Sunday, April 23, 2017

Nonstop Running...Literally and Figuratively


Can we talk about non-stop running? 

This past week had me running, not just in the literal sense, but in the figurative sense as well. Fortunately, my training was not affected...but a lot of other things had to take a brief sabbatical (like blogging) as I fulfilled my annual Prom volunteer duties (more of that later).

So here's last week's breakdown...

Monday. Ahh, the weather! We had rain in the forecast, but moderate temps, so I met up with my running gal pal and did our #5at5 in the wee hours. The clincher? I fell back asleep after my alarm went off...and it was Barb's 4:50 a.m. text that woke me out of my dozing. I hurriedly got dressed (thankfully, I had set all of my gear out the night prior) and was out the door by 5:03 a.m. I must say, by not doing daily early morning runs, I can easily notice the sun rising earlier on the mornings when we are out there. 
5 miles at 5 a.m....Take-1
Tuesday. No running on the calendar, but a lot of #prompaintingsquats (you know, squatting and lunging over massive pieces of cardboard as I unleash my #artgeek tendencies). Also, I hadn't done a 5-minute plank in a few months, so I knocked out one of those. I usually do at least five minutes of planking each day, but I don't do a full 5-minute plank very often, so it's always a fun challenge holding it and feeling the burn (especially in those final 40 seconds).

Wednesday. Another non-running day as well. As mentioned last week, I am incorporating bi-weekly speed work for this 26.2 cycle, and was thankful this was an "off" week because I simply had other non-running stuff to do. And, that's alright (besides, my hamstrings and back were feeling a bit achy from all of the recent painting). I did a lot more of my Prom prep work, and squeezed in a short (but tough) strength workout before bedtime.

Thursday. I met up with Barb for another #5at5 session. We had moderately mild temps, but a bitterly tough NW 26mph wind. Had we waited and done our five miles 12 hours later, it would have really been miserable because the wind picked up and the temps continued to fall. 
another 5 miles at 5 a.m...Take-2
Friday. The temps were still a bit chilly (in the 40's), but the wind was crazy! Another non-running day, but it also was a near-full day at the office and all of our prom set-up was on tap for the evening. 

Our high school's auditorium is a state of the art facility, but there's always other events happening in there during Prom week (elementary school spring concerts, for example), so we usually cannot get in there until the evening prior to Prom to set up our stage and decorations. That means the week of Prom is a crazy week for me, because I not only have to finish all the stage decs, but also coordinate the logistics of getting them to the auditorium and estimating how much labor needed to assemble everything. 

The hubby has been my main production/assembly assistant the eight years I have been doing this gig. I also have an assistant who helps me with some of the painting and back stage details. We all met at the school around 6:15, and were done by 10:00 with everything. 
This year's theme is Unmask the Night, and the stage is set...
Saturday. Well, even though it's Prom week, there still is a marathon happening in two months. Since I had a 12-mile run last weekend, and a half marathon scheduled for this next weekend, I elected to scale back a bit and do a 10-mile long run. Barb and I met up just after 7:00 and knocked out our 10 miles in near-perfect weather with an average 10:15 pace (though my watch zonked out at mile 8.65...Did the run really happen?).
Bright sun and awesome temps!
My morning didn't stop there, though. The husband and I also were registered for the Bowl for Kids Sake event, benefiting the local chapter of Big Brother/Big Sisters. Holy cow! My entire body was feeling achy and strained (probably from the earlier morning's 10-miler, and also from all the numerous late nights stooped over random cardboard, with a paint brush in hand). My first game was 122, but something happened in the second game and I rallied....finishing with a score of 160!
Don't worry, I don't plan to quit my day job and pursue bowling as a career change
The daughter was on her own (by her own choosing) for her various appointments (hair, nails, make-up), but we all met up with her group for pics in the late afternoon. They went off to dinner after that, and we had about 90 minutes of downtime to recharge for the evening. The Presentation of Couples began at 8:00 (but I was there, backstage, around 7:15 for the last-minute crosscheck of details). Following the Presentation, our crew dismantled the set to make way for the After-Prom entertainment (a hypnotist). That allows the hubby and myself about another two hours before reporting back at midnight for the After Prom festivities, which last until 4:30 a.m.(unless we elect to skip the pancake breakfast, otherwise we'd be there until 5:15). 
The daughter and her date
Sunday. Even though I did not set any alarms, I was still awake around 7:30 a.m. My entire body (and mind!) felt exhausted, but there was a beautiful, sunshiny morning outside my window. I took the dog for a walk, then did my usual Sunday shakeout run (only one mile this time)....and felt energized and ready for the day. 

