Monday 2/24/14
It's a day off! No workouts for today. To put it simply, I get to be a normal person for a day. I'll touch on the highlights.
6:00 am: Wake-Up
Boy did it feel good to sleep-in.
6:00-6:50 am: Get ready for work
It doesn't take me long to get myself ready in the morning. I could probably be out the door in 20 minutes. Most of the time is used getting the boys ready for school. After Laura feeds Matthew at 5:00 am, she gets herself ready. I got Luke and Matty ready. For Luke, this includes going to the potty, getting dressed, brushing the teeth, combing the hair, getting him milk and two Eggo waffles to eat in the car on the way to "school." For Matty, this includes a diaper change, getting dressed, and putting him in the car seat. Oh, I feed Porter (our dog) and let him out to go to the bathroom too. All of us eat our breakfast in the car. It's about a 30 minute drive to Kindercare so eating the car saves us some time at home. Laura and I try to drive together as much as possible, but some days I'll take the boys in the morning and she'll pick-up in the afternoon so I can get home and start a workout.
7:45 am-3:45 pm: I do have a job
A routine day at Mount Lebanon High School trying to teach teenagers math. I teach Honors Geometry to freshman and a course named College Prep Math to juniors and seniors. Word is getting around to my track sprinters that I won't be coaching this year. When they ask, I explain that the spring will be an important time to train for my qualifying races for the Hawaii Ironman World Championships. One student said, "is that the thing that ends with the marathon."
4:10 pm: Pick up the boys from daycare
Best part of the day! Matty still a little too young, but Luke gives a huge smile and runs over when you show-up in his room. It's awesome!
5:00 pm: Arrive home
After a car ride full of questions from Luke and requests to hear certain songs on the radio, we unload the gang at home. I feed Porter and let him out, and immediately start on making dinner while Laura feeds Matty. ChimiChangas with ground Turkey for tonight with a side of broccoli.
6:00 pm: Eat dinner
We've started playing "Happy and Sad" with Luke at dinner. We each tell what made us happy and sad today. Luke comes up with some pretty funny things most of which didn't happen.
6:45 pm: Homework
We've been doing the The Pittsburgh Plan with Luke for about a year. It's an educational program created by Dick McCoy that teaches young kids to incorporate homework and learning into their lives in a no stress, no expectation environment. We don't do the 15 minute homeworks as often as we should according to the plan, but there is no doubt it has helped Luke learn letters, numbers, shapes, counting, and the beginnings of reading. We've even started addition.
7:00-7:45 pm: Bath, Books, & Bedtime
If you've read the other posts, you know this routine. If you haven't read the other posts, it is just what it sounds like.
8:00-8:30 pm: Haircut & Shower
I cut my own hair. This was a quick and short haircut. A number 3 clip all around and a 2 to clean up the edges.
9:00 pm: Bedtime
I have an early morning tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Kona Project Update: "A Week in the Life Of... Day 2"
Sunday 2/23/14
Sunday starts with a brief conversation late Saturday night with Laura about what my workout on Sunday and what time I'm getting up. I told her I have a 15 mile run, which will take about 2 hrs. I also wanted to go to the Trek of Pittsburgh Warehouse Sale that started at 8 am. Then, I give her two options. First option is that I wake up early, like 5 am, and do my run before going to the warehouse sale. This means Laura would have to wake up with Luke, who never sleeps past 6:30 and might awake at 6:00. However, it also means that Laura doesn't have to endure a full 2 hrs of taking care of both boys by herself. The second option is I wake up with Luke, he and I go to the warehouse sale, and I do my run after when we get back. This means Laura gets to sleep-in, but she has to endure the 2 hr run taking care of both boys on her own. Here's what happen...
6:26 am: Luke gets up
Laura chose option 2 to sleep-in. A good choice! I got up with Luke. We went downstairs for some cartoons and breakfast. Cartoons range from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" to "Sid the Science Kid." We are selective in the shows he watches. We want them to be entertaining, but have some educational value. Breakfast for Luke consisted of an Eggo Multigrain waffle (no butter or syrup), blueberries, and milk. He likes his waffles plain, and he eats them with his hands like a cookie. I cleaned up a little from the previous night's family festivities by unloading and reloading the dishwasher, sweeping the floor, and wiping down the counters. For breakfast, I had three Eggo Multigrain waffles with butter, syrup and blueberries on top, a bowl of Low Fat Cottage Cheese with sliced peaches in it, and a glass of apple juice. Hey, I'm preparing for a 15 mile run!
