Since completing my first half marathon earlier this month I'm finding it difficult to make time for myself. I know I've said it a million times before but I don't like spending time away from Liam unless he's asleep, I'm a working mom and therefore I only get maybe 3 hours with him after work each day. I'm blessed that V and I have similar work schedules and that Liam sleeps 12 hours at night, this allows many opportunities for me to take "me" time.
The problem lies with me actually taking the time and using it for myself. I typically run around like a mad woman cleaning, organizing and doing things that could easily wait for another day. I'm taking a bit of a break from running too, running is certainly me time but my body needs restoration.
Last night though I went out of my way for some Jen time. After Liam went down I told V I was going to run errands and I intended to but my nails have been bugging me for....ever. I'm not usually that girl that wants a manicure, sure I like them but I also enjoy doing my own nails. Lately though my hands have been rough and my cuticles a hot mess, it was time. I would typically want to go to a nice spa and enjoy a fancier manicure but it was 8pm on a Monday night, only the express place in the mall would still be open. I jetted over there and after a short wait my nail were being primped and polished! I got to sit in relative silence, enjoy some Olympics (Volley Ball) and come out feeling pretty, success....sweet success! I no longer had time to run the errands I wanted to accomplish, all the placed I had hoped to hit up were closed and I couldn't have cared less! I stopped at the grocery store near our home to get a few things, got gas and headed home. I literally pranced through the door, I felt that good about myself (new moms are easy to please!) I declared no errands were accomplished, I got a manicure! V just smiled; good!
Tonight Liam is down for the count, he's getting two more teeth (on the tops) and it's wiping him out. V is playing video games and I think I'm going to ignore the chores I could do and look for a new book! (V got me a kindle fire for My Birthday/Mother's Day and I love it!!! I've already read: Kisses from Katie, Girl Walks Into a Bar, Bossypants & Where You Left Me.)
I hope each of you are having a lovely Tuesday!
-Jen
Showing posts with label self confidence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self confidence. Show all posts
July 31, 2012
July 9, 2012
The Day After {My First Half Marathon}
Today has been slightly surreal. It's hard to believe that yesterday really did happen. When my alarm went off at 6am I was completely confused and really wanted another hour of sleep! Putting my feet to the floor was slightly painful and I was a bit stiff but I didn't have time to be stiff-life was calling! I showered and got ready for work before Liam was awake (typical day), not gonna lie I was hobbling around! I specifically chose to wear a dress to work and dressy sandals so I didn't have to deal with pants and heals. After Liam was up we all ate breakfast and before we knew it the time had come to head out.
The work day was long and short all at once. My boss and co-worker also did the half marathon (my boss did her first half marathon last year and my co-worker did her first full last year). For every one minute of work we did we talked about the race for eight minutes, it was really funny! My boss commented several times that we were all still on a runner's high! I could tell my body wasn't handling sitting at a desk all day well; it craved a walk, some stretching, salad and sunshine. No dice. Thankfully we all did go to lunch and enjoyed some Mexican food which also meant a short walk in the sun.
Finally quitting time rolled around, I thought for sure I could at least get Liam out for a quick walk right when I got us home. No dice again, it starting to thunder before we even got around the block. After feeding all of us, Liam needed a bath and suddenly it was 7pm and Liam was exhausted so we put him to bed. Freedom! V totally understood and set me free! I went to Target and just wondered around. I emerged to cooler temps (it had been upper 90's earlier in the day). I returned home and walked around our neighborhood, it felt so good to just walk! After a while I was missing my hubby so I went home and snuggled until bed time (well, I blogged just before heading to bed, wink-wink).
The funny thing is I sorta feel like I did last summer, right after having Liam. My priority (second to taking care of my family) is listening to my body, I'm eating what I feel called to eat and, when possible, just doing what will help it heal. I feel great now, I'm super happy and proud of this accomplishment....and just might be already planning my next (much shorter) run/race. Hehe!!
Nighty-Night!
