Sunday, March 1, 2015

#Run this Year 2015! February summary

Saw him this morning on my run. He may even have waved in solidarity...
For the Chicago area, this has been the coldest February and the snowiest February on record. I know other parts of the country have been affected too. My Facebook feed is full of posts from friends who are struggling to meet their running goals and/or train for races, including Boston. This winter has tested all our resolves. How did I do with my goals this month?


While I continued to train for what I hope is a sub-2 half marathon, the half marathon I'm training for has changed. Because of continued mama drama at my house, I pulled out of the Sarasota half marathon and cancelled the first half of my trip to Florida. This was a difficult and heartbreaking decision for me. I've had my eye on this race for 3 years. But putting my priorities in line was more important, and my son comes first. However, I didn't want to let all that training go to waste, and so I found a local half marathon on March 14, the same weekend as Sarasota. The silver lining is that 2 of my friends, my tribe, were planning on running it, and so I'll be in good company. I've got Sara riding down with me to keep me company. I won't lie, though, I'm certainly not as excited about this one as I was about Sarasota. Maybe next year...

I've got the weight of the world on my shoulders or at least it seems like it....still sore 3 days later...
Anyways, my training continues to be a bright spot in what was otherwise a challenging month for me. Becky and I completed my heavy lifting cycle and now she has had me doing CrossFit intervals. Lots of burpees (my nemesis) and time on the rower. The hardest thing she's had me do was lunges with a 50# sack of shit  something on my shoulders. As I write this, I'm still feeling pain in my glutes. My foam roller and I have been inseparable the last couple of days. But I'm not complaining. My mile splits on all my runs have been fast, my hamstrings have been cooperative, and I've been finishing my runs with a smile on my face, even in spite of the cold.

Lots of snoga this month. Half moon on the run.
For the month of February, I also participated in the #TaketheLeap 30 day yoga challenge. Similar to a running streak, I've done and posted a yoga pose every day. This has been really fun for me, and it's been nice to see the pictures of myself in various poses, since I never have seen myself doing yoga. Some are prettier than others... Some of my friends want to continue the streak, but it has been challenging at times to get the poses in and posted, and so I'm on the fence. I found another yoga challenge,  this one on instagram, 30d of handstand prep, sponsored by Alo, and that might be kind of fun. I will continue with my weekly yoga session though.



The blog continues to grow! This month I received news that I was accepted as an ambassador for Girls Gone Sporty! And even better news, I was contacted by The Active Times to be a featured blogger and maybe write some articles for them. I'm so excited about this opportunity. I also was featured on Another Mother Runner--not once but twice, once for a story I submitted about breaking up with a unwanted running partner and for my frosty running selfie that I posted in one of their weekly piles of miles posts on Facebook. Writing is my passion, and I'm really thrilled to have all these opportunities coming my way. I also launched the Taking the Long Way Home Book Club and am really happy about the response. The linkup will go live March 14. Have you picked up the book yet? Click on the link to learn more.

My boys and me. Hoping for some more magical sunsets on our trip this year.
But in spite of all this good news and good running and good training has been the black cloud of the mama drama looming over me. I've written a little bit about it, actually, I write about it almost every time I post because it's always on my mind. He's on my mind at work, when I see new parents with their infants and I think about all the dreams they have for their child. I think about him when parents of toddlers share their struggles with me--oh, I'd go back to those days in a heartbeat. I look at him and my heart just breaks. Do you know that feeling? As mad as I get at him (and let's just say those slam balls Becky gives me to do are therapeutic), I just love him all the more. All I have to say is that raising teenagers is tough. Some kids are easy and just move through adolescence without any major issues. And others struggle...with self esteem, acceptance, trying to find their place in this very challenging world. As his parents, my hubs and I continue to take this challenge day by day, and stay optimistic that he will find his frontal lobe and start thinking logically. Either that, or I'm going to call the neurosurgeon and see if he's willing to do a transplant...



