Just 6 Days

I took advantage of the beautiful afternoon (sunny skies, with just a little wind and can you believe a little snow!) to go out for a run. As I was fortunate to not have the kiddos this time, I opted for a tempo run rather than the prescribed speed work (which I can do tomorrow on the treadmill).

I nailed 4 miles in 33:46 for an average pace of 8:26. I felt really strong the entire time and am feeling more confidant for Sunday. However, I am just going to take it all in stride and see where the road takes me. My ultimate goal being to have a good time.

The 'party' should get started early Saturday. We'll depart the high desert for the valley shortly after breakfast. We will go to the Expo first and get the necessary tasks done early. Hopefully we will be able to meet my brother and his family at a park that afternoon for some playtime/visiting. Then it's PF Changs for dinner with Kong and Bar. We'll thereby discuss the particulars for race day; where they will cheer me on, who will accompany Sweetie on her fun run, plans for a brunch afterwards (?), etc.

I've contacted JeffM and Kara and hope that I'll be able to meet them at some point as well. Perhaps at the Expo or race day morning... we'll see what develops.

My heart goes out to all of you who have continually helped pull me up when I got down and struggled this training cycle. Thank you!

OH! And after the marathon this weekend, I'll reach a big milestone... any guesses what it might be? I'll send a little something something to the one who guesses correctly! :D

The Red-winged Blackbird ~ Nature Study

Welcome to the newest feature to my running blog... Nature Study on the Run. Thank you to Kara, for the inspiration. :D

When the kiddos and I were out with the jogger yesterday, we ran down along the river to one of the parks they enjoy. As we approached the play structures, we spotted a pair of Red-winged Blackbirds. One of the most abundant birds in North America, they are found in wetlands and agricultural areas across the continent. The male (shown here) can hide the brilliant red shoulders or show them off in a dazzling display. The female looks strikingly different than the male and could almost be mistaken for a large dark sparrow.

They feed upon insects, seeds, and grain. Probing in vegetation for insects, spreading the bill to look in plants and under objects. In doing so, it also gleans seeds from ground.

Interesting Fact: The Red-winged Blackbird is a highly polygynous species, with one male having up to 15 different females making nests in his territory. In some populations 90% of territorial males have more than one female. But, from one quarter to up to half of the young in "his" nests do not belong to the territorial male. Instead they have been sired by neighboring males.

One Week to Go

The week comes to an end rather dismally. I worked out only 3 of the 7 days resulting in a total weekly mileage of 23.53 miles. I think I've become rather burned out. Though I enjoy the runs while I am running... it is becoming harder to get them done.

Going from one training cycle (CIM Dec 07) to the next (Eugene May 08) has just been too hard for me. There are so many distractions - especially now that I am trying to take college courses to renew my teaching license (I need 9 credits by May 09) on top of everything else. I know I'll keep running. But I have to wonder if marathon training is just too much for me right now. I know I have pondered this previously, but it is still on my mind. I'm beginning to sound like a whinner, aren't I? I have to stop that!

Wed 23rd ~ 7 miles
3 miles at 25:39 (8:33 pace)
3 miles at 28:07 (9:22) - the return loop is very hilly
1 mile at 10:29 - cool-down

Sat 26th ~ 5 miles
2 miles at 19:00 (9:30) - warm-up
2 x 800m at 4:00 each
4 x 400m at 1:54, 1:53, 1:52 and 1:51
1 mile at 9:06 - cool-down
3 hours yardwork
evening walk with family

Sun 27th ~ 11.53 miles with the jogger
7.44 miles at 1:16 (10:13 pace) - talked w/Mom on cell for 3.5 miles, last mile all down hill
4.09 miles at 50:00 (12:13) - solid 14 minutes of climbing with the jogger, I was pooped!


Eugene is just 6 days away. I'm getting increasingly nervous. Due to my previous experience and Wes' recent post, I am going to try something a little different this time around... immodium. Hopefully, that will save a few minutes (I must have lost at least 10 in the porta-potties at CIM)! I have a pace strip that I picked up at CIM for a 3:50 marathon. I am going to aim for that. My dream is 3:45. My PR is 3:57:46. I really don't know what to expect. How do you develop your race strategy? I don't race very often so it is hard for me to gauge my fitness level prior to the 'big day'. Here is a little peak at my training for Eugene (both my original goal as prescribed by the plan and what I actually accomplished).
The longest run prior to the marathon will have been 16 miles - through which I pushed the jogger. I hope that counts for at least a few miles. I have actually contemplated switching to the half but I really don't want to do that. I have trained for the full and though I've had to modify my plan, I know I can finish the full 26.2. I doubt I'll qualify this time around but ya never know, I suppose. I am actually hoping that I can find another runner along the way that is running my pace (or slightly faster) that can help pull me along. If not, my hope is that perhaps I can find someone struggling to finish their first marathon and I can help them through to the finish.

