There's a saying about pregnancy weight - nine months up, nine months down. I am lucky (um, and I work my ass off, literally) that I've always lost my pregnancy weight quickly, but I have to constantly remind myself of this maxim. Your body really takes a beating during pregnancy (mine does, anyway) and even though I am at my goal weight, things are still easing back to where they used to be. And let's face it, I'll be happy if some things end up in the general vicinity of where they used to be.
The problems I have been having with my hip are slowly resolving on their own, which is great, since I still have not managed to find the time to actually schedule a physical therapy appointment. But my running hiatus continues. Partly because of the hip, but mostly because I haven't quite figured out how to be a running mom of two.
The double BOB mostly sits folded in the garage, as Max will only ride in it for limited amounts of time. The Supportive Husband, while still supportive, has registered his strong objection to my 5:30 am Saturday wakeups, and that objection has been duly noted. The nature of his work means that he is often working until 11pm or later on Saturday nights, so having been rousted at 5am by my alarm, and then again at whatever ungodly hour one or both kids decide to wake up is pretty tough on him. And to be quite honest, the last thing I want to do on a Saturday morning is get up at 5:30 to pump. I burned out on pumping when Max was about 8 months old, and it did not regain its luster the second time around. And truth be told, Sami is not the sleeper he was. Most nights, I am up with her at 3am for a quick snack and cuddle. 5:30 comes awfully fast.
So where does that leave me? Squeezing in a run/walk after work in the blazing heat. Squeezing in 20 minutes on the treadmill during my lunch hour. Basically, trying to maintain a bare minimum fitness level so that once Sami is weaned, I can consider doing a spring race.
The not running hasn't been so bad, but it has been difficult to not have a "thing." A thing where I don't have to be someone's mom. A thing that has a goal that isn't work related. A thing that is mine - my dreams, my achievements, my time. I am still figuring out this dance of being a mom of two, but as my bones shift back to where they used to be, I hope my thing will start to take shape again. I need my thing back. And I think it's going to take at least nine months to get it.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Where's Waldo?
Or really, Where's Mama?
I have been so absent from my blog! I didn't think my non-running was worth blogging about on my running blog. But I supposed I owe my fan (hi Robine) an update.
The hip/groin pain I've been having since mid-pregnancy is still around, despite having laid off the running big time for the past 7 weeks or so. It actually feels worse since I stopped running, and I think that increasing my physical activity in whatever form is probably good for it. Next stop, physical therapy. I just have to figure out when...
Life with two kids is great but there is not a minute of the day where somebody doesn't need me. Anytime I do anything, I should be doing something else. When I am at work, I should be easing Max through his rediscovered separation anxiety. When I'm with Max, I should be helping Sami learn to sit up. When I'm goofing around with Sami, I should be helping the Supportive Husband with the family business. When I'm helping with the business, I should be working out. When I'm working out, I should be folding the laundry. And so on. Everything I do comes at the expense of something else. Everything.
But this morning the stars aligned and I actually got in a bit of a run, with Sami in the BOB while Max slept in. It was the most perfect morning imaginable. A sweet whisper of a breeze, bright sun, warm but not hot, no humidity. I couldn't not run. Truth be told it was a walk-run with more walk than run. It's been 3.5 months since I had walking pneumonia, and I still cough and wheeze a bit when I run. And my hip - ow. I really need to not neglect that, because my opposite knee has started to hurt because my gait is all wonky and sideways to compensate. But I had a great time, and Sami quietly watched the morning slide by, still in her footie jammies. By the time we got home, Max was awake, and had got wind of the fact that Sami had gone on a buggy ride. So I traded kids with the Supportive Husband, and took Max for a bit of a stroll.
I had worried that scaling back my running would cause the pregnancy pounds to pile back on. But no, I am less than a pound away from the weight I was the day after the 10-miler. Go nursing!! After Max was born, I was nursing and training so much that I got down to a crazy skinny weight. At times during that period, I would have had to eat 3,500 calories/day just to maintain my weight. Impossible! After Max weaned, which was not long after I ran the marathon, I put on several pounds pretty rapidly - I think my body had gone into starvation mode. Since I've decided not to really train while Sami is still nursing, I am hopeful that I won't gain much (if any) weight after she weans. Even though I'm quite a few pounds less than my prepregnancy weight, I could stand to lose a few more.
However, after reading all the recent "body after baby" drek in the celebrity mags, I have decided I'd rather be a little flabby and five pounds too heavy than waste my life away by having a protein shake for breakfast, whole wheat turkey wrap for lunch, and poached fish for dinner. And oh, if I get cravings, I could l just have a stick of gum. Gum!!! Seriously, that is one celeb's diet strategy - gum to stave off cravings. As if I'm going to walk past the cupcake shop, pop in a stick of Dentyne and just keep strolling by, while a single tear slides down my cheek.
Let's face it, even if I lost five or ten pounds, my thrice-pregnant tummy will most likely never again be bikini ready without some serious Thermage. And I don't think People magazine is going to be knocking on my door looking for cheesecake shots either. I'm fit and healthy, and as long as that is the case, I'll never pass up a cupcake.
I have been so absent from my blog! I didn't think my non-running was worth blogging about on my running blog. But I supposed I owe my fan (hi Robine) an update.
The hip/groin pain I've been having since mid-pregnancy is still around, despite having laid off the running big time for the past 7 weeks or so. It actually feels worse since I stopped running, and I think that increasing my physical activity in whatever form is probably good for it. Next stop, physical therapy. I just have to figure out when...
