Time for a little half marathon training update! I am 7 1/2 weeks into my 12 week program and am FEELING GOOD. I know it's been a while since I've done a blog update, but I've been keeping up with posting about my runs on Instagram! (plus I'm doing a super fun #MomsWithMomentum challenge that you should totally join me in!) So here are some random running thoughts...
About a month ago I had to recommit to positivity. I was letting stroller running get the best of my brain. I was absolutely hating it, dreading my runs, and making my husband feel bad about his work schedule (which I never want to do!). So...I changed my mindset. I'm blessed to have an awesome double running stroller. I'm strong enough to push those 2 girls. My half marathon will be that much easier having challenged myself through training. That simple mindset shift made a huge difference for me. The funny thing is, since then, somehow I"ve managed to do very little double stroller running, without much inconvenience to my friends and family! I've been waking up at 5:45 to run solo, my BRF Sara has taken one of my kids on numerous runs, and I've been flexible with my running enough to capitalize on any chance I get to run alone. And when I do have to run with 2? I push hard and don't stress about the time.
It's funny, I've had several people comment to me lately that they think I love (and am good at) running with my double stroller. And I have to be honest. I don't love it. It makes me kind of sad because I legitimately LOVED stroller running with my first. So much joy came from running with my baby, and I barely ever questioned doing long runs with the BOB. Thankfully, baby #2 loves the stroller too, but I just don't love pushing babies x2 + strollerx2. So I'm just putting that out there. I don't love it. I do it because I'm committed to a goal. And I'm thankful that I CAN take them with me for the ride. But if I can run solo (or even with the single!) I'll take that option in a heart beat.
It's funny, I've had several people comment to me lately that they think I love (and am good at) running with my double stroller. And I have to be honest. I don't love it. It makes me kind of sad because I legitimately LOVED stroller running with my first. So much joy came from running with my baby, and I barely ever questioned doing long runs with the BOB. Thankfully, baby #2 loves the stroller too, but I just don't love pushing babies x2 + strollerx2. So I'm just putting that out there. I don't love it. I do it because I'm committed to a goal. And I'm thankful that I CAN take them with me for the ride. But if I can run solo (or even with the single!) I'll take that option in a heart beat.
Speaking of being flexible...that's another big thing that has changed this training cycle for me. I used to be pretty set in my training plan and the days and times I would run. Enter: #MotherRunner status. I've actually ended up having some of my best runs on Sunday afternoons or evenings. Sunday is typically an off day for me, but I'm feeling recovered and I have help with kids, so I take on my Monday miles a day early! Heck I even ran 3 after drinking margaritas for dinner one night. A mama's gotta do what a mama's gotta do! I've split my workouts a few times (a few miles with a stroller, a few without), or even going for 2 separate runs throughout the day. My new motto is:
"Be stubborn about your goals, but
flexible with your methods."
It's truly the only way I'm getting my mileage in.
And what's that I said about magic miles? I don't know if this is the case for any of you other runners out there, but for me, 8 is the magic number.
Up until then I am full of doubt.
All of the long runs are hard.
Even though I've done it before, 13.1 seems so out of reach.
I question signing up for the race.
I start planning for post-race workouts that won't include any running.
But then, 8 mile weekend comes and all of a sudden I feel LIKE A RUNNER. 8 miles is a big deal y'all! Not just anyone goes out and runs 8 miles on a Saturday morning. I feel like that's the turning point for me.
I am confident I can kick 13.1 in the butt.
I feel strong enough to push my shorter runs.
I'm ready to sign up for a million races because I AM AMAZING.
I'm never going to stop running.
Is this just me? Anyone else?
Up until then I am full of doubt.
All of the long runs are hard.
Even though I've done it before, 13.1 seems so out of reach.
I question signing up for the race.
I start planning for post-race workouts that won't include any running.
But then, 8 mile weekend comes and all of a sudden I feel LIKE A RUNNER. 8 miles is a big deal y'all! Not just anyone goes out and runs 8 miles on a Saturday morning. I feel like that's the turning point for me.
I am confident I can kick 13.1 in the butt.
I feel strong enough to push my shorter runs.
I'm ready to sign up for a million races because I AM AMAZING.
I'm never going to stop running.
Is this just me? Anyone else?
So..,that's where I'm at right now! I've got just over a month before race day and I'm so excited! Sara and I were talking about how we are most excited that we'll have several hours without kids...we might even forget that we are running!! Apparently I just need to sign up for more races if I need a break from my kids!!
What are you training for right now? Side note: my DAD is running the Chicago Marathon this weekend...so send all the strong marathon vibes his way! He's my biggest fan I am his!
What are you training for right now? Side note: my DAD is running the Chicago Marathon this weekend...so send all the strong marathon vibes his way! He's my biggest fan I am his!
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