Running Partner

I have not kept up well with my running blog. Could it be because I am mom to two kids, have had a sick husband, work full time, am chef and personal assistant to my family? Nah....wink, wink. But I do find it challenging at times to get out the door for a run. Nevermind the fact I forget some piece of running gear at least most of the time. But, I know I'm not alone. And if you feel alone, please know that I struggle right beside you. Think of it this way....someone has to be getting a good laugh watching you and me struggle and juggle kids, gear, etc. If not, I am doing this all in vain! Lol!

Training for Bayshore is in full swing. Though most of my runs have been indoors, either on the track or on the treadmill, I am logging miles!! And it feels spectacular! Today I took out my new running partner....my 4 1/2 month son, Nicholas!!! I know...you're judging me now for putting a four month old in a jogger! No worries......he's bigger then most 1 year olds!! Yep....a stocky 20 pounder! And I LOVE every chubby roll!! (why is it chub looks sooo darn cute on a baby, but not on a momma?) I LOVE my jogger. It pushes easy, reclines to accomodate a comfortable riding postiton for Nick and it has a weather cover so he is completely protected! So other then the wind, which by the way makes pushing a jogger feel like running with a parachuete strapped to your back, what a beautiful day to introduce him to his new jogger and the world of running! I love that he loves being outdoors, just like his sister, and hope that one day I can inspire him to be active, no matter the sport. We completed successfully our run around Reeds Lake! One of my favorite places to run! And I already can't wait to take him out again! Until our next run.....

Inagural Run

In between feedings, diaper changes, the demands of being momma, loads of laundry, etc...you get what I mean...I finally squeezed in a run! A 3 mile run with 2 brief walking breaks! Not bad for not running since February!

One thing that has changed....I don't think "scheduling" a run is in my near future. Fitting in a run, even at the last minute, is my reality. I know this will be short lived. As Nick gets older, it will be easier to schedule a run. No matter, it is great to be running...treadmill or outside....I will take whatever.

So....how do I feel after this run? 24 hours later.....my legs are sore and feet ache. Time to break out those new shoes that I bought before my injury and pregnancy news! Hopefully that will help. Dropping a few more pounds will help too! Despite my physical aches, I am mentally ready to hit the road again! Maybe yet tonight! One never knows!

Until our next run....

Redemption!

Six weeks ago, we were blessed with a beautiful baby boy named Nicholas! He is a sweet and cuddly little man. We are in love and thank God everyday for him! M loves her little brother. Though she has days when she wants little to do with him, at least that's what she says until he cries, then she is the first to run to his aid! :)

Though my days focus around feedings, diaper changes and school, it is time for momma to get back into shape...time to pick up where I left off....with that said.....it is offical! I am running Bayshore...this time the half marathon. My husband wants me to be conservative (because of my knee issues) and run the 10K. I want to run the full marathon. A compromise....the half. I am sooooo excited! And yet fully realize getting out the door for a training run will add its challenges to an already busy and hectic day! Nonetheless, I am up for the challenge and hope that my family is too!

So as I put on my running shoes on, turn on my iPod and set my Garmin....I hope to see you on one of my training runs! Good luck to all of you who have already made the commitment to run your inspirational, life changing race!

Until our next run!.....

Seeing the Finish Line

It's hard to believe that 7 months ago I was wondering if we would make it to the end!  And here we are....the last mile of the my "marathon" race.  It has been an incredible and humbling experience.  And as I sit here, I have mixed emotions.  (Perhaps we can blame the pregnancy hormones and sleep deprivation...but seriously....)  As I was reading my daughter a bedtime story last night, I realized that this was the last night I would be reading her a book as an "only child".  (Daddy and Momma take turns with bedtime routine, hoping that bedtime separation will be less significant once I go back to work!)  Our alone time, bonding time and routine are about to be changed forever.  I tear up thinking about what is to pass, but smile at what is about to happen.  I think any mom, about to undergo any life changing event, wonders how it will effect her family, her children, her life....and then feels guilty having mixed emotions knowing how blessed she is to have been given this gift.  I have appreciated the time I have had with my daughter.  The last 5 1/2 years have past quickly.  I have a hard time remembering my pregnancy, my emotions, her milestones...something I thought I would never forget, let alone have difficulty recalling.  I have spent time looking at old photographs of M as she has grown.  And as crazy as it sounds from a mom, I don't remember some of those moments, let alone how small she was and how big she is now.  She has grown into such a beautiful and independent little girl.  Her energy and spark are infectious.  And though her sass is more than I can handle some days, she has a wonderful innocence about her.  I love her more than any words could express.  My heart aches to know that her life is about to change, but am forever grateful to know that she will not walk this earth alone.  She will forever have a sibling, a partner, to live, to laugh and to dance with!  I have no doubt that she will adjust well, be a great big sister and a great teacher, playmate and second mom to her new sister or brother.

