Going to the Homeland

I'm going to the homeland in about 3 1/2 weeks. I. Can't. Wait. And for those of you who don't know, homeland = Utah. Ah, Utah. I can't wait to step into your dry mountain air, cloudless sunny days, and cool summer nights. Now if you could just cooperate, and stop burning down half the mountainside, that'd be great. kthanks. Seriously, there are TEN wildfires in Utah right now. And it's only July 2nd. Let's not even mention the devastating fire in Colorado. It's scary that they still have to get through their two hottest and driest months of the year.

 

I've got a list of things I want to do while I'm there. I haven't been home in over a year, and I miss it. Mostly I miss my family, but I do miss those outdoor Utah activities that I grew up doing. In no particular order I will be enjoying the following:

• Wakeboarding at Newton Dam and the Oneida Narrows
• Hiking to the Wind Caves
• Running the Logan River Trail
• Four-wheeling around Cache Valley
• Hiking to Ensign Peak
• Visiting Utah State campus
• Shopping in Park City (aka. P dot C dot)
• Running on Antelope Island

Needless to say, I'm so ready for a trip home. My mom asked me the other day on the phone, "So what race will you be running when you're here?"

Me: "Uhhh. No race."
Mom: "But I thought you only traveled to run in races."
Me: *feeling guilty* "Normally, yes. But I figured my family deserved a trip this time."
Mom: "Well, good. We haven't seen you."
Me: *feeling even more guilty* "I know. But you'll see me now."

That convo sort of put things into perspective for me. I felt so so so guilty. Because she had a point. Most of the time when I travel, I travel for running. I've neglected my family, and living thousands of miles away from them, well, I can't do that anymore. I need to make the time for them, even if it means I miss a race or two. A year is far too long to not see your mom or dad. When I rally think about it, I haven't been home for Christmas since 2008. That's bad. Sad face.

Speaking of running, I came down with a cold last week. Coming down with a cold a month into marathon training is Mother Nature's way of slapping you in the face and knocking you off your high horse. It's her way of saying, "Oh, you think you're a badass? Look who's the badass now, biotch. *slap*" That's fine, Mother Nature. Apparently you haven't met me yet, but I like challenges.

 

So, sure. I missed my long run this weekend. And I missed a few runs last week. Has this derailed my training plan? Hell no. I'll be back at it. I even signed up for a 4th of July 5K in Fairfax.

But I'm still finding it hard to balance life and running. Especially being new to DC. There's so much to discover and see, and sometimes I'd rather be exploring than running. It takes a conscious effort to get out there sometimes and run. And it's hot outside. Training for a fall marathon means training through the summer. I didn't think that one through, guys. It's been HOT. Record-breaking hot. The other day it was 105 with a heat index of 112. I didn't run that day.

What are your plans for the 4th? Will you be running a 5K that day? Or just throwing back a few cold ones?