BUSY LIFE until THE BODY SAYS "NO MORE"!!

Behind the block.
Ontario Masters Provincials 2014

Sometimes the body sends some pretty strong messages, when it's finally had enough.  It starts with a yawn and tired eyes, maybe dozing at the desk; eventually you end up with a muscle spasm in your left eye and 2 weeks of illness that doesn't seem to want to go away! At least that's the message my body just sent to me.  Instead of listening to common sense and slowing my pace, by temporarily cutting something out of my life, I waited for my body to knock me down.  The headache and muscle spasm in my left eye, at the Around the Bay, wasn't enough of a warning.  Instead I waited for the  chest infection that had me gasping for breath anytime I put effort into anything, and begging for sleep, since I spent most of my nights coughing.  My husband was also begging for a good night's rest as the chronic cough was driving him nuts.

As of late, the pace I've been keeping has been a bit, shall I say, over-the-top.  One of my down falls is that I have a difficult time saying no.  Therefore I pile on more and more until I find myself lying in bed, sick as a dog, realizing all the hard work I've just put in, in the pool, over the last however many months, has just been flushed down the toilet.

I'm not saying that the majority of the activities that happened over the last month haven't been worth it, but there are a couple of things that truly weigh on my heart and mind that take the biggest toll on my energy and sometimes sap my motivation to move forward. I will not be sharing that today. Currently I am at this spot, and yet I know I need to continue to push myself forward to the next workout, the next event, the next challenge or I will regret my temporary lapse in motivation when what ails me is over.  Hence, I went for a long run this morning and tomorrow there will be a swim and a bike ride.  I do feel better during a workout, it helps balance the stress of the day.

SO....I wanted to share a few of the things I've done over the last month that led to the twitchy eye and chest infection.....most of these are cool...the taxes not so much.

1.  Ontario Masters Provincials!!, in Windsor, ON. Two new Canadian Records for my age Group in 200m and 400m Individual Medley.  I only swam Friday and Saturday, as on Sunday......

200m IM

400m IM

       

2.  I ran in the 3 person Relay in the Around the Bay 30K road race, Hamilton, ON. I woke up to snow that morning (March 30, 2014), I don't run outside in cold weather. However, our team of Mariah, Alex, and myself placed 5th of 75 women's teams despite the cold start to the day.

Early Morning Snow March 30, 2014

Natalie, Sheila, Mariah, Alex

3.  Moving Day! 1 week after Provincials and Around the Bay.  Chris, Greg, and Kevin, from Taylor Movers in Burlington, were amazing and quick at moving our belongings from one home to another. Unfortunately I have to find a place for everything, and unpack all those belongings.  Luckily for me a few good friends helped with the move. April, Hanna, and Jim.

Chris, Greg, Kevin from Taylor Movers

4.  Finally got out on the street for the first time with the road bike, clipped in. Of course, as I am not known for my amazing agility and balance, I fell and got my first biking wound. (Yes, I know, there is hair on my leg. I grew up not allowed to shave my legs until a major swimming event, the habit of infrequent shaving still is hanging around)

5.  Sprained my hand. How you may wonder?  I hit it on the lane rope!

Between knuckle 1 and 2 still is swollen and hurts.

6.  Work has been really busy.  I am thankful for my partners that help to make each day productive and fun.

Evening work events..just waiting for the customers to arrive.

7. Easter!!! Making sure the day is just right for the family and kids takes some effort as most of you know.

8.  Tax time is here again and I spent most of the Easter Weekend finishing them up to send off to the accountant.  I also cooked a full on Easter dinner including 4 pies.  

Now that I have almost completely kicked this cough...almost.  I am going to move forward with a schedule that includes some semblance of balance.  Trying to compete, move, work, and manage the daily family trials and tribulations all at once can be a little overwhelming. Did I mention that I also run a small real estate portfolio on the side.  The importance of planning and scheduling in some down time, is important.  Also, making sure that we don't stop doing the things we love, that bring us relief from daily pressures, is a priority.  I know this sickness really threw me back a few steps in the pool, however in the long term I also know that swimming will keep me healthy and strong for many years to come.  So I will push forward even when I don't feel like it.  I hope you do too.