Back To Training And A Playlist

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After running my first 5K race a couple of years ago I made a promise that I will not go longer than two weeks without running.  This after noticing diminished endurance when I rested for more than a week to give my old body a break.  I broke that promise unintentionally.  The heat really got to me this Summer.  One day of not running turned into two, two days became two weeks, two weeks into three.  My body ached, my mood was all over the place, I let the days get away from me which made me grumpy.  Then my sister, who got me into running made plans to come to Ohio.  The intentional timing was so we can run our first race together!!! Finally!!! I am so excited.  I will be running with sister, brother-in-law and my oldest child.  

I have started training for this race.  I was so nervous about running again after a three-week hiatus.  My fear was that my body no longer knew how to run, that I would be out of breath by a quarter of a mile and I would be aching all over.  I should have known better.  Muscle memory is the real deal.  My body acted as if there was no time lost. I fell easily back into the groove that I have always known. It helped that the weather has turned Autumn-like, perfect running weather. The surge of adrenaline I haven't had in weeks was so noticeable. I was bouncing off the walls, I felt like I could conquer anything.  My body did ache a bit but as my brother would say, "it's better to ache from being active than to ache from doing nothing".  This was his words of wisdom to me after he "retired" from boat racing.  His retirement was short-lived after he felt the aches and pains of the sedentary life.

And this is why I have to keep running.  As written in a previous post the emotions and memories running etches in me is what keeps me going. That first surge of adrenaline after three weeks is one more memory I cannot erase.  Another memory will be made when I run with my sister.  And I cannot wait to see my oldest run his first race after two surgeries on his femur. 

To bring a bit of pep to my training I added some new songs to my running playlist.  As usual, I am sharing it here. You don't need have to be a runner to move to these beats.  Enjoy!

• I Don't Know Why- Gavin James, Dani Avila Remix
• Say You Love Me - Jessie Ware, Alexander Adair Remix (I love the original song so I was happy to find a remix)
• Water Under The Bridge - Adele (yes, you can run to Adele! Adele is dramatic, running can be dramatic. Adele and running is the perfect combo)
• Let Me Love You - DJ Snake, Justin Bieber (my kids cannot believe I have Bieber on my playlist but this song is catchy, I love catchy and it makes me smile during a run when I think about my kids groaning to Justin Bieber)
• Kiss You Slow- Andy Grammer
• Be The One - Dua Lipa (this song makes me want to dance mid-run, I dance to it in the kitchen, I even dance to it while driving. I can't get this song out of my head)
• Let It Burn - Demo - Magic Giant
• Inside The Lines - Mike Perry, Casso
• You & I (Nobody in the World) - John Legend, R3HAB (anything John Legend remix tends to be good)
• I Love You Always Forever - Betty Who, Mighty Mike, Teesa (I loved the original version of this song so I was pleasantly surprised to find that I like this remake)
• Take It All - Sawyer Fredericks
• Shoud've Been Us - Lost Kings Remix - Tori Kelly

Before Back-To-School

My household is in full back-to-school mode this week.  My traditional schoolers have been in school for two weeks and my homeschoolers started today.  I am part of the majority (or is it the minority?) that loves going back to school. For me it means the comfort of a regular schedule.  I need the order, I need the routine, I need the predictability.  Creature of habit is my middle name.   

Anticipating a busy school year with a schedule dictated by my traditional-schoolers, we took advantage of a last minute deal (Christmas In Summer) offered by one of our favorite getaway spot - Burr Oak near the Hocking Hills.  We stayed at a quaint but cozy cabin, spent our days fishing, stargazing, playing board games, swimming, kayaking and sitting by the fire.  I loved the quiet of being unplugged. I loved waking up each morning with nothing pressing to do but savor my cup of coffee and go with the flow of each day.  Having grown up in a remote village, communing with nature is what my soul craves. It is there where I find clarity, purpose and a sense of peace.  I always come home from these little breaks feeling like I can take on the world.  

Let me share some pictures as usual.  On my next entry I will write about this amazing hike we took, also on Burr Oak.

got up at 5am to drive the kids to the beach to catch the sunrise but the clouds won't cooperate

moon in the morning

cabin life

bookworms

moonlight overhead, campfire below

my mornings were spent here writing, pondering, praying and sipping coffee

lake view

mini-golf course

 

contemplating Sophomore year

contemplating Freshman year

 

ahh ravine trail...scenic but treacherous...more trail pictures next time

lake view on the kayak

fishing and kayaking