The runner in me has seen some serious rejuvenation over the last 4-5 months. I was wondering why, and then it dawned on me that I've been pregnant and/or nursing from July 2012-present and I am only minimally nursing Gwen now so I finally feel the freedom to chase down some goals! I did run a half marathon when Ingrid was 7 months, but I got pregnant shortly after and I always let running take a bit of a back seat to creating a human....so I backed off. This fall I ran another half and have been able to keep some momentum, which has been amazing!
I used to feel guilty when the runner in me died a little with each pregnancy/nursing go-round. I never verbalized those feelings to other moms because I knew I would get 'the look' and I would want to eat my words. After 3 rounds, I now feel more than comfortable saying that I truly love being able to run unhindered by pregnancy/nursing. I have zero regrets for any of our childbearing choices, but just grateful to be in a place currently where I can put running back on the priority list!
As far as apparel, this is where I keep it minimal. You won't find me recommending certain breathable shirts or crotch wedgie-proof shorts. I wear tshirts, tanks, fleeces and tights of all kinds. I have everything from Target to Old Navy, Nike to Gap in the way of apparel. If someone tells you that you must have Lululemon tights to be a serious runner, tell them to shut it. Lulu, shmulu. (Alright fine, I have a Lululemon shirt from my pre-kids days and I freaking love it. But it's totally nonessential to my running performance. It just never stinks no matter how badly I sweat, which is amazing!). The tights I'm wearing in this picture are from Costco, the shirt is from none other than THE South Dakota State University, and my ear cover and gloves are from Urban Outfitter! I'm seriously a 'throw on whatever I have' kind of girl when it comes to running apparel.
Another splurge you see in this pic is a gift I received at Christmas from Jer. He got me a Garmin Forerunner watch that is pretty amazing!! When it comes to my running stats, all I care about are distance and pace. This does that and uploads it to Strava (my favorite running app that I will mention next!) for me. It has GPS that I have to allow to connect for a couple of minutes before my run, and then I'm good to go. It buzzes at each mile so I know without looking how far I've gone. It's pretty cute too, so I'm a fan so far!
Back to Strava. I like to think of it as Facebook for runners. You can follow people and see your friends' workouts, analyze your workout in a bit more detail, and label them so you can look back throughout the weeks, months and years previous to see how your fitness has progressed! I trained for my half with a friend who had Strava and it was fun to keep each other motivated using this app! Only caution, as with all social media, is that if it just makes you feel inaduquate-don't follow others. That's never the goal! You can simply sign up and not follow anyone if that's the case!
Another small item I love in my running gear is good headphones. I kind of hate earbuds, so I go for the ones that wrap around the back of my head. This brand is Sennheiser, which I've been using for 7-8 years. They are great and never bother me! If I was a super hardcore runner, I wouldn't use headphones because I wouldn't listen to music. So sue me if I need a little Katy Perry to motivate me!!
Notice how I don't have a jogging stroller in my pic with me?!?! I do have one. It's a double BOB jogger and that's definitely my recommendation for those looking! It's just that I feel like a grandma when it comes to being a mom runner. It goes like this: First kid-"I can't wait to run with my baby! I can do it all!" Second baby: "Guess I better get a double jogger! I'll feel so hard core pushing both!" Third kid: "Dude. They don't even make triple joggers. Even if they did, I wouldn't be crazy enough to buy one. Plus, running is my way to get my sanity back, so I'm going alone!" So that's why you don't see one. I could technically push the girls while Henry is at preschool, but pushing them together is something like 65 lbs, so I'd have to run on mostly flat surfaces, and I don't like to be so specific about my routes if I can avoid it. Moral? Do what works for you. Currently, what works for me is running alone with the occasional jogger stroller run, or going to the Y.
In the vein of getting in runs as a mom, I should also mention I am extremely blessed in that I have a husband who gets home between 4:30-5 most days. This allows for me to get a run or 2 each week in before dinner, if I've planned ahead enough. If you have a husband who's unavailable until the late evening, I'd recommend a gym membership with childcare or investing in a treadmill at home. I personally go the the Y at least once a week and do treadmill or elliptical work so that I don't use up every evening running! Another idea would be a running friend who would want to trade with you on childcare duty (i.e. meet at a house and one runs, then swap as soon as she gets back! Grand total could be an hour or two, depending on distance and pace!). I've gone through times where it's harder to get in a run, and times where it's easier. Just know that you'll have to get creative and allow for times when you're in maintenance running mode and others where you can ramp it up if kids/time allows. I'm just glad I've never completely given it up, because it's truly something I love that gives me clarity and sanity as a mom. God has spoken some seriously important things to me on my runs, and I'm so glad I've given myself the free mind time to hear him!
This was kinda silly but fun for me. I know it doesn't apply to everyone, but hopefully some out there found it helpful! Happy New Year and happy running, friends!
I am God's child, and He has given me the opportunity to be a wife and mother on this earth. I am grateful! I also enjoy crafting, running, spending time with my people, and the occasional pedicure. This blog is an expression of the above things. I really hope you find it inspiring and useful. To God be the glory!
This is my man. He is hard-working, passionate, handsome, and a rock in the midst of my occasional crazy. We have been married 8 years and can't wait for many more to come!
He is our blessing and joy. He is funny. Hard to impress. Passionate. Sweet. Active. Handsome.
She is the spice of our lives. She loves fiercely and brings us smiles every day. She is her brother's biggest fan and Gwen's favorite protector.
She is adored by us all and soaks it up. She is shy but animated and coos away when you talk to her. We love the peace she brings to our home.
No comments:
Post a Comment