Life with two kids is great but there is not a minute of the day where somebody doesn't need me. Anytime I do anything, I should be doing something else. When I am at work, I should be easing Max through his rediscovered separation anxiety. When I'm with Max, I should be helping Sami learn to sit up. When I'm goofing around with Sami, I should be helping the Supportive Husband with the family business. When I'm helping with the business, I should be working out. When I'm working out, I should be folding the laundry. And so on. Everything I do comes at the expense of something else. Everything.
But this morning the stars aligned and I actually got in a bit of a run, with Sami in the BOB while Max slept in. It was the most perfect morning imaginable. A sweet whisper of a breeze, bright sun, warm but not hot, no humidity. I couldn't not run. Truth be told it was a walk-run with more walk than run. It's been 3.5 months since I had walking pneumonia, and I still cough and wheeze a bit when I run. And my hip - ow. I really need to not neglect that, because my opposite knee has started to hurt because my gait is all wonky and sideways to compensate. But I had a great time, and Sami quietly watched the morning slide by, still in her footie jammies. By the time we got home, Max was awake, and had got wind of the fact that Sami had gone on a buggy ride. So I traded kids with the Supportive Husband, and took Max for a bit of a stroll.
I had worried that scaling back my running would cause the pregnancy pounds to pile back on. But no, I am less than a pound away from the weight I was the day after the 10-miler. Go nursing!! After Max was born, I was nursing and training so much that I got down to a crazy skinny weight. At times during that period, I would have had to eat 3,500 calories/day just to maintain my weight. Impossible! After Max weaned, which was not long after I ran the marathon, I put on several pounds pretty rapidly - I think my body had gone into starvation mode. Since I've decided not to really train while Sami is still nursing, I am hopeful that I won't gain much (if any) weight after she weans. Even though I'm quite a few pounds less than my prepregnancy weight, I could stand to lose a few more.
However, after reading all the recent "body after baby" drek in the celebrity mags, I have decided I'd rather be a little flabby and five pounds too heavy than waste my life away by having a protein shake for breakfast, whole wheat turkey wrap for lunch, and poached fish for dinner. And oh, if I get cravings, I could l just have a stick of gum. Gum!!! Seriously, that is one celeb's diet strategy - gum to stave off cravings. As if I'm going to walk past the cupcake shop, pop in a stick of Dentyne and just keep strolling by, while a single tear slides down my cheek.
Let's face it, even if I lost five or ten pounds, my thrice-pregnant tummy will most likely never again be bikini ready without some serious Thermage. And I don't think People magazine is going to be knocking on my door looking for cheesecake shots either. I'm fit and healthy, and as long as that is the case, I'll never pass up a cupcake.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mothers Day!!!
I've done very little running in the month since the 10 miler. I've been trying to let my hip and my airway heal. The weather has been very cool and damp - not good for my sensitive bronchioles. But it is finally sunny and warm, so I am hopeful that I'll be back on the wagon soon.
Having two kids instead of one means that instead of having half the time available to exercise or do other "me" activities, I now have zero time. Early morning runs mean having to pump, and quite frankly I burned out on pumping the first time around, and I would rather grow slow and soft than add one more pumping session into my routine. Big-time training will have to wait until Sami is weaned. Marathons will still be there when the kids are a little older. In the meantime, I'll pound out a couple miles during my lunch hour or after the kids are in bed.
Happy Mothers Day to all you other mothers out there.
Having two kids instead of one means that instead of having half the time available to exercise or do other "me" activities, I now have zero time. Early morning runs mean having to pump, and quite frankly I burned out on pumping the first time around, and I would rather grow slow and soft than add one more pumping session into my routine. Big-time training will have to wait until Sami is weaned. Marathons will still be there when the kids are a little older. In the meantime, I'll pound out a couple miles during my lunch hour or after the kids are in bed.
Happy Mothers Day to all you other mothers out there.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Spring in my step - Cville 10 Miler Race report
I should get that freaked out more often. I had an amazing race. I did not quite meet my "stretch" goal of 2 hours, but I came very close, and more than surpassed my "real" goal of finishing the race without causing permanent or egregious harm to myself.
The wind woke me at 4:30. I had barely gotten back to sleep when the alarm went off just after 5:30. The wind was still howling, and thumping the glider on the front porch. I wasn't sure how the day would shake out weather-wise, so I started the morning in tights and a long sleeved shirt over a short sleeved shirt, then put my fleece and windbreaker on over top of the whole shebang. I pumped, ate a little, and was out the door by 6:20.
Like every year, I arrived way too early. I think there were about eight other cars in the parking lot when I got there. I spent a good long while rocking out to my iPod in the car. I got pumped by Ryan Adams' "Magick," and Ellis Paul's "Because It's There" helped me to be a brave sailor. And Lily Allen made me Smile. I finally decided to run inside to use the bathroom before the crowds descended, and spent some time stretching and fussing about my layers. The wind was already dying down, but it was still chilly, so I reluctantly ditched my fleece, windbreaker, and long sleeved shirt. I took a couple drags off my inhaler, and waited for the race to start.
I started way back in the back, and took my time moseying up the long hill that makes up a good part of the first mile. I stuck to a strict run 8 min, walk 2 min plan, even when I felt fantastic enough to keep going. The only exception I made to that was I ran through my walk break to take advantage of the screaming downhill from Grady all the way down Preston to McIntire. And then, of course, I took more walk breaks in the brutal hills of the second half of the race.
At the halfway point, I was at just 58 minutes, more than two minutes faster than I thought I'd be in my wildest dreams. I knew I'd lose most or all of that in the second half, and sure enough I finished in about 2:02:30.
