A Couple of FIRSTS

Me and Steph, at mile 3 of 7

First day of Kindergarten

Sunday, Steph and I had a goal of 6 miles. I had in my head that we would do 7 because I didn't quite get to 6 on the hills the previous Sunday. The first 3 were so hard, my endurance felt like it was in the toilet. Had to walk more than I hoped. We got to mile 3, and these nice men on bikes offered to take our picture. The plan was to turn around and head back, but I had to go to the bathroom and the closest one was at the 3.5 mile marker, so off we ran. Should have taken a picture at that one.

We stopped to use the bathroom and to take in some Gu. Now I have been avoiding the stuff, seemed like it would be kinda gross, but both Bob and Steph said I need to try different electrolyte sources before the race to see what worked for me. So we opened up our packs of Gu, I took one thick, gooey swig and man, my gag reflexes almost did me in! The stuff is not that bad tasting, but the TEXTURE - I just could NOT do it. So now I  need to try something else, something to chew or drink, I don't know. But the thick gel - AIN'T happening.

We headed back, and I am noticing that I do better, longer, on the latter part of my runs. I pushed through to each half mile, walking steps in between for a quick rest rather than several minutes. Steph ran ahead of me, allowing me to find a pace and groove that worked for me, but I felt like such a slow poke. We talked about how the more I walk, the longer my overall run will take, and I don't know if there is a time limit on this. I sure don't want to go 13 miles in 4 hours! So I have merely 6 weeks to step it up. Starting to panic now. We plan to stick to about 4 miles for each of our 2 weekday runs, then increase the Sunday runs. Liza suggested to me yesterday not to wait until the week before the event to do the big 12 mile run - not enough time to recover before the race, do it maybe 2 weeks before, I will talk to Steph and see what we should do.

I was feeling the hip flexor and a bit of knees as we neared the end. Definitely knew I would be feeling it. Got to the end, Steph yelping and cheering me on and I tell you, I was ready to collapse at her feet at the 7 mile marker. Pretty proud of myself. That is the farthest I have gone, did it in 1-1/2 hours. At this rate, though, I'm looking at well over 3 hours for this 1/2. Cripes.

Felt pretty serious heel pain later in the day. Iced the usual spots and added the heel, limped all the way to Danville for Alex's championship game. Won the 3rd tournament this summer! Boys feeling pretty good, and he played in 4 of the 5 games - at the Premier level, so he's on the mend but was pretty sore after each game. Getting his groove back, proud of my boy.

Heel is way better today. I think it's just the pounding. Hardly feel it today, so tomorrow, good to go.

Woke up at 3:30 am, mind racing with Cassie's first day and my first day as well. Then Cassie kept coughing so at 5am I gave her a treatment of albuterol with her nebulizer and she was better. Fell asleep at 5:30 only to have a very vivid dream of a major earthquake, the rolling sensation was so realistic, and then the sensation of falling off the edge of the earth. Knowing I couldn't get to Cassie at her school. Not the first time I have had the earthquake "dream", and the falling off sensation. Hate that dream.

Woke everyone up early. Got Cassie in her uniform with minimal problems, she took some nice shots before school. She said "Mommy, I'll miss you today!" Kissed me and sent me on my way, running in front of daddy to her classroom. My big girl. She really surprised me today with the lack of drama surrounding the whole event. Stupid me, though, thought she was getting out at 1:30 and didn't read the letter correctly, she got out at 1:00 and I was 20 minutes late! So totally embarrassed, in front of the principal and her teacher, my friend. Not acceptable, although they both assured me it was okay. Cassie was not the only one picked up late. She was so cool, not worried at all and thrilled to see me.

Two orientations went well, 25 students showed, 6 missing. We'll see if they come tomorrow. I worked till 4:30 just to get ready for today. I hate being behind in planning my week. I feel so isolated, though, without Janet to work "with". Raquel left me alone today, which is just as well. I do NOT want to help the one who tried to take my position! She can figure it out on her own. I've got enough to do on my own. Call me petty, but whatever. She has to earn my respect back.

Cassie is coughing a lot, she may not be able to go to school tomorrow, if she gets more sick. I am hoping it's just a cough and doesn't work in to a fever or something. I cannot call in sick on my first day with students! So if she is going to stay home, I will have to leave her at mom's and hope she doesn't get the other kids sick. Great timing, poor baby.

Lastly, we were getting frozen yogurt after school today and the lady in front of us was getting 4 big cups. Cassie turned to me with a thoughtful look and said, "Mommy, why is that woman getting CUATRO cups?" My baby, using Spanish on her first day :-)