Bittersweet

I became a stay at home mom today.

While I am so grateful that Hubby had a job that provides for us financially so that I don't have to work, I am going to miss my job. My patients, my team, my boss - everyone was so kind and welcoming from Day One! I am happy to be able to stay home and enjoy these little years with my boys, but I am also sad to be leaving such wonderful people. I will forever treasure the lessons I learned.

So here's to more New Adventures!

RVA Race review

I did it again - signed up for a race with only 2 weeks to train. And I'm still waiting for the day when it will catch up to me. So far, I lead a charmed running life! :-)

Today, I ran the 2014 Richmond Half Marathon. Though I didn't get a PR (wonder why...), I count it as a win for many reasons. But I'm getting ahead of myself. 

I like bling. Race bling to be specific. Something about shiny medals hanging on my wall, providing proof of my hard work and insanity. 

Each medal had a story. This one reveals my problem for shiny things, because yes, I signed up primarily because I liked this year's medal so much! 

But not only that. I love Richmond! The course is beautiful, the spectators are amazing, and it's home. And I like being just a little crazy. :-) Yesterday, Baby Thunder turned 11 weeks old. With Little Man, I ran Richmond - for the first time - 5 1/2 months postpartum. So yes, I like to challenge myself. Test my limits. So far, I've yet to find it. 

So, race review:

The thing about running while breastfeeding - you have to wake up extra early to pump before going out to run.  So, my alarm went off at 5:15am to give me extra time to pump, get dressed, and make espresso.  I carpooled with a friend since Hubby was coming later with the boys, and we managed to be in the city and parked by 7am!  It got up to 28 degrees by the time we made it to the start.  Note here about Caty:  I do not like the cold.  More than that, the Cold does not like me!  Nearly every race that I run in months other than June, July, or August (and occasionally September) find me in the medic tent at the finish line to be treated for hypothermia.  So for the start to be extra cold, and the day to not get above 45 degrees was definitely cause for concern.  However, I bought 2 zip ups from Goodwill and bought Thermacare back heat packs to keep on my core for as long as needed (huge shout out to my running buddy for this genius idea!).   Thanks to this extra preparation and heating pads that work quickly, I stood at the starting line at 7:30am feeling relatively comfortable.  

At the starting line, I happened to be standing behind a former MTT teammate and his wife.  Around mile 3, Jennifer (the wife) caught up with me and helped pace/keep me company until mile 10.  From my hips down to my feet (in brand new shoes - stupid, I know) hurt, but at the same time I felt so energized.  I love running with "my people" - reading the signs, hearing spectators cheer for you, encouraging other runners.  It felt so good to be back out there doing what I love - running long distance.  

This is the first race where I didn't have a plan for pace, fuel, or hydration.  I just ran to finish and have fun.  I ended up eating a Honey Stinger at mile 8, and drank Powerade at every other water stop.  My 1.5 liter Camelbak was empty by the time I hit mile 11; I did try to remember to drink frequently to prevent the hypothermia. 

At mile 10, we caught up to Mike (my former teammate).  I left Jennifer with him and spent the last 5k alone.  It felt good to push my aching legs a little faster.  I crossed the finish line in 2:15:05, a full 10 minutes faster than my first Richmond half when I was 5 1/2 months postpartum with Little Man.  It's also my third fastest half.  Like I said - I like pushing my limits... 

Hubby captured this picture on the downhill finish

The best part of the whole race - knowing this was waiting for me at the finish!

The one bad thing about this race - taking off my shoes and realizing that I will be losing at least one toenail in the very near future. 

The lack of Halloween

People have been asking me what Little Man is going to be for Halloween this year. I've been getting very strange looks when I say, "Himself"! Let me explain...

I have a lot going in right now. Probably too much!
1. Hubby started this new job, which means he is gone Monday thru Thursday or Friday.
2. Which means I hold down the fort with a Terrible Two year old who no longer naps, and 8 week old who has decided he doesn't want to lie down to sleep this week. He only wants to sleep on Mommy, which means Mommy doesn't sleep, which doesn't work for anyone.
3. I signed up for the Richmond Half Marathon... in 3 weeks! So I'm running... but, that would be happening anyways, since that is my main coping mechanism.
4. I am taking my second - to - last college class for my BSN. Maybe not my smartest choice..
5. I'm starting to get a little desperate trying to find childcare so I get to go back to work. If I don't find anything, then I will take it as a sign that my working days are at an end, for now. But I really like my job, and I would really like my 2 mornings a week to be with adults! :-)

So no, a costume for my 2 year old is not even closer to my radar! And thank goodness he is young enough that it doesn't matter.

Next year may be a different story...