Goals met. Miles total 102; YTD 209

So that's February! Overall, it's been a productive month. I'm hoping for a PR in 2 weeks...and then we head to the beach for some R and R and R. Rest, relaxation, and running!

How was your month? How are you doing on your goals?

I'm linking this post up with Tara at ReadingNRunning for her Weekend Update. I'm looking forward to reading her LR Marathon Race Report! Head on over and check it out.

46 comments :

  1. Your older son looks just like you. <3.
    I related to every word you wrote. I've been there. I know. Even though the journey will never be eay, it does get better. It really does.
    You 50 lb. weight photo caption breaks my heart.
    Hugs to you my friend.

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    1. Thank you. I'm so grateful for my friends. I can't do this alone.

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  2. Parenthood certainly has its challenges. We have plenty of drama in our house with a son who's about to turn 13 and a 10 year old who's a very talented athlete but who faces challenges every day with his ADHD. Wouldn't change any of it, though! I've enjoyed your yoga poses and will check out the book club. Good luck in your half!

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  3. Thank you! One thing I've learned through all this is that I'm not alone in my parenting adventure.

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  4. continued hugs to you, Dear Friend :-) Stay strong and keep that smile shining. Your dedication to yoga has helped reignite my interest in it. I still do not love it, but I hate it substantially less these days LOL. And I realize it will only get "easier" by continued practice...but really, does yoga ever get easy? You always can lunge deeper or hold those balance poses longer.....it's very humbling. And that's a good thing :-)

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    1. That's the thing with yoga...you can always go deeper in a pose. It never ends! <3

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  5. Still bummed you had to cancel your FL race but I'm glad you found a local sub and first things first, right?

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  6. I"m glad you were able to find another race to do, I know how disappointing that must have been. I'm getting nervous to have my little guys grow up!!

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  7. Good luck while you continue to train for your PR race coming up. I know it's not as exciting as your other one but at least you found one! Congratulations on becoming an ambassador! How exciting! Hopefully you will be getting some great goodies.
    -L

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    1. Mostly, I'm excited about connecting with other fitness minded bloggers! That has been the best thing about all of this.

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  8. Ahhh! Oh no - I'm so sorry you had to postpone Sarasota. I know how much you were looking forward to that. However, the brain transplant for the teenager seems like an option. :) I'm glad you were able to adjust your schedule!! All of the things you have gone through will just make you stronger to make that PR right??

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  9. Despite all the challenges you have killed it this month! I'm so inspired by all your outside runs. I wish I had your motivation!
    And this book club...How do I join??

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    1. It's nothing formal...just read the book and post a review on your blog/link to my review on 3/14 OR you can post a review in the comments. There's a tab at the top of my blog for the book club and the book of the month. I'm actually going to send some questions to the author! It's been kind of fun so far!

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  10. Don't give up on Florida! I want to meet up with you at a race one day- :) My hubby and I have 3 boys all together (only one is mine) but UGGG I feel for you- the youngest is graduating this year and lord the drama....... and I am just the step Mom and the Mom well........we will need a glass of wine my friend! Sending you warm thoughts! Your training schedule is very impressive by the way!

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    1. Oh for sure, I love my Florida halfs! Hopefully next year I can run Sarasota.

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  11. Hugs my friend. Mama drama is no joke. Some days I don't know how I made it through without pulling ALL of my hair out.

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  12. Congratulations fellow GGS Sister! I could not be happier with the love and support I've found with this great group of gals! What a bummer you can't run the race you want but you found another one and put your family first. I hope this times passes and chuckled at your phrase about the transplant! At least you can find humor in a difficult time! :) Hugs to you and keep up the great motivation for the rest of us!

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    1. Oh yes, inappropriate at times, my sense of humor has got me through many a tough spot!

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  13. WOW, that bag is impressive. And this is NOT your heavy lifting cycle?!! You say lifting has helped with speed and endurance, like getting better at the marathon? Maybe I need to find some time post Boston before I start training for my fall race to get into heavier work than I've been doing. I'm such an ectomorph it doesn't take much to make my muscles too sore and tired to the point it affects my running. More research required.

