Monday, April 21, 2008

Quiet Weekend

I enjoyed a quiet few days over the weekend. We ran with the Run Club on Saturday and spent a couple of hours hanging out at coffee after. Then on Saturday afternoon, Eric and Riley headed for Pullman to visit WSU. Riley is transferring there in the fall, and this was his weekend to see an advisor, register, and find a dorm.

I prepared well for a weekend home alone, picking up a stack of books at the library and a stack of movies at the video store. The weather was cold and windy, with bouts of snow, hail and rain. That worked into my plans too - no guilt for skipping yard work. My goal was to spend the rest of Saturday holed up at home enjoying the books and movies, then run Sunday morning and repeat. I did it, too - I met my goal! I read three books, watched two movies, did some laundry and walked the dog during a sun break. Today I got up and taught Pilates, then spent the day in the office. I got home in time to finish my last book before the guys get home. Now I even have time to post.

I really am a homebody. I could easily spend days at home, wrapped up in my own little world and be happy. It's one of the things I miss now that I work almost full time. It's probably one of the reasons why homeschooling was such a fit for me - that ability to be happy at home. Not that we spent all day, every day here - we were out and about with friends, on field trips, at 4H or the Y at least a couple days a week. And yes, even in those days, I'd get out the door in the early am to run. I also worked part time at the preschool then, but I always planned in one or two full days at home. I'd do that now if I could get away with it.

One of the interesting things I've learned over the years about personality characteristics is this: introverts get their energy and renewal from solitary time, extroverts get it from people time. Either can have characteristics of the other, but that renewal piece tells the true story. I am introvert - I need time alone if I am going to function. Most people think I am an extrovert because of my job - I speak in front of classrooms of people, I can speak in front of large crowds, I meet and work with new people every quarter, and when I am with a group of friends I can be quite the chatterbox. But, I will go nuts and get really, really grouchy if I don't get that alone time.

I get easily sidetracked in these posts. Started off telling you about the weekend, and morphed into a minor personality analysis! So, I enjoyed my quiet weekend, got my runs in, and finished the week with 39.6 miles. So much for tapering. I'm trying to decide how many miles to do this week. I kind of want to stick to my normal weekday schedule, which would have me entering the marathon on Sunday with 25 miles. My brain is telling me to cut out two of the runs and get some extra rest. My mileage for next week (not counting the marathon) will be right around 10 miles. I probably won't get to run Tuesday or Thursday at all, due to travel and work and that makes me want to get all my runs this week. I don't know what I'll do.

I do know what I'm doing this weekend though. I'm looking forward to a long weekend in California, and to the chance to meet Donald, and see both Dori and Darrell again. And most of all, to run one of my dream-list marathons!

23 comments:

Donald said...

You deserve a quiet weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing you!

Unknown said...

Cut the runs short and rest. I have found how beneficial it can be. Enjoy the marathon!

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

I read one book this weekend, in the midst of laundry, gymnastics, cleaning etc.. I sit by the fire and try to ignore the craziness for a while and escape to my book! Ahhhh....solitude!
Jenny

Anonymous said...

Rest up for the dream race, girl! :)

I know what you mean about being a homebody. Though most people would consider me an extrovert, I have my moments of introversion, and they are pretty good.

Legs and Wings said...

I like how you describe the introvert/extrovert. I think that I am an extrovert that enjoys some time alone now and again.

I can't imagine reading 3 books a year let alone in one weekend. That's crazy!

Have a great time in California!

Journey to a Centum said...

So what’s with all the confetti under the furniture and wine bottles in the recycle bin about if you were just laz’n around all weekend?

iJuls said...

Glad that you were able to relax a bit.

Mama said...

I figured you would hit the refresh button this weekend. I know I really like my quiet time too. But I want to fill parts of my days with more clients now also. This is a friendly reminder to look at your work calendar and make an appointment for a massage.

I'll see you Thursday evening at Starbucks.
Lorri

Sarah said...

Sounds like a pretty nice weekend to me! I'm an introvert with occasional extrovert tendencies. I definitely need that alone time to recharge.

Dori said...

I recommend listening to your brain and get the extra rest. Have you seen the profile for that race? Carumba! I know it's hard (mentally) to rest, but you'll probably be glad you did come Sunday. I'm looking forward to seeing you again and meeting Eric.

Scott McMurtrey said...

i'm sure riley will have a wonderful experience at wsu.

that guy you've been hanging out with for all these years was fun to run with. thanks for letting me borrow him for a morning. :)

Anonymous said...

have fun this weekend!!!

i'm very people-oriented and social and need it, but if i don't get my "me time" i go crazy!!!

Olga said...

I wish I could have a weekend like this too...as for runs, how about do same routine, just shorter in duration? That's my plan for next week at least:) Have fun in SF!! Too bad our races didn't match up in the same weekend!

Anonymous said...

I kind of like wandering with you down those side tracks as you write. I can relate to the need for time alone as well. Hope you have a great race this weekend.

Laura H said...

I love my "me time" too and go crazy if I don't get some of it. It's hard not to pack the weekdays and weekends, but the consequences are even harder!

Have fun in CA - I'll be thinking of you and the beautiful scenery as I run up and down Cap Peak!

peter said...

Interesting post, insigtful on personality traits. I enjoyed reading that you were going to read some books for yourself, lately I have been making more time for myself to read, which i had gotten away from. How fun! I found three Johny Wyndham books i hadn't read and am enjoying them immensely. Sounds like your weekend was delightful. Good luck in your M.

Anonymous said...

I am like you - I need my solitary time. I like being around people, too, but too much people time and not enough me time can make me crazy. (Maybe this is why I like working part time so much!)

I'm excited for your Marathon! What a great place to go. I hope the weather is perfect for you. Have a great taper week! :)

Smithposts... said...

Your weekend sounds positively dreamy. Have a great marathon this weekend!

Trevor Garner said...

Have a great time at Big Sur! I'm sure it'll be quite memorable for you as it holds a position on your "life list". Being able to check things like that off are super rewarding! Take lots of pictures and enjoy the warm Cali coast. We'll all look forward to reading about it.

Sunshine said...

You must be off for your marathon by now, but oh we do wish you a great time!!

Ryan said...

Sounds just perfect. Have a great weekend at Big Sur!

Darrell said...

Four books in one weekend. I think I almost more impressed by that than by any of the running.

Looking forward to seeing you all this afternoon.

Nick said...

Hey Michelle,
Not sure if you remember me but I ran with Riley at ER. Its good to here that he's doing well. Is he gonna run for WSU or just on his own?
~Nick