So last week was a very full week. I did run with Tracy Monday morning and it was a decent run. On Monday night I had to write two articles for the Banner and I did not get done until after 9 PM. I managed to get to Power Tuesday morning and I think I pulled something in my back or neck because it hasn't been the same since. And I have had to take Tylenol because of it which I rarely have to do. Anyway I had counseling Tuesday night and then shopping for the last ETM meeting. I did not get home until after 8. Wednesday I did make it to swim and had a great workout. It was long busy day ending with our last ETM that night. I decided to take Thursday off. I was not sure if I would be able to do anything the rest of the week. I left for Chicago early Friday morning (I had to get up at 2:30 AM) and had to catch the bus at 3:30 and my plane left at 6:30. It was a super early morning but I slept the first half of the flight.
Our time in Chicago was wonderful and a big celebration for my dad. Good quality family time. We did quite a bit of walking on Saturday and helping my parents move boxes in the evening. That was a workout. I was crawling around on my knees in the crawl space pushing boxes--this might have been when I strained my shoulder/neck.
I got home late Sunday night at 12:30 PM but had to be up by 6:30 for work. I managed to stay on Pacific time while in Chicago. I went to bed at 12:30 AM and slept until 8:30 AM which is 10:30 to 6:30 Pacific. The travel and fatigue caught up to me and I was pretty tired Monday night and most of Tuesday. I decided to wait until today to get back into the exercise routine. I swam with Erica this morning. Tracy broke her radius biking last weekend...I hate hearing these biking stories because it only adds to my cycling anxiety.
Next week will be a little off with Rob in Ukraine but I can get a couple decent workouts in. I think I am going to the sprint tri instead of the Olympic. With Rob in Ukraine and both camp and the Michigan trip in June--my training cannot be consistent. That is OK. I am perfectly OK with that.
My neck still hurts. Rob massaged some of the kinks out of it last night but it feels all tight again this morning. I am not nearly as tired and I have very little in the evenings now that youth group & Bible Study are over. It's just work and end of the year school stuff from here on out.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Monday, May 16, 2016
Halfway through May
It has been a good month of May so far and we're pushing hard to make it to the end of the school year!
The first week of May was really good exercise week. On that Monday I went to Ride because I knew I would not be able to go Friday as I had to bring Hailey to school at 6 AM for the Spring Olympics. It was nice to start out my week going to Ride. I did Power on Tuesday and swim on Wednesday. Thursday was a day off. I ran Friday afternoon and it was super hot out. I really struggled on the hills. I ran Saturday morning before the kids ran the Awesome 3000. I did about 6 miles and that was a much better run. The cooler temperatures in the morning make all the difference. On Sunday which was Mother's Day I biked about fifteen miles mostly at Minto Brown. I am still self conscious that I bike alone. I really wish I could bike with my triathlon friends. The biggest problem I am running into is their bike expeditions take up like half a Saturday. They start at 8 AM and aren't home until noon. I rarely have that kind of time. Plus Saturday is my time with the kids since I work during the week...so I don't want to devote that kind of time to being away from them.
Last week Monday I ran with Tracy and we had a really good run. I went longer than normal...five and a half miles versus the normal four. Thankfully I was ready before the first day care kids get here...sometimes they are really early. On Tuesday I went out to Hagg Lake and did my first 750 meter swim. It is probably the only one I can do in the swim series. The drive is beautiful...I love going out there. I love Hagg Lake. I have a special place in my heart for that area after doing the Hagg Lake Triathlon in 2014--my first tri (and only so far) in the open water and first tri biking in clips. There were 34 swimmers and I was #33 out of the water. I really didn't care. My goal was just to finish and some of the swimmers were elite triathletes. I did not have to float on my back at all for relief and I just kept swimming. It was pretty cold, but once I got going I felt fine. The side of my face and ears were a little cold at the end and I got a headache...though that head ache could have been due to PMS which made the rest of the week a total bust.
I had planned on taking Wednesday and possibly Thursday off. But it turned into the whole rest of the week. Not my intention. I felt moody, stomach cramps, head aches Thursday night all the way to Sunday evening. It was all due to PMS. It made the anxiety bad. I had a hard time focusing and simple tasks stressed me out. I had a minor panic attack in the mall but I was able to control it. I took Kara to see a play which was super fun but I was really jumpy. I had weird dreams (probably because I was not sleeping well). The worst of it was fatigue. I felt constantly tired even though I was not getting up early to exercise, going to bed on time, and resting more than normal. I hated feeling so tired. Going downtown as a family Friday night and playing the Wii together Saturday night were good distractions. I was trying to pull weeds Thursday and I just felt like laying on the ground I was so tired. Well that's over. I woke up this morning and felt normal again. I have a long to do list before I leave for Chicago but it's not stressing me out whereas last week I'd be crying.