We'll see what happens.

FOMO & More Guilt

Thank you to everyone who commented on my earlier post. Michelle nailed it - I definitely have a case of 'fear of missing out'. One of things that I love most about running is the incredible community of runners. We all share a passion for running and regardless of our talents or skill, we can identify with one another. We cheer for one another and rally behind those in need. It is remarkable to me and I consider myself very blessed to be a part of the running community. Thank you! You all helped to pull me through a slump that I now recognize is a regular part of my training process.

Friday, I intended on getting up with DH to make him breakfast before he headed off to work, and then hitting the treadmill for my speed workout. I didn't think to communicate my intention to him, however, and I was unaware that he planned to work from home that day. Thus, I didn't get up early (he let me sleep in - he is sweet like that!) and thereby had to save my run for the afternoon. As most runners can attest, doing so runs the risk of not getting it done at all. I thereby started the day a little annoyed with myself.

I had promised to take the kiddos to a COOL outing with our homeschool friends. I thought I might bike to the gathering, stopping along the way to register for the Dirty Half. Fortunately, I had the foresight enough to call ahead to see if there were any spots left (this race is notorious for filling up early!). There was just one spot left so I gave up the idea of cycling, and instead buckled the kids into their car seats and proceeded via fossil fuels. I was elated to discover that I indeed captured the last spot. I am excited that I have a race to look forward to after Eugene. Like many, I tend to slip into bad habits after a marathon... so I hope this will help ensure I stay in top form.

When we returned home, I immediately jumped onto the treadmill to begin my speed session. I was excited about the upcoming race season (I haven't raced since CIM in Dec) and seemingly had a little zest.

1.5 mile warmup @ 15:00
1 mile @ 8:06 / 1 mile @ 8:00 / 1 mile @ 7:53 / 1 mile @ 7:53 / 800m @ 3:48 / 800m @ 3:45
.5 mile cooldown @ 4:33 (9:06)
Total = 7 miles

Saturday brought about a busy day of family activities... I could have, should have, squeezed a run in but I didn't.

*Disclaimer: Before you read further, let me first explain that I try not to write about the normal tribulations of married life. All couples have their share of disagreements and arguments. This is normal and in my opinion, it is healthy. I share the following because it affects my ability to or willingness to run. I am not husband bashing. I love him unconditionally. I am proud of him. Blessed that he is my husband. He supports us financially and emotionally. I wouldn't be able to homeschool my children if he wasn't completely behind me. I am just venting my frustration with a moment that preceded my long run.

Sunday when I woke at 7:30 a.m., I immediately donned my running attire. I made a pot of coffee and brought a cup to DH who was working on his CE credits for his pharmacy license. His first words were, "How far you going today?" I began to explain that my plan called for 18 but my hope was to cover 16 but all I was able to say was, "18..." when he interjected, "18!! When is this going to stop? Your runs consume the entire day and there isn't any time for family. Why didn't you get up earlier? We need to talk before you sign up for another marathon."

When I was finally able to voice my perspective, I tried to remind him that we talked before I signed up for this one... that I had informed him then that my training would require long runs on Sunday gradually building to 3+ hours. I inquired about his 'family plans' for the day. He didn't have a plan or anything in mind with the exception for going to Costco for groceries. He just didn't want me to be gone for so long. He wanted to be able to do whatever he wanted (watch TV, play WOW, nap....) and not be accountable.

I completely understand his desire to relax on the weekends. I very amenable to his needs and I make every effort to assure that he gets uninterrupted naps. I allow him freedom to fly model airplanes when he desires and play video games to his heart's content. I know he works long hours. Believe me, I know! I understand that he is thereby very tired on the weekends. I just need a few hours to myself! Why can't he see that?

I reminded him of all the times I had forsaken my training plan for family... yesterday, my grandma's funeral, Easter, all the times I had pushed the kiddos in the jogger... I have cut so many of my long runs short this time... I'm already feeling guilty and unprepared. I have actually contemplated NOT running Eugene even though I am already registered. The weather outside yesterday was in the low 30s. It was predicted to snow! I certainly didn't want to go out! Now I had all the more reason to skip my run all together. I started making excuses.

