I haven't even blogged about this week and it's been a pretty amazing week of exercise. I have not been this motivated or consistent in a long time. I am really hoping Christmas does not throw me off.
Monday - Ran 4 miles
I got out the door around 6. It was pretty crisp and cool, but I loved the winter air. I was running on snow a bit. I was a little surprised to find out school was delayed, but there were icy spots still on the roads.
Tuesday - Ran 5 miles
Ran while Christina had Kara. Great run. I did a little bit of a different route through the Welcome Way neighborhood. The air was still crisp and I was getting cold by the end. But it was still a good run.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
My swimming buddies were not there. I didn't do the other triathletes workouts. I did the regular warm up of 300 swim, 200 pull, and 100 kick. Then I did 10 x 100's with every other as pull. This pretty much took up the whole time. I did a cool down as well. I kind of liked swimming alone, but hopefully the girls are back next week.
Thursday - Power
I had to leave for the last 2 tracks because Abby was getting dropped off early. It was a good workout. Very similar to last week. It feels better doing strength training once a week rather than missing a bunch of weeks.
Friday - Group Ride
Almost decided to sleep, but the alarm went off twice and I was pretty much up. Really good workout. Legs hurt at first. I have not biked that hard in awhile. Once I got going, I was totally fine. I need to go to Ride more often as well.
Saturday & Sunday - Rest
Very busy. My parents were here.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
12/2 - 12/9
Monday - Rest
One of the kids woke up at 3 AM and I woke up to make sure everything was OK. It was not a big deal, but my brain was pretty "up" and it took hours to fall back asleep. When I did, I didn't sleep all that deep. I woke to two children going to the bathroom at two different times and the paperboy. I was tired pretty much all day.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
I so didn't want to run today. Just in that zero motivation factor and start up again after a few days off following a race. It was a harder run even though it was only three miles. The air is much colder than normal and it's getting even colder the next couple days with possible snow on the valley floor. After I ran again, I had that nausea feeling again, but it didn't last as long. I am probably not drinking enough water.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
Glad I swam this morning, but it was hard. My legs felt so tight especially when we did the 100 kick. The other girls were feeling it too. We did some speed drills and those are pretty tough. I was glad I got up and went. My moods have been pretty even and I've not been dealing with any anxiety or depressed feelings. Derek & Kara have both been having meltdowns again and we're dealing with some behavior issues. It's get really frustrating at times and tries my patience. Rob and I thought of some ideas on how to handle it. You have to be so creative with discipline--there is no one size fits all.
Thursday - Group Power
Made it to Power. I hate it how you miss a few weeks and you feel like you're back to square one. Chest muscles kill. Ab muscles hurt. Well at least I worked them. No push ups so it actually felt more doable. But some tough lunges and chest presses--I can feel it.
Friday - Stationary Bike 35 minutes
So tired. I can't believe how tired I was Thursday night. I didn't want to go to Ride, but I didn't want to sleep to the alarm either. Friday are very busy days when I have all the child care kids. It goes so much better when I get some alone time in the morning...even if it's a little bit. I allowed myself to lay in bed until 5:30. Then I was able to get a shorter workout and still be back home right before Abby was dropped off. It was snowing as I left, but a small dusting. We had no idea it was going to start coming down crazy around 9 AM. I slid bringing Judah back to school. School closed at 1 and Rob went to pick up Hailey and drop off Anna. Daphne's mom had a very difficult time getting home from work and she ended up staying close to 6 PM--about 2 1/2 hours later than normal. Felt so bad for her mom...probably driving a rear wheel drive van with little experience driving in these conditions.
Saturday - Rest
Originally I was going to get up and go running before I had to be at the bazaar. But with the snow everywhere that was not going to happen. I don't mind running in cold or snow, but it's not safe here. They don't plow roads or sidewalks--you basically slip and slide. I also woke up with a pounding sinus headache. I had a dry cough during the night...not as bad as earlier in November...but still not great. I took Muccinex and Sudafed non drowsy and I felt better by 10 AM. I went out to the other bazaar in Dallas with no problems. All the mains road were completely clear as well as all of downtown. What a crazy weekend! We have record low temps tonight. We hardly get below 30, but we're going to be in the teens tonight.
