If there is one thing this month has taught me #running #theSkinnyRules

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Rhythm and habit are very important to me. Rhythm in my running, establishing one, and not letting things disrupt that, because all it takes is 1 big disruption, or a couple of small ones, and I am done. And while we did a decent job of starting new habits in July, we have a lot farther to go.

My plan was to take my weekday running lighter than normal, so I could be fresher for my long weekend runs and also start to taper for the half marathon. That part went well. I had hike Saturday morning with Daniel, which was not real technical or strenuous, so I felt fresh Sunday morning. Then I had the bright idea of trying to wear the Camelbak on my run. It was with good intentions, I know that on these long runs I do tend to get a little dehydrated, and the smart thing would be to have some water. But that idea was a miserable failure. Our Camelbak is great for hiking, and possibly bike rides, but it is not designed for running or jogging. So I was constantly having to adjust it, which totally messed up my rhythm. Instead of my planned 10 mile run all I managed was about 6 (which still feels weird to type and say.) So much for that plan. Well I have 1 more light week and 1 more long run before the half marathon, then 2 weeks of taper. I am confident I can do it, just need to avoid trying new things that will disrupt that rhythm, instead stick with what works.

They say it takes about 30 days to establish a habit. I would say we probably made it through 3 weeks of seriously following the Skinny Rules, before we let things go. And now to some extent we are back where we started. Except for one very important factor: we know what works and what we have to do. This week will be about getting started back again, we may not be perfect, but we can start, just like that first week. Then the following week we can get serious, because the blessed routine and schedule will kick in for the whole family. The kids will be back in school. Kim will resume her more normal work schedule. And that will eliminate 2 of the big stressors that have thrown off our routine. We know what we have do to, know we can do it, know it works, just need to set ourselves up for success instead of failure.