I ran with Tracy this morning and we did four miles and it was a great run. We both said we were tired and I felt like I was getting over fatigue but we managed to get 9 minute miles and even a little under that.
The first week of May was really good exercise week. On that Monday I went to Ride because I knew I would not be able to go Friday as I had to bring Hailey to school at 6 AM for the Spring Olympics. It was nice to start out my week going to Ride. I did Power on Tuesday and swim on Wednesday. Thursday was a day off. I ran Friday afternoon and it was super hot out. I really struggled on the hills. I ran Saturday morning before the kids ran the Awesome 3000. I did about 6 miles and that was a much better run. The cooler temperatures in the morning make all the difference. On Sunday which was Mother's Day I biked about fifteen miles mostly at Minto Brown. I am still self conscious that I bike alone. I really wish I could bike with my triathlon friends. The biggest problem I am running into is their bike expeditions take up like half a Saturday. They start at 8 AM and aren't home until noon. I rarely have that kind of time. Plus Saturday is my time with the kids since I work during the week...so I don't want to devote that kind of time to being away from them.
Last week Monday I ran with Tracy and we had a really good run. I went longer than normal...five and a half miles versus the normal four. Thankfully I was ready before the first day care kids get here...sometimes they are really early. On Tuesday I went out to Hagg Lake and did my first 750 meter swim. It is probably the only one I can do in the swim series. The drive is beautiful...I love going out there. I love Hagg Lake. I have a special place in my heart for that area after doing the Hagg Lake Triathlon in 2014--my first tri (and only so far) in the open water and first tri biking in clips. There were 34 swimmers and I was #33 out of the water. I really didn't care. My goal was just to finish and some of the swimmers were elite triathletes. I did not have to float on my back at all for relief and I just kept swimming. It was pretty cold, but once I got going I felt fine. The side of my face and ears were a little cold at the end and I got a headache...though that head ache could have been due to PMS which made the rest of the week a total bust.
I had planned on taking Wednesday and possibly Thursday off. But it turned into the whole rest of the week. Not my intention. I felt moody, stomach cramps, head aches Thursday night all the way to Sunday evening. It was all due to PMS. It made the anxiety bad. I had a hard time focusing and simple tasks stressed me out. I had a minor panic attack in the mall but I was able to control it. I took Kara to see a play which was super fun but I was really jumpy. I had weird dreams (probably because I was not sleeping well). The worst of it was fatigue. I felt constantly tired even though I was not getting up early to exercise, going to bed on time, and resting more than normal. I hated feeling so tired. Going downtown as a family Friday night and playing the Wii together Saturday night were good distractions. I was trying to pull weeds Thursday and I just felt like laying on the ground I was so tired. Well that's over. I woke up this morning and felt normal again. I have a long to do list before I leave for Chicago but it's not stressing me out whereas last week I'd be crying.
I ran with Tracy this morning and we did four miles and it was a great run. We both said we were tired and I felt like I was getting over fatigue but we managed to get 9 minute miles and even a little under that.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Taking care of myself and training for Deschutes
Today is one those "off" days on Planet Daycare when no one wants to nap when they are supposed to and everyone is not acting their normal selves. There is no rhyme or reason to the schedule. I am grateful my moods are not off today and hormonal levels normal so I can handle it. April is a hard month with zero time off.
I have done pretty good with keeping up with exercising despite everything. I am pretty behind on logging it here. The week of April 10th--I can't remember but I think I went to Ride on that Monday, Power on Tuesday, swim on Wednesday, off on Thursday, ran Friday late afternoon, and did an awesome 22 mile ride along River Road and back on Saturday, and then a short 3 1/2 mile run Sunday evening. Last week was different as I did only one early morning, but I managed to get five workouts in. On Monday last week I had planned to go to Ride but was super tired from the weekend so I took the day off from exercise. I ran Tuesday late afternoon instead of going to Power. I did get to swim on Wednesday. I wanted to go to Power on Thursday but skipped out. Wednesday was a very long and somewhat stressful day. On Friday afternoon I rode the indoor bike. My bike is currently in the bike shop getting a tune up and some other work done. Saturday morning I went to Group Ride. On Sunday I ran a little over five miles and it was terrible. I felt fatigued all over and I could not breathe. I was overdressed and the humidity was high in the air--my body is not used to it. I pushed myself to get five miles in and it was tough. I redeemed myself with a better run Monday morning with Tracy. I got 4 miles in. On Tuesday I went to Power with her. Yesterday we swam. Today was a day off.
I am figuring on doing Deschutes Dash in July though I have not signed up yet. I want to bike this weekend but he's not done with my bike yet. So it might be indoor cycling again.
