in the dog house

Becoming a mom and becoming a runner happened pretty much at the same point in my life. Going back to school happened very shortly there after. Rowen, my oldest, was only about 8 or 9 weeks old when I went for my first run that eventually led to this madness. People often ask me how I juggle everything, but the truth is, I really don't know any other way. Since it's become a big part of my life, running has always been something that gets scheduled around nap times or classes, is sometimes dependant on babysitters or final exams, and often includes jogging strollers, sippy cups, or showing up to class drenched in sweat. I can not even fathom the life of an elite/professional athlete, whose training and job are one in the same. (I am, however, still holding out for that sponsor looking for a middle of the pack mom to travel the country in her 50 states marathon quest and document it on this bright pink blog. Don't worry, I haven't quit my day job yet)

I like to think that I do a good job balancing my life given the circumstances (working, working on my degree, and chasing my crazy toddlers) I often hear "don't forget to slow down and take time for yourself", and believe me I do. It's just that my version of slowing down is in a pair of Nikes at a 9:40 min/mile pace. I'm telling you it doesn't get more relaxing than that! So while I like to think that I do a pretty good job of balancing my life, I've always secretly wondered when and if I would crash and burn. And I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one wondering.

Well my friends, the time is here. Who placed their bet for the week of March 7-13th 2010? Congratulations, it finally happened. My body has utterly rebelled. Who knew the wonderfully magical world of Disney would be to blame? And yes, I blame them and their ridiculous wake up calls for their irresistible races, haha. Four days in a row of 4 hours or less of sleep (two days for races, two days for driving) caused my immune system to go on strike, and now I'd like to self diagnose myself with the flu. A couple days of puking, a couple days of fever and chills, and now a general feeling of crap. Maaaybe the two weeks of school before the race, where I was freaking out about a paper or test on just about every day of the week had something to do with it.

And to add insult to injury? I MISS RUNNING. I miss training. I've fallen SO far behind on my training schedule that coach is probably going to have to repeat this week's schedule for the 3rd week in a row. That is if we don't just have to go back to square one. I couldn't have gotten sick during one of those weeks when I felt mentally burnt out and just needed a break from training. Nooooo. Instead, I get sick on a week when I'm mentally burnt out and desperately need to run to clear my mind. And did I mention, it's kinda nice outside lately?

What's more, I start to think about my very first triathlon, 5 weeks away, and I start to panic. A mere 300 yards in the swimming pool still scares the crap out of me.

Ugh.

Don't worry, I am listening to my body. Despite the fact that my dailymile profile weekly training chart is starkly white and blank, I've been sitting around on the couch with my babies, catching up on my Wonder pets and Spongebob Squarepants (or Sponge Bob Yellow Rectangle, as my 3 year old prefers to call him). While I did manage to shuffle in, un-showered and totally disheveled, for a few classes, I did suck up my guilt and skip a few days worth of school and work. But oddly enough, even though I feel like I've been run over by a Mack truck, the lack of chaos is driving me crazy. I think I have a wandering running spirit, it hates to be tied down.

Times like these are to be remembered on those perfect days when everything fall into place.

Run strong and stay healthy my friends. Not even magical Disney Tinkerbell fairy dusted princesses are immune from burn out.

Oh, and if you are wondering why I'm in the dog house...I forgot my blog's anniversary. One year ago yesterday. Sorry blog. I didn't get you anything.