The Calm Before "The Storm"

The Storm of which I speak is marathon training, of course. ;)

I've been running, nice and easy and no more than 50 minutes at a time. I stopped pool running last week, although I have to admit it's a good way to get that heart pumping when cross training. Definitely throw intervals in there when pool running, otherwise the point is moot. I'll be loosening up a little more this week and doing a few 800s tomorrow and some more short turnover sessions next week along with getting the miles back up. September 1 is just around the corner and then it'll be time to get serious. And I am serious about this fall training cycle! I really don't know what kind of workouts are in store and I can't wait to find out. I do know that my mileage will be up there (compared to where I was before Boston). I don't foresee a 100 mile week anytime this cycle, but I'll get up to around 90 (God willing).

I'll be a real stickler about core strengthening as well. My goal is 3 core routines per week, at minimum. I did the CrossFit workout of the day on Monday and I am SO sore today, two days later. Shows how much I've been slacking with those. But my heart was pumping good in that 16 minute workout, and I love this kind of muscle soreness (well, at least when I don't have to do a hard training run or race). But all of the core stuff combined with the running will just keep the strength level high. That's good!

On the home front, my husband received a job offer at his former fire department. If all goes well with his medical (and I'm sure it will), he'll start in mid-September. He'll be a Battalion Chief... a huge change from working on the line, but he's ready. He's been a line firefighter for 16 years now so I think he's ready for this change. I am so proud of him and know he'll be a good leader.

The kids started school on August 18. The morning air is cooler, crisper. The sun takes longer to rise now and early morning runs will be dark when I get back to them. I can't believe how fast time goes by. It's been almost 2-1/2 years since I worked full time at the police department. I've been working an average of one to two patrol shifts per month since. At first I really, really missed everything about my career. I still miss so much about it when I'm there doing it, but when I'm far removed from it and doing everything else, it doesn't tug at my heart so much anymore. I do enjoy being out there in the community, a community so different from the one where I live.

Working patrol opens my eyes and mind to everything that I usually shut out when I'm at home. Being out there reminds me of all I have to be thankful for! The simplest things: love, family, food, shelter, health.

Since I no longer work full time, I've been blessed to have been able to pursue my hobby of running in earnest. Something I was not able to do when I worked at least 10 hour days and commuted about 4 hours a day to and from work. I've definitely been blessed to be able to be here for the kids! They asked me to not go back to full time yet. Their dad is in Iraq and I think they'd miss having me gone most of the day, too, on top of their dad being gone until next Spring. Not that they don't love and trust their step parents because they completely do, but I think you all know what I mean. Being home has been a gift! I have so many options to consider regarding career, but full time will have to wait a while longer.

Well, time to enjoy some coffee while the toddler plays with his toys. We'll watch a little Olympics (GO USA). I'll run later today after the kids are done with homework.

Hope all is well with you!!!