An Evolution... of Sorts.

It has been a long time since I have blogged here. I haven't done a lot of running. I am still plagued with a sore right heel - plantars faciitis. It has prevented me from starting a new training plan. I've run only occasionally with a friend. A day here. A day there. A few miles. A few more.

Mostly, I have been swimming. Not any more than usual - generally just 2 days a week - though I am feeling as though I have made some huge improvements in my stroke. I have also learned how to do a flip turn (free and back) and though I don't always execute the turn properly, I know, at least, what I should have done.

It must be pretty amusing to watch my progression poolside. There have been numerous occasions when I got so disoriented that I discovered myself on the bottom of the pool! Last week, I was swimming in lane 3 (I normally swim in 2) and was making an effort to practice a flip turn at every wall. When practice was over, Scott (a swim mate in Lane 2) asked if I had lost my necklace. He could not figure out what I was doing submerged at the bottom so frequently. We had a good chuckle over that!

I've also become a little self-conscious. I started this blog as a means of documenting my training... a record of how I felt after particular workouts, etc. In reading the blogs of other runners and triathletes, I learned tips for hydration, overcoming injuries and racing. It has been a joy to read of the personal victories of others. To share in their enthusiasm. As the years progressed, the bloggers I have followed and those that follow me have become an extended family. We share a common passion.

I've come to learn, however, that people outside of my extended 'running/training' family - those that may know me in real life - look upon my blog as a means of self proselytizing. About a year ago, I received a rather snotty comment that prompted me to no longer allow anonymous comments. I don't recall the exact wording but essentially it stated that I should spend more time on my family... that I was essentially selfish.

I know I shouldn't let what others think bother me - but despite this - it hurt. At the time, I had my suspicions about who left the comment. I had a strong feeling, though I couldn't prove it, that the anonymous comment was left by a woman who called herself my friend. I suppose it doesn't really matter, but a few weeks ago, in a conversation with a mutual friend, my earlier suspicions were confirmed.

On a few other occasions, friends have made reference to my blogs, training, homeschooling endeavors, etc. to the point where I have felt uncomfortable. I'm still struggling with how to respond to these comments but all the while, I have pulled away from blogging. Then today, I discover that another runner/blogger that I've come to know has announced her retirement from blogging. When I read this, I immediately considered doing the same.

The more I contemplated it, however, I realized that I am not ready to do that. I enjoy the comraderie of sharing. I don't know many people personally that share my passion for running. Where else can I ramble on about my races to an audience that is truly interested in my fuel intake? What flavor gels I prefer? How I felt after my tempo run?

I need this forum. I need each of you.

OSN: 600m warm-up, 200m kicking w/fins, 8 x 25m back drill, 350m free, 250m free, 200m free , 100m free, and 100m back easy cool-down. Block start drill. 2000m total