I mopped about for a while... made pancakes and sausages for everyone (he complained about that, too!), picked up things here and there, read the newspaper... As I prepared breakfast, DH was working with Quicken and got fired up again when he saw that I registered for the Dirty Half. "Why didn't you talk to me first? You never communicate!" This started another round of the same argument.

I finally got underway just after 9 a.m. I was in no mood to run... but like always, after the first couple of miles I started to feel much better. I know why DH is frustrated... for the same reasons I am frustrated and why I fight to keep training... we need our time. We all need time to rejuvenate. As I finished each mile, I became less and less angry.

3.55 miles @ 31:47 (8:56 avg pace)
1.99 miles @ 22:59 (11:32 avg pace) - Talking on the cell phone with my girlfriend
4.95 miles @ 44:21 (8:57 avg pace)
5.5 miles @ 51:45 (9:24 avg pace) - On treadmill; Guilt & cold brought me inside
Total = 16 miles

When I finished, I drank two glasses of chocolate milk (my new favorite recovery drink) and made lunch for everyone. Thereafter, I read two Magic Schoolbus books to the kiddos and as I started to doze off during the 2nd, I took a short nap - though it was frequently interrupted by the kiddos climbing on me, etc. We then went grocery shopping as a family. In the evening, DH apologized for the guilt trip he laid upon me earlier and we made up. All is good.

The week ends with a dismal 31 miles. Now I begin the taper. Thank goodness!

A Berry Special Birthday

The daughter of a friend was approaching her 4th birthday when we celebrated Buddy's birthday with a dragon party. She told me she was planning on a Strawberry Shortcake party and I inquired if she would like me to make her a special cake. I showed her one in the Wilton magazine and she immediately took me up on the offer. What 4 year old wouldn't, right?
I didn't have all the required colors for tinting the frosting... so I improvised. I originally planned on mixing a little green and orange in an effort to get flesh tone but when Buddy came up to me as I was working to request a sippy cup of chocolate milk, I had a light-bulb moment. The frosting recipe called for milk... using chocolate milk to alter the color was brillant (at least in my mind)! I am certainly becoming more comfortable with my cake decorating skills to try something like that. ;DThe little princess was delighted and as her mom prepared the candles she said to me, "I just love my Strawberry Shortcake cake. Thank you." Her soft voice in appreciation made all the time that went into the cake worthwhile. "You are welcome, Sweetheart."

Feeling Lonely

I'm a little bummed this week. The Rumble was this past Sunday and though I really, really wanted to be there to meet Michelle and a few local running celebrities (Rod, Sean, and Kami) I've come to admire from a distance, I couldn't.

I chose not to participate because I haven't got a lot of trail mileage and in 2006 when I ran 3 of the 4 trail races that compose the Dirt Series, I fell every time. The last fall (during the Dirty Dozen in Sept '06) nearly cost me the opportunity to finish the Portland Marathon. In 2007, while on a trail run prior to the Eugene Marathon, I fell and broke my wrist. I'm thereby nervous about trail races. I could have gone to cheer on those that were running but I needed to get my own long run in and I had the kids with me. I had to make a choice.

Now I'm reading their race reports... reading the articles in the paper... feeling bummed that I missed out on a great race and an opportunity to meet others who share my passion. I really wish I had a partner that could train with me. I want to join CORK and enjoy the comraderie of running with others but several obstacles make it difficult. DH works long hours and many late nights making childcare a little tricky. When he is home, I prefer to spend time with him as a family and feel guilty when I go off to run alone. The jogging stroller doesn't fold easily to transport to group runs... and I fear that the other runners might not particularly enjoy their presence. Additionally, frequently the trails aren't wide enough for a double-wide jogger. Thus, I am forced to go it alone on the road.

I'm sorry. I'm just feeling a little lonely and needed to share my thoughts.

ORN: Wed 6.23 miles @ 57:37 Avg Pace 9:15

I Spy With My Own Eye

It was beautiful on Friday, so the kids and I headed out in the jogger to a park ... an attempt to 'kill two birds with one stone', as they say. When we got home, the Garmin reported 6.5 miles, though my plan called for 8-10, I called it a day. I really wish I knew how many miles I could count for pushing 100+ pounds of resistance.

** 1:07 elapsed time / 10:24 avg pace Note: our route includes about 10-12 minutes of uphill (depending on wind resistance and my energy level)!

