{A Start}

Posted in Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Training by sneaksandstilettos

Last week was a start. I finally felt more in a routine with getting workouts in. It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t anywhere near the 30-50 miles a week I used to run. I think those days are over for a while. Improvement is a success right now. Consistency the goal. Starting my mission.

Monday-3 mile run with my boys.

Tuesday-3 mile run

Thursday-4 mile run

Saturday-Barre Class and Down Syndrome Awareness Walk

Sunday-4 mile walk

It was great to start a week with a run with my boys. It was rewarding to start a run when I didn’t want to in the evening and feel so glad and rejuvenated after I did. It was an accomplished feeling to start my Saturday morning out at barre class even though I could have slept in. All of these positive feelings began with starting.

Starting over, new, fresh, again, whatever you want to call it can be scary. But, not starting really seems so much more frightening. By having all those positive starts last week, it also inspired me to start something else that was so important to me before having a baby-running races. In the spirit of starting again, the husband and I registered for a half marathon last week. It is time to start running races again. Distance races.

I’d like to say training will be starting, but it is in less than three weeks. We will scrap together whatever we can to show up at that starting line on October 3rd. It will hurt and be great at the same time in a love-hate way only running can offer.

Of course all those exciting and nervous emotions have started to pop up and will only intensify in the days leading up to the race. I can’t wait!

On the food front I had another good week of mostly clean eating. If you don’t count the Oreo binge I found myself in after the husband brought Oreos home that is. Damn you, Oreos. What’s a dairy-free momma to do when she finds herself actually able to eat a sweet treat because it doesn’t have dairy for the first time in a long time. People talk about self-control. I used to have some.

Yummy New Recipes We’ve Tried Recently:

BBQ Chicken (we had ours with roasted potatoes and broccoli) (NOT 21 day fixed approved because we used store-bought bbq sauce)
Cilantro Lime Chicken (we eat ours on corn tortillas)
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal (I added chia/flax seeds for some extra omega 3’s)
Vegetable Egg Cups-Super easy and yummy to reheat.

Well, as much as she (I) can!

Start something new this week for you. Start something your future self will be proud of. GO!

Sarah

15Sep2015

{Run the Mile You Are In}

Posted in Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Training by sneaksandstilettos

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

6Sep2015

{Working Mom Tries to Workout}

Posted in Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Training by sneaksandstilettos

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)

We love our Robeez!

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

23Aug2015

{IMM Training-Week #7}

Posted in Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Training by sneaksandstilettos

Monday-7.25 miles (counted as last weeks miles)

Week #7 Workouts-

Tuesday-4.75 mile walk with friend, 30 minute upper fix

Wednesday-3 mile run/walk (ran 2 miles, then P decided he would not remain in his car seat in the jogger. Carried P and pushed stroller home), 30 minute lower fix

Thursday-2.5 mile run, 30 minute Pilates Fix

Friday-off

Saturday-5.5 mile run, 4.5 mile walk with daddy and P.

He just loves to look around. If he can see, he is happy. I see I missed some toe jams. 🙂

Sunday-7.3 mile run, 30 minute Yoga Fix (Lots of thoughts and emotions on the run today. It gets lengthy below.)

It was a perfect day for a run…except I really wasn’t feeling like going. P got up 5 times during the night. I was exhausted. I had things to do around the house and back to school is near. Not one to make a ton of excuses or back out on a goal, I set out for my Sunday long run (12 miles) that was scheduled on my training plan.

Along the way I felt the familiar tweak of a muscle that gets painfully sore from time to time since training for my first marathon nearly eight years ago. Earlier this week I wasn’t sure I’d make it more than a mile into one of my runs. Some stretching and easy running and it nearly went away.

