MONDAY RUN DOWN

I've recently reconnected with an old high school classmate who is currently training for her first marathon.  No matter who you are, preparing for a marathon is rough.  Add the fact that you're a mom with two small children to the mix, and it can be (her words here) grueling.  She very kindly let me know that she is both inspired and entertained by this blog and that she appreciates my honesty about motherhood and running.  I wrote her back to thank her and to let her know that it does get easier, particularly as the kids get older.  This is, of course, assuming that she continues down the marathon road, which many of us tend to do once we've tasted the kool-aid.  No matter who you are or where you are in your life, marathon training is a wild and crazy process from the first run all the way up to the race itself.  But, I don't think any of us can really get through it unless we buckle up and enjoy the ride.  Yes, it's a struggle.  In many, MANY, ways.  But, the greater the struggle, the greater the reward, right?  Yesterday, I had to run 21 miles.  It was the 5th of my 6 long runs in preparation for my upcoming October marathon.  As I tackled this run, and the rest of my day, I thought of Sharon, who was likely going through the same motions.  I thought it would be worth sharing how my day unfolded, if only so she could relate and maybe get a good laugh in.  So, Sharon, this one is for you and to all the other marathon moms out there as well.  Run on, ladies!

REBECCA'S MONDAY RUN DOWN

AM
3:30 Woke up with new puppy and took her out to pee.
6:00 Woke up again, this time for good.
6:01 Made and drank coffee.
6:03 Took puppy out for another quick pee. (puppies pee a lot)
6:15 Said good morning to Rosie and Grace, who are up an hour earlier than usual for no reason.
6:30 Made a bargain with my girls that if they got changed, ate breakfast, brushed their teeth, got their shoes on, packed up their lunches and were ready to go by the time I got back from walking the dog, they could watch a show.
7:00 Walked both dogs with a much needed second cup of coffee.
8:00 Dropped both girls off at school.
8:30 Mentally prepared myself to be out on the road for 3+ hours (I don't remember exactly what I did here, but it involved loud music and dancing)
8:15 Ran 21 miles with my good buddy and running partner Kirsten H.
PM
12:30 Got home, chugged some chocolate milk, shoveled a Picky Bar in, grabbed my bags and hit the grocery store.  Not an easy turnaround.
12:40 Shuffled through the grocery store, likely talking to myself out loud while trying to keep my eyelids open.  Anyone who happened to see me was probably a bit worried.
1:30 Wolfed down half a sandwich in the check out line.
2:00 Said a quick "hi" to the mom of one of my Lex XC runners, who was also shopping, which then turned into a 15 conversation about the team.
2:15 Flew home (safely, of course) and realized that I needed to get my groceries unloaded and unpacked in 10 minutes tops in order to make it to XC practice on time.  No pressure.
2:30 Showered, stretched and iced.
Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.....that was a good one, right?  Who has time for that?
2:30 Splashed water on my face, grabbed a Kona NUUN and left for work in the same running clothes I'd been wearing since 7:00am.  Super cute.
3:00 Got to practice with 5 minutes to spare.
5:15 Finally made it back home.
5:17 Hopped in the shower. (OMG did I need that)
5:30 Threw on my super chic runner mom uniform of sweatpants, compression socks and a hoodie and saddled up for the rest of the evening.

#SMOKIN'

Listen to this:
Middle of the Night* - Vinyl Thief  

* Note: this is currently a FREE DOWNLOAD on Soundcloud.