More life curves

Yesterday I had a fantastic hilly route. A big part of our training, in addition to mileage is to incorporate as many hills as possible. These are necessary both so we can deal with anything that is thrown our way during a race. I've seen it so many times, people completely faltering because they never trained on hills and they didn't know how to run them up and/or down. Plus hill work is speed work in disguise. I love hills, they don't phase me like they used to.

I had missed last week's hilly route so was looking forward to doing it even though I know it's a tough one but there is plenty of recovery in between. The one before last is tough because it's very long, about 2 kilometres and it goes up, up, up. This is the one that I usually get to the top feeling like I'm about to puke. Last night I have to say that I mastered it. I showed it "who's the boss" to quote my running coach. I started slow, picked up the pace, and sprinted the last 500 metres to the top. I felt good, I felt strong.

Not sure if it's a combination of less humidity, electrolytes in water, or an old Power Bar but I sure felt like I could have continued on when we got back to the store. The group was very good.

My emotions continue to play havoc with me. 15 minutes before leaving for my run I received an email from my sister-in-law informing me that my mother had been tested for Alzheimer and it was determined that she did have the symptoms for it. So one test after another (which I didn't know about) and the last one is today. They will determine how much supervision she requires. Right now, it's controllable but depending on how much supervision, she might have to be put in a nursing home if it is determined that she needs lots. If it's light, then someone can come and check on her.

As can be expected, this put me into another tailspin of emotions. First thought was there is no way I can afford this. Then I was reminded that this type is covered by health care and that she would be ok. Still... it's upsetting. Very upsetting. Right now we're waiting for the results of the meeting with the doctors and of course, me being here is not helping things. But she's in good hands with my sister in law.

More running will be required, it helps cope with everything and right now coping is pretty much all I can do. But I'll be honest in saying I need this additional life curve like I need the proverbial hole in my head.