Let's Catch Up!

Okay, I know an update is overdue! It's been a busy few months, so I'll try to catch you up!

This was a challenging holiday season for me. I love all the time I get to spend with my family, but the days leading up to Thanksgiving and my birthday are really challenging right now, since I know the anniversary of my miscarriage is so close behind those days--days that I used to really enjoy. Since I had to travel for work just a few days after my birthday this year, I was more stressed out than usual, and just having a hard time looking forward to anything.

Fortunately, I managed to enjoy myself, have some nice visits with my family, and survive two back-to-back work trips! There have been a lot of extra stresses on me the past few month, but I definitely feel like I'm getting stronger and making progress!

Updated family picture

The work trips have been a huge challenge for the whole family. I've been worried about leaving everyone behind, about missing my flight, about missing out on things while I'm gone...all that good stuff. Hubby has to deal with his normal work stuff, and handle the kids and the dog on his own! I know lots of families make it every day as single-parent families, and they amaze me.

I had more work trips at the beginning of the year, and while it was hard to be away from my family, it was also cool to get to experience so many new things.

My last trip was at the end of January. Unfortunately, right after that trip, I slipped on some ice, and broke my jaw. I had to deal with a liquid diet for six weeks while my jaw healed. Definitely not my idea of a good time! The good news is that it only impacted my running for two weeks--after that I got right back to work! Now I've survived my liquid diet, my jaw is mending nicely, and I'm able to start eating real food again! I'm so relieved! The liquid diet was a huge challenge--by the end of the six weeks, I was as depressed about food as I was when I was pregnant and nothing sounded

The Things in their Easter finery

appealing. This time, everything sounded good, but I couldn't eat it! Hubby got creative and made me some exciting soups (I highly recommend his pizza soup), and my office bought a blender so I could make smoothies at work. It was great to have so much support while I was recovering, but I'm just so glad it's over!

Of course, I didn't forget my resolution from last year! I am proud to report that I passed my goal of running 500 miles last year! I don't have a specific mile goal for this year, but I'm planning to continue working on my race anxiety. I've made so much progress, and I want to keep it up!

Last but not least: the Things. They are growing into amazing people! There is nothing better than hearing your daughter say "Mommy, you my best fwiend," or your son say "I wuv you!" We definitely have some terrible twos going on, but we also have a lot of fun!

Things have been busy with all of the changes going on recently, I'm going to try to be better about updating here. So, that's all for now. More soon!

Taking it Back

As you may remember, last fall I had a really hard time with my first post-babies half marathon. I built that race up in my mind to something so important that I let myself get completely overwhelmed with anxiety on race morning. That's something I'm still working hard on. I know it's not an overnight fix, but my race anxiety is slowly but surely getting better.

I found out earlier this year that this year was going to be the final running of the Indianapolis Marathon (and half marathon and 5k) at Fort Benjamin Harrison. Since it was my goal race last year, and the race I set my PR at in 2012, a part of me really wanted to be involved in the race. The sane part of me knew that it would be a recipe for disaster to sign up to run the half marathon again. If I'd already built the race up in my mind last year, just imagine how much worse it would be running that race for the last time ever!!! I knew that it wasn't smart to sign up for the half marathon. I'd beat myself up if I couldn't finish it again, and the stress of worrying about whether I'd finish would sabotage me before the race even started.

But, I couldn't miss the race entirely! After lots of discussion, Hubby and I agreed to run the 5k together. I'd still get my to participate in the race, Hubby would get his first race medal, and I wouldn't have to stress out the same way I would if I were running the half.

Leading up to the race, I had some moments when I regretted only signing up for the 5k. I was still beating myself up for my anxiety, even though I knew that it was counterproductive. I'm still working to go easier on myself--I know that I need to cut myself the same slack that I'd cut others.

Anyway, Hubby and I made it to race day, agreeing to run the race together, and to have fun with it. It was a perfect fall morning for a race! A little chilly, but clear and dry, with perfect Indiana fall foliage. We paced ourselves well, and managed a decent kick at the end, and I was really pleased with how we did. I thought we did well, but I wasn't expecting anything special from the race. Imagine my surprise, when Hubby and I went to get our results, and they said "Congratulations!" and handed me this mug:

That't right! I took first in my age group! (Okay, I only took first because the first and second women in my age group were actually the first and third women finishers overall, but it was still an amazing feeling!)

