Ohhh, now I get it.

Today I did my run with a new piece of electronics. . .because I needed new running gear just like I need more running shoes (are you getting the sarcasm across the internet miles?  Because I'm laying it on thick).

I got a Garmin 310XT. 

A couple weeks ago, I had a duathlon, and it rained almost the entire race.  I might have mentioned a little something about it in a previous post.  Anyway.  Normally I wear a MotoActv.  An awesome exercise watch that also has my music on it.  One small piece on my wrist, like a large watch, and cordless earphones, and I am good to go - usually.

Over the past year of wearing the Moto I have discovered a few disadvantages. 
#1 - Battery.  Of course, with the Moto doing everything except the laundry and dishes, the battery wears out fairly quickly.  I have figured out how to use it so that it lasts at least for a half marathon run, if not a little longer.  Keep in mind that for those two hours the Moto is using GPS and music, so the battery is usually at 10% by the end of a race.  It died during my full marathon.  Still, I liked having ONE piece that did it all.  It has been more convenient, than not.

However,
#2 - Moto uses a swipe screen action.  I have to drag my finger over the screen in order to get to the items I need.  This is normally not a problem, except when it's raining (remember the duathlon?  It was raining).  When it's wet, or my finger is wet, I can't use the screen, which pretty much makes the Moto useless to me.

Finally,
#3 - Now that I am a super-awesome multi-sport athlete (hey, this is my blog, and I can be Queen of Fitness if I want. . .), I have found that the Moto does not transition easily from one event to the other. 
This was the main reason I was looking at new fitness technology.

That was a long explanation to get to my main point.  Sorry.
The Garmin is awesome. 

I used mine today, and I think I want to wear it 24/7.  I am completely lured into its addictive powers of information.

Luckily, a fellow LKN MRTT (Moms Run This Town) was selling hers, so I got a great deal.  Otherwise, I could not afford such an amazing piece of technology.  However, that said, if you are looking for a good fitness watch - investing in a Garmin would be a wise choice.

I love it.

I wore it today for a 4 mile run after work.  It's very easy to set, and the entire run I could easily see the screen which let me know at a glance:  1)  Distance, 2) Running time, 3) Pace and 4) Heart rate percentage.  I'm sure the Moto could give me all this information too - but because of battery life, the screen was not always visible, in order to save power.
It was so helpful to see all the information.  I kept my heart-rate in between 80-90% for the run.  I managed to keep my pace at a 9:10mm or less.  It helped to see the numbers as I ran; to guide me with improving my running.

It also can be programmed to switch from run to bike to run with the press of one button - which will come in handy during duathlons.

Now, I totally understand why some runners are fanatical about their fitness watches - their pace, minutes per mile, heart-rate, etc.

I get it.
Now, if only I could get the Garmin to do the laundry and dishes. . .

Mama's got a brand new bag!

Ohhh, another goody!

Runners are very particular about their "stuff".  My sons' K/1 teacher is a marathon runner, and she once made a comment about runners and all their car stickers that advertise their running.  It's true.  I, personally, have two running magnets - for now.

Other runners, like to run and get "bling" - the medals at the completion of a race.  I have lots of medals, but they aren't what I run for, or my reason for a race, or not. 

I have a ton of shirts from races.  This is hit or miss.  I have some favorite race shirts, and others I wear as grunge shirts - to get sweaty or dirty. 

There are actually at least 6 shirts missing from this pile - in the laundry.

Early on in racing though, I saved my bibs.  Those number sheets that runners wear pinned to the front of their shirts.  Some bibs have the timing tags on the back, some don't.  Some bibs are just plain with a number, and others are more descriptive and colorful. 

What to do with these bibs?  I discovered Mile 22 Bags;  I think just through a random internet search, but I am so glad I found them!  They make bags - a variety of styles and colors - made out of your own racing bibs.  How cool is that?  Very cool, I think (as I am writing an entire blog post about it). 

