#formymom

for the past few years, i have participated in the longest day with the alzheimer’s association. the longest day is a team event to raise funds and awareness for alzheimer’s disease. held every year on the summer solstice, the duration of this sunrise-to-sunset event symbolizes the challenging journey of those living with the disease and their caregivers.
alzheimer’s disease is something that hits very close to home. i started my team #movinformargie a couple of years ago, and this is the third year that i will raise money and awareness. margie is my mom. she was diagnosed with early onset alzheimer’s when she was only 55. statistically, half of my mom’s kids will develop early onset alzheimer’s. it has been diagnosed in people in their 30s and 40s. i do this in honor of my mom, but i also participate selfishly, in hope that there is a cure before i need it. you can read more of my family’s story here: the longest day.

ghetto running log:
wednesday: key workout #1: speed:
3.01 miles in 24:56 + warm up–1200, 1000, 800, 600, 400, 200 intervals
#highlights:
getting to look out the window while on the dread mill.
getting it done before 3:00pm
my favorite mustache socks and a fresh pedicure.
#thingsicanoutrun:
the guy who walked around the gym on his phone. for at least 20 minutes. without even touching a machine. #misstheymca

 

ooh. la. la.

dread. mill.

 

ghetto running log:
friday saturday: key workout #2: tempo
7.14 miles in ? minutes. garmin died at 5.86
#highlights:
running on the beach. why don’t i do that more?
permanent hopscotch. every. time.
#thingsicanoutrun:
the poor little crabs all washed up on the beach.
the patient blue heron, just waiting for a fish to swim through its legs.
the lady walking her dog in her robe.
the first runner i passed, who couldn’t be bothered to say good morning.
the dad, on a leisurely walk with his baby in a carrier, maybe letting mama sleep.

ghetto running log:
sunday: key workout #3: long run
11.11 miles. motivation was nil.
#highlights:
i wish dog beach smelled better, because it’s so much fun to watch the dogs there.
permanent hop scotch.
could coffee smell any better?
#thingsicanoutrun:
the definitive puke splatter.
the little red crabs that are all over the beach (photo credit: san diego scenic photography on fb).

oh. the. crabs.

 

my mom is a life-long teacher. literally, she was a teacher in a school for kids with special needs. but she is so much more of a teacher than that. she taught me how to walk, with braces on my feet. she taught me this really amazing sense of self, with the most encouraging words (i don’t think i went a day when she didn’t tell me “you’re the best.” perhaps that was the start of my competitive side…) she taught me that i could do anything i set my mind to. she taught me that a tub of ice cream with two spoons, at the kitchen island is some of the best therapy. she taught me to stand up for myself. she taught me to choose happy. she continues to teach me love, patience, and compassion.

 

 

 

 

#itiswhatitis

so, in my last full week of training, i finally was able to do all of my scheduled workouts. i’m trying to embrace this coming week of tapering, but i can’t help but want to do make-up training. i know i shouldn’t. i know i’ve done as much as i can, aside from actually getting in open water and trying out my new, long-sleeved wetsuit.

ghetto running log:
wednesday:
5.46 miles in 50:27.3
#highlights:
quality time with my barb (more on that later)
losing track of time and an impromptu family dinner
#thingsicanoutrun:
us, running with a jog stroller thingy. apparently it does make a difference.

ghetto running log:
saturday:
5.0 miles in 39:33.1–this one was a good one, after an hour in the pool and a spin class.
#highlights:
thinking about two very special people tying the knot today
an octopus painted on the staircase i went down
running by the beach on sandstone, feeling like it was play
averaging under 8 minute miles, bitches!
tons of kites in my hood
the acro-yoga going on in the park
#thingsicanoutrun:
the mail lady with her shirt unbuttoned to reveal her casual saturday tshirt, it may have been grateful dead…i love my hood
this old dude with a mustache that went all the way to his sideburns
the four high fives in a row. high fives are the best.

ghetto running log:
sunday:
13.1 miles in 1:57:18
#highlights:
8.5 miles with my barb–never ceases to amaze me that we can talk that much
sunny beautiful day on the bay
pushed up long-sleeves
#thingsicanoutrun:
the couple rollerblading on the boardwalk, holding hands…how cute. barf.
an older couple riding bikes together slower than i thought was possible to ride bikes
two guys throwing a frisbee, failing to catch it a single time

so today is mother’s day. i think mother’s day is one of those made-up, hallmark holidays. not that moms don’t deserve recognition. they do. but they kind of deserve it every day. and i’d like to think i love and think of my mom every day of the year. but today, i’m going to give a shout out to my mom, even though she’ll never see this.

you see, my mom has taught me a lot. life is not fair, fake it til you make it, smile with your teeth, it is what it is. she has given me this spirit to go want to everywhere and see everything, and she has always allowed me to be me. she continues to teach me patience, compassion, and kindness.

every day, i find myself thinking of my mom. every day, i say “what would margie do?” because she is that kind of person. every day, i think about making my mom proud. every day.

my mom did a triathlon once, and the biggest decision made was whether to wear her contacts or a bra after the swim. she felt like she didn’t have time for both.

what would margie do in this final week of training? she would embrace the chance to fly across the country and see family. she would enjoy the week of taper. she would smile, with her teeth, knowing she did the best she could.