I don't think I've ever been more proud of a race. It was an emotional race for me, for many reasons, but I pushed myself and made it through. We both ran well, and the result was so rewarding! I've been working really hard this year, and I've come in third, second, and now first in my age group in 5ks. I know I still have a lot of work to do, but I'm taking back races! It means a lot to me that my first place finish was at this race, since it's such a significant race to me, and I can't wait to keep working!

I know it's been a while since I updated you on my resolution progress, but I'm proud to report that I should be able to make my goal this year!! As of today, I've run 470.1 miles this year! I only have to run 30 miles by the end of the year to make it to 500 miles for the year, and I know I can make that! Obviously, I'm not going to stop right at 500, but it's nice to know that I'll be able to hit my mileage goal for the year.

Okay, this was a running-heavy post. I'll update on the babies later, but here's their Halloween picture, to tide you over in the meantime:

My little Minions!

Running Update

It's been a while since I posted about running, so I thought I'd take a minute to do that!

First, here's a quick update on my resolution: I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't make it to 500 miles by the end of the year, after the slow start I got thanks to weather and various illness-related setbacks. But, now that summer is here with it's better weather and longer daylight hours, I'm running strong! As of my (epic, PR-setting) 10-mile run on Saturday, I'm officially at 251.9 miles for the year so far! That's right, I'm over halfway there, before the year is halfway over!!! Wooooo hooo! It's nice to have that little reassurance that I can make my goal, even if I hit some bumps in the road on the way there.

Speaking of bumps: I've had my fair share of those when it comes to running recently. I've been doing a good job, running a race every month in April, May and June, but my May race was pretty rough. I'd decided to find a 10k to run on May 16th, since that was the distance I wanted to run that weekend. So, I looked for races nearby, and found an evening trail run close to my house that day. It seemed perfect! Everything was lining up just the way I wanted! An evening run would be great, since it would get rid of all the pressure of getting out the door at a crazy hour. So, I registered the day before the race, and showed up on race day, full of anticipation.

I should have been full of dread. It. Was. Awful. First of all, the day the hottest we'd had in a while, and I was totally unprepared for that. Sure, I carried my own water for the race, but that just wasn't enough to combat the heat of the day combined with the direct sunshine at the start of the race. Yeah, evening run didn't mean nice, shady run. It meant, full-on, blazing sunlight when we took off! Yowch!

The race was a small event, which I'm usually good at. I can generally count on starting toward the middle of the pack, and doing well there. Apparently, this race was full of speedsters, though. They all started out crazy fast, and it wasn't until I heard my split for my first mile that I knew I'd gone out too hard. On a cooler day, with more shade, that pace would have been fine; but that wasn't the race I was running.

I tried to pull back and run smarter, but the damage had already been done. I had to take multiple walk

This is early in the race, which is why I look so happy...

breaks, and spent most of the race utterly alone. I wasn't the last person on the course, but there was no one in sight of me, in front or behind. It was pretty lonely and miserable, and I imagined myself passing out as soon as I crossed the finish line (if I made it that far).

I managed to tough it out and cross the finish line. No question of setting a PR, but I was really proud of the fact that I finished, since it was pretty much the worst race I'd ever run. I drank a bunch of fluids, and then got myself home, where I discovered a hitchhiker on my ankle. Yup. I'd picked up my first ever tick!!! YIKES! I totally freaked out, and made hubby come take care of the interloper. I still get the wibblies, just thinking about it. Ick.

Anyway, after all of that excitement, I started to feel really crappy. I had a huge headache, and my muscles were really sore. I could tell something was off, but it wasn't until I threw up spectacularly that it dawned on me: heat exhaustion. To add insult to the injury of that race, and as if I needed further proof that I hadn't run a smart race, I spent the evening being violently sick. Fun, fun, fun!

I didn't do much better the following weekend, when I had to cut short a planned 8-mile run after wiping out on the sidewalk. Fortunately, I didn't do anything worse than skin my left knee and right palm, but I knew finishing the run was out of the question. I was able to pick up running again without any lost time, but it was a few weeks before I went back to doing yoga...it's really hard to do most of the poses when you're down to one useable hand and knee.

Luckily, my most recent race was a much more enjoyable experience! Hubby and I ran the DePauw Almuni 5k Challenge for my 10th college reunion earlier this month, and it was fantastic! We ran together the whole time, enjoying a part of the campus that wasn't around when I was there, and feeling mildly smug that we were up and active while a lot of people were still in bed, hungover from the night before. That was a really smart run for both of us, and it did a lot to offset my May race.

