This blog title was originally Houston Marathon Training-Week #1 until there wasn’t a lot of training to speak of.  The past couple of weeks have been very challenging.  I feel so discouraged because working full time and breastfeeding/pumping and being a mom AND finding time and energy to workout is way harder than I thought it would be.  I made so much progress in August.  I lost 7.5 inches and 6 pounds by 21 Day Fixing and running.  I got to a point in my running where 7 miles felt easy again.  I could feel how much stronger I had gotten in barre class.  When I was home all day with little man it seemed easy (most days) to find 30 minutes to get in a fix and/or to run during a nap or go to a yoga or barre class while the husband was home. So, so much harder when working.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you probably noticed way fewer posts about working out and just in general.  This is usually a sign that life is way busy and probably not in a we-are-doing-so-many-fun-things way.  I seriously don’t know how other moms work, breastfeed, workout and have any time for anything else.  I have so much to learn!

Since going back to work two weeks ago (first week was inservice and getting ready for school) I’ve had little time to workout. My day is jam packed and by the time the baby is sleeping at night I’m so tired.  I was also single momming it Tuesday and Wednesday night this past week since the husband was gone.  Combine that with an early September heat wave and no air conditioning at my house (it has a bad leak and we opted not to replace our air conditioner this summer since we plan to next spring when we also replace the furnace) and you don’t have a lot of motivation and desire to workout.  We are regretting that air conditioner decision now!  Oh, and our dishwasher died, too.  By the way, I’m done complaining now.

Week #1-

Monday-60 minute walk and 60 minute Barre Class. (preheat wave obviously)

Tuesday-nothing

Wednesday-I’m totally counting the National Guard Leadership Development obstacle/mission/team building stations we did at a nearby military base for four hours with my coworkers as my workout.  Our entire middle school staff was divided into teams and we completed ten stations before heading back to school.  Each obstacle required mental and physical effort.  I found some pictures of military soldiers doing the same stations we did (source).  We were obviously not in uniform, but we did have to wear helmets.  If you messed up on the water events, then you ended up wet!

I was sore after this day from using new muscles and have a sweet battle wound bruise for my efforts (pictured a week later).

  This was a pretty cool way to start the school year, and I’m pretty sure no one will complain about meetings next year. It also reminded me of my complete lack of upper body strength and how much stronger my abs were a year ago!

Saturday-4 mile walk with P and the husband.  Quick 90 minute day date with the husband at a brewery for a late lunch.  Only our second date away from baby other than an overnight once.

Sunday-Does making copies and working on your classroom until 10:30 at night count as working out???  I didn’t want to miss family time so I headed to school after bedtime.

Week 2-

Monday-2.5 mile run and meal prep for the week.

Easiest training update ever when there isn’t much to say.  I’m realizing I’m going to have to get up earlier in the morning to workout (I HATE early morning workouts), but the thought of less sleep seems physically impossible right now.

Pierce still gets up three times at night.  We are working hard at trying to cut out the last night feeding, but with just going back to work I feel like if he’s waking up it’s because he needs to.  I literally see him for 2-2.5 hours a day before he goes to bed at night.  I’m hesitant to put any more on him with all the changes recently. And he’s now napping in his crib with a pacifier 75% of the time (sometimes without a sleep sack even).  Sweet Jesus, it’s a miracle.  This kid would not take a nuk for 4+months. We bought six different kinds and then one day he decides he’s going to do it!! He still won’t every day, but most days.

One thing I did stay on track with was my eating.  I meal prepped and ate clean for most of my meals over the past couple of weeks.  I did say most. I might have had some Wild Berry Skittles at school, enjoyed a day date meal, and we may have eaten Culvers one night, but I’m proud of 90% of my meals.  Now to avoid the candy corn and pumpkins!  They are my favorite.

With 3.5 pounds to go until I’m back to my pre-baby weight I’m determined to figure this whole juggling act out.  Tomorrow is a new day!

21 Day Fix Recipes I Loved The Past Weeks aka Yummy, Healthy Eats–>

Fruity Oatmeal Bake  I put extra fruit in mine.  So easy to reheat in the morning

Chicken Enchilada Soup (Husband made)

Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin This needed a little seasoning, but was good. (Husband made)

I still want to believe I can do this all.  Here’s to a fresh start tomorrow.

Sarah