Puke Patrol & the Dark of Night

Puke is just one of the hidden joys of being a parent.

My kids rarely get sick with anything other than a sniffle, so I am pretty relaxed when D complains of a stomach ache in the middle of the night. That is, until I am awakened by the sound of puke at 1:30 a.m.

So I was on puke duty from 1:30 am to 5am. Needless to say, I am exhausted and D is home from school. He’s bummed – it means no football practice tonight.

R is staying home with him this morning so I could come in to the office and get some stuff done; I’ll be home in the afternoon. I’ll just say it’s about FREAKING time he pick up some of the kid-related responsibilities. That is all I am going to say.

I got my run in last night – but I’m not sure how far it ended up being, but my guess is about 3ish miles – maybe a smidge more. I was supposed to have bunco last night, but it got canceled, so I took advantage of the fact that R had already arranged his schedule to be home with the boys.

So I went to my meeting at D’s school; drove thru at Burger King for a Whopper Junior – no mayo – only 7 WW points ;) – then headed to the gym to change clothes and took off.

It was still hot at 7:45 ish when I started running – probably close to 100 still. But no sun, which is definitely a plus.

It started out a pretty crappy run, but ended up okay.

I forgot how much I really don’t like running at night, and I hadn’t done it in so long, that I made some stupid mistakes. First, I wore all BLACK. Black tank shirt, black running shorts. Thank God my shoes are white! Second, and Tewonda the Tri Goddess would be upset: I forgot my pepper spray!!!! There is something comfortable about running with that in my hand – and something very UNcomfortable about not having it.

Motivation and energy come in mysterious forms though- which I learned as I made a bad decision to run through the bus lane at D’s school, since I happened to be running around that area. Not sure bus lane is the right descriptor – but it’s the single lane where the buses park – closed in my chain link fence on side, and the block fences from a row of houses on the other. AND NO LIGHTS. Basically, once you get in there, there is no way out until you reach the other end. Like a tunnel, only open on the top.

This thought occurred to me as I was about ¼ of the way down the lane – which is probably only about 1/8 of a mile or so – but really didn’t sink in until a car turned in behind me.

Not sure what the heck I would have done had the car stopped – I didn’t have my pepper spray to go all Tewonda on them – so I am just thankful I wasn’t faced with that. As they passed, I kicked my tail in gear and sprinted like mad to get out of there. I won’t be running through there again any time soon!

So notes to self: don’t wear black at night, carry pepper spray and don’t run through the bus lanes. I am a smart chick – I learned my lessons!

Is it Friday yet?

I’m so ready.

Life is just starting to wear on my a bit….juggling too many things, and all by myself as R is in the middle of golf season and never home.

T started preschool last week – yesterday was his 3rd day. He is still having trouble with what I call “the transfer point” where he literally leaves my hand and walks in to the classroom. The crying has gotten better (no crying on Day 1; about a minute on Day 2 and about 10 seconds yesterday) and he is super positive during and afterward….so I guess I am okay with it. With as much planning and contemplation as this preschool decision took, you would think I was helping him choose a college!

D is doing great – midterm came home yesterday with straight A’s. This Saturday he gets to go to the ASU game with his football coaches as a Scholar Athlete – for any CYF players that have a 3.5 GPA or better. As much as he makes me crazy at times, he makes me even more proud.

I am ready for FALL. Ready for cooler temperatures.

This morning I called to make our reservations for the Polar Express, only to find that all weekends in December are booked. :( And here I thought that calling in September was being EARLY. Pfffft. We are considering going the weekend before Thanksgiving, which isn’t what I wanted…but it is the best we can do. We’ll just get a super jump start on the Christmas season!

And, only 3 ½ weeks until Rocky Point! Have I mentioned that I could use a vacation?

60 days until Big Sur. Still haven’t gotten out to run again this week. Tonight should be a short run – 2-3 miles so I don’t feel like a slug. I still am not back in the groove.

For all my local runners out there, anyone ever consider THIS? I am signed up – via a friend that used to run with this group – for the RNR Half Training program. It starts on September 23rd. I am already nervous.

Why is it so easy to fall off the wagon, and SO DANG HARD to climb back on?

I tell myself that I am over being mad at myself…and am OKAY with where I am in my running and ACCEPTING of where I am not…..

(but it still ticks me off)

I need to get over myself and focus on what I CAN do instead of what I used to be able to do. *SIGH*


Okay, vent over.


I have gotten so much support around here that I almost feel guilty about whining!!!


I’ll move on to a run report instead.


Since R was gone all of last week, running was out of the question. Can’t exactly leave the kidlets home sleeping at 5 am to go run!

R got home Saturday, so I was out the door Sunday morning…although a little later than I had hoped for. I left about 6:15 and got about 4.5 miles in….still on the run/walk routine.

Picking routes now is tough…I try to make sure I am running north/south when the sun decides to barrel over the horizon so that I don’t get blasted in the face.

But it was still HOT. Even that time of the morning, I was dying of sweat! I cannot wait for cooler weather to show up someday.

It’s hard for me to say I enjoy my runs lately….seems all I do is beat myself up mentally, sweat like a pig, and wonder how the heck I am going to last for 13 miles come November.

Micheline, gotta love her, doesn’t seem worried!!! I think she is in denial. Or something has happened to her brain after living with an Ultra Runner for so long. Me, on the other hand – I AM WORRIED!

62 days from today, to be exact.


YIKES.


My goal for this week is going to be a long run of at least 5.5 miles – hopefully 6. I have one of my old routes up to my parents’ house that should work.

On a lighter note…….we are heading in to one of my FAVORITE holiday seasons:



HALLOWEEN!!!!