I’m loving running and working out, but am feeling the challenges of being on someone else’s schedule and balancing all the new mommy tasks. I can’t just run when I feel like it or move a run the way I could in the past if something comes up. I’m feeling the exhaustion of a baby who has been getting up 3-5 times a night for the past three weeks after getting used to only one feeding a night for the previous five weeks. To make matters more difficult, when P stopped getting up only once per night, he has also stopped taking a bottle so well. Day time bottles from dad are usually ok, night-time bottles he refuses. Last night I got frustrated with P for being awake AGAIN and not letting his dad give him a bottle. In my head I kept thinking I had a long run planned for the morning and he was making it so hard to get up and run.

And then I thought, who gets mad at their baby because they have a long run the next day? I immediately felt guilty for thinking it, but the fact that I had remained.

According to the Wonder Weeks app he has been “storming” all month (love this app by the way) and will be for another 11 days. I counted. He is definitely going through some major development as almost everyday he wakes up doing something new. One morning he found his feet. Another day he began sticking out his tongue. He loves doing pull ups with his hanging toys. He adores knocking toys off his exersaucer that before he just stared at. He hates riding in his car seat if he can’t see the world around him.

As I got a few more miles in the familiar tired/weak feeling returned. It seems to show up near mile five in a run in the morning. I just can’t figure out my fueling with breastfeeding. I headed out on a longer route so I couldn’t cheat any miles. As I turned down a country road that would take me past one of my favorite trees, I started to ask myself why I was out there. If I’m not loving what I’m doing, then why the push? As my favorite tree came within sight, I stopped to stretch and think about why I was so eager to get back to marathoning. When I was pregnant I promised myself not to put pressure on myself to return to running or run to a point that I was overwhelmed and feeling unbalanced after baby. I have not been holding true to this. I’ve been putting lots of pressure on myself.

As I neared my favorite tree I thought about the logistical problems that recently arose with running this marathon in Indiana. I registered before our school calendar was out. We have inservice on Friday, so we are not allowed to take a personal day. I would have to take an unpaid day in order to get to the Saturday race. I’m ok with taking an unpaid day if it means a weekend of family fun. P is, however, not riding or sitting in his infant seat well as of the last two weeks. A two-hour ride took forever last weekend. There is no way he can make the 7 hour drive there AND back in two days. After putting him through a road trip to Boston, we don’t feel it is in his best interest to even attempt this drive, so I will have to run this marathon alone.

This presents another problem. I fall asleep really easy when I drive and I’m tired. There is no way I can drive myself 6-7 hours Friday, run a marathon Saturday and then drive the same distance back. I know myself. I will fall asleep. My goal of running 50 marathons in 50 states was always about exploring a state while visiting for a marathon, which I guess wouldn’t happen either. More importantly, I don’t want to be without my boys for that long.

My favorite tree…one of them.

I hate when people back out of commitments. I never make goals and not follow through with them. I’ve never signed up for a marathon and not ran it. I was feeling so guilty at even entertaining the idea of not running this race. I waffled back and forth for another mile beating myself up with my own thoughts.

As I made the turn towards town and home, I thought about how lately my heart, mind and body have not been so into this training. The song changed on my iPhone to the Zac Brown Band-Loving You Easy. I instantly smiled a big, dorky mom smile. I dance with Pierce to this song in the kitchen while I sing the words to him often and he smiles this biggest, heart melting smile each time I sing the chorus to him. Running along I was flooded with emotion and tears glistened in my eyes. I missed my baby. I could feel his soft skin. His little hand when it curls around my fingers when he nurses. The delicious smell of his sweet baby smell. His gummy grin. The way his whole body smiles when I walk over to him, limbs waving with excitement. All of this talk in my head on this run was not important.

The decision I’m waffling on is not worth the memories I might miss or the stress I’m putting on myself. I want to run what I feel like on that particular day based on how many times I was up the night before, how Pierce’s day is going, or around other family time. I just finished the 21 Day Fix today, and I really enjoyed doing the workouts, but combined with my training it is a lot. I want to make time for parts of both, not do both. A run here, a 30 minute fix there. Balance. I’m also loving my weekly yoga class that I missed twice since picking up training.