    Sorry your son & family are having such a tough time. Sounds like you're doing the best you can for him (and yourself, also important) on this bumpy patch of road. I wish you all the best.

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    1. After I turned 50, I did a lot of research into what I could do to stave off the inevitable slowing down and muscle atrophy. Seems like lifting weights is the key!

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  14. I hope things get better for your son, soon! He is lucky to have you to help him :)

    And I am happy you could find a local race for your half!

    I want a 50 lb bag! We only have 30s, so I will have to double up! :)

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  15. Awesome job Momma! Oh, and no worries on that sub 2 half.. I know you've got this. That's my goal (some day).. not sure it will be this year because of the injury.. but some year. And I too HATE burpees.. They are so simple yet so hard for me to do!!! Congrats on your accomplishments for Feb. I can't wait to see what you do for March.

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    1. I'm hoping for good things to come, for the luck of the Irish to bring me a PR that day!

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  16. I predict you nail your sub 2 and surprise yourself by absolutely enjoying your substitute race with your running buddies! You are ready! Some of my favorite races were rinky-dink, nothing special courses. Some of the biggest disappointments were big destination races. You never know - so let yourself be open to the experience. Friends make a huge difference too.

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  17. Wendy, Debi (from Girls Run the 901) and I talked about you during the race yesterday! We mostly discussed your crazy ice pictures and what a trooper you are for getting out in the brutal Chicago weather - GAH! You are our HERO! Thanks so much for linking up with the blog again this week; I hope yours is off to a great start.

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    1. Awww...so glad I could at least be with you guys virtually! :) you made my day!

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  18. Since we just connected I don't know all the back story on your trials and tribulations with your son, but as the mother of a son who was kicked out of high school as a senior (twice), I can only say that this too shall pass. My son is still not perfect, but now he is a 33 year old responsible man, with a lovely woman in his life, who loves me almost as much as I love him. Hang in there mama.

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    1. I may need to communicate with you privately. Thanks for reaching out to me! Everyone I know tells me the same thing. But it's so painful to live through...

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  19. We all want the best for our family--but sometimes we have to do the best for us until they get themselves figured out. I hope that everything is under hand speedily. And Speaking of, speed to your feet in 2 weeks!

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  20. Sorry you had to cancel your Sarasota race. I know you've been eyeing it for a while now. Family is more important, and hope things get better with your son. I've been thinking about your relation with him since you posted a story about him late last year. Best to your local race. Sub 2 seems easy for you.

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    1. I hope so. I just want things to calm down a bit, so I can get my head in the game!

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  21. Agh. I literally have been having parenting struggles and said, outloud, (to myself or anyone who would listen) "parenting is HARD!" It really sometimes, is so easy-breezy, then it knocks you off your feet! Running is my therapy. Truly. Therapy for parents! Great post! I hope you have a great vacation~

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    1. Parenting is not for the wimpy. I never bargained for this...!

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  22. Welcome to the girls gone sporty sistahood! I'm excited to see what your March brings and I'll be cheering loud from Maine on the 14th! #CrazyMamaRunner

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    1. I hope I'll be able to hear you with all that snow you guys keep getting! I hope it melts soon and you get outside!

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  23. Yay for you! I faltered in February and finished in just under 70 miles for the month. I didn't set a goal of 100 in February, so I guess it is my own fault that I'm disappointed in my total! I'm set for March and am so far on track to meet the 100 mile goal for the month. RTY has been very helpful in keeping my motivation up!

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    1. Well, February is a much shorter month! No excuses for March... :p

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  24. Congrats on all of your victories in February! I enjoyed seeing your yoga poses...I really need to get back into yoga but I've struggled with fitting it in with my race training. Hopefully things will get better with your son.

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    1. In spite of all my personal drama, it still was a good month.

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