7:46 am: Trek of Pittsburgh Warehouse Sale
I got Luke dressed and ready, and we headed to the sale. Luke was very excited. He loves going to the "bike shop." Usually, we are going to "Top Gear" in Wexford, but I explained to him this was a different bike shop. When we got there, he walked around like he owned the place. An older woman even commented to me about how good of a helper he was. He carried the tires I bought and loved pumping the new air pump. After checking-out, we had to hit up a coffee shop so Luke could pee, and then we headed home.
10:00 am: 15 mile run
It was time for me to tackle the day's challenge. A 15 mile run with the last 2-3 miles between 6:50-7:00/mile pace. Last Sunday, I had the same workout and had no speed at the end of the run. Today, it was 15 degrees warmer (32) and I was better prepared mentally. I got dressed, went to the bathroom a couple times, got my nutrition ready, and was out the door.
It was a great morning for a run. It was brisk, but the sun was out and there was some warmth to it at times. I knocked out the first 7 mile loop around my house with no problem. I knew the second 8 mile loop would present the tougher challenge, especially that fast finish. Unfortunately, we live in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, which means there aren't many stretches of flat roads to run on. Oh well, you do what you gotta do. My overall pacing for the entire 15 mile run was 7:33/mile, and my last four miles were 7:09, 7:26, 7:15, and 6:53. Hey, I'll take it! On flatter terrain, I think I can hit the 6:50-7:00 goal.
I had a coughing asthma attack immediately following the run, but a couple puffs on the albuterol inhaler did the trick. It's been a while since I've had an attack, but it subsided quickly.
12:00 pm: Lunch Time
Left-over pulled pork on multigrain bread with cole-slaw and a side of baked-beans.
12:30 pm: The Earth shook
Not really...but Luke and Matty actually napped at the same time. I got to lay down for 40 minutes, then Matty woke-up.
1:30-4:00 pm: Playing with Matty
While Luke napped, Laura went to the mall, and I hung out with Matthew. He did some serious playing sitting with me on the coach, then on the floor, then some tummy-time. It was a lot of fun. He was laughing and smiling the entire time. He finished his play session by feasting on some Turkey & Rice baby food. Hmmm.
4:00 pm: Dribbling with Luke
Luke has had a sudden interest in dribbling a basketball. Our basement is unfinished with a concrete floor perfect for dribbling. A lot of Luke's toys are down there including several basketballs. Luke's cousin, Tyler, is 7 and plays basketball in the Riverview Athletic Association League. On Saturday, when all the cousins were together, Tyler was teaching Luke and Rylen to dribble. So on Sunday, we had to practice. Luke and I dribbled in the basement for about 15 minutes before it turned into Luke playing with other toys and me cleaning up.
5:00 pm: Dinner time
Laura and I quickly agreed on "Sir Pizza" for dinner. Quick, easy, and great pizza. Two larges: one pepperoni and one mushroom so we can have left-overs.
7:00 pm: Bath and Bedtime for the boys
2-on-2, Laura takes Matty and I take Luke. Bath, read books, and to bed by 7:48. Good team work!
8:30 pm: Relaxing with Laura
After making my lunch and helping Laura get bottles ready for Monday, we sat down and watched the Olympic coverage about the look back at the Nancy Kerrigan/Tanya Harding saga. Nancy Kerrigan awesome. Tonya Harding not.
At 9:00, we watched the "Walking Dead." I usually am going to bed at this time, but it just so happens that Monday is a day off from workouts. So we stayed up and watched one of our favorite shows. I won't spoil anything in case you DVR'd it.
10:00 pm: Bedtime
Sunday starts with a brief conversation late Saturday night with Laura about what my workout on Sunday and what time I'm getting up. I told her I have a 15 mile run, which will take about 2 hrs. I also wanted to go to the Trek of Pittsburgh Warehouse Sale that started at 8 am. Then, I give her two options. First option is that I wake up early, like 5 am, and do my run before going to the warehouse sale. This means Laura would have to wake up with Luke, who never sleeps past 6:30 and might awake at 6:00. However, it also means that Laura doesn't have to endure a full 2 hrs of taking care of both boys by herself. The second option is I wake up with Luke, he and I go to the warehouse sale, and I do my run after when we get back. This means Laura gets to sleep-in, but she has to endure the 2 hr run taking care of both boys on her own. Here's what happen...
