Give me 20!

A couple of weeks ago, I headed out the door for a "long run".  When I headed out for my run, I wasn't sure just how many miles a "long run" meant.  I'm not officially training for anything right now.  I just like to say that I'm training for life.  I have a half marathon coming up later this month, another in July and a half and full marathon in the fall.  But, I feel so fortunate that I am able to run when it fits into my schedule, rack of the miles while coaching several classes in one day and do what I can, without putting the pressure of an intense training program on me right now.  Life is busy.  And running is still a constant in my life.  I'm just fitting in the miles when I can.

 

When I headed out the door, I wanted to run at least twelve, maybe fourteen to fifteen miles around town.  It was a beautiful morning, but it was also going to be hot.  I didn't get out as early as I had planned, because I slept in an extra thirty minutes and enjoyed a couple cups of coffee with my husband. 

 

My handheld water bottle, my tunes and I headed out shortly after 7:00 am for a "long run".  I ended up stopping a total of four times to refill my water bottle, because the sun was intense and I was feeling it.  I mixed some old favorite running routes with some exploring on paths that were new to me.  I ended up on the other side of town and had the option of taking a left and heading back for a total of fifteen miles, or taking a right and completing twenty.  Could I do it??!!

 

I opted for twenty.  I knew that there would be more opportunities for water along the way, and I took advantage of that.  Each time I drank, refilled and squirted water on my head and neck to cool down.  At mile seventeen, my legs were starting to buckle, which was a familiar feeling from all of my previous marathon training.  It had just been awhile since I felt that.  I was pushing myself.  My last couple of miles would be bringing me to one of the busiest parts of town, and a big hill.  My pride had me take an alternate, flat route that took me on a less-traveled path.  I was feeling rough and must have looked even more exhausted and my pace slowed from a 10:15 to a 10:45 to just over 11:00 minute miles.  I was fine with that, but I didn't want my death march to be documented by every car that drove past.  The flatter route was a better option for me as I brought in my final two miles towards home.

 

I was hurting afterwards.  I stretched a lot.  Took a nice, cold shower.  And refueled with a chocolate protein shake.  Most importantly, I kept moving for the rest of the day, so that I didn't cramp or tighten up.  Taking the dog on walks, pacing and rocking the baby during my son's baseball game and working a little in the yard that afternoon really helped me feel less sore the next day.

 

So, I proved to myself that I've still got it.  I can just go out there and log twenty miles.  Twenty miles??!!  Sheesh.  It sounds a little insane when I type that and read my words.  This girl who hated running the mile in gym class.  She just ran twenty miles around town.  For fun.  They weren't twenty fast miles.  But they were mine.

 

Here we go, on another wild adventure

I absolutely love running with this kid.  Running with her makes me motivated to get out the door.  And, what mom doesn't like multi-tasking??!!  It's special time together, I'm getting in my workout, we're exploring together and she usually gets in a short cat nap.  I don't dread pushing her in the jogging stroller either, because 1) She absolutely loves it., and 2) The BOB jogging stroller that we purchased is easy-peasy to push.  I can honestly say that sometimes I forget that I'm running and get that runner's high and even with her in tow, I forget that I'm pushing a stroller.  It just glides across the pavement.  It turns with ease.  And all of comforts - and my kiddo - are at my fingertips.

 

 

Mini Diva just sits in the stroller and looks at all of the scenery.  At the start of each run, she tends to hold onto the straps - perhaps to say "Here we go, on another wild adventure!".  I love showing her our neighborhood and small town on foot.  We are going to see so much together over the years.  She always drifts off to sleep within the first mile and I love seeing her little, bare piggies peeking out from the front of the stroller.

 

 

 

I'm so thankful for my beautiful child and my older two children.  I'm thankful for this amazing sport that I'm so passionate about.  And I feel so blessed that both things that bring me such happiness can be enjoyed simultaneously.  It makes life that much more beautiful.  My heart is so full.

 

The next generation of couch to 5K coaching.

And, here she is ....

 

 

The next generation of couch to 5K coaching.

