Foundations

The only thing on the training agenda for today was an 800 yard tempo swim. At this point, it's almost like what's the point...a half mile swim...when I know that in 9 months I will be doing 5 times that. It works out nicely because Andrew has his Alligator swim class in the adjacent pool...so I whip through my workout, he and I get some hot tub time together then hit the showers.

Everything builds from here...the duration and intensity of every workout is so important right now because I am gathering the foundation. If I were to jump immediately into the larger workouts I would be a mental and physical mess. It is crucial I put in these "minor" workouts to build to the major ones...these easy weeks gradually move into the difficult weeks. The funny thing is that half the problem is the mental challenge presented, fitting all of life's pieces together. My blog is named "Puzzled" because that's what it feels like much of the time. When I get my training schedule on Saturday for the following week, I must take stock of everything else on my life's agenda...Eric's schedule, sports schedules, school schedules, church schedules, volunteer schedules, play dates, date nights, childcare options...you get the picture. Some weeks I look at what is in front of me and literally break out into a sweat and wonder how in the world it's all going to work. What has to give? How am I going to be a decent person, mother, wife and friend? How am I going to love my children as they need? I must say that many days I look back on the hours and collapse in despair, other days I rejoice or at least give a quick "hooray". I have learned that nothing is permanent. I have a tendency - when having a bad week, month or season - to think it is never going to change, that I am stuck. However, I see the changes that need to be made and eventually everything reaches a new, working normal, until something else gives...it's totally fluid.

So, at this stage of my training, I will put in my time, build my strength and cherish the ability to have some aimlessness. Meanwhile, I surrender (there's that word again) my schedule and the complete craziness of some weeks while trusting that God has it in his hands. I love the verse: "Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). It reminds me that He is good. That I must rest in Him and know that He loves me and knows my dreams, my goals, my training, my desires. When I give Him what is most important to me, He returns it more fully.

So, on to the crazy afternoon that lies ahead...school, soccer, gymnastics, dinner, bathtime, bedtime, homework.... It's just one day...not forever. Amen!!