In a perfect training week...

1. Yoga: I would get in some yoga after my runs. Running does not help with flexibility; it does quite the opposite actually. So knowing this, my hips & achilles scream to me every morning first thing as I stumble down the stairs that I should be adding in yoga to my weekly workouts. Instead what I am doing after my run is a half-assed downward dog while waiting for the coffee to brew before bounding up the stairs to get ready for work.

2. Planks & pushups: So effective for running strong & let's face it, looking good. I should get them done daily, really how hard is it? Unfortunately, lately I keep telling myself when I don't squeeze them in that I'll do them later that night after I put the kids to bed...which usually means I will think about doing them again that night but then, I settle down to have a glass of wine & get distracted by the various last minute bedtime requests (one more story, hug, fresh water, etc) that they get forgotten for another day.

3. Weight training 2x a week: And AT the gym....a day of kettlebells/TRX/interval training with another day of good old fashion, big girl weights/high reps total body workout. Throwing a couple of too light dumbbells in my living room while catching the news does not count!

4. Fuel:  Post run/workouts, fueling myself with anything that doesn't come out of my coffeepot & has some mix of protein/carbs...a nice recovery shake followed by a very healthy meal 1-2 hours later preferably some more protein with some fresh of the earth food. Shoving whatever is left in the fridge in my mouth while running out the door, driving in the car, or working on the computer....does not quite cut it. Nor does the fasting I manage to do all day until the evening hours when it's an all out eating buffet for me...and for the record, just because it says Trader Joe's on the label...does not make it good food...junk food is junk food...organic & natural or not...fancy crap is still crap.

5. Tunnel Vision: I would not be so obsessed with getting my run done that I would miss the opportunity to catch up with an old friend I haven't seen in 20 years. Yes, I admit, I did this...I was half asleep...and it was in the middle of an 18 miler up north...but still, once he said his name, I could have stopped the Garmin & paused for a minute to do a quick catch up. Instead, I tried to yell out my pleasantries as I continued to run...CAN NOT STOP....since when was I the girl that couldn't interrupt a run for a social hello?!

6. Forgiveness:  My family, friends, people I haven't seen in 20 years, & others I have been cranky, tired, & just plain boring with...will forgive me. I am aware that I'm not my normal easy breezy, you can interrupt me during a run, kind of mood...I am focused...and I know I am no fun right now. I've got a lot on my plate trying to balance this marathon training with my shortcomings (too many past injuries to list),a new job, my family & friends, and let's not forget, my gig as the lawn boy, maid, chef & overall family secretary/errand boy. It's a tough, tough balance. Most days I feel like I'm failing...but I appreciate the support & encouragement & when I finish, you will be the first people I thank for forgiving me when I was not always at my best.