And that brings me to now! I'm feeling really strong (as if evidenced by my aforementioned PR-setting 10 mile run), and really enjoying my running so far this summer! I've been doing yoga at least a couple of times a week, and I think it's starting to pay off. I'm focusing on the positive in my runs, and thinking about making plans for another race soon.

Next up on the calendar is the Things' first race!! We've signed them up for a half-mile fun run on the 4th of July! I'm looking forward to seeing what they do when we let them loose--it should be a lot of fun!

My Barfiest Time of Year

We're all very glad to see the tail end of March! Apparently, March in our family means stomach bug season. This is the second year in a row that we've all caught the pukes (or the poops) in March, and it's no fun at all! By now, the bug has made the rounds through everyone in the house (except the dog), and Hubby and I are exhausted from more than one night of interrupted sleep.

After Hubby and I were both declared nuclear on Tuesday, the in-laws (also known as Sasha and Papa) stepped in yesterday, whisking the Things away to stay at their house while mommy and daddy recuperated. Hubby and I would have enjoyed our time alone in our home, if we weren't so sick that we couldn't do anything but lay in bed and groan pathetically. Fortunately, that night really helped us get back on our feet, and our heads out of the toilet, so we were all back together again the next day.

Now the house has been decontaminated, and we're fervently hoping that's the only round of the bug we have to suffer though. It may have been a super effective way to lose weight for the wedding we're attending this weekend, but it's certainly not the method I would have chosen!

Sadly, that means most other activities were put on hold for several days, so I'm still not at 100 miles for the year. Not to worry, though! I know I'll get out lots as the weather continues to get better!

Also, no cute pictures this week, because what's cute about violent vomiting?

My Trail

I wouldn't say I'm a particularly outdoorsy person. I don't particularly enjoy camping or hiking. Bugs of all kinds are my nemesis. I like flora and fauna just fine, but seeing a rare flower doesn't send me into raptures. Basically, I like the outdoors just fine, but I also like the indoors. We have a very comfortable home, and I enjoy spending time there.

My trail

That being said; this winter really made me miss my trail. My trail is about a mile from my house, and goes farther than I have yet to run in either direction. My trail has beautiful shady trees in the summer, and lovely fall foliage. My trail is quiet and peaceful. Running on my trail gives me a chance to process things in a way I can't when running on a treadmill, or laps at the track, or even around our neighborhood.

I love the fact that I could round a bend in the trail, and see a family of deer just hanging out together. I love the way it smells like green things. I love the feeling of being the only person in the world, when there's no one else around me. I can hear myself breathing, and the birds singing, but everything else is silence.

Deer!

A run on my trail feels shorter, because I'm looking around me, and appreciating my surroundings, not focusing on the miles creeping by. I've stopped on more than one run, just to admire my surroundings.

I'm so lucky to live so close to such a great place to run, but this winter showed me one thing I hadn't realized: the trail isn't plowed in the winter. Instead of my lovely, easy runs of spring, summer and fall, my first post-snow run was a nightmare. I had to dramatically alter my stride, to pick my feet up out of the snow with each step. Rather than gliding along effortlessly, I was slogging through on a surface that was maddeningly slippery, yet sticky. I quickly found myself leaving the trail and heading back for the sidewalk. Though not as picturesque, I decided that running loops of my neighborhood was easier and safer than attempting to run on the thick snow carpet of the trail. Too bad I don't have cross-country skis!

Now that winter is (almost) behind us, I'm getting back onto my trail for runs, and I absolutely love it! On a run at dusk last week I ran into my first deer of the spring (almost literally). It's exciting to see the changes taking place, as the snow melts, and the green comes back into the world. As the weather continues to improve, I plan to do as much running on my trail as possible. For some reason, I never get bored out there. I can't wait to see what the trail has in store for me this year!

Since we're talking so much about running, here's the tally so far: I'm at 85.2 miles for the year. I'm definitely behind where I'd like to be, but weather and illness had to be accommodated. I think I might be able to make it to 100 miles by the end of the month, but I'm not going to stress out about it. I know I'll be able to get out more and run further as the weather continues to improve. It's been a slow start to my resolution, but I know I've got 500 miles in me this year!

Last Firsts

Okay, I know that's a bit melodramatic, but now that the Things have made it through their first year of life, we don't have as many firsts to celebrate anymore! That doesn't mean that we're not having a totally awesome time--of course we are! It just means that I'm a little sad that not every day is its own special first now.

