Memorial Day Slow Down

Since my last post, I actively thought about turning my blog into the "Chronicles of a Wimpy Mom". I wish I could explain the lack of energy I have, or the amount of time it takes me to do anything. Even though I sometimes get frustrated or disappointed at the turtle pace I currently call "normal", I realized this weekend, I needed this "slowing down"; not just for my body or for my family, but to bring some quiet into my mind and soul.

This past weekend, Memorial Day weekend, my family and I experienced something we rarely come across in our hustle and bustle days: full days of nothing, no plans, just leisure time. Normally weekends are filled with cleaning, parties, work, gigs, plans, friends, family, you name it. This weekend: just days filled with morning coffee, naps, movies, play outside, a picnic, and plenty of ice cream.

Don't get me wrong, I did actually miss going out for 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. runs on Sunday and Monday, but physically, I knew even a spirited walk had the potential to wipe me out for the entire day. I did not want to miss an entire day propped up in bed again. I opted for days filled with bliss instead. Days that floated along magically, it seemed, that brought smiles to the four of us. Smiles on our lips and smiles in our souls.

Kidney Infection: Things I've Learned

Last Wednesday morning (on P's birthday, no less), I visited the ER with the results of a severe kidney infection. Concerns over my hydration levels made the visit even longer, and also brought on talks about admittance if my body didn't respond to the fluid treatment. Fortunately, it did, and the last week has been spent in bed or on the couch with close monitoring by P and T. Here's what I've learned over the past bed-ridden week:

• My husband, even though extremely worried, gives the best care, as well as keeping the ship running. He definitely earns 'Man of the Year' in my book.


• My body tells me when to quit....even if it's two steps later. This past week constantly taught me how to listen to my body even better.


• No matter how hydrated you think you are, you can always drink more water.


• Required bed rest helps a woman who likes her house a 'particular way' to let it go.


• Kids can be extremely self-sufficient, if we just let them.


• As much as my now-11-year-old (T) gives me attitude and seems to despise most of what I say, he truly is concerned and loves (even unadmittedly) taking care of me.


• A 4-year-old might grasp the reasons "Mommy can't snuggle because it hurts", but it does not make him any less mad about it.


• I think I'll be making up for P's birthday all year until his next one.

As we head into the hot and very humid season, for us in the South especially, please, please hydrate, hydrate. Drink that one extra glass of water.

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Why I Write About Running

Today is one of those days where I normally would hide in my bubble, barely post on my social media or let alone, blog. I started off with one of those mornings where I realized the necessity of me staying home instead of trudging to work and having a full list (or lists, in this case) of items to take care of are truly more important than my paper-pushing job.

When I get in these moods, I spiral fast. Usually it means it's time to run (most likely speed work) or do an intense strength workout or a bikram yoga session is in order. An intense workout can counteract my feelings of collective stress. Stress about budgets, time management, relocating, my injury and lack of working out, my lack of excelling, my inflated expectations of myself. The more intense workout means the more I can let go. Just let go of it all.

I admit letting go is difficult for me, even with a [bad.ass] workout. Even admitting that I am not always the strong [bad.ass] that several people may see me as is horribly difficult. Yet, it gives me a chance to show how I funnel my emotions into fuel for physical intensity. I get the chance to show how physical activity is not only good for the body, but for the mind and the soul. I get the chance to show how pushing through a run full of hills and crappy roads and 68%+ humidity cleans the slate and shifts perspectives. This is why I write about my running adventures.

Bucket List 1-30

This morning I was thinking of things I'd like to do over the summer, which led me to start thinking about my bucket list. After asking my Facebook friends what's one thing on their bucket list, I finally put mine, well part of it, down in writing. I do believe about half of my list is sports/adrenaline related. Tell me, what's on your bucket list?

1. Run at least one marathon
2. Complete at least one Ironman triathilon.
2. Climb the Grand Canyon
3. Sky-dive.
4. Know how to properly shoot a pistol, rifle and a shotgun.
5. Travel the world (preferably by backpack).
6. Write one novel/book.
7. Publish said novel/book.
8. Live in Europe for at least a year.
9. Spend one full month in Greece with my love.
10. Visit Hemingway's Key West, FL.
11. Parasail.
12. Learn one form of martial arts.
13. Learn how to play guitar and piano.
14. Volunteer at a children's charity close to my heart.
15. Have a one-on-one with one of my favorite soccer players.
16. Run at least one race in all 50 states.
17. Perfect the perfect pasta dish.
18. Climb the Mayan Ruins.
19. Go on a deep sea fishing trip without vomiting.
20. Ride an elephant.
21. Bungee jump off a famous bridge.
22. Learn Japanese, French and German (calling Rosetta Stone).
23. Motorcycle-trip the full length of Route 66.
24. Build a creative studio.
25. Mud wrestle.
26. Learn how to snow board.
27. Learn how to surf.
28. Go to Burning Man
29. Hike the GR20 Corisca.
30. Cave dive.



"Live as well as you dare."-- Sydney Smith

Confession: Too Timid to Train

When it comes to sports and training, I generally have a bold and undaunted approach. A "get it done" outlook; no holds barred and balls to the wall. Yes, I have nerves all the time before games, races, and big runs. Yet, normally nothing holds me back.

Since my race two weeks ago, I turned shy to training. I think I've ran twice and had one soccer game. I am truly terrified of reinjuring my ankle and foot, which in turn terrifies me of making my mileage in training and on my upcoming race. I have a brace, a splint, I tape my toes, and I pay extra TLC, but I really do not want to screw my ankle up.

I know it's all about listening to my body and knowing when to ease up or stop, but I also know if I cannot admit to you that I am more than a bit gun-shy right now, I won't be able to admit it to myself. So, send some courage this way as I return to my training plan with extra ankle strengthening and praying to God I do not put myself on crutches.

And thank for letting me whine like a little scaredy-cat.