So, running

10.05.2016

So, running. 

The struggle is real, you guys. As a full-time working mom of a one-year-old, it is just so hard to find the energy and time to squeeze running into my life. If running were not something I enjoyed doing, I probably would have just completely dropped it already, but it is something I really enjoy, so I make every effort to find time in my week to lace up my running shoes.

The last time I wrote about fitness (or lack thereof) on the blog was in this post at the end of June. I wrote that I was frustrated by my lack of fitness. Since then, my schedule has slowed down a bit and R stopped using bottles and is drinking whole milk out of cups, which seriously has been a game changer. You don't realize what a giant time suck breastfeeding and mixing bottles of formula and washing bottles is until you don't have to do any of it anymore. Wow. (I am currently still breastfeeding twice--at night and in the morning--but it hardly takes any time these days.)

I have been logging all of my runs into the Daily Mile app, and here's the breakdown of the miles I've run every month in 2016:
January: 28
February: 34
March: 34
April: 38
May: 19
June: 13
July: 18
August: 23
September: 24

These numbers probably sound great to someone who doesn't run at all, but they are laughable to anyone else. A lot of people run 30 miles a week and I'm excited because I ran that many in an entire month.

Almost a year ago now, last November, I wrote this post on 4 tips for fitting a workout into a busy schedule. I still think that's a great post with some useful advice, and this year I have personally been taking tip #2 to heart: remember that a short workout is better than no workout at all.

Before getting pregnant, I had gotten to a place in my running where it almost wasn't worth it to me to get all sweaty just to run 3 miles. That basically didn't feel like a workout at all. Now, I'm pushing R in the jogging stroller on 90% of my runs, and all I have time and energy for (but mostly time) are 2-3 miles. It's taken me a while to get the idea out of my head that a 2-mile run is a waste of time. In reality, it's better than nothing, and I know that I did the best I could to get out there in the first place at all!

Currently I take R out for a run with me on Saturday mornings, and I try to get at least 3.5-4 miles in. A couple of times I've done 6, which I was proud of. During the week, I try to run at least once, twice if I'm feeling extra motivated, and those runs are usually 2-3 miles because that's seriously all the time I have. Once we get back, I immediately hop in the shower and then we start the dinner, cleanup, bedtime routine. I have woken up early to run in the morning, but lately I've just been too tired, and setting my alarm for 4:45 sounds terrible so I haven't done that in a month or so.

The OKC Memorial Marathon registration recently opened, and I plan on signing up for the half marathon again (#11!). I would like to do another full marathon at some point in my life, but I'm not ready for that kind of commitment right now.

So that's where I'm at currently with running. Some days I'm proud of where I'm at, even though it's not even close to what I was doing three years ago. And some days I'm so tired and just feel like a blob. That's the truth. But I am happy I've stuck with running to some degree, and I hope that I can continue to run and inspire a love of running in R. I can't wait to sign her up for a kid's race!

Finally, I can't write a post about my running journey over the past year and not give a huge shoutout to Jordan, who has been so very supportive of this hobby of mine, helping me out whenever I ask and truly being a partner and helper to allow me to get out there and do something that makes me happy.

How do you fit exercise into your busy schedule? Do you find it hard to find the time and energy to workout even though you want to?
Ashley H said...

I had a break from any sort of working out January - June simply because I was working 50-60 hours/week and was exhausted all the time. I didn't have time or energy to run. Finally in July my hours returned to normal so I've been running again. This time I've incorporated weights into my work outs and I've already noticed a difference in my strength and stamina. I don't think you can judge your current abilities against past achievements or abilities. Things change, people change, situations are different. You just do what you do NOW and do the best you can.

Laura J said...

This resonates with me so much-- I try to make time to work out at least 4 times a week, and that is normally on the treadmill (not outside like I'd like) after I put the baby down. But you are so right -- 2 miles is better than nothing!! And agreed on how awesome it is just to pour some milk into a sippy rather than mixing, washing, giving bottles!

Chesson | Magnolia+Main said...

I think that you're doing great with your running! Sure, some people can log 30+ miles a week... but at least you're still getting out and doing what you love when you can :)

Rebecca Jo said...

I have always ALWAYS said I give mom's extra props who are runners. Its hard enough to fit in the time as a childless woman who is busy with life. I cant imagine having all the schedules of a baby to work around too.

Torrie said...

Kudos to you for still working hard to fit in running! My issue isn't so much one of time anymore, but of motivation. Apparently I either need a race looming over my head or a pregnancy to get me in the mood to run and run and run and run (or a really stressful group of students, which won't happen anymore).

Lately, to get myself to just go out and run at all, I've had to tell myself that I only have to go one mile. A lot of times, that's literally all I do, but at least I got out and did SOMETHING.

AnneMarie said...

