So, I set off this spring to do a 25K...the riverbank run this weekend. It coincided with my niece's 5th birthday also in GR, so it sounded like a great plan. However, after misisng my last 4 long runs in a row....due to either E's ears, people coming into town or life in general just getting in the way, I've decided to not do it after all. Could I do it? Yes, I beleive so. However, there would be a price to pay...and usually that is me ending up injured. So, I will adjust my goal and hopefully hit a 1/2 mary sometime in the next month or so instead...and continue my journey to a full marathon this fall in D-town as planned.
It is so hard to give up a goal...however my ultimate goal I set out to do 4 years ago...maybe longer...can't quite remember when it was...is a marathon...and I really don't want to end up injured now and not be able to train for that adequately.
But, as with a lot of things lately, I'm trying to take it in stride, not freak out and just keep running. I feel good after my run tonight and will adjust my goals.
On the positive side at least I'm still shedding some lbs....so that's something at least.
Anyway, off to bed soon. Almost the weekend! Hip Hip hooray!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
TWLOHA.....Dad
So, I'm going to make a departure really quick from my normal ramblings about life and write about something much off topic.
Today is To Write Love On Her Arms day....a day when people around the world quite literally write the word "LOVE" on their arms. Why? It is to raise awareness about the people we know or have known as well as the people who have been hurt by someone who struggles with depression, addiction, self-injury or suicide.
I think about my dad often(who passed away almost 3 years ago of an accidental prescription drug overdose)....but normally not as much until August or so...the month he died. But today brings back all those feelings, emotions etc. just rushing back. This day forces me to remember him. Its not all bad. My dad was a loving,caring one, but he struggled with depression for as long as I can remember. This I have no doubt led to his later addiction (well that and back pain) which saw to his premature passing.
A lot of things I may say on this post might seem like things others would say to keep to myself...but if there is even just one person who can learn something from it, then I think its well worth it.
My point is....let people know you love them and care about them....no matter if you feel like you are actually getting through or not. Just knowing you are there can do wonders for someone struggling with any of these issues.
My dad needed help, and he clearly never got the help he needed, or he would still be here. I tried to get him to help himself....I tried to get other people to convince him to get help....but to no avail. If you know ANYONE in your life who struggles with any of this stuff.....stop at NOTHING to try to get through to them. I think sometimes there truly isn't anything you can do...as the person suffering needs to help themselves....but sometimes they can be brought out of their dark world and shown the light they need to flourish.
Maybe this is TMI for most people I know....but its how I feel. I miss my dad...and it seems so unfair sometimes that he's gone already.....my little boy will never know his grandpa Leys. But...at the end of the day, at least my dad no longer has to live every day in pain...physically and mentally. Now he can rejoice in God's love,and wait....until I see him again one day.
Write LOVE on YOUR arms today and let those around you know about these issues.... that they don't need to be alone....and neither do you if you've been affected by this. This is a HUGE issue today.
Today is To Write Love On Her Arms day....a day when people around the world quite literally write the word "LOVE" on their arms. Why? It is to raise awareness about the people we know or have known as well as the people who have been hurt by someone who struggles with depression, addiction, self-injury or suicide.
I think about my dad often(who passed away almost 3 years ago of an accidental prescription drug overdose)....but normally not as much until August or so...the month he died. But today brings back all those feelings, emotions etc. just rushing back. This day forces me to remember him. Its not all bad. My dad was a loving,caring one, but he struggled with depression for as long as I can remember. This I have no doubt led to his later addiction (well that and back pain) which saw to his premature passing.
A lot of things I may say on this post might seem like things others would say to keep to myself...but if there is even just one person who can learn something from it, then I think its well worth it.
My point is....let people know you love them and care about them....no matter if you feel like you are actually getting through or not. Just knowing you are there can do wonders for someone struggling with any of these issues.
My dad needed help, and he clearly never got the help he needed, or he would still be here. I tried to get him to help himself....I tried to get other people to convince him to get help....but to no avail. If you know ANYONE in your life who struggles with any of this stuff.....stop at NOTHING to try to get through to them. I think sometimes there truly isn't anything you can do...as the person suffering needs to help themselves....but sometimes they can be brought out of their dark world and shown the light they need to flourish.