My week (Monday-Sunday)came in at 21 total miles, not bad considering it was a scaled back week (in terms of running). Although this week may have appeared crazy and stressful, it's only one week out of the year that I have all of this Prom craziness...and I do love being involved, and having an opportunity to get my #artgeek on. I've been in charge of Presentation for eight years (since our oldest was a sophomore at the high school) and will "retire" after next year (when our youngest graduates). It will be strange to give up that "obligation," though I doubt I'll completely walk away from it...(stay tuned).

In other news:

There was that little race in Boston last week. I made this chalk drawing four years ago after the bombings...and I share it every year as a tribute to all of those affected by that day in 2013.

My #fashionFriday post reflected my dilemma...my love for bright colors, but also the need to retreat to a puffer vest due to the cold temps. Are you following me on Instagram (HERE) and Twitter (HERE)? Post your Friday outfit and tag me! I'd love to see what you're wearing!


And, last of all.....Spring has come to life in my front yard gardens!



In case you missed them, here's my posts from last week:

Back on Track (literally)


It's not a Race, It's a Training Run


Tell me about YOUR week? Warm weather? Training for any spring or summer races? Have you ever pulled an all-nighter at an After Prom party?


As usual, I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap



49 comments:

  1. I'm exhausted just reading this! I don't know where you get your energy from!

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    1. I think my Energizer battery is on low power right now....

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  2. Your daughter looks gorgeous love her dress. All of your early morning runs I don't know how you get out the door 10 min after waking up! What time do you go to sleep?

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    1. Ha! I usually need at least 30 minutes to get dressed (and grab a tiny snack and foam roll briefly...NONE of that happened)...I didn't even have time to brush my teeth LOL

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  3. Whew! I hope you got some rest today. Your daughter is lovely and I love her dress choice! It blends very well with your scenery too. I wondered if you'd be giving up your artistic duties. That is a long gig. Our proms don't last all night. Some parents will host a midnight breakfast for the kids, but it's all over relatively early. Do you like your new Mizunos? I'm still wearing the 12s and haven't gone to the 13s yet. Thanks for linking, Kim!

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    1. Our Prom has been doing the After Prom Party for several years...maybe 20 years? Our goal is to keep the kids at the school as late as possible (and out of their cars and/or getting into mischief). They have tons of prizes given away through the night and several big ticket items (tv's, Ipads, Beats headphones, Fitbits, etc.) that they save until the very end. This year, our volunteer firemen came in and did a pancake breakfast for them after the hypnotist and final big prizes. I like the Mizunos so far, but I've only worn them for a couple 5-mile runs so far....I'm going to give them a little more "breaking in" before I take them on a double digit run.

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  4. Great week of training! You definitely know a thing or two about time management because you were certainly busy!!

    That was so nice of you to volunteer for "all things prom". Your daughter looked stunning! She must get it from her mama :)

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    1. Thanks ;-) Well, I usually have to procrastinate the major work on these prom decorations because I don't have space to store them for an extended length of time.Ten days of scattered cardboard and paint everywhere is more than enough LOL

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  5. Great job on all of your runs and wow look at those muscles! Sorry your watch died :( Your daughter looked absolutely beautiful for prom and hope she had a great time!

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    1. Thank you! This was her first prom, and she loved it! It's a lot of work for those of us who volunteer, but it's worth it ;-)

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  6. 4:30 am is way late(or should I say early) to finish clean up for prom. You must have been exhausted! That's nice you volunteered to help out at her prom. I never wanted my Mom to help because I would think she would just try to be nosy. I liked my privacy...haha. Such a nice pic of your daughter and date!

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    1. Ha! The hubby and I kept nodding off watching the hypnotist....the kids have not minded having us there at the After Prom Party. The husband works at one of the Black Jack tables and I'm at the air brush tattoo station, and neither of us have any time to keep track of our kids' whereabouts LOL

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  7. Gosh, you work so hard for prom - I'm sure everyone appreciates it and I hope they let you know! I love your bright puffer vest!

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    1. Thanks! It is a ton of volunteer work, but it's for a great cause (and is actually a lot of fun). My lime puffer got a lot of mileage last week...hopefully for the last time (until next fall LOL)

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  8. I love that you share your artistic talents by helping out with the prom! Looks like it was a fun (and exhausting) night. Yay for spring flowers!

