4 February 2008
Mom Powers
Posted by Shelly under: Shelly Batterbee .
This past weekend I ventured out with 18 other moms for our second annual Winter Weekend Away. We seem to pick the weekends with blizzards or other inclement weather (so next year if you hear I’m going, plan on bad weather!), but the driving ended up ok this time. Last year I got quite a triceps workout from gripping onto my steering wheel to drive the 60+ miles home in a blizzard. We went to get a little respite–I think it’s important to carve out that time for yourself whether you have kids or not. I tend to be one who forgets about myself all too often, so I look forward to these times out with friends!
I missed the RunGazelle run on Saturday. I actually thought of driving back into town for it…for a few fleeting moments (remember that whole “I’m not a morning person” issue?). For those of you who went–I hope you had a great run! Instead, I ran out on some beautiful country roads with two of my Sole Sister runners who also went on the weekend away. I haven’t had a chance to run with any of them for quite some time–so I was happy to do that and skip the drive back into town. We did a little over three miles, since two of us had done our long run on Thursday this past week. We weren’t really sure, um, how we’d be feeling this weekend to fit in a long run, seeing as we were there to “recharge our mom powers.”
We also ended up cross-training later that day, since I’m not sure that the karaoke and dancing we did on Friday really counts as cross-training (in my defense though, I did bike almost 10 miles and shoveled my driveway on Friday before we left!). I brought my snowshoes up with me, and the other gals I went with either snowshoed or cross-country skied on the trails with me. The workout was great–though my snowshoes actually fell apart mid-trek. By fell apart–I mean half of one actually flew off in front of me. Apparently being frugal isn’t always the best idea when it comes to equipment like that. :) But we figured out how to get the metal tube reattached and onward we trekked. I can’t justify getting “better” snowshoes quite yet, as I don’t get out that often, but I do think it’s a great workout and a lot of fun!
But today I’m dragging. So much for that recharge attempt! I think I returned more exhausted than when I left! But hanging out with some great moms who are all pretty active is a great reason to be tired out. I returned home to find my family had cleaned “the whooooole house,” which I found out meant they vacuumed and mopped and that was it. Lol–I am appreciative for that, but clearly no one has figured out that a mom does a lot more than just run the vacuum! It’s nice to have the hugs and hear the “Mommmmyyyy!” when I return from a weekend away though.
I’ve shoveled the driveway already this morning–I prefer to shovel over snowblowing–well, just because, I guess. It’s a great extra workout with the snow as heavy as it was this morning, and it lets me play outside a bit (by the way–this is great fort-building and snowball-making snow out there right now…). I’m talking myself into the run right now, as I really want to run outside instead of here on the treadmill. My three year old just moved my shoes by my feet, so I guess that means she is ready! She’ll make a great leader someday, in whatever she does. Pretty no-nonsense, this one!
Before I sign off and head for the treadmill–I’d like to thank all of you who are reading these blogs and keeping up with our journey to May 10. I think I can speak for all of us Road Warriors by saying we are excited for the race–we’re having a great time with the training and with getting to know each other. Keep up with your comments to us–we need you for our motivation as much as you may need any of us! I realize we haven’t met you all face-to-face–but know that we are cheering you on through your training right now, regardless of the distance you choose!
Happy Running!
P.S. If my brother is out there reading this…HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRIAN! 
2 Comments so far...
Bob Estes Says:
4 February 2008 at 8:42 pm.
Sounds like you had a good time. I need to take some time away! I think the cure to my ills includes 80 degrees and some sand! We missed you Saturday too! See you soon.
Brian Austin Says:
7 February 2008 at 11:32 pm.
Thanks, Sis! You’re doing great so far!