I have taken better care of myself. I started counting calories again this week and laying off the junk. I made myself a chart to try and do the following each day 1) very short yoga session with foam rolling and stretching--15 or so minutes 2) work on Bible Study 3) daily cleaning jobs based on a schedule I made years ago and don't always stick to 4) read for fun 5) play guitar This on top of a weekly to do list which has tasks based on my job/church/Banner/whatever else. I am not being perfectionist about it. On Monday I only hit one of the five, but yesterday I made four. Guitar is somewhat on hold right now, but my intention is to pick it back up again soon. I have too much going on right now. All in all I feel like I am taking better care of me. I think sometimes we think taking care of ourselves is spa days, buying things, and getting away from our kids. That has its place and we do need that. I am referring to the day to day things--eating good, spending time doing hobbies, keeping the house in a state where it does create anxiety. Stretching and yoga is good to maintain my stress level and also help with my IT band issues. My right ankle and now right knee hurt from time to time and it might all be related to the IT band.
I have found one of my biggest issues is simply getting started. I stall, do something unrelated, or give myself permission NOT to do something I should be doing. This happens when I sit down to work on my Bible Study, write an article, even read a book, go running with the kids. I think it's just a fear that it won't go well, it will not be enjoyable, I won't be able to focus, or that I just don't want to put forth the effort. Once I start going I get into it and I feel great. I have been making myself really aware of this and it helps tackle it. I had this with running and later swimming and still biking for many many years and I don't anymore with running and not much with swimming. I don't fear running except the super long runs with marathon training...but even so I never skip them. It helps tremendously just being aware of this. I can live my life a little more intentional. I see this in some of my kids too--their anxiety about starting something. It is easier to gravitate towards something that is easier. I want them to conquer the challenges even if it means they fail. I remember talking to my teacher my Indonesia back in February and I told him one thing I learned in Indonesia that it is OK to fail if you tried and gave it your best effort. Whenever you start something for the first time, it is going to be rough. My first run was painful. My first time swimming Wednesday mornings was embarrassing. My first open water swim was even more embarrassing. My first time biking in clips on the road was scary. My first article I wrote for the Banner was bad...thankfully I had a good proof reader that helped me turn it into a good article. My first year of child care was exhausting and I could barely handle two kids. I am giving myself grace and acceptance yet challenging myself at the same time.
I have done pretty good with keeping up with exercising despite everything. I am pretty behind on logging it here. The week of April 10th--I can't remember but I think I went to Ride on that Monday, Power on Tuesday, swim on Wednesday, off on Thursday, ran Friday late afternoon, and did an awesome 22 mile ride along River Road and back on Saturday, and then a short 3 1/2 mile run Sunday evening. Last week was different as I did only one early morning, but I managed to get five workouts in. On Monday last week I had planned to go to Ride but was super tired from the weekend so I took the day off from exercise. I ran Tuesday late afternoon instead of going to Power. I did get to swim on Wednesday. I wanted to go to Power on Thursday but skipped out. Wednesday was a very long and somewhat stressful day. On Friday afternoon I rode the indoor bike. My bike is currently in the bike shop getting a tune up and some other work done. Saturday morning I went to Group Ride. On Sunday I ran a little over five miles and it was terrible. I felt fatigued all over and I could not breathe. I was overdressed and the humidity was high in the air--my body is not used to it. I pushed myself to get five miles in and it was tough. I redeemed myself with a better run Monday morning with Tracy. I got 4 miles in. On Tuesday I went to Power with her. Yesterday we swam. Today was a day off.
I am figuring on doing Deschutes Dash in July though I have not signed up yet. I want to bike this weekend but he's not done with my bike yet. So it might be indoor cycling again.
I have taken better care of myself. I started counting calories again this week and laying off the junk. I made myself a chart to try and do the following each day 1) very short yoga session with foam rolling and stretching--15 or so minutes 2) work on Bible Study 3) daily cleaning jobs based on a schedule I made years ago and don't always stick to 4) read for fun 5) play guitar This on top of a weekly to do list which has tasks based on my job/church/Banner/whatever else. I am not being perfectionist about it. On Monday I only hit one of the five, but yesterday I made four. Guitar is somewhat on hold right now, but my intention is to pick it back up again soon. I have too much going on right now. All in all I feel like I am taking better care of me. I think sometimes we think taking care of ourselves is spa days, buying things, and getting away from our kids. That has its place and we do need that. I am referring to the day to day things--eating good, spending time doing hobbies, keeping the house in a state where it does create anxiety. Stretching and yoga is good to maintain my stress level and also help with my IT band issues. My right ankle and now right knee hurt from time to time and it might all be related to the IT band.
