Intentionally "Wasting" Time

I've decided I'm going to start "wasting" more time. 

Nearly two weeks ago when I came at work, two hours late as directed by my boss, our owner, I was handed an envelope with a letter inside. It directed me to head to the near by pedicure place and "enjoy doing nothing except relaxing quietly for a minimum of 1.5 hours." Clearly he did not have to twist my arm. But this wasn't exactly easy for me, even the pedicurist kindly informed me there would be no chitter-chatter for I was to relax. I put my ear phones in and listened to music while she pampered my toes, oh it felt good on my runner's feet! But my mind tried to race; I could make to-do lists, plan for the hours I wasn't logging etc etc etc. Sadly I find a lot of my worth in "doing" and "achieving".....sitting here I wasn't getting anything done! Then, as if I were on a run, my brain shut down a little this is nice, I literally can't do anything and I actually have no guilt about it, after all my boss sent me here. Upon my return to work he beamed, so how do you feel? As if the blissed out look on my face didn't say it all. It was glorious and best of all I had zero mom guilt.

It took about a week for true message finally hit me; spending time on yourself is not "wasting" time. Typically I run around in tornado style getting as many things done as possible, multitasking like no one else when I could just sit down and invest some rest in myself. But that would be "wasting" time. Most moms I know do this, we sacrifice over and over for everyone around us and end up burnt out and resentful. We do these things out of love but we forget to love on yourself occasionally too.

I'm not saying I'm suddenly perfect, I've made this vow before, but I've re-committed to intentionally wasting more time on me. Those running magazines piling up? I'm going to start reading them, dirty dishes be damned! And ya know what I might not start the laundry on Thursday night like I usually do cuz I like watching Parenthood and painting my toes nails. This is another important lesson to teach my son; your value is intrinsic not earned! 

Our owner is a very nice man, he sees how hard I work and knows we are heading into the busiest part of our season (he also sent my fellow co-manager on a similar outing). I'm thankful to work for someone who invests in me professionally and personally.

Here's to "wasting" more time!

Jen

This passed week was a fantastic one training wise: two strength training days, one run and one hike! Wahoo! 

Through My Son's Eyes

Last week ended up being a rest week, I needed it mentally and physically. I took Monday-Friday completely off, slowed down and soaked up life and rest. {exhales}

I often think about the things my son will never know life without or before. He will never know the world pre 9/11, technology is expanding at breakneck speeds so who know what that will look like in just one more year (he already knows how to operate he's gma's ipad better than anyone).

My favorite thing is that he doesn't know me pre-running. I look up running as a stress management tool when he was about six months old and ran my first half marathon when he was 13 months old. He loves to talk about how mommy runs, and on the rare occasion my husband brings him to a run my son is over the moon! He even calls his tennis shoes running shoes.

My son looks up to me, it's one of many reasons I continue to run. Without saying it or being told he looks to me for guidance on what to do and how to do it. At three years old he knows running makes me happy. This is one of many important things I hope to teach him; working out is a normal thing you do, it helps keep you healthy and it's fun.

Something he's teaching me thought is that I am beautiful; the way he looks at me even after a long hard run (or half marathon) is nothing short of "you are beautiful to me". I work so hard to see things through his eyes, now it's time to see myself though the same perspective.

Just a little food for thought. Today I did a 5k fun run at 11 min/mi. Not too shabby.

Jen

Training and Life Lately

Life is so good lately that my little blog is already getting neglected. Meh. ;)

Let's see last week I had a good training week. It looked a little somethin' like this:

Weds-1 hr strength training (BodyPump!)
Thurs-5 miles with my work buddy again (I took the day off and left my son with my mother-in-law and scrubbed pretty much my entire house that should count for at least 5 more miles!)
Friday-I forgot I created a "Run at Work" event at work, only two (VERY SPEEDY) people showed up...and handed me my own booty, I'm still out of breath!
Saturday-MUCH NEEDED REST!
Sunday-I did a themed 5.5k with a friend that basically had sprinter intervals. I'll count that as my first and only speed word.ever.