One of the kids woke up at 3 AM and I woke up to make sure everything was OK. It was not a big deal, but my brain was pretty "up" and it took hours to fall back asleep. When I did, I didn't sleep all that deep. I woke to two children going to the bathroom at two different times and the paperboy. I was tired pretty much all day.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
I so didn't want to run today. Just in that zero motivation factor and start up again after a few days off following a race. It was a harder run even though it was only three miles. The air is much colder than normal and it's getting even colder the next couple days with possible snow on the valley floor. After I ran again, I had that nausea feeling again, but it didn't last as long. I am probably not drinking enough water.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
Glad I swam this morning, but it was hard. My legs felt so tight especially when we did the 100 kick. The other girls were feeling it too. We did some speed drills and those are pretty tough. I was glad I got up and went. My moods have been pretty even and I've not been dealing with any anxiety or depressed feelings. Derek & Kara have both been having meltdowns again and we're dealing with some behavior issues. It's get really frustrating at times and tries my patience. Rob and I thought of some ideas on how to handle it. You have to be so creative with discipline--there is no one size fits all.
Thursday - Group Power
Made it to Power. I hate it how you miss a few weeks and you feel like you're back to square one. Chest muscles kill. Ab muscles hurt. Well at least I worked them. No push ups so it actually felt more doable. But some tough lunges and chest presses--I can feel it.
Friday - Stationary Bike 35 minutes
So tired. I can't believe how tired I was Thursday night. I didn't want to go to Ride, but I didn't want to sleep to the alarm either. Friday are very busy days when I have all the child care kids. It goes so much better when I get some alone time in the morning...even if it's a little bit. I allowed myself to lay in bed until 5:30. Then I was able to get a shorter workout and still be back home right before Abby was dropped off. It was snowing as I left, but a small dusting. We had no idea it was going to start coming down crazy around 9 AM. I slid bringing Judah back to school. School closed at 1 and Rob went to pick up Hailey and drop off Anna. Daphne's mom had a very difficult time getting home from work and she ended up staying close to 6 PM--about 2 1/2 hours later than normal. Felt so bad for her mom...probably driving a rear wheel drive van with little experience driving in these conditions.
Saturday - Rest
Originally I was going to get up and go running before I had to be at the bazaar. But with the snow everywhere that was not going to happen. I don't mind running in cold or snow, but it's not safe here. They don't plow roads or sidewalks--you basically slip and slide. I also woke up with a pounding sinus headache. I had a dry cough during the night...not as bad as earlier in November...but still not great. I took Muccinex and Sudafed non drowsy and I felt better by 10 AM. I went out to the other bazaar in Dallas with no problems. All the mains road were completely clear as well as all of downtown. What a crazy weekend! We have record low temps tonight. We hardly get below 30, but we're going to be in the teens tonight.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
11/25 - 12/1
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - Rest
Had not planned on taking this day off. Not motivated.
Wednesday - Ran 2 miles
I am running Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving so I did a short easy 2 mile road in preparation for tomorrow and to figure out what to wear. Weather tomorrow is supposed to be the same as today...and then rains this weekend.
Thursday - Turkey Trot 5k 24:08 - PR!!
The weather was perfect for the race. It was pretty cool out in the morning, but manageable. I wore a long sleeve t-shirt, running tights, knit hat, and gloves and I was fine. I started out trying to keep up with these fast people near the front, but they took off. I was able to maintain my pace. Only two or three women passed me. By Mile #2 I was starting to feel that nausea feeling I got when I ran Hope for Health. I didn't have to stop and throw up, but I was pushing myself extremely hard. I had to back down a little bit and then I felt better. I was very thrilled to see I beat my personal record by 5 seconds and I placed second in my age category. Because the race company was having computer glitches, they couldn't figure out the winners. I didn't know I placed second until a couple hours later on the race website. I thought I placed and waited forever, but they never fixed it. So they gave our pies away to random people. We were told we would get an e-mail with a free pie coupon, but I haven't received it yet. Oh well. Nothing I can do about it.
