The first Mother’s Day after losing your precious Mother is very difficult. What makes it even harder for me is that Mother’s Day of last year was the last time I saw her before her passing just a month and a half later. I had already booked a flight for the 1st of July of that year expecting to celebrate the 4th with her as well. Had I known…I would have never left her.
I can’t even begin to explain how hard this past year has been without her. She was everything to me. I just hope that she knew that. I hope that she knew I would have done anything for her. I believe that the strength of her spirit has helped me to get through these past 11 months. She was the strongest and most relentless person I have ever known. And her love was just as strong. I just wish I would have been there! I wish I would have never left her!
I am so thankful for my awesome family who was with me on Mother’s day to help ease the pain and suffering that I felt so deeply. I am forever grateful for their support. Sonja and I basically set out on the deck in the sun (with blankets- still chilly in Alaska) while Scott and Matt made a slew of apps followed by an awesome dinner. And Matt and Sonja shared a very, very nice bottle of wine that they got on their recent trip to the Napa Valley. I also received a gift from Sonja which was perfect!! And the most beautiful, heartfelt card and kind words I have ever received. The girls played while Tylor made bows and spears out of little birch trees that we had recently cut down. Mom would have loved being here with us doing exactly the same thing. Just hanging out and watching the kiddos. And we would have loved spending that time with her.
Prior to everybody arriving, Scott and I took a little walk on the Eagle River Nature Center Trails. Such a beautiful day. He, of course, bought beautiful flowers for me and we lit candles in memory of our Mothers. Scott lost his Mother in 1999 to Parkinson’s.
Another day, another holiday to get through without the person who made those days so special. I miss her so much!
Running and Strengthening Update
I am doing physical therapy exercises this week and continued running as scheduled on Hal Higdon’s Novice Supreme Program. Week 8 is completed. Per PT, I am trying to get my cadence up to 170 spm (steps per minute) and the first day, I did awesomely. But, my body just wants to revert back to what it is accustomed to, so I have to really pay attention to that and focus on staying with the beat of the music (also at 170 BPM). I will say, it isn’t easy but hopefully, it will get easier.
- Monday Rest Day
- Tuesday Run 2 miles plus PT exercises
- Wednesday Run 3 miles
- Thursday Run 2 miles
- Friday PT Exercises
- Saturday 5 miles!! The longest run in more than 4 years!
- Sunday Walk 45 minutes + PT exercises
Warm-up exercises with foam rolling. Cool Down stretches with foam rolling. Next week is another down week but I do increase a midweek run by 0.5 miles. And those midweek miles will continue to increase along with the Saturday long run in the coming weeks. This will be the true test of how my arthritic knees are going to hold up for marathon training.
Until next time…
In Loving Memory
She was with us ❤️
5 miles!! Whoa!!!! Get it!