that he is always with us and watching over.  Love & miss you, Arnie!

Divide and Conquer

UPDATE - Started the week with the new schedule since last week ended with me off my feet.  I ran Monday & still felt my shins, so wasn't feeling good about the prospects for the rest of the week.  Tuesday morning, as I got ready for bootcamp, I decided to wear my old shoes and see how things went.  We did some running and things went well, so I decided to experiment with my shoes the rest of the week.  Wednesday was another run day & wore the old shoes, no pain.  Thursday, bootcamp with the new shoes, no pain.  Friday I decided to try to run in the new shoes again.....no pain, YAY!  My "professional" opinion...I tried to run too far in new shoes, too soon.

So, it was a busy week.  Mini Me came home on Tuesday, thank you Lord!  I can't even explain how much I missed that girl.  My niece flew through DFW, Wednesday, on her way home so we surprised her on her 3 hour layover and went to lunch & ice cream!

Cousins!

Love this kid!

To add to the already busy week, John & I had to divide & conquer the week so in addition to getting my runs in, I had to work around not having John home to stay with the kids so I could run/workout before the sun came up.  Thank goodness for help from family!

John had to take I to Austin for a 3v3 soccer tournament & I had the 2nd half marathon in my summer series this weekend.  It was hard to let him go to the tournament without me but I think it was a much needed Daddy/Daughter weekend.  He came home talking soccer like a pro and bursting with pride about the team and especially how his girl played!  Congratulations Shooting Ducks, they qualified for Nationals in Florida!

The Shooting Ducks

The Wildfire Half was Saturday morning so the boys stayed with my parents since I had to be up & out the door before the sun.  Unfortunately, I wasn't running before the sun.  I wish!  It was in the 80s already before 7 and the race didn't start until 7:30.  Who's bright idea was this?!  The race announcer told the crowd it was going to be a nice race with a "beautiful" course through gently rolling hills. NOT!  We set off right at 7:30 heading out of the Denton ISD stadium and out onto 4 lane rode THAT. WE. STAYED. ON. THE. ENTIRE. RACE!!!!  The shoulder on both sides of the street were coned off but apparently those were just put out as a suggestion as we heard a car going the opposite direction completely destroy one as it sped by!  In addition to speeding cars, we dodged roadkill the entire way.  I kept looking for the rain cloud as I was feeling sprinkles every once in awhile.  I finally realized it was the sweat hitting me from the guy in front of me, YUCK!  In spite of the heat, the giant hills (not gently rolling at all) & the sweaty rain, I placed in my age group again!  Yay, me!  I wonder if this is because I'm getting better or is it because there are so few in the age group stupid enough to run in this heat?  Either way, I'll take it!

3rd Place!

Look how happy we are at the start!

3 weeks in & its time to re-evaluate

Yep, this is my problem today!  My first step of the 11 miles this morning was painful and it got worse as we went.  The last two days have been gorgeous here in TX with temperatures in the mid-60s at run time.  This has resulted in running through the pain.  Not the best decision.  I am now sitting on my butt with my compression socks on & VERY tired legs.

Time to re-evaluate my weekly schedule.....

Here is what my schedule should look like:
Monday - OFF
Tuesday - Run
Wednesday - OFF
Thursday - Run
Friday - OFF
Saturday - Run
Sunday -Run

Here is what I have been doing for the last 3 weeks:
Monday - Camp Gladiator
Tuesday - Run
Wednesday - Camp Gladiator
Thursday - Run
Friday - Run
Saturday - Run
Sunday - OFF

While the premise of this training was to train your legs to fight through the tiredness at the end of the marathon, 3 days straight is too much.  The best way to figure out what I need to do is to talk through it with someone who understands.  I am very fortunate to have a strong running support system & my group this morning gave me some great advice.  Here is what we came up with:

Monday - RUN
Tuesday - Camp
Wednesday - RUN
Thursday - Camp
Friday - RUN
Saturday - RUN
Sunday - OFF

Looks pretty good!  Wish me luck....

It is July in Texas, right?