6:26 am: Luke gets up
Laura chose option 2 to sleep-in. A good choice! I got up with Luke. We went downstairs for some cartoons and breakfast. Cartoons range from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" to "Sid the Science Kid." We are selective in the shows he watches. We want them to be entertaining, but have some educational value. Breakfast for Luke consisted of an Eggo Multigrain waffle (no butter or syrup), blueberries, and milk. He likes his waffles plain, and he eats them with his hands like a cookie. I cleaned up a little from the previous night's family festivities by unloading and reloading the dishwasher, sweeping the floor, and wiping down the counters. For breakfast, I had three Eggo Multigrain waffles with butter, syrup and blueberries on top, a bowl of Low Fat Cottage Cheese with sliced peaches in it, and a glass of apple juice. Hey, I'm preparing for a 15 mile run!
7:46 am: Trek of Pittsburgh Warehouse Sale
I got Luke dressed and ready, and we headed to the sale. Luke was very excited. He loves going to the "bike shop." Usually, we are going to "Top Gear" in Wexford, but I explained to him this was a different bike shop. When we got there, he walked around like he owned the place. An older woman even commented to me about how good of a helper he was. He carried the tires I bought and loved pumping the new air pump. After checking-out, we had to hit up a coffee shop so Luke could pee, and then we headed home.
10:00 am: 15 mile run
It was time for me to tackle the day's challenge. A 15 mile run with the last 2-3 miles between 6:50-7:00/mile pace. Last Sunday, I had the same workout and had no speed at the end of the run. Today, it was 15 degrees warmer (32) and I was better prepared mentally. I got dressed, went to the bathroom a couple times, got my nutrition ready, and was out the door.
It was a great morning for a run. It was brisk, but the sun was out and there was some warmth to it at times. I knocked out the first 7 mile loop around my house with no problem. I knew the second 8 mile loop would present the tougher challenge, especially that fast finish. Unfortunately, we live in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, which means there aren't many stretches of flat roads to run on. Oh well, you do what you gotta do. My overall pacing for the entire 15 mile run was 7:33/mile, and my last four miles were 7:09, 7:26, 7:15, and 6:53. Hey, I'll take it! On flatter terrain, I think I can hit the 6:50-7:00 goal.
I had a coughing asthma attack immediately following the run, but a couple puffs on the albuterol inhaler did the trick. It's been a while since I've had an attack, but it subsided quickly.
12:00 pm: Lunch Time
Left-over pulled pork on multigrain bread with cole-slaw and a side of baked-beans.
12:30 pm: The Earth shook
Not really...but Luke and Matty actually napped at the same time. I got to lay down for 40 minutes, then Matty woke-up.
1:30-4:00 pm: Playing with Matty
While Luke napped, Laura went to the mall, and I hung out with Matthew. He did some serious playing sitting with me on the coach, then on the floor, then some tummy-time. It was a lot of fun. He was laughing and smiling the entire time. He finished his play session by feasting on some Turkey & Rice baby food. Hmmm.
4:00 pm: Dribbling with Luke
Luke has had a sudden interest in dribbling a basketball. Our basement is unfinished with a concrete floor perfect for dribbling. A lot of Luke's toys are down there including several basketballs. Luke's cousin, Tyler, is 7 and plays basketball in the Riverview Athletic Association League. On Saturday, when all the cousins were together, Tyler was teaching Luke and Rylen to dribble. So on Sunday, we had to practice. Luke and I dribbled in the basement for about 15 minutes before it turned into Luke playing with other toys and me cleaning up.
5:00 pm: Dinner time
Laura and I quickly agreed on "Sir Pizza" for dinner. Quick, easy, and great pizza. Two larges: one pepperoni and one mushroom so we can have left-overs.
7:00 pm: Bath and Bedtime for the boys
2-on-2, Laura takes Matty and I take Luke. Bath, read books, and to bed by 7:48. Good team work!
8:30 pm: Relaxing with Laura
After making my lunch and helping Laura get bottles ready for Monday, we sat down and watched the Olympic coverage about the look back at the Nancy Kerrigan/Tanya Harding saga. Nancy Kerrigan awesome. Tonya Harding not.
At 9:00, we watched the "Walking Dead." I usually am going to bed at this time, but it just so happens that Monday is a day off from workouts. So we stayed up and watched one of our favorite shows. I won't spoil anything in case you DVR'd it.