Friday & Saturday
The last couple days we've been enjoying some fabulous much needed family time. It's been so wonderful. Rob & I have also been staying up past midnight and sleeping in...and not eating terrible...but not eating great. I know it's not going to last. I plan on running Monday morning.
Tuesday - Rest
Had not planned on taking this day off. Not motivated.
Wednesday - Ran 2 miles
I am running Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving so I did a short easy 2 mile road in preparation for tomorrow and to figure out what to wear. Weather tomorrow is supposed to be the same as today...and then rains this weekend.
Thursday - Turkey Trot 5k 24:08 - PR!!
The weather was perfect for the race. It was pretty cool out in the morning, but manageable. I wore a long sleeve t-shirt, running tights, knit hat, and gloves and I was fine. I started out trying to keep up with these fast people near the front, but they took off. I was able to maintain my pace. Only two or three women passed me. By Mile #2 I was starting to feel that nausea feeling I got when I ran Hope for Health. I didn't have to stop and throw up, but I was pushing myself extremely hard. I had to back down a little bit and then I felt better. I was very thrilled to see I beat my personal record by 5 seconds and I placed second in my age category. Because the race company was having computer glitches, they couldn't figure out the winners. I didn't know I placed second until a couple hours later on the race website. I thought I placed and waited forever, but they never fixed it. So they gave our pies away to random people. We were told we would get an e-mail with a free pie coupon, but I haven't received it yet. Oh well. Nothing I can do about it.
Friday & Saturday
The last couple days we've been enjoying some fabulous much needed family time. It's been so wonderful. Rob & I have also been staying up past midnight and sleeping in...and not eating terrible...but not eating great. I know it's not going to last. I plan on running Monday morning.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
11/17 - 11/24
Monday - Rest
Had planned on starting up again, but very overwhelmed. Not sick anymore thankfully. But it's an overly busy insane week. So much going on. I am feeling a little discouraged too. Trying to move on.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
My dear wonderful friend took Kara all morning even though she had her own stuff going on. She knew I needed a break. Love her. I went running around 9 AM and the rain just beginning to stop. It was wet and rainy, but not pouring. It was hard to run. I haven't worked out in ten days. I didn't have to stop at all. I just felt like I was going super slow. I know I can get back into again. I am still planning on doing Turkey Trot next week.
Wednesday - Swim 1 hour
It's a week later as I am writing this. Last week was totally insane in so many ways. As I had a conversation with someone, God strengthens and molds our character through difficult times. I totally saw evidence on that last week. Swimming was really good last week. Kristin was back and had a bike injury. We were able to share a lane as she can't do some of the other strokes yet...she's still faster than me on freestyle. The triathlon club is now posting workouts on the facebook page and advertising the Wednesday morning swim times so I imagine the pool will get busier again.
Thursday - Power
So great to be back at Power, but hate being inconsistent with it. I can't increase my weight and everything hurts afterwards. It wasn't too bad this time around.
Friday - Rest
I had planned on going to Ride, but I had a very stressful day ahead (that turned out to be even more stressful than originally planned) and I chose to sleep until 6:30 AM.
Saturday - Ran 5 miles
Beautiful run in the cool late fall air and no rain! We are currently on a long spell of clear skies and crisp cool air--perfect for running. It won't last forever so I feel like I need to soak it up while I can. I really enjoyed this run. I haven't done a longer run in a few weeks so it was hard at points. It helped clear my mind.
Sunday - Ran approx. 5.5 miles
Derek had a birthday party at Super Bounce so I thought I would try running the pedestrian path along Salem Parkway. We have so few good running/bike paths here. I had never done this one before because it's all the way out in Keizer. It was great to run on a quiet trail. I think I will takes the kids to it in the spring to bike. It's pretty flat as well with a small incline in some places. Good run overall and again perfect weather!