My nutrition has been whack (in a bad way) lately. The Hubbs and I discovered a addicting show on netflix and have been watching it, like...well, we're addicted to it! Ha! So I've been snacking a ton and staying up way too late (note to self morning people should not marry night owls...kidding babe, kinda!)

This week was good (so far)

Tuesday-1 hr strength training (BODYPUMP!) with an instructor I'm not used to...I could barely walk the next day. Why does the pain feel good? Is there something wrong with me? Don't answer that.
Thursday 3 rough, slow miles. Every step was ouch.ouch.ouch
Saturday-I'm planning to take BodyCombat for the first time in almost a year, it will be nice to mix up my cardio
Sunday-a short run if the weather is kind (it's so unpredictable in MT!)

(I'm off on Fridays and spend them with my kiddo so it's almost always a rest day!)

Nutrition is mostly back on track, I'll always and forever snack and have treats (I never count healthy fats).  It was nice to have my annual doctors visit (no no that sounds weird, sigh)....my doctor praised me for maintaining my weight loss since having my son and adding strength training into my life. I think most people have (THANKFULLY!) forgotten how big I got with my son (I gained 60 pounds sad face).

Other than that life is good and full, we've been cramming as much fun into fall as we can, ya never know when it will snow in good 'ol Montana. Literally. Work is good and very busy. The three year old is amazing, and thankfully napping right now. I've got nothin' worth complaining about. for now.

Happy Friday,
Jen

Reality Check: Slow down, love boldly

I came here to write about the last two weeks, excuses about not being able to post in hand. But first I stopped by the ol facebook and read a story a dear friend posted.

Click here to read Huffington Post (UK) Story

I wept as I read that story. I crammed five days of work into three days this week, I forced two hard workouts into less than 24 hours and took today off (sending 3yr old to Gmas so I could clean)....I rush and rush and rush around often forgetting that tomorrow is not a luxury granted to all....I lesson I learned first hand right after my son was born, but that my friends is a story for another day.

Click the link, read the story with tissues in hand and then go hug someone, anyone.

Much Love,
Jen

When Plans Don't Work

Hello Hello!

Well, this week's plan simply didn't work out. I should know to expect this by now, with a demanding management job, a three year old and the whole marriage thing....

This week wasn't terrible fitness wise, I got 6.25 miles in on Monday, BodyPump (strength/weight training) on Wednesday and 3.5 miles Saturday (today). I there is hope for tonight and tomorrow, I'm hoping to get a hike in tonight and maybe another run tomorrow.

In January I started doing BodyPump (a Les Mills class) for some full body weight training, it's the only way I've ever lifted in my life and oh my to I love me some Pump! It's made me a much stronger runner (much to the dismay of my lungs who still have asthma!). And I gotta say the physical changes are nice too. But really it's feeling strong that is the best part, I can't really explain it but I freakin' love it.

Needless to say BodyPump will stay in the mix this fall/winter to help keep my endurance up as well as cardio outside as much as possible (and on the indoor track at my gym when not possible) for the goal of my first Full Marathon in July of 2015.

If there is anyone out there reading this, what are your goals? What is your favorite exercise and why is your favorite?

Much Love,
Jen

Running Like a "Normal" Person

Last Thursday I had the privilege of running with my co-worker, Steve, a guy I've known more than ten years but just started working with one year ago. He's a funny guy, a tell-it-like-it-is but in a kind way guy. I like those kind of people since I wear my heart on my sleeve.

We met at work and headed out on one of my favorite paths with a plan of 5 miles. Steve had done a full marathon a few years ago but focuses mostly on strength training now. He is very much a brother-type which makes talking with him all that more enjoyable because you never know what we'll end up discussing! Even more fun he has three young boys so there is always some wisdom to be learned for raising my son! Shortly into our run we began chatting about my asthma (I had already apologized too many times knowing he could have good much faster without me and I would eventually have to walk). A moment or two went by and finally Steve asked, "why don't you see if you can take some type of medicine or something to help you Jen?" It was a sweet comment, but I let him know I've been on inhalers since I was 9 years old and just took mine before our run. And with each passing step our conversation waded off in different directions.

