As I watch my baby daughter, now 9 years old and in 4th grade, disappear into the doors of her elementary school for the first day, I tear up and am on my way to the hills for a high altitude trail run. Back to school marks those new beginnings like birthdays and New Year’s where we re-evaluate life and progress and what is important. I love watching them grow and become their own little people. But, what I wouldn’t give to go back for one day. Just one. To hold her two year old soft baby hand, to watch her babble “mama” as she pushes her baby stroller around the living room. Sigh.
So, Sam (who starts school tomorrow) and I are off to Breckenridge. My stud friend Julie who just set a new course record at a duathlon in Leadville, is taking me on a ten mile jaunt at 9,500 feet. This will be my final attempt to convince myself that I can and will complete all 20.4 miles with Dean on Sunday. My mom who is as good of a Greek cook as any Greek mama (she’s not Greek, but we used to live there and she can make a mean moussaka and tzatziki), has agreed to make Dean a huge pan of baklava for the finish line festivities. You’ve never tasted baklava like hers.
I had my ass worked on yesterday. My massage therapist gets in there and digs like an excavator. She found the trigger points and dug deep. At one point when I was laying butt naked face down on the table she said, “Whatever you do, do not fart right now.” Laughing I told her her I wasn't planning on it but asked her why. She answered, “Because my face is right by your crack.” With respect, I held it in. I was sore post massage, but knock on wood the ass feels pretty great today. We’ll see how the mountains treat it.
You're going to rock that run Sunday! It was a good idea to get your butt worked on.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of that hazard for a massage therapist (my wife is one). I always worried about the tent pole on the other side. ... not mine but somebody else's.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Mmm, I'm sure Dean will appreciate that baclava!
ReplyDeleteGlad the ass is feeling better - have a great run in the mountains!
you should have let one rip! :-)
ReplyDeleteseems so early to be starting school, summer isn't over yet!
I put my 9yo on the bus today too...how have they gotten so darn big already??
ReplyDeleteHave a blast in Breck--don't I sound like a local?
This post made me a little emotional. My girls are only (almost) 2 and 4 and I already want to go back some days. Life just moves too fast!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your run today!
Aw, back to school so soon! I feel for ya! Sometimes I wish I could freeze time myself, too!
ReplyDeleteDean will appreciate both your baklava and ass massage as he will benefit from both ;)
I cry every first day too and I'm not at all baby hungry ever, but I miss my baby when he was a baby.
ReplyDeleteI would have totally farted or been so clenched up she wouldn't have been able to massage my ass at all. You're my hero.
ReplyDeleteI heart baklava. Personally I think my aunt makes the best in the world, but we all have our preferences.
Good luck on the run!
you made me cry a little!! I don't want my babies to grow up!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy butt hurts too; left cheek. I need a massage...
I can't wait for the school year to start. But my kids are still very little. So I am living in the sweet days of hugs and kisses where I'm the smartest, most beautiful woman in their world and Daddy can do anything and beat up all the monsters.
ReplyDeleteBe proud that you raised independent, confident, active kids instead of the pasty, over or under weight, socially awkward, Internet addicts I see all over the place.
Wish I could get my kids to join me in a 5k like you do! Congrats on the booty massage. Glad you feel better. The Shabby Apple Skirt was SUPER cute and have fun on the trail run today.
ahhh have fun this weekend! i cant WAIT for you!
ReplyDeleteAwe, that actually made me teary! As frustrating as 2 years old can be at times, I know I will miss it more than anything. Thank you for remind me of that.
ReplyDeleteBringing Baklava for Dean! Nice touch! :-)
I am so excited for you!!!! I'll be out of town on Saturday but I really will be lurking online to hear the details!
The only time I've been to Colorado, we stayed at a B&B in Breckenridge. We climbed the ski slope all the way up. It was so cool since it was the middle of June and there was snow on the top of the hill.
ReplyDeleteHave a great run and there is NO DOUBT that you will complete and keep up with Dean on that 20 miler. You're just too good :)
Can't wait to hear about Sunday.
ReplyDeleteRock it girl.
You'll do great! Enjoy it.
ReplyDelete9,500 ft?! Oof. I'm sure you'll rock it, just sayin I'm glad it's you and not me ;)
ReplyDeleteAlso, to be running with someone who set a Record in Leadville?! Well that is motivation right there.
my mom still says still like that -- and i'm 23!!
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
ReplyDeletetrail running, baklava, chubby baby hands, and butt massages in one post! Love it :)
ReplyDeleteOhhh I hear you. Just one day to cuddle with my little ones before they set off for kindergarten & 2nd grade.
ReplyDeleteIt was soo nice when they didn't talk ;)
Oh, I know about kids growing up. We have the memories, right? Have a fun 10 miler! You are ready for Dean! C'mon, just the adrenaline of running close to him is going to get to to the finish. You'll see! Then, you need to report it all back to us!
ReplyDeleteYup - and they don't stop growing up. My sons are 18 and 22 - unbelievable. I can still remember bringing them home from the hospital.
ReplyDeleteI am sooo excited for you - getting to run with Dean - heck you also get to call him Dean - you will have a great - once in a life time opportunity.
ENJOY
I think it's hilarious that your massuese told you not to fart...ha ha!
ReplyDeleteYou are going to do so awesome on Sunday! I'm so excited for you!
My oldest starts Kindergarten tomorrow...when did they grow up so fast?