I am blessed to have such a beautiful family.  I am blessed to have the support of family and friends.  I am blessed that God choose me to carry and welcome a new life into this world.  I have not, for one day, taken for granted all that He has given me.  I know that the challenges and obstacles I have experienced during this pregnancy are nothing compared to many others who have suffered premature deliveries, life decisions, life changing diagnosis, and so much more.  I am not ignorant.  For that reason, I am eternally grateful to our Lord for granting my a blessing of a lifetime!  So as I prepare to cross the finish line, let me thank you...my supporters and cheerleaders for praying and cheering me on!  Without your support and prayers, it would have been a much lonelier and longer experience.  I see the finish line!  And I can't wait to receive and hold my medal!  Until our next "run"......

Back to School

I can hardly believe it....back to school.  Summer is over.  Well...not by calendar standards, but certainly the carefree, no need to set an alarm, stay in your pjs for as long as you want, mornings are gone.  Part of me is excited and happy to have a little alone time before Baby M arrives. Part of me finds the quiet house too quiet.  I know that in 7 short weeks I'll be wishing I had more days like these.  M is super excited to be in kindergarten.  Seems like just yesterday that we were waiting for her arrival....and now....she is a big girl, growing way to fast and blessing us each day with her wit, sass, and love.

I know this blog was intended to be a running blog.  And it will still serve that purpose.  However, I realize that being a "mom on the run" is more than just running.  As all moms know....our days are not always are own.  We hit the ground running every morning, whether it be literally or figuratively.  And we don't stop until our heads hit the pillow.  The demands of providing for our family, while balancing time for ourselves is more then we can handle most days.  But most of us would say, honestly, we wouldn't change it for the world.  My family is my world.  I live and breath to take care of my family.  It's want fuels me!  My days of hitting the road and track again are quickly approaching.  And I can't wait!!  Yes...it will add guilt back into most days....wondering why I am taking time for myself to run when I should be cleaning, doing laundry, or spending more time with the kids.  But one thing is for sure...if I don't take care of me, I can't take care of my family!

Until our next "run"...........(enjoy the pics of M's first FULL day of kindergarten!)

M and Mrs B.

Bayshore

 Before the start of the Bayshore 10K.

Finishing with a smile!  Or is it pure joy of seeing the finish line despite the pain?!

The beautiful Lake Leeneau.  A little R & R with M.

It was race day!  Well, almost!  Packet pick up.  One last event leading up to the morning of the race.  A bustling sea of people finding their number and line to collect their coveted race number and shirt.  Although, I was not running this time, my husband was.  And I couldn't help but feel the excitement and wondered if he felt it too.  I kept asking him if he was getting excited.  His reply was "I guess so."  Though bummed for him that he didn't seem more excited, it was appropriate.  My husband is NOT a runner.  In fact, he predicted that this may be his rookie appearance and his retirement race, all wrapped up in one 10K.  He was challenged to run the 10k because his friend was going to run the marathon for the second year and I, too, was to run the marathon.  We all know by now that I'm running a different race.  My husband's friend, on the other hand, ruptured a disk in his lower lumber 3 weeks before the race and had surgery recently to repair it.  Who was left standing, ready and waiting?  My husband! 