New Balance Family - Vazee Running Shoes

My fit family has been blessed with so many wonderful experiences through Running Diva Mom.  We are thrilled that our active family will be representing New Balance during this summer's nature hikes, family runs, playground play dates and errands around town.  A wonderful assortment of New Balance running shoes arrived on National Running Day earlier this week.‪

 

 

When I worked at a running store a couple of years ago, runners (new and experienced) seemed to gravitate towards New Balance running shoes.  With so many different styles, there was always something for every kind of runner.  New runners enjoyed the cushion and stability of some of their running shoes.  Experienced runners enjoyed the long-standing tradition and technology of the shoes.

 

Little Dude received the Vazee Rush, which he is so in love with.  He had to wear them to school the next day and he really liked the black mesh material with lime green accents.  He was in desperate need of new athletic shoes and these will be great.  He loves to run with me and ride his bike around the neighborhood.  They retail online for $64.99.

 

Feel the rush in our Vazee Rush running shoe for boys. With a cushioned midsole and an ultra-sleek design, this shoe keeps you comfortable no matter how fast you go.

 

 

Little Diva and I were sent the Vazee Prism running shoe.  They are available in four colors for women and are also available for men.  They retail only for $99.99.  These shoes are perfect for me, as they are suited for the runner that needs stability and motion control.  These shoes are much lighter than my other stability shoes.  As I suffer from bunions and tons of other foot aches and pains from logging miles and wearing high heels for too many years, I always welcome the "no-sew" design of shoes.  These really help prevent extra chaffing and allow the painful parts of my feet to be more ate ease when running and walking.  No "tightness" or discomfort.  I also love the stretchable fabric.  They would be a great option for those with wide feet or that typically need to go up a size for comfort while working out.  New Balance refers to this as "second skin fit".

 

Find the extra push you need to stay focused on your goals in the Vazee Prism women’s running shoe. Designed for speed and surprisingly supportive, this newest addition to the Vazee running line-up features a medial post for extra stability when you need it.

 

Product details:

 

This isn’t your typical stability running shoe for women. With a sleek look, fast feel and superlight and responsive REVlite cushioning, Vazee Prism’s light support won’t hold you back!

 

8 mm drop: due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 8 mm drop are approximate

Bootie construction

Full EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) strobel board for all-day comfort

Medial post located on inside edge of shoe to help prevent overpronation

No-sew material application

Performance stretch lace

Synthetic/mesh upper

 

 



Even Mini Diva received her first pair of New Balance shoes.  I can hardly stand it!  These Velcro kicks are so adorable.  They will be a great walking shoe, as I ordered them a little big.  New Balance offers both crib and infant "running shoes".   

 

 

Mini Diva received the Infant Vazee Rush in size 4.  These retail online for $44.99 and are available in four colors.  With all of the unpractical shoes we have in her closet, these will be great for when she starts crawling and walking on her own later this year.  And we may just have a few adorable running outfits to wear with them.  They were very easy on and off.  And I love that she will be comfortable.

 

 

 

 

 

HALF OFF Custom Training Programs & Virtual Coaching

HALF OFF

Custom Training Programs & Virtual Coaching

THIS WEEKEND ONLY!!!

Use discount code: HALFTRAINING50

REGISTER

 

 

Ready to advance beyond the 5K??

Virtual coaching options include weekly check-ins and motivation from your running coach (for the duration of your package). Virtual coaching also includes a CUSTOM training program, designed to help you achieve your goals around your other personal commitments. Runners complete a custom training program survey to help design your program around your life - not the other way around.

COMMIT NOW!

 

Couch to 5K Classes - Summer 2016

Spring / Summer Running Classes

5K classes start with one minute intervals of
running/walking for 20 minutes.
10K training starts with two fifteen minute running intervals.
Half marathon training starts with two twenty minute running intervals.

1 mile Fun Run

Girls - Sun Prairie
Starts Monday, July 18, 6:00 PM
3 Weeks
Register Now


5K Training

Ladies - Sun Prairie
Starts Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 PM
9 Weeks
Register Now

Starts Thursday, August 25, 6:30 PM
9 Weeks
Register Now

Co-Ed - DeForest
Starts Friday, July 15, 6:00 AM
9 Weeks
Register Now

Stroller - Sun Prairie
Starts Tuesday, June 7, 8:30 AM
9 Weeks
Register Now

Stroller - Monona
Starts Friday, June 10, 9:00 AM
9 Weeks
Register Now

A child is your REASON. Not your EXCUSE.