As I was getting ready yesterday (Sunday) I thought about that brief conversation, I sighed to myself "I'll just never run like a normal person". I stood there and looked at myself in the mirror for a moment and thought "my inhaler allows me to run, not fast but certainly far by most people's standards....and by some people's standards I do run fast...kinda. What does "normal" mean anyway?" It wasn't long before my pesky adorable three year old wanted someone to play trains with him so I didn't get much time to ponder my thoughts.

But really?! It's 2014, we know better than to admire pictures of women in magazines (any where really) because they are photo-shopped to heck. Why then do I still feel like such a fraud when it comes to calling myself a runner? Who, other than me-myself-and-I, says I'm not a normal runner? I doubt too many people would say that to my face. I mean I'm out there on the trails as often as I can be, it's certainly my workout of choice. I buy tons of running gear (literally all my fun money goes to running) and subscribe to running magazines, I even wear jewelry with running quotes or "13.1" on them. (hmmm maybe I'm a bit obsessive, note to self look into this...ha!).

What's my point, I did have one.....oh  yes! Comparison can be a tricky and unkind little weasel. It seeks up on you when you aren't paying attention and makes you feel less than you are. Unless you are some psycho-serial-killer you are likely pretty damn awesome. Don't compare or downsize all the incredible things you have done, be proud, stand tall and remember someone is always doing more than you but that doesn't take away from all you have and will do! (and if you are that serial-killer please stop reading my blog!!)

Have a great night,
Jen

P.S. The hubby is home from his epic camping/hiking trip apparently it rained the entire time.....since he was home I escaped for 6.25 miles this morning GLORIOUS!!!

Back on Track

Whew good thing I don't rely on my blog for income! I'd be on welfare! Ha!

The week before this last one (follow me?) I was rocking it! I trained well and felt strong, I even got in an unexpected 5 miles in on Sunday! I went out thinking I might squeeze out three miles but my body just kept going, it was lovely! That was my longest run since my half marathon in July!

This week has been a smidge harder, there are no classes at my gym this week as the instructors get a week of rest. Also the hubbs is off hiking for four days. Thankfully on Thursday one of my co-workers wanted to run with me! He had done a full marathon in the past but has been focusing mostly on strength training in the last few years. We got 5.26 solid miles in on one of my favorite trails before starting work!

I'm choosing not to be hard on myself though, I'm counting this as a restful week for me and we all need those from time to time. This week I've read (If I Stay, it's pretty good!), my house is clean and I've gotten a ton of snuggles from a certain three year old (who currently has his head on my shoulder as we watch Thomas the Train....again. I've also made some super yummy and healthy meals!

Next week's Workout Plan:
Monday: Run 3-5 (hubby should be home, freeeeeeedoooooom!)
Tuesday: Core and BodyFlow for 1hr total
Wednesday: rest
Thursday: Run, likely around 3.5-4 before work
Friday: BodyFlow
Saturday: BodyPump or Run depending on how I feel
Sunday: Rest

Have a happy and safe long weekend!
Jen

Where did the week go? A week without a plan....

Hello Again!

Ha! Where did that week go? It was a crazy one in my little slice of the world. I didn't really set up a workout plan for the week and that ended up being for the best, all of my workouts ended up being last minute options. That's not the way I like to roll but this time it worked out.

Monday: rest day, those are the hardest!
Tuesday: 4.25 miles near home in the evening, my hubby could tell I was dealing with some stress and booted me out the door. Love him!
Wednesday: rest day via surprise date with the hubby, I'm a lucky lady
Thursday: 4.25 glorious miles in a light rain!
Friday (today): likely mostly just walks with my 3 year old
Saturday: BodyPump one hour
Sunday: BodyFlow one hour

Those two runs this week saved my sanity. I'd really like this post to be upbeat and what-not but I'm just not a sugar-coat-it-kind-of-girl. Next time will be more upbeat, I promise.

