Slow and Steady

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

I'm Back!

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.
~John Wooden

Positive Energy Nets Positive Results. It is our quarterly quote at work and I am working on owning it. Things have not always gone my way, but lately I have been embracing the idea that my circumstances are my own and I can make the best of them so I can shoot for the best possible outcome. Here's how this relates:

My Running Life
My A race this spring is this Sunday's 1/2 marathon. I have an opportunity at a Krav Maga workshop this Saturday that will prepare me for my first belt testing. So what did I do? I signed up for the Krav Maga workshop. The downside is I will probably have some decent muscle fatigue Sunday from Saturday's effort. I want to PR, but know that it may not be in the cards for me. I am happy with my training, my consistent weekly runs and how I have taken on trail runs for my long runs so better prepare myself for an easier time on my flat 1/2 marathon. Oh, did I mention I am going to a going away party on Saturday night? Not the best move, but I can't miss saying bye to a great friend as she starts her new journey as a military woman. Anyway, I am really hopeful my mental preparedness will make up for any physical fatigue that might hold me back.

My Work Life
I haven't gotten every promotion I have put in for, bummer. But I have made it my mission to improve the team that lead and thereby make a positive impact on the office as a whole and things are working out. We had a big wig meeting last week and I really felt like I put my best foot forward. One can only do their best and despite some crazy family life issues recently, I really felt like overall I was on my game.

My Home Life
My babies have been sick. Like the whole vomiting in the middle of the night kind of sick. I feel awful for them, but on the happy side, snuggling sick babies at 3 AM while watching A Bug's Life until their tummy settles is pretty precious. In other home life news you all probably have read my cousin died. I am sad, but the whole funeral service was focused on what's next? How will we as family and friends continue a life that was cut short? Some of my family is talking about doing relay for life because she died of a rare cancer. Others are donating blood at specific blood banks that will contribute $10 to the local hospital where she spent her last days for every donation received. I have never donated blood, but I made the call yesterday to get the low down and I am hoping to make Monday 3/14 my first day to donate. Hopefully it is not too traumatic. I am have been too chicken to donate before now, but feel that extra push to give it a try. If I can handle it, I will start the schedule of donating every 56 days which is the max frequency. As for relay for life, I am still researching, but may do it as a family activity to honor her. I don't think I will be one of those people who run with her name on my shirt or anything like that, I know it will come off as completely selfish, but I run for me and am not mature enough to make it about any one else just yet.

Why I Kick A$$: Even when I was grieving (i.e. binge eating on junk food and sleeping for 9 hours a night) I still tracked my calories. 
 
It helped me not go super overboard, but I am annoyed I still gained weight even though I was running and staying in a reasonable calorie range. A friend of mine said the stress could have caused all kinds of imbalances so I'll wait it out. If by April 1st I am still not comfortably in my pants and rock'n a hot body, I may have to try something different.
 
Thankful Three
  1. For smooth tequila and chocolate chip cookies
  2. For Baskin Robin's mint chocolate chip sundaes
  3. Movie night with my family

5 comments:

Christi said...

Your friend is right. Stress can wreck all kinds of havoc on your body!

Good luck with your Krav Maga class and your 1/2 marathon!

Average Woman Runner said...

I'm sorry you have a sick household. I hope everyone gets better soon.

Love the quote at the start of your post. Too true!

2 Slow 4 Boston said...

I don't know if I've ever had smooth tequila. Maybe I would be thankful too if I had, or maybe I'm just a wimp.

Sorry about all your troubles. I think it is healthy to express all you issues in your blog to help you cope. You have a lot on your plate, but you will get through it all.

Laura said...

Stress is so hard on your system..more than people know. I am going through some major 'stuff' as well so I can relate.
have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

Keep up the good work - you're pushing though even while grieving/stress. YOU CAN AND YOU WILL DO IT!!!!
BTW, you have a new follower!
Cheers!!!!