A child is your REASON. Not your EXCUSE.

I struggle with mom guilt quite often, just like you. But, my kids know that this is my lifestyle and that working out makes me a better mommy. I either keep my commitment to myself and head out the door for my scheduled solo miles. Or one joins me on his bike while cranking his tunes on his bike radio (Then I don't need headphones and we solve all of the world's problems together!). Or one joins me in the jogging stroller or observes, surrounded by toys next to the treadmill. Little Diva has been known to push Mini Diva in the stroller on a bike path, while I coach a class. Little Dude enjoys participating in my kids running classes, too.

 

They are already excited that we have an active date on the calendar for the next weekend we are together. I will be pushing Mini Diva in the jogging stroller, while the other two bike. A three mile trip to our favorite diner for a sweet treat, a trip to our favorite park and a three mile trip back home.

Schedule your time. Either with your family or a few solo miles. Make it an adventure - not a chore. Show them that YOU are worth it. And that you MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Remember that every small step counts and that they add up quickly. Those small steps leaving lasting footprints. And your kids will follow them ...

 

Ladies Half Marathon Weekend Training Group - Sun Prairie/Madison

Ladies Half Marathon Weekend Training Group - Sun Prairie/Madison
Starts August 7
Register now:http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ladies-half-marathon-weekend-training-group-sun-prairiemadison-tickets-25596709447

This running group is designed to take runners from the 5K to the half marathon (13.1 miles) in twelve weeks.  A full training schedule with locations will be emailed to program participants at the end of July.  We will meet together once each week on Saturdays at 7:00 am.  (*First class will take place on a Sunday - see schedule below)  Parks/locations will rotate in Sun Prairie, Deforest and on Madison's Eastside.  Class starts on Sunday, August 7 at 7:00 am.  Must be able to run/walk two twenty minute intervals at first class.

This non-competitive running group is geared towards women of all paces and abilities.  Everyone will run/walk at their own pace and an out-and-back route will be planned, so that the entire group can stick together.  This is a very encouraging and fun atmosphere and is perfect for runners that have run a handful of 5K or 10K races.

Interested in joining with a friend??  Choose the Running Buddies registration option for a discounted rate!  If you are interested in avoiding the processing fee, please reach out to runningdivamom@yahoo.com to pay by check.

We will be training for the Haunted Hustle Half Marathon on Sunday, October 23.  This race is optional and is not included with your session registration.

Sun*, Aug 7 - 7 am

Sat, Aug 13 - 7 am (no instructor)

Sat, Aug 20 - 7 am

Sat, Aug 27 - 7 am

Sat, Sept 3 - 7 am

Sat, Sept 10 - 7 am

Sat, Sept 17 - 7 am (no instructor)

Sat, Sept 24 - 7 am

Sat, Oct 1 - 7 am

Sat, Oct 8 - 7 am

Sat, Oct 15 - 7 am
Sat, Oct 22 - 7 am (optional breakfast/coffee after class)
Sat, Oct 29 - No Class (packet pick up in Middleton)
Sun, Oct 30 - Haunted Hustle Half Marathon (Middleton)

Ladies 10K Summer Running Group – Sun Prairie/Madison-East - Starts July 14

Ladies 10K Summer Running Group – Sun Prairie/Madison-East

Register now:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/ladies-10k-summer-running-group-sun-prairie-madison-tickets-25598124680

This running group is designed to take runners from the 5K to the 10K in eleven weeks. We will meet together approximately once each week. Parks/locations will rotate in Sun Prairie, Deforest and on Madison's Eastside. Class starts on Thursday, July 14 at 6:30 pm. First class will meet at Orfan Park in Sun Prairie. Dates/times will vary; full schedule provided below. A full training program with locations will be sent to participants during the week of the first class. Must be able to run/walk 30 mins at first class.

This non-competitive running group is geared towards women of all paces and abilities. Everyone will run/walk at their own pace and an out-and-back route will be planned, so that the entire group can stick together. This is a very encouraging and fun atmosphere and is perfect for runners that have run a handful of 5K races.