Wow, you are totally rocking the working mom thing, and on top of that you run! WOW. Seriously, that's epic. I appreciate you mentioning that a short workout is better than no workout at all-it's hard for me to get motivated to actually drive several minutes to run (I don't live in a neighborhood conducive to running), so I do living room workouts crammed in with housework and other chores while Peter naps. In fact, I was planning to not do my workout today because I was feeling ultra-lazy, but...I think I need to do it now. Thanks for the encouragement :)

Katie @ Live Half Full said...

My approach to workout has changed a lot. These days I'm happy with a 10 minute workout vs nothing. I'm just proud to fit it in and stay consistent!

Audrey Louise said...

Oohf. Running is not my thing so 30 miles in a month looks great to me! (I know an avid runner would think differently but I'm impressed!) Yoga is my workout of choice but I've been sick for a week and it TOTALLY threw me off my yoga game. I'm so mad about it. I need to get myself back in the habit now. Ugh.

Laura Morgan said...

1. I was just going to ask how you get home from a full day of work and manage to crank out family dinner before 8:30 without also losing your sanity. Now that I realize you're also running in that time period...you go girl!

2. I was really gaining strength and flexibility with my power yoga, and now I'm having to scale back because I don't feel up to a million burpees followed by being upside down. That's frustrating, but I know I'll get back there eventually.

3. If I prep a meal beforehand, I'm more motivated to work out. It's still hard to get going a lot of the time, but it's easier if I know the food is almost ready.

4. It's really fun watching Ava try to do stretches and stuff with me. Maybe that will become more and more of a joint activity.

StephTheBookworm said...

Ohhh can I relate. I used to run all the time and was so passionate about it but feel like I have zero time and energy for fitness with a toddler and a FT work schedule. I've gone jogging here and there but I miss the long runs and training for events. I can hardly run anymore. It's awful. I need, need, NEED to find the time somehow!

Beka @ Sunshine to the Square Inch said...

I'm proud of you for keeping up with running. I know you don't log the miles you used to but I think fitness is about living a healthy life rather than logging 30+ miles / week. You just have to do what you can and leave it at that. Also, this past week after having an injured foot along with a weird skin issue, it's made me realize I'm really lucky to have two feet that can walk, even if I'm not as fit as I'd like.

Emily said...

I hope you patted yourself on the back after writing out your milage for the months. I know it's a decrease for you, but you are doing something!! Every day we tell our clients to just get up and MOVE their bodies. For five minutes, for ten, for twelve---whatever they can do. Move your body. Love your body.

Jamie said...

I ran a 10k at the end of April and then my milage disappeared. I was just starting to get back into running after all our travels this summer when I got sick - been having a lot of digestive issues [not fun] and the doctor advised me not to run :/ so I am one of those who is impressed and jealous of your lowly 2 mile runs! I've been doing a lot of walking but it's not quite the same. I hope signing up for the race will give you a boost of motivation for your training :)

Kayla MKOY said...

11 half marathons!? You are my hero. That's awesome!!! Girl, a 2-3 mile run is a huge exercise, I'm so glad you got that mentality out of your hear. Caleb and I have to constantly remind ourselves, "a 20 minute run may not be an hour run, but its better than no run at all" :)

Danielle said...

Gosh, I'm not even a mom and just school/marriage has cut my running down to about 20ish miles a month. I only manage to make it out for a run one or two days a week. I wish I had some tips on how to schedule it in more. BUT on the days when I don't run, I do make sure to do a really good cardio/strength workout. I'm so thankful that so many awesome workout videos are available online and for me, that's much easier to fit in than a run!

Kristen @ See You In A Porridge said...

I mean, i am not busy nor am I a parent, so take everything I say with a grain of salt. I have a problem with comparing myself, but not in a motivating way. Like, what's the point of going out and running 3 miles in 40 minutes when I used to be able to run 6 miles in well under 60? It feels pointless now, like I should just give up, or it's not worth it. Which is ridiculous, because the more I run those slow 3 milers, the closer I will get to my quick 6 milers. Maybe. We'll see. But anyway. It can be hard to adjust to life changes when it screws around with something you used to have complete control over. I think you're awesome for still trying and getting out there. focusing on anything is better than nothing is super important. i think you're doing a great job!

Rach said...

It's so true that a short workout is better than none at all! Atta girl for getting out there and running! And I think it's so cute to think of little R running kid races! Is that a thing? Do they really have timed 5ks for kids?

Julie @ Just the Joy's said...

11th half marathon?! That's awesome! I think your right, a short workout is better than none - therefore even a little bit of running that your doing is better than none at all! You've definitely got a great excuse for your "slacking" because your busy being supermom! Try not to be too hard on yourself if you don't get as many miles logged as you'd like to! :) If it makes you feel any better, your definitely not alone! Just when I started getting back into a groove with exercise and taking R on runs with me, I got pregnant again. And I haven't gotten back into a routine yet what so ever. Somedays it really gets me down and other days I just pour a glass of wine. Ha! :)

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