To be the best Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend, and Runner I can be...God willing!

Monday, January 30, 2012

MT: Recap Week Eleven

Oh my gosh!  There are only five weeks left of training and that means the marathon is getting CLOSE!  I might be starting to have some anxiety about it....

This past week was pretty good. I ran 44 miles which was my max limit for the week.

It was a hard week in that I had two 10 mile runs during the week.  That meant I was up at 4:30am twice and 5am for my five mile run.

Because we spent the weekend in LA at a gymnastics meet, I ran my long run on Friday (my third 4:30am wake up in four days).  My long run was only 12 miles.  This may sounds nuts, but I really feel like 12 miles passes so quickly.  I had a great run on tired legs (1:49)! 

Because I missed a scheduled 5K race (remember we were in LA all weekend), I had a time trial on Sunday.  Well, lucky me, I got sick in LA and felt like junk.  I had to run because I did.  I really should not have run, but I never claimed to be a smart runner.  I did a 0.5 mile warm up and cool down. The middle two miles were to be run as fast as I possibly could.  The goal was to feel like another step would kill me.  I ran a 7:03 and 6:59.  I am pretty sure I could have been a little faster if I had been feeling well.  Regardless, I could not run that fast for much longer. Now, my pace ranges have changed.  I feel good about them, but a little nervous at the same time.  My first test will be on Thursday when I am scheduled to run 3x1 mile repeats at 7:20 pace.  I definitely have to feel better for that to happen!

This week is the Simulator week!  I have been looking forward to this for 11 weeks.  I am scheduled to run 16.3 miles at 8:29 pace...yikes!  So far the weather looks good for running!

Oh, and as of tomorrow 1/31/12 I will have officially run 200 miles in one month!  WOW!!!  Exactly one year ago I was excited to have run 100 miles in one month.  What a difference a year filled with dedication, determination, support, and hard work can do!!

3/3/12 is almost here!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Three Things...the leaking edition

1.  Drew's grandmother, Banny, passed away on January 11th.  Despite kind of expecting her to die, it is always a shock to hear the words.  We traveled to Pennsylvania for the funeral/celebration of her life.  Banny was larger than life...the matriarch of the family.  I met Banny before I met Drew's parents.  She welcomed me into all the Woodworth craziness without hesitation.  She treated me like I was one of them long before I knew I would be one of them!  As was stated by so many at her funeral, Banny lived for her family, her faith, and her country.  She was the most hospitable person anyone knew.  It makes me sad to know that my kiddos will not know Banny.  However, lucky for us Banny lives on because of her seven children, thirty grandchildren, and almost thirty great grand-children.  Her legacy, her values, her way of life will continue on without a doubt.  We cried many tears and have heavy hearts, but it is wonderful to know that she is with her Maker in a much happier place!

2.  Joe Paterno passed away on January 22.  I did not know JoePa personally, but I feel like I did.  It was obvious to anyone who paid attention to Penn State who JoePa was.  He was a man of character who loved his family, his school, his players, his country, and his faith.  He believed everyone could be better tomorrow than today.  He lived that out by challenging boys to be men on and off the field.  He challenged students to be better by contributing to the education of so many at PSU.  I have watched many tribute videos this week and feel thankful to have been witness to his life.

"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things!"

3.  On a different leaking kind of note, my house is leaking.   It rained so much on Wednesday and a leak in our house grew and grew and grew.  When I arrived home I found a wet floor and a stream of water flowing from the breakfast room ceiling.  This is what my floor looked like as I tried to contain the water.
I then prepared to climb into the crawl space above the breakfast room to stop the leak.  I found it and placed a bowl there to keep the water from leaking through the ceiling.  I look lovely don't I?
Just in case you wondered how much it rained...our backyard does not normally look like a pool!
Yes, it kind of looks like waves in the new pool.  I am thinking of asking for my money back.  I would like a nicer pool.
 So, I am ready for the leaking to stop...the tears and the raindrops!  This family is in need of some sunshine!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Wednesday's dose of cuteness

I admit that I love to take pictures of my sleeping children.  Children...all children...are so peaceful and perfect when they are asleep.  Samuel is my favorite subject because he falls asleep everywhere and picture taking is so easy!

Last night he decided to go to sleep in our bed (we did not know this).  Of course, I had not remade the bed, but it did not seem to bother him.  He was sleeping like a baby!  I can't imagine how he was comfortable.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

A first for me

I have realized that with each additional child less and less cleaning occurs.  Don't get me wrong.  I still clean, but I rarely really clean.  I save that for parties, lunches with my girlfriends, and visits from family.  I decided that I could continue to struggle to get it all done and try to tend to each child's need each day or just give in.

So, I finally gave in or should I say got over my dumb notions.  Drew has been telling me for years to hire a cleaning lady.  I always said no fully believing it is my job to clean the house.  I am a stay at home mom and I see caring for the house as part of my job. 

I have focused a lot on the Proverbs 31 women this year in my personal readings and at a MOMS group that I attend.  That women was amazing and she did it all every day from sun up to sun down.  But, she had help! Verse 15 says (paraphrased) that she gets up early and prepares food for her family and some for her servant girls.  I think if the "perfect" woman could have help than certainly I can have help.

Yesterday at my MOMS group the discussion was about "Duty or Delight".  What tasks are a duty for me and what tasks are a delight.  At first I thought "great, now I will feel guilty about having help caring for my home."  However, I realized that some of the things I consider to be a duty can now be completed by someone else.  That leaves more room for tasks that delight me.  One of those things is playing with my kids.  I will now have more time...more guilt free time to play with them.  I see this decision...me giving up my silly notions...as a positive step forward.  And, honestly, I am still the one caring for my home.  This is just one way I have chosen to care for it. 

I felt completely weird having someone clean my house while I played with Samuel and Elena.  However, she will be coming back...every other week to be exact.  She did a great job and I did not feel like I had to clean up after her.  I know...silly notions!

Monday, January 23, 2012

MT: Recap Week Ten

 

I must admit that marathon training is going way better than I thought it would.  So far I have successfully rolled with the punches and made changes when needed.  I have not missed a run.  I am working hard to hit my pace zones and complete my speed work.  My body is feeling really good.  In fact, my foot is healing.  I never ever thought that would happen during a 16 week training plan.  I am feeling quite blessed!

Week ten was a recovery week so I only ran 35.5 miles.  I think it is hilarious to say that I only ran 30+ plus miles in a week.  My long run was 12 miles...again hilarious!  The funny thing about this entire process is what now seems long and what almost seems like a waste of clean clothing...again hilarious!


This week I have a time trial.  I wonder how fast I can run.  I am aiming for sub 7 minute miles.  I only have to run that fast for two miles.  I can do it or at least I am telling myself that!




The marathon is getting close!