Jen
July 8, 2012
My First Half Marathon
Bucket List Item Accomplished!
I slept surprisingly well the night before, I had gone to bed around 8:30p and would say I was out by 9:15p. I woke up a few times during the night but nothing that I couldn't go right back to sleep, I got up right before my alarm would have gone off at 4am sharp. I had everything I needed in the living room as to let V rest. I must admit I enjoyed the silence and my own wondering thoughts. It was the first time I really started to think about crossing the finish line. After I as all dressed I stood in the bathroom and just looked at my reflection for a moment; WOW, I really did it, I'm really here and I'm about to do this! There was no fear just a general "wow" feeling. I ate some scrambled eggs and a tiny cup of coffee and before I knew it I had to head out.
I drove under the cover of night through our city to downtown (just blocks from our home), parked my car and scurried over to the bus line. Luckily I ran into a friend! We both shared nervous chatter in line and on the bus ride. Our city was still in slumber when we arrived at the stating area. We still had a good 40 mins so we stretched, warmed up a little and took potty breaks. They lit off fireworks every 15 minutes as a countdown to start time, the sun wasn't up yet and it was a fitting celebration. My friend and I parted ways as we both had different race styles.
Then at 6am sharp BOOM! With a cannon shot the race began! I was near the front but slower so I made sure to move to the side so others could pass. I jogged for a few miles then decided to conseve energy and start my walk/jog pattern (not timed just according to my body's direction). We started in a less populated area, the river was so pretty! Even at that early hour people had come out of their homes to cheer us on! My mother-in-law surprised me throughout the race three times! I knew she planned the first one, the second time had me super teary (I had to pull it together quickly as to not trigger my asthma), the third time she had V and Liam! I felt so very loved!
The first 8 or so miles of the race didn't seem that difficult, other than the fact that the race organizers didn't have as many gels as I assumed from the race material. Until 9 I was running on mostly Gatorade! Yikes! Finally around mile 10 I was able to get a gel pack and an orange! It was exactly what I needed to finish the race! Also around this time my co-worker found me! She had some difficultly getting her training runs in so I was happy to see that she had indeed decided to do the race!
Along the race I texted V, my bestie E and another friend where I was and when I expected to be done. The last three miles were hard and I had to walk a lot. In the back of my mind I really hoped to finish in less than 3 hours (I knew I could do this if I kept my average of a 12 min/mile). I promised myself I'd be happy as long as I finished the race! The people cheering us at the end were extra nice and supportive You are doing great! Keep going! You are ALMOST there!! They called out! Many of them throughout the race had sprinklers out in the street for us to run through, this was especially helpful now! I couldn't have cared less if I ruined my ipod and phone as long as I got to cool off for a minute!
Around mile 12 the first full marathoner lapped me! He would be the winner doing 26.2 miles in 2:32! Dang! I rounded the last corner determined to run/jog to the finish line! Then out of the corner of my eye was my bestie! She had a prime spot and would take the pics I've posted below! She kept cheering me as I slowly inched toward the finish line (I really needed her support right then!!)
I remember hearing a stranger say Smile they are taking pictures! But I was spent, my exhausted look was all I could give....until....the finish line, in all it's glory there it was!!! We all had these chips on our shoes to give us official times, they also provided the announcer our names so as we crossed they would call them out, not gonna lie it was one of the most awesome moments of my life! A metal was placed around my neck by a stranger that I really wanted to hug! But...I hadn't seem my mother-in-law, V or Liam....had I missed them? I wondered. I had just seen them 4 miles ago. Then to my left there they were! I started to ball because, well, that is who I am...it's a knee jerk reaction. Liam was completely confused. I was still in the "runners only" area so I told them I'd see them shortly. I should also mention this is where I started to go into my own little world. It was like my body was on auto pilot and high at the same time! Thankfully you are forced to go through a area where you can get beverages and food if you choose. I choose water and some fruit. My co-worker found me again and we kinda half spacey chatted (I have no idea what we talked about!)
