My OTHER running life...

I am always running, just not always miles.  My other running life is chasing after my munchkin.  He's three and a half years old and already built like a linebacker.  He's nearly 45 inches tall and weighs 60 pounds.  As my sister reminds me, I probably need to find a better nickname for him than munchkin.  It is kind of like calling an NFL lineman, Tiny.  I am a quasi-healthy parent.  I try to make him healthy meals and keep him active, but I am just as guilty of letting him watch too much TV as the next mom.  My child LOVES TV!  I mean really loves it.  I try to keep him to Nick Jr or Sprout (you know the ones without any violence and no commercials).  Ah, the stress of it all.  Back to eating, so I have to pack his lunch.  I get "graded" on it.  I have to include the right portions AND have one fruit and one veggie.  Really?  Geez, what happened to a sandwich, chips and a cookie that I got as a child.  So every night, I rack my brain for a way to get him to eat his fruits and veggies.  He likes applesauce and bananas.  His teacher must think...applesauce again?  The veggies are a different story.  The munchkin likes meat...any meat and starches...think sweet potato fries, chips, rice, etc.  So I find myself making lots of stirfrys or pastas where I can throw it all together forcing him to eat veggies whether he likes it or not. So far, it has worked out most of the time.  Each day I say a little prayer for him to stay on green (behavior chart) and to eat his lunch.  Some days I win, some days I lose.  But every day, I keep trying and keep running...

The Best Laid Plans...

It has been a while.  I have to admit that I was pouting.  I don't like when I am told to sit down and chill.  I am a busy body...do you know how boring it is to just sit around?  Pretty much sucks!  So out went my bottom lip just like the munchkin.  I sat around eating snacks, reading books and watching TV.  Even though my calf injury is still not completely healed, I gotta get back at it. Here's a quick recap of what has happened since the last episode.

• I hurt my calf the week after my birthday half marathon during a long training run.  (I, of course, did not think it was "really" injured.  I'm a smidge stubborn.)
• Fast forward two weeks, I finally went to the doctor.  The calf was in fact torn.  JANK!
• I did my "at-home" exercises and got scheduled with Doc Angelo (as I call him).
• My second half marathon turned into a quarter because my calf was not cooperating.  So, I officially cancelled my marathon. Double JANK!
• My first PT session was super easy.  I was sore for a day or so but I also tilled and planted my garden the day after PT.
• I took a week off of real workouts...pouting that my body was "broken."
• Started back to my workouts with some easy runs and strength training.
• Second PT session, I walked in confidently and said I think my calf is pretty much better.
• My second session was NOT easy, I repeat NOT easy.  Doc thought it would be good to push me as he obviously knew I was full of it.  Yikes!  I have to do better before my next PT session!

So, the pouting is over, time to get to work.  Pull myself up by my bootstraps and get back in the game.  So I am working on scheduling my races again and figuring out my workout schedule.  So far, I have two marathons on the schedule...one in February and one in May.  Now I have to figure out my training schedule in between.  This is where I need my girls.  Elaine helps me keep things in perspective and Emmie believes I can fly (plus she is a whiz with spreadsheets). Next time, I won't wait so long to post. I'll even shake on it.  :)

Speedbump, what speedbump?!

I ran today at lunch time.  3.2 miles.  I took it easy with a smidge over 10 minute pace.  My calf held up nicely.  I felt it, but no pain.  I did get some strange looks with the ice pack strapped to my calf after my run.  Good thing, ice packs don't violate the dress code! ;)  I know I should just do it, but I am dreading doing my home exercises.  I know if I slack off, my calf will not last through the Emerald Half Marathon this weekend. Anyone else going to be running the race?  Let me know and maybe we can grab a snack afterward. 

Today, a friend asked if I was "set on doing the marathon."  It took me a second to think about that question. I means I wouldn't put myself in harm's way for it, but I like to keep my word.  I told the world (or at least cyberspace) that I was going to do it and so I will.  Where I'm from... (Cue Digable Planets), your word is who you are. So with that, I am off to do my exercises.  Dreaming of a week from now when Angelo (still hoping he's cute) will help me with them! Until next time, keep running, walking or otherwise moving!