Thursday, December 3, 2009

And then the day after....

Thanks for all the support on yesterday's blog. I had to get that out and needed a little pick-me-up support. You guys are the best.

I spent the entire day yesterday from the second I walked in the door from work until I went to bed, well past the 9:00 time frame I had hoped, in the cozy comfort of my warm flannel sheets and down comforter. I told my kids I was sick; essentially I was. I emerged for a brief evening meal of swiss cheese (protein!!) and a bowl of Cheerios (fiber!!) and quickly headed to my safe haven of the confines of my bed. Whew! Nothing like the warmth of my bed-ridden layers! I slept horribly, of course, and all day at work today I was in a tired funk and snapped at kids. I did apologize though. Cuz that's what nice people do when we offend others.

Yeah, yesterday was a total waste of a day.

But I think maybe I needed it. It made me appreciate the days I'm not lost.

I vowed not to repeat it today, despite it taking every ounce of will I have not to return. I can't even tell you how loud my flannel sheets were screaming at me upon return from school today. Oh man....they are sooooo warm!!!

I put on my running stuff, cranked out part of a writing project, pried twin 2 off the couch where he was starting to become part of it, and headed out in the balmy 12 degrees temps to the gym. (it's currently 3 degrees right now. I'm certain I've mentioned it a time or two...but I hate winter. No running outside in 3 degrees for me, I have my limits)

Having missed yesterday's entire workout (hard to run when when wrapped up in flannel and feathers), I thought I'd try to combine yesterday's weight/core workout with today's hill run. Fail. Ish. I got the hills in as I thought that was the more important of the two, but after 45 minutes of running, I had little energy left for any major weights. 15 minutes of some arm and ab stuff and I called it quits. I don't really know what I'm doing, I guess I lost my trainer. Running coach-Jill knows what to do on her own but marathon-tapering-stressed-having-had-her-trainer-always-do-the-work-for-her-in-the-past Jill is really just kind of a blob and winging whatever feels right. It's not my preference but... oh well.

Getting out and getting the workout in did the mind some good, though, and I feel slightly elevated from the gloom I was in all day yesterday and earlier today. That's a plus! Running certainly can heal!!! Let's just hope each day gets a little better and a little better and a little better.

I think I have sinus infection # upteen hundred for the year. Par for the course; every single time I have a major race, I get one. I ran up Mt. Evans this summer with a full-blown sinus and ear infection attack and on a strong antibiotic. My advice for y'all: never run up 4000' in 14.5 miles on a pretty major antibiotic with an inner-ear equilibrium imbalance. Wowwwzie. I seriously thought I was going to fall off that mountain. 1 week before Portland? Sinus infection. Boston? Yep. Tucson? My sinuses are bellowing, OUCHHH." Back to the dr. tomorrow and back on another antibiotic. Maybe I can get a pill to make me forget the pain ...and while I'm at it, one to make the legs run faster! To add to my sinus concerns stress, twin 1 AND 2 both have sore throats and not feeling up to snuff. Great!!!

It's now time to get up close and personal with my all-time favorite book for runners: Brain Training for Runners by Matt Fitzgerald (not to be confused with Matt M. running Tucson. At least I don't think so). This book was pivotal for my scrambled mind just before St. George last year so I'm hoping to go back and re-read a few page. Mental Girl (aka: Sensitive Girl) here needs a few therapy sessions. I took the book picture myself....I know, my photo skills are top notch! You really should read it - especially page 160 where it talks about feeling bad during running and running badly. Serious brain matter here I tell ya' - and I'd be the expert on all try-to-get-your-brain-focused-on-matter-at-hand running books out there. I have many.

Need to close by mentioning that I have totally gotten into marathon taper cozy/lazy-ness; evident by wearing slippers to school today. Well, not slipper slippers but my high top boot-type slippers. The kids love it when I dress like them; but my daughter thinks it's rather "retarded." No one ever said she wasn't honest. I took a picture of my favy slipper boots for ya, too. $21 at The Gap when using Friend and Family 30% off coupon two weeks ago. Score! It's not the Coach purse I'd really rather have...but I'll take what I can get for now. Yes, I also took this lovely picture and yes, I have my slipper boots on with my running tights. And yes, that's my toilet as a backdrop. And yes, that's my Boston '09 jacket on the floor next to my slippers. Gotta love myself sometimes!

