You take the good...you take the bad...

You take the good you take the bad;
You take them both and there you have the facts of life-
The facts of life...
The facts of life...

Ah, so this is my personal theme for the last few days.

The sleep enigma that I blogged about a few days ago is still...a puzzle for us. One day, The Lunchie sleeps well - has great naps and even manages to pull off 5-hour stretches of sleep. The next day(s) are disastrous: naps are a battle and getting him to bed at night is a Herculean task.

And then there's the nightwaking. At a month-and-a half he appeared on his way to "sleeping through the night" and was doing so at about two months. Now, at 4.5 months, he's waking up every three hours. It's a bit frustrating because it's like he's "regressed." I guess there are many factors that come into play. Perhaps it's teething; he's hungry; who knows. Still, for us, it does blow. Big Time.

Overall, I'm a pretty positive person and when the going gets tough, I usually dig deep and things work out. But this Sleep Enigma is really...an enigma. I'm used to trying new things and adjusting this or that to get it right.

I'll throw in a running example.

A few summers ago, I was training for a the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I noticed that after the 10-mile mark, my stomach would go "funny." It wasn't quite upset, but it wasn't quite settled either. During one long run, I actually developed really bad cramps; and during another I actually barfed up my fluids. For a while, it was a mystery and on any given run, I would keep my fingers crossed that those "mystery pains" never reared their ugly heads. In the end, after some tweaking with my fuel and electrolyte balance, things worked out and the pains never returned. Solving this one was easy compared to the Sleep Enigma.

Any parent will tell you how truly puzzling it is. When I was pregnant, many vet parents alluded to it, but I never really grasped what they were talking about, until now. The B and I have read, "The Happiest Baby on the Block," "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child," and "The No-Cry Nap Solution." Yes, some of these experts' tips work, but it's like there's a curve ball every other pitch: one minute this technique works; the next minute it doesn't.

What gives?

And now, The B and I are going to try a new one, "Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems" by Richard Ferber. I know that "Ferberizing" has many negative connotations, but I think we need to explore all options and suggestions and find which technique works for us.

Back to why I've included this in my running blog. Well, as I've been wont to say, "A Happy Mommy; a Happy Baby." I'll add to this:

A well-rested Baby; a happy Mommy.

And a happy and well-rested mommy can still be her Runner Mama self.

Less than a Week to Go...

...until the official start of my race season - the first one postpartum. Next Saturday, I'll run an 8K race in a beautiful part of the city. Since this is my first race season postpartum, I've decided my biggest goals will be to finish the races strong and to enjoy them. I do always enjoy racing, but this time, with a much slower finish time expected, my goal is not to PB. But hey, if I do...great!

With rain anticipated for tomorrow, I ran my LSD run this morning. I planned to do 9 miles, but finished a strong 9.66 miler. I was even able to push hard the last quarter mile or so and run at around an 8:05 pace. I was proud of myself. I dug down deep and just focused on each light post that I passed until I finished. Smaller goals within the larger one always help me to complete a challenge whether it be in running or in life. (Such a strategy has helped me cope with the steep learning curve that defines Parenthood.)

Though I was just shy of completing my first 10-mile training run postpartum, during today's run I reflected on all that has changed in the last few weeks since I began running again. I'm continually improving every day and definitely getting stronger. The added weight training, plus CrossFit three times per week are really starting to pay off, both in my running form and economy and in my physique. And with each passing day, I feel and look almost as fit as I was pre-pregnancy. I'm proud of myself because it has taken a lot of hard work so far.

With less than a week to go before I don my first racing bib postpartum, I feel strong and ready to go. I'm really looking forward to sharing this moment with The Lunchie - his first race where he'll be watching his Runner Mama from the sidelines.

Tomorrow I have a 3-mile pace run and then a core workout. I think I'm going to post my core workout to inspire other Runner Mamas. I've found that you don't need a lot of props and it can be done at home...after all, bathing suit season is just around the corner.

No F-in Way!

Huwwway!

I don't know what it was. Perhaps it was the Croque Monsieur and the French Onion Soup I had for lunch; or the Mini Eggs I shared with my in-laws who visited Chez Weatharro; or that fact that I wanted to get out of the drizzle.

I don't know.

But today, I rocked my 4-mile run.

I TOTALLY ROCKED IT!

I ran a 4-miler in roughly 33 minutes with a 8:18 min/mi pace. And I didn't feel tired. In fact, during the last half of the run, I felt like my legs were on auto pilot - just moving by themselves. It was an amazing feeling - one that I remember feeling a long, long time ago.

Since returning to running postpartum, I've really been working on my form and have revisited the Chi Running Technique. I used this technique a while ago when I experienced the dreaded IT-Band Syndrome. Ouch. At the time, I was desperate to find a way to run sans pain. And like a moth to a flame, I was immediately drawn to the "promise" on the book's cover: Chi Running - A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running.

Well, after a couple years of really making an effort to master this style of running, I can say that it really does work. My turnover has improved and on days like today, I really felt my running was effortless: My legs felt so light and my body was like a pendulum swinging back and forth creating the momentum to propel my body forward.

Though today's pace and time are by no means PBs, today's run was one of the fastest I've run postpartum. And it feels great knowing that a few weeks ago, I thought a 9:30 pace time was fast.

Woohoo.

Baby Workout

Here is The Lunchie...getting a workout with tissue paper. Ahh to be a baby again!

While I was Running...

As I ran my 8-mile LSD run this afternoon, I pondered a few things:

First, I realized (again) that the whole sleep issue continues to be an enigma. I honestly thought we had The Lunchie all figured out. Before and during the Olympics, The Lunchie was sleeping "long" stretches. And by "long," I mean 4-5 hours. In Babyland, apparently, 4-5 hours translates to "sleeping through the night." (Honestly, what the hell? I think whoever made that one up intended on making parents feel good and that there really is a light at the end of the sleep deprivation tunnel. Truly