I collected my bibs - depending on what style bag you want to order, you save up a certain number, they can also use racing shirts, time sheets, maps, etc. . . I just used bibs.  I mailed them off.  I got an email indicating my items were received. 

Just this past week, on Monday, I got an email saying that my package/bag had shipped.  Being the OCD person I am, I checked the shipping status approximately 10x a day, even though I think it's only updated once a day.  So far, it hasn't made the package move any faster. 

***
It's here!  I got my bag - and I love it!  It is made of high quality nylon (i.e. tough and hopefully durable).  This style is called Race Day Tote - and that's what I plan to use it for.  I am always lugging stuff to/from races and runs, and this bag seems like it will be perfect for all my gear.

 

What's your favorite race paraphernalia?  What do you do with all your race "stuff"?

Give it a rest.

A rest day is recommended for people who exercise regularly, to give their bodies and their muscles a break - a rest.

Normally, I try to take Sundays "off" from working out.  This has more to do with my schedule, and it works out best for me, and my family. 

Is one day off of exercise enough?  Does a day of not exercising truly help a body to heal and recover?  How does one know when they are pushing themselves too hard - is there a way to tell before serious injury occurs?

"Life as I know it has changed."  I received this text over a week ago, from Fitness Guru, "I blew out my knee last night."
After a doctor's appointment, MRI, and a meeting with an orthopedic specialist, it turns out that Fitness Guru has a meniscus tear in her left knee.  Not good.  Luckily, no surgery required, but a serious wake-up call to take it easier on her body.
"When I see you next, we are talking about your workout schedule," she texted me after the news.

Hello Pot, I'm Kettle.   

What?  She wants to tell me about my workout/race schedule?  She is great about giving advice, including to take a rest day - perhaps she can model this for me.  One of the many things I respect about Fitness Guru is that - with working out - she walks the walk, not just talks the talk.  During class, she is spinning or lifting right along with us. 

Just like someone usually does better with exercise and fitness if they have a workout buddy - perhaps we need to implement a Rest Day Buddy?  It might help.

I have been pushing myself this month (I will elaborate in a different blog post).  This past weekend I had an amazing and challenging duathlon.  I had not been prepared for the trail running portions, and I am paying for it now.  My left foot has been sore since the race - I think I might have twisted it funny while leaping over mud pits and dodging rocks and roots.

Taking a page from Fitness Guru's current situation, I made myself NOT run today.  I had to plan for this starting yesterday.  Sad, but true.  What could I do in order to NOT run after work?  Normally, I start thinking about my after-work-run around 10am, when I need to eat my pre-run banana.  By noon, I am dressed and bolting out the door for a run around town, pound out the stress, think through problems, and re-energize before picking up the kids.

Sort of like hiding the cookie jar if you are dieting, I needed to keep my feet busy. . .
What to do?  What to do?

Ahhhh, a pedicure. 

I'm still missing my run terribly.  I find myself fantasizing about slipping on my running shoes and doing a quick jog around the neighborhood, but I look at my pretty toes, and remind myself that I need to take today off.   It's okay. . .Really.  Right?

 

 

DU #2 - Did you know?

Yesterday, I completed my second Duathlon.  This one was at Lake James State Park.

Did you know, it rained all day yesterday? 

Yes, it did.  According to my weather app it was not supposed to start raining until noon - when the race would be over.   However, Mother Nature decided it would be extra fun (funny?) to start raining at 7:30am, right before our 8am start time. 

Did you know, that it did not just rain?  - It poured.

All our gear had to be set up in the transition area prior to the race.  So - everything was soaked, prior to the race.

This was a Tri/Duathlon.  So, swimmers gathered down by the lake.  I took my place with runners, up at the start line.  Off we went!

Did you know, it was a trail run? 

I didn't know that until three days before the race, when I actually read the race description in detail.
Trail runs are not my favorite.  Every now and then I do one as a training run, for change of scenery/something different.  However, I am usually a bit paranoid about tripping over a root or rock, and injuring myself, so I like to stick to roads/sidewalks.