I have found one of my biggest issues is simply getting started. I stall, do something unrelated, or give myself permission NOT to do something I should be doing. This happens when I sit down to work on my Bible Study, write an article, even read a book, go running with the kids. I think it's just a fear that it won't go well, it will not be enjoyable, I won't be able to focus, or that I just don't want to put forth the effort. Once I start going I get into it and I feel great. I have been making myself really aware of this and it helps tackle it. I had this with running and later swimming and still biking for many many years and I don't anymore with running and not much with swimming. I don't fear running except the super long runs with marathon training...but even so I never skip them. It helps tremendously just being aware of this. I can live my life a little more intentional. I see this in some of my kids too--their anxiety about starting something. It is easier to gravitate towards something that is easier. I want them to conquer the challenges even if it means they fail. I remember talking to my teacher my Indonesia back in February and I told him one thing I learned in Indonesia that it is OK to fail if you tried and gave it your best effort. Whenever you start something for the first time, it is going to be rough. My first run was painful. My first time swimming Wednesday mornings was embarrassing. My first open water swim was even more embarrassing. My first time biking in clips on the road was scary. My first article I wrote for the Banner was bad...thankfully I had a good proof reader that helped me turn it into a good article. My first year of child care was exhausting and I could barely handle two kids. I am giving myself grace and acceptance yet challenging myself at the same time.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Beaver Freezer and back to training
I have not updated in awhile and also have not blogged about Beaver Freezer. First last week...
I swam Wednesday morning and it was a normal workout. I felt faster and ready for Freezer. On Thursday I rested and slept until 6:30. On Friday I hoped to go to Ride but coming home from Bible Study at 9...and just feeling drained and tired--I could not do it. I figured the extra race before Freezer was not a bad thing. We had leftover enchiladas for dinner and watched The Amazing Race. I had a Diet Mountain Dew with dinner (around 8 PM) which was a mistake...I realized that later. Rob & I watched 20/20 around 10 and I fell asleep during it. I didn't have to get up too early for Freezer...just after 6 AM. Which is actually later than I get up for Power, Swim & Ride--honestly it felt a little like sleeping in!
Then I finally went to bed after 20/20 was over...around 11...I was not tired. Then Rob & I got in this conversation about my work schedule (which is pretty intense right now and the most hours I have ever done) and the demands of my business on top of everything else. The conversation really turned on all the anxiety that was already there about the race. Then I really couldn't sleep. It took A LONG time before I fell asleep. I stopped looking at the clock. I am guessing close to 2 AM. Rob putting on a second Seinfeld episode finally lulled me to sleep. I woke up at 5:30 and slept another half hour until I really got up.
I wasn't overly nervous for Freezer. I had done it before. I had trained really well. The biking still makes me anxious a bit, but it was only 12 miles and only one big hill. The weather was supposed to be warm and sunny and that would help a lot. I met my friend at the carpool lot at 7 AM and we made it to OSU on time. We were in back to back swim waves. I swam at 9:50 AM. I was overly confident going into the swim. I timed myself a few weeks back and I was around 11 minutes. Looking back I am not sure how accurate that is. The swim timer clock was broken so I was using the actual wall clock...I could have been a few minutes off. So I was in a wave with 10-11 minute swimmers. Going into the pool, I struggled at first. My anxiety was high, I kept bumping into the side rope, and I got passed twice. I was the last one out in my wave. The volunteer never told me I had one more lap--I had to pop my head out and ask. I think the timing was off as well. My swim time was 14 minutes which I think is slow--but I am guessing it was 13 something. I am actually going to time myself again soon and see where I'm at.
Going into T1, I was way more confident. My transition time was much better. Although I couldn't find my bike at first, I got right on quickly. I felt more confident on my bike. I got clipped in immediately, drank Gatorade on the bike without dropping my water bottle...or worse falling. I went at a good steady pace.
T2 I did better as well. The running is never that difficult for me. My time is always about 2 minutes slower than my normal 5K time which was the case here. I ran the whole way--just walked through the aid station. I tried to keep a good steady pace. I was tired--but not dying.
My final time was 2 seconds slower than the last time I did it...which was a little disappointing. But triathlon is still new to me--I haven't done as many of them as I have running races. I am still an amateur swimmer and nervous bike rider. I have improved so much in the last couple of years. I had fun and enjoyed being outside. I am not sure the swim time was accurate as it was listed.