Even though I felt my fair share of the pain, especially when my right hip flexor curled into a ball and refused to do any more work in the last mile, I was smiling nearly the whole way. I felt lighter and faster than I have in ages. The wind died down and the sun came out, and it was simply gorgeous running weather. I had my thoughts to myself, and I left a lot of the stress of the week out there on the race course.
By the time I crossed the finish, I felt new. The relief and elation I felt crossing the finish sucker-punched me, and for a few moments, I thought I might burst into tears. But then I found myself in line for a head of lettuce and couldn't do anything but laugh and drink in the miraculous morning.
i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
-e.e. cummings
The wind woke me at 4:30. I had barely gotten back to sleep when the alarm went off just after 5:30. The wind was still howling, and thumping the glider on the front porch. I wasn't sure how the day would shake out weather-wise, so I started the morning in tights and a long sleeved shirt over a short sleeved shirt, then put my fleece and windbreaker on over top of the whole shebang. I pumped, ate a little, and was out the door by 6:20.
Like every year, I arrived way too early. I think there were about eight other cars in the parking lot when I got there. I spent a good long while rocking out to my iPod in the car. I got pumped by Ryan Adams' "Magick," and Ellis Paul's "Because It's There" helped me to be a brave sailor. And Lily Allen made me Smile. I finally decided to run inside to use the bathroom before the crowds descended, and spent some time stretching and fussing about my layers. The wind was already dying down, but it was still chilly, so I reluctantly ditched my fleece, windbreaker, and long sleeved shirt. I took a couple drags off my inhaler, and waited for the race to start.
I started way back in the back, and took my time moseying up the long hill that makes up a good part of the first mile. I stuck to a strict run 8 min, walk 2 min plan, even when I felt fantastic enough to keep going. The only exception I made to that was I ran through my walk break to take advantage of the screaming downhill from Grady all the way down Preston to McIntire. And then, of course, I took more walk breaks in the brutal hills of the second half of the race.
At the halfway point, I was at just 58 minutes, more than two minutes faster than I thought I'd be in my wildest dreams. I knew I'd lose most or all of that in the second half, and sure enough I finished in about 2:02:30.
Even though I felt my fair share of the pain, especially when my right hip flexor curled into a ball and refused to do any more work in the last mile, I was smiling nearly the whole way. I felt lighter and faster than I have in ages. The wind died down and the sun came out, and it was simply gorgeous running weather. I had my thoughts to myself, and I left a lot of the stress of the week out there on the race course.
By the time I crossed the finish, I felt new. The relief and elation I felt crossing the finish sucker-punched me, and for a few moments, I thought I might burst into tears. But then I found myself in line for a head of lettuce and couldn't do anything but laugh and drink in the miraculous morning.
i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
-e.e. cummings
Friday, April 03, 2009
full-on freaky freak out mode
10 miler tomorrow! I am freaking out in a way I haven't freaked out since I ran Richmond. It's been an incredibly emotional and draining week on all fronts, and the race seemed like the least of my worries. There was a lot of resolution and tying up of loose ends today, and I found myself at packet pickup after work breaking out into a cold, panicked sweat.
What am I so worried about? I know I am not in the best shape, given my recent bout of pneumonia and oh yeah my four month old nursling, but I'm confident I can finish and not cause permanent damage to myself. I know I'll probably fall short of my two hour goal. I know there are going to be some low moments (hello mile 8 I am talking about you), but nothing I can't handle, despite my lackluster preparation. I guess I've spent so many weeks being consumed by so many other matters that instead of having weeks and months to work out my anxieties, they're all crammed in to the last 12 hours before the race.
So if you see a lady in black, wearing a buff as a do-rag, with a very small "Max's Mom" and "Sami's Mom" written on her bib, running about a 12min mile (if she's lucky), please cheer extra loud. Remember, I am an alumna of the scream tunnel, so you'd better BRING IT.
A sidenote, I happened to pick up my packet right next to Cville Dave, but I was too shy to introduce myself.
What am I so worried about? I know I am not in the best shape, given my recent bout of pneumonia and oh yeah my four month old nursling, but I'm confident I can finish and not cause permanent damage to myself. I know I'll probably fall short of my two hour goal. I know there are going to be some low moments (hello mile 8 I am talking about you), but nothing I can't handle, despite my lackluster preparation. I guess I've spent so many weeks being consumed by so many other matters that instead of having weeks and months to work out my anxieties, they're all crammed in to the last 12 hours before the race.
So if you see a lady in black, wearing a buff as a do-rag, with a very small "Max's Mom" and "Sami's Mom" written on her bib, running about a 12min mile (if she's lucky), please cheer extra loud. Remember, I am an alumna of the scream tunnel, so you'd better BRING IT.
A sidenote, I happened to pick up my packet right next to Cville Dave, but I was too shy to introduce myself.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
6 miles
And what a six miles it was. Like a big dope slap upside the head. Not pleasant, but I really needed it. Some runs are better left out on the road or trail. Today was one of those runs.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Race Report MJH8K
It did not rain as forecast, hooray!
Just a brief race report as I am soooooo tired from the baby waking up at weird hours this week. Of course, she sleeps in for Daddy the morning that I have to get up at 5:30 for the race. And I was up wicked late last night because Max went to Monster Truck Jam and didn't get home till 10:30 pm and was amped up on cotton candy and had a huuuuuge meltdown that lasted until goodness knows when.