I know, we'll still have plenty of firsts as these kids grow up. Our first plane trip. Our first day of school. Our first lost teeth. They'll be flower girl and ring bearer for the first time this summer at their Aunt Maddie's wedding! All of this is great, and I just need to remember to look for and celebrate the new firsts as they happen.

So, speaking of firsts, Valentine's Day was a big deal this year! Thing 1, my big boy, got his first haircut!!

See? Totally necessary!

We'd been avoiding the inevitable for a while now, but we just couldn't put it off any longer. His sweet curls were getting just plain unruly, and his hair was in his eyes most of the time. It looks like he may have inherited my curly hair, which means he has to deal with the tangles too. Thing 2 has stick straight, fine hair right now, that doesn't seem to tangle at all.... They both get some epic bed-head, though!

Anyway, we all took a trip to our local Kidsnips, and Thing 1 tried his best to get his ear snipped off. There was so much going on, that he kept looking around the room. His stylist had to chase him around a little bit, but she did a great job! He looks like such a big man, now!

We're going to wait a while on getting Thing 2's first haircut. Since she doesn't have the same tangle issue, we're going to let her hair grow a while longer. Her bangs have decided they want to start way at the back of her head, so we're hoping letting her hair grow more will talk them out of that... We'll see...

Happy Valentine's Day!

But, Thing 2 did have her own first on Valentine's Day! Valentine's Day, 2015 is the day that Thing 2 learned to give kisses! Best. Thing. Ever! She actually gave her first two kisses to her brother, but the rest have been all for mommy and daddy (okay, and her favorite stuffed animals)! It's so sweet! We can ask her for a kiss, and she'll lean over and go "Bwah!" We've been getting hugs from both kids for a while now, but I've been looking forward to the kisses. Let's just say: it was worth the wait!

All-in-all, I think our second Valentine's Day together was a sweet, snuggly success! The Things were extra affectionate with each other, and I couldn't get enough of it! Not too shabby!

Bam!

Oh, and in case anyone cares (but, what can compare with all that cuteness?), I'm at 57.52 miles so far this year. I know, that's a little behind where I'd like to be, but we've had weather and other stuff to consider this winter. I know I'll be able to get back on track once spring (finally) rolls around. In fact, last weekend, I ran 5 miles! That's the farthest I've run since my surgery! Not to mention, I also ran negative splits! I'll definitely take that as a win! (I should mention, I felt like I was really struggling during the run, and couldn't figure out why it was feeling so hard. Guess that explains it!) Only 442.48 miles left to go this year. I know I'll get there. All my runs may not be as fast or as satisfying as that run was, but I'll just keep plugging away. It doesn't matter how fast I get there, just that I make the journey!

Snow Days!

Last weekend, we got hit with a monster snow storm. My parents were visiting for the weekend, and got snowed in with us (obviously, they were really disappointed to spend a whole extra day with the grandbabies). We got a ludicrous amount of snow dumped on us in a 24 hour period, and all had fun playing in the snow on Sunday (and then Hubby and my dad had less fun shoveling on Monday).

Everyone got in on the fun!

The Things are maybe coming around to the idea of snow. Our first attempt, last month, involved Thing 2 crying hysterically the instant her hands touched the snow. You could just hear her thoughts: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! What is this stuff!?!?! It's wet and COLD!!! Why are they torturing me like this?" This time, we doubled up on the mittens and tried to show them that it was fun to wander around in a blizzard. We pulled them in their sleds, let them walk around (and fall down) on their own a bit, watched Mischa romp in the snow, and then hurried back inside to warm up again. I think we did a pretty good job! We didn't stay out too long, but I think they got a good taste of winter.

At the Botanic Garden

Mom and I also made it out to the Chicago Botanic Garden with the Things on Saturday, before the storm hit, and I know they had fun there! We let them loose to run around outside and explore. Even though there weren't any blooming plants to see, they loved walking on the paths. The only complaints we got were when we tried to pack them up to go home. It's a really good thing there were two of us there--it's hard to keep up with both of them!

The snow storm has put a dent in my plans to run outside, so I've been back at the track this week, but I'm making the best of it. I actually had a great run last night--I got my runner's high during the run, and was able to just run and enjoy myself. I probably looked a little funny, running around with a goofy grin on my face, but it was just one of those runs where everything just clicks. It was nice to have a reminder of why I like running so much!

