last of week four

Last Saturday I ran the last day of week four. It was a quick run, tucked in between trips to the skating rink and an evening out with classmates (party hosted by a professor, more about that in a moment).

I was motivated to get out for the run, but once out found that it was hard going (as usual?). Did manage to run all of the intervals though. Breathing is getting easier now, and easier to focus on as well. Releasing tension in my upper body is getting easier too, and I don't have to think about it as often.

Some interesting results have come about with week four. I can feel changes in my legs, much more firm. The muscles get really tight in my calves when I'm out for the run, which doesn't feel good, but stretching out is nice. When I'm not out running, I can really feel the difference in my thighs. Both of the girls say I've lost weight. I can't see it or feel it, but they do. Mary Grace said she could see it in my face even.

Another benefit is that I'm drinking lots more water, which is good. It was one of my new year's resolutions, and I'm nailing that one! And another benefit which is SO appreciated this time of the semester is sleeping. I'm falling asleep faster and sleeping much better. Typically at the peak of semester stress it takes so long to fall asleep and then dreams wake me up and then I can't get back to sleep.

I think my anxiety is down too - which is another thing that's high at this time of the semester. I'm not snapping at the kids like I would, and the little things aren't freaking me out. Very nice.

Saturday night the girls and I went to a professor's house for a class party - which normally would have been just *one* thing too much and I'd have been all cranky before arriving. Instead we went and had a blast. Stayed too late, but had a great time.

This prof is VERY good at ping pong, and insisted we all play. I didn't want to, but found myself playing a loose (no keeping score) game of pairs. Later, the prof convinced us all to play "Run Around the Table Table Tennis" which is hysterical and hard!

All players run around the table, each hitting the ball as it comes to you when you're at the ends. Now, I can't keep score to save my soul, so I was really lost. They played "Pig" in which each time you lose a point, you get a letter. First person to get "P" gets a pass (no letter) and the first person to get "G" also gets a pass. Finally, I gave up and the prof's wife just told me when to sit down - which was the first time, every time! I laughed so hard - and yes, we told goofy theologian jokes during the game too.

The girls mostly played Rock Band with the prof's sons, and ate yummy desserts. All in all, a great evening. I haven't been out past midnight in I don't know how long!