Slowing down.

Perhaps one of my biggest downfalls is knowing how to just be. I don’t know what it is or when exactly it happened but I find it difficult to just sit back and relax. I often times feel guilty if I am not doing something or have something on the agenda. 

Looking back I don’t think I was always this type A perfectionist, but more evolved into it the older I got. I have always been the type of person that is organized and wants everything just right but now I also feel some need to always have plenty to keep me occupied.

Enter me working not only a full time job but freelancing on the side. Not only training for a half marathon but filling my fall with several as well as simultaneously attempting a vigorous weight lifting regime. Add to this a social life and dating and some days I am completely overwhelmed. 

I have to say I am really looking forward to this time next week. My freelance projects will all be fulfilled; and while I LOVE the money, I am hoping to not be enticed in signing another contract at least for a month or so. Already working 10 hour days plus the contractual obligations plus training has entered a new level of exhaustion. 

I love my job. But spend entirely too much time with this view.

With that being said, I am a little proud that the past couple days I have toned it down as far as the training goes. My hip was a little achy so it was great that Thursday night was another date night which meant unwinding and having fun after work. Perhaps a little bit too much fun in the form of three glasses of wine but you know sometimes you just need it. 

Friday morning I woke up aching to run and just did a quick one of 3.5 miles. Nothing crazy. And also not my finest as my stomach was feeling those miles. Drinking and me do NOT mix. At all. But felt good to sweat them out regardless. 

Work was insanity all week and Friday was no different. By the time that I left work I was beat and just wanted to be home. I was literally in bed at 8pm. And it felt glorious. Crazy Friday night over here! I wound up waking up half way through the night and catching up on some DVR action but I clearly was exhausted. 

So today I felt the need to do something but I knew that I shouldn’t run. Enter in yoga. I decided since I had an Amazon local deal that I had purchased for Devotion Yoga, that it was about time I put it to good use. I know. Yoga. Who am I?  My mat was happy to come out of hiding! 

I went to an open flow class and it was good. Gentle, lots of stretching, lunges and warrior poses. Not a vigorous class by any means. And out of curiosity I wore my heart rate monitor and if my heart rate ever got to 70 that was impressive. Not to mention I may or may not have fallen asleep during savasana. I was definitely relaxed. And feeling lose and ready to take on another 13.1 miles tomorrow!

Since then I just ran some errands, finally bought a hot little number for the wedding (breathing and sitting will be optional) that I am attending next Saturday and now am doing work and conference calls from bed. Overall a nice day and really trying to embrace this whole relaxation thing and not feel guilty about it (although to be honest I don't think the guilt part will ever go away). And really counting down the hours until I am running the Narrows Half tomorrow. The need to hit the pavement is high.