I rested on Sunday but jumped right back into it on Monday. I did about 4 miles Monday morning with Tracy. On Tuesday I went to Power. We are regular swim on Wednesday and I really focused more on speed and pushing myself--I think I was faster than normal. Thursday I rested. Friday morning I made to Group Ride. I was quite tired and did not push myself on every single track but was thankful I made it. I have a history of intending to go on Fridays and choosing to sleep instead. Yesterday I ran 6 miles with Tracy in the morning and did lots of gardening. This afternoon I only biked a little over 9 miles on the Keizer bike path. I would have liked to bike more than that but it was so much stop & start. The bike path is only 3 1/2 miles long...hardly enough to get a decent ride in. The stop and start was good practice for me in terms of clipping in & out. I did really well. It was not worth it to drive all the way out there when the River Road/Independence route and Minto Brown is so much closer. I really need to find some riding friends. I may try the Salem Bicycle Club next month. I really wish there were bike path options and less fighting traffic, but maybe I can find some long country roads to ride with others on. I am probably going to do the Deschutes Dash in July but not sure if I will do the sprint distance or olympic.
I swam Wednesday morning and it was a normal workout. I felt faster and ready for Freezer. On Thursday I rested and slept until 6:30. On Friday I hoped to go to Ride but coming home from Bible Study at 9...and just feeling drained and tired--I could not do it. I figured the extra race before Freezer was not a bad thing. We had leftover enchiladas for dinner and watched The Amazing Race. I had a Diet Mountain Dew with dinner (around 8 PM) which was a mistake...I realized that later. Rob & I watched 20/20 around 10 and I fell asleep during it. I didn't have to get up too early for Freezer...just after 6 AM. Which is actually later than I get up for Power, Swim & Ride--honestly it felt a little like sleeping in!
Then I finally went to bed after 20/20 was over...around 11...I was not tired. Then Rob & I got in this conversation about my work schedule (which is pretty intense right now and the most hours I have ever done) and the demands of my business on top of everything else. The conversation really turned on all the anxiety that was already there about the race. Then I really couldn't sleep. It took A LONG time before I fell asleep. I stopped looking at the clock. I am guessing close to 2 AM. Rob putting on a second Seinfeld episode finally lulled me to sleep. I woke up at 5:30 and slept another half hour until I really got up.
I wasn't overly nervous for Freezer. I had done it before. I had trained really well. The biking still makes me anxious a bit, but it was only 12 miles and only one big hill. The weather was supposed to be warm and sunny and that would help a lot. I met my friend at the carpool lot at 7 AM and we made it to OSU on time. We were in back to back swim waves. I swam at 9:50 AM. I was overly confident going into the swim. I timed myself a few weeks back and I was around 11 minutes. Looking back I am not sure how accurate that is. The swim timer clock was broken so I was using the actual wall clock...I could have been a few minutes off. So I was in a wave with 10-11 minute swimmers. Going into the pool, I struggled at first. My anxiety was high, I kept bumping into the side rope, and I got passed twice. I was the last one out in my wave. The volunteer never told me I had one more lap--I had to pop my head out and ask. I think the timing was off as well. My swim time was 14 minutes which I think is slow--but I am guessing it was 13 something. I am actually going to time myself again soon and see where I'm at.
Going into T1, I was way more confident. My transition time was much better. Although I couldn't find my bike at first, I got right on quickly. I felt more confident on my bike. I got clipped in immediately, drank Gatorade on the bike without dropping my water bottle...or worse falling. I went at a good steady pace.
T2 I did better as well. The running is never that difficult for me. My time is always about 2 minutes slower than my normal 5K time which was the case here. I ran the whole way--just walked through the aid station. I tried to keep a good steady pace. I was tired--but not dying.
My final time was 2 seconds slower than the last time I did it...which was a little disappointing. But triathlon is still new to me--I haven't done as many of them as I have running races. I am still an amateur swimmer and nervous bike rider. I have improved so much in the last couple of years. I had fun and enjoyed being outside. I am not sure the swim time was accurate as it was listed.
I rested on Sunday but jumped right back into it on Monday. I did about 4 miles Monday morning with Tracy. On Tuesday I went to Power. We are regular swim on Wednesday and I really focused more on speed and pushing myself--I think I was faster than normal. Thursday I rested. Friday morning I made to Group Ride. I was quite tired and did not push myself on every single track but was thankful I made it. I have a history of intending to go on Fridays and choosing to sleep instead. Yesterday I ran 6 miles with Tracy in the morning and did lots of gardening. This afternoon I only biked a little over 9 miles on the Keizer bike path. I would have liked to bike more than that but it was so much stop & start. The bike path is only 3 1/2 miles long...hardly enough to get a decent ride in. The stop and start was good practice for me in terms of clipping in & out. I did really well. It was not worth it to drive all the way out there when the River Road/Independence route and Minto Brown is so much closer. I really need to find some riding friends. I may try the Salem Bicycle Club next month. I really wish there were bike path options and less fighting traffic, but maybe I can find some long country roads to ride with others on. I am probably going to do the Deschutes Dash in July but not sure if I will do the sprint distance or olympic.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Back to the routine...good-bye Spring Break
So Spring Break is officially over and we are back at school/work. We're hitting the last quarter of the school year where there are so few breaks and time off. It is going to be a mental push to get to June.