This race was a trail run.  4.1 miles for the first leg.  The trail was narrow and very, very muddy due to the on/off rain.  I decided early on that I would rather run slow, and be cautious, than risk injury.  So, slowly, I ran - dodging mud puddles, holding onto tress around turns, and trying to keep an eye on the runner in front of me, as the rain was coming down so hard, I couldn't pick up my head fully - it was easier to look down.

Did you know, it's a small world after all?

I picked a runner early on to keep in my line of sight.  Not only did we go the same pace, but we were wearing the same shoes, which I felt was a bit of karma perhaps?  So, we started chatting.  We live near each other!  Her son goes to my school!  We have several friends in common!  It is truly a small world, and I made a new running/biking friend.  We ran the entire first leg together, before entering the transition area to get our bikes.

Did you know?

It's easy to find your bike in the transition area, when there are only 4 bikes left.
Yup, yet again, I was at the end of the pack.
I quickly got out of my running shoes, and into my cycling shoes - everything was soaked at this point.  My socks, my shoes - me. 
I made it to the bike mount area along with my new friend, and we started up the hill.  Yes, you read that correctly, they had us starting up a hill.
There was another girl who was with us at this point.  I will call her "19", as that was the number on the back of her leg, indicating her age.
Up the hill we went.  I asked my new friend to get in front, so I could keep an eye on her, and she could set the pace.

Off we went in the pouring rain.
Two BIG hills early on - and "19" mentioned that she was not used to these sort of hills, being from Wilmington (which, is relatively flat).  She was in for a treat - as this bike race was nothing but hills.  And by hills, I mean small mountains.  "19" fell way behind at this point. . .and me and my new friend proceeded.

At about mile 10 (there are 22 miles to this leg of the race), my new friend pulled ahead, so I was on my own.  Around this point, I was also passed by a 77 year old man, and a 56 year old man who had an 80-year old knee - as he told everyone at the starting line, because he was wearing some high tech gear on his right knee for support.

I had lots of time to reflect on this ride.  Clearly, riding is not my strength, but, I was really enjoying myself.  That has to count for something, right?  The route was beautiful, as it looped entirely around Lake James.  So often, to my right was the lake, and to the left, mountains.  The rain had tapered off to mist, for the most part, so it was really quite a nice a ride.

At mile 20 I wanted to die.  It felt like it was uphill, never-ending.  I was tired.  It was raining again, and now windy, and felt like I was being hit with hundreds of little needles.  I was alone.  It was very much like "the wall" in a marathon.  I had to push through - besides, for some weird reason, this foggy, desolate stretch of the race was making me think of Stephen King novels, and I didn't want some crazy dog or possessed car to sneak up on me.

Did you know, that it's very difficult to transition when everyone else is done with the race?

I pulled into the bike transition area and it was packed;  not with people getting ready for the last leg, people who were DONE with the race.  So, they are milling around, changing and chatting.  I couldn't get my bike onto my designated rack.  Then, everything of mine was still soaked (no, it didn't miraculously dry while I was out my ride, as I had secretly hoped).  As I tried to get out of the transition area, another racer finally realized I was still in the race, and helped clear a path for me to get to the next leg.  Thank you, kind race-woman.

My running & cycling shoes, drying out, recovering from the race.

Did you know, that there is a Close-er at the end of a race?

This was a surprise.  As I headed down the stairs towards the last leg of the race - a 3.1 mile trail run - I picked up another runner behind me.  For the first half mile, I ran awkwardly, trying to adjust to being off the bike, and I used this time to try and figure out how another runner ended up behind me.  She wasn't "19", who I hadn't seen since the beginning of the bike portion. (Incidentally, "19" must have left the race because she never finished, and her car was gone when I went to load my bike.)
As we ran, I heard her tell the volunteers on the path to pack up, and I realized she was a Closer:  A person who runs after the last person, to make sure everyone knows the race is over! 

I told her that I thought there might be one more person behind me (please, please, please let there be one more person behind me), and she said she'd check at the turnaround water stop on our course.

