What I Did When I Wasn't Running

Since I had my little plantar fascitis flareup last week, I haven't run a single step. Oh, I was tempted - so very tempted - but I'm finally a smart runner, and smart runners don't run until they know they've given their body the rest it needs. It feels totally fine now, and I'm going to try a run tomorrow - hopefully I've given my body the rest (and icing, stretching, and rolling) it needed, and all will be well.

But a funny thing happens when you don't have a 14-miler to run on Saturday morning - you find yourself with several hours of unscheduled time. So we did something we haven't done in ages - all piled in the car and went out for breakfast at one of our favorite local restaurants.

It's such a simple thing, but it was so nice - we weren't at all rushed, we enjoyed our meals (in between feeding Carmine spoonfuls of jelly to keep him quiet), and when we were done eating, we took a leisurely stroll by the ocean.

I love running, and I love training, but it is tough when every weekend is taken up by long runs and/or long bike rides. And even tougher when your spouse is also training for an endurance event (Sunday is super-long swim day for Scott, who's training for Save the Bay), so that when you're not out training, he is.

I still think it's worth it, though, because it makes me who I am, and it makes me a better mom, and it keeps me sane. And it also models great behavior for the boys. No, they don't have to grow up to run marathons or swim 1.7 miles in the ocean, but I do expect them to grow up knowing that exercise is just something you do, something that's a natural, necessary part of life (and that it's fun, too!)

But for this past weekend, it was nice to show them that, as important as exercise is, it's also important to balance it out with the occasional lazy morning with your family, eating pancakes and bargaining with your parents about how many pats of butter you'll be allowed to put on yours.

For more from Michelle, check out Me and the Boys, her blog.