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    1. Prom is a lot of work, but worth it. I "only" help with the Presentation of couples (and volunteer for the after-party), but there's also a crew of people who organize all the "dance" area decorations and after-party games/prizes/entertainment. It really is a year-round endeavor. #parenthood

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  9. You are one busy lady. Your daughter looked beautiful.

    We don't have tulips yet.

    A few warm days and then tomorrow back to col damp and rainy.

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    1. We're supposed to get rain these next few days...and for my race on Saturday ;-(

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  10. Wow that sounds strenuous doing Prom as both a parent and behind the scenes! And I'm sure those #promsquats are no joke! I gardened over the weekend so I think I got some of the same exercise. I'll have to put "five minute plank" on my bucket list. See, you just inspired me!

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    1. The #promsquats and #gardensquats are no joke! Simple "innocent" moves...that you feel about 18 hours later LOL

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  11. Wow! I am tired just reading this post. LOL! You had a great week. Your back looks amazing - note to self - I need to lift more. And, WOW - that prom dress! Amazing! :)

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  12. Wow... what a week, I'm exhausted now just from reading about your week. Helping out with prom sounds like a blast!

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    1. It's crazy week...but just a week. It usually goes pretty fast

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  13. I'm totally exhausted just reading this. Ha! Sounds like an awesome week though. And those prom pics. 😍

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    1. It was an awesome week...but action-packed...which is why there was not much blogging

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  14. Whew! I'm sure you enjoyed it all and are also glad that's over for another year. Did your daughter have a good time?

    I'm in the midst of a few busy weeks myself, but at least the weather is cooperating with some nicer weather . . . some days.

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    1. You said it correctly....I enjoyed the week, but am ever glad that's it's done for another year.The daughter really enjoyed the entire 12 hours of prom...starting with the group pics at 4:45 LOL

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  15. Woah, what a week! Way to get in all those workouts! Love your daughters dress!

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  16. You did have a very busy week for sure! I would have loved having the masked theme for my prom! I think it would be so cool!
    Down here the trend seems to be nothing short of a theatrical presentation when asking someone to the prom, I wonder how your daughter was asked to go with her date?
    Have a good week Kim!

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    1. Well, her guy is a sophomore...so she did the asking LOL They've been a couple since October, though. You're right...there are some theatrics in extending the prom invites...she had a blanket made with a bunch of pictures of the two of them...and had the words"Prom?" printed on it.

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  17. You had a busy week! BTW, your daughter looked gorgeous in her dress!

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    1. Thanks ;-) She found the dress online at a bridal store site....and we lucked out and saw it in a nearby department store (probably for half the price)

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  18. What a week! I can't believe you got up at 7:30 after being out until 4:30!

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    1. ha! yes, I was up and moving at 7:30....sleep is SOOO overrated LOL

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  19. That is a busy week! The prom set looks wonderful, and OMG your daughter is stunning and her dress is beautiful!!

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    1. Thanks!!! We had a lot of fun (despite the last-minute stress) creating the set.

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  20. Holy smokes you had a busy week! It amazes me what goes into proms these days - your daughter looked beautiful! Hope she had fun!

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    1. Proms certainly are productions these days! Our committee meets year-round for fund-raising stuff and ongoing details so it's not all crammed into a few months in the spring.

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  21. Wow I can't believe it's prom time already! The year is really flying by. Your week sounds super crazy, way to get it all done. :)

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    1. It was a crazy week...fortunately those busy weeks go quickly!

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  22. Oh my gosh! Are you sleeping at all? You literally are running and running and running! Amazing! Loved the prom decor- lots of talent there!

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    1. Thanks, MB! It was a crazy (and fun) week (and weekend) ;-)

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  23. wow! Your daughter is beautiful (love her dress), the stage looked fabulous and I love your Boston artwork!! Now, I need a nap after reading all about your week ....whew!!

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    1. HA ha....I think I was running on adrenaline or something. I never crashed, but have slept quite soundly the past couple nights LOL

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  24. Gorgeous daughter - I love her dress!!! and what a beautiful stage. You definitely had your hands full! I admire your motivation to get up early for your 5at5 - I tried running at 5 and I couldn't get my body to move fast enough.

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    1. Well, my #5at5 runs are not fast....they're just easy-paced endeavors to maintain my mileage. Though sometimes, I'm amazed at how fast they go LOL

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  25. Your daughter looks absolutely gorgeous all done up for Prom. And kudos to you and your husband for all of the behind-the-scenes work you did for Prom. I have fond memories of my parents helping out with Prom when I was in high school.

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