Again, for these 3.1 miles, we dodged serious mud, narrow trails, and some large rocks and roots. 
At the water turnaround we learned that there was in fact, one more runner behind me (whoo-hooo!).  I kept running.
At this point, I had my running legs back, and I felt great!
I spotted the 77 year racer ahead of me, and sped up.  I managed to pass him, although kudos to him for kicking my butt for 3/4 of the race.  Up ahead I saw another runner shuffling along.  I managed to pass him.

And, Did you know?

I finished the race.
At mile 10 on the bike portion, I was doubting myself.  By mile 20 on the bike ride, I was questioning why I do this to myself. 

But you know what?  I did it. 

And, I still had some energy to spare, because I was ready to take someone down for a bagel at the end. 

WORKing out.

This whole work thing is getting in the way of my working out.

I find myself more eager for my workouts these days, as work related stress increases.   I'm not wishing time away, per se, but definitely anxious to get on with my "me-time".  This week we had major testing.  I was basically stuck in a closet for 3+ hours each day for the past three days - a windowless closet.  Stuck.  It was very stressful for me, I can't imagine what it was like for the students.  Today, my third day in a row, in a windowless room - for 5+ hours this time, I was practically jumping out of my skin to get outside and run.  By the time the last student finished, I had my running bag over my shoulder, walking as fast down the hallways as possible to go change, and run.  I got it in, just before carpool started.  Thank goodness.

And, I don't even work full-time.  How sad is that?  I know, get your violins out.

Honestly, life is stressful enough.  As I've mentioned before, my workouts, my "me-time", are a chance to decompress, and calm down.  I always feel better after a workout.  Always.

Recently, I've been trying Pilates.  I have 3 introductory sessions, and I am going with a friend from work.  It is on the reformer machines, which I think is totally different from the Mat Classes - which I have done at the gym. 

I think of myself as in shape and relatively fit, but these reformer classes must stretch me in new ways, or different muscle groups, because I am blissfully sore afterwards. 

I've always believed movement helps with so many things - stress, positive attitude, energy, and learning.

A fun new way I integrate work with working out?  New math problems for the kids!
"If Miss X works out from 5:30-6:30 in the morning, and then goes for a run in the afternoon from 12:00-1:20pm. . .How many hours does Miss X workout a day?"

"If Miss X starts running at 1:15 and she runs for 2 hours and ten minutes, what time is she done running?"

I also incorporate a lot of movement/activities.  My groups of students at work have been playing basketball with math facts, and we also do a running exercise with our multiplication tables. 

Win-win. . .as long as I am not stuck in a windowless closet.

A Mental Workout


If my running/workout addiction does not put my family into the poorhouse, my book addiction will certainly be the straw that breaks the camels proverbial back.  I love books.  If I'm not running, I'm reading. . .and I read very fast.  That's not always a good thing, but it really means that I don't like purchasing books, because it feels like I just wasted money since I am finished so fast.  I am constantly perusing amazons free title section for decent freebies.

But just recently I learned how to borrow books from the library for my Kindle.  Genius!  I was finally able to get my hands on a book recommended by Spin Teacher Fitness Guru. . .and it was worth it.
Normally, I love fiction - any fiction.  This is non-fiction, and there were a couple dry sections, but overall, I really felt like I understood the material, and the presentation of many concepts were interesting and relevant.

Spin Teacher Fitness Guru recommended the book, The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg.  Have you read it?  If not, I do recommend it.

I found a lot of information in this book pertains to my life in several ways, but the most prevalent was on my fitness routine.  Or should I say, Fitness Habit? 



Here are some specific quotes that I noted, while reading:
"Cravings are what drive habits. . .millions put on their jogging shoes to capture an endorphin rush they've learned to crave." (pg. 59)
There is absolute truth to the craving of running, the endorphin rush.  Last fall, through totally unplanned circumstances, I ended up running three race weekends in a row - big races.
First was the Davidson Run the Green Half Marathon (13.1), the next weekend was Ragnar Relay Maryland to DC (13.8), and the final weekend was the Charlotte Ramblin' Rose Half Marathon (13.1).
I remember after running a great race for the Ramblin' Rose, the following week I told my Fitness Guru that I already felt ready for another race. . .I craved it.  The thought that I had no more races lined up put me into a bit of a depression.  This is true!  I was in such a funk about not having a race to run, I felt like a crazy woman. . .but it was truly like an addiction, and I craved that rush from racing and running.