Then I passed back into the real world and out of the "runners only" area. V, Liam, mother-in-law and bestie were all waiting to congratulate me! I also have no recollection of what we spoke about. I remember some pictures being taken and holding Liam though my body didn't feel strong enough to. We went down to the runners after gig and my body was quickly coming back to reality, time to get home!
At home I quickly showered, I've never felt so gross in my lifetime! While Liam napped I ran out and got the food my heart desired, came home and ate with V. It's almost 8pm now and I still haven't napped. I'm begining to feel the wear of the day and after this I plan on hitting the hay. It's back to the real world tomorrow, it seems so unfair to have such a life changing day today and have to work tomorrow!
This will surely be just the first of many half marathons for me! Currently I don't plan to do a full marathon but I guess you never know!
Much Love
-Jen
I slept surprisingly well the night before, I had gone to bed around 8:30p and would say I was out by 9:15p. I woke up a few times during the night but nothing that I couldn't go right back to sleep, I got up right before my alarm would have gone off at 4am sharp. I had everything I needed in the living room as to let V rest. I must admit I enjoyed the silence and my own wondering thoughts. It was the first time I really started to think about crossing the finish line. After I as all dressed I stood in the bathroom and just looked at my reflection for a moment; WOW, I really did it, I'm really here and I'm about to do this! There was no fear just a general "wow" feeling. I ate some scrambled eggs and a tiny cup of coffee and before I knew it I had to head out.
I drove under the cover of night through our city to downtown (just blocks from our home), parked my car and scurried over to the bus line. Luckily I ran into a friend! We both shared nervous chatter in line and on the bus ride. Our city was still in slumber when we arrived at the stating area. We still had a good 40 mins so we stretched, warmed up a little and took potty breaks. They lit off fireworks every 15 minutes as a countdown to start time, the sun wasn't up yet and it was a fitting celebration. My friend and I parted ways as we both had different race styles.
Then at 6am sharp BOOM! With a cannon shot the race began! I was near the front but slower so I made sure to move to the side so others could pass. I jogged for a few miles then decided to conseve energy and start my walk/jog pattern (not timed just according to my body's direction). We started in a less populated area, the river was so pretty! Even at that early hour people had come out of their homes to cheer us on! My mother-in-law surprised me throughout the race three times! I knew she planned the first one, the second time had me super teary (I had to pull it together quickly as to not trigger my asthma), the third time she had V and Liam! I felt so very loved!
The first 8 or so miles of the race didn't seem that difficult, other than the fact that the race organizers didn't have as many gels as I assumed from the race material. Until 9 I was running on mostly Gatorade! Yikes! Finally around mile 10 I was able to get a gel pack and an orange! It was exactly what I needed to finish the race! Also around this time my co-worker found me! She had some difficultly getting her training runs in so I was happy to see that she had indeed decided to do the race!
Along the race I texted V, my bestie E and another friend where I was and when I expected to be done. The last three miles were hard and I had to walk a lot. In the back of my mind I really hoped to finish in less than 3 hours (I knew I could do this if I kept my average of a 12 min/mile). I promised myself I'd be happy as long as I finished the race! The people cheering us at the end were extra nice and supportive You are doing great! Keep going! You are ALMOST there!! They called out! Many of them throughout the race had sprinklers out in the street for us to run through, this was especially helpful now! I couldn't have cared less if I ruined my ipod and phone as long as I got to cool off for a minute!
Around mile 12 the first full marathoner lapped me! He would be the winner doing 26.2 miles in 2:32! Dang! I rounded the last corner determined to run/jog to the finish line! Then out of the corner of my eye was my bestie! She had a prime spot and would take the pics I've posted below! She kept cheering me as I slowly inched toward the finish line (I really needed her support right then!!)