So anyway, like I was saying, I woke up at 5:30. Which was really too early for an 8am gun time. But this was my first time this kid for the pre-run pumping thing, so wanted to make sure I had enough time to do that, do my other regular get ready stuff, and make it to pre-race packet pickup. I know, I should have picked up my packet last night, but I think nursing mothers are exempt from that. So I rolled into packet pickup at 6:45 sharp, and was about the only person there. Chatted with Brad from The Corner for a bit, then headed to my parents' place two blocks from the start to watch the morning news, stretch, and hydrate.
Once I headed to the start, I bumped into Louise, who was having a cranky IT band. Between my still coughing stuff up (yes, FIVE weeks later, oy vey) and having lingering pelvic ligament issues, I was planning a strict run-walk strategy to get through the race. Louise and her IT band decided to go slow with me. Nothing much out of the ordinary to report - we ran and chatted; when I took walk breaks, Louise would stop to stretch, and then run to catch up with me. All the normal giant hills kicked my ass, as they do every year. We finished a little shy of my goal time (1 hour) in about 1:02 (maybe 1:03 gun time, I haven't checked the official results yet).
I'm just glad I got out there - it was a good confidence builder for 10 miler training. It's just a few weeks away, and this illness and injury combo has really derailed my training. I am planning to do some 6-8 milers on the Monticello Trail with its lovely, forgiving, perfect, ultra-crushed gravel, and hope for the best on race day.
Just a brief race report as I am soooooo tired from the baby waking up at weird hours this week. Of course, she sleeps in for Daddy the morning that I have to get up at 5:30 for the race. And I was up wicked late last night because Max went to Monster Truck Jam and didn't get home till 10:30 pm and was amped up on cotton candy and had a huuuuuge meltdown that lasted until goodness knows when.
So anyway, like I was saying, I woke up at 5:30. Which was really too early for an 8am gun time. But this was my first time this kid for the pre-run pumping thing, so wanted to make sure I had enough time to do that, do my other regular get ready stuff, and make it to pre-race packet pickup. I know, I should have picked up my packet last night, but I think nursing mothers are exempt from that. So I rolled into packet pickup at 6:45 sharp, and was about the only person there. Chatted with Brad from The Corner for a bit, then headed to my parents' place two blocks from the start to watch the morning news, stretch, and hydrate.
Once I headed to the start, I bumped into Louise, who was having a cranky IT band. Between my still coughing stuff up (yes, FIVE weeks later, oy vey) and having lingering pelvic ligament issues, I was planning a strict run-walk strategy to get through the race. Louise and her IT band decided to go slow with me. Nothing much out of the ordinary to report - we ran and chatted; when I took walk breaks, Louise would stop to stretch, and then run to catch up with me. All the normal giant hills kicked my ass, as they do every year. We finished a little shy of my goal time (1 hour) in about 1:02 (maybe 1:03 gun time, I haven't checked the official results yet).
I'm just glad I got out there - it was a good confidence builder for 10 miler training. It's just a few weeks away, and this illness and injury combo has really derailed my training. I am planning to do some 6-8 milers on the Monticello Trail with its lovely, forgiving, perfect, ultra-crushed gravel, and hope for the best on race day.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Doughman 2010
IronMo clued me in about The Doughman, in Durham, in which running, biking, and paddling across a pool in a kiddie inner tube are combined with competitive eating. I am seriously doing this next year. Since I was nursing when I started running seriously, I had to eat constantly, including before runs. While I made a concerted effort to reduce the size of my pre-run meal as my distances increased, I never went running on an empty stomach. And while I think the Doughman will be a real challenge for me, I think I'll have no trouble with my leg of the race.
Case in point, my day after 4:30pm.
4:30 - leave work, head to daycare to pick up kids
5:15 - arrive home. Nurse baby on porch while 3 y.o. plays in the yard
5:30 - leave 3 y.o. in yard w/Supportive Husband, head inside to make dinner.
6:00 - in the home stretch w/dinner, begin bathing baby in kitchen sink
6:15 - dinner on the table, baby clean and ready for jammies. Head upstairs with baby while husband and 3 y.o. start eating dinner.
6:30 - baby asleep. Eat dinner of breakfast burrito, turkey bacon, and blueberries.
6:45 - head out for quick run.
7:15 - blog as cooldown
That's right, I ate my own dinner before going out for a run. Daylight was fading and I was famished. And you know what? I actually felt pretty good.
Doughman, here I come!!!
Case in point, my day after 4:30pm.
4:30 - leave work, head to daycare to pick up kids
5:15 - arrive home. Nurse baby on porch while 3 y.o. plays in the yard
5:30 - leave 3 y.o. in yard w/Supportive Husband, head inside to make dinner.
6:00 - in the home stretch w/dinner, begin bathing baby in kitchen sink
6:15 - dinner on the table, baby clean and ready for jammies. Head upstairs with baby while husband and 3 y.o. start eating dinner.
6:30 - baby asleep. Eat dinner of breakfast burrito, turkey bacon, and blueberries.
6:45 - head out for quick run.
7:15 - blog as cooldown
That's right, I ate my own dinner before going out for a run. Daylight was fading and I was famished. And you know what? I actually felt pretty good.
Doughman, here I come!!!
Sunday, March 08, 2009
and a little brag
I am now two pounds lighter than I was when I got pregnant with Sami.
Of course, I'm still about 5 pounds over my ideal weight, but hey, I am making progress! I just remember stepping on the scale the week after she was born and being shocked, shocked! at the number that appeared. Now I can just be shocked at my squishy, stretchmarky belly.
