It's a marathon...a RAD marathon

I haven't been on for awhile, a wedding, a reception, and 3 graduations....and yes. These were all our own children. I've also been training for a 5k. No small feat for a non runner, athlete like myself. I did run the entire way in a 5k last weekend!  I have another coming up in June and my goal is to start improving times. Don't even ask what the first one was. I'm not telling.  Many people in Nebraska are training for a half Marathon in Lincoln.  I see full Marathons are coming up.  No way I'm interested in those at this point and I think 5k is where I'll stay.

BUT I am doing another kind of marathon, parenting children with RAD.  We have had some big tough stuff this spring to deal with. Another major episode involving police this last weekend. It is exhausting. It is an emotional, physical marathon of sorts.

The other day Teddy was really acting out verbally towards me. In the midst of this he said "I need new shoes." Not surprising as children with RAD have little cause and effect thinking and tons of entitlement issues.  I said "I don't feel like buying them right now while you are talking to me this way. They are not in that bad of shape anyway." He actually said OUT LOUD "I will rip them up and wear them to school and tell people that you will not buy me new ones. Then they will all feel sorry for me for having a mom like you."  Oh my goodness does that speak volumes....

This brings me back to the point...What does a marathon runner do to prepare for the marathon?

Find other runners, clubs, places to train...in other words...seeks support.

Train....We read, go to workshops, read some more, and find other parents who can share and lift us up.

Eat healthy....this one is often overlooked by moms and we can become emotional eaters and start packing on the weight. Eat healthy, low fat foods and you will have more energy, be physically stronger and when your blood sugar stopping swinging from all those bad carbs you will have less moodiness. Would a marathon runner do well on your diet? Well, not on mine either, but it is improving all the time.

Exercise....Of course a marathon runner gets tons of exercise besides running. For parents, exercise produces endorphins. Endorphins produce of feeling of well being. I have always heard of "runner's high" and once you get used to running there really is that great feeling at the end. You don't have to run though. Getting outside and breathing deep (which sends more oxygen to your brain) by walking is great too. I have some little dumbbells from Target in my bedroom and I use those. I have exercise DVDs. It does not have to be an expensive gym membership.

Spiritually....Draw strength from your relationship with God. Nurture it because as with any relationship there must be time spent with God in order for the relationship to strengthen. He will see you through. Not just trite words.

It's a marathon.. We are running it together! You are not alone.