Had planned on starting up again, but very overwhelmed. Not sick anymore thankfully. But it's an overly busy insane week. So much going on. I am feeling a little discouraged too. Trying to move on.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
My dear wonderful friend took Kara all morning even though she had her own stuff going on. She knew I needed a break. Love her. I went running around 9 AM and the rain just beginning to stop. It was wet and rainy, but not pouring. It was hard to run. I haven't worked out in ten days. I didn't have to stop at all. I just felt like I was going super slow. I know I can get back into again. I am still planning on doing Turkey Trot next week.
Wednesday - Swim 1 hour
It's a week later as I am writing this. Last week was totally insane in so many ways. As I had a conversation with someone, God strengthens and molds our character through difficult times. I totally saw evidence on that last week. Swimming was really good last week. Kristin was back and had a bike injury. We were able to share a lane as she can't do some of the other strokes yet...she's still faster than me on freestyle. The triathlon club is now posting workouts on the facebook page and advertising the Wednesday morning swim times so I imagine the pool will get busier again.
Thursday - Power
So great to be back at Power, but hate being inconsistent with it. I can't increase my weight and everything hurts afterwards. It wasn't too bad this time around.
Friday - Rest
I had planned on going to Ride, but I had a very stressful day ahead (that turned out to be even more stressful than originally planned) and I chose to sleep until 6:30 AM.
Saturday - Ran 5 miles
Beautiful run in the cool late fall air and no rain! We are currently on a long spell of clear skies and crisp cool air--perfect for running. It won't last forever so I feel like I need to soak it up while I can. I really enjoyed this run. I haven't done a longer run in a few weeks so it was hard at points. It helped clear my mind.
Sunday - Ran approx. 5.5 miles
Derek had a birthday party at Super Bounce so I thought I would try running the pedestrian path along Salem Parkway. We have so few good running/bike paths here. I had never done this one before because it's all the way out in Keizer. It was great to run on a quiet trail. I think I will takes the kids to it in the spring to bike. It's pretty flat as well with a small incline in some places. Good run overall and again perfect weather!
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
11/11 - 11/17
Monday & Tuesday - Rest, rest, rest.
Monday was a very difficult day. I was so looking forward to Veteran's Day and having all three kids home. But Derek & Kara are still struggling with conflict management. When Derek is not feeling well and tired, he is absolutely crazy. The whole day wasn't terrible. When I took them out, it got so bad I almost had a panic attack in JP Penny. It was that bad. My cold got progressively worse as the day went on. Last night I felt overly fatigued, stuffy nose etc. On Tuesday I woke up still feeling bad. As the morning went on, it has gotten worse. I have no appetite. I have chills. I just want to sleep. I had to cancel my child care job this afternoon. Thankfully it's just Anna and she can stay at after care at school. But I still feel bad. I hate cancelling. I never had to do it last year with Annabelle. Now after being home less than five minutes Kara picked another bad fight with Derek and I am ready to lose it. I NEED to get better and get over this cold. Lots of rest today. I can do it.
Rest of the week - I took the rest of the week off. I was still fighting a bad cold and then I was dealing with some crummy anxiety.
Monday was a very difficult day. I was so looking forward to Veteran's Day and having all three kids home. But Derek & Kara are still struggling with conflict management. When Derek is not feeling well and tired, he is absolutely crazy. The whole day wasn't terrible. When I took them out, it got so bad I almost had a panic attack in JP Penny. It was that bad. My cold got progressively worse as the day went on. Last night I felt overly fatigued, stuffy nose etc. On Tuesday I woke up still feeling bad. As the morning went on, it has gotten worse. I have no appetite. I have chills. I just want to sleep. I had to cancel my child care job this afternoon. Thankfully it's just Anna and she can stay at after care at school. But I still feel bad. I hate cancelling. I never had to do it last year with Annabelle. Now after being home less than five minutes Kara picked another bad fight with Derek and I am ready to lose it. I NEED to get better and get over this cold. Lots of rest today. I can do it.
