Well, the last time we talked/you read, I was struggling for balance. Graduate school was piling up, the Texas standardized test was on its way, and my 10k training plan was slipping into the background… not because I wasn't wanting to train hard, but because I was literally coming home from work, kissing my husband, eating the meal (that he no doubt prepared) and working for hours and hours until bed time. 
How fitting that this week's TIaRT over @ Runners Lounge is about finding balance?
I think it is important to mention that, for most of us-most of the time, it is about MAKING the time, and making running or fitness a priority in its own right. However, there may be times, situations, or circumstances which are beyond our control that cause shifts in those priorities temporarily.
Now that the killer 3 projects/3 classes trifecta of hell is over, I'm happy to be back in the swing of things.
I'm going to spend some time in the next couple of days going through all my run data, and recording it in my running log, and adding up my miles… (Its been a while since I've updated my count!)
I'm also going to have to realistically look at my running plan, and figure out how to make it fit for me, a full time wife, a full time grad student, full time school teacher, and full time lover of movies, reading, talking, websurfing, blogging, blog reading and of course…RUNNING.
As a new runner, (5 Months on Friday!) it is tricky to balance the guilt that comes with missing a run, or the sense of defeat when you set out for a new distance and can't pull it out, or the sense of fatigue when everything seems to come at once.
Today, after proctoring our standardized test, I was able to take a big chunk out of an AMAZING book,
I'm on chapter 5, and I finally had to give in, and get out my little post-it note flags, because this book is so full of tidbits that I do not want to forget! This author has successfully tapped into that emotional, sentimental, powerful, component of running (at least for women. 
), and I'd be embarassed to admit how many times I felt a little tingle behind my eyes… thinking about how powerful and wonderful my body is… now that I'm treating it right.
), and I'd be embarassed to admit how many times I felt a little tingle behind my eyes… thinking about how powerful and wonderful my body is… now that I'm treating it right. I've been running a 2+ out and back the past couple weeks, and its crazy, because it is so hard. The distance is anywhere from 4-5 miles, but it is taking me almost a full hour to do it!?! What is that!?? I'm not that slow, normally, but it is like, I'm constantly just DYING. My HR is pushing 180 several times throughout, and I try to slow down even more, but then I'm practically walking. Very Frustrating. It just shows how much of a Noob I am, because it only just dawned on me, that it is CRAZY hilly… so, I think I need a new 2+ route that isn't so hard, while I'm getting used to running for close to an hour.
Anyway, I'm running a 5k on Sunday, and then I'm off to my friend Terri's baby shower!! I still have a goal of a sub 35:00 5k time, but who knows if I'll make it, and I think that it is important that I allow myself to understand that "not meeting a goal is not failure" as Ms. Barrios says. I'm excited to give it another try though. 
Posted via email from kelsnotchels’s posterous
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Twitter: jharbweave
says:
GL in figuring out the balance – that’s what I struggle with. I’ve really struggled with trying to update my blog in April – we’ve just been so busy! I hope otherwise you’re doing well!
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Don’t get yourself down about speed. All that matters is that you’re running!!!
You’re doing a great job balancing everything you have going on! I’m not sure I could do it!
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Good luck on Sunday!!
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Great to “see” you back.
It is really hard to find that balance sometimes, but so essential to your overall health. I have really had to look at some things that were not a priority (mindless TV, some we surfing, etc.) and cut them out, to make time for more important things.
Best of luck in finding that balance. Cant wait to hear about the 5k! You are going to do great!
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I am a new runner too (9 months) and the book you mention is one of the first books I read! I loved it, and it really got me going and motivated. Running has become important to me now and I definitely make it a priority and re-arrange my life around it. But I have recently needed to remind myself too that this should be fun for me – so I am trying not to stress so much over my training and schedule. Hopefully once I get my first 1/2 mary under my belt, I will relax! Good luck on Sunday!
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