Wow. It’s August 1,
2012 already! June and July have buzzed by faster than I really wanted, and I
know my boys feel the same way as school is set to begin in a few weeks. Nick’s
summer is winding down faster than others’ because golf season is already in
full-swing. Kyle’s been putting in time on the platform and competing on the
local and national levels this summer with competitions already on the calendar
for the remainder of 2012. In July I began running consistently again and was
reunited with healthy addiction…trail running. Trail running is my drug of
choice and like an addict if I don’t get my fix at least 4-5 days a week I turn
into a fat zombie. I took some time off from the trails to focus on an Olympic
weightlifting program this past spring, and my lifts did get bigger and better,
but in my heart of hearts I prefer the life of a strength endurance athlete
with trail running and girevoy sport. So, with a little bit of girevoy sport
training and a little bit of CrossFit mixed in with my trail running I feel
great. I try to get Olympic lifts in at least 1-2 times a week but usually end
the workouts with a trail run. After
all, it’s not the best scenario when you run before an Olympic lifting or squat
session. My Paleo diet lifestyle was cramped with beer this summer, but as
summer winds down it’s time to get back on the Paleo wagon and get to feeling
healthy and clean on the inside.
The hills on the trails have been my biggest
challenges this summer because as I build my cardio-endurance back up my asthma
likes to fight me every step of the way. Despite the record heat we’ve been
having here in Ohio this summer my asthma is more under control than last year
but still challenges me. This year I haven’t had any days in which I couldn’t
leave the house because of breathing problems. Woohoo, progress! A little bit
of heat exhaustion and a couple tender spots in my legs has been about the
worst I’ve experienced this summer. I may sound a bit nonchalant about such
ailments but only because I have experienced worse in the past. Hey, at least
this year I haven’t had any fleshy wounds due to my sometimes clumsy moments on
the trail yet. Such progress has to be at least a little noteworthy!
I’m happy when I run.
My family understands this fact and supports my ‘habit’. I’ve found a new
online social group of outdoor sports enthusiasts called Tribesports and enjoy connecting
with fellow trail runners around the globe. Although I run alone I’ve come to
learn that local trail running social circles are pretty cool, too.
I’ve stated before that when I’m on the trail
my mind clears, perspectives are realized, and I get my zen on. I become the
person I really want to be and approach life with greater purpose when trail
running is part of my daily life. It must be those wonderful endorphins and
trail running’s wonderful environment. My relationship with John is healthy, my
boys are doing great, my career is coming along, and each day I am thankful for
what I have in my life. Of course, I’ll always ask for more from life and
strive to be better in my life, but at least I’m heading in the right direction.
My mind-clearing trail runs and hill beatings continue to contribute to my life
quests, and the natural competitor in me appreciates the challenges. As the
wind-down from summer begins on this first day of August 1, 2012 I look back
and appreciate the family, friends (old and new), reunions, my health, and
trail time that have made summer 2012 a good summer.
Happy trails,
~Cat~
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