The night before the race, I found myself, oddly, going through the same pre race routine I would if I was running.  Setting out clothes for the morning, double and triple checking to make sure I had all the gear I needed, and praying that if it was to rain, that it would be a light rain.  (There was rain in the forecast.  The only question....how rainy would it be!?)  I found myself tossing and turning in bed all night, waking up almost immediately to the sound of the alarm.  Hitting the snooze button twice, I rolled out of bed, realizing that I didn't sleep well and wanted to stay in bed for a little longer.  But wait....it's race day!!!!!  Well...for my husband....not for me.  I focused my attention on getting myself and our daughter ready.  Pulling out the sign we made for daddy and unwrapping the cow bell we bought so daddy knew where we were!  M was excited to share with her daddy this experience. She even asked if she could run next year with daddy.  A true testament to the example that daddy is setting for his curious and very observant daughter.  

It was raining!  A light rain.  But it was cool too!  The light rain and relentless drizzle, dampened many of the runners, now starting the race, wet and cold.  Temperature at the start of the race was about 54 degrees.  The National Anthem blared over the loud speakers, followed by the familiar "Runners take your mark." (starting gun sounding)  And the runners were off!  We quickly found my husband in the sea of runners, zigging and zagging, trying to find their pace.  M rang her cow bell and shouted "Go Daddy."  Daddy waved and smiled.  A warming sight for anyone to see.  And a comfort to my husband, I'm sure as he started his first mile.  

For those of you who only are spectators in this sport, you don't realize how wonderful it is to hear your shouts of encouragement, while pounding the pavement.  Runners feed off the clapping and the shouting and the encouragement.  The best encouragement is seeing your loved ones on the side, cheering for YOU!  It is the BEST pick me up!  Better then any gel or cup of water!

We headed back to the track to find a dry place to sit and wait for the runners to return.  At 31 minutes and 48 seconds, the first male 10K runner was crossing the finish line!!!!  Amazing!  Almost 2 whole minutes later the second male finisher crossed the line.  The first female 10K runner crossed the line at 41 minutes.  Still a respectable time.....actually.....an amazing time!  The runners were now entering the track in groups, growing larger and larger....a constant flow of runners crossing the finish line.  I stood tall, with my camera ready and my eyes focused at the track entrance.  Then, about 50 minutes into the race, I spotted my husband.  I told M that Daddy was coming.  She was excited to ring her bell.  He rounded the last turn, I pointed my camera and started shooting.  I could hear M and my mom yelling.  He heard us...well, the cow bell.  He turned and smiled and waved.  A huge smile both on M and his face.  I could tell he was tired...glad the race was done!  He did an amazing job!  Finishing in 53 minutes!!!!

We reunited with a kiss and a hug and his first comment about the run...."This is the DUMBEST sport ever!"  I laughed, not taking offense, but laughing with acknowledgement....that only he would say those words after running and finishing his first 10K.  It is now safe to say.....he is retired from road racing....at least on foot! :)  

It was an odd experience being the spectator this time.  I have a greater respect for all the loved ones, including my husband, who get up at the crack of dawn to travel and cheer their runner on, only to find themselves sitting around in anticipation of when you may cross the finish line.  Let us not forget, they brave the traffic, the crowds and the weather, just as we do.  They are just as much warriors as we, runners, are.  

Until our next run.......

The Night Before Fifth Third

The night before a big race is invigorating! Honestly,it marks a night of little sleep and enormous anticipation! I run about every race on adrenaline! And a little caffeine! I rely on the crowd to pump me up and I feed off of every runner lining up. I love race day!!!!! And I will miss lacing up my shoes, pinning my number to my shorts, going to the bathroom a couple of times, drinking one last cup of water, checking my Garmin one last time, finding my place amongst a sea of eager runners and lastly...I will miss the rush of excitment as the line begins to move closer to the starting line and the feeling of accomplishment as I cross the finish line! To my friends who have trained so hard, who have overcome injury and emotional obstacles as you trained.....I wish you the BEST OF LUCK!!!!!! I have no doubt that you will each accomplish a goal that you never thought possible. I am VERY proud of each of you! I wish that I could be running beside, in front or behind any of you....but for this year......know that I am cheering you on and running in spirit with each of you! Cannot wait to hear of your accomplishments!!!!!!!!!!! Ready, set, GO!!!!!
Until our next run.............!