Last week a coworker told me the whole mom juggling act will never get easier, but you will get used to it.  I’m seeing what she meant already.  Yesterday I teared up while pumping at work because I missed my little guy so much.  Twice.

At the same time we are starting to all get a routine down of getting out the door, getting as much done at school as I can (with only half a prep and approximately 8 minutes of lunch after pumping this is hard) while also not getting home too late.  When your kid goes to bed at 6:30 and two hours is all you see him most days every minute counts.  EVERY MINUTE!!

Every minute means working out is still not more important than snuggles where you savor that baby soft skin and breathe in that baby smell so deep trying to permanently lock it in your memory.  It’s not more important than giggles over my best pig snort or bedtime stories about barnyard dances and pout-pout fish.  Of course not.

But working out is important because I’m more relaxed, calmer and better at the juggling act.  My world seems better and more positive like the photo below.  I can manage the chaos with a smile when I’ve worked out.

Last Week’s Workouts

Monday-Cardio Fix, 2.5 mile run, 2 mile walk

Wednesday- Lower Fix

Saturday-5 mile walk

Sunday-3 mile run

We tried several new recipes, but I will share those next week.  I’ve also done really well with eating again.  The saying abs are made in the kitchen must hold true.  I still believe in working out and eating right as the most effective way to lose or maintain weight, but I’ve lost another couple of pounds mostly by watching what I eat.  One more pound to go until I’m back to prebaby weight.  ONE MORE POUND.

Working out as a family can also be a way to spend time together a few nights a week.  Where we talk and coo about the world outside, make silly faces and sounds while we run and just enjoy each other.   

We are still working on balance.  We are running the mile we are in.  It turns out one of my favorite pieces of running advice also applies to life. Run the mile you are in.  The past couple of weeks I’ve let myself get caught up in how the miles before went and how many miles I have in front of me that I was forgetting to enjoy and appreciate the mile I’m in right now.  I was worrying about the miles in the future.

Some miles are hard and challenging, but you keep pushing because the next mile might be better.  Some miles are so effortless and blissful you almost forget your running.  Some miles you want to quit.  Some miles you decide to add on more miles. Some miles you reflect on the past while other miles you think to the future.  Right now we are simply running the mile we are in!

Sarah