Maybe this is TMI for most people I know....but its how I feel. I miss my dad...and it seems so unfair sometimes that he's gone already.....my little boy will never know his grandpa Leys. But...at the end of the day, at least my dad no longer has to live every day in pain...physically and mentally. Now he can rejoice in God's love,and wait....until I see him again one day.
Write LOVE on YOUR arms today and let those around you know about these issues.... that they don't need to be alone....and neither do you if you've been affected by this. This is a HUGE issue today.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Training with a Baby....Learning Flexibility
So I realized today its been close to a month since I posted last....well there goes my goal of trying to do it once a week. Sigh. Oh well. I guess I will just resolve to do it as often as I have time and feel the need to unload.
So lots has happened. Ethan was baptized and looked just adorbale in his outfit Krista made for him out of my wedding dress. It was so special she was able to do that for us. It was nice to see so much of our family and friends come to celebrate such a special event with us.
Easter this year was a lot of fun! We went to church in the morning then went to my mom's for dinner. After a yummy meal, she and Mike had planned all kinds of activities for Ethan and his cuz Taylor. They went on an Easter Egg Hunt outside, played on the paddle boat in the pond and went for tractor rides! It was a gorgeous day out and fun was had by all!
So in the midst of regular life and such fun events, Chris and I are training. He is getting ready for his first triathlon in Aug...whoo hoo! I am training for ultimately a marathon in the fall, but hopefully will hit the 25k in G.R. next month. I have thus far stayed injury free...so the 25K goal is looking more realistic....just 4 weeks to go! We've been getting out several times a week as a family to run which has been great for us as well as Ethan to get outdoors together. He loves his stroller rides. He always smiles when we get to the park and realizes he'll be going in the stroller. Half the time he falls asleep mid-run, but seems to enjoy it nonetheless. We also try to get some swing or crawling in the grass time after our runs for him too. Being outside is so nice when the weather cooperates!
However, having a baby accompany you on your runs can be unpredictable. Such as Sunday when I had planned my 8.5 miler....and the little guy ended up with an ear infection...so off to the E.R. we went! Once it was all said and done and we were on our way with yet another antibiotic, and got home, got him his medicine, fed, changed etc....he was in such a good mood(thank you Motrin!) that we decided to get a short run in anyway....instead of cleaning the house which was on my "to-do" list for the weekend... think I made the right choice....though I'm not looking forward to this week and having to try to fit in my running along with clenaing each night to catch up as well. Sigh...the issues of a busy mom. :o)
So, we at least got 3.5 miles in...not great, and definitely not my goal of 8.5, but better than nothing. So, moving that run to Tuesday hopefully and then still hopefully get my 10 miler in this coming Sat or Sunday.
Yes, running with a baby is teaching me to be a bit more flexible, which hopefully will translate to other aspects of my life. Flexibility has not ever been my strong suit. I mean, if it isn't in the plan, why would I want to do it? :o) For you fellow planners out there, I'm sure you can relate. However, those of you with kids can also relate...when they don't feel good, you drop everything until you know they're o.k. And I'm totally o.k. with that. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for that little guy.
On another note..off to Ethan's regular doc's office this week to talk about tubes more than likely. April was the test....if he got an ear infection in April, they told us we'd be referred to an ENT. As long as they make my baby feel better I'm all for it. Poor little guy has been through a lot in his short little life.
Well, lunch is about at and end...and so is this post. Until next time.
So lots has happened. Ethan was baptized and looked just adorbale in his outfit Krista made for him out of my wedding dress. It was so special she was able to do that for us. It was nice to see so much of our family and friends come to celebrate such a special event with us.
Easter this year was a lot of fun! We went to church in the morning then went to my mom's for dinner. After a yummy meal, she and Mike had planned all kinds of activities for Ethan and his cuz Taylor. They went on an Easter Egg Hunt outside, played on the paddle boat in the pond and went for tractor rides! It was a gorgeous day out and fun was had by all!
So in the midst of regular life and such fun events, Chris and I are training. He is getting ready for his first triathlon in Aug...whoo hoo! I am training for ultimately a marathon in the fall, but hopefully will hit the 25k in G.R. next month. I have thus far stayed injury free...so the 25K goal is looking more realistic....just 4 weeks to go! We've been getting out several times a week as a family to run which has been great for us as well as Ethan to get outdoors together. He loves his stroller rides. He always smiles when we get to the park and realizes he'll be going in the stroller. Half the time he falls asleep mid-run, but seems to enjoy it nonetheless. We also try to get some swing or crawling in the grass time after our runs for him too. Being outside is so nice when the weather cooperates!