Better days

So far, last week was awful.  Little Man was having a major meltdown multiple times a day.  We had doctor appointments, Bible study, attempts at play dates that turned into a screaming battle of wills (him screaming at me, not vise versa).  Thankfully, this week is much better.  Is it a great week?  Not necessarily.  But we are managing, and I have not had a tearful breakdown.  The daily running has probably helped with that.  :)  Here is our week so far: 

My strength-training hill

This "hill" looks so easy, right?  Add a headwind/breeze and a 40+ pound double stroller, and this becomes no picnic!  So far, I've been taking the loop to run down it.  :)

Carl's ice cream in Fredericksburg

 

 

I may have over-dressed the boys for a "chilly" 70 degree run

 

Much better! After our first 2 miler together

Bedtime routine

I love this picture!  And no, Baby Thunder does not sleep with his brother.  We were reading a bedtime book as part of Little Man's routine, and Baby Thunder was starting to cry in his crib.  So, Little Man interrupts me and says, "Mommy, get Baby Funder."  Yes, he still calls him Thunder.  :)  So, I grabbed the baby, his pacifier, and my phone, and plopped him next to Little Man, who snuggled next to him.  And we finished reading Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.  :)  So for everyone who asks how Little Man likes his little brother, now you know.  :)

Daily miles

Since the horrendous Wednesday night last week, where Little Man and Baby Thunder took turns screaming at me for an hour starting the moment we got home from my Bible study, I have been running. Every single day.

I have never done a running streak before. I've always thought that you need to rest every other day to prevent injury. But for me, it is harder to get back out there when I've had a few days off. So now, I want to commit to ruining at least 1 mile every single day. 

I found this poster on Facebook last night. Much truth can be found in it!

Happy miles, everyone! 

A Running Update

Nothing like a bad week to make you realize how desperately you need to take care of your own needs. In my case, that means going for a run.  So on this gorgeous afternoon, I loaded up these two handsome men in our trusty Orange Stroller (as Little Man has named it) and took off.

Pre-run: Little Man is obviously excited to spend some quality time with his Goldfish

Pre-run: Baby Thunder seems excited to be riding without his carseat.

I'm not gonna lie - pushing a double stroller with nearly 40 pounds of boy is no joke.  Especially when there is a hill involved.  I need to plan my route a little better next time to avoid said hill, at least until I get a little stronger.  Speaking of which, can running with 2 boys count as strength training?  :) 

Post run

Even though my neck and shoulders are more sore from pushing the boys, this run felt amazing.  I feel an alertness that coffee cannot bring (despite not going to sleep until 2:30am and waking up every 2-3 hours, courtesy of Baby Thunder).  I feel happier than I have all week, and Little Man has actually gone nearly 3 hours without throwing a tantrum!  Which makes me realize something - I need to run.  Daily.  Or at least nearly every day.  Not only for losing those last 10 pounds or to Boston-qualify this spring; no, I need to run for my sanity.  To fight off the depression demons I feel closing in.  To feel awake and happy.

And if someone wants to watch my little men for even just 20 minutes, I would love to run in therapeutic peace.

New Adventures

Yes, the New Adventure has begun!  Two weeks ago, Hubby started his new job and I started my new life of being a stay at home mom (for my remaining 6 weeks) and single parent for 3-5 days per week!  Here is how we fared for week 1:

Monday - Hubby left in the afternoon since he didn't have to be down in Cary, NC until dinner time.  It was a dreary, rainy day, so the boys and I just kinda hung out.

Saying goodbye to Daddy/Hubby

Tuesday - I decided to take the boys and "Uncle Wo" (my middle brother) apple picking at Dickie Brothers Orchard in Roseland, VA.  Little Man enjoyed picking "green apples" and hanging out with the farm labs, despite one of them stealing his apple.

Wednesday - Little Man decided it was a good day to hang out in Baby Thunder's car seat.  Don't worry, he didn't stay there all afternoon.  :)  I also washed a bushel of apples, in prep for making applesauce.  Also, we went to a women's Bible study at church in the evening. 

One bushel of apples, waiting to be made into applesauce

 Thursday - My mom took me to Spirited Art as a belated birthday gift, where we drank wine and painted The Whimsical Fan.  Due to Hubby's new job, we will be relocating to Columbus, OH next spring/summer.  As such, I wanted to make a little bit of home to keep with me.  The Fan is a section of Richmond where Hubby and I first lived when we got married. Now, I can take it wherever I go!  :)

 And of course, since I was home all by myself all week, I got lots of snuggle time in with this little boy, at 11:30pm...

... and 4am...... not my favorite time of day...

Friday - Little Man talked on his "iPhone" aka the insert from Hubby's iPhone packaging, and we waited for 3pm to bring Hubby home!

Overall, we had some fun, there were not too many meltdowns, and WE SURVIVED!!!  :)