7 Quick Takes Follow-up to last week

1) I ran the race I mentioned in my last post.

I came in 2nd for my age group and 9th overall.  Anyhow, the long version goes like this. . . I started out right in front because being competitive and all I did not just want to run the three miles, I wanted to be FIRST of course!  Now, I knew I would not be absolute first, but by golly, if I'm going to run, I'm going to run to win!  So I plunged off the starting line with all the gusto I had and quickly fell into pace with another gal (who ended up being the top finisher for the women) - it was a bit grueling, but I was able to manage it.  Then she fell back some, but I kept chugging along thinking the more ground I covered now the further along I would be the faster and that had to be good.  Then I hit about the half-way mark and was starting to feel QUITE warm and out of breath and my body was telling me I would be lucky to FINISH, let along beat anyone.  The women's leader had passed me a little ways back and the distance between us grew.  A few more men passed me and then a younger girl (about 14) and her mom.  I struggled to not pass out and told myself I could rest all I wanted when I was done.  One foot in front of the other, struggling to get breath as I trudged through the grass down by the dyke and up the hill.  I kept reminding myself once I got back on the street it would be downhill (a little) and then flat - easier than this part on the grass!  I struggled on and I don't think anyone else passed me after that, but at one point I was fumbling with my mp3 player and slowed some so another guy caught up with me, but as he pulled even I realized I had slowed, so I kicked it in again. (Only thinking the sooner I finished the sooner I could stop running!!)  My pride would not let me stop and walk - not this little race in my hometown where everyone knew me - not on my FIRST RACE EVER - not when I had called it a "measly" 5K - oh no, my pride ruled me and I pumped on to finish with a time of 27:37.  I walked some to recover and then decided sitting would be a better choice.  I sat for a bit and and was going to get up and ask my time (which I had missed as I ran by) but I was too light-headed.  The last mile had been HORRIBLE - I played the labor card out in my head (telling myself I survived labor six times and each time had a point where I think I would have rather died by did not - so if I could do that, I could do this).  Fortunately my daughter Rebekah (the only one of my family I had brought to support me) was engrossed in a book (had barely looked up as I sat down) so I recovered slowly with no need to explain why my hands were shaking.  It was a gratifying and humbling day all rolled into one.

2) Since I have more to say and I've already said a lot, I'm making this another point.

The take-away. . . I was thinking that this race would clarify if I was going to keep running (and maybe try for a bigger race - like a half marathon - or even a full marathon!) or if I should just run for exercise and pleasure as I have been doing and not worry about the rest.  Unfortunately, it did not really do that for me.  I have never run competitively before and I did not train for this race, so it really just showed me that I "could" run at a decent clip for three miles, but it was a lot tougher than I realized!  But I don't think I WANT to run competitively - not the same way I play basketball or other sports.  In those sports I LOVE to push and get caught up in the challenge and the responses of others, but I think running needs to be more personal for me.  I wonder if I need to think of it as me getting from point A to point B - and maybe I need to find some running buddies to make it a little more fun.  Then I don't have to run like my pants are on fire and create five new blisters on each toe by the time I'm done.  Then maybe I can just chill and enjoy the day. . . maybe.  My competitive nature is tough to squelch, but I might have to give it a shot. . . if/when I try a longer race.

3) I told you we were done with school. . .

And since having posted it I have been confronted twice about that and had to clarify that Rebekah technically has a few more lessons.  It is complicated.  She only needs to finish 85% of her coursework in Science and History.  She is over 92% in History, and right at 85% in Science.  But she also WANTS to finish some more of the lessons because they are interesting!!  Crazy, I know.  So I guess I should have said something more like "SAMUEL and I are DONE with schoolwork."  (Because Task-Master-Momma is no longer breathing down Rebekah's neck, urging her to finish up already!)  And I actually called the office to close Samuel's coursework so they could order his books for next year and was planning to call for Rebekah this week.  So. . . now you know the whole story.  And most likely, by the time you read this, I will have called and closed Rebekah's lessons and then we really will be done!!  Yes, really!

4) I am tired of allergies.

I had a nasty ear infection a couple weeks ago and now I still have trouble with fluid in that ear off and on.  Although I am not a fan of the bi-annual stomach bug, at least it comes and goes quickly.  This ear/head/sinus stuff is just a lingering annoyance.

5) I knew the day would come when Zipporah helped herself to all the food on the table. . . and it has.

I left her sitting near the table (having finished feeding her) and went downstairs to get something.  Coming back up a few minutes later I found her a few feet away, having scavenged Miriam's unattended pizza.  And she was quite proud of herself.

Well, I was still hungry, and it was just sitting right there. . . 

6) I have concluded I need a retreat.

With all the craziness of the past several weeks (as my hubby has spent hours off preparing for the musical) I have been going a little crazy myself and I feel the need to recharge.  My favorite way to recharge is a silent retreat.  I did one in Wichita at the Spiritual Life Center and it was AWESOME.  Unfortunately Wichita is a bit far to drive and I have yet to find any similar retreats offered around here.  If nothing else I plan to take an afternoon to go to adoration, sit in the church for a bit,  and go for a nice walk maybe or find something else peaceful and calming to do for a while.

7) This post is only about four days after my last post.

I think this means I am not getting enough "adult conversation" in.  What do you think?  :)