weekend away

We went to Tahoe for four days since this week is Sydney's spring break. Last year we went around this time and it was warm and sunny and we did all kinds of summery activities - biking, kayaking, hiking. This time though, it was totally different because there was so much more snow this year. Also, last year there was no Maggie yet! (I was about 3 months along)

We left on Friday and didn't end up leaving the house until much later than planned, due to poor planning, as usual. Car trip was uncomfortable due to 1) not being able to lean back with car seat behind me, 2) broken AC on a sunny day, and 3) major traffic. We made a stop at Target for a few random things we forgot, and then another stop for dinner, and finally arrived at bedtime. We hadn't brought a travel crib for Maggie and thought we would just wing it (more poor planning) so we just put her in the same bed as Sydney and woke up multiple times during the night stressed about whether she would roll off or get crushed. She also woke up super early (before 5am)...and then the alarm clock went off at 7am without us setting it! Needless to say, the next morning we were pretty exhausted.

But things did get better. In the morning we decided to switch hotels to where we stayed last year (Resort at Squaw Creek) so that we could have all the amenities that come with being at a resort (not to mention nicer everything, and a crib). Then we went up to Mt. Rose where Sydney took her first snowboarding lesson (yay), Marlon snowboarded on his own, and I went snowshoeing carrying Maggie in the baby carrier. It was pretty hard. I trudged up a ski trail because I couldn't figure out the map and hiked around in the woods about an hour before being completely depleted of any remaining energy and getting shoulder/upper back pain. That and my ankle also got somewhat aggravated from being in the snowboard boots, uneven terrain, and extra weight. So then, I just went back to the building and waited almost another 2 hours until everyone was done. Afterwards, we were all very glad to check into the new hotel and take some hot showers.

Waiting around for dad and sis

What Maggie does for fun in the absence of toys

The next morning, Marlon and Sydney went up to Squaw Valley to snowboard again. I stayed behind and went to go work out at the fitness center with Maggie. I set her down next to the treadmill and she lasted about 30 minutes before I decided the noise level emanating from her had gotten to the point where other people in there would probably be annoyed. Oh well. Back up to the room we went, where we napped, and watched TV until lunchtime when we took the shuttle over to where Marlon/Sydney were and had some pizza. Hm, I just realized all this coordination would not have been possible if Marlon had not just gotten a cell phone a few weeks ago.

Posing on a rock...notice the new braces :)

The day we left, Marlon went off snowboarding again, but on his own this time, since the day before he had spent the day teaching Sydney. I managed to get in a run on the treadmill before he left since I was up early with Maggie anyway - I really wanted to run outside during this trip on the bike paths going around the lake, but sadly it was raining that morning. The rain stopped later on though, so the kids and I went out to play in the snow with the sled. Maggie was interested in the snow for about 5 minutes before she started crying a little and eventually just fell asleep. I also forgot to use sunblock so now my face is peeling.

Getting pulled around on the sled

The trip was a lot of fun and we wanted to stay longer but I was out of vacation days after having used them all up for part of my leave. Also, Marlon had to teach Tuesday morning. It definitely was tiring with the baby but that could have been made better had we actually brought a stroller. Yup, we did not bring a stroller, because there was no room in the car.

So last week there wasn't much running because of the trip. Here's the summary:
Tues: 8 with 6 x 800m (3@6:49, 3@6:44) on the treadmill, 1:40 recoveries
Wed: 6@9:09 with the stroller
Thurs: 7 with 3@7:19, 4 min easy, 2@7:19 on the treadmill
Fri: 5@8:20
Sun: 4@ 8:50 on the treadmill

Also, on Friday morning I went to get fitted for new orthotics by an orthotist. I didn't even know there were people who specialized in making orthotics - in the past I've always gotten mine made by a podiatrist. And yesterday I went to the physical therapist! And now, hopefully I can be done with all these appointments - I know I said the chiropractor was helpful but I just don't want to take time out of my day to go anymore. I'll go to a few more PT sessions but at least those are on-site at work. The PT basically said the same thing as everyone else btw - that my problems were mainly because of "structural abnormalities" rather than some muscle weakness, etc. But there are some small things I can work on improving so I did come away with a few exercises and stretches to do for my feet/calves.