Wednesday, November 13, 2013

A New Running Routine

Thanks so much for all your kind words and support on my post from last week. It really is great to open myself up and be honest with all of you, and to hear all your kind words of encouragement and support!

It really is quite crazy how quickly the time goes by. Pregnancy and raising an infant is kind of a weird time vortex. Things seem to go extremely slowly yet very fast all at the same time. It really is hard to explain. I've been trying to run 3 days a week but it seems like 1 or 2 days a week seems to be much more normal. I'd like to get back to my 3x per week runs, but that will take some time. Patsy isn't really on a routine just yet and I'm doing some part time work for my job while out on maternity leave (this will allow me to take more leave time off).

I've been able to meet up with the folks on my Thursday night group a few times. The group is so amazing and I love that there are some people willing to hang out and go my speed. Definitely a "pay it forward" type of thing; no runner left behind! It is starting to get a little too cold to bring Patsy out on runs in the BOB so I've been out with Pepper. I'm hoping to make this a part of my weekly routine. I had to wipe the dust off my head lamp and find my reflective stuff all over again!

While some of my friends were running the Naperville Marathon on Sunday, I was going for a leisurely jog around my neighborhood. My SIL came by to watch Patsy and I went out for another run with Pepper!
The temps were beautiful! I had a lot of fun out there in some nice weather. I also loved wearing all my running gear again. I have lots of stuff that I still need to take the tags off of. Oops! I think I have a bit of a shopping problem. I only went for a mile but it was a fun mile!
This is what a mother runner looks like. I wanted to post this photo also as a follow-up to my post from last week. Looking at this photo, all I can see is my little pouch. I totally get why many moms hide behind flowy tops and capri pants. I'm working on getting my confidence back and posting this photo is taking me down the right road. :)

And because she is smiling all the time, I just had to post my new favorite photo of my little angel, Miss Patsy Rose. She was kicking up a storm (the hubs calls it "riding a bicycle") and smiling like a big ham for the camera. I just had to share this photo with all of you. I hope it makes you smile just like it makes me smile all the time.

10 comments:

  1. Amanda - TooTallFritzNovember 13, 2013 at 9:53 AM

    #MotherRunners wear running pants that come up higher and "support" our damaged core muscles. It also helps the "pooch" a lot, as well as the confidence cuz then the photos look better! LOL! You look amazing. Don't worry, the pooch isn't permanent. I've never had a flat tummy so I can't say it will (or won't) go all the way away because your body has changed a lot now but you will start feeling more normal very soon. Stay active and be positive. Hugs!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You know, all I see in those pictures is how happy you look to be running again! :) (and obviously where Patsy gets her big smile from!)


    And that's definitely one thing I love about group runs, someone is always going to run with you, no matter what your pace. Every runner has been there, coming back from extended time off (be it pregnancy like you, or an injury) and working back to their "normal" pace, so yeah, it's definitely a pay-it-forward type thing. I always appreciate when faster runners slow down to keep my pace, so the few times I get to slow down for someone else has been super rewarding, because I know how much it means. So I'm always happy to do it, and of course your friends are too :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Michelle @ Crazy Running LegsNovember 13, 2013 at 10:48 AM

    Yay for running again! I'm still not a regular schedule... but I do love it when I can get out there.


    YOU LOOK SO GREAT! And happy. As for the tummy - it will go away! Or mostly away. I still have a small one, but running, planks, and core work really go a long way. I can kinda see my abs again. Just remember it takes a good 9-months for your body to really recover from pregnancy/childbirth.


    Love that smile from Patsy :) Happy 2 months!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love that you are so happy and back to running! And I love the fact that you posted the pic - I for one think you look amazing! :) Keep up the great work!

    ReplyDelete
  5. She is such a doll!
    I think it's amazing that you're out running again. You're only, what, 8 weeks post-partum? Your body went through some major trauma! It'll heal eventually. Besides, people are going to be looking at that smile that radiates happiness instead of your stomach.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's been great seeing you on those Thursday runs! Hang in there and you will get back to running 3 times a week. It's hard with a newborn I'm sure. You will eventually get into a routine. I think you and Patsy both look adorable! I love your arm sleeves. I want new ones. And your shirt looks really comfortable!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am sorry that I missed your post last week, and I just read it now. It is not just your body that's physically changing . . it's all those hormones that are still leaving your body after being pregnant. I think you look great! I've never had a nice tummy, but at least now I can blame (well, some, anyway) on the fact that my youngest is two. And running will come along. I wasn't a runner until after I had kids. It can be challenging to fit in running three times a week with them. Sometimes when you want to run, something that is going on with them will prevent you from going out. You just roll with it. Just think of the great example you are setting for her! Enjoy the runs when you get them, and you will be back to "normal"just in time for baby number two (well, if you have your kids close together like me. ;).

    ReplyDelete
  8. Aww, I love that pic of Patsy! And all the pics! :) I love that you are getting out there and even meeting up with the group. Woo hoo!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Katie @ Live Half FullNovember 13, 2013 at 9:10 PM

    You're doing such a great job! I love your attitude- you are so happy and you're glowing! It's so inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I miss the Thursday crew and our runs together. But hopefully we can runch together once in awhile when you're back at work! Or run before work - I've been heading to work early, dressed to run, and I just drop off my stuff at the office and then do 3-4 miles on the LFT, then shower at the office before the day starts. For me that's easier than running from home at 6am; I need the time to wake up and eat a snack. And there is daylight at 7am - not so much when I leave the office at 5pm.

    ReplyDelete