Rest of the week - I took the rest of the week off. I was still fighting a bad cold and then I was dealing with some crummy anxiety.
Monday, November 4, 2013
11/4 - 11/11
Monday - Ran 5 miles
I had planned on going to the Track Workout. It was lighter this morning. I really just wanted to run alone. I wanted to be alone in my own thoughts and not run laps. I got out the door at 5:45 and had plenty of time when I got home to shower and be ready before Judah got here. It was a great run. Cool morning air. No rain yet. It's supposed to rain later in the morning and pretty much the rest of the day. Feeling better today.
Tuesday - Rest Day
Now almost positive the mood swings from last weekend were 90% related to PMS. Because my energy level and moods are better.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour 5 minutes
I was a minute or two late (although I think Tracey & Erica were early) so I didn't get a lane by them. I was by myself on the far end. I did their workout. Usually I modify it so I'm at the same place as them. This time I didn't modify it. So I didn't do the whole thing, but I did do quite a bit. It felt great to get in the water. The pool was busier and I like it when there a bunch of people.
Thursday - Group Power - 1 hour
Today is the only day this week I can go to Power so I felt like I was dragging myself there. Once we got started, I was glad I was there. It was almost the same workout as last Saturday. I cannot believe how much the core workout at the end hurt--it was hard. I think I would benefit from doing more core workouts. The kids have been doing great this week and so have I. It is such an insanely busy week, but next week we have very little going on. It will be a nice break.
Friday - Sunday
On Friday I went roller skating with the middle school girls. Which actually was a blast and brought back memories of junior high skating parties. Surprisingly it was a workout! We had an all night party which was really fun. It only made cold symptoms worse. Saturday I got through the morning OK (Rob had to work until 2) and took a long nap in the afternoon. I was so tired I went to bed at 8:30 PM. Yesterday my cold was bad again and I took a half hour nap in the afternoon. I decided I would take Monday off from exercise as well so I could sleep in one more day, get caught up on sleep, and allow my cold to get better. It is getting better and I am grateful for a day off.
I had planned on going to the Track Workout. It was lighter this morning. I really just wanted to run alone. I wanted to be alone in my own thoughts and not run laps. I got out the door at 5:45 and had plenty of time when I got home to shower and be ready before Judah got here. It was a great run. Cool morning air. No rain yet. It's supposed to rain later in the morning and pretty much the rest of the day. Feeling better today.
Tuesday - Rest Day
Now almost positive the mood swings from last weekend were 90% related to PMS. Because my energy level and moods are better.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour 5 minutes
I was a minute or two late (although I think Tracey & Erica were early) so I didn't get a lane by them. I was by myself on the far end. I did their workout. Usually I modify it so I'm at the same place as them. This time I didn't modify it. So I didn't do the whole thing, but I did do quite a bit. It felt great to get in the water. The pool was busier and I like it when there a bunch of people.
Thursday - Group Power - 1 hour
Today is the only day this week I can go to Power so I felt like I was dragging myself there. Once we got started, I was glad I was there. It was almost the same workout as last Saturday. I cannot believe how much the core workout at the end hurt--it was hard. I think I would benefit from doing more core workouts. The kids have been doing great this week and so have I. It is such an insanely busy week, but next week we have very little going on. It will be a nice break.
