I started Runkeeper late. It looks like we went about 5.5 miles total.

On a scale ranging from Placid to Criminally Insane, what’s the stage right past Utterly Overwhelmed? Whatever it is, I’m there. This is what happens when I realize that I’m traveling 17 out of 30 days in April, all in the midst of a floor of work and deadlines. (It all seemed so manageable when I booked it….)

I’m going to skip the usual workout plan list because nothing went according to plan this week. It all began three weeks ago when my 4-year-old son first spiked the fever that would ultimately turn out to be pneumonia. That was the week before our trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Florida, and I was already in full-on crazy mode to try to get the projects closed out and proposals submitted before our departure. Naturally, being away for a week didn’t help matters any; I managed to tread water for the week, but clearly didn’t make any headway. So when we landed just before midnight on Monday night, I faced a massive to-do list, one that didn’t include exercise.

It was a huge mistake. I don’t care how busy I was, or how many deadlines I was trying to hit, the quality of everything suffers when I don’t work out. I don’t sleep as well. I don’t think as well. I don’t do anything nearly as effectively. Lesson learned. Again.

The view from above.

I compensated for my week of slacking by meeting a friend for a hike to the top of the ridge. I started my Runkeeper late, so I missed about a mile of the hike, but it looks like we did about 5.5 miles total as we climbed to the top of the ridge to see this view of the valley below.

We were out for about two hours, and when I came back, I could definitely feel it. So what did my husband suggest at lunch? A Sunday drive to Pinnacles National Monument for a hike.

In hindsight, perhaps two hilly hikes in two days wasn’t the best move, but by Sunday morning I was so desperate to leave my to-do list and giant laundry piles behind that a 2-hour drive each way, plus a hike, sounded like a great plan.

If you ever have the chance to go to Pinnacles, do it. We did a very cool, very hilly hike — with the 4-year-old leading the way — up craggy rocks and through talus caves that were just the right size for a preschooler, but made for some awkward maneuvering for anyone over 4 feet tall.

I’d like to pretend that things will get back to normal this week, but we’ll be in Vegas from Wednesday through Saturday for a wedding. Normal is unlikely. However, I have set aside plenty of gear so I can run the strip in the early mornings.

And one more thing: I’ve recommitted to Team in Training for 2011. I’m once again running in memory of Bob, and I’m bound and determined to see this one through to the finish. I need your help to raise money in the hope that someday blood cancer won’t be leaving kids fatherless and turning 40-year-olds into widows.

Tags: blood cancer, exercise, hiking, leukemia, lymphoma, pinnacles national monument, pleasanton ridge, talus caves, team in training

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