Of course, I'm still about 5 pounds over my ideal weight, but hey, I am making progress! I just remember stepping on the scale the week after she was born and being shocked, shocked! at the number that appeared. Now I can just be shocked at my squishy, stretchmarky belly.
Spring (take 1)
Snow day on Monday, and today it topped 80. I am sitting here at 9pm debating whether I should turn on the air conditioning in the house. How crazy is that! I am sure we're due for another cold snap or two before spring sets in, but the taste of it this weekend was delicious.
So naturally, I decided that it was fine day to take my wheezy, possibly-had-walking-pneumonia lungs out for a spin. Who needs religion on a Sunday morning when you've got running? Thinking that it would be nice to give the Supportive Husband a bit of quiet time, I loaded both kids into the double jogger. Sami started wailing immediately. Max kept up a running commentary, seemingly oblivious to Sami's discomfort. I guess he got used to the noise during her colicky newborn days.
About 10 minutes into it, he wanted to go home. Sami was still wailing. So go home we did. I think I did a grand total of 1.5 miles. But I must say that between pushing the double (OMG, it's massive) containing at least 50lbs of kids, the mental anguish of listening to Sami crying as if being boiled in oil, and the physical work involved in getting the double out of the garage, unfolded, and loaded with kids, I feel like I did a heck of a lot more. Then we went for a hike this afternoon with Sami strapped on me in the Beco, so I think I'm good on mileage for today, even if my per mile pace is nothing to write home about.
My lungs are finally starting to feel clear again, after four weeks of coughing and misery. I still have some pelvic ligament issues, but it seems like the more walking I do, the better it feels, so now that I can up my activity level again, I'm hoping it will start to resolve on its own. The big challenge is finding the time to put in the miles.
I forgot how having a nursling changes everything about my exercise routine. Early morning runs require pumping to accomplish, b/c the girls simply CANNOT run first thing in the morning without being emptied. So rather than getting up 30 min early to squeeze in an early morning run, I have to get up 50 min early to pump beforehand. And then I'm stuck deciding whether I should feed her the pumped milk, or straight from the tap when I return. She hates taking a bottle from me, and I would much rather nurse her. But what if I don't have enough milk onboard for her breakfast after having pumped? Her biggest meal of the day is breakfast.
Running at lunch is a possibility. But I am using most of my lunch hour in the form of pumping breaks. I do sneak off to the gym a time or two each week, but usually only to lift weights, since I don't want to get sweaty enough to require taking the time to shower before I race back to the office.
And then an evening run - even with DST now in effect, it's still dark by the time she's down for the night. I suppose I could load everyone up into the jogging stroller for a pre-bedtime run, but that's not so much "running" as "pushing the loaded double buggy." I could run by myself if the Supportive Husband is home for the evening, but I can never count on him being home, and those precious minutes between the end of work and bedtime are my time to spend with the kids and I am loath to give them up.
So, I squeeze a little activity in here and there, and try to make up for it on the weekends. It's not perfect, I am definitely not living up to my athletic potential, but it's what I can manage right now without compromising my parenting.
So naturally, I decided that it was fine day to take my wheezy, possibly-had-walking-pneumonia lungs out for a spin. Who needs religion on a Sunday morning when you've got running? Thinking that it would be nice to give the Supportive Husband a bit of quiet time, I loaded both kids into the double jogger. Sami started wailing immediately. Max kept up a running commentary, seemingly oblivious to Sami's discomfort. I guess he got used to the noise during her colicky newborn days.
About 10 minutes into it, he wanted to go home. Sami was still wailing. So go home we did. I think I did a grand total of 1.5 miles. But I must say that between pushing the double (OMG, it's massive) containing at least 50lbs of kids, the mental anguish of listening to Sami crying as if being boiled in oil, and the physical work involved in getting the double out of the garage, unfolded, and loaded with kids, I feel like I did a heck of a lot more. Then we went for a hike this afternoon with Sami strapped on me in the Beco, so I think I'm good on mileage for today, even if my per mile pace is nothing to write home about.
My lungs are finally starting to feel clear again, after four weeks of coughing and misery. I still have some pelvic ligament issues, but it seems like the more walking I do, the better it feels, so now that I can up my activity level again, I'm hoping it will start to resolve on its own. The big challenge is finding the time to put in the miles.
I forgot how having a nursling changes everything about my exercise routine. Early morning runs require pumping to accomplish, b/c the girls simply CANNOT run first thing in the morning without being emptied. So rather than getting up 30 min early to squeeze in an early morning run, I have to get up 50 min early to pump beforehand. And then I'm stuck deciding whether I should feed her the pumped milk, or straight from the tap when I return. She hates taking a bottle from me, and I would much rather nurse her. But what if I don't have enough milk onboard for her breakfast after having pumped? Her biggest meal of the day is breakfast.
Running at lunch is a possibility. But I am using most of my lunch hour in the form of pumping breaks. I do sneak off to the gym a time or two each week, but usually only to lift weights, since I don't want to get sweaty enough to require taking the time to shower before I race back to the office.
And then an evening run - even with DST now in effect, it's still dark by the time she's down for the night. I suppose I could load everyone up into the jogging stroller for a pre-bedtime run, but that's not so much "running" as "pushing the loaded double buggy." I could run by myself if the Supportive Husband is home for the evening, but I can never count on him being home, and those precious minutes between the end of work and bedtime are my time to spend with the kids and I am loath to give them up.
So, I squeeze a little activity in here and there, and try to make up for it on the weekends. It's not perfect, I am definitely not living up to my athletic potential, but it's what I can manage right now without compromising my parenting.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Hello? Is anybody there?