Last week Wednesday I went hiking at Silver Falls. Derek and I did about three miles. It is a nice little hike and very scenic. We both LOVE hiking. We both crave the outdoors. It won't be our last hike...that's for sure. I did not do any kind of workout. After coming home we did family stuff the rest of the afternoon into the evening. On Thursday afternoon I went to Group Ride. Even though I like the morning instructors significantly more, it was better than the last time I went. I got in a very good workout. On Friday I had to work (which I was probably too grouchy about) and I could have easily gone to the gym or at least gone running because I did not have to work until 9:30 AM. I slept until 8:45 PM. I had not gone to bed very late the night before. I slept too much and felt overtired and lethargic all day. It kind of stunk. The weather was not the greatest either. Everyone was crabby. Normally I love Holy Week and the Good Friday service, but I felt so overly distracted, frustrated, tired. Rob made the point that maybe that is the way we need to approach the cross and that Jesus brings us strength. Easter doesn't always have to be this big hoopla celebration. Saturday was a little better. I had to get up at 6 AM and do an interview for the Banner and I went swimming afterwards. I took the kids to Easter egg hunts and we went shopping. The evening was kind of rough and behavior issues somewhat spoiled it.
I had a great 4 mile run Easter morning and I listened to my favorite Christian songs/hymns while I ran. The rain held off. It was great to be outside. The behavior issues we had with some of the kids Saturday night carried over into Sunday morning. I spent a good part of Sunday morning before church anxious, upset, and frustrated. Normally I don't mind doing nursery at church (and I really don't do it very often) but it was so chaotic with all the extra kids. It just added to the exhaustion. I felt drained the whole rest of the day.
Yesterday I had hoped to go the gym. The kids did not have school but I had to work all day starting at 7 AM. I just couldn't get up and allowed myself to sleep until 6:30 AM. It was a full busy day, but better than Friday. The nice weather helped. My own kids did significantly better. We had one small incident in the morning but it got better from there. I did get to run in the afternoon and did about three and a half miles. The pace was better and more evened out--did not start out too fast.
This morning I went to Power and it was a normal Group Power workout. I am doing the Beaver Freezer on Saturday so I am not trying to push myself significantly. I am still looking at another triathlon later in the morning but not set on one yet.
I have been a little more anxious than normal lately and irritable. I really hate being this way and I think some of it is due to hormones. For some reason my anxiety is always higher in the spring. Even though it's a great time of year--for some reason my brain overreacts to everything. I have had to be intentional about not overreacting or complaining the last few days and it takes a lot of energy.
Last week Wednesday I went hiking at Silver Falls. Derek and I did about three miles. It is a nice little hike and very scenic. We both LOVE hiking. We both crave the outdoors. It won't be our last hike...that's for sure. I did not do any kind of workout. After coming home we did family stuff the rest of the afternoon into the evening. On Thursday afternoon I went to Group Ride. Even though I like the morning instructors significantly more, it was better than the last time I went. I got in a very good workout. On Friday I had to work (which I was probably too grouchy about) and I could have easily gone to the gym or at least gone running because I did not have to work until 9:30 AM. I slept until 8:45 PM. I had not gone to bed very late the night before. I slept too much and felt overtired and lethargic all day. It kind of stunk. The weather was not the greatest either. Everyone was crabby. Normally I love Holy Week and the Good Friday service, but I felt so overly distracted, frustrated, tired. Rob made the point that maybe that is the way we need to approach the cross and that Jesus brings us strength. Easter doesn't always have to be this big hoopla celebration. Saturday was a little better. I had to get up at 6 AM and do an interview for the Banner and I went swimming afterwards. I took the kids to Easter egg hunts and we went shopping. The evening was kind of rough and behavior issues somewhat spoiled it.
I had a great 4 mile run Easter morning and I listened to my favorite Christian songs/hymns while I ran. The rain held off. It was great to be outside. The behavior issues we had with some of the kids Saturday night carried over into Sunday morning. I spent a good part of Sunday morning before church anxious, upset, and frustrated. Normally I don't mind doing nursery at church (and I really don't do it very often) but it was so chaotic with all the extra kids. It just added to the exhaustion. I felt drained the whole rest of the day.
Yesterday I had hoped to go the gym. The kids did not have school but I had to work all day starting at 7 AM. I just couldn't get up and allowed myself to sleep until 6:30 AM. It was a full busy day, but better than Friday. The nice weather helped. My own kids did significantly better. We had one small incident in the morning but it got better from there. I did get to run in the afternoon and did about three and a half miles. The pace was better and more evened out--did not start out too fast.
