Last week I was blessed to asked by the love of my life to spend our lives together in marriage. I of course said yes. That happened Tuesday after a great two workouts, one in the morning and a swim in the evening that was hurried in order to make our dinner reservation for our one year anniversary. Despite the occasion I really didn't suspect that the night would include a proposal. Although we've been planning our lives together, talking of the future and even spent a good deal of time engagement ring shopping. What occurred after 1047pm after I said of course and yes is really what I've decided to call "the Lost Week of our Engagement". I will include that my now fiance and also a training partner of mine, Will, had a much better and less disturbed week. He stated that he had nerves since he had picked up the ring and felt relief whereas my emotions of excitement took me out of the gym and into daily Happy Hours with Friends and telephone calls with family, Will was able to better focus and complete those workouts.
The weekend brought family visitors, my aunt and uncle Kris and Clay came from St. Louis to celebrate Easter with me and I'm so thankful. We had such a great time - eating, visiting, and celebrating. Easter has always been a favorite holiday of mine a family time that has been important. Traditions abound and although I did not attend Easter Vigil Mass (my aunt and uncle are not Catholic). We did have brunch and the traditional Powers family egg fight, it was good that two Powers (Kat and myself were present), Will has been initiated and much to my chagrin Clay beat me in the finals.
We had easter morning brunch out as is the tradition in my household and it was delicious
My work out total for the lost week, 2 of 12.... And on we go.
I'm not dwelling on that and simply got back into my mileage, after coming down with a short lived stomach virus (don't worry it wasn't from the delicious brunch). My office has had something going around and with allergies as well it was rough. I was able to complete all my workouts this week despite this.
I had some great swims this week! Fast and smooth is how they felt, I always like the workout that is a straight swim! It's my favorite.
I found joy in riding my trainer last night vs. going to the downtown YMCA. All day I heard about the terrible traffic downtown and street closures. The NRA is in town, it was a beautiful day, and I knew that I'd be sitting in my car for a long time if I tried to get to the YMCA. I opted to open my house windows and get on my trainer - I rode for longer then needed because I was watching Jeopardy. I love Jeopardy and hadn't watched it because of training and other things.
Even with a focus on workouts this week, I've found good balance. Attending a Happy Hour, going out for dinner, and just staying relaxed.
This Saturday has been longest logged run in some time. I ran with the Fleet Feet training group, I train between this group and East Nasty. I like Fleet Feet because they start at 7am, I don't care much for drives to Brentwood and Cool Springs so if they run there (which they switch between these two locations and Green Hills) I tend to run on my own or with East Nasty. I like East Nasty, I love East Nasty but they begin at 8am - a little late for me, and they have fewer pace groups which is especially difficult when the 2hour pace group is really pacing for a 1:45 half marathon finish, it to be honest is disheartening to me because I really want to finish between 1:55 and 2:00 but just cannot keep up with their pace. (Wah Wah, suck it up buttercup) I pace well with Fleet Feet and finished my 13.5 in just over 2:15, it felt hard but I know on race day in two weeks the excitement will help me through. The weather today was perfect and I'm so hopeful that the weather is similar on race day. It was 45degrees and warmed to 60 by the end of the run. The past week has been humid and threatened severe weather making running out difficult, I think to myself the weather is going to vary and you never know what your race conditions for the half marathon, olympic, half ironman, or full will be like (Suck it UP and run).
I was confirmed to work at the BROOKS expo tent which means I'll spend the Friday before the half marathon, out of my regular job of social work and instead be at the Country Music Expo all day. I'm very excited about this for several reasons; I had planned to take the day off to reduce my stress (Fridays are stressful in homeless housing work) and really be able to focus on ensuring I'm well hydrated and relaxing, I like expos - the atmosphere can be electric as people get their packets and experience the pre-race activities, and by securing a spot I will get a new pair of shoes and a running jacket as my payment (CHA CHING!). I love to volunteer for races not just for stuff but when essentials like running shoes are included I can't complain!
Until Next week :)