"But for many people, exercise is a keystone habit that triggers widespread change. . .There's something about it that makes other good habits easier." (pg. 109)
I can't speak for anyone else, but I know that since taking my running and exercise more seriously, I am almost obsessively (see next quote!) more aware of what I feed my body.  Don't get me wrong, I won't turn away from a brownie, and I consider Ben & Jerry a couple of close, personal friends every now and then, but overall, I want to eat healthier.  I am not working out like I do to fill my body with junk.  Plus, more often than not, I find that I crave healthier foods.  I want fruits and veggies.
I think diet and exercise are truly combined.

In reference to Michael Phelps, ". . .a capacity for obsessiveness that made him an ideal athlete.  Then again, all elite performers are obsessives." (pg. 111)
I think, at times, my working out is a bit obsessive.  I recognize that, but I also believe it is part of my success with the routine and regularity with which I workout.  I lay my clothes out the night before, I have a running bag packed by the door for noontime runs with friends.  It's why I try to register for at least one race a month - to stay on track and focused. 

"Willpower isn't just a skill.  It's a muscle, like the muscles in your arms or legs, and it gets tired as it works harder, so there's less power left over for other things." (pg. 137)
I don't have much to add to this quote, other than if you read the book, this whole section was quite fascinating - the experiments conducted and the results concerning willpower.  I just had never thought of it as a muscle, that can get tired too.  Although, after reading this, it makes a lot of sense!

Finally,
"If you believe you can change - if you make it a habit - the change becomes real.  This is the real power of habit:  the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be.  Once that choice occurs - and becomes automatic - it's not only real, it starts to seem inevitable. . ."  (pg. 273)

This, of course, was close to the end of the book, and I found not only applies to my running and fitness, but to any other habit, routine, or even addiction. 
It really does boil down to choice.


What do you choose?

Char-Heel Classic Bike Ride

Saturday I participated in the Char-Heel Classic Bike Ride.  There were a 5 mile, 22 mile, and 41 mile options.  I chose 22 miles.

I had not really participated in a bike race before this one.  I did have a duathlon in March - and I have another one next weekend.  However, this race was only biking.  The distance of 22 miles was perfect, because I have a duathlon next weekend with a run, bike, run - and the bike portion is 22 miles.  So, now I have a good idea of what's involved.

Today's race - ride? - was interesting.  I had learned from my duathlon in March that bike shorts, specifically, bike shorts with a chamois in the seat - are made for a reason.  I wore my pair this time.  Definitely more comfortable, although my girl bits still were sore by mile 9, it was not as bad as my last long ride.  Bike shorts with chammy will now be worn on all long bike rides. 

I was absolutely not pleased at the beginning of the ride.  Although this was a small race (under 200 participants), I felt less control in the initial crowd, being on a bicycle.  We are all clumped together at the start, and I was very worried about running into someone else, or getting run into.  Nothing happened, but it did stress me out.

Once we spread out a little bit, I was more comfortable.  I tried to locate people I thought were doing the 22 mile distance, so I could follow them along the route.  However, the roads were not closed for the ride, and groups kept getting split up by stoplights.  I found this quite annoying - as it's not something I usually deal with while running races.  Road running races are usually closed, or there are police officers at major intersections to guide us through uninterrupted.  I realized what a perk that is, while on the ride today I was stopped at several traffic lights, one for over a minute.

Enough grumbling.

The race was beautiful!  The weather was perfect.  With rain predicted earlier in the week, we could not have had more beautiful weather.  It was mid-60s, and sunny.  The ride itself wove through some beautiful neighborhoods in Charlotte, and at several points I found myself contending with house-envy.  I also love the click-clack sound of all the bike shoes clipping into the pedals at starting points.

