Tuesday, February 12, 2013

The Middle-Aged Household Status (a cohabitors guest blog)

So, I was tapped to be an epic guest blogger here on Middle-Aged-Runner, even though I still dispute the fact that I am middle aged, and calling me a runner is a stretch. I will not go into the details here on what was used to coerce me into writing this entry. No, not that. It mostly involves food and beer, and maybe some cheese and crackers and some wine. I like wine. Anyway.



As you wish.

Things here at the middle-aged household are coming down to a more normal level after hitting a peak of insanity recently due to horses, snow storms, races and parallel peaking marathon training plans. And by more normal level, I mean that while we now have more time in which to do household things like vacuum, do dishes and fold laundry (HA! like the laundry will *ever* get folded!) We are both going taper crazy whilst and at the same time. It’s a good time. Actually, to tell you the truth, it’s not too bad. We keep each other sane and talk each other off of the arm of the couch before anyone does anything terrible. (FYI - Danielle has perfected the art of couch-arm-talking-down, I learned everything I know from her.) 




This is a fact.

With under 2 weeks to go until Hyannis (which is an ‘A’ race for both of us, my 1st marathon (No, the run of an Ironman doesn’t count. (Also, I love parentheticals.)), and Sara's 2014 Boston qualifier) talk has begun to focus on logistics and weather. I find myself constantly refreshing future forecasts hoping to will the weather into being warm and wind free come February 24th.

Oh magical intertubes make the weather awesome.

Also, I am in a constant debate with myself about nutrition and what to carry and what will be supplied by the aid stations. Annoyingly, Sara is very cavalier about nutrition and if she can get a gel or two down she is all set (she tends to eject said nutrition after (or sometimes during) the race so who can really blame her.) My current plan has me downing no less than eight (8) packets of the gooey, slimy things at intervals that are very unlikely to have conveniently placed aid stations. Ugh! I don’t want to think about it anymore! So much stress!

On the plus side, despite the fail that was the Mid-Winter Classic X 2 20 miler, I am feeling strong and fast (just maybe not long enough (TWSS)). 



Mid-Winter Classic Team Pic - Also, I love the GIMP.

As you can tell I need some work on the positive thinking side of things. I have set up a few mantras for just this reason.

Here is a small sample:

  • Why do I do this to myself?
  • I quit.
  • Is this all you've got?
  • You might be able to do this, on a good day.
  • Don’t let the geriatric old lady get away, damn.
  • How many miles left?


I’m told that these might not be ideal.

The only other thing going on is the constant battle that Sara fights with herself about getting a new pooch. We have plenty of four legged children running around (3) who are constantly underfoot, barking annoyingly and eating all the pompoms on the winter hats.

Including my fantastic Jyane Cobb hat :-/

But, she keeps seeing cute puppy pictures on the FB and then goes about making puppy eyes at me asking if we can get one more. I of course say, “Sure! why not? We have plenty of room!” thereby making her realize that if I agree to it, it must be one of the most terrible ideas ever, and the crisis is averted. For at least the next few hours. Or until she sees the next cute puppy picture.


Hopefully, Sara will stop being lazy and start blogging again so you don't have to deal with my incoherent blathering anymore. ( I can feel the followers fleeing as we speak.)

Eric

4 comments:

  1. I actually enjoyed this post! and the laundry never gets folded at my house either.

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  2. Love this post! I am well aware of the taper crazies and can sympathize! You two are gonna do great at Hyannis!!

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  3. They are lying Eric, this post is adequate at best if only because I don't read it in Sarah's voice and picture her doing her spirit fingers while running...

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  4. 8 gels sounds about right. That's what I'd honk down for a marathon!

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