Wednesday, November 07, 2007

No Rest For the Weary

Just because I spent 17 hours driving to and from PCB and got less than 10 hours sleep the entire weekend doesn't mean I get any sympathy from the rest of the world. We got home just shy of 9:00 p.m. Sunday night. I got up at up and ran 11 at 4:30 a.m. Monday morning and then resumed my regular schedule of getting the kids to school and going on to work. I get home from work Monday evening (in the dark, I might add - ugh!) and head to the gym for Briar's basketball game during which I had been assigned to keep the book. We got home after 9:00 and finished up a 4-H poster for Briar's contest, and I finally breathed a sigh of relief, as Tuesday was a rest day. I went to bed, still too tired to unpack that suitcase or even think about the other 20 things that needed to be done around my house. So the sun came up, and with the rest day came the time to actually notice the situation around my house - suitcase still packed, dirty laundry, clean laundry still in baskets, dust, carpet that would appear to have never met a vacuum...and...then...the...meltdown.

He had to know it was coming.

Yes, he knew. We went back and forth for a minute with ways to get more organized and ways to ensure the boys are cleaning up behind themselves...we threw in a few jabs at the other, and then each took some blame for ourselves...I threw my hands in the air and scurried out the door to work...and then I got home and he had cleaned every thing he could get his hands on during the time he got home from work with the kids and when I walked in the door. As we southern women like to say "bless his heart". I rewarded his efforts with some good homemade chili and grilled cheese sandwiches...and some steamed broccoli and cauliflower to ensure the kids got their veggies. So we're lying in bed last night, still and quiet, and he looks over to see my eyes wide open with a glossy stare.

He asks "What are you thinking about, Lana?"

I snap back into reality and have to respond with "Uh...well...to be honest...swimming, biking and running." Not exactly what he was hoping to hear, I don't think.

But here's the kicker - he's all about me and Ironman Florida 2008. 100% supportive. Perhaps it has something to do with the "light at the end of the tunnel" he sees for 2009, but nevertheless, he is supportive. And yes - I even told him what the registration fee was.

I haven't told him about my obsession for that red, white and black '08 Cervelo P2C...but we'll save that for another day. If the day ever comes when the new bike fund is sufficient, that is.

This morning was a 4 mile recovery run with Michele, Mike and Amy then a swim. I've no idea how far I swam, I just know that I swam about 20 or 25 minutes. The pool doesn't open until 6:00, and I have to be home to start getting ready for work by 6:30, so something is going to have to give come January. I'm thinking we're going to have to have a talk with the aquatics staff at the rec center.

Tomorrow is a mach 10k race in preparation for the sub 4 hr marathon I am beginning to see in my future. One step at a time, one load of laundry at a time, one goal at a time.

12 comments:

Wes said...

I know how it is! Dee Dee and I didn't have a melt down, but I spent a good bit of time cleaning up last night, in between picking the boyz up from soccer, cleaning the kitchen, and washing clothes!

What? You're supposed to have a (super secret) bike fund? Who'd a thunk it? ;-)

Life's changing patterns have just allowed me to sign up for the 10 miler at Chickamauga this weekend. I'm psyched! Have a good one :-)

momo said...

omg, lana, i could have written this post. entirely. eerie.

you'll get there - just like you said, one step at a time. probably more like three loads of laundry at a time, though. especially with all the workout gear you'll be using. :-)

Trisaratops said...

And the great balancing act begins....

I have no doubt you can handle it! So excited to follow your journey.

:)

Tri-Dummy said...

I'm pretty sure triathlon WASN'T what your hubby wanted to hear was ON YOUR MIND!!!

Classic.

Nice having 100% support. You'll need it.

#1 training tool: prayer.

Get after it!

Lance Notstrong said...

I think he was ok with what you were thinking, guys think swimming, biking and running are hot :-) Besides he cleaned for you.....that's love!!!

Ironman seems to be something the whole family has to commit to......sounds like yours has :-)

Anonymous said...

Delurking to say how inspirational you are - getting up and running after no sleep! My kiddoes leave me with many sleepless nights, but while I'm training for my first half marathon, I just get up and go, anyway (although never at 4:30 - that is sooooo early!).

Di said...

OOOOO....I would have been right with you. Had a mini melt down not too long ago.

When you said you rewarded him...I didn't expect it to be with chili and grelled cheese!!!

lol

Lisa said...

I don't have the husband & kids but know how you feel. I've missed my office Christmas party 3 yrs in a row because I was too tired from RC. ha!

greyhound said...

Whether you're a mom like you or a dad like me, slotting the schedule and keeping the home fires mostly burning is all part of the Ironman journey. I'm looking forward to watching yours.

Janet Edwards said...

Wow, I feel stressed out for you just hearing about all that you are juggling! Bless your lil hubbies heart with his helpfulness and support!

Bigun said...

"Swimming, biking and running.....pause, pause, pause....and you, dear, oh love of my life" - do I have to write your lines too? I'm here to help...

Kate said...

You're amazing Lana- I can't even handle the job and the training before I melt down.

Glad JT is on board for IM!