I always believe in honesty and hate how social media often makes life look so perfect and cookie cutter. Life is messy. My cookies never roll out perfect each time. This is just another example of that. So, I’m 95% I won’t be on the starting line of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon like I planned and thought I wanted to be. Instead I will aim for the Houston Marathon in January as my first marathon after baby. I have my sights on a fall half marathon or two since this distance is much more manageable for me right now.

I don’t regret setting this lofty marathon goal only to change my mind. It’s not a failure. For the $50 I paid back in December I got my butt moving after having a baby. I walked a lot so I’d be able to start easy running sooner so I could then start training for this race. I credit this goal with getting me back out on the pavement and to yoga sooner than I would have without a goal. This helped me remember to give myself some time each day and got me outside with baby early on.

My marathon goal also helped me gain some much needed perspective. I want to do it all. I want to be a good mom, wife, friend, daughter, sister, runner, teacher, …and on and on. But, we can’t be perfect at all of them all the time. Focusing on what is important led me to realize that my goal to arrive at the starting line of my next marathon with balance in my life just isn’t possible right now as a new mommy.

Balance right now means not training for a marathon that will happen in just over two months. Balance right now means not following an exact training plan and giving myself some flexibility with accountability. Balance right now means a run one day, yoga another, and coffee and serenading my sweet baby everyday. Loving him is easy. Making this decision wasn’t at first, but in the end I know I will enjoy this time even more without the pressure I’m putting on myself. I will be a better mom to P. A nicer wife. And that’s what really matters…along with singing and dancing in your kitchen, which is exactly what we did as soon as I got home from my run.

Cue the chorus!

Look to see a post each week as I continue running, 21 day fixing and working on balance with this whole new mom thing.

Sarah

And, in case you wondered…

Weekly Miles Ran-17.3 miles not counting Monday’s 7 miles

21 Day Fix Recipe(s) I Loved This Week aka Yummy, Healthy Eats!

This was so good. I was skeptical since the flat-out is so thin, but it was delicious. Minus the vegan cheese-Think Kraft singles, but so, so much worse.

Flat-Out Pizza

18Aug2015

{IMM Training-Week #6}

Posted in Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Training by sneaksandstilettos

Week #6 Workouts-

Tuesday-30 Minute Upper Fix

Wednesday-3.25 mile run (really excited about my pace for this run), 3.25 mile walk, 30 minute Lower Fix

He does nap well most day!

Thursday-15 minutes of Pilates Fix. My sweet boy did not nap well. Then we had a pool day playdate planned. Mommy had no workout time!

Friday-30 minute Cardio Fix and 3 mile run

Saturday-Consoling and comforting an upset baby who did not want to ride in the car. Yes, this is a workout.

Sunday-Trying to get an over tired child to sleep. Again, this is a workout.

Monday-7.23 mile run

C9 tank from Target is on clearance for $11.98 right NOW!

Week 6 Total-13.5 miles

If you follow me on on Instagram, then you noticed a post last night that alluded to a rough workout week. I had been doing so well until Thursday. Missing workouts had nothing to do with making excuses or lack of motivation. Quite the opposite. For the first time in a while I had been back on track. Then life as a new mom sort of just hit. A child that wouldn’t nap on Thursday. An out-of-town wedding and a child that wouldn’t ride well in the car meant lots of stops to console and comfort and no workout time on Saturday. A still over tired child from not napping well and getting up frequently at night over the past couple of weeks and more car riding back home meant no caffeine for mom until the afternoon, a nasty headache and again no time to workout.

We had a great time at the wedding. It was just the getting there and back part that was rough. And to think this kid made it to Boston and back without much of an issue.

Monday I worked a full day at school and came home to cooler temperatures, a well rested boy, and a determination to run and get in a good workout like no other. After the little man went to bed and had been out for a half hour I hit the pavement. I stopped home for what I thought was a quick drink of water after 7.23 miles. I had been feeling stronger than ever and was determined to reach my goal for that day of ten miles. Except upon arriving home I saw a note on the front door rug. Someone had been up and was upset. I felt bad for not being there after being away all day. My husband wanted a break. My run was done.