Friday - Sunday
On Friday I went roller skating with the middle school girls. Which actually was a blast and brought back memories of junior high skating parties. Surprisingly it was a workout! We had an all night party which was really fun. It only made cold symptoms worse. Saturday I got through the morning OK (Rob had to work until 2) and took a long nap in the afternoon. I was so tired I went to bed at 8:30 PM. Yesterday my cold was bad again and I took a half hour nap in the afternoon. I decided I would take Monday off from exercise as well so I could sleep in one more day, get caught up on sleep, and allow my cold to get better. It is getting better and I am grateful for a day off.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
10/28 - 11/3
Monday - Rest
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
I decided to take a vacation from exercise. I just really needed a break from it. I was starting to get obsessed with it and pushing myself too hard. I didn't even go into the exercise center while we in St. Maarten and I was totally OK with that. I took a break from exercise and technology and it was wonderful. With that being said, it is somewhat of transition coming home. The first couple days it was fatigue. We were going to bed between 8:30 and 9. Even taking naps during the day when we could. Then I just felt like I was in this black cloud--irritable and moody. I have tried to control it around the kids and have done fairly well--better than normal. I had fun at the Harvest Carnival, but part of me felt like I was going through the motions. I had a hard time at church on Sunday--I just didn't want to talk to anyone. On Sundays like this I actually do a lot better at the evening service when there are less people and it's more relaxed. Another reason to keep going to evening church, I guess. :) Yesterday morning I woke up again still feeling enveloped in this black cloud. As I started to clean, make to-do lists, and do activities with the kids--I actually felt a lot better. I still don't feel 100% mentally, but I think I'll get there soon. I am looking forward to going to Christina's house later this morning because I always feel better after hanging out with her.
I managed to get myself out of bed and run today. I think I have this mindset running after 2 weeks off--it's going to be so hard and painful. It really wasn't at all. Despite it being SO incredibly dark out in the mornings now and it's been colder in the high 30's/low 40's--it was a great run. I could have run longer if I had to. I don't what or if I am training for anything right now. I got invited to do Shamrock again. I'd like to do a Turkey Trot possibly once we figure out what we're doing on Thanksgiving. But not sure if I am going to do any major runs this winter.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
It was so great to swim today. Erica was back and Tracey was there. It was a hard workout, but I was glad I pushed myself. I would not have worked out as hard had I been alone. I think my strokes are getting stronger. I really enjoyed.
I feel like I can record this here versus my other blog. Too many people read that one and they don't need all the inside scoop on my moods and my personal life. :) It does help to go back and track my moods versus the time of year, circumstances etc. Today was a pretty challenging today. Some was totally out of my control--the kids had bad days. I also was juggling a lot with youth group tonight. As much as I love youth ministry, I just don't feel the passion as much this year. I don't know if that's because I am coming off vacation or I can't devote as much time to it. I don't know. I don't feel as anxious about it like I have in previous years, but I don't feel as excited. Kara is also struggling and I was able to put my finger on it. She misses Derek when he's at school, but she still struggles a lot when he comes home. It's beyond the adjustment of a new school year (it's been two months now since school started and we finished the first quarter). She feels threatened when Derek plays with the child care kids (they are way more his friends than hers) and intentionally picks fights and just can't get along with him. The other day she was up from her nap and picked a fight with him within a minute of getting up. She often fights with him about five minutes after he's home--it's like clockwork. I need to do something different with her. Rob suggested getting her to help me with things when the big kids come home from school or choose an activity she can do. Just reassure her. Regardless she needs to be supervised outside with the other kids. The weather has been so nice they play outside after coming home from school. She often wants to join them. She doesn't play well with them and she's often screaming at Derek within five minutes. I really saw it affecting Anna this week--she's been quieter and mellow--and somewhat annoyed by the drama. Something really has to change because I can't keep dealing with their fights all afternoon. They're not like normal conflicts they have like when Hailey comes home--deciding on a TV show or not helping with the cleaning or even being bossy. They are insecure intentionally picking a fight to piss the one other off conflicts. And they really need to stop. She's beginning to thrive off negative attention and it's not healthy. I would rather deal with the other kind of conflicts--much easier to manage.
Thursday - Rest
Much better day with all the kids!!
Friday - Group Ride
I got up early and went to Ride. It was nice to be back on the stationary bike in the class setting--it has been awhile. Erica who I swim with was there too but I didn't realize until we were in the locker room. She was sitting in the front and I was in the back. Angie was also in the locker room coming from the pool and started training again after a six week break. She is a mom to young kids too and competitive triathlete. She was voted female triathlete of the year in our club. Rob says I have a female crush on her. I said I just look up to her and what she's been able to accomplish. It's just a joke with that old Seinfeld episode where George idolizes Elaine's rock climbing boyfriend.
