Hello, friends!

I still can’t believe I a) registered for a half marathon and b) have completed all of my scheduled runs.

Don’t get me wrong – I love running, but I also have a very full plate (new baby, active toddler, full-time job). In the back of my mind, I think I halfway expected to fail.

Exhibit A: As I type this post on my iPhone, we just finished tucking both girls into bed. I fill the kitchen sink with warm soapy dishwater and begin gathering a day’s worth of bottles and pump parts while Tim straightens up the living room, tripping over and setting off a cacaphony of toys in the process.

On a good day, we both fall into bed feeling incredibly blessed, yet completely exhausted. On a bad day, well – let’s just say we give ourselves and each other the grace and space we need to survive (even if it means consuming a glass of sweet red wine while scrolling Facebook in the pantry).

As it turns out, running has provided me a physical outlet and an emotional escape – a release from life where I can channel all of my tension and aggression and set new, healthier intentions.

Yes, waking at 5 am after a long, sleepless night spent desperately trying to cajole a teething infant to sleep sucks. But the feeling of sweet satisfaction after completing that early morning run makes it all worth it (even if my under-eye bags do scare my coworkers). Plus, watching the sun rise over our pond works wonders for my soul.

#mindovermatter

With that said, here’s a look at the past two weeks:

Week 4 Workouts

• Monday, August 12 – 3.62 miles
• Wednesday, August 14 – 3.5 miles
• Friday, August 16 – 5.2 miles

Week 5 Workouts

• Monday, August 19 – 4.25 miles
• Wednesday, August 21 – 4.25 miles
• Friday, August 23 – 6.15 miles

Finally, I will leave you with a quote:

XO

Erica

Hello, friends!

As the month flies by and my weekly mileage continues to slowly increase, I have fallen into a rather pleasant running routine. Overall, as long as I remain fairly flexible, I usually have no trouble completing my scheduled runs. My training routine looks something like this:

• Monday mornings I roll out of bed at 5:30 am, pump Sophie’s morning bottle, and down a quick cup of coffee before going for a short jog through our neighborhood.
• Depending on my schedule, I go for another shorter run again on Tuesday or Wednesday evening/night.
• Every Friday, my employer lets everyone out early, so a coworker and I head out for a brief jog together before I continue on by myself to complete my long run.

Surprisingly, my family life seems pretty unaffected by my training schedule. My biggest hurdle when it comes to balancing work, kids, and running actually involves breastfeeding and making sure I pump within at least two or three hours of working out so that the girls don’t get too full. Let’s just say I already need all the support I can get these days, and any extra weight up top has my maximum control sports bra begging for mercy. Ha. (Sorry. TMI alert.)

Anyway, here’s a quick recap of the past two weeks.

Week 2 Workouts

• Monday, July 29 – 3.41 miles outside before work
• Tuesday, July 30 – 3.1 miles on gym treadmill
• Friday, August 2 – 4.25 miles on work trail

Week 3 Workouts

• Monday, August 5 – 3.62 miles outside before work
• Wednesday, August 7 – 3.75 miles outside after work
• Friday, August 9 – 5.2 miles on work trail

So there you have it. Next week I plan on incorporating some strength training into my routine. And who knows – I may even go crazy and add some yoga to the mix. Fun times!

XO

Erica