This was the temperature today when I went for my 5am run!  What?!  It was so nice & I could have run forever.  I did a 5 mile tempo run today.  First mile slow, mile 2-4 at an 8:15 pace and the final mile slow.  I average an 8:18, pretty good!  Did I mention I love this weather?  Funny how much the weather affects not just my running but my attitude towards my run.  I wasn't the only one out enjoying the temperature this morning either, I saw a few rabbits that decided to pace me up a hill.  They had a little bounce in their step as well.

Last night, I thought I might have to cut my run short this morning because I was going to run solo again once the sun came up and I had to head to Abilene with IVZ to connect her with two of her besties for a girl's weekend.  Thankfully one of the group sent out a shout for a run this morning and we were able to connect to knock the run out early.  Score!

With the van loaded down, I set out mid morning for the 2 1/2 hour drive to the Abilene Zoo to meet "the blondies" & their mom.  It was half way for both of us and we thought it would be fun to check out the zoo.  I wasn't expecting much so was pleasantly surprised with how fantastic it was.  The giraffe area consisted of a large bridge that allowed you to feed these gorgeous animals and since IVZ's favorite animal is the giraffe, she was in heaven.  AVZ was pretty enthralled with them as well & was pretty shocked when one licked his finger!  I highly recommend a visit if you are ever in the area!

Chasing My Shadow

This week was the first introduction to "speed work" on the plan.  I've followed plans with speed work incorporated in but never quite like this.  I chose this training plan because it built mileage fast and requires running on tired legs, one thing I needed in February.

So, Day 5 looked like this, 5miles+, :20 fast, 2:00 slow.  I interpreted this as 5 miles of running :20 fast & 2:00 slow equaling 16 reps.  I convinced my "Sole Sisters" to meet me for this workout and away we went.  It was different but I felt it was a good run.

Day 7 was more of the same but 6 miles.  Again, it was different but good.  I had good company again, including a 4 legged friend named Brady.  Brady is a beautifully, energetic Hound mix that pushed alongside me and when he tired, still pushed from behind sprinting to catch up just as I was starting my :20.  Nothing like the panting of dog coming up fast behind you to really push the 95% effort.

Day 9 was an easy 4 and for the first time in a long time, I had no running partner.  No one to complain to about the humidity, no one to tell me our pace each mile (I don't set the screen on my watch to show my pace), no one to talk to about my daughter's soccer game or the latest crazy thing the youngest did.  I debated on whether or not to bring my headphones but in the end, I did.  A nice change of pace to listen to some tunes.  It was an out & back route with a few hills.  As I turned around to head for home I discovered I wasn't running alone.  For the last 2 miles, up & down the hills, I raced against an old friend.  She's been with me through every training run, every injury & every race I've ever done, My Shadow.  I don't usually get to see her as I run in the darkness of the early, early morning but it was nice to have her along & even though I didn't, I tried to beat her.  Oh well, maybe next time.....it was good to see you

My Shadow
Robert Lewis Stevenson

Week One Done.....

Happy 4th!  I had a great weekend filled with all the things I love; fireworks, family, friends, soccer and LOTS of food!

Marathon training officially began on the 1st & my promise to myself was that I would make all my runs as listed, maybe not on the day scheduled but the length, pace, etc.  Tuesday had a 4 mile run, easy pace scheduled.  Great, done.  Thursday called for a 5 miles, easy.  I ran with Kelli & we had a great time catching up!  Loving it so far.  Saturday was suppose to be 6 miles followed by 8 miles on Sunday.  This is where I tend to go off schedule a little.  Friday being the 4th, I signed up the kids and I for a 5k & Fun Run.  It was a great morning & I ran my best 5k, finishing in 23:53 & 3rd in my age group!  The kids did awesome too.  J came in 2nd & Izzy ran strong, even adding an extra half mile.  Not the required 6 but I'll call it good!

Saturday I went out for the scheduled 8 miles with the group.  It was a nice easy pace and felt great.  I chalk this up to a great start!

The other days of the week were dedicated to supporting two new campers that committed to coming to Camp Gladiator for the next month!  These two women happen to be two of the best teachers at my children's school.  So needless to say I was not surprised that they jumped in with both feet and gave it their all.  Week 1 of camp is Endurance week, which by definition means, the power of enduring a difficult or unpleasant process or situation without giving way.  They definitely endured!  I am so proud of them both and can't wait for Week 2.

From my family to yours, Happy Independence Day!