Goal progress: Last month, I managed to run a total of 26.51 miles (less than I'd like, but not too bad, considering I spent the first half of the month recovering from my surgery). I'm not worried about being behind, since I'm sure I'll make it up once the weather improves. I'm starting out right on track this month, getting in 6 miles so far. Hopefully, the snow will melt soon, and I'll be able to keep it up! I'm at 32.51 miles for the year so far...only 467.49 more to go!

The Baby Snooze Button

I've decided that white noise machines are basically snooze buttons for babies. Both the Things have them in their cribs, and have been able to turn them on by themselves for a while now. The other morning, I walked past their door and heard someone stirring. Then, I heard the white noise come on. Clearly, they'd decided it wasn't time to wake up yet, and hit the magic button to get a little more shut-eye. It's their little way of saying "just 5 more minutes, mom." These kids looooooooove their sleep (and I love them for that)!

Along with loving their sleep, the Things are really developing their personalities these days. They love to

Oh, the snuggles!

snuggle and give excellent hugs. (Though Thing 2 only wants to give them on her terms. If you ask for a hug when she doesn't want to give it, she'll say "No!" and give you her best "talk to the hand" brush off.) They would happily sit on your lap for hours, reading books. (Or possibly, just the same book on an endless loop.) They've discovered how much fun it is to spin around until you get dizzy and fall over. (Thing 1 prefers to let you do the leg work for him, then totters around like a drunk man, giggling hysterically and demands that you do it again.) They like to accessorize. (Sunglasses and chewbeads are the current favorites, although your watches and bracelets are fair game.) They think Mischa has the best toys, and really want to play with her. (She's not entirely sure about the prospect, but is warming to the idea of having 2 additional pairs of hands to pet her and throw toys for her.)

Epic meltdown.

They're not all giggles and snuggles right now, though. They have their fair share of meltdowns and temper tantrums. Thing 1 acts like you're trying to kill him when you try to brush his teeth. Thing 2 bites anything that makes her mad: her highchair, the toy she just tripped on, the table she bumped into, her brother... And, don't get me started on the bubble bath. (Long story short: we tried to give them a bubble bath last weekend. They lost their little minds.) Fortunately, Hubby and I think they're kinda funny when they're so upset. We're doing a pretty good job of keeping our cool when the munchkins get all fired up, and their freak outs usually don't last very long. (Knock on wood.)

And, where do things stand on the running front? I'm doing pretty well at getting back into the routine, and have actually worked out every day for over a week now! On days when I'm not running, I've been doing yoga, in the hopes of regaining some of the flexibility I've lost. I can already tell that I'm getting stronger, and I'm curious to see how I progress. I've also managed to work some morning runs in recently, which has been a nice change to the routine. We'll see if I manage to keep that one going, though... I do love my sleep!

On the resolution front: I've run 22.51 miles so far, so I've got 477.49 left to go! I also passed the 1,600 mile mark (since I started using the Nike+ app to track my miles in July, 2010), which made me happy. If I meet my goal of 500 miles this year, I ought to be able to break the 2,000 mile mark!

First Run of the New Year!

So, thanks to the Things, I had to have some minor surgery late last month. I'm fine, I promise! Thanks to the surgery, though, I've had to take it easy for the past four weeks. Uuuuuuuuuuugh! It's always fun to have a couple of days to relax, but it sure gets old after a while!

Anyway, I got the all-clear to work my way back to regular activities starting yesterday!!! It's a good thing, too--I was getting cranky about not being able to run, or even pick my kids up!

Last night, I took myself to the indoor track for my first run of the New Year. It didn't suck! I only ran two miles, but I ran at a good pace, and nothing hurt! I'll count it as a win. I actually meant to take a picture of myself, because I wore my "Are my kids still chasing me?" shirt, courtesy of another mother runner. I got the shirt for Christmas, and I've been waiting (not so) patiently to wear it!

What? I'm thirsty!

I also got a water bottle from another mother runner for Christmas, but I have a really hard time holding onto it... These tiny thieves seem to think it's theirs! We've hit the "If mommy's using it, it must be better than what we have" phase, so my water bottle gets stolen quite a bit. It's a good thing they're so cute!

It's so great to be back in action! I'm taking things slowly, since I can tell I'm still healing, but at least I'm out there again. This really was the perfect time to take a break, too: the weather sucks right now, and it gets dark so early that it can be hard to find a safe time to run. For now, I'll use this time to get my strength back. I'll run indoors when I need to, outside when I can, and try to be better about doing some cross training as well. Yoga for runners is on the agenda for tonight.

Oh, and for accountability, here's where things stand with my resolution: 2 miles down, only 498 to go! It's a small start, but it's a start!