Interested in joining with a friend?? Choose the Running Buddies registration option for a discounted rate! If you are interested in avoiding the processing fee, please reach out to runningdivamom@yahoo.com to purchase by check.

We will be training for the Zoo Run Run 10K in Madison (Henry Vilas Zoo/Arboretum) on Sunday, September 25. This race is optional and is not included with your session registration.

Thurs, July 14, 6:30 pm at Orfan Park

Sun, July 24, 9:00 am

Thurs, July 28, 6:30 pm

Sun, Aug 7, 9:00 am

Wed, Aug 10, 6:30 pm

Wed, Aug 17, 6:30 pm

Wed, Aug 24, 6:30 pm

Sun, Sept 4, 9:00 am

Sat, Sept 10, 10:00 am

Wed, Sept 21, 6:00 pm - Course at Henry Vilas Zoo/UW Arboretum

Sun, Sept 25 - Zoo Run Run 10K (Henry Vilas Zoo/UW Arboretum

May Miles

I logged 108 miles this month. Many of them with this little one in the jogging stroller. How are you doing with your goals this year?

Running life - full circle.

I always try to remind myself that they are always watching. This little one knows nothing different than mommy lacing up her running shoes daily (sometimes several times). She's been watching me get on the treadmill since she was two-and-a-half weeks old. Now she joins me in the jogging stroller. 

 

This past weekend, my two oldest joined me at a race that I coached. They cheered on my couch to 5K class, consisting of fourteen women at a local 5K (one cheered more than the other!). My daughter has observed my training and racing since she was eighteen months old. Now she is nearly thirteen and is finally expressing all of the things that I was hoping she was observe. She told me that I did a good job - not only running back and forth during the race, but "helping those ladies out" and proving to them that they can do it. She said that she admires me for sharing my passion with others and it proves to her that she can do anything in life (not just running). She said she realized that these women are busy women and moms - just like her mom. And that they are learning to set aside sometime for themselves - healthy, alone time. Just like her mom.

Sure, the calorie burn is nice. And it's great to be fit. But THIS is one of my main reasons for running and coaching. For pushing myself and others. I am continuously reminding myself that I can do anything and to set a good example for my kids. They are realizing that with a little sweat and hard work, that THEY can do anything they want, too!

Dreams over dishes.

I typically love to wake up and have my bed made. It starts my day off right. I also love to have my kitchen sink and counter cleaned up before I head to bed. It brings closure to my day.

Last night, my counter was a mess. There were dishes to be washed and bottles to be cleaned. But, I piled the kids into bed and we read books. One went in her crib. One fell asleep, cuddled up next to me. I drifted off after a few minutes and the other got drowsy and eventually headed to bed.

This morning I woke up to the coffee pot and the dog barking to go on a walk at 5:00 am. I jumped out of bed and I felt refreshed for my morning walk at sunrise. I woke the kids up around 6:00 and they were ready to go, too. There weren't any major disagreements or forgetful minds this morning. We had a nice, quiet ride to school. Drop-off was followed by an early-morning trip to the grocery story and then a productive morning while the baby napped.

 

And the dishes were still there this morning. So, I got them done. Nothing tragic happened because the dishes weren't done last night. Sometimes I get so caught up in my to-do lists that I forget to chill. I'm afraid to sit down, because I'm worried that everything won't get crossed-off, because I nod off. I watch a movie, and I'm OUT. I read a few pages of my book and I'm a goner. I'm trying to listen to my body more and more lately. When I'm craving a run I pound out a few miles. When my body is aching, I need to take a day off of running. When my mind is tired, it needs rest.

 

Accountability

My afternoon running group was cancelled due to rain. Normally I would make my classes run in the rain. However, this group has to work together in an office atmosphere for the remainder of the day. Don't any of my evening classes get any ideas!! They opted to hop on the office treadmills for their workout and check in with me via email.

 

I opted to hold myself accountable as well and took my cheering squad downstairs for a few miles on the treadmill. It's been a month and a half since I returned to work and I haven't ran on the treadmill much since then - or with the little one while on the treadmill. I wasn't sure how long we'd last ... so I decided to push myself. Put in the hard work. And get it done.

