Something's Gotta Give
I feel like I have been running on all engines for...well...who knows how long?...and to be quite honest, I am wiped.
Wiped...the F...out...is more like it.
And really, all I want to do is curl up, and hibernate...for...oh...about a decade or two. although I'd sure miss a lot of good stuff, wouldn't I?
Nicole's comment on my previous post kind of struck a chord with me...not necessarily a bad one, just sort of a 'wake up' one.
She said something to the effect of "You two are amazing." I'd just like to say...hardly. The past few weeks training has definitely taken a back seat. Sure, I've made a few runs here and there...and been able to get in the saddle for a bunch of rides, but the swimming front...sheesh. Without looking at my schedule, I probably can't tell you the last time I was in the water. And for the most part, I'm okay with that (who knew that I could actually swim relatively well...although this mini-hiatus is probably going to hurt my endurance in the short term, I'm not too worried about it since most of my long swims have been well over the half iron distance).
But honestly? Most days...most days...friends and family and birthdays and jobs and fundraising and everything else is simply more important to me than getting that extra 30 minutes of intervals in...or those 1500 yards of drills in the pool.
It's just that I usually try to do it all. And for some amount of time, even if it's for an hour...a week...or a month...I can. Usually.
I guess I need to just build in some me time so I don't run myself ragged. I get so caught up in life, that I forget to stop and breathe. So it's gogogogogogogogogogogogoSTOP.
Take our schedule for the next few weeks...we're traveling later this week and weekend...and running the Shamrock Shuffle. And then we're in St. Louis...running a half marathon. And then we're back in Kansas City for a wedding. And somewhere in between, we'll be celebrating Mike's birthday (note to self...get on the ball with this one). And when we get back...we're about a month away from the first Triathlon of the season. The ridiculously hilly Galena Tri where you get to bike your way out of a canyon. And how many times have I done outdoor hill training this season? Oh yeah...NONE...BECAUSE MOTHER NATURE IS RUTHLESS AND IS DUMPING SNOW STORM AFTER SNOW STORM ON MY DOORSTEP. And on top of it all, it's like the greatest few weeks in college basketball...and I rarely miss a Kansas game (and by rarely, I mean...uhmm...1 or 2 in the past 5 years).
See what I mean? We plan all of this stuff and have absolutely no downtime. Ever (seemingly).
I really need to better improve my work-life-training balance. But most importantly...I need to remind myself that I'm only human...there are so many hours in the day...I can't do it all...and sometimes, something has to give.
Wiped...the F...out...is more like it.
And really, all I want to do is curl up, and hibernate...for...oh...about a decade or two. although I'd sure miss a lot of good stuff, wouldn't I?
Nicole's comment on my previous post kind of struck a chord with me...not necessarily a bad one, just sort of a 'wake up' one.
She said something to the effect of "You two are amazing." I'd just like to say...hardly. The past few weeks training has definitely taken a back seat. Sure, I've made a few runs here and there...and been able to get in the saddle for a bunch of rides, but the swimming front...sheesh. Without looking at my schedule, I probably can't tell you the last time I was in the water. And for the most part, I'm okay with that (who knew that I could actually swim relatively well...although this mini-hiatus is probably going to hurt my endurance in the short term, I'm not too worried about it since most of my long swims have been well over the half iron distance).
But honestly? Most days...most days...friends and family and birthdays and jobs and fundraising and everything else is simply more important to me than getting that extra 30 minutes of intervals in...or those 1500 yards of drills in the pool.
It's just that I usually try to do it all. And for some amount of time, even if it's for an hour...a week...or a month...I can. Usually.
I guess I need to just build in some me time so I don't run myself ragged. I get so caught up in life, that I forget to stop and breathe. So it's gogogogogogogogogogogogoSTOP.
Take our schedule for the next few weeks...we're traveling later this week and weekend...and running the Shamrock Shuffle. And then we're in St. Louis...running a half marathon. And then we're back in Kansas City for a wedding. And somewhere in between, we'll be celebrating Mike's birthday (note to self...get on the ball with this one). And when we get back...we're about a month away from the first Triathlon of the season. The ridiculously hilly Galena Tri where you get to bike your way out of a canyon. And how many times have I done outdoor hill training this season? Oh yeah...NONE...BECAUSE MOTHER NATURE IS RUTHLESS AND IS DUMPING SNOW STORM AFTER SNOW STORM ON MY DOORSTEP. And on top of it all, it's like the greatest few weeks in college basketball...and I rarely miss a Kansas game (and by rarely, I mean...uhmm...1 or 2 in the past 5 years).
See what I mean? We plan all of this stuff and have absolutely no downtime. Ever (seemingly).
I really need to better improve my work-life-training balance. But most importantly...I need to remind myself that I'm only human...there are so many hours in the day...I can't do it all...and sometimes, something has to give.
posted by Iron Jayhawk at 8:39 AM
13 Camper Comments:
Nice vent! We all know the feeling so yea been there done that. I can't offer much advice other then to think three times before you plan something.
I have gotten away from running races or doing to much stuff that requires a bunch of travel. It all looks fun but the fact is there is a ton of fun stuff to do.
Hang in there balance will come you just need to work at it.
Just stay with it and I think things will fall into place. You'll find that rhythm and balance and it won't seem so much stressful and just routine.
Don't feel about not being outside to train. I can count the number of times I have been outside on one hand....er, finger. The TNT treadmill hill has helped more than any outdoor hill training has ever done for me. Those coaches know their SHIT. Make accomodiations and go with the flow. Life is all about balance and letting go.
I know, Denise...but running on a treadmill is drastically different than actually being on your bike and cycling up a 200 ft. hill. You can't simulate that kind of situation on a trainer.
And right now...I'm *not* marathon training. I'm half-ironman training. So while TNT coaches know their shit, my Well Fit coach has a plan and the credentials that will get me through the 70.3.
This is the stuff that makes you feel alive! I love it when life piles so much on my plate and I have to ‘man up/woman up’ and deal with it. When I was your age, we had to do all of that while running from dinosaurs!
Sometimes it is okay for someone to say that you're amazing (even when you don't feel it). Isn't it nice to know that you amaze SomeOne? You know there are people who amaze you and they don't see it. It's okay.
You ARE amazing.
*deep breath*
Now, just let it sink in.
Okay, Now you can rest.
maybe dial back a bit, but stay with it. the journey to the event is what makes the event so special. you can and will succeed. later.
One day at a time. Do your best. Don't overthink.
Its all about how you feel mentally. If you feel awesome, and its just other people telling you you take on alot, then you are on the right track. If you feel like you are doing a bit of juggling, take a break. I think we all deserve a break once in a while, and it can only make you stronger!
Yes, we are all human. Don't forget to take care of numero uno.
Well, what needs to be eliminated? Can you get rid of Mike? :)
Finding balance is an on-going struggle, isn't it? Just imagine how much harder it would be without following your passion of running!
I'm working to re-establish my own balance, which is no easy task. My problem is that I've been neglecting my running and feel a bit like a slug - allowing the kids and work to take over!
I'm feeling inspired by your post and will committ to running today to start off this week fresh. Thanks for sharing your frustrations and determination.
No matter, I still think you are amazing! Sometimes just having a boring day at work is an excuse for me to blow it all off. I'm envious of how much you do manage to get done, even if it isn't everything you planned on.
In saying that though, do whatever is best and healthiest for you! I love reading about your endeavors and you inspire me to get my butt moving!
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