Monday, September 13, 2010

wanted: a nap and a 26 hour day ...

The first week of Kindergarten was tiring. Well, it was tiring for me. I'm not quite convinced that Dizzle was any more tired than usual. Not that I am shocked. We're talking about a kid who walked approximately 5 miles a day for an entire week when we went to Disney and never took a nap or crashed early.

OK, so back to my point. Kindergarten wiped me out. I thought that having one less kid to manage would free up some time, but instead, I found myself running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

Maybe I had more going on. Maybe I have been slacking all summer. Or maybe, just maybe, my overachiever personality kicked into high gear and I tried to accomplish as much as I possibly could in those 6.5 hours each day. Who knows?

Fine. I know. I did it to myself. I overloaded my days and I struggled to get my runs in. But I DID get them in. Between early morning runs and late night treadmill sessions, I logged 42 miles during my cutback week. But I am going to be honest, it was hard. I'm not adjusted to this new schedule and it's a little overwhelming. Oh, and did I mention that this week I'm scheduled to hit my peak mileage of this training cycle (52 miles)?

I think I need to breathe.

Plus, our schedule gets another shake up today. Doodle starts preschool at 9 a.m. And like Kindergarten, I am sure it will be a blessing and a curse - at least until I figure out how to juggle it all.

Do you think there's any chance of a nap and/or a 26 hour day? No? Me either.

22 comments:

ajh said...

Let's lobby for a 26 hour day. I could use it too.

Silly Girl Running said...

Just be careful not to ask too much of yourself!

fleming Fab 5 said...

All for the 26 hr day!!! I noticed that once my kids were in school (now I have a 5th, 4th, and Pre-ker) My days go by so freaking fast that I feel like I have accomplished nothing, then the "bewitching hour" starts. This is when we open the door to enter the house. All hell breaks loose. Homework, dinner, then getting ready for after school activities, then bed. I worked full time until my youngest started school,now I only work part-time. I know, seems backwards, but I feel like I am going back to school again (x3).
We will all look back and miss these days. . .they say!

Christy said...

Define "nap"! I have not been able to mutter those words since my boys were 4 and 2......and they are now 7 1/2 and 5 1/2

One Crazy Penguin said...

I agree! We need the 26 hour day!

But till then, deep breaths :)

Marlene said...

Awesome job hitting your miles! Good luck with the scheduling this week... hopefully things will feel less chaotic! Sometimes, something has to give!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I know a lot of us in this bloggy running community are crazy over achievers but I often do wonder if we are really hurting ourselves but packing sooo much into every single day. With all the health/emotional issues last week, I crashed this weekend! Bit time. I ran of course but not want I wanted or how I wanted. That made me start to wonder about quailty over quantity. I know you have talked about this very subject before. And Yeah I love my big miles but I wonder if there are helping me at this point. I have about 7 weeks before the next ultra and maybe a marathon in a couple weeks. I wish I could find a balance before I burn myself out. I probably just need to adjust to the school year schedule and it will all fall back into place (and I'll stop whining!)

Runners Fuel said...

I wish we never needed any sleep. I could get so much more done in a day!

misszippy said...

When you find that formula, will you share it with us? Just think--if this is your peak week, just make it through and then it will get easier after this week!

track coach and adorable wife said...

I'll take a 30 hr day as long as the kids are alseep for those extra hours! Sounds like you are doing awesome though, good luck on your peak week!

Emz said...

Let me know if you find it. I'll pay big bucks for it.

You're a rockstar. You've got this. Just like everything else. :)

Anonymous said...

As long as the extra 2 involve SLEEP and not added activities and responsibilities. ;-) Hope it gets easier for you.

Jen said...

I say... let the laundry go... leave some dishes in the sink... pop a video in and TAKE A NAP! It will make you a better mother, I promise.

Katie A. said...

You never cease to amaze me with all that you do - really, pat yourself on the back lady! And congrats for hitting your miles - you'll find your groove soon enough and I'm sure the girls will, too.
Now, for 26 hour days - tell me where to sign, I'll take it!

Off the Bike said...

Funny, same wavelength. As I lay in bed last night, my legs unable to calm down, I knew I did not give myself enough time to recover after my 20 on Saturday, but I also know that all the "mom" duties still had to be done. I started thinking about all the running moms I am starting to discover in this blogging world and how we manage to get it all done...thanks for the post!

Joanne said...

I would like both a couple of extra hours a day and a nap (for ME, not for the kids). I'm struggling a bit right now, too, but HAVE started missing my workouts due to a big change in schedule this week. Just don't have the mental or physical energy I need to get those workouts in right now. Hang in there!

Julie D. said...

i'm feeling the schedule change too. I think we should be given at least a month long cushion to get used to the 'new' and grace for running around like a chicken with our head's cut off.

Anabela (Bela) Neves said...

I so need the 26 hour days as well. School as been back a week now and I am tired and still haven't got into a workout routine.

Anne said...

I do remember those days...I am in awe of your ability to train through all this!

Unknown said...

Cute Sock Girl, I missed you! Your post made me laugh because I think all kinder mommies are exhausted right now. There's so much to do and think about when your peanut goes off to school and the routine is pretty different and new! I hope she's having fun and I'm sure you'll adjust! Keep running!

MCM Mama said...

I could totally use 26 hours a day right now. I just keep reminding myself that it does get easier as we settle into our school schedules. I might lose my mind before then though and I'm running a lot fewer miles than you.

Megan said...

If you figure it out you let me know. These days 5hr energy drink is my best friend. Two kids, a job and my hubs is only home on the weekends. Getting up before 4AM to train is getting O.L.D.