I am home tomorrow, so am planning on dragging out the decorations and T can help me after preschool!

I am a Halloween freak……I loooooove decorations and every year we hold a big neighborhood party in our driveway…potluck style, fire pit, beverages (both adult and kiddie!) and it is just a ton of fun. I am so looking forward to it again this year!

Which reminds me……I’ll share some stupid Halloween humor!

Anyone know what these are?

C’mon……… you know.

Oh, my sweet neglected running journal….or now a blog. I have gotten 3 messages so far from gals at pregnancy.org wondering where the heck I am, and what is going on with running.

That group has been so inspirational – I hate to leave them – but I just think this is a better format. I’m sure the mods there are thankful I won’t continue to take up journaling space too! I feel like I have made in difference in people’s lives by being there – and maybe by my own ramblings, inspired others to purse an active lifestyle – no matter how difficult it may be. Anyone who can make it through the 40 pages of my running rollercoaster deserves SOMETHING out of it! ;)

There are also more runners out here in blog land—and also many wannabe runners like me – that I think this is the better place. I will post a link in my journal so that my stalkers can still find me if they need a good chuckle.

For others, I've added THE STORY OF ME link right over there ->


*sigh*


Now 65 days until Big Sur. For those who don’t know me yet, this is the race I have supposedly been training for.

I have two partners in crime – Micheline (in Nevada) and Lisa (in California) that will be joining me in this race. Hopefully one of them will have enough energy to drag my ass across the finish line in a somewhat respectable manner.


If you’re not enough of a glutton for punishment to read about my past life, here are the highlights of me:

1. Almost 2 years ago now, I decided I wanted to be a runner – after never really running a long distance step in my life; I became a Penguin, and started waddling

2. I suck at running. I really do. It is a lot of work and it is hard for me. I am not a natural runner.

3. I am SLOW. Turtle-like.

4. I don’t even like the act of running so much – what I like is the way I feel AFTER I run that keeps me doing it.

5. I completed my first 5k in April of 2006 and a 12K in September of 2006. The pic is from the Bridge to Breakwater 12K in San Pedro, CA. (I am the short stubby one, with the plethora of gear on my arm….next to the 2 tall skinny chickies..):

6. During a race, I run about a 12 minute mile average

7. Did I mention, I am freaking SLOW?

8. I am embarrassed at my running abilities and usually run alone for that reason (see Micheline, I can admit it now!)

9. My longest run EVER has been the 12K (just shy of 8 miles)

10. I lost almost 20 pounds running in 2006, and have gained it all back (something due to the fact that when you take a break from running, you have to take a break from eating too…..funny that, huh?)

11. I am struggling to lose weight, improve my running and not having much success at either

Whew, that was like a catharsis of sorts.

I am *supposed* have the following races on my calendar as well:

Race for the Cure 5K – October
New Times 10K – November
Turkey Trot 10K – November
Iron Girl 10 Mile – December
PF Changs Half – January

I have a lot of work to do.

I have back tracked so much since this time last year that it PISSES ME OFF.

Who can I blame?

Me. And my stupid schedule and busy life. And my hubby’s stupid schedule and busy life. And my kids’ stupid schedule and crazy life.

I have not allocated enough time to train for Big Sur as I had hoped. My goal one day is to show up for a race and actually feel PREPARED. Actually feel as if I am well trained and READY.

It isn’t going to happen in November, so I am hoping with some inspiration in Blog Land, and some arse kicking from Micheline, maybe another race on my calendar will indulge me that luxury.

Ahh, the wisdom of advertising...

A game of tag?

Pat “tagged me” so I guess this is what I do…..don’t forget folks, I am a blog-rookie!

Jobs I’ve held: hotel reservation agent, political fundraiser, IRS intern (no hate mail please, LOL), accountant, office manager, director of human resources and accounting (current). Pro bono position: MOM.

Grown Up jobs: pretty much all listed above – I didn’t work until I was in college!

Future jobs: I love what I do…so unless I win the lottery or retire someday, I don’t see a change in my future profession.

My Guilty Pleasures: anything CHOCOLATE, pizza, Starbursts candy, Alaskan King Crab

Places I’ve Lived: Socorro, New Mexico; Columbus, Ohio; Tempe, AZ; Chandler, AZ

Show I Enjoy: Guiding Light, Law & Order, Dirty Jobs

Websites I visit daily: a ton of work-related, financial sites; Pregnancy.org; Self Propelled (thanks Pat!) and several blogs of my Preg.org girlfriends.

Awards I have won: many academic awards in high school/college; AZ Employers Council Excellence in Human Resources award; “Best Mom” certificate from my sons for Mothers Day!


Nicknames: used to be K-squared (my initials with my maiden name), Honey, and Mom!


So am I done? How do I tag someone? I need to figure this thing out. ;)

67 More Days

I wonder how I figured I’d have time for a blog?? Sheesh. I am lame.

A quick update for now……….Big Sur is 67 days away. I have come to terms with some things:

1. I am not ready
2. There is no way for me to be truly *ready* in the next 67 days.
3. I will need to use the Galloway method to complete the race.



Once I came to terms with where I am, and my limitations – all is well in my world again.

I got back on the running track (somewhat) last week with a short 2 mile run during the week, and a 4-miler both on Saturday morning and Monday morning.

Using Galloway, I run 2 minutes, walk for 30 seconds. I just wait for the beep and doing what my trusty watch tells me. This may not be the most glorious way to finish a half marathon, but it is the only way for me right now. It keeps my foot from going numb and keeps me moving. What more is there?

I am hoping to maintain some short runs during the week, with an increasing long run each Saturday or Sunday until November. It may not be the best training plan out there, but it is the only thing that has a hope of getting me to the finish line.