After Sunday’s failed run, I was determined to make up those miles on Monday. However, once again, life got in the way: Daddy is on new hours – mornings, the complete opposite of what he is use to – and got home late; the boys needed me – not a sitter, me. It was just one of those days.
But, sometime between Sunday morning and Tuesday, though, I realized that things happen for a reason. Truly, I needed an easy weekend of running. My mileage has climbed over the last three weeks, as has my long run. At this point in the game, the last thing I want to do is injure myself.
So, instead, I ignored the missing miles and continued my week as planned. I ran with the boys on Tuesday, did my mid-week long run solo yesterday, ran alone again today (I love finding a teenage babysitter on a Friday afternoon) and am ready for 14 miles on Sunday morning.
So, what is the real reason that Sunday’s run was a miss? On Sunday, I got home and jumped on my windtrainer. Wednesday night, I was tied to the house again so, once again, I turned to my bike. I love that my youngest can play for 45 minutes while I get my cardio in. Not being able to run has sent me back to my bike for extra cardio and as a way to develop other supporting leg muscles. Of course, this won’t replace the road miles I need to run during marathon training, but it will keep Mommy sane.
This week, I realized that, sometimes, things are just not meant to happen. But, as a result, my boys are happy and that is, first and foremost, of primary importance to me. Also, I’ve reminded myself that I need different cardio too. Lucky for me, I can easily work Skipper and Little Ironman into my cross-training. Life is good.
So many times, I find myself in the middle of delivering a complex explanation for my actions. Then I pause and quickly realize it's not so complex, it's usually because I do things just to make my kids happy.
I think the world is better for those choices.
Most marathon plans build in a step-back week, in your case, life plugged one in for you.
like you said, sometimes things just don't work out, but it's great you got time in on the bike. hello cross training!
You definately don't want to get injured. Injury isn't fun.
Often it's best to just skip a missed workout and move forward…
Ditto to Angie B's comment. You have your priorities in order–the rest will fall into place.
How wonderful that you have your priorities in line and know what makes you most happy! I like that you are careful not to get injured too. Its hard sometimes when you want it so bad to take it down an notch anyways.
I just got back into cross training and I am feeling it!!