 

I pounded out three miles in 24:38 - close to a PR for me. All of that hard work the last couple of months post-partum has really paid off.

 

And, I've obviously "taught her young", because Baby Girl did amazing and didn't complain once. She's grown and graduated to the exersaucer and just watched me run in place, while she played with her toys. We also enjoyed my cool down walk and stretching together. 

 

Took the stroller for a spin ...

This afternoon, in between coaching classes and picking up the older siblings from school, Baby Girl and I took our new jogging stroller for a spin.  I've been waiting for this moment!!  We ran six miles around town and she really enjoyed it.  She just took in the scenery, nodded off a few times and took some deep breathes as we turned into a strong head wind.  Neither of us had any complaints this afternoon.  The stroller was really easy to push and maneuver.  I was surprised at how light it was, too.  I can't wait to log more miles with her, as it seems that we finally have some nice weather to enjoy.  I couldn't help but smile internally while I pushed her block after block in the sunshine.  Sometimes, moments seem like the biggest blessing.  And everything else just fades away.  And she faded away to sleep - until I stopped - then, she woke up and gave me the happiest grin.

 

Songs added to my crazy playlist ...

People would think I'm REALLY crazy if they listened to the mix of tunes on my ipod. I'm all over the map. Here are some songs, that I recently added to my list ... consider adding to your's ...

Worry - Jack Garratt

Fire - Barns Courtney

Supermassive Black Hole - Muse

Drag Me Down - One Direction

Dangerous Woman - Ariana Grande

Naked - X Ambassadors

Jungle - X Ambassadors

You CAN do ANYTHING, but not EVERYTHING

The other day, I was listening to a morning radio talk show on my way to work - err, on my drive to the bus transfer point to my bus ride to my walk up Bascom Hill to work. They were talking about how the "American Dream" has changed a lot over the past several decades.  How people use to want the gorgeous house with the white picket fence, health, lots of nice things and money in the bank.   Now people are happy and satisfied more with experiences instead of things.  People want their health, to be surrounded by people that make them better and happier, omit those that bring negative energy to their lives ... and that people are learning to simplify. 

 

 

 

You CAN do ANYTHING, but not EVERYTHING.

 

This really resonated with me.  Since I've gone through several life changes over the past five or six years and even more changes recently (good and bad), I've learned a lot about life and myself.  I use to go shopping to fill my time.  I spent money on things that I didn't necessarily need.  And sometimes I spent money on things that I didn't necessarily want.  I attended at home parties for friends hosting online businesses.  I felt the need to buy something.  When shopping, I also bought things that were "the new fad", because I thought that I was supposed to have them.  Not necessarily because I liked them or because I needed a new pair of shoes, gadget or outfit for my daughter.  These things were fad, I saw them in magazines or on friends' Facebook feeds.  I'm happy that I've learned life lessons and immediately have no problem saying "no" to at home parties, staying out of the mall unless I have a mission or need something and I am in awe at how much people spend on "things" sometimes.  I have no problem buying a garbage bag full of infant clothes for my child at garage sales or thrift stores - and thinking twice before I purchase something that she needs, even if it is only fifty cents.  Instead of going out and buying something new for myself or our home, I think twice about if I can fix it or if it can be repurposed.  Having more things and the best of these things doesn't necessarily make you happy.  I don't have fancy packages showing up at my doorstep - unless they are products to review for my blog.

 

After trying to find a balance with my schedule (which I'm learning is an ongoing process), I'm learning that less is more here, too.  I'm working half time and coaching several times a week.  My life is just as busy - if not busier.  But, I'm investing my time and energy in different places.  Things that are important - and most importantly, things that bring me joy.  And joy to others (my children).  I'm bringing home half of what I brought home five years ago.  Yes, HALF.  But, I'm so much happier with living simpler.  We still have everything we need and can take advantage of opportunities.  But we think twice (or three or four times) before committing to the things that we REALLY want to do.  I look for free/cheap outings and experiences that we can share together, rather than always spending money on expensive concert tickets and family vacations.  When we do make those extravagant purchases, it makes those experiences that much more special.  I've also been very open with my kids about how our family spends money.  I don't want them to be scared about whether we have enough money to put dinner on the table.  But, I let them be involved with making choices about doing one more expensive thing versus three more affordable options on a day off of school.  We can go out to lunch OR we can eat at home and do this fun activity afterwards.  I love having them involved in our decisions.

