That’s pretty much how I feel these days and not just because the weather has be upwards of 75 degrees around here. The reason behind my hot messiness is a combo of post-marathon depression (it’s real y’all) and my future racing plans being obliterated. I’m in that odd place of coming out of the party that was recovery and into oblivion. Let’s discuss…
WEEK OF MAY 4, 2015
RUNNING: So this kind of sucks. I’m broken and spending a lot of time doing fantastically boring rehab exercises where I barely break a sweat. Not fun but very effective. When I have been able to run, I feel fast and light in my mind and 80% of my body. As soon as that last 20% catches up, I will feel unstoppable again.
I do love running in the sun with my rocket hat on!
CYCLING: For the most part, this has been awesome. As I said, the weather has been gorgeous and I’ve been remembering to actually look around on my rides and take it all in! It’s hard to believe that just about a month ago we were living in snow tunnels.
I rode the duathlon race course (twice!) with two friends and it was fantastic…except for the part when we literally rode into a 5K race. Weaving around back of the packers and kids, who of course move left when you yell “on your left,” is a recipe for disaster. Somehow we made it out of there without killing anyone. #HotMess
Is it me or do I have a GIANT arm in this pic?
SWIMMING: I continue to absolutely love my time in the pool and I did an amazing workout this week (2300yards!) with single arm drills. Holy cow! I had to kick like a maniac and gasp for air. Loved it. I also ordered some short training fins and a shark suit. Watch out, I’ll bite you.
RACING: This is the worst part. I’m 80% sure I won’t be able to race the Duathlon which means I will have to live with only one sword. If I’m being completely honest with myself, my body is not ready to race and certainly not at the level I want it to. I knew from the outset that it would be very difficult to run a marathon and then, three weeks later, race the Duathlon. I’m not giving up yet but…
The other race I had planned, a triathlon on June 7, has also been shelved. My husband and I are going to San Francisco, so I know you all feel terribly for me but, finding another triathlon on a weekend we don’t already have plans, is USAT sanctioned and not a half-Ironman is proving very difficult. #HotMess
FUEL: My eating has been all over the place! I’m trying to find that happy medium between cutting back since I’m not training hard core, and enjoying ice cream because hey, the sun is out! I’ve been snacking a lot because I’ve been on the go constantly and also eating a lot of salads, which is not usually my thing. #Boring
I think this was the 5th time we had ice cream last week.
THINGS I LOVE: Miles and Vaughn running track for a second season, celebrating 9 years of wedded bliss and, perhaps most importantly, Zippy the Turtle’s 31st birthday.
I have no clue why Miles thinks Zippy has already lived 30 years. He said “He had a lot of birthday at the store already.” Ok.
THINGS I HATE: When people die running. The tragic story of Sheryl Sanberg’s husband’s sudden death, which appears to be some sort of treadmill accident, is truly horrific. The poor guy was on vacation with his family and trying to do something healthy. It’s also a reminder of how fragile life is and how quickly your life can change. It’s all way too depressing.
I also hate that this tragedy has released a flood of stories on “treadmill safety.” Really? At least this one begins with “Let’s get this out of the way first: Working out on a treadmill is far more likely to improve your health than harm it.” Bravo CNN.
MUSIC: Brittany bitch! And she found a friend. Coming soon to a spin class near you…
READING: Have you ever read Sarah Spain on ESPNW? You should. She writes amazing articles that empower women without being all “you go girl” cheesy. Recently she has taken issue with Floyd Mayweather (as every woman should) and with sexist sports announcers. The piece she wrote about the blatant sexist and degrading conversations and social media rants some of these guys get away with is mind-boggling. The story is aptly titled C’Mon, Guys. It’s Time To Elevate The Conversation on Sports Talk Radio. It’s truly shocking:
“Last year host Kirk Minihane of Boston radio station WEEI was suspended for one week without pay after calling Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews a “gutless bitch” who should “drop dead,” because she elected not to ask Adam Wainwright a follow-up question about grooving pitches to Derek Jeter in the All-Star Game. His “apology” for those comments included saying that if Andrews “weighed 15 pounds more she would be a waitress at Perkins.”
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I had no idea it would take me that long to fold all those little clothes.” – My husband when he gave me the greatest mother’s gift of all time by folding a load of the boy’s laundry. Welcome to the time suck that is my life.