The girls (Sweetie's best friend and her younger sister) were next door visiting their grandparents so they came over to play for awhile. I did some yard work while they entertained themselves. When DH came home a couple hours later, the kids climbed into the jogger once again for our evening walk as a family. We try to walk around the neighborhood everyday if DH makes it home before dark and it isn't raining. I would guess that we average at least 3 walks a week in the winter and 5-6 in the summer. It is a nice time together as a family and DH and I get a chance to talk.

Saturday, the kids and I met my girlfriend and her two boys at the park for a play date. The kids spent about 30 minutes on the structures and then we proceeded on a letterboxing quest. We must have walked at least an hour (to and from the letterbox). We had a little difficulty finding the box, fortunately I had done a few previously and the experience (or was it my persistance) paid off. The clues referred to a small pine tree, from which we were to count 15 paces. Problem was, there were 3 small pine trees. Which one to choose?!

Sweetie and I worked in the yard for another couple of hours as Buddy fell asleep on the drive home. We were able to clean up all the debris and plant the sprouts we had started from seeds in the house a few weeks prior. We had attempted to sprout a number of things - most were experimental as the kiddos had been saving the seeds from some of the foods they and eaten (apple, pear, squash, pumpkin) - others included peas, tomatoes, corn, basil and cilantro. I am not sure what happened with our seeds... not everything sprouted. What I know we have are shown in green... we also bought some strawberry starts and planted those as well. It is a learning process for ALL of us as I'm a gardening novice.

We went for another walk as a family after dinner. It is great to get out again... it's funny how the nice weather really brings people out doors. We don't see many of our neighbors in the winter months, but now, nearly every garage door was open and people were milling about washing cars, mowing/aerating lawns, weeding, organizing their garage, etc.

I intended on rising early this morning to get my long run out of the way before the majority of the family awoke... that didn't happen. A late night (catching up on our favorite shows over the week)... kiddos climbing into our bed and proceeding to toss about... 4+ hours of yard work on Friday and Saturday... resulted in one tired body. Yard work definitely counts as cross-training in my books... I worked all sorts of muscles that generally don't get used.

I thereby woke with the family around 7 a.m. and promptly prepared breakfast. DH reminded me that he needed to take the tires in to have the rims swapped, thereafter he was going to change out the winter tires on my Volvo. He thereby wasn't going to be available to watch the kids or accompany me with the kids in tow. I would have to do my long run with the jogger if I was going to do it at all.

As a result, I went into the 20 mile long run with the motto, "Forget Pace, Enjoy Yourself!" I promised the kids that I would stop at a park and allow them time to play and run about when I had completed at least half of the run. I opted to take a less-frequented route to provide us with more entertainment and fewer hills. We saw a church, quail, robins, donkeys, dogs, a woman on a riding lawn mower, and many, many horses - providing opportunities for the kids to ask numerous questions. We started playing "I Spy" when we got back on our regular route. It certainly helped make the time go by, but carrying on a conversation certainly prohibits a steady pace (I occasionally have to lean over the stroller to hear them).

They chose the school across from our neighborhood - they wanted to play on the structures there - and this suited me fine as I was able to run 2 miles around the soccer field and still keep my eyes on them as they played in the wooded area collecting pine needles and exploring. We then continued my run, with just 8 miles to go. I chose our regular easy route around the two neighborhood schools and then home to check on Daddy - I was hoping to leave the kids with him as I finished the last 5 but he was in a foul mood. Apparently, he wasn't feeling well and kept encountering obstacles and nuances that made the relatively simple job of fixing a sprinkler head and swapping the tires quite a chore.

Sweetie wanted to ride her scooter - Buddy wanted to watch Daddy, so I ran back and forth in front of the house for another mile. I thereby finished with 16 miles - just shy of my goal - but I didn't have the heart to insist that the kids ride in the jogger anymore (they had already been sitting there for 2 1/2 hours - with an intermission at the school). So, again, I really hope that pushing the jogger accounts for at least a couple miles. :D

** 2:42:58 elapsed time / 10:11 average pace

A Good Speed Session

Todays plan called for 4 x 1 mile @ Cruise Pace and 2 x 800 @ Speed Interval Pace... I've modified my paces since I originally developed my plan so I intended on nailing those mile intervals at 8:13 or less. This is what resulted:

1 mile warm-up at 9:45
3 x 1 mile at 8:13 each
1 x 1 mile at 8:06
1 mile cool-down at 9:26
6 miles total

I didn't get a chance to do the 800s... oh well.