 

I use to feel the need to say "yes" to every opportunity that came my way.  I was afraid to tell people "no", even if I didn't find value in an experience or that it didn't bring something positive to my life or those immediately around me.  I said "yes" to satisfy others, not myself.  This is my year of saying "NO".

 

As I mentioned in my post yesterday, I use to feel the NEED to do every single race and travel all over the Midwest to experience races every weekend.  Not only should I not have done that from the aspect of my bank account.  But, after more than a decade of being a runner, do I need to prove to myself - or others - that I am a "real runner", by committing to so many events.  I am just as much of an athlete, running on my own or with friends and throwing a few half marathons and a marathon in there to give myself a personal goal to work towards. 

 

I am a runner.  Whether I run twelve half marathons this year - or three.  I am still a runner.  You may not see as many racing selfies of me on your Facebook feed this year.  You will probably be seeing me running by myself or with someone close to me or with my dog.  But I'll be putting in the miles, just like you.

I earned my shower this morning

I started my Saturday morning with a slight feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out).  The popular Crazylegs Classic 8K was scheduled to start in downtown Madison this morning.  I haven't ran the race in the past couple of years.  However, it is "the" race to do in town for runners and "non runners".  I knew that my Facebook feed would be flooded with selfies and bib photos from the annual event.  However, I wasn't participating again.

 

I've really been trying to focus my time, energy and funds on longer distances instead of doing every race that pops up on an event calendar.  I really want to focus on quality - not quantity of events.  Sometimes I get just as much enjoyment out of meeting a friend for a run, running long with my husband on a local trail or scheduling a multi-hour training run all alone with my running tunes and a few energy gels. 

 

And then I'm coaching.  So fitting in my training runs along with helping others achieve their goals has become quite the balancing act.  Throw housework, errands, shuttling the kids around town - and valued family time - it requires a lot of planning and communication with everyone at home.  Communication includes discussing my plans with both my husband and my children.  I'm very thankful that my family understands how important running is to me.  And they either honor that alone time on my schedule, help me achieve the juggling act, or join me for a couple of miles.

 

 

Today, the alarm went off at 5:45.  I pumped and ate a light breakfast.  The most beautiful pink and orange sunrise lit the sky while I enjoyed my morning coffee.  I took the dog for a quick run around our neighborhood.  I then headed to the Glacial Drumlin with a group of women that are training for a 10K.  We ran thirty scenic minutes out on the trail together.  We spoke of everything from races, garage sales and church.  After heading back home, I visited quickly with my husband and Baby Girl before he headed off to work with her for a bit.  I headed out for three solo miles on my own with my running tunes.  Then I headed out for a couple more miles with a group of children that I am coaching this spring.  After picking up Baby Girl so that daddy could finish up his work, we headed out for an errand.  I came home and fed her, changed her, pumped and then finally showered while she went down for her nap. 

 

Fitting in time for yourself isn't always easy.  But, it's always worth it.  I got in about 8 miles this morning.  In those three hours, I would typically get in about 18 miles by myself.  But, I got in what I could.  When I could.  Life is certainly a juggling act some days.  I earned each mile this morning.  And I earned that shower that I finally took at noon. 

Sooooo ... this just happened!!

Sooooo ... this just happened!!

I was asked last fall to serve as a 2016 ambassador for the Milwaukee Running Festival. I had been debating and debating whether I should register for the half marathon or the full. I wanted to see how my body was going to adjust to getting back into long-distance running after baby #3 was born. So far, so good.

MARATHON #11 .... here I come!

If you want to register for one of the MRF events, use discount code RUNDIVA for $10 off your registration!
http://milwaukeerunningfestival.com/

REST | REFRESHED | RUN

After being exhausted this past week, my body finally caved and I was cursed with a cold. I wasn't sure if I was hoping if it was allergies or just being sick. But I was exhausted. I went to bed very eary on Wednesday night and last night I crashed at 7:45pm while rocking my baby to sleep. 