And I’m learning to be ok with this. My goal was to arrive at the starting line of my next marathon with balance. Working out everyday is not something that is likely to happen for me. Finding 30 minutes in my day for 21 day fix has been easier than I thought it would be, but somedays it just may not happen. I’m learning not to beat myself up about missed runs or workouts. By cross training for the first time ever, I feel stronger on my runs and am hoping this compensates for some missed miles. I would rather miss a workout here or there than feel the mom guilt of not being there for my son. Too much time being mommy and not enough working out isn’t good either as I get more impatient and worked up with my son. Balance. Learning to practice what I preach.

Earlier in the week before our stormy time with baby I had some time to find the below 21 Day Fix Finds and we made Ziti. See below for these helpful tools and a new recipe, too.

21 Day Fix Finds-

I’m all about pretty documents to stay organized and prepared. I didn’t make these, but found them on Pinterest. Why reinvent the wheel?
Measurement Tracker-It’s all about data! I only did my measurements at the beginning, middle and will at the end. Weight I’m looking at every 7 days.
Container Cheat Sheet -This is on on my refrigerator right now!
Meal Tracker-If you want to be so detailed. I often meal planned in the past so I might use this if I find the time. Could be helpful for others.

Recipes-
Baked Ziti add zucchini to get in some extra veggies.

This week is the last week of my first round of 21 day fix and it ~~has to be better~~ will be better than last week workout wise.

Stay positive. Keep working on balance. We can do this!

Sarah

11Aug2015

{IMM Training-Week #5}

Posted in Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Training by sneaksandstilettos

This week was my week to get back on track with training and really life in general. We were done with our road trip and life was going to start to slow down just a bit before it gets crazy with a new school year starting. This means I will be back to work soon and for the first time since having baby. The sadness I feel about this is almost too much. I mean look at how cute he is.

To help ~~distract me from going back to work~~ get both stronger and lose the remaining baby weight I made the decision to start the 21 Day Fix in addition to marathon training. Often marathon training means letting myself eat extra since I ran all those miles. It also usually means not so much cross training. Both of these “marathon habits” are counter productive to my goals so this is where 21 Day Fix comes in.

So far I am loving the 21 Day Fix. I’m not a coach or compensated by the program in any way. I love that it encourages clean and healthy eating without restricting any foods. Of course you can’t eat what you want whenever, but it gives you the control to choose when to treat yourself. A diet plan with no options for wine is just not going to work for me. I also love that the workouts are only 30 minutes. I absolutely have no more time to devote to exercising than what I am already doing. I do not want to cut back on running or my once a week yoga class. 30 minutes is perfect.

I am going to be completing the 30 minute workouts each day while also remembering to enjoy these little baby moments. Some days I may not have time to run and do a 30 minute fix and that is ok. I’m following the eating plan loosely. I moved up a calorie bracket because I’m breastfeeding and also will be eating an additional carb because of the running I’m doing. Maintaining my milk supply is number one. Losing weight and getting stronger is the overall goal, but not at sacrificing more important things.

The workouts are also perfect for all ability levels and include modifications. I’m weaker than I’ve ever been since having baby, and I love that I can do these in my own home and can make the workouts more challenging as I get stronger. I highly recommend 21 Day Fix to others looking to get stronger, lose a few pounds and get back on track with their eating while still having a life. It is also perfect for runners who often struggle to do anything besides run. I never can make myself strength train on my own; this is the motivation I needed.

Here’s what this week looked like:

Week #5

Monday-3.33 mile run and 60 minute Yoga Barre class

Yoga Barre hurt so good and I was sore for days. It was a great feeling.

Tuesday-30 minute Upper Fix

Wednesday-5 mile run and 30 minute Lower Fix

Thursday-30 minute Pilates Fix

Friday-3 mile run and 30 minute Cardio Fix

Saturday-30 minute Dirty 30 workout

Sunday-off (family over all day so moved workouts to Monday)

Monday-7 mile run with little man in stroller and 30 minute Yoga Fix

It was a sweaty workout day Monday, but I swear that it is only sweat. It totally looked like I peed my pants, but I did NOT!

