Anyway, things have been a bit rough on the running scene. Sometime back my calves started bothering me, in the same sort of pain that I have had before. It seems to start when I need to change my shoes--maybe typing it will help discipline me to shell out for new shoes next time before it is too late!! Either way, it got worse and worse, and after my trip, I could barely even run. So I opted to take a couple weeks off and do time on the elliptical and in the pool. It seems to have helped, I think. I just started up again last week, and have been increasing slowly. I am hoping to be fit enough for the Leavenworth 1/2 in three weeks, but not sure how it will go. I haven't raced in literally ages, so don't feel like I have much speed in there right about now!
I should consider myself lucky though, having never had a 'real' injury that sidelines me for a long time; two weeks isn't too bad in the scheme of things, but it sure made me miss running! Might have been different if the weather were shite, but it has been SO nice out, it just made me want to be out there! Will see how it goes, and try to take it a bit easy on the upswing.
Dad has been doing pretty poorly, really down and really uncomfortable. I am not sure what to make of it really, and my emotions are all over the place, usually hitting the full spectrum on any given day. I try to keep that out of his view, as the last thing he needs is to fret about how I am feeling, but it takes it out of me somedays with usually at least one meltdown a week. I just try to stay positive about him and with him, he doesn't seem to be able to muster it much most days now, and I am sure part of him has to be wondering about 'When?' not 'If?' It just breaks my heart. We have had lots of family visitors, which is good, I think--I know he likes to see his brothers, I just don't want it to seem like they are coming to say goodbye, and leave him thinking he has done all he needs to do. But maybe that wouldn't be so bad either, if it is time...
But there have been lots of good things too! Including J and me getting engaged in an extremely romantic gesture! It has definitely been the highlight of late, and we are very excited. Things on that front are going great! We also decided to leap in headfirst and get a puppy! So now we have Betsy, lab/airedale mix who is a bundle of energy and sharp puppy teeth! She chews anything she can get hold of and is a rascal. But she and Arty play nicely, after the first couple days, and I can tell he likes having her around. Anyway, I will continue to suck at blogging and continue to try to be better. If I had more time at my desk, it might help (and help the desk be cleaner!) but one thing at a time.