Still En Route

I did it! I ran today despite spending most of the day scrapbooking! :D

4 miles
1/2 mile warm-up
3 miles @ 8:38
1/2 mile cool-down

I don't think I'll be able to sustain that pace come May 4th. I think I have hit a plateau as I haven't seen any improvement this time around. This, among other things, has bothered me. I'll keep pushing forward and see what becomes of this 3rd attempt. Hopefully, I can stay under 4 hours.

You Teach Me

Yet unfinished... but I wanted to show a little of what I did today... seeing as though it is snowing. I've figured out that this dismal weather is in part what is depressing me! I am SO ready for summer!

For Akshaye

I'm back! DH bought me the new Photoshop Elements 6.0 for Mac... the scrapbooking bug has returned. Here is the first layout I created with the new software:
Now that I am scrapbooking again... I have another distraction that may interfere with my training plan. I best be careful. :D

Driving Really Saps Your Strength

Saturday morning, I made the decision to drive over the mountain to see my grandmother. DH wasn't feeling up to the drive - he was exhausted after a long work week - so it was just the kids and I. The weather was a bit of concern - the forecast was for snow and chains or traction tires were still required over the pass. As it turned out, it did snow near Odell Lake (and again on the return near Sunriver) but nothing was sticking to the ground. There was very little traffic so the drive was actually quite enjoyable.

We stopped for lunch in Pleasant Hill and thereafter proceeded to my grandmother's home where both my dad and my uncle were staying. We visited for a about an hour - Grandma seems to be doing okay but is very tired. She has been trying to rest but is getting very bored. Like me, she is always active (crossword puzzles, quilting, knitting, reading, etc.). She says she just doesn't have the strength to do anything and it is now just so boring to sit all day.

Buddy was getting a little rambunctious and the kids started to ask, "When are we going to the next house?" So after about an hour we departed. We stopped at my mom's for another short visit and again at my brother's so the kids could burn off some energy with their cousins. All in all, it was a great trip - though much, much too short.

I don't know if it was the 5+ hours of driving yesterday or the poor running mileage in the weeks preceding but I was just so tired during my long run yesterday. I chose a route that relatively hilly - perhaps that contributed as well. I had to stop periodically to walk. My breathing wasn't labored but my body just felt so lethargic. I had hoped to cover 16-17 miles but as I continued I began to doubt that I would accomplish that. At 11.5 miles, DH and the kids met up with me and we began our typical loop. I told them I wanted to do another 5.5 with him but as we got going I just couldn't muster the strength. We thereby turned around for home at 13.5. When we arrived home, the Garmin reported 15.13 miles at 2:32:12 - an average 10:03 mile pace. Still within range for my long runs according to McMillan but I'm not pleased.

A multitude of factors likely lead to my fatigue. Oh well. The weeks mileage comes out to be 35.63. Good.

Park Outing Scratched

This morning, we had planned to meet our home school friends at a local park. The park is located along the river - my typical long run route parallels the river and extends beyond the park, so I thought it would be a great idea to run to the park and thereby stop for a while to visit and allow the kids an opportunity to play. Thereafter, we would turn back and run home. The kids were excited about the venture - it seemed a little windy but I assured them that we would bundle up.

As we got underway, things were going really well. The sun was shining and Sweetie was making up a little song to celebrate the sunshine and coming summer months. When we nearly reached the river, 3.25 miles from home, we started to feel intermittent rain drops. The clouds in the west were ominous and I was concerned about getting far from home without adequate shelter for the kiddos. We thereby voted and decided it was best to return home and DRIVE to the park.

Just then, the wind really picked up. It was a struggle to climb back up the hill - evidenced by my average pace today compared to my run on Wed on the same course - though I did extend the run Wed through a flat area of the neighborhood.

WEEK 12 of 16
Tue 1st April ~ Treadmill
4 miles (w/many interruptions) - approx. 5 min total uphill time @ 38:56 min ...9:54 avg pace

Wed 2nd April ~ Pushing Double Jogger
Lap 1 4.51 miles @ 40:29 .... 8:58 avg pace (much of it downhill)
Lap 2 5:51 miles @ 59:26 ... 10:46 avg pace (much of it uphill, approx. 13 minutes TUT)

Fri 4th April ~ Pushing Double Jogger
Lap 1 3:25 miles @ 30:23 .... 9:20 avg pace (much of it downhill)
Lap 2 3:24 miles @ 38:54 ... 11:59 avg pace (much of it uphill, approx. 13 minutes TUT)

Total Thus Far 20.5 miles


On a couple of occasions the wind whipped through so strong that tiny pebbles were blown up into our face and stung our cheeks. The kids were just miserable... burying themselves in the fleece blanket we brought along. I felt terrible!

