It is this time of year that things really pile on at work. My already busy job gets even busier while our small team strives, and always achieves, at pulling off some really big local events. Needless to say, it stresses me. In years past I would run in the first event so that turned coordination stress into performance stress but this year that isn't the case. But really, I am okay with it....now. It is just more coordination, or should I say, execution/responsibility, stress.
The result has always been lower mileage during this time. Running helps me deal with my stress but it seems when it really starts piling on, I start backing off. Perhaps because I start getting the tickling's of illness, or the scratchy throat to be more accurate. I opt to increase my sleep time and there goes my running time.
Here is what my running looks like so far:
As you can see, I am already above last January this year, by 7 miles. And I really want to increase from December and I know I can at least do 10 more miles this month. I am okay and in good position to keep building my base. But look again at that dip in February. That worries me. Yes, the first three weeks of February are very tough at work and my running suffers. I don't want it to suffer too badly this year.
Don't get me wrong. I love my job. Love, love, love! We accomplish great things. I work with awesome people. And I can honestly say, I think I laugh every day....at least once. If not, it is a really tough day and we are too focused to laugh. This post isn't about not liking a job. This post is about when life gets a bit too full.
So what can I do? I do what I need to. I must take care of myself so I can do the best running I can do. And if that means going to bed a bit early or sleeping in a bit extra, so be it. If that means delaying the morning run to the afternoon and not having the chance to run double, so be it. Because to run well I first need to be well. And that means, paying attention to the scratchy throat. With a focus on sleep and essential vitamins, I plan to stomp that scratch away and be back in prime running form in no time.
And for Push It Wednesday yesterday, if you follow me on facebook you already know I pushed the snooze button. Yep, I chose sleep. But I did run later in the day and I did push one mile on my 10% incline treadmill at home. It was tough but good. Not the pushing I tend to do on Wednesdays but for yesterday, it was all I could do. And nope, I couldn't push it and write a post as I opted to spend those minutes with my daughter making the most out of our time together.And today, I will be running after work again but plan on a super easy dinner that allows me to increase the cuddle time with darling daughter because she needs/wants some extra Mommy-time right now.
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful that I have a job I love.
Daily Affirmation: I am good enough.
