I run a taxi service on the side...

So here I am, surrounded by a slew of endurance athletes...some are literally Pro's, with olympic dreams, others trying to satisfy that incessant need to expend some energy and be competitive post HS/College years, and even some just trying to keep themselves as young as possible.  No single story is less inspiring than the other - I believe we are all inspiring when we decide to push our boundaries and get "out there". 

So when the term "endurance" is spoken, the first thought might be directed toward what these people are doing...but lately my thought on endure is getting through the week (weekends included) without losing my mind...

Let me explain.

I've got 3 kids, 2 of which are involved in travel soccer & piano lessons.  One is also involved in track, and the other with 2 other extracurricular activities.  Therefore, we have activities scheduled every single day of the week.  Yes, Monday - Sunday.  Double sessions.  No days of rest in this house.  Kid #3 is a good sport - he gets dragged around from place to place, with just a little whine or protest here and there...but I'm pretty sure someday soon he's going to rebel and say "the hell with you people, I'm not doing anything anymore, and you can't make me".  Only a matter of time.  And have I ever mentioned my husband is training for another Iron Man Triathlon?  About 20 hours/week in some cases of any combination of swim, bike and run...all the while working full time + (I totally get the term "mom's taxi").

Anyway, so from planning the entire week's worth of dinners on Saturday am, food shopping for the whole week somewhere inbetween activities over the weekend...I'm trying to stay on top of things because it would be all too easy to run through a drive thru en route to any activity.  I do not want to sacrifice my family's nutrition for convenience - I suppose you could say it's one of my own personal "core values" - I believe how you fuel your body is incredibly important - and particularly while my kids are still growing and developing at a fast rate.  Setting them up for a healthy adulthood is critical.

I know some day it will pay off dividends, and as long as I can squeeze in some running time for me I can maintain the stamina to keep on keepin' on.  Only 7 more years 'till kid #1 gets her license... which will be a whole other animal...

No one said it'd only be point A to point B

In case anyone's worried

Wouldn't it be nice to have a "no-fail manual" for how to do almost everything in life?  Something absolutely clear cut; do this, get that as the result.  Cut & dry, black & white.  No deviations or other scenarios allowed...like 3 kids involved in various activities, a husband training for an Iron Man triathlon...oops, I digress...


Looks like another "must-
read" how-to manual to me

I signed up for a half marathon in April, and am trying to kinda sorta follow a training plan, but so far I think I've actually completed 3 (out of a lot) of the scheduled workouts.  If it were my first race, I'd probably be thinking I should drop out...but I know I'm capable of completing the distance whether or not I follow the plan to a T, so onward I (try to) go.  I'm not expecting a PR (personal record, or best), but knowing race day lies ahead keeps me motivated to try and squeeze a run in when I can.  So, tonight, I expect I'll be on a treadmill after the kids go to bed, but at least I'll have the satisfaction of mood boosting endorphins and knowing I won't let myself give up - doing something good for me and ultimately my family in the long run...for if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy....

Adios February. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Well, February has struck again and 2 out of 3 kids have been struggling to get rid of a nasty upper respiratory bug for 2+ weeks.  I am so very thankful March is here- while it's just something the calendar shows, mentally it's a big boost as I know spring is "officially" within reach.  Someday I'll have the means to relocate to a warmer climate during the entire month of February.  I hear Costa Rica is awesome.  

Anyway, I really can't complain about this winter in terms of temperature - I can't ever remember February temps only in the 40's - 50's; and sunshine to boot.  Starting training for the next race hasn't been too torturous - or boring stuck inside on a treadmill.  My spring race of choice (Rutgers Unite 1/2 Marathon) won't be my competitive race (for me) though - Mike is ramping up his training for the inagural NYC Ironman in August, so I'll have to get some runs in where ever I can fit one or two in...just to get my butt up off the couch.  I know that if I don't sign up for something or have a reason to fit exercise in, it's too easy to skip (like this week has been, unfortunately - but sleep takes precedence in my book). 

Yes, I've learned that it's all too easy to "put off today what you can do tomorrow", or really, truly what it means to "give a task to a busy mom and it will get done".  The more I have to fit in, the more gets done because I know I can't afford to procrastinate - whether it's exercise, meal planning, work, family stuff...and I know it's just going to be more jam-packed as the third kid enters the wide world of extracurricular activities (he's already got his eye on wrestling and rugby). 

Thus, that is why I'm finishing up this blog entry at 5:58 am on Friday morning (although I must fess up that I should have had this done yesterday), already gearing up for another full day, and even more jam-packed weekend.  But hey, it's March!