Anyone still here? It's been a while. In the 27 days since my last entry, I have been sick for nearly all of them, had two sick kids, returned to work, and run just a handful of times. The MJH 8K is in just two weeks and while I know I'll finish (walking, maybe, but I'll finish) I'm certain I will not be posting a PR this year. And lest I forget, is it but 5 weeks until the 10 miler. That one I am just hoping to finish. I need to get some miles in!
I'll save the Interwebs from my tale of woe. It involves amoxicillin (for Max), a Z-pak (for me), albuterol (also for me), and liberal applications of breastmilk up the nose (for Sami). I think we're all on the mend. It is my yearly tradition to be sick before the 8K, so hopefully this is it and we will (knock on wood) not be struck with any other calamities before the race.
I'll save the Interwebs from my tale of woe. It involves amoxicillin (for Max), a Z-pak (for me), albuterol (also for me), and liberal applications of breastmilk up the nose (for Sami). I think we're all on the mend. It is my yearly tradition to be sick before the 8K, so hopefully this is it and we will (knock on wood) not be struck with any other calamities before the race.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Why I run
Why would a new mom run? Because the pain makes the sleep deprivation not feel so bad.
My immediate recovery from Sami's birth was so much easier than Max's. I was astounded at how quickly, you know, things felt normal again. However, my loose ligaments have yet to tighten back up. I still can't open jars, and I'm still not convinced that my pelvis won't take off in two different directions at any given moment. And today it really caught up with me.
It's been cold lately, and we've had some icy weather, so I haven't run outdoors as much as I'd like. I've done some time on the treadmill, which always seems to exacerbate any injuries I may have. Many years ago when I had a knee injury from overtraining, even a few minutes on the treadmill would cause it to flare up again. After a couple of miles on the treadmill the other day, I felt pretty creaky. So like a moron, I went all out today.
What can I say, it was 60 degrees and just lovely; the baby was sleeping, and I had cabin fever. So off I went, with no plans other than to enjoy the day, and throw in a few gliders just for kicks. I started feeling some weird twinges in my back at the halfway point of my out and back, so I had two mostly uphill miles to struggle through before I got home. And no cellphone to call for backup.
Struggle I did. I had a weird twinge in my back with every stride, so I gave up the gliders. Then it settled in and just started to ache all the time, so I walked. I walked a lot. By the time I got home, my back wasn't hurting, but it was stiff, and yes, my pelvis felt like it was about to fall apart.
How timely is it that the latest Runner's World has an article about pelvic stabilization. It features the advice of the awesome Jay Dicharry, who I happen to have worked with once in a blue moon at my old job. Thank you, Jay, I will be taking your advice to heart. I am sucking in my bellybutton as I type!
I am still committed to the 10 miler in April (I don't want to miss it twice in a row!), but I am seriously reconsidering a fall half. Is it wimping out to say that I want to spend my Saturday mornings at the Little Gym with Max, or the pool with Sami, rather than abusing my ligaments in the heat and humidity? Maybe a break will give me time to recover, and I can train in the wintertime (no humidity!) for a spring marathon. It took nine months for my body to get all shot to hell, it's going to take nine months for it to knit itself back together.
I feel like a quitter even considering not doing a fall race. I am Mama Marathon, after all! I ran a marathon when Max was just 10 months old, and still breastfeeding! I did it once, surely I could do it (or even a "measly" half) again. And really, other than the pain, I feel great after a nice run. Mentally, that is. Even physically - my lungs feel bigger, my muscles feel relaxed. But it is a relief to think about not having to pump pre-run every Saturday at 5 a.m. With my childbearing years now behind me, I don't feel the urgency to cram in a marathon in between pregnancies. Those marathons will all still be there when I no longer have a nursling.
And even if I'm not training for a big race, when the clouds break or the humidity relents and it's 60 degrees on a Sunday, I still have permission to drop everything and go for a run.
My immediate recovery from Sami's birth was so much easier than Max's. I was astounded at how quickly, you know, things felt normal again. However, my loose ligaments have yet to tighten back up. I still can't open jars, and I'm still not convinced that my pelvis won't take off in two different directions at any given moment. And today it really caught up with me.
It's been cold lately, and we've had some icy weather, so I haven't run outdoors as much as I'd like. I've done some time on the treadmill, which always seems to exacerbate any injuries I may have. Many years ago when I had a knee injury from overtraining, even a few minutes on the treadmill would cause it to flare up again. After a couple of miles on the treadmill the other day, I felt pretty creaky. So like a moron, I went all out today.
What can I say, it was 60 degrees and just lovely; the baby was sleeping, and I had cabin fever. So off I went, with no plans other than to enjoy the day, and throw in a few gliders just for kicks. I started feeling some weird twinges in my back at the halfway point of my out and back, so I had two mostly uphill miles to struggle through before I got home. And no cellphone to call for backup.
Struggle I did. I had a weird twinge in my back with every stride, so I gave up the gliders. Then it settled in and just started to ache all the time, so I walked. I walked a lot. By the time I got home, my back wasn't hurting, but it was stiff, and yes, my pelvis felt like it was about to fall apart.
How timely is it that the latest Runner's World has an article about pelvic stabilization. It features the advice of the awesome Jay Dicharry, who I happen to have worked with once in a blue moon at my old job. Thank you, Jay, I will be taking your advice to heart. I am sucking in my bellybutton as I type!