It was a super long day. I had kids from 7 AM until 4:30 PM, ran to Wal Mart, decorated our trunk, helped Hailey carve a pumpkin and then was at the school harvest party until 8:30. I was so drained and tired by the end of the day. I think I am dealing with some mild depression because my moods are all over the map and I feel more emotional than normal. Not quite sure what is going on. I think it's helpful to track it here because I can't always remember the day to day. I did start taking Vitamin C supplements and I have been taking Zinc when I get cold like symptoms. I feel like I'm taking a ridiculously amount of vitamins, but I have not had any major cold yet. Typically by October I've had at least one bad cold. With all the kids in the house and both the baby and toddler have had bad colds already, I've avoided it.
Saturday - Group Power
Today is the first Saturday in I don't know how many that I can actually go to Power. It hurt as usual when you don't go in several weeks. I would like to do Power once a week but it gets tricky because our weekends in the fall are so busy. I can't always do Thursday early morning. It's so tough to go when I have youth group the night before. It was great to be there and stretch some of those muscles again I've avoided the last couple weeks. I still don't feel the greatest mentally again today, but I honestly don't think it's going to be a long term thing this time. I really think I need 2 weeks post vacation to feel normal. This summer it totally helped coming home from Michigan and having Rob home all week. The kids were in VBS/camp all morning so we had every single morning totally free. It was a relaxing week and even the weeks that followed were very low key with little going on. It's not that way this time. We jumped right into Halloween activities and we were way more sleep deprived. And Derek & Kara are just going through a big adjustment period and it's more Kara than Derek. After Rob and I talked, that's what we think it is. I am going to keep continue to monitor my mental health to see if I do need to call Dr. V and change doses or meds.
Sunday - 4 mile run
Really good run in the afternoon. 50 degrees. No rain. Perfect. It was a good day. First day I feel more than halfway normal and the kids did great today too. Derek & Kara fought very little if at all. Ready for a new week.
Tuesday - Ran 3 miles
I decided to take a vacation from exercise. I just really needed a break from it. I was starting to get obsessed with it and pushing myself too hard. I didn't even go into the exercise center while we in St. Maarten and I was totally OK with that. I took a break from exercise and technology and it was wonderful. With that being said, it is somewhat of transition coming home. The first couple days it was fatigue. We were going to bed between 8:30 and 9. Even taking naps during the day when we could. Then I just felt like I was in this black cloud--irritable and moody. I have tried to control it around the kids and have done fairly well--better than normal. I had fun at the Harvest Carnival, but part of me felt like I was going through the motions. I had a hard time at church on Sunday--I just didn't want to talk to anyone. On Sundays like this I actually do a lot better at the evening service when there are less people and it's more relaxed. Another reason to keep going to evening church, I guess. :) Yesterday morning I woke up again still feeling enveloped in this black cloud. As I started to clean, make to-do lists, and do activities with the kids--I actually felt a lot better. I still don't feel 100% mentally, but I think I'll get there soon. I am looking forward to going to Christina's house later this morning because I always feel better after hanging out with her.
I managed to get myself out of bed and run today. I think I have this mindset running after 2 weeks off--it's going to be so hard and painful. It really wasn't at all. Despite it being SO incredibly dark out in the mornings now and it's been colder in the high 30's/low 40's--it was a great run. I could have run longer if I had to. I don't what or if I am training for anything right now. I got invited to do Shamrock again. I'd like to do a Turkey Trot possibly once we figure out what we're doing on Thanksgiving. But not sure if I am going to do any major runs this winter.
Wednesday - Swam 1 hour
It was so great to swim today. Erica was back and Tracey was there. It was a hard workout, but I was glad I pushed myself. I would not have worked out as hard had I been alone. I think my strokes are getting stronger. I really enjoyed.