I remember hearing a stranger say Smile they are taking pictures! But I was spent, my exhausted look was all I could give....until....the finish line, in all it's glory there it was!!! We all had these chips on our shoes to give us official times, they also provided the announcer our names so as we crossed they would call them out, not gonna lie it was one of the most awesome moments of my life! A metal was placed around my neck by a stranger that I really wanted to hug! But...I hadn't seem my mother-in-law, V or Liam....had I missed them? I wondered. I had just seen them 4 miles ago. Then to my left there they were! I started to ball because, well, that is who I am...it's a knee jerk reaction. Liam was completely confused. I was still in the "runners only" area so I told them I'd see them shortly. I should also mention this is where I started to go into my own little world. It was like my body was on auto pilot and high at the same time! Thankfully you are forced to go through a area where you can get beverages and food if you choose. I choose water and some fruit. My co-worker found me again and we kinda half spacey chatted (I have no idea what we talked about!)
At home I quickly showered, I've never felt so gross in my lifetime! While Liam napped I ran out and got the food my heart desired, came home and ate with V. It's almost 8pm now and I still haven't napped. I'm begining to feel the wear of the day and after this I plan on hitting the hay. It's back to the real world tomorrow, it seems so unfair to have such a life changing day today and have to work tomorrow!
This will surely be just the first of many half marathons for me! Currently I don't plan to do a full marathon but I guess you never know!
Much Love
-Jen
June 1, 2012
My {Running} Addiction
Finding the time to run is a challenge but it's always worth it once I'm out there doing it. Last night was the perfect example of this. V made dinner after he got home around 5:45p, we all ate and before we knew it Liam's bedtime had arrived. I changed into my running clothes, got Liam ready for bed, V gave him the last bottle of the evening and I read to him. Soon V was placing our little blessing in his bed and I was headed out the door. I always stop to tell V exactly where I am going and how long it should take, it's just something I have to do.
7:30ish I was out the door and on the pavement. One earphone playing my favorite songs and the rhythm of my pace carried me away. There are a few things I must be worried about because they kept bouncing through my mind, each time I'd push them away and just enjoy the moment. Not to mention I had to pay attention to traffic on my way to the trail. It was a comfortable 65 degrees, I was working hard enough that I needed to take off my top layer shirt, the cooler air felt so good as I went along the winding river path. There is what some call a "running community" here, and now that I consider myself a runner I understand why! It is beautiful place to run, running here has given me a new understanding and love of this city. I wish I could eloquently describe how running clears my mind but my words are too simple, the peace and silence is such a blessing! I almost always feel like I have a fresh perspective and the energy to take on the world after a run.
I logged four miles last night, had you told me six months ago that I would be doing this I would have laughed at you. Doing a marathon has always been on my bucket list but I guess I never really thought it was achievable considering I've had asthma for 20 years. I don't even recall why exactly I took up running this spring but I did and the more I did it the more I thought I really could do the half marathon this summer! Now it's a true joy and passion in my life. I'm deeply concerned about running in the fall and winter, running on a treadmill just isn't the same...in fact it's mind numbing comparatively. Before I knew it 50 minutes had passed, I was back at my front door dripping sweat, feeling so relaxed and ready for a snack and shower. I always get the best rest the night after a good run!
Two of my co-workers run with their children, age 17 and 11, I genuinely hope that one day running is a hobby that Liam and I can enjoy together. Perhaps that should be on my bucket list (although if running isn't his thing that is ok).
Much Love
-Jen
(*written 5/31, I didn't have time to post it)
7:30ish I was out the door and on the pavement. One earphone playing my favorite songs and the rhythm of my pace carried me away. There are a few things I must be worried about because they kept bouncing through my mind, each time I'd push them away and just enjoy the moment. Not to mention I had to pay attention to traffic on my way to the trail. It was a comfortable 65 degrees, I was working hard enough that I needed to take off my top layer shirt, the cooler air felt so good as I went along the winding river path. There is what some call a "running community" here, and now that I consider myself a runner I understand why! It is beautiful place to run, running here has given me a new understanding and love of this city. I wish I could eloquently describe how running clears my mind but my words are too simple, the peace and silence is such a blessing! I almost always feel like I have a fresh perspective and the energy to take on the world after a run.