10:00 pm: Bedtime
Monday, February 24, 2014
Kona Project Update: "A week in the Life of - Day 1"
As I document my journey to qualify for Kona, I thought it would be interesting to record my daily activity for one week. Here we go...
Saturday 2/22/14:
5:00 am: Wake-Up
5:30 am: Workout 1 - 2.5 hr endurance ride on the trainer (Avg Power: 197 watts)
I watched "Gangster Squad" starring Ryan Gosling on my ipad. Good movie. I usually wake up early on Saturday's to get a significant part of my long ride in before Laura and the boys awake.
10:30 am: Luke's swim lesson
Saturday is usually a pretty busy day with Luke's swim lesson at 10:30 at the gym and then a combination of weekly errands that include trips to Costco and the grocery store. At this week's swim lesson, Luke went under water four times and jumped in from the edge of the pool. He's really doing well.
Workout 2: 30 min circuit workout
While Luke's at his swim lesson, I get a quick workout focused on core strength. I probably get 3 sets of 4 or 5 different core exercises along with some body weight squats, leg extensions, and leg curls.
11:30 am: Errands
After a trip to Costco, back to the gym because we dropped Matty's hoodie in the parking lot, through the express shopping at Giant Eagle (a GE employee completes your online shopping order and brings your groceries out to your car at your scheduled pickup time), and by the bank, we returned home. I unloaded the groceries, fed Luke and Matty, and got Luke down for a nap while Laura ran out to Target.
2:15 pm: Car Wash
When Laura got back from Target, I spent an hour outside washing the new Grand Cherokee. It was a sunny day with temps around 50 degrees so I had to take advantage.
3:30 pm: Family visit
As I finished up the car wash, my extended family was arriving for a visit. My sister Katie and her family were in town from Columbus, OH. The Erdeljac clan had an enjoyable afternoon and evening hanging out. All the cousins got to blow off some steam playing around the house. It was a little loud and hectic, but fun.
8:00 pm: Luke's Bath and Bedtime
Laura went to the neighbor's house for a gathering with the other women in our neighborhood and my family left shortly after 8 pm. Laura had already fed and put Matty to sleep. I bathed Luke, read him some books, and put him to bed about 8:45. This reminds me of Jerry Seinfeld's rant on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon about putting kids to bed. If you haven't seen it, check it out. It's funny.
9:00 pm: Bedtime
I laid down to watch some of the Olympics and found myself dozing off. I threw in the towel and shut the lights off a little after 9:00. Good night!
Saturday 2/22/14:
5:00 am: Wake-Up
5:30 am: Workout 1 - 2.5 hr endurance ride on the trainer (Avg Power: 197 watts)
I watched "Gangster Squad" starring Ryan Gosling on my ipad. Good movie. I usually wake up early on Saturday's to get a significant part of my long ride in before Laura and the boys awake.
10:30 am: Luke's swim lesson
Saturday is usually a pretty busy day with Luke's swim lesson at 10:30 at the gym and then a combination of weekly errands that include trips to Costco and the grocery store. At this week's swim lesson, Luke went under water four times and jumped in from the edge of the pool. He's really doing well.
 |
| Luke and Ms. Debbie |
Workout 2: 30 min circuit workout
While Luke's at his swim lesson, I get a quick workout focused on core strength. I probably get 3 sets of 4 or 5 different core exercises along with some body weight squats, leg extensions, and leg curls.
11:30 am: Errands
After a trip to Costco, back to the gym because we dropped Matty's hoodie in the parking lot, through the express shopping at Giant Eagle (a GE employee completes your online shopping order and brings your groceries out to your car at your scheduled pickup time), and by the bank, we returned home. I unloaded the groceries, fed Luke and Matty, and got Luke down for a nap while Laura ran out to Target.
2:15 pm: Car Wash
When Laura got back from Target, I spent an hour outside washing the new Grand Cherokee. It was a sunny day with temps around 50 degrees so I had to take advantage.
 |
| So clean you could eat off it. |
3:30 pm: Family visit
As I finished up the car wash, my extended family was arriving for a visit. My sister Katie and her family were in town from Columbus, OH. The Erdeljac clan had an enjoyable afternoon and evening hanging out. All the cousins got to blow off some steam playing around the house. It was a little loud and hectic, but fun.
 |
| This is a picture from last fall of the cousins with Pap-Pap. |
8:00 pm: Luke's Bath and Bedtime
Laura went to the neighbor's house for a gathering with the other women in our neighborhood and my family left shortly after 8 pm. Laura had already fed and put Matty to sleep. I bathed Luke, read him some books, and put him to bed about 8:45. This reminds me of Jerry Seinfeld's rant on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon about putting kids to bed. If you haven't seen it, check it out. It's funny.
