my workouts go to hell in a handbasket. Now that Joe is home more, I am enjoying the guilt-free "gotta go work out now, honey" evenings. This past week and two weeks ago were great--not a single workout missed! Whoo hoo! Last week, not so much. Joe took a much needed break to hike the mountains of Peru, and as a result I got about 70% of my training in. Maybe it's just the increase in volume (Saturdays are now 70+ miles on the bike with at least 6 miles pounding the pavement) that totally wears me out by midweek. But combine that with the pleasures of single parenting and its associated little league practices and games, play dates, dance carpools, and having to figure out dinner every night and all I want to do is fall asleep at 4pm. Luckily, I am not alone. My friends Kellye and Jennifer also blog about the challenges of motherhood and training--it's nice to read another perspective and know I have company in my angst. Giving myself over to others that need me (mainly Joe and the kids), is important but also helps me appreciate my workout time as my own.
While the time away from training weighs heavily on me (to the point that I am sometimes afraid to confess my missed workouts), I need to be able to step away from a workout or two and let the rest of my life reclaim me. It gives me a chance to rest, recover, and heal. It seems to me that many of the people I care about are in the process of healing--from injury and surgery, lost jobs and loves. Those are things that ice baths, compression socks, and chocolate milk can't easily fix. Time will work its magic, I'm sure.
13 comments:
You moms that do all this really do amaze me and I'm the one who should feel guilty for missing workouts - I have NO excuses! (But sure enough I make them up!)
Wouldn't it be nice if chocolate milk and compression socks could fix more than sore muscles? ;)
Not to worry - you will be more than ready for IMUSA. And..your family will be right there cheering for you (me too!)
I think you're a superstar to manage all you do! Sounds like you're nailing the key workouts, sometimes that's the best we can hope for when live intervenes. Keep up the good work!
oh, i can totally relate! that is why i never plan rest days - they just happen. why do they happen? cause they are needed timewise or cause i'm needed for something much more urgent. it's okay. you just have to go with the flow. you'll get them in - you know you can and will!
Kate! you are doing great!! just hang in there and keep enjoying your "OFF" Sundays and with Joe gone things are EVEN HARDER - single moms are my heros!! - and we will make sure we try to keep and stay balanced somewhat. HANG in there! :)
Hey there, you are a super star at all you do. I mean who has time to drop cards in the mail, send sugoi tops and still train for an IM oh and also be a mom and wife? YOU!
This is the time of year it is easy to get caught up in the weather and training and countdowns. Enjoy your cool vacations ahead and as you said, things will fall into place!
Kate -- I'm right there with you. I will tell you a confession: I missed a week! A WEEK! An ENTIRE week . . . when I was in Vegas. And, with my injury, I'm only able to do 7/10ths of my total workouts anyway. But you know what? I'm still plugging away and I if I miss something, I jump back in there I trust my ability and the training that I do have. It's like what we learned in the clinic last year: if you're on a trip cross-country and you realize you've made a wrong turn, you don't go back to the beginning, you simply get back on track and keep on cruising. We'll get there. And, we'll be toeing that line at Mirror Lake and crossing the finish line in the Olympic oval. Have faith. xoxo
Sometimes a break that leaves you less stressed and more rested is better than any workout. Though those types of breaks may be harder with all the errands and events going on in your life and with your kids. Sounds like you've found the right balance - as you are looking super strong out there!
You're doing great! It's never easy juggling our crazy workout schedules, let alone those of you who train for IM. It seems you are balancing everything quite well and maintaining a good healthy perspective. Keep it up girl!
We will fix all ills at Eagleman 70.3 with a martini (or in my case a 1/2 of one)! I am in training now. I will attempt to drink 1/4 of one this Saturday night when the hubby takes me out for mothers day dinner. You on the other hand, have incredible endurance both in life (did I once hear 4 vodka gimlets?) and in training. 70% of workouts is GREAT considering all you have going on and Joe having been gone. See you soon!
It's not easy being a mom, but adding in everything else we do, we should be wearing a big "S" on our chests. (Of course, that would look better on you than me, lol!) Keep up the great work...and I agree w/ TG 40 Something... sometimes a well deserved rest is just what the body ordered.
Hey Kate - I can't believe I didn't see your post sooner... sorry for the delay.
You know - I am simply amazed by you. The love that you have for not only your family, but your friends and even this sport is incredible. The job(s) that you have - ESPECIALLY the part about taking care of the kids - well, that's just amazing. I love how you keep things in perspective - triathlon IS great, yes. BUT its not everything... I can tell how much your family means to you - hubby and kids - and it makes me smile. You are doing a fantastic job of handling the stress of it all with much grace. HUGE HUGS your way - and a giant toast as well!
Cheers Kate!!! You're doing great!
Yeah, you should come visit Julia and I! We'll do a workout together! And no need to wait until it's "warm" - it was fricken HOT here today!!
p.s. Your workouts in your sidebar are CRAZY!! Maybe we shouldn't workout together.....
;)
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