This morning I went to Power and it was a normal Group Power workout. I am doing the Beaver Freezer on Saturday so I am not trying to push myself significantly. I am still looking at another triathlon later in the morning but not set on one yet.
I have been a little more anxious than normal lately and irritable. I really hate being this way and I think some of it is due to hormones. For some reason my anxiety is always higher in the spring. Even though it's a great time of year--for some reason my brain overreacts to everything. I have had to be intentional about not overreacting or complaining the last few days and it takes a lot of energy.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Spring Break
Not going anywhere over Spring Break and doing local activities was one of the best decisions we have made in a long time. It has been a very good so far. We're reconnected as a family, we are rested, and we have some general "downtime" which we have been craving.
Last week was a great week exercise wise. I did get to Power on Tuesday. I did 1,550 yards of swimming on Wednesday again. Thursday I did have to work, but it was amazingly beautiful out. After work, I rode my bike from the South River Road Courthouse to the Independence bridge and back--approximately 16 1/2 miles. It was nice to be outside. I was a little tired with the strong winds, but pretty confident on the bike. On Friday I did have to work again, but I ran six miles after work. It was warm and beautiful out. I did a big loop around the Sumpter neighborhood and hit some hills. I am still starting out too fast at a 8 1/2 minute mile pace and I can't carry it. My pace always goes down from there. I feel like I am starting slow, but I am not. Saturday I took the day off as we were downtown a good part of the day and then out in Keizer at a party. Sunday started out cold, wet, and rainy. It cleared up around 3 PM. So I biked again outside at Minto Brown doing just under 12 miles. Then I ran 2 1/2 miles afterwards. Because of all the rain, some of the paths are closed and are under water. It is really muddy in some places as well. The river is really high right now. It made the bike ride a lot of stop and start. The clipping and clipping out was very good practice for me. I am way more better at it than I was last spring. I am more confident and feel safer on the bike. Those long bike rides at the end of the summer helped.
I am looking into some group rides through the Salem Bicycle Club. I wish I had some people to ride with. My triathlon friends are almost all single or don't have young families so they have more availability than I do. I am locked into certain time periods I can actually go riding.
This week so far I ran a little over 6 miles Monday late morning. Weather was a little wet but not a downpour. I started out too fast again, but I can carry about a 9 minute mile pace. Then today I went to the mid morning Group Power which was nice. It is a nice change of pace to not have to go to early morning workouts.
Last week was a great week exercise wise. I did get to Power on Tuesday. I did 1,550 yards of swimming on Wednesday again. Thursday I did have to work, but it was amazingly beautiful out. After work, I rode my bike from the South River Road Courthouse to the Independence bridge and back--approximately 16 1/2 miles. It was nice to be outside. I was a little tired with the strong winds, but pretty confident on the bike. On Friday I did have to work again, but I ran six miles after work. It was warm and beautiful out. I did a big loop around the Sumpter neighborhood and hit some hills. I am still starting out too fast at a 8 1/2 minute mile pace and I can't carry it. My pace always goes down from there. I feel like I am starting slow, but I am not. Saturday I took the day off as we were downtown a good part of the day and then out in Keizer at a party. Sunday started out cold, wet, and rainy. It cleared up around 3 PM. So I biked again outside at Minto Brown doing just under 12 miles. Then I ran 2 1/2 miles afterwards. Because of all the rain, some of the paths are closed and are under water. It is really muddy in some places as well. The river is really high right now. It made the bike ride a lot of stop and start. The clipping and clipping out was very good practice for me. I am way more better at it than I was last spring. I am more confident and feel safer on the bike. Those long bike rides at the end of the summer helped.
I am looking into some group rides through the Salem Bicycle Club. I wish I had some people to ride with. My triathlon friends are almost all single or don't have young families so they have more availability than I do. I am locked into certain time periods I can actually go riding.
This week so far I ran a little over 6 miles Monday late morning. Weather was a little wet but not a downpour. I started out too fast again, but I can carry about a 9 minute mile pace. Then today I went to the mid morning Group Power which was nice. It is a nice change of pace to not have to go to early morning workouts.
Monday, March 14, 2016
Things are better
Life itself has been a bit more manageable and not nearly as overwhelming since March 1st...actually more like February 29th. The kids adjusted to Sarah not being here, got back into the normal school day to day routine. The first week of March I tried getting up between 5 and 5:30 every single morning and it really worked well. The same wake up/same go to bed time really helped me function. I did Ride on Monday of that week, Power on Tuesday, swim on Wednesday, ran on Thursday, Ride again on Friday, Saturday was a day off, and Sunday I ran a short run before church. That Saturday was a busy run around Saturday with Battle of the Books with a lunch party afterwards, cleaning & getting ready for the week & we went out with J & S at night. I didn't feel exhausted and moody like I often do on Saturdays. That Sunday I hoped to run more (I think I did barely 4 miles) but a run before church was much needed.