How was your week?
Is your body cooperating with you these days?
Have you celebrated anything lately?
ahhhhh no.
my bod is NOT COOPERATING WITH ME.
I have starting making the child pick anything I drop (and I drop a lot 🙂 who knew?) for me as my back is..mad.
xoxox
That is an excellent technique. I should try it with the twins 🙂
Ugh sorry to hear you haven’t been feeling the greatest running. My body has been actually cooperating with me (not the normal since I was injured for about a year). I hope the rehab exercises work to your favor.
Me too! My worst fear is being injured for as long as you were but I know it’s pretty common. UGH. Thanks Hollie.
Oh I hear you Allie, in so many ways!!! On my runs I keep going out there thinking “I am gonna love this run, no pressure, no expectations, just easy running to enjoy” yet, I am 5 mins in, hot and thinking my god, 6 miles is a long way….how did I ever do 9 on a daily basis! Oh, and you are inspiring me, I went on an 8 mile bike ride the other day….just felt like it 🙂 I know thats not a long way, but I haven’t ridden a bike in years 🙂
As for fueling, yep, same again. I have not found my balance, and I am eating some form of processed sugar every 2 hours….not good. My belly came back with vengeance, but I dont want to stop without a major goal in mind! You are right though….its summertime….have to make the most of it……is that good logic hahh?
This makes me feel so much better Tina – thank you!!! I also absolutely LOVE that you went on a bike ride! Isn’t it fun? 🙂
I”m so sorry you’re in this place right now with running. I have been there, as you know, all too often. And it all began when I turned 40, I hate to say. BUT…learn the lessons about what needs to be worked on now and you can nip it all in the bud right away. Daily prehab is my savior, as much as I hate THAT time suck.
We have already hit 90 and all the stupid Maryland humidity is back, too. I’m caving and putting on the AC today, which I hate to do!
I know, I know! I’m trying to think everyday about being smart which is why I know I can’t race this weekend. I’m doing all my PT work and determined to strengthen and stretch NOW so I can be in top shape for NYC in November. But I’m still pouting. I know you get it and that makes me feel better…
We turned on the AC a few days ago and it was so defeating. I wanted to bask in the heat we waited for for so long but once it reach 80 upstairs? AC went ON!
I am holding out that you will be able to do your duathalon!! But if not I completely understand. Doing anything after running a full is tough! At least in my head. I think I read somewhere that it’s a day of recovery for every mile run?? Either way you totally know your body and San Francisco is just beautiful. Recovery vibes to you!
Thank you Nellie!!! I’ve read that too and I cannot fathom taking 26 days off!!… of course I would probably feel amazing if I did 🙂
Oh I hear ya loud and clear! The gorgeous weather is just taunting me to do more than I should with my bum foot. I’ve been able to get out on my bike which is always a great way to get a little sweat and enjoy some sun. I’m dying over your husbands comment. So very true…
Right? I laughed so hard but I don’t think he really understood why!
I’m glad you’re able to bike, and I love my bike too, but I know you agree that there’s no substitute for running. Damn it!
yay CNN! And yay ice cream and warm weather. You deserve a treat. I’m all about fueling correctly for performance, but in the end, we only have one life!
So true! I hope you’re treating yourself after your WIN this past weekend. So amazing!!!
You are being so smart about your running injury….and that is SO hard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m sorry about your race. I’m sure that is disappointing! I totally understand finding races that fit into your schedule with everything else….it is HARD. Both my husband and I have spent chunks of time looking for races that will work with our schedule…it is a pain!
That swim suit is AWESOME. I bet your boys love it!
You know I am going to say eat the ice cream :)! I want to find a good balance with it. I want to cut back on the sugar and eat more natural foods, but we will never be the family that goes all clean or gluten free or anything like that.
Oh we will never be that family either!!
Thank you so much Jen and I know you completely understand. I will be scouring the internet for the “perfect” TRI but, if it’s not meant to be then it’s just not. I have to listen to my body and remember my number one goal is NYCM!
EEEEEE!!!! I am SO excited for both of our fall marathons!!!!!!!! I am working on my training plan now!
We will need to compare notes!!