Total Week 5 Miles-18.33

Another perk of starting 21 Day Fix is trying new recipes. Ever since getting pregnant I have not wanted to cook. I’d been lacking motivation in anything to do with preparing meals, grocery shopping and trying new recipes. I had so many food aversions during the first half of my pregnancy and feel like I’m just starting to like some of those foods again. There are a million recipes that are 21 day fix approved on Pinterest which has motivated me to start cooking again. The husband and I enjoyed this Mexican Lasagna last Friday. Regardless of whether you are interested in 21 Day Fix or not give this recipe a try. I look forward to sharing more healthy recipes with all of you.

Happy Training!

Sarah

3Aug2015

{IMM Training-Weeks 2, 3 and 4}

Posted in Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Training by sneaksandstilettos

Apparently I write a blog about running and am training for a marathon. This would be an actual marathon on foot comprised of 26.2 miles of sweat, GU and muscle fatigue. If you look at my training (you’ll see below) you wouldn’t know it. In my week 1 post I was all about balance in my life. Let’s just say the balance was broken, off kilter, kittywampus (I’ve never written that word before) or derailed.

I’m not going to be mad at myself or drone on and on because ain’t nobody got time for that. I’m a new mom and just returned from 15 nights on the road and out of town out of the last 17 days. If you follow me on Instagram you saw what I was up to. I did the best I could with the given situation and the results are less than pretty. Sometimes that’s life. You can’t go back and change the past so I’m moving forward.

I encourage you to cut yourself the same slack from time to time. That thing you keep beating yourself up about as if Ronda Rousey was fighting you. You know exactly what I mean. Just give yourself permission to move on. Look to the future. Learn from your situation. Your going to lose against her anyway. That woman can kick some major ass.

Week 2–

Monday-Off

Tuesday-Off

Wednesday-3 mile run/4 mile walk

Thursday-60 min. Yoga Sculpt a.m./ 3 mile run p.m.

Friday-off

Saturday-Dressed in running clothes and entered hotel workout room for treadmill run, but my boss had other plans. Played bicycle with him as ab work when out of the car instead.

Sunday-5 miles on Detroit Riverwalk. Most parts of this run were pretty, a few run down, however I found beauty in both. I always felt safe. Check it out if ever in Detroit.

Week 2 Miles-11

Week #3-

Monday-Walked 4 miles on sidewalk/path along Niagara River leading to Niagara Falls.

Tuesday-Walked around Lake George and Hiked in Adirondack Mountains

Wednesday-Hilly and hot walk on Province Lands bike trail (7.5 miles) in Cape Cod.

Thursday-Dressed for a run on the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Forgot it was the husband’s birthday for a few moments. Let this be our little secret. Remembered, and got us coffee and doughnuts and a cookie dough cupcake for the birthday boy while letting him sleep in. No chance to run.

Friday-3.25 miles (Finally! Was close to hurting someone if I didn’t get to run.)

Saturday-Sightseeing in Boston. Walked undetermined number of miles.

Sunday-See Saturday. Moved long run to Monday.

In real current time on Monday, August 3rd at 8:15 p.m. as I’m typing this post on my phone and my son is sleeping in my arms:

It just sounded like a loud car crash and the power went out. Blog post officially delayed. Power is out for an hour. Thank goodness for the White Noise App I have on my phone that is mostly charged. My son needs the white noise to stay asleep. Seriously download this if you have a little one that uses white noise. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve used this app.

Week 3 Miles-3.25 (Yes, you read that correctly.)

Week #4-

Monday-7 mile run in Boston (Started in Boston Common, to Boston Public Gardens, to Boston Marathon finish line, to Charles River Esplanade loop, finished with fresh cannoli for the husband and family. I had one bite only since I’m dairy free for the baby. Boo!)

