Oh boy, time flies when you're following around two kiddos! We have had an extremely busy month, I think (should I say it out loud?) that I just might be getting the hang of this two kid thing. It still crushes me when I'm unprepared, but I've definitely figured out that a) we have to keep our schedules full of outings & events and b) how to get us to those outings & events (for the most part). Getting the dogs walked (we have an extra this month) and the kids fed, dressed, clean & in and out of the car feels like a workout every day.
Amazingly (to me), I still have not missed a single one of my three-times-a-week runs. Pat on back! At times I've had to squeeze them in when I wasn't in the mood or would have preferred to do something else (usually nap), but I'm practicing a level of dedication that is mostly new to me. I still carry the load of guilt my high school band director inspired from begging me to pick something (he recommended practicing my french horn) and do it often and well instead of doing a bunch of things half assed (my words, not his). I struggle with that to this day. I've mostly made peace with this part of my nature (I chose well with a liberal arts education). However, I still find it challenging to focus on just one or two hobbies which leaves me with piles of unfinished projects and goals. The fact that I've made every single run since mid-August makes me very, very proud.
Of course, the fact that my runs are still relatively short makes it a lot easier. It is much simpler to get out the door when I remind myself that I'll be back in less than a half hour than it is when I know it will be more than an hour. The prep for such a short run is a lot faster, too. For my longer runs I'll need to eat appropriately beforehand, gather food for during and after my run, make sure my garmin & mp3 player are charged, pack a towel and a change of clothing, go drive somewhere and then drive all the way home after. That takes a much larger part of my day so it will be difficult to impossible to be spontaneous in my use of "oh hey, two kids asleep.... Mommy time!" time. But I'm not going to worry about that yet (ah, really... nope, no I'm not).
So I've stayed on track and I have race number two this coming weekend! I feel ready for it. I'm running a Halloween 5k and will not only be running in costume, but also pushing my two year old (also in costume!). I have completed several two mile runs pushing him in the last few weeks. It has definitely gotten easier, though that is qualified by the weather (windy = TOUGH). I'm praying for a flat race course!
The last two weekends I've also increased my longest run to four miles. I enjoyed both four mile runs immensely. My route takes me from my house over a mile of dirt road with some beautiful fall foliage and rolling hills. With a four mile run I get to finally start feeling like A Runner, and not just a casual jogger. That is a personal distinction for me, I'm sure it is different for everyone. Maybe there's no difference for you- but once I get to do my four mile route I feel that I'm out there for more than just exercise. Once I hit that mile of dirt road in the middle of the run I feel more relaxed, more focused, and more comfortable with my movement. I'm not working as hard but probably running faster (without noticing or pushing). It is my form of Zen. It is when I get some of my best thinking done or when I'm able to really listen and not think at all. This is why I run! I don't get to this place with shorter runs, so I'm thrilled to be just scratching the surface of my Happy Place.
I will be celebrating another milestone as I cross the finish line on Sunday. One more month of training done and I am a stronger woman and a better mother for it. Thanks for cheering!
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