Twinkies

Dustin and I have ran many races together so consequently we have thousands (approximate lol) of the same shirts. MANY times we will get ready for a run and see that we have either set out, or put on, the same shirt, many times the same outfit (ie with black shorts). We always feel like idiots running around like twinkies. This morning the same thing happened. Dustin got dressed while I was with Basil. Then I got dressed while he was putting in his contacts. We both came out with the same St. Patrick ’s Day tech tee. We were running in separate places, so it really didn’t matter but it was really funny. It’s like, “Really? Out of ALL our running clothes and race shirts we choose the same one?”

This even translates to when we go out. Sometimes we have to “call” a color combination so the other won’t put on the same color. Whoever put out or had the outfit on first gets to wear it. The worst was one Saturday in Springfield when we wanted to work out and shower at the gym so we could stay in town to run some errands, go to the mall, get dinner, etc. We walked out of the locker room and realized that we had both packed the EXACT same shirt. To make it even better we both choose jeans to wear with it. All day we walked around looking like those families that are so cute that they wear the same Christmas sweater for photos. Geez. 

If next time you see us out and we are wearing the same thing, please know that we didn’t plan it. We, too, find it very strange and will understand if you feel the need to yell out, “twinkies!!”

~AW

The "rest" difference

Friday I took the day off running, opting to swim instead. On Saturday I started out to run the 2-2.5 miles I’ve been doing this week in an attempt to build a base. I was feeling pretty good, so I decided to run a little further. Surprisingly, my lungs were the only thing that bothered me. My shoulder felt fine and my legs felt much stronger than they had the previous few days. I zoned out, and before I knew it I was finished. I ended up running 4.5 miles! It’s not much, but it was a lot for me right now. It just goes to show how important rest days are. Sometimes it feels as if you take the day off then you will lose all your strength and endurance when you really need to give your muscles a break to help them heal as they get stronger. It’s easier said than done!

Running Post-Partum: What happened to all the Power?

Today was my first run after Basil was born. It’s been 12 ½ weeks since my last run at 35 weeks pregnant.  I last raced without having to go easy about 11 months ago. Today I had a nice run, but it wasn’t easy. I ended up jogging about 2 miles.  The overall feeling was that I have lost power, especially in my legs. They felt like wet noodles and I’m sure they will be sore tomorrow :P. It is daunting to think of all the hard work lost that I will have to work hard to get back. This means time both on the road and in the weight room. Here’s the catch- I no longer have the time with a baby! I now understand why moms don’t work out. It’s not because they don’t want to, it’s just that they don’t have the time and with a baby, it’s too difficult! I really hope we are able to work out a system so I can continue to at least keep my body healthy.  Luckily, we have already had some volunteers to help watch Basil so Dustin and I can run together at least a few days a week. It's really important to us and I’m really looking forward to those runs!

All things happen for a reason, right? Starting over is probably a good thing. I always try to encourage others to run and I understand how difficult it is to get started.  This gives me a fresh reminder for empathy.

Also…

So, I guess I lied earlier when I said this was my first run. 573 Magazine will prove me wrong next month if they choose to print the article on running because Dustin and I were in the group shots.  I guess in my post-baby exhaustion phase, I showed up for the photo shoot without thinking that he would be taking pictures of us actually running. DUH! It was nothing big, just a small stretch of path to jog on so he could get the shots (I skipped most of the pre-run, so I may look a bit fresher than the others, although it was really hot and humid outside).  Therefore, technically I ran last week. But I don’t think it counts because it was too fun to be a first run!! Dustin and I had a blast! I’m anxious to see how the article gets put together.

AW