 

However today ... I woke up refreshed and ready to rock my day!! The alarm went off at 4am this morning (yes, 4am!) for a run with some former clients, Laura and Cheryl. I jumped out of bed rested and motivated to start my Friday. My morning was going to be full (the good kind of busy!) and I was going to start my day with a 5am run with some clients (who I like to call friends!). I pumped, got dressed, ate breakfast and drove the next town over for a 5-ish mile run on my favorite trail. We caught up, I returned some borrowed maternity clothes and we got in a few miles at sunrise. And, we ran a 10 min/mile pace. BAM!

 

Sometimes, you just have to listen to your body. If it is telling you to slow down, do it. Take it easy on yourself. Sometimes putting your to do list off until tomorrow is just what your body needs. I thoroughly enjoyed going to bed early, cuddling and falling asleep before the sun completely set.

My Friday morning was filled with many things that make me happy and I was full of energy to tackle it all. Lesson learned. I even stepped on the scale for the first time in a couple weeks and have lost another 3.5 lbs since returning to work. Wow, I wasn't ready for that! 1.5 lbs til I reach my pre-baby weight and 10 more pounds til goal. And I wasn't even "trying".

I'm loving this lifestyle.  Loving this life.  And I appreciate that it's mine.  I will continue to listen to my body and be thankful for what it does for me - each and every day.

 

Being everything to everyone - including yourself.

Sometimes I'm a better mother.  Sometimes I'm a better wife (rare lately).  Sometimes I'm a better housewife (again, rare lately).  Sometimes I'm a better version of me and taking significant chunks of time for myself and my running.  Sometimes I'm a better co-worker at the office or running coach.

 

Don't we all try to be Super Mom?  I know I do.  I try to fill my day with all the good stuff that makes my family happy.  Making them happy makes me happy.  I plan ahead.  I work things into my day that need to be there.

And now I'm learning to work things OUT of my day that don't need to be there.  Learning to say NO.  Saying NO is hard.  I want to be everywhere.  I want to be everything to everyone.  Including myself.  I want to be everywhere when people need me.  Being there when I THINK that people need me, but maybe they don't. 

 

I've tried to limit my coaching schedule this season because of life changing events.  But, I've still managed to take on double what I initially committed to.  I love sharing my passion with others (primarily women, mothers and small children).  My plate is unfortunately full and I'm having to say no to extra commitments and say no to things that don't help me find my family's balance.  It's hard.  Saying no to opportunities is hard.  It means that a lot of positive things are coming my way and I don't want to let people down. 

 

I have an extreme fear of missing out.  I see post after post of friends running races or running twenty miles.  I ran a half marathon this past weekend.  I finished ten minutes slower than my pre-baby pace.  I was not fast, but I did it.  And I did it less than four months after I had my third child.  At least I have a starting point for the year and for this new life as a family of five (plus one crazy dog).

 

I told my husband this morning that I feel like I am being a hypocrite.  I'm not doing what I preach.  Telling everyone to fit in time for themselves.  I'm not pulling off two to three hours of running before sunrise.  Not focusing on speed.  I'm not running with my husband every free moment when my older two are at their dads.  Now I have a little one at home that I miss tremendously when I'm not with her.  I have to be fine with running a few miles when I can.  I'm still making time for myself and my training - just not as much of it.  As I said in a previous post, sometimes the running just fits into your life and your schedule differently from year to year.  Life isn't always the same.

 

Am I being hypocritical?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  Maybe I'm just showing my clients and readers that I struggle with the same things that they do.  Maybe other women identify with me.

 

 

So, I'm saying no to things.

But, I'm also saying yes. 

 

I'm saying yes to volunteering at my sons's school every Friday morning and having lunch with him.  I'm giving him something to look forward to during his school day.  I'm getting to know his teacher and his classmates and helping out where needed. 

 

I've also starting a mother/son book club with him and piling into my bed most nights to read chapters aloud with him and the baby.  These quiet moments and the endless cuddles mean more than anything.

 

I'm texting my daughter out of the blue to tell her how proud I am of her quite often.  Then she asks me what's wrong.  Nothing.  You are just a good kid and I'm proud of the amazing young woman she is becoming at twelve years old.