9:00 pm: Bedtime
I laid down to watch some of the Olympics and found myself dozing off. I threw in the towel and shut the lights off a little after 9:00. Good night!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Kona Project Update: "Weathering the Storm"
Wow! It is cold outside! This has been the coldest winter in Pittsburgh that I can remember. I love the term "Polar Vortex," but when will it end? With temperatures constantly below freezing and often in the teens and even single digits and below, Pittsburghers have weathered the storm in anticipation of some warmer weather.
I've been weathering my own storm as I pursue a qualifying slot for the 2014 Ironman World Championships in October. Over the past few weeks, it seemed like things couldn't get anymore hectic, until they did. Let's start with my lower back pain. It came back. It's ok because I've been feeling good for a couple weeks now, but that's only after a series of appointments with my orthopedic doctor and two different chiropractors along with the purchase of a Teeter Hang-Ups inversion table, styrofoam roller, and a tempurpedic bed. It's become clear that I have to do the maintenance stuff to keep my body prepared for the rigors of heavy training.
After the heavy downpour of back pain, the storm brought on an unexpected gust from a broken down car. Laura and I came out of school on a bitter cold Tuesday, and when I turned the key to start the car, there was nothing but silence. "You have got to be kidding me!" Five hours later my car was towed to the dealership and the family was home thanks to Pappa Bob's escorting service. We spent a week with one car, and I dealt with the dealership telling me I needed things repaired that another mechanic told me I didn't need repaired. Ultimately, the car situation was resolved this past Saturday as we traded in the old four-wheel drive sleigh with over 145,000 miles for a new one with a few more bells and whistles. Oh yeh, and a new car payment.
Those two things combined with the daily forecast of changing diapers, pediatrician appointments, feeding, bathing, dressing, undressing, and overall caring for two little boys while also training at a level I've never trained before has made "weathering the storm" a true challenge. I'm very lucky to have Laura's love and support on this journey, and it's all still fun in its own unique way. :)
I've been weathering my own storm as I pursue a qualifying slot for the 2014 Ironman World Championships in October. Over the past few weeks, it seemed like things couldn't get anymore hectic, until they did. Let's start with my lower back pain. It came back. It's ok because I've been feeling good for a couple weeks now, but that's only after a series of appointments with my orthopedic doctor and two different chiropractors along with the purchase of a Teeter Hang-Ups inversion table, styrofoam roller, and a tempurpedic bed. It's become clear that I have to do the maintenance stuff to keep my body prepared for the rigors of heavy training.
 |
| I ran almost as many miles as was the temperature (15 miles). |
 |
| I don't know if I'll remember how to ride a bike without it being propped-up for me. |
After the heavy downpour of back pain, the storm brought on an unexpected gust from a broken down car. Laura and I came out of school on a bitter cold Tuesday, and when I turned the key to start the car, there was nothing but silence. "You have got to be kidding me!" Five hours later my car was towed to the dealership and the family was home thanks to Pappa Bob's escorting service. We spent a week with one car, and I dealt with the dealership telling me I needed things repaired that another mechanic told me I didn't need repaired. Ultimately, the car situation was resolved this past Saturday as we traded in the old four-wheel drive sleigh with over 145,000 miles for a new one with a few more bells and whistles. Oh yeh, and a new car payment.
Those two things combined with the daily forecast of changing diapers, pediatrician appointments, feeding, bathing, dressing, undressing, and overall caring for two little boys while also training at a level I've never trained before has made "weathering the storm" a true challenge. I'm very lucky to have Laura's love and support on this journey, and it's all still fun in its own unique way. :)
 |
| Laying with the boys |
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| Reading "Little Quack" |
Thursday, December 19, 2013
"Kona Project Update - What a pain -- in the back!"
I figured pursuing a Kona Slot for 2014 would consist of soreness, fatigue, and frustration from time-to-time, but last week I got hit with some unexpected back spasms that made me seriously doubt my pursuit. I got up early last Tuesday (a week and a half ago) to get in my morning swim. All went well, except for the fact that I'm slow. I came home to help get Matty ready for daycare, but was looking forward to spending the day at home with Luke because he had a fever and couldn't go to daycare. After Laura and Matty left the house, I was so happy to lay down for 30 minutes before Luke awoke. A 30 minute nap is hard to come by with two little kids and training. However, when I woke-up, my back was tight and sore. I knew something wasn't right, but hoped that it would loosen up. I managed a short trip to the grocery store with Luke to get a few things. I found myself bending over the handle of the shopping cart in pain during most of our trip, and it was all I could do to make it back home with my groceries and Luke. I sought refuge on the couch with my legs up, but there was none to be found, and by mid-afternoon I was crawling around the house on all fours because it was too painful to stand. It was terrible!