Until then my little guy is up!

<3
Jen

Planning and Cheating {On Your Fitness Goal}

This week has been great! Work went by quickly and smoothly, we've added several new staff members so it's an exciting time! I really do love my job and our team!

My workout plan for the week went sideways, but I got my workouts in, just not as planned. My work schedule has leveled out which has me sleeping really well at night, I'm back to waking up rested and ready to hit life full force which was great on Monday morning at 6 am!!

Here is where I am so far:

Monday: 3.5 miles outside at 12:00 min/mi pace. The smoke was killing me!

Tuesday: 30 minute core strength workout with a friend after work....I NEVER do core so this was big!

Thursday: 4 miles on indoor track at work at 11 min/mi pace. I'm always faster indoors!

Saturday: Considering taking a 45 minute BodyPump Class, we'll see as I'm solo with kiddo

While pounding out the 4 miles on Thursday I got to thinking, I could round up and say I did more than I did to make myself feel better, I could account for all the walking I do! HA! That thought lasted all of one minute. The only person I would be cheating is me! If I really want to do a full Marathon next summer I really have to keep my base up and continue steadily through the fall. When you set a goal is should only be fore you and the only one you cheat is you.

This goal of a full marathon is a big deal to me. Three years ago I couldn't run at all, I had given up running at a very young age after my asthma diagnosis....I lived in fear. Now I know well how to control my asthma so I can enjoy running and thank heaven because I love it so much! This goal is for me and me alone and I'm excited! It will be nice to have such a big goal to keep me motivated through the winter, heck even know when the smoke (from forest fires) has me stuck inside!

Much Love,

Jen

So Far, So Good

After one post I already forgot about doing this. Ha! I'm not officially on a training plan yet but I'm committing to working out enough to maintain my current fitness level through winter so when I start training in March 2015 I'll be on track.

Right now that looks like lifting (BodyPump) at least once a week and running twice a week as life will allow. Last weekend I hiked 10 miles with the husband and did BodyPump, my favorite way to lift, on Thursday, yesterday I did a hike/jog 5k with a friend which was the hardest of my life! It was all straight up into the hot sun (over 90*).

This weeks game plan:

Wednesday 5:30 am Pump
Thursday 5:30 pm Run 3-5 miles
Saturday Lift with Husband (fat chance) or run solo

Also in about a week I'm starting a trail running class on Thursday evenings which is out of my comfort zone (and the reason I'm doing it!).


I have a few runs I'm eyeing also:

August:
4 mile fun run

Sept
Muddy Run
Run at Work Day (I'm organizing this at my work, I'm hoping at least a 5k)

Oct
All Women's 5k
Pumpkin Run

Nov
Oncology Center Run
Turkey Day 8k

Happy Running!
Jen

Where to start? At the beginning, I suppose.

Why a Full Marathon? 

-A couple reasons; 

1.) Running is my "me time" having a goal helps me to schedule this time for myself with less guilt. Honestly, during my runs I pray, talk things out with God, listen to him and at the end of my run I have a peace that surpasses understanding. Running helps me love my life, even the difficult and not pretty parts (which we all have). 

2.) Over the last three years I've completed a half marathon every summer, I love-love-love it! The people, the event, the energy, even the training! It's one of a kind! I really believe I'll be a "one-and-done" full marathoner, so why not now?!

3.) During each of my half marathons I've raised money for the local children's shelter, so I'll continue doing that will a full marathon! 

4.) I read somewhere that .05% of the population ever finishes a full marathon, I'd like to count myself among that small percentage.

In the interest of full disclosure: I read a book "Onward!" about a woman who decided to do a full marathon and document it with a blog that became a book and that inspired this blog....I have no desire to publish a book and my posting will be random (I work full time, I'm married and raising a 3 year old, hello responsibilities!). I love the book and encourage you to read it. 

So here we go! I'll blog about how it's going, what I'm doing and learning along the way. 348 days to gooooo!

Much Love,

Jen