Trying to Get Back to the Everyday

Since yesterday was a holiday, and we had a short week last week because of Disney, I've been a little all over the place. I'm leaving again on Thursday, so I'll have another short week. I always talk about how I'm kind of loose with my training and life, but because of that, I tend to operate best on a schedule. I'm like a kid who functions best with some structure. I'm much more relaxed when I don't have to make a million little decisions everyday (should I run? how much? rest? etc.). I think I might be slightly ADD, so I stay more focused if I have a plan to hang my hat on. I'm oh, so willing to spend 2 hours messing around doing nothing, so if I want to get anything done, I have to schedule it ahead of time.

So, all of this is to say, that I'm desperately trying to get back on schedule - and I'm failing miserably! As I mentioned, I'm trying to incorporate yoga into my training, but am having a hard time deciding when is best to go. I used to take my rest day on Tuesday (the big hill day in our running group), but now that I'm going to do Old Dominion (and there is a big mountain involved), I figure I better start doing some hill training. Pronto. So, when should I rest? Every other day has something good going on with the group and I don't want to miss any of it! Can you say obsessive :) I'd also like to do some swimming...and the list goes on. Help!

As for running, I'm slowly inching my mileage back up, careful to keep my heart rate fairly low until I'm ready. I'm back up to two runs a day, half on pavement, half on dirt - one with the group, one alone. I'm staying at the back of the pack, trying for consistency rather than speed. I'm lucky to have some good buddies (Gilbert, Luis) who will stay back with me until I'm ready to open up a little bit. What would we do without our running buddies? I'd probably still be running 11 minute miles around my block everyday!

Finally, if you get a chance, go over to Julie's blog and Ronda's blog to read about some incredible running. Julie just ran a snowshoe marathon with major freezing temps and Ronda ran 40 miles at Pace. I'm just in awe of how tough these women are! After I write kind of a whiny post (see above), I go and read their blogs for a good kick in the butt! These ladies rock!

Happy running!