 

I'm trying to shut off the electronic devices while I interact with my little one.  I'm taking breaks to read her books.  Instead of running errands around town (like I did with the older two), I'm staying home a little more and making sure that she gets in the nap that she needs. 

 

I've turned off all notifications on my phone while I'm at work so that I can focus on returning to work and what's expected of me.  I try checking for emergencies and reply only in case of an urgent issue.  I'm using my time pumping and on the bus to respond to messages and read books.

 

I'm doing most of my own runs with our dog.  This makes him happy, gets out his energy and we both get exercise.

 

I'm staying committed to keeping Thursday evenings free for my husband and my little one.  No commitments.  Just us.  Last night, instead of getting things done around the house, we went to bed at 8pm while I read and we cuddled.  Lights out by 8:30.  Recharging and rest was just what we needed.

 

And for me ... I'm just trying to cut myself some slack.  Make sometime for myself everyday.  Whether it's running a couple miles.  Crossing a few things off of my to do list.  Reading a few pages in a book before I fall asleep from exhaustion. 

 

My life is full.  My life is full of commitments and obstacles.  It's full of really, really good things, too.  I'm grateful that there are dishes to put away because we had food to eat and enjoyed a family meal around our dinner table.  I'm thankful that my kids are eager to follow their passions and that I have to drive them around town to rehearsal and practice.  I'm happy that I have a great partner in life that is willing to help share the household responsibilities, vacuum up all of that dog hair and scrub the toilets for me.

 

 





sometimes, the marathon is just getting through the day.

Tomorrow is my first half marathon since having my baby at the end of December. EEK! I've ran ~50 half marathons ... but, I'm kinda nervous. I'm going to admit it. I haven't really trained for this thirteen mile adventure ahead of me. But, I've been getting mid-distance running back into my routine since January. I've logged double digits a few times since I had our baby girl. But, racing can put you in a totally different mindset.

I'm still carrying around about five extra pounds from my pregnancy and am not where I want to be. I'm pretty sure it is going to slow me down and that my pace won't be what it was previously. I'm hoping that this race will spark my urge to push myself through the rest of the spring and summer. Push myself harder.

Returning to work part-time a few weeks ago, I'm struggling with "mom guilt" just like the rest of you. I work or coach or run errands - and then the LAST thing that I really feel like I SHOULD be doing is running by myself (and for myself). Most of my miles have been put in on the weekends now, when I can "feel better" about it. That doesn't mean that I've been sitting though. When I'm not running, I'm walking the dog or putting our little bundle in the baby carrier and walking her around the neighborhood while her curious eyes take in her surroundings. And I chat with my older two on foot while we get in our walks.

Running will ALWAYS be a part of my life. Sometimes it just doesn't fit into my life the same way year after year. Sometimes I have to be fine with logging only three miles by myself ... or one mile with my son. Those twenty milers will fit into my life again soon enough. Sometimes you need to cross other things/priorities off of your list instead. You need some sleep. You need to do something for someone else. But this LIFESTYLE still allows me to squeeze in a few miles here and a couple miles there. I shop at the grocery store in my sweaty running gear. I combine active time with family time. That's what makes me who I am.

I struggle with the same things you do. I'm just a normal mom ... who also runs marathons. And sometimes, the marathon is just getting through the day.

Here's to taking a deep breath ... and starting all over again tomorrow ...

Sometimes ... life gets BUSY! I don't want to glorify "busy". But, it happens. Life gets insane. Friggin insane. It's all a matter of how you handle it. Sometimes I get stressed. Sometimes I internalize and then I explode. Sometimes I remember to stop and breathe. Sometimes I find balance by planning and strategizing. Sometimes I over-schedule, over-plan .... then schedules collide, things happen and all goes to hell.

And for one quiet hour today, I paused. And I thought about our busy life.

I rarely hear "I'm bored" from my children. They are happy and content most of the time. Running us all around town and being double-booked means that GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING. Everyone is finding their niche, their outlet ... and their PASSION. We have opportunities. We have friends. We have a supportive family. It all makes it's way onto our schedule somehow. My husband and I are a team more than ever right now. And we make it all work.
 
Here's to taking a deep breath ... and starting all over again tomorrow ...