Still just "training"

I need to give you all an update on my “training,” I know. But the subject of this post is inevitably going to be about nursing, which is dictating my training. Sorry to go there, for those of you who may be uncomfortable with this subject, but I promise it’s necessary. At least just to explain why my training is still “training,” and not training!

This kid is sucking the life out of me… The plan I had for my great comeback to competetive running and the plan I had for breastfeeding my baby are directly at odds with each other. Basically, the former is a complete wash. I didn’t realize how difficult this was going to be when making these simultaneous plans. I thought I would be at full throtle by now, but I am exhausted! What’s been happening is that I start out the week great – like last week. I did an easy run from home on Monday, a great fartlek on Tuesday, a good progression run on Wednesday, recovery day on Thursday. Then I’m completely wiped for the rest of the week. I can barely find the energy to shower! I take 2 or 3 days of resting and binge eating and then try again. Though I’m feeling far more fit than I did 12 weeks ago, I’m still far from consistent. The most miles I’ve gotten in one week is about 25. What a joke! Ahhh…

I really thought that the main issue holding me back in my trianing was lack of sleep. But recently the baby has been sleeping great – up to 10 hours at a time. So I can’t blame it on that anymore. I’ve tried everything to keep up both the training and the nursing, but no matter how much I eat or how much I sleep, I’m still exhausted. My body is hating me.
With my first baby, I got to three months nursing exclusively. I thought that was pretty good with running and going to school full-time. I had a goal of six months this time. Instead of changing that goal, I’m trying to adjust my running goals. Maybe I won’t run a race before the first of the year? Maybe I won’t run the indoor season? I don’t really know.

Once again I find myself trying to balance family and running. Obviously, baby wins this one. I do long to race again. I definitely miss training hard and racing fast. But, for now, I’ll be perched on the couch every two hours. My plan for next week is to nix any sort of workout and just try to get out the door every day. I think once I establish some consistency I can ramp up the intensity. We’ll see how it goes.

Training recap: very sporatic last couple of weeks.

Last week:Monday – Lunge Matrix (LM), easy 30 minutes from home, 3 min. pedestal routine, Myrtle

Tuesday – LM, fartlek on “hill course” (treadmill) for 6 miles total, Big 10 (10 push-ups/10 v-ups, 9 push-ups/9, 8/8,…1/1)

Wednesday – LM, 5.5 mile progression down to 6:40 pace, 7 miles total, 3 min. pedestal routine, Myrtle

Thursday – planned day off

Friday – planned workout – but 20 min. jog instead

Saturday – my 4-yr-old’s birthday party, wanted to run in the a.m. but was tired/busy

Sunday – wanted to get out the door, but watched football on the couch all day instead :-/

Now blogging at RunningTimes.com!

http://wpblogs.runningtimes.com/blogs/thepregnantpause/

Have I lost my competitive edge?!

I never thought I'd be a runner who would be happy just to squeeze in a 30 minute jog on their lunch break, but without a detailed training plan, that's exactly who I've become (temporarily). Without actually scheduling time in my day for my training, it sometimes doesn't happen. As a family, we're really focused on Brent's training and my pregnancy right now. So between dropping off Ciara at pre-school, Brent off at practice, shuffling to the other side of town for my check-up, grocery shopping,and running errands, I had exactly 32 minutes yesterday to fit in some sort of workout.

At any other point in my life, even during my last pregnancy, this sort of slacking in my running would drive me crazy. I mean, really. I barely had time to change shoes and start my watch to get in (probably less than) four miles. No strides?! No general strength? Not even any dynamic stretching!? Who have I become? ;0)

Well, lucky for me, just as I was finishing up my run and contemplating the end of my life as I knew it, one lucky, middle-aged, over-weight jogger pulled onto the path about 10 meters in front of me. Now if I'm honest, I was completely content not to pass him...at first. We were going about the same pace and it wasn't bothering me. But then - oooh but then - I remembered who I was.

I just couldn't help myself. My pace was quickening and I was pulling up behind him. The thought crossed my mind that I might preserve his ego and maybe just slowly pass. Forget that! I zoomed by him, turned the corner, and did a mini-stride up the hill. Victory! I still pass people on the creek path! I will always be a runner who passes people on the creek path! Now back in the car, off to pick up the family and head home to make dinner...