6 months postpartum

Wow, has it really been 6 months? I am not where I hoped to be physically, but that's OK. I've said it before, but two kids are really a lot of work. I am finally feeling back to my old self with regards to energy and desire to be productive. Yay!

In this month since my last check in, I've made a lot of progress. I've signed up for a race (4.5 mile trail run called the Mud and Chocolate Run). On Saturday, we went on a painfully slow and very challenging 4.5 mile run (I was just planning on 3, Drew wanted 4 but miscalculated). I've run at least twice a week. I've been happier and enjoyed my runs more often.

My goals for the next month or so are to be consistent with core work, run twice a week, swim once a week, try to get 5-a-day. And to be a pleasant but firm mommy.

Swims Lately

Swimming has been great. I really wish I had hit the pool earlier in this pregnancy. That being said, I feel like I've already improved in my fitness. I aim to go three times a week, but usually get to two. I swim for about a half hour. I try to get in by 5:45, and then I like talking to Drew for a bit before he leaves for work at 7ish, so my swims are shorter than I would like them, but I think that too much more would kill me right now. After all,I am starting from zero.

Each time I go, I am the slowest person in the pool. And that is ok. I just started. I'm 7 months pregnant (and such a shape is not ideal for fluid dynamic flow). I didn't do swim team growing up. I'm focusing on technique.

In swimming and in running, it doesn't matter if you are the slowest. What matters is that you are out there trying to improve, to get stronger, to enjoy a physical sport. And I don't think the other people really care (unless you are circle swimming and they want to get around you, and then you should let them pass at the end of the pool).

Last week, I had a great swim and did a lot of back stroke and my back felt it. On Saturday I went faster than usual and got a great, heart-pumping workout. This morning I focused on my freestyle form in my arms and feel my triceps, and I swam for 35 minutes and went 24 laps (I usually hit 20 in a half hour). I feel like I've been getting stronger and my endurance is improving. I feel good at the end of a swim. I don't feel pain in my hips or abdomen. Swimming has been good.

My goals for the next few months are to increase my stamina and work on my freestyle form.

Running And Health Goals, 2014

I am not sure what this year will bring. It is going to be crazy with two family trips in June and maybe a road trip in March and just the general busyness of life. But, I do have some goals for running and for my health.

Run two 10ks. At least two 10ks. This is a distance I have never done, and it is much more manageable than a half marathon when life gets busy. One will be in the spring and one in fall. Maybe I'll throw another in somewhere...

Improve my speed. I have been working on this since the half marathon. I went from and average pace of 11:30 to an average pace of 10:45. I would still like to cut that down. This will be done by doing sprinting and interval workouts.

Be more consistent. I really do enjoy running, but I make too many excuses. I need to make a schedule and just do it!

Eat more veggies and fruits. Because I do like produce, it should be easy to do. But sometimes it is just easier to have some bread and jam than it is to have an apple---and apples aren't even hard!

Floss. I am not good about this and it doesn't take much time. Just do it!

Support Drew in his running goals. He is thinking of running a marathon this year. He will, for sure, run a half. Being parents takes a lot of time. He was such a great support to me last year when I was training. I will support him in whatever races he chooses to do. It is tough to be parents and to want to run these long distances.

Lap swim. I love lap swimming. I need to discuss this with Drew, but this will either involve me getting a punch pass to a nice facility and swimming once a week of getting a gym membership for a place with a pool and going once or twice a week plus a weekly spin class. We'll see. Ugh money.

Walk with El more often. This girl loves being outside. I love that. We both like the fresh air so we should make sure we enjoy it together!


Today's workout
15 minutes of yoga
Core
Planned 3 mile run after the repairman comes and goes

What are some of your running and health goals for 2014?

Any advice for spousal support during marathon training?

On My Running Calendar: Early 2014 Races

Although I don't really want to train intensely during the winter, having a race or two will motivate me to keep running through the rain. I thought readers may like to hear about some races I considered running.

First Call Running Club New Year's Races, January 1, 2014
A local running club puts together a low key race every few months. The next one is the First Call to Run New Year's Race, and they will have half marathon, full marathon, and 50k distances. You have to be a club member to run, but after that, the races are free (donations welcome). Our friend just ran their Veterans Day half and loved it. It is along the beautiful Sammamish River Trail. It's pretty low key, so you need to carry a water bottle and fuel. I probably won't run this race, but maybe their next one in the coming year.

Rain Run, January 25, 2014
Since I need to redeem myself in another half marathon, I am considering this run. The Rain Run sounds like a fun one that also celebrates the PNW rain. I love the phrase on their website, "Seattle doesn't run from the rain, we run in the rain!" So true. My only problem is that I don't rally feel like training through the Christmas season when it is so dark out at night. I will decide if I am running this half marathon by the end of November.

Puddle Run, February 2, 2014
I really wanted to run in the Mill Creek YMCA Puddle Run. My neighbor told me about it and I think it sounds like a lot of fun and a great way to embrace the wet place we call home. There is a 5k race, 5 mile race, and a 1-mile race. There are races for kids, too. The race is really reasonably priced. I was disappointed when I realized that the race is on a Sunday! I don't run on Sundays and am bummed that I will miss this one.

Lake Sammamish Half, March 8, 2014
This race is the half that is the most darkly penciled in on my racing calendar. Lake Sammamish Half should be a good run on a beautiful trail. I haven't decided for sure yet, but I will probably run this race. It is far enough in advance that I will be able to comfortably build up my mileage.


So far, those are the races on my radar. If you are in the area, let me know about upcoming races! A reference or a friend always helps make a race better.

Today's workout
4 mile walk, 1:20:00ish
Core

I didn't make it on a run last night, darn headache. This morning I just felt like walking. I can take it easy this week because next week I'm going to stick to a training plan!


Do you have any races planned for the first quarter of 2014?

Do you have any specific running goals for 2014?
I have three. First, improve my pace. Second, PR in a half marathon. Third, support Andrew in his marathon training.