Thanks to Spin Instructor Fitness Guru I was very prepared for this hilly ride. . .In fact, I killed it on the hills!  There were a lot of hills (thanks, Charlotte), and I always passed groups going up.  For some reason, I seem slower on the flat and straight?  Other than the sore girl bits, I felt great.

The finish was completely uneventful.  There was a large awning I rode under - there was no one there cheering or congratulating.  I was proud though.  It was a great ride.
To challenge myself, and prepare for next week, I managed to hop off my bike and go for a short run.  I remembered from my duathlon that it took me a while to adjust to being on my feet, especially after riding so long.  That held true again.  It took me about half a mile, before my legs felt normal, and I could run without consciously thinking, "left, right, left, right".

Overall, I would love to do another race-ride.  I liked that it was more of a ride, than a race, in the sense that like running, I felt that I was only competing against myself - how I perform, not anyone else.  I also got a very cool insulated Camelbak water bottle, instead of another race shirt.  Bonus to useful swag!

And remember:  Chammy shorts for long bike rides.  You'll thank me. . .

Motherhood #2: Who is the toughest?

At work/school a couple weeks ago, I saw a woman wearing a wonderful shirt.  It was so true!  I had to have it. . .so I ordered it. 

It arrived this past weekend.  The packing was tiny, but cute, with stickers that read, "One Tough Mama" and "Small but Mighty".  The label was addressed to:  The Very Fit Girl.

I was in love before even opening the envelope. . .but yet, inside. . .a purple tissue paper wrapped item, with a pink ribbon! 

My shirt.  My wonderful, wonderful Mother's Day shirt.  And inside the shirt?  Another little package with a note and a magnet, letting me know that I by purchasing this shirt, I am helping to support a small, independent company:  Lift Your Sole.

Check them out.

And my new Shirt-of-Truth.

Front:  Motherhood.  The Ultimate Endurance Sport

 

 

AMEN. I will be living in this shirt.

                                                                                                                
Back: Being a Mom, is like running a marathon.
                                                                                                                  Every. Single. Freaking. Day.

My Personal Soundtrack

A couple of months ago, the Spin Teacher Fitness Guru played a list of songs that she said were her "Head Music".  At the end of class, she challenged us to come up with our own personal soundtrack.

This has been on my mind a lot the past month.  I have always had songs that spoke to me - defined a moment in my life, reminded me of someone or something, or have a particular affect on my mood.  I think the Fitness Guru was more specifically referring to music for working out, but I am thinking more of a Life Soundtrack, that includes working out.

Dave Matthews and Jack Johnson are absolutely my Mellow Men.  Other than being my back-up husbands, in case things don't work out with my current man, listening to any song by these guys helps me to calm down and decompress.  Seriously, I can play one of their CDs and all of sudden, no matter what, all feels right with the world again.

My husband plays music regularly, and is very good.  He has several songs that also make me calm and happy. . .Plus, I find it incredibly sexy when he sings.  Win-win!

There are songs, like, The Living Years, from Mike and the Mechanics that take me back to my childhood, and make me think of my Dad.  Or almost any song by Carole King or Rickie Lee Jones make me think of my Mom.  I can't hear Stairway to Heaven, or Every Rose Has A Thorn, and not get transported back to high school (sometimes good thoughts, sometimes not). 

Do you remember in your younger days, when you had some traumatic (for a teenager) event going on, and it seemed like every song that came on the radio was speaking to you?  Just the other day, driving with my family, the song, What's Up,  by 4 Non Blondes came one the radio.  I had this memory from high school, of screaming along to that song, while driving down the twisty, isolated road to my home, after a particularly nasty break up with my boyfriend.

Much, much later, when I was very early pregnant with my 2nd child, there was a possible "issue" with the baby.  It was extremely stressful, as the predicted condition was fatal to the fetus.  On my drive to the hospital for a follow-up ultrasound to determine this possible problem, the song, Let It Be, by Paul McCartney came on the radio - and I just listened and cried all the way to the hospital. 
Everything ended up being more than fine, thank goodness, but to this day, I hear that song, and remind myself to, Let It Be.