Tuesday-4 mile hike (Hiked Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen State Park)

Wednesday-Sandy and hilly dune hike at Indiana Dunes State Park

Thursday-1 mile run/walk, Home sweet home for one night

Friday-2.25 mile run to enjoy the moon

Saturday-off…doing important things like a college friend get together at a lake cabin. Also first night away from little man. Tears were shed.

Sunday-Planned long run, but left running shoes outside friend’s cabin overnight by accident. During night a torrential rain storm occurs. Only running shoes along are soaked. I seriously can’t make this up.

Week 4 Miles-10

I said there would be ups and downs in week 1. You probably just didn’t think I meant coming so soon. This is the post with the running downs, but the life highs. We made so many great memories on our road trip I wouldn’t changed the missed miles for anything. Don’t worry. This is still a blog about running. I’m still planning to run a marathon. Regular training has resumed as of today. Rhonda Rousey was just after my running the past few weeks. I’m trying to stay away from her this week. I suggest you do to!

Stay tuned for Week #5’s update in a week and some other training news.

Sarah

13Jul2015

{IMM Training-Week #1}

Posted in Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Training by sneaksandstilettos

After taking a hiatus from blogging during basically my entire pregnancy, I finally feel like blogging again. It was weird, but almost immediately after seeing the word positive on that pregnancy test I stopped feeling like blogging. Then the tiredness hit and blogging was basically done. I’m back to training and consistently running, so it seems like a good time to get back to it. Notice I didn’t say I’m not tired, but that is a given.

Going for a walk with the Ergo carrier. We love it!

Since having the little man 12 weeks ago I have slowly started running again after doing a lot of walking first. I read a lot about pelvic floor health and how important it is during pregnancy and after if you want to return to running healthy, injury free and not peeing your pants. I’d like to say I did all the pelvic floor exercises they recommended, but then I’d be lying. Why I hate them so I’ll never know.

Hiking at 38 weeks pregnant.

What I did follow though was listening to my body when I was pregnant. I didn’t push the miles. Some days I ran and some days I didn’t. After week 33 there wasn’t anymore running, just walking, hiking and some ellipticalling (yes, it should be a word.) After birth I again listened to my body and started slow. My first post-partum run at 4.5 weeks was less than a mile and was only because the baby wanted to eat NOW and we were not home from a walk yet. But, it felt good so a few days later I went again this time making it 2.25 miles. I never pushed too hard. If my pelvis or lower abs were sore (which they were in the beginning) then I gave myself rest days in between run days.

As for this marathon training cycle I have tried to safe guard it as much as possible. I gave myself 11 weeks to ease back in and run without following a training plan. I started walking at 8 days post-partum when it was nice enough to get outside. Remember it is Wisconsin where I live. Even though the kid was born in April it snowed (flurried) several days after he was born.

After walking for four weeks, trying to always be conscience to engage my core throughout every walk, I started adding in one run a week, then two, then three and so on. Despite having abs that were weaker than I could have ever imagined, I avoided ab work because of having mild diastasis recti (ab seperation) and ab work can make it worse. Instead I did some pelvic floor work and non-crunch ab work. This 12 week no crunch ab workout plan includes planks which some sources I read said to avoid, but I did them anyway. I did not do the plan everyday, but tried to a few days a week.

For the four weeks before I started officially training I consistently ran 3-4 days a week adding mileage slowly and continuing to walk 10-20 miles a week. I’ve done some HIIT workouts, SOME pelvic floor work, and have been going to yoga once a week for the past month. Yoga has really helped with my abs and pelvic floor muscles as I feel how often they are engaged. I’ve been alternating between a Yoga Sculpt class with weights and a more typical yoga class.

With all of this in mind I feel I am ready to start training again. It is so important to listen to your own body and do what is best for you. I’ve read blogs about people racing at 8 weeks and heard from women who weren’t interested in racing until their baby was 9 months or older. Listen to yourself. My first “race” was at 11 weeks and was not a big distance. Check out my Firecracker 4 mile race report for more details.