However, having a baby accompany you on your runs can be unpredictable. Such as Sunday when I had planned my 8.5 miler....and the little guy ended up with an ear infection...so off to the E.R. we went! Once it was all said and done and we were on our way with yet another antibiotic, and got home, got him his medicine, fed, changed etc....he was in such a good mood(thank you Motrin!) that we decided to get a short run in anyway....instead of cleaning the house which was on my "to-do" list for the weekend... think I made the right choice....though I'm not looking forward to this week and having to try to fit in my running along with clenaing each night to catch up as well. Sigh...the issues of a busy mom. :o)
So, we at least got 3.5 miles in...not great, and definitely not my goal of 8.5, but better than nothing. So, moving that run to Tuesday hopefully and then still hopefully get my 10 miler in this coming Sat or Sunday.
Yes, running with a baby is teaching me to be a bit more flexible, which hopefully will translate to other aspects of my life. Flexibility has not ever been my strong suit. I mean, if it isn't in the plan, why would I want to do it? :o) For you fellow planners out there, I'm sure you can relate. However, those of you with kids can also relate...when they don't feel good, you drop everything until you know they're o.k. And I'm totally o.k. with that. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for that little guy.
On another note..off to Ethan's regular doc's office this week to talk about tubes more than likely. April was the test....if he got an ear infection in April, they told us we'd be referred to an ENT. As long as they make my baby feel better I'm all for it. Poor little guy has been through a lot in his short little life.
Well, lunch is about at and end...and so is this post. Until next time.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Ear Infections and Work
So this week started out great! Great weather, Chris wasn't in Wooster as much as we thought he'd have to be,it was great! We got 3 nights in at the park running as a family and life was looking good. Ethan was even still sleeping through the night! Hooray!
Then Wed. night happened. E goes down at his usual 8 O'Clock and by 11 he was up. O.k. no problem...rub his back and maybe he'll go back to sleep. Nope. O.K. I'll bite the bullet and pick him up. Rocked him and gave him his paci. Nothing...still upset. O.K. new strategy, we'll change him(which will result in him getting up for sure) and then try a small bottle.....Success!
12 O'Clock, up again.Asleep by 1:00. 1:30 Up again. Asleep by 2. 2:30 up again. This time won't got back to sleep and nearly inconsolable....yup, must be an ear infection.Time for a dose of Motrin. He also has a little fever. So, after hours of rocking, attempted soothing, diaper changes, bottles, even a little middle of the night Sesame Street....glorious 7 a.m. rolls around when we can take him to the doc's walk in hours to see what the issue is.
Chris volunteers to take him so I can get a nap before work...plus I took him the last time. So he does, and I sleep.Called the boss first to let him know there was no way I'd be coming in before a nap so we don't have another "incident" like last fall(when I drove off the road for no reason on my way to work from exhaustion after being up all night with a baby). So I sleep for an hour or so and Chris comes back with the verdict. Left ear infection. If he gets another in April, time for tubes. In any case, he's on a new antibiotic that will hopefully work better this time.
So, I was able to get a 1/2 day in at work finally as Chris being an awesome husband was willing to spend the afternoon at home with E so we wouldn't have to send the poor little guy to daycare.
Then Thursday night, we were hoping he was about over the pain part of this experience....but nope. Up about 3 times....finally got him back to sleep around 2 and in our sleep-deprived haze decided in all our wisdom to put him in his carseat so he would be inclined (which would releive some pressure on his ear). So we put him in his seat in his room and closed the door most of the way. An hour or so later we hear him crying again, so we get up and try to open the door to his room but there's something in the way....its him! He woke up and got out of his seat and crawled over to the door to try to get to us I guess. Yeah, so not a great idea...but whatdya want! We were tired! Anyway, got him back to sleep again and this time he stayed that way until it was time to get up for work thank goodness....so got a solid 4-5 hrs. that night.
