Four by Four

I just came home from my church's women's retreat. It was wonderful time at the Lutherdale retreat center in Wi. The theme was SeaSide Escape which was a lovely contrast to the February snow. It was unusual for me because I only packed two pairs of shoes, my mountain boots and my Birkenstocks. No running shoes. In fact, I haven't worn my running shoes in five days. This is the longest I've gone without running since...um...maybe last summer or even last spring.

It's been almost two weeks since my last post. It's been busy. Crazy busy.

Today's post is brought to you by the Number 4.

4-1: My baby turned four this week. In regards to her personality, she refused. She's a hoot. With the help of an ice cream cake and some gifts, she has relented. I can't believe that she's four. Four. Always my baby, but no longer a baby.

4-2: There are four children in our house. We are working with a Christian organization called Safe Families. When families are in crisis, a safe family will temporarily watch children until the family is out of the crisis. Placements can last from one night to two years. It's not DCFS. It's volunteer. The need is great. Huge. On Monday, another little girl arrived at our house, and we have had to adjust to a 'new' normal. It has been really stretching for us as family. Blessings and sacrifices. 4 girls, 8 and under for a while.

4-3: Grandma's Marathon is marathon #4. And it's coming up. My bucket list was to run one marathon by the time I am 40. This year I will turn 40, and I'm planning to finish marathon #4. Wow! And I've already hit my goal of having a 4 in the front of my marathon time. Yes, it was a 4:57, but it was a 4. Anything else is a bonus.

4-4: Four-ced running vacation. After the Chicago Polar Dash Half Marathon, my hip hurt and after doing some research, it appears to be an overuse injury. Three marathon in 13 months takes a toll on the system. So feeling fairly confident in my base (not really), I am taking a week (or two) off. After five days off, my hip pain is decreasing, and my desire to run again is going up. But I rest, because I have to. Running is such a part of my life. It's hard not running and with the crazy week we've had I want to run. My hip pain turned to an ache and now is a tightness. My training plan will be shorter, but I don't want to hurt myself more. Making good choices. I want to heal and enjoy the run. My shoes will wait for me.