PS. Your husbands quote is AWESOME 🙂
Folding the laundry is a good one!!
I have to say that the story of Sheryl Sandberg’s husband totally freaked me out. What!? Any type of sudden death is difficult to deal with but I would have such a hard time wrapping my head around that.
I’m so sorry you are injured and will not be able to run the next two races. I know you will be back stronger and better than ever soon!
Thanks so much Brittany!!
I feel terrible for the whole family about that tragic accident. I just cannot imagine!
I just wanted to say wow, your arms in that pic!!! That’s all….happy Monday!
Hahahaha – thanks Paria! 🙂
Boo. I’m sorry that you’re missing out on these races. That stinks. But on the upside, your arms look amazing and can i have them? I was lamenting how my arm and back muscle have disappeared thanks to le surgery. I mean, doing external and internal rotation exercises with the lightest resistance band or lat pull downs with 7.5 lbs on each side (!!!) really doesn’t do much for me yet they feel so so hard. I digress…But I hope that you’re feeling 100% soon. Love the kids’ cards!
Thanks Christine! I completely understand about your PT moves and wondering “how can this be so hard?” I’ve been doing I’s, Y’s and T’s with 3 pound weights. Really?
Seriously- folding laundry is the worst! This was definitely a week of ice cream for us, too. It’s so hot!! And I’m right there with you wanting my body to catch up to my head in terms of what it’s capable of… although not with injury, just still trying to find that pre-pregnancy fitness I had. It’s taking so much longer than I anticipated, but I think I’m making progress, finally. 🙂 Bummer on the duathlon, though. That is frustrating!
I definitely think you’re making progress and, the further you get away from running the marathon, the better off I think you will be!
I know how hard it was for me to miss a half marathon I’d been training for so I can’t imagine how depressing it is to shelve 2 races but…if it’s any comfort you really are doing the right thing. Also – the sexist comments really are horrible in sports media (traditional or social) I’m glad to see someone addressing it, way overdue.
Thank you and I love that you can understand.
As for the sports media comments, it’s just INSANE and I love that this Sarah Spain attacks them head on…and works for ESPN.
I’m sure you will get your mojo back with your eating. As for me, I’ve been eating way too much ice cream lately. It feels very…liberating. I am currently living in these moments with joy. 🙂
It IS liberating! I’m taking full advantage…it’s almost bikini season after all and I need to fill out that suit! 🙂
I’m sorry to hear about you injuries. It sucks not being able to get out and run. It would drive me nuts! I have been getting a lot of leg cramps in the one I had difficulty with during my half a week ago. Not sure why that is but it’s a concern. Just trust your pt because it will help.
Take care of that leg. Cramps are the worst and I get them in my feet sometimes in the pool. *cringe*
Ugh, I’m sorry to hear that your race plans are getting sidelined… but on the bright side, it sounds like you’re doing pretty awesome in your swim & bike efforts! I need to learn some swimming drills and exercises now that my pool is warm enough. I swam for the first time this year a week or so ago, and while I like it, after 20 minutes I’m like hmm what else can I do to keep this interesting?!
Thanks Nicole. That’s why I love having a coach so I just follow the drills! There are tons of swim workouts on Pinterest – check ’em out to keep it interesting because if you’re not having some fun, what’s the point?
He had a lot of birthdays at the store already? That is HILARIOUS. I’m sorry about your race plans being thwarted, but it sounds like you are making the smart decision by tabling them.
Are you able to listen to an audio book or watch tv when you fold laundry, or do your boys need your attention? I catch up on shows while I fold.
I seriously do not know where he comes up with stuff like that but it was so funny!!
That is a fantastic idea! The boys usually don’t need any attention while I fold my life away. Thanks Dana!!
Uggh, I’m so sorry you aren’t feeling the best, I know how frustrating that can be. Is it weird that I actually like folding laundry? I just hate putting it away! I hadn’t heard that Brittany/Iggy song!! I think it needs to make it on my playlist! Happy Belated Mother’s Day!
Yes, that is weird and can you please do mine? 🙂 Hope you had a great Mother’s Day!
I’m sorry things are a hot mess.
Ice cream IS the way to go though.
Oh yes it is! There are very few things better then eating ice cream in the sun with your husband and kids. Love it!