I have a job that requires occasional late evening work. Usually I like this because I can use it to have flexibility with some other areas of mylife--a late evening can make a short Friday, for example.
Sometimes though, I end up on a stress project where you are working 12+ hour days, evenings and you hope and pray that your weekend stays free. This happened to me last month--right at peak marathon milage!
I did the best I could, but the lack of sleep, stress and long hours took their toll. I did my 16 miler--my Father In Law came to town--there was a weekend with no rest!
I couldnt' do my track workout with my group, so I did it on my own. I missed the rest of the runs that week due to work and more work, plus the needs of my family. I did my 18 miler which was pretty good, but had horrible leg cramps during the run.
I worked through the next week, staggering through the track workout on my own again. Once again I missed all my cross training and runs for that week, started getting sick too. The 20-22 miler was up for that week--I ran it by myself and suffered in the nearly 90 degree heat for the last 10 miles--I did 21 and walked the last 1.
I like running because I learn a lot about myself. This time I learned that I have to accept what I get and I can't always just push my way through training. I also learned that I really hate missing dinner with my husband and daughter in order to get my run done. I would fix dinner for them and then nearly be in tears as I headed out the door. I knew there was no way that I could do speedwork after dinner, so I did this--I hope I don't have to do it again.
I'm finally feeling better, just in time for my marathon. I guess what I want to say is that this happens--usually at the worst possible time--and that you do the best you can.
1 comment:
Boy, can I relate to this! Yes, life certainly does get in the way quite often, but it's tremendously inspiring how you are keeping at your running no matter what!
Your family is your support system, so hopefully all of you can help each other to make it easier for all family members. Perhaps your husband can help make dinner (or set the table, etc.) or help with your daughter. Or, perhaps the whole family can get involved in running events & training. If your daughter is old enough, she could watch her Mommy run around the track; you'd also be an excellent role model for her, so that she can see a strong woman reaching for her goals!
As a wife & mother & careerwoman, it sounds like you give an awful lot to everyone else, so your runs are obviously your time to decompress & have a peaceful moment to yourself. Of course, this time is very important, & it's great to see you carving out that space, no matter how hard it is to do.
Hope you're feeling better!
-C
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