My training plan will be completely different then in the past. Often past training plans had my mileage around 40-50 miles per week by mid-cycle. One training cycle I peaked at running 70 miles in a week. While I’m still proud of that number, my life is different now. My number one goal is to get to the start line of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon healthy and injury free and feeling excited about the race, not burnt out or resentful.

To keep balance in my life the plan includes only four days of running a week, one day of cross training a week, and one 20 mile run in the training cycle. In the past I’ve always ran 5-6 days a week and often completed three 20 mile runs during my training. Not only do I not think my body is ready for that, but I don’t want to either.

With getting back into a routine of running I’ve really noticed how hard it is to push yourself when you are tired. Sometimes the hardest muscle to work isn’t even a muscle-it’s your brain. I don’t want to be attempting tempo runs, track workouts with specific splits, or crazy amounts of long runs right now. I don’t have the mental energy to hit those paces or the desire. I don’t want that stress in my life right now. Just leaving for a run can be stressful enough.

Some days when I look at my little man it is almost impossible for me to leave for a run. I just want to hold him or stare at him. I want to enjoy being a new mommy and not feel like running is taking anything away from these once in a lifetime moments. I also know I do need time away to recharge and be a good mom. When he sleeps is usually when I run. I don’t feel so guilty then or like I might miss something. Only a few weeks in and already mom guilt!

This plan is longer than some I’ve followed to give myself extra time to ease into training. You can see the marathon training plan I’m following made by Hal Higdon. It would be a great plan for a first time marathoner or someone, who like me, wants to ease into training and keep a balance between life and running. I cut off the first 6 weeks to fit my timeline and did those next first few weeks as unofficial training. The training plan certainly won’t get you a PR or make you feel like the marathon itself was easy, but it should prepare you for the race. Of course, I’m not an expert so take my thoughts as only suggestions based on my experience.

I’m hoping to post each week like I did for the Wisconsin Marathon. I like to document my training to refer back to and to hold myself accountable. Lastly, losing the baby weight is important to me. Posting each week will help me stay on track with all these goals.

So much of how I feel is based on how I feel about myself. This might be stupid, but it is my reality. So many people said breastfeeding is the way to lose weight after baby, however I have not really found that to be true. I’ve never lost weight at a slower pace than in the past 10 weeks which is frustrating, but ok since losing weight is not the reason I chose this option for my baby.

Previously I have been lucky so far in life and usually could easily lose 1-2 pounds a week if needed by adjusting my calories based on intake and exercise. I’ve tried increasing calories to make sure I’m eating enough with breastfeeding, taking the middle ground, and cutting calories and none of it seems to make a difference. My diet has been pretty healthy considering I’ve had to cut out dairy for the little guy. No pizza, ice cream or sometimes I swear anything and you’d think I’d lose the pounds a little faster. I’m losing the weight, but VERY SLOWLY. I still have 10 pounds to go after all my effort, but I remain determined. Of course meeting my baby’s needs always comes first.

After a long-winded introduction here is what week 1 of my training looked like.

Week #1 Training-

Monday-5 mile run (last weeks long run got moved)

Tuesday-off, 5 mile walk

Wednesday-3 mile run, 3 mile walk, yoga sculpt class

Caught the poor kid mid-sneeze!

Thursday-3 mile run

Friday-off

Saturday-6 mile run, 2.5 mile walk

Sunday-3 mile run with jogger (Our 1st!)
Running with a jogging stroller is no joke! This is going to take some getting used to, but will give me freedom to run when the husband is gone. I only plan to use the jogger for shorter runs as my abs are still weak, and I want to make sure I run with proper form for longer runs until I get stronger.

Most sources say to wait until your infant is 6 months or older to use the jogging stroller on a run. After talking with P’s pediatrician and seeing he’s been holding his head up for a month and a half, I feel it is safe. He is also in his infant seat and we bought a quality jogging stroller (Bob Revolution Flex-Amazon has best price by like $100). The kid’s head doesn’t even move. Do what you feel is best for your child!

Week #1 Training Miles-20 miles

Stay tuned for I’m sure many ups and downs as I continue to adjust to being a new mother runner!

Sarah