I informed Chad I wouldn't be completing the day's scheduled run workout and that things weren't looking good for the next day's workouts either. Even worse, I had to miss the Ballou Skies "Corks and Pucks" gala that a bunch of my family was going to attend. Chad and I came up with a game plan to take it easy and see how the back responded. Over the next two days, between seeing my family doctor, getting some x-rays, and talking with family, I was worried my Kona Project was a bad idea. I questioned whether I had it in me to do the training day-after-day while working and fulfilling my parenting responsibilities. I also questioned whether my body could endure it all. After all, Luke's terrible twos have me in wrestling matches some mornings trying to get him dressed for school, and Matty's not sleeping through the night because he can barely breathe from the congestion of one cold after another. In fact, it seems like every time we get in the car, I'm explaining to Luke that we're going to a doctor's appointment for one of us. The pot was boiling over and some final straw broke my back.
After reflecting on these feelings for a few days, I came to some calming realizations. First, this is the hardest it will get. I wasn't thinking about the training workouts. Those will surely get harder, but this time of the year is hard because it's sooooo busy. I began to see that glass half-full. Matty won't always be sick, and when he starts sleeping through the night, I'll get to too. Luke won't be two forever and he will start to learn that just because he wants something and says, "please," doesn't mean he'll get it. And, throwing a tantrum won't help. The weather will get warmer. The days will get longer, and I won't be training in the dark all the time. Christmas vacation will be coming and all the shopping will be done. And, this back pain will go away. Insert a major deep breath here. Next, I also realized that I'm not going to qualify for Kona in one day. There will be ups and downs in my training and how my body feels. I just need to stay the course. It is a process. It is a project.
I'm happy to report that my back is feeling better. I got a good report from an Orthopedic Doctor and I'm back to training. I am getting an MRI tonight, but the doctor isn't anticipating finding any major problems. I think he called it, "normal degeneration that I would expect to see in someone your age." "Keep doing what you're doing," he said.
Sounds good to me Doc!
I informed Chad I wouldn't be completing the day's scheduled run workout and that things weren't looking good for the next day's workouts either. Even worse, I had to miss the Ballou Skies "Corks and Pucks" gala that a bunch of my family was going to attend. Chad and I came up with a game plan to take it easy and see how the back responded. Over the next two days, between seeing my family doctor, getting some x-rays, and talking with family, I was worried my Kona Project was a bad idea. I questioned whether I had it in me to do the training day-after-day while working and fulfilling my parenting responsibilities. I also questioned whether my body could endure it all. After all, Luke's terrible twos have me in wrestling matches some mornings trying to get him dressed for school, and Matty's not sleeping through the night because he can barely breathe from the congestion of one cold after another. In fact, it seems like every time we get in the car, I'm explaining to Luke that we're going to a doctor's appointment for one of us. The pot was boiling over and some final straw broke my back.
After reflecting on these feelings for a few days, I came to some calming realizations. First, this is the hardest it will get. I wasn't thinking about the training workouts. Those will surely get harder, but this time of the year is hard because it's sooooo busy. I began to see that glass half-full. Matty won't always be sick, and when he starts sleeping through the night, I'll get to too. Luke won't be two forever and he will start to learn that just because he wants something and says, "please," doesn't mean he'll get it. And, throwing a tantrum won't help. The weather will get warmer. The days will get longer, and I won't be training in the dark all the time. Christmas vacation will be coming and all the shopping will be done. And, this back pain will go away. Insert a major deep breath here. Next, I also realized that I'm not going to qualify for Kona in one day. There will be ups and downs in my training and how my body feels. I just need to stay the course. It is a process. It is a project.
I'm happy to report that my back is feeling better. I got a good report from an Orthopedic Doctor and I'm back to training. I am getting an MRI tonight, but the doctor isn't anticipating finding any major problems. I think he called it, "normal degeneration that I would expect to see in someone your age." "Keep doing what you're doing," he said.
Sounds good to me Doc!
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