Friday he was happy and went to daycare and did great, so Chris and I could both get to work for a solid day. Even went for a walk after work with friends and then pizza for dinner with friends...so the week ended well anyway,though it felt like a whole week happened from Wed. night until Fri.
But, life is good again since the little guy is feeling better...nothing worse than a sick baby. You feel so bad for them and you can't explain why they are hurting. Cuddling seems to help baby and mom though.
Now, getting ready for his Baptism.....and my good friend just dropped off his baptism outfit she made from my wedding gown...and it is perfect! He looks like such a little man and so adorable in it! Can't wait to see family and friends at church tomorrow.
Its gonna be a good weekend!
Then Wed. night happened. E goes down at his usual 8 O'Clock and by 11 he was up. O.k. no problem...rub his back and maybe he'll go back to sleep. Nope. O.K. I'll bite the bullet and pick him up. Rocked him and gave him his paci. Nothing...still upset. O.K. new strategy, we'll change him(which will result in him getting up for sure) and then try a small bottle.....Success!
12 O'Clock, up again.Asleep by 1:00. 1:30 Up again. Asleep by 2. 2:30 up again. This time won't got back to sleep and nearly inconsolable....yup, must be an ear infection.Time for a dose of Motrin. He also has a little fever. So, after hours of rocking, attempted soothing, diaper changes, bottles, even a little middle of the night Sesame Street....glorious 7 a.m. rolls around when we can take him to the doc's walk in hours to see what the issue is.
Chris volunteers to take him so I can get a nap before work...plus I took him the last time. So he does, and I sleep.Called the boss first to let him know there was no way I'd be coming in before a nap so we don't have another "incident" like last fall(when I drove off the road for no reason on my way to work from exhaustion after being up all night with a baby). So I sleep for an hour or so and Chris comes back with the verdict. Left ear infection. If he gets another in April, time for tubes. In any case, he's on a new antibiotic that will hopefully work better this time.
So, I was able to get a 1/2 day in at work finally as Chris being an awesome husband was willing to spend the afternoon at home with E so we wouldn't have to send the poor little guy to daycare.
Then Thursday night, we were hoping he was about over the pain part of this experience....but nope. Up about 3 times....finally got him back to sleep around 2 and in our sleep-deprived haze decided in all our wisdom to put him in his carseat so he would be inclined (which would releive some pressure on his ear). So we put him in his seat in his room and closed the door most of the way. An hour or so later we hear him crying again, so we get up and try to open the door to his room but there's something in the way....its him! He woke up and got out of his seat and crawled over to the door to try to get to us I guess. Yeah, so not a great idea...but whatdya want! We were tired! Anyway, got him back to sleep again and this time he stayed that way until it was time to get up for work thank goodness....so got a solid 4-5 hrs. that night.
Friday he was happy and went to daycare and did great, so Chris and I could both get to work for a solid day. Even went for a walk after work with friends and then pizza for dinner with friends...so the week ended well anyway,though it felt like a whole week happened from Wed. night until Fri.
But, life is good again since the little guy is feeling better...nothing worse than a sick baby. You feel so bad for them and you can't explain why they are hurting. Cuddling seems to help baby and mom though.
Now, getting ready for his Baptism.....and my good friend just dropped off his baptism outfit she made from my wedding gown...and it is perfect! He looks like such a little man and so adorable in it! Can't wait to see family and friends at church tomorrow.
Its gonna be a good weekend!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Random Thoughts
I'm not really sure why I thought it would be a good idea to start a blog...maybe because I feel like I have a lot to say and not enough time to say it? Who knows?
The point is, I feel like I have now entered the modern era since I now have one....though I really need to do something about the hideous template...but saving that for another day when I have time....hmmm don't know if that will actually happen then.
Anyway, coming up with a blog name is harder than it seems...so I just combined a couple of things that I am to the 2 most important people in my life...my son and my husband. Momma to my son and Pea(pet name) to my husband. Not the catchiest thing in the world, but hey it defines who I am at the moment.
Well, 8 1/2 months after the birth of the most amazing little boy in the world, I feel like I am starting to come out of the fog a little. E is starting to sleep through the night finally, so I now have enough energy to actually run a few times a week again...on top of working, trying to keep up the house etc....hooray!
