Running is My Salvation

The past year or so, I've been on a roller-coaster of emotions... most of the time, I've been down in the valleys. Lacking motivation. Kicking myself for not taking the time for me. Doing so much for others. Then feeling depressed that I have somewhere along the way lost myself.

Last week, I was particularly down. I was struggling with "what could have been" rather than focusing on "what is" and "what is yet to be". I know what triggered it ... and knowing is half the battle. So I stopped and took a deep breath. I knew I needed to start running again.

So this morning I laced up my new kicks (I bought a new pair on Thursday - Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10), plugged in my headphones and headed out the door. I don't think I've been on the trail running in nearly a year! It felt so good to run alongside the river .. to hear the rush of the water flowing over the rocks, to watch the birds take flight, and to feel the crunch of the gravel beneath my feet.

I called my mom and talked for over half of my run. I love being able to get lost in conversation and thereby not think about my pace or how many miles I've covered. It just felt so good to run.

I returned home just as I finished 6.5 miles. A solid distance to start rebuilding my Sunday morning long runs. I stretched well after and hoped to enjoy a glass of chocolate milk, but a las my little guy had knocked a few more back than I had realized, leaving me without even a drop of my favorite post-run libation.

All That I'm After

Along the way ...

I have lost myself. I'm struggling.

Dead and Gone :: Book Sharing Monday

Dead and Gone (book #9)

Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris

For the past few months, I have been zipping through the books in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. I had read the first two just after the HBO series True Blood aired (the show is based on the books). I've been hooked since the beginning but told myself I had to read other books in between. That promise didn't last long. I've gone through the last 4 books in just a few days. I can't put them down! My family thinks I've lost it... even reading while attempting to make meals.

Not a traditional mystery, nor yet pure science fiction or romance, Dead Until Dark (book #1) broke genre boundaries to appeal to a wide audience of people who just enjoy a good adventure. Each subsequent book about Sookie Stackhouse, telepathic Louisiana barmaid and friend to vampires, werewolves, and various other odd creatures, has drawn more readers.

I can not say these books are quality literature... but they are delicious, fun and carefree. I can't wait until book #10 is released in May (a great birthday present, if I may say so). Until then, I'm off to the next vampire...

I Set a Goal

OSN :: 2100m (400m warm-up; 400m w/fins; 12 x 25m free drill w/fins; 4 x 25m fly; 4 x 50m breast; 4 x 75m back; and 4 x 100m free)

Peace Like a River :: Book Sharing Monday

Peace like a River
by Leif Enger

Summary :: Set in a quiet 1960s Minnesota community, this magical debut novel centers around 11-year-old asthmatic Reuben Land and his family: his father, his brother, and his precocious younger sister. Life turns upside down when Davy, Reuben's older brother, kills two intruders who plan to harm the family. After Davy breaks out of jail, the Lands leave their home and set out to find him.

Review :: I absolutely loved this book! The story is told in first-person from Reuben's perspective and periodically, he personally addresses the reader - which I found to be an unique literary tool. Sprinkled throughout the story is also a western-stylized poem written by Swede, their sister. It is evident that the fictional character, Sundance, is based upon Davy and the trials he undergoes.



OTN :: Though last week started out well, circumstances (overnight travel, illness, and family issues and subsequent stress and loss of sleep) threw my training plan off once again. Hopefully, I can pick up the pieces this week.

OSN :: 2050m (500m warmup; 8 x 25m breaststroke drill; 2 x [250m, 150m, 50m descending]; 3 x 150m steady)