I logged four miles last night, had you told me six months ago that I would be doing this I would have laughed at you. Doing a marathon has always been on my bucket list but I guess I never really thought it was achievable considering I've had asthma for 20 years. I don't even recall why exactly I took up running this spring but I did and the more I did it the more I thought I really could do the half marathon this summer! Now it's a true joy and passion in my life. I'm deeply concerned about running in the fall and winter, running on a treadmill just isn't the same...in fact it's mind numbing comparatively. Before I knew it 50 minutes had passed, I was back at my front door dripping sweat, feeling so relaxed and ready for a snack and shower. I always get the best rest the night after a good run!
Two of my co-workers run with their children, age 17 and 11, I genuinely hope that one day running is a hobby that Liam and I can enjoy together. Perhaps that should be on my bucket list (although if running isn't his thing that is ok).
Much Love
-Jen
(*written 5/31, I didn't have time to post it)
January 11, 2012
More Confidence, Less Give-a-Damn
Good Morning Peeps!
This morning I was dressing for work, I threw on a plum colored/v-neck dress [that I've had forever] with long black leggings and pulled my hair back into a pony with my bangs twisted to the side. Sounds pretty ordinary right? But for me it's not. During my pregnancy I lived in dresses and leggings because I was always so warm and didn't love the way maternity pants rubbed on my belly, dresses and leggings provided me the comfort every pregnant woman needs. Pre-pregnancy I didn't think I looked "right" in most dresses or leggings let alone combining the two.
Now I'm about 7lbs below my pre-pregnancy weight, and managing to get about two workouts in a week and I feel better about my body than I have in....a very long time. Pre-pregnancy I was a bit self-conscious about wearing certain outfits, for no good reason, even though I was a healthy weight I just didn't feel rigth in some outfits. Now something in my mind has clicked and I just don't care as much, I have much less give-a-damn ...all that matters is that I'm comfortable and I feel cute.
My body is much different than it used to be, the boobs will never be the same and I still have some remaining loose tummy skin. I don't love my naked body but I'm proud of it, it brought me the most amazing little boy on the face of the earth. Now that same body, fab and all, carries him around, plays with him, rocks him to sleep and comforts him...this body isgreat incredible and I will be am much kinder and accepting of her. This is a good [emotional] place, I like it here and I like my cute outfit!
I've got a lot to be proud of and much more importantly I want to teach Liam what a confident woman is like.
Much Love,
Jen
This morning I was dressing for work, I threw on a plum colored/v-neck dress [that I've had forever] with long black leggings and pulled my hair back into a pony with my bangs twisted to the side. Sounds pretty ordinary right? But for me it's not. During my pregnancy I lived in dresses and leggings because I was always so warm and didn't love the way maternity pants rubbed on my belly, dresses and leggings provided me the comfort every pregnant woman needs. Pre-pregnancy I didn't think I looked "right" in most dresses or leggings let alone combining the two.
Now I'm about 7lbs below my pre-pregnancy weight, and managing to get about two workouts in a week and I feel better about my body than I have in....a very long time. Pre-pregnancy I was a bit self-conscious about wearing certain outfits, for no good reason, even though I was a healthy weight I just didn't feel rigth in some outfits. Now something in my mind has clicked and I just don't care as much, I have much less give-a-damn ...all that matters is that I'm comfortable and I feel cute.
My body is much different than it used to be, the boobs will never be the same and I still have some remaining loose tummy skin. I don't love my naked body but I'm proud of it, it brought me the most amazing little boy on the face of the earth. Now that same body, fab and all, carries him around, plays with him, rocks him to sleep and comforts him...this body is
I've got a lot to be proud of and much more importantly I want to teach Liam what a confident woman is like.
Much Love,
Jen
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