I am still committed to the 10 miler in April (I don't want to miss it twice in a row!), but I am seriously reconsidering a fall half. Is it wimping out to say that I want to spend my Saturday mornings at the Little Gym with Max, or the pool with Sami, rather than abusing my ligaments in the heat and humidity? Maybe a break will give me time to recover, and I can train in the wintertime (no humidity!) for a spring marathon. It took nine months for my body to get all shot to hell, it's going to take nine months for it to knit itself back together.
I feel like a quitter even considering not doing a fall race. I am Mama Marathon, after all! I ran a marathon when Max was just 10 months old, and still breastfeeding! I did it once, surely I could do it (or even a "measly" half) again. And really, other than the pain, I feel great after a nice run. Mentally, that is. Even physically - my lungs feel bigger, my muscles feel relaxed. But it is a relief to think about not having to pump pre-run every Saturday at 5 a.m. With my childbearing years now behind me, I don't feel the urgency to cram in a marathon in between pregnancies. Those marathons will all still be there when I no longer have a nursling.
And even if I'm not training for a big race, when the clouds break or the humidity relents and it's 60 degrees on a Sunday, I still have permission to drop everything and go for a run.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Out with the old, in with the new
Being newly postpartum and not having run for several months does have an upside. I am retraining myself how to run. Since I am heavy and slow these days, I am using the slow-going as an opportunity to really concentrate on my gait. I'm cultivating a spring in my step I didn't know I had. Added bonus - I think once I get my weight down and fitness level up, I will actually be faster than I was before. 'Cause I sure couldn't get much slower!
I'm also making an effort to work some hill repeats and other gentle speedwork into my weekday runs. I haven't done enough of that in the past. I guess I was scared that I would look stupid or hurt myself or wear myself out. I already look pretty stupid with my giant, double-bagged chest; the only nagging injury I have ever sustained was on a garden-variety long run (oh, and that one time walking up the stairs at the bagel shop); and I'm already pretty worn out, so I have nothing to lose and no more excuses. I feel better about a short run when I've pushed myself hard on a hill.
So I suppose my New Year's running resolutions boil down to "train smarter". With the second child, I definitely have less free time than before, so I've got to make the most of the time I do have.
I'm also making an effort to work some hill repeats and other gentle speedwork into my weekday runs. I haven't done enough of that in the past. I guess I was scared that I would look stupid or hurt myself or wear myself out. I already look pretty stupid with my giant, double-bagged chest; the only nagging injury I have ever sustained was on a garden-variety long run (oh, and that one time walking up the stairs at the bagel shop); and I'm already pretty worn out, so I have nothing to lose and no more excuses. I feel better about a short run when I've pushed myself hard on a hill.
So I suppose my New Year's running resolutions boil down to "train smarter". With the second child, I definitely have less free time than before, so I've got to make the most of the time I do have.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Thursday, January 01, 2009
NYD5K09
It was quite the circus getting out of the house with two kids and a husband in tow, but thanks to the Husband's superior navigational skills, we managed to take a shortcut and arrive with plenty of time to spare. Which was not so great, since it wasn't quite 30 degrees when we arrived. I was all layered up, wearing my winter buff and new Nike shell that actually zips up over the girls (thank you, Supportive Husband).
I had three times in mind when I started:
The "just wanna finish" time: 45 minutes
The "I think I could actually do it" time: 40 minutes
The "No way, but it's nice to dream" time: 35 minutes.
And damned if I didn't finish in 36:56 (by my watch - gun time was about 20 sec longer). This included a good long pause at the end to kiss the baby, and have Max run with me into the chute, wearing his froggie rain boots, no less. I know, bad form, but no one was immediately behind us, and I made sure to tell the officials that he had not, in fact, run the whole race and shouldn't be counted.
I'm pretty satisfied with my race. I decided that no matter how good I felt going out that I would run 5 minutes, and walk 1. I kept this up for most of the race, except for about the last half mile where I walked a bunch, and didn't run much at all. I had an 11:53 pace overall, which jives pretty well with my splits. So it was a good lesson in pacing for me.
But most of all, I just feel good about running again, and feeling stronger and stronger every time I go out. Now if those last five pounds would just hurry up and come off...
I had three times in mind when I started:
The "just wanna finish" time: 45 minutes
The "I think I could actually do it" time: 40 minutes
The "No way, but it's nice to dream" time: 35 minutes.
And damned if I didn't finish in 36:56 (by my watch - gun time was about 20 sec longer). This included a good long pause at the end to kiss the baby, and have Max run with me into the chute, wearing his froggie rain boots, no less. I know, bad form, but no one was immediately behind us, and I made sure to tell the officials that he had not, in fact, run the whole race and shouldn't be counted.
I'm pretty satisfied with my race. I decided that no matter how good I felt going out that I would run 5 minutes, and walk 1. I kept this up for most of the race, except for about the last half mile where I walked a bunch, and didn't run much at all. I had an 11:53 pace overall, which jives pretty well with my splits. So it was a good lesson in pacing for me.
But most of all, I just feel good about running again, and feeling stronger and stronger every time I go out. Now if those last five pounds would just hurry up and come off...
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Freak of nature
I took some of my birthday and Christmas money (thank you, Santa!) to the running store for a new pair of shoes today. After a dalliance with my old flame, Asics, I have realized that my blocky Brooks Addiction really are the ones for me. I went through the rigamarole of getting fitted, since it's been a whole pregnancy and shoe redesign since I last bought a pair.
And it turns out I am possibly the only woman on the planet to go from a regular width shoe to a narrow width shoe after pregnancy. I know, you're so jealous! Of course, it would be much more envy-worthy if the same transformation had happened to my posterior.