By the time we got home though, both had fallen asleep cuddled in the fetal position in the jogger. Just after I closed the garage door, gropple began to fall from the sky. Sweetie had inquired about it earlier, "What is that white stuff falling from the sky?" At the time she asked, I assumed it was just a little pollen a swirl but now I knew different. I thereby opted not to join the other home schoolers at the park. I didn't have the heart to wake my little angels. :)

Depression or ??

[warning: long post]

The past couple of weeks have been difficult for me in regards to training. I have been feeling rather down and out... I've been angry with myself for not following through with my training plan. Yet, at the same time, I have been so distracted by life that I want to allow myself the freedom to go with the flow. As I reflect back on my previous 2 marathons, I have always gone through a slump in the middle weeks. However, this one seems more intense.

Easter Weekend (week 10 of 16 in my plan) was supposed to be a 'Recovery Week' - I took that quite literally and my weekly mileage dropped to 13 (from 41 the week prior). This really bothered me and I started to doubt myself.... to question why I was pushing so hard to try to qualify.

The following week, DH and I were in Vegas and despite my desire to resume training, I ended up with an injury that set me back again. I took a couple days off but awoke Sunday morning (the day of my long run) to find snow on the ground and I thereby purposely waited for it to melt off before I headed out. I thereby started a book that I couldn't put down. I'm not sure if it is just me or if it is common for everyone, but when I get started on a project that I enjoy or am excited about, it so consumes me that I tend to overlook others things (dishes, laundry, etc.). I just wanted to keep reading. I kept procrastinating in regards to my run.

Then, just as I had laced up my running shoes, my dad called to inform me that my grandmother was in the hospital again and that I might consider driving over the pass to say our good-byes. For a couple of hours that afternoon, I grappled with the decision... do we go? do we stay home? It was snowing on the pass and DH wasn't able to go with me as an emergency situation developed at the hospital (he ended up working four 16+ hour days this last week). That meant I would have to go with the kiddos alone - only an issue when it is icy & snowing - which it was!

DH and I talked it over. I also called my grandmother and talked with her for awhile on the phone. She said she was very tired and wouldn't be able to visit anyway. I thereby decided not to go... I had stopped by to see her just two weeks before and had enjoyed a nice visit with her and my dad over lunch. She was a little weak, having just been released from the hospital then too, but she was her normal self, eager to provide a meal for company in the traditional manner. This is really the way I would want to remember her anyway as opposed to seeing her in a hospital bed. To top it off, the kids had had a runny nose all weekend (by Monday night, it had developed into vomiting), so I didn't want to risk her getting whatever it was they had either.

By the time I made the decision to stay, I didn't have the time to complete the 16 miles on my plan. I ended up doing only 8 and struggled to do even that much as I was on the treadmill. I love the treadmill and the freedom it provides ... but it is so hard to get runs longer than 6 miles done ... I feel so much more fatigued on the treadmill. I think it is because I sweat so much more without the wind to wisk it away. I should have made a stronger effort to assure that I at least got my long run in, as that is probably the most important one.

So, I vowed to do better this week. The weather is getting better... I should have more opportunity to get outside... even if I have to push the jogger. Which reminds me... I used to have a swap partner... I watched her kiddos on Tues and she watched mine on Thr... she lived right next door so it was VERY convenient. Well, she moved last week and now resides about 30 minutes north. I no longer have a 'child-free' run. Treadmill runs are constantly interrupted with requests for this or that... or my little guy's inquisitive nature... he dumps coffee creamer on the carpet... spreads coffee grounds all over the kitchen counter... tears up Sweetie's school work to get a rise out of her... for one reason or another, it is difficult.

I headed out this week with the kids in the jogger. I haven't actually done that in 5 months or more. I had forgotten just how difficult that is... particularly uphill.

Training to qualify takes its toll. Long runs are just that... LONG... close to 3 hours now! I love running though - it is a passion that helps me stay grounded. Helps me to alleviate stress and stomp out my frustrations. I NEED TO RUN. But do I really need to run marathons? Perhaps I should just train for halves?? Perhaps run marathons and ultras (which have recently begun to draw my interest) when the kids are older and can be left home alone for short periods of time (i.e. 12 years old)?

I am certainly rambling. I just need to vent, I suppose. Write what has been going through my mind lately.