Homework Isn't So Bad

This morning had me at the gym for the last of my “tempo” or high intensity runs of the training program. The mileage has decreased in the past two weeks but today was the highest intensity of the entire training program. The training program started 10 weeks ago just like my last marathon the San Diego Rock n’ Roll Marathon back in June. I didn’t embark on the training program until we all returned from our cross country trip at the end of July. This trip was so much important than any marathon and something I had envisioned for two years. All is coming together incredibly well and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I am blessed, grateful and so fortunate for all the events in my life. There is a new “normal” in my life and this “normal” is wonderful.

I completed the last tempo run feeling very well. I am so surprised how I have improved over the last 10 weeks. I am still a bit leery about those last six miles having only completed two 20 mile runs over the training period but this is what it had called for. In the last training program I completed only one run of 22 miles and did feel it in those last six miles hanging on for my person best time in a 26.2 mile race. I have an idea of where I would like to finish the marathon but taking the principles of recovery I can only run the race one stride at a time which leads to one mile at a time.

It will be a new course for me but looking at the map there aren’t large hills and the elevation change is non-existent. It is billed as a “flat fast marathon” so I will see how it goes “one stride at a time”. This morning those strides were very good but I know I can’t run 26.2 miles at this pace and those elite runners who do run 26.2 miles at a faster pace are truly inspiring. I know those people average around 130 miles a week so my 45 miles a week is no comparison. I will do my best and that is what counts; for all intents and purposes the training program has been complete with this high intensity run (I do have a very short run tomorrow) so I am ready to embark on the 26.2 mile journey.

I completed the visit to the gym and went about my day. Today is the only day of the week where we don’t have any activities after school. The schedule reads; Monday baseball practice with my son, Tuesday softball game with my daughter, Wednesday baseball game with my son, Thursday off, Friday softball practice with my daughter and Saturday games for both. We do look forward to those Thursdays and Sundays which gives the children a break and a chance to stay up with their homework. This has become a family event the working on the homework. I correct my daughter’s math and yes, there are some days when I am “not smarter than a fifth grader”!!! I was helping a good friend’s daughter and completely over analyzed the question thus causing me to get it wrong. It is much better to be simple as opposed to be complex!!

Anyhow I do correct my daughter’s math homework and I do help my son with his homework and thankfully I have consistently been “smarter than a second grader”!!! My son has his own learning style and I do think having a teacher who passed away during his first grade year may have been a hinder emotionally along with learning. That was quite a shock and I guess being 6 years old may have helped during this much unexpected ordeal. I do believe my son is intelligent in his own way. Comparing my son and daughter is not fair so will stay away from these comparisons. They are great children and I am blessed with their presence. I am so fortunate to have such an amazing family and today helping with homework is such a wonderful experience. Life is filled with these unbelievable experiences all thanks to recovery.