And it turns out I am possibly the only woman on the planet to go from a regular width shoe to a narrow width shoe after pregnancy. I know, you're so jealous! Of course, it would be much more envy-worthy if the same transformation had happened to my posterior.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
The girls strike again
We've had lots of cold, rainy weather lately. I had about 45 minutes in which to squeeze in a run today - not enough time to get to the gym and back with any kind of decent workout, so I decided to brave the cold drizzle for an outdoor run. I got dressed in my cold weather gear, and then pulled out my water resistant shell. When I went to zip it up, I found that it wouldn't. The girls are just too big, even when "double bagged" as Louise put it. So I went to pull on my quilted Brooks jacket. Again, no way were the girls fitting in that (and honestly, the postpartum belly made that one impossible, too). I finally settled on the baggy fleece that I wore through week 32 of my pregnancy. Good grief.
It was late spring after Max was born when I really started running, so I never needed anything heavier than a t-shirt until he was well established on solids and the girls had already started shrinking again. If I'm going to keep this up, I'll have to invest in some cool weather gear that actually fits my postpartum and nursing physique.
In happier news, I'm now running 3:30/walking 1:30. Foul weather really ups my motivation to run fast!
And happy birthing thoughts to Louise, who is either just about to or just has given birth to her new baby!! I must mention that she ran her entire pregnancy, and ran 4 miles as recently as a couple of weeks ago. Hats off to her! So congrats Louise, and welcome, Baby!!!
It was late spring after Max was born when I really started running, so I never needed anything heavier than a t-shirt until he was well established on solids and the girls had already started shrinking again. If I'm going to keep this up, I'll have to invest in some cool weather gear that actually fits my postpartum and nursing physique.
In happier news, I'm now running 3:30/walking 1:30. Foul weather really ups my motivation to run fast!
And happy birthing thoughts to Louise, who is either just about to or just has given birth to her new baby!! I must mention that she ran her entire pregnancy, and ran 4 miles as recently as a couple of weeks ago. Hats off to her! So congrats Louise, and welcome, Baby!!!
Three for the road
The first double buggy ride last week - Max was crying because the sun was in his eyes, and Sami was crying because that's what babies do. But we all made it around the block in one piece, though I may have left my sanity somewhere along the way.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Plodding along
The miracle weight loss that occurred after Max was born hasn't occurred this time. Yikes. I am not terribly overweight, but I am about 8 pounds above a comfortable weight, and a good 15 above where I'd *really* like to be. Since the initial 15 pound weight loss, I've been eking out a pound per week, which is healthy, but still very frustrating.
So I am making a conscientious effort to quit eating so much junk, and to exercise each and every day. Not so tough right now, but I wonder how I'm going to keep up the exercise routine once I'm back at work. I'm averaging about 45 minutes per day of some kind of exercise - running, walking, lifting weights/stretching. And that's EVERY day. How on earth can I squeeze that into my lunch hour and eat my lunch, and pump 2-3 times per day, and run errands, and make healthy meals for my family and breastfeed and and and and...
I just need to remind myself that I trained for a marathon with a nursing infant, I can definitely maintain a basic level of fitness. It's just going to take a whole new kind of commitment this time around. To seal that commitment, I've already signed myself up for the New Year's Day 5K (13 days away!), the Martha Jefferson 8K in March, and the 10 Miler in April. The jury's still out on the C'ville Half on April 18, but as long as I'm in 10 miler shape two weeks before, I might as well do the half, right? I'll find some way to make more hours in the day.
So I am making a conscientious effort to quit eating so much junk, and to exercise each and every day. Not so tough right now, but I wonder how I'm going to keep up the exercise routine once I'm back at work. I'm averaging about 45 minutes per day of some kind of exercise - running, walking, lifting weights/stretching. And that's EVERY day. How on earth can I squeeze that into my lunch hour and eat my lunch, and pump 2-3 times per day, and run errands, and make healthy meals for my family and breastfeed and and and and...
I just need to remind myself that I trained for a marathon with a nursing infant, I can definitely maintain a basic level of fitness. It's just going to take a whole new kind of commitment this time around. To seal that commitment, I've already signed myself up for the New Year's Day 5K (13 days away!), the Martha Jefferson 8K in March, and the 10 Miler in April. The jury's still out on the C'ville Half on April 18, but as long as I'm in 10 miler shape two weeks before, I might as well do the half, right? I'll find some way to make more hours in the day.
Monday, December 15, 2008
I did it!!
I actually ran!! I took advantage of the balmy weather while Max was at school and Sami was chillin' with the Supportive Husband. I ran 3 min, walked 2 min for 20 min. I know, nothing spectacular, but hey, I JUST gave birth less than four weeks ago, and I haven't run since I was 20 weeks pregnant. It wasn't quite the euphoric experience I've been having in my dreams, but I'm on a high anyway. I did it!
I managed to squeeze the girls into one of the sports bras I used when I was nursing Max, but since I didn't start running until he was a good 6 weeks older, I'm spilling out, and it really isn't enough support. I had to hold my posture strangely erect to keep things comfortable; I felt like the prow of a ship. My core muscles are conspicuously absent. And I definitely need new shoes (helloooooo Santa!!). But I did it! I'm back!!
I managed to squeeze the girls into one of the sports bras I used when I was nursing Max, but since I didn't start running until he was a good 6 weeks older, I'm spilling out, and it really isn't enough support. I had to hold my posture strangely erect to keep things comfortable; I felt like the prow of a ship. My core muscles are conspicuously absent. And I definitely need new shoes (helloooooo Santa!!). But I did it! I'm back!!
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