Last week was a little more challenging as I was in Tacoma Thursday morning until Friday night. Then Rob was in Portland all day Saturday. I only missed Wednesday because A & G's baby had a rough night and almost did not make it on Tuesday around 11 pm. Rob went down to the hospital and I was so jumpy I could not sleep. We only slept a couple hours and were tired all day. I was glad the baby was OK and I felt totally legitimate in skipping swim. I did run with Tracy on Monday and Map My Run was updating so all my data was lost. I think I did around 4 miles. On Tuesday I did Power. Wednesday I skipped. Thursday I left for Tacoma but I managed to get about a four mile run in before we left. Again MMR was not working properly so I could not keep track of my mileage. On Friday morning I rode this bike in the somewhat junky hotel we all stayed at. It was the type at the gym where you are low to the ground and the seat is like a normal chair. I only wanted to leave the girls for a half hour or so it was not a long workout. At least it counted for something. On Saturday I was able to swim when Rob got back. Again only a half hour but I timed myself swimming a 1/4 mile and I'm at around 11 minutes. Yesterday I wanted to run, but with daylight savings making us so tired. And the fact we had blowing rain and wind storms all day--it was not very nice out. I also went to go see A in the afternoon with friends and I didn't get home until after 3. I had to go to evening church because one of our interns was preaching.
So here we are in the second full week of March though it feels like the third week. Beaver Freezer is two weeks from Saturday and I feel like I have had zero time on my bike to prepare. Thank you rainier than normal winter. I have been at Ride pretty regularly and I may get some outside rides in over Spring Break. It is only a 15 mile ride which is not very long...so if I have to wing it--I will do so. Today I ran by myself. Tracy texted me during the night saying she could not run and was getting zero sleep. So I went by myself and did 4.61 miles. It was cold, dark morning--I greatly dislike daylights savings. But I got a good run in so grateful for that. It's the week before Spring Break and my child care schedule is not regular. I am so looking forward to Friday afternoon when my Spring Break officially starts--and I have some time off.
Rob's pastoral schedule has not slowed down--in many ways it's more intense. My schedule has slowed and I don't feel nearly as overwhelmed. The kids are doing better too. So that makes things a little more manageable and we can be better there for him. So thankful he gets next Sunday off.
Last week was a little more challenging as I was in Tacoma Thursday morning until Friday night. Then Rob was in Portland all day Saturday. I only missed Wednesday because A & G's baby had a rough night and almost did not make it on Tuesday around 11 pm. Rob went down to the hospital and I was so jumpy I could not sleep. We only slept a couple hours and were tired all day. I was glad the baby was OK and I felt totally legitimate in skipping swim. I did run with Tracy on Monday and Map My Run was updating so all my data was lost. I think I did around 4 miles. On Tuesday I did Power. Wednesday I skipped. Thursday I left for Tacoma but I managed to get about a four mile run in before we left. Again MMR was not working properly so I could not keep track of my mileage. On Friday morning I rode this bike in the somewhat junky hotel we all stayed at. It was the type at the gym where you are low to the ground and the seat is like a normal chair. I only wanted to leave the girls for a half hour or so it was not a long workout. At least it counted for something. On Saturday I was able to swim when Rob got back. Again only a half hour but I timed myself swimming a 1/4 mile and I'm at around 11 minutes. Yesterday I wanted to run, but with daylight savings making us so tired. And the fact we had blowing rain and wind storms all day--it was not very nice out. I also went to go see A in the afternoon with friends and I didn't get home until after 3. I had to go to evening church because one of our interns was preaching.
So here we are in the second full week of March though it feels like the third week. Beaver Freezer is two weeks from Saturday and I feel like I have had zero time on my bike to prepare. Thank you rainier than normal winter. I have been at Ride pretty regularly and I may get some outside rides in over Spring Break. It is only a 15 mile ride which is not very long...so if I have to wing it--I will do so. Today I ran by myself. Tracy texted me during the night saying she could not run and was getting zero sleep. So I went by myself and did 4.61 miles. It was cold, dark morning--I greatly dislike daylights savings. But I got a good run in so grateful for that. It's the week before Spring Break and my child care schedule is not regular. I am so looking forward to Friday afternoon when my Spring Break officially starts--and I have some time off.
Rob's pastoral schedule has not slowed down--in many ways it's more intense. My schedule has slowed and I don't feel nearly as overwhelmed. The kids are doing better too. So that makes things a little more manageable and we can be better there for him. So thankful he gets next Sunday off.
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