I feel like I can record this here versus my other blog. Too many people read that one and they don't need all the inside scoop on my moods and my personal life. :) It does help to go back and track my moods versus the time of year, circumstances etc. Today was a pretty challenging today. Some was totally out of my control--the kids had bad days. I also was juggling a lot with youth group tonight. As much as I love youth ministry, I just don't feel the passion as much this year. I don't know if that's because I am coming off vacation or I can't devote as much time to it. I don't know. I don't feel as anxious about it like I have in previous years, but I don't feel as excited. Kara is also struggling and I was able to put my finger on it. She misses Derek when he's at school, but she still struggles a lot when he comes home. It's beyond the adjustment of a new school year (it's been two months now since school started and we finished the first quarter). She feels threatened when Derek plays with the child care kids (they are way more his friends than hers) and intentionally picks fights and just can't get along with him. The other day she was up from her nap and picked a fight with him within a minute of getting up. She often fights with him about five minutes after he's home--it's like clockwork. I need to do something different with her. Rob suggested getting her to help me with things when the big kids come home from school or choose an activity she can do. Just reassure her. Regardless she needs to be supervised outside with the other kids. The weather has been so nice they play outside after coming home from school. She often wants to join them. She doesn't play well with them and she's often screaming at Derek within five minutes. I really saw it affecting Anna this week--she's been quieter and mellow--and somewhat annoyed by the drama. Something really has to change because I can't keep dealing with their fights all afternoon. They're not like normal conflicts they have like when Hailey comes home--deciding on a TV show or not helping with the cleaning or even being bossy. They are insecure intentionally picking a fight to piss the one other off conflicts. And they really need to stop. She's beginning to thrive off negative attention and it's not healthy. I would rather deal with the other kind of conflicts--much easier to manage.
Thursday - Rest
Much better day with all the kids!!
Friday - Group Ride
I got up early and went to Ride. It was nice to be back on the stationary bike in the class setting--it has been awhile. Erica who I swim with was there too but I didn't realize until we were in the locker room. She was sitting in the front and I was in the back. Angie was also in the locker room coming from the pool and started training again after a six week break. She is a mom to young kids too and competitive triathlete. She was voted female triathlete of the year in our club. Rob says I have a female crush on her. I said I just look up to her and what she's been able to accomplish. It's just a joke with that old Seinfeld episode where George idolizes Elaine's rock climbing boyfriend.
It was a super long day. I had kids from 7 AM until 4:30 PM, ran to Wal Mart, decorated our trunk, helped Hailey carve a pumpkin and then was at the school harvest party until 8:30. I was so drained and tired by the end of the day. I think I am dealing with some mild depression because my moods are all over the map and I feel more emotional than normal. Not quite sure what is going on. I think it's helpful to track it here because I can't always remember the day to day. I did start taking Vitamin C supplements and I have been taking Zinc when I get cold like symptoms. I feel like I'm taking a ridiculously amount of vitamins, but I have not had any major cold yet. Typically by October I've had at least one bad cold. With all the kids in the house and both the baby and toddler have had bad colds already, I've avoided it.
Saturday - Group Power
Today is the first Saturday in I don't know how many that I can actually go to Power. It hurt as usual when you don't go in several weeks. I would like to do Power once a week but it gets tricky because our weekends in the fall are so busy. I can't always do Thursday early morning. It's so tough to go when I have youth group the night before. It was great to be there and stretch some of those muscles again I've avoided the last couple weeks. I still don't feel the greatest mentally again today, but I honestly don't think it's going to be a long term thing this time. I really think I need 2 weeks post vacation to feel normal. This summer it totally helped coming home from Michigan and having Rob home all week. The kids were in VBS/camp all morning so we had every single morning totally free. It was a relaxing week and even the weeks that followed were very low key with little going on. It's not that way this time. We jumped right into Halloween activities and we were way more sleep deprived. And Derek & Kara are just going through a big adjustment period and it's more Kara than Derek. After Rob and I talked, that's what we think it is. I am going to keep continue to monitor my mental health to see if I do need to call Dr. V and change doses or meds.
Sunday - 4 mile run
Really good run in the afternoon. 50 degrees. No rain. Perfect. It was a good day. First day I feel more than halfway normal and the kids did great today too. Derek & Kara fought very little if at all. Ready for a new week.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)