I RAN!!!

For the first time in AGES I finally heard that little voice in me - the slacker decided to speak up at long last (he must have been on vacation?). So I dusted off the ol' runnin' sneaks yesterday and took to the streets of Parlin, NJ. The stars must have all been aligned and jupiter was in line with the sun. Or maybe it was the loaded fries and fried chicken I had at lunch, combined with the fact that I can't fit into my "fat" jeans anymore. Whatever. All that is irrelevant. Because not only did I get on the sneakers, get out and attempt to run, but I did it well. Shockingly, I felt good the entire time. I don't think I've run - really and truly gone on a run - since last frickin MAY when I was 6 months pregnant. So going into this run yesterday, I thought I'd be lucky to survive 20 minutes without walking. I ended up doing a half hour, complete with some sizable hills, at a pretty decent pace! I ignored the aches and twinges... all the little things that are your body's way of saying "gee, haven't done this in a while" and just pressed on. I'm hoping that this is the start of me getting back to my old self again.

With my hubs now working nights, I have a small window of opportunity for any sort of "me" time (aka exercise). If you suggest mornings before I have to be at work by 7:30, I will punch you. Remember - I have two restless little boys in my house whose every move is amplified at my bedside by two static-producing monitors. And I'm still nursing the little guy on-demand 2-3 times/night. Anyway, I leave work in the afternoon between 3:30 and 4, get home by 4:30... the hubs is out the door by 5:30. So if I were to squeeze in a half hour run a few times a week, I'd have to work it out so that I come straight home at 3:30 (no trying to get in a few last-minute tasks after slacking off most of the day on insert-social-media-site-name here), nurse the baby and then go right out the front door for my run. If any part of that plan gets held up for even a few minutes, it will be game over - no running. So yes it's a lot of pressure but you know what? I can't continue on the way I've been. Something's gotta change. Happy spring. I'm a runner again!

TOMORROW

Tomorrow is going to be my new year's day - while everyone else was getting right to their new years resolutions on January 1st, apparently I prefer to let mine simmer for a week. I'll be going back to the gym after a several month hiatus. Planning on taking a Power class followed by Groove. Hoping this gives me the kick in the ass I need to get motivated and get this butt shrinkin. I think I'm heavier now than I was right after I gave birth over four months ago. Damn breastfeeding with the need for increased caloric intake! I totally abuse that angle.

Happy workouts everyone!

Have preschooler AND baby, will run!

Hi everyone!! Happy almost 2011!!! Fresh new year, fresh new start - I can't wait to tackle so many new and exciting challenges about to come our way this year. For one, I'd love to get this blog up and RUNNING again, just as I'd like to get myself up and running again. Quick update: my son turned 3 in July and I gave birth to baby boy #2 on August 26. My last real run was the Rutgers Half in April, which I did when I was about 5 months pregnant. Slow and steady but it felt great. Took me about 2 1/2 hours or so. Baby didn't come out with any problems so I think I've finally convinced myself that the fetus is well cushioned in there and for the most part physical activity is okay and even good for you when you're pregnant - as long as mommy feels good doing it!

Rutgers Half Marathon photos






Me congratulating the baby bump on completing a half marathon!

Although you're always going to have skeptics/disbelievers/haters - can't tell you how many evil eyes I got from people when I would go on runs through the park while visibly pregnant... and don't get me started on the comments from people in the gym! Even my father-in-law took issue with me running during my pregnancy and had a few things to say about it. Mommy instincts haven't steered me wrong yet - so I ran as long as my energy held out. And I'm glad I did. But that brings me to now - four months post delivery date. The excuse at this point is of course lack of sleep... I've been back to work now since the week after Thanksgiving. Getting up early enough to preempt the boys waking up in order to give me enough time to get ready for work, then getting them up and ready to go and all three of us getting out the door before 8 has all been a bit draining for sure! Plus I'm still nursing and without getting too graphic let's just say that running and nursing do not a great mix make. So that's been a deterrent as well.

But like I said, fresh new year, fresh new start - I am hoping to get back into the working out game slowly but surely in January - even if it's just some step and/or toning classes a couple times a week to help me jump start my energy and motivation... I loaned someone my Insanity DVDs which I hafta get back and actually view/use... and then hopefully by spring I'll be running again and I'll have lots of content for this blog again!

Enough about me - I'm off to read up on all you guys and see what you've been up to... I'm seeking motivation!! I know you guys won't let me down. Happy new year everyone!

Whole lotta shakin goin on...

Hello all (whoever "all" may be) - I've been MIA for several months, preoccupied with crazy life things from ordinary like the holidays to out of the ordinary like taking care of an extremely sick husband for a few weeks (who's all better now). I hope to come back soon and update you on my running exploits as I train for the Rutgers Half Marathon in April (I really need to get started on that, wouldn't you say??). If all goes well I'll be about five months pregnant at that time, so it will be a new experience for me. Typically I can do a 2-hour half marathon with my eyes closed, but not only have I been sidelined due to extreme bouts of "morning" sickness and fatigue, but I just haven't been making the time. So I look forward to any and all comments and support, getting back to reading about you guys and getting caught up on what you've all been up to. :-)

Screw the groundhog - I am banking on an early spring!!