The soundtrack for my life is much different from my workout Head Music.  I need mellow in my daily life, but when working out?  I need motivation and energy!  Plus, I can get sick of songs played over and over, so I am frequently changing out my workout playlists.  Currently on my motivation list are:  Awolnation, Stone Sour, Missy Elliot, and Florence & The Machine. 

I know there are a lot of running "purists" who believe in running without music, but I need it while I run.  I plan out my playlists before races, and look forward to tuning in and zoning out.  I have tried it both ways, and feel that I am a better runner, with music.

I love how two people can listen to the same song, but take away completely different meanings.  One of my favorite songs by my husband is Off Axis.  When I first heard it, I had a very specific vision of what it meant to me, and I shared with  my husband.  It was not even close to what my husband has in mind with the lyrics - which is fine.  That's one of the many beauties of music. 

What is your Personal Soundtrack?

 

Current (Ever-Changing and Evolving) Personal Playlist:
If Only - Dave Matthews Band
Running Up That Hill - Kate Bush
Sail - Awolnation
Off Axis - Mike D./Assorted Varieties
I and Love and You - Avett Brothers
Seven Nation Army - Blackroots or White Stripes
Ain't No Reason - Brett Dennen
You - Candlebox
The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band
Tomorrow, Wendy - Concrete Blonde
Pony - Ginuwine
Dog Days Are Over - Florence & The Machine
Roll On - Kid Rock
Better Together - Jack Johnson
We Run This - Missy Elliot
Let It Be - Paul McCartney
Raspberry Beret - Prince
Sound of Madness - Shinedown
Shimmer - Fuel

Motherhood #1: Would you rather. . .?

I don't know about you, but sometimes, I play little games in my head.  One of them is, "Would I rather do this. . .or that?"

I get terrible migraines (are there migraines that are not terrible?).  I remember, after giving birth to my first son - sans medications - someone asked me, "Wasn't it horrible?" I told them, "I would rather go through Labor & Delivery without meds, anytime, than have a migraine."  I meant it. . .and still do.

Last week, we received an email from our now 9 year olds (3rd grader) teacher requesting we set up a time for the end-of-year conferences.  All parents receive this request, and it is highly encouraged.  My husband quickly emailed me and asked me when I signed us up.  I told him, "I never received it."

So, he sent me a copy.

I ignored it.

Today at lunch, my husband asked again about setting up a time for conferencing.  I told him all the good times were taken, and that if we want to go together, I'd have to find a sitter (virtually impossible, especially for just one hour).  I told him he could go without me.  He pushed.  I pushed back.

I would rather run a marathon than go to another Parent-Teacher meeting for this child.

That said, I have NO desire to run another marathon.  The training is incredibly time-consuming, the marathon takes 4+ hours of my day.  It is exhausting both mentally and physically.  I still would rather run one again, than go to this 30 minute meeting with my son's teacher.

I have been to all other Parent-Teacher meetings.  In fact, as I work at this school, I am frequently caught in the hallway by my sons' teachers, and given updates and stories.  Doesn't that count, albeit informally, as "parent-teacher meetings"? 

Am I bad parent?  I certainly feel some guilt over this (as clearly indicated by this entire blog post on the topic).  But, right now, I feel that I just will not sit through another 30 minute meeting about my son that is negative.  I. Just. Won't.  I will not sit there and listen to all the things I already know - but do not feel the need to hear again (and again, and again).

I would LOVE to sit and listen to someone, anyone, go on and on for thirty minutes about how great my son, how smart he is, how much progress he has made this year. . .I'll sit for just ten minutes to listen to those comments!  No one has offered.  That is not how these meetings go, and I am tired of it.  I am putting my Mommy foot down.

What would I rather. . .in order to go to the meeting?

I would rather go to the Parent-Teacher meeting, than have a migraine. . .I guess. . .