One day at a time....

17 comments:

saundra said...

Hope you feel better soon! I completely empathize with sinus problems: been there, done that. Congrats on getting at least part of your workout done with all that you have on your plate right now. That book- love it!!! I hope to start one of his training programs in 2010.
Take care!

Laura said...

THis will all pass over...you are amazing.
Hmmm...I likey those boot/slippers...I am GAP headed today so I might have to check those out.

Anonymous said...

I will have to message Ponchero stat that you have posted a picture modeling "running tights".. I hope you get over the stupid infection quickly! and that the twins don't have sore throats this morning and catch whatever it is :)... It's Friday... have a margarita this evening to celebrate the end of the week. I hear what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico..hmmm...RC

Marlene said...

I think it's okay to take a day like that now and then. Hope you are feeling better.

Oooh, I love those slipper-booties!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Glad to hear you were able to give a day to yourself. Sometimes we just need to retreat a bit. I hope it helps you rebound.

Of course, I run twice a day most days (when I get my way) so consider the source for this next comment but...don't over do it with a sinus infection. Sick from the head up (with no fever) it's okay to exercise not try and kill yourself to make up for taking a down day!!

Be kind to that strong body you have, it's working hard for you. And in what 8 days it will be working really hard!

I love your choice of photo backdrops! heehee

Felice Devine said...

Feel better! If you can run 72 laps on a track (just saw your comment -- thanks! -- but, wow, 72 laps?!?!), you can kick that sinus infection! Hope it is long gone in 8 days :-)

Croughwell said...

Good luck!!

Anonymous said...

Wow. I'm feeling like an honorary chick commenting on this post (yes, that's a good thing!) If it's any consolation, be assured that not all guys are jerks. Yes, all guys but ONE are jerks, and we DO have that one guy locked in an undisclosed cave in the Himilayas, but that's a start, no?

p.s. what IS wrong with your weather widget? it never seems to get above 32 degrees. Maybe it's accidentally set to celsius?

Anonymous said...

Early race day forecast: low 48, high 63, mostly cloudy, 10 percent chance of rain. Pretty stinkin' perfect.

Anonymous said...

You made me laugh out loud w/all your slipper's comment! :D
Get better soon!!!
AndreaS

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

I read that book. The point he made about how we're afraid to run faster when it starts to hurt and we slow down before we need to (hope I'm getting that right, it's been awhile) gives me the courage to push harder when I want to slow down. Better not tell me if I remembered this wrong... I need all the help I can get! ; )

Unknown said...

OK Girlie, once again my mouth is agape. I just happen to be following the marathon training plan from that same book, Brain Training!! No joke! I LOVE the tempo schedule and long run schedule, it's really whipping me into shape. Did you know that it's the non-chi version of Chi Running? Too funny! Anyway, glad you're over the hump but so sorry you're a little sickie one. At least you have cool and comfy boots though. HAPPY tapering little one and rest, rest, rest!!

Rookie on the Run said...

I'm glad you're feeling better today! Funks happen... I'm glad to see you can laugh about it today and enjoy wearing comfy boot slippers at work.

Davide (The Artist Formerly Known As Moose) said...

And all this time I never read that book 'cos I thought it was "Brian" Training and it wasn't meant for me!
I love your slippers! Fiona saw them and wants them too now!
Ciao :)

Happy Feet 26.2 said...

I have to order the book. You guys have sold me on it.

Where did you live in AL? (I read that on the Running Artist's blog) I am originally from AL outside of Mobile

Anonymous said...

Sometimes life throws us for a loop that challenges us more than an uphill marathon. We need to learn to use that stress and pressure to make us stronger inside. I've no doubt you have the mind and spirit to tackle this head on, but you have to believe in yourself. Everyone else does!

Hugz... MB

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

I totally want to read that book. I think that the mental determination is where I can improve the most.

Love the pictures! Your daughter is wrong. Those slippers are sweet!