I feel like I'm getting my sanity back a little bit at a time...and running is the best thing for my mental health...even when E comes along on my runs with me in the stroller.....which by the way is a much more taxing workout than running without a stroller. I learned that one last night. Thought I'd take E on my "easy" 3 miler last night as hubby was out of town and E could use the fresh air anyway....and it turned into a slow crawl by the end with my arms feeling like they might fall off! I love my BOB....but it doesn't matter how easy it is to push when you're pushing around a 25 lb. baby up hills. It felt good nonetheless though.
I have also decided that keeping a clean house is somewhat optional at this point...at least during the week. Something has gotta give. I can't work all day, get my runs in, play with,feed,bathe and take care of E, get everything ready for the next day AND keep a spotless house. Even with Chris' help,(which he does everything I ask..he's great!) it just doesn't happen. So, I'm o.k. with exchanging a spotless house for a happy baby and a mom who can get her runs in(which equals a happy mom too).....provided we have enough clean laundry and dishes to get through until the weekend when I have a little more time to do those things.
I also decided this past week to do the riverbank run in G.R. in May. I lived there growing up and never had the chance(or fitness level) to do it. So, after conquering my 1/2 marathon goal in the fall of '08(day before I found out E would be joining our family), I feel pretty confident I can do a 25K in 8 weeks. Training just started for me, but it already feels good to have a running goal. I cannot wait! If all goes well, I also want to do the GR or Detroit marathon this fall as well...not sure which one yet....
Other than that, cannot wait for this weekend when we baptise our little one. He's going to look so cute! It'll be great to see family too.
Oh, and found a new primary physician too today who thought it was a good idea for me to have a DTaP shot...so my arm now aches....ow!
Hopefully my thoughts and posts will become more organized shortly.
Well, gotta scoot, lunch is almost over and there are reports to be finalized!
The point is, I feel like I have now entered the modern era since I now have one....though I really need to do something about the hideous template...but saving that for another day when I have time....hmmm don't know if that will actually happen then.
Anyway, coming up with a blog name is harder than it seems...so I just combined a couple of things that I am to the 2 most important people in my life...my son and my husband. Momma to my son and Pea(pet name) to my husband. Not the catchiest thing in the world, but hey it defines who I am at the moment.
Well, 8 1/2 months after the birth of the most amazing little boy in the world, I feel like I am starting to come out of the fog a little. E is starting to sleep through the night finally, so I now have enough energy to actually run a few times a week again...on top of working, trying to keep up the house etc....hooray!
I feel like I'm getting my sanity back a little bit at a time...and running is the best thing for my mental health...even when E comes along on my runs with me in the stroller.....which by the way is a much more taxing workout than running without a stroller. I learned that one last night. Thought I'd take E on my "easy" 3 miler last night as hubby was out of town and E could use the fresh air anyway....and it turned into a slow crawl by the end with my arms feeling like they might fall off! I love my BOB....but it doesn't matter how easy it is to push when you're pushing around a 25 lb. baby up hills. It felt good nonetheless though.
I have also decided that keeping a clean house is somewhat optional at this point...at least during the week. Something has gotta give. I can't work all day, get my runs in, play with,feed,bathe and take care of E, get everything ready for the next day AND keep a spotless house. Even with Chris' help,(which he does everything I ask..he's great!) it just doesn't happen. So, I'm o.k. with exchanging a spotless house for a happy baby and a mom who can get her runs in(which equals a happy mom too).....provided we have enough clean laundry and dishes to get through until the weekend when I have a little more time to do those things.
I also decided this past week to do the riverbank run in G.R. in May. I lived there growing up and never had the chance(or fitness level) to do it. So, after conquering my 1/2 marathon goal in the fall of '08(day before I found out E would be joining our family), I feel pretty confident I can do a 25K in 8 weeks. Training just started for me, but it already feels good to have a running goal. I cannot wait! If all goes well, I also want to do the GR or Detroit marathon this fall as well...not sure which one yet....
Other than that, cannot wait for this weekend when we baptise our little one. He's going to look so cute! It'll be great to see family too.
Oh, and found a new primary physician too today who thought it was a good idea for me to have a DTaP shot...so my arm now aches....ow!
Hopefully my thoughts and posts will become more organized shortly.
Well, gotta scoot, lunch is almost over and there are reports to be finalized!
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