And Just like that… school is back

Ugh.

I think the fact that I am not jumping for joy over this makes me an unusual parent. But the fact is that I really do love having my kids at home.

I’m not sure how it happened but summer equally flew by and kicked my butt this year.

I had a preconceived idea of what I thought it was going to be like. In the past summer has had its own feel - a change in pace, a freedom. But a few weeks into this summer, I didn’t know what had happened except that I was in a whirlwind of driving, swim lessons, half day camps and an inability to complete a thought.

Things did slow down a bit towards the end of summer, and a week-long family vacation helped.

But my mental space and my running took a hit I wasn’t expecting.

I have gone through many seasons as a runner. And I now understand that they are just that, seasons that will change and pass.

There was a time period where I didn't want to race at all. I didn’t want anything to take away from the just-get-out-the-door-and-enjoy-a-run mentality. I also didn't want to be held accountable to anyone, including myself. Other times I have wanted that push and accountability and I had space to make the goal more central.

But the fact that I never fully caught a routine this summer surprised me. Having come off of a really great training cycle, and then taking a solid recovery, I didn’t expect the mayhem of summer. My training has felt similarly chaotic. I have really just been taking it day by day and adjusting as I go. While this would have driven me crazy in the past, I know that it is what it is right now. I also have a much better understanding of how to shift, what needs to happen and what I can let slide.

This is a huge benefit of a coach. I don’t feel as stressed about being perfect because I know there are easy shifts to make and that I can fit running into my current life, whatever season I may be in.