My Old Self...Where Are You?

Pre-pregnancy, I was probably in the best shape of my life.  I was training for a marathon and had lots of time to commit to my hobby.  I would run on my lunch hour, I would run after work, I would run on the weekends.  Run, Run, Run.  I loved it.  I loved having the fresh air fill my lungs only to escape out my nose.  I loved running in the cold, the rain, even the snow. 

But, now post pregnancy, I just can't seem to regain that zeal.  I want it...I can see it...I just can't seem to grasp it.  It is so close yet so far away.  My body has pretty much returned to normal, but it needs some fine tuning. The boys have left me a little soft. Nothing running can't fix.

For Christmas I finally got that new snazzy watch I've always wanted to keep up with my distance and pace, I have a jogging stroller that I can push the boys in (although this is easier said than done, even if the stroller is designed with this in mind). I have all the accessories I need.  I'm even at a fitness center on Monday nights where I teach dance, but I would rather see my boys for the few minutes I have before class instead of jumping on a treadmill.

Maybe a treadmill like this at home is the solution.  I really want one. I have these grand ideas that once the boys go to sleep or take a nap (although getting them to nap at the same time is difficult) I'll hop on the treadmill and knock out a few miles. But the reality is that after the last baby has gone to sleep, the only thing I want to do is rest before the nightly chores of bottle washing, kitchen cleaning and laundry commence.

I know that once I get started I will fall back into a routine, but getting started is the toughest part.

Any suggestions for getting me over this hump?

The Long Run

In January of 2009, my good friend talked me into training for the Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon. A few weeks into training, I roped my cousin (and good friend) Angie into joining the group as well. Our fearless leader, Kristi, offered brunch after each Saturday training run and who can turn down girl time and breakfast once a week. It was therapy like no other. Not only was the running therapy, but so was the weekly girl time. I looked forward to it every week. April came around and we finished the Half Marathon despite the conditions, which were hot and sticky. We said we would run it again next year, but might consider running the full marathon instead.

In January of 2010, Kristi informed us that she was going to train for the full marathon. Angie and I decided that we would buck up and train for the full as well. Plus I figured kids would be coming soon and this might be the last time for awhile that I would have this much time to myself. We trained in sub-freezing temperatures, snow and rain.

In February, Trent and I decided to quit trying not to get pregnant and just see what happens. I really didn't think it would happen so fast. I found out on April 1st that I was pregnant and after a lot of thought decided that I wouldn't run the full marathon. I did, however, run a couple of 18 milers and a 20 miler while not knowing I was pregnant. Although I didn't run the full Marathon this year, I was proud of my other accomplishments. One of these days I will add the extra 6.2 miles to that 20. Here is the picture of the treadmill I took right after I finished 20 miles.


I followed my running buddies on the course the day of the race; the finish line was bitter sweet. I was so proud of my friends for their accomplishment and a little sad that I wasn't there beside them, while at the same time so happy to be pregnant. I have learned during my short stint of pregnancy that it's all about sacrifice…sacrificing my body, my time, my emotions, etc. I know motherhood will be even more of a sacrifice.

A friend from High School writes a blog and I really enjoyed this article on the parallels between running and parenting. If you are a runner check it out.