Parenting is hard. Some days I feel like a complete failure at it. It seems there is always someone who is unhappy and I’m constantly trying to keep the peace around here. Some days are easier than others … today is a rest day for me and maybe that’s one reason why I’m having a harder time? Running helps me make sure that I take some time out of the chaos to collect myself and find some solace, some balance. I know rest days are important and I honor them because of that, but I am thinking I need to find a way to still take time for myself – even if it’s just 30 minutes – to relax and do something peaceful for ME. So I can reset myself and feel stronger for my little people and the things I need to do to be the best mother I can be. To take a deep breath.
I’m sorry right now if this post is all over the place. I have a few random thoughts to share …
First of all, I have a race this weekend! I’m running the GW Parkway Classic 10 Miler in Alexandria, VA on Sunday morning. It is a beautiful race – one of my very favorites. Last year this race was my first race after having Baby Gus. He was not quite 10 weeks old and the race fell on my 35th birthday. It was a wonderful day! My goal was to RUN the whole thing, at whatever pace felt comfortable. I ran it in just around a 10:00/mile pace and smiled the whole way. This year I intend to completely blow that out of the water and race my heart out. The forecast is supposed to be perfect running weather – cool, cloudy and drizzly. This mama is ready to race. My current 10 Miler PR is a 1:18 and I am shooting for under 1:15. I think I am capable of a 1:11 though and am going to go for that. I really cannot wait to run fast.
Speaking of running fast, this Monday I did a tempo run and I’m already seeing improvement with my speed. Two weeks ago I did the three tempo miles is 7:00, 7:11 and 7:16. This week they came in at 7:03, 7:17 and 6:40. Not really consistent yet, but I actually felt so much better and stronger and more confident this week than I have since making tempos a weekly thing. I think this is going to bode well for me in these next couple of months as I run some shorter races.
For my shorter races this spring I am wearing some new kicks! I have been a huge fan of the Saucony Kinvara 2 since December of last year. It is my **favorite** racing shoe – my fast shoe. I wore them for my marathon last month and I was so glad that I did. Saucony is updating the shoe and will be releasing the Kinvara 3 next month. I can’t tell you how excited I was when I found out that I would get to test them out before the release date! Earlier this week I received the Kinvara 3 and I am in love. I will be racing in them this weekend and next week I will post a review of the shoe for you guys. So exciting. These shoes are awesome.
In other news, my sister Jodi’s ACL surgery is scheduled for May 2nd! She is hanging in there and doing her best to stay positive and look at the bright side. It’s not easy, but if anyone can do this it is her. Baby Gus and I have been visiting her every day – I’m really excited for when we can hang out on the trails again but for now any time we have together will suffice. I am so proud of my sister for being so strong.
My day is still in crazy mode — I have to run upstairs to wake up the baby so we can go pick up Will and then Abby from school. When we get home I just want to BE with my kids and enjoy their company. The weekend is just about here and we need some quality time together. Between the tee ball games and other obligations and errands and of course, my race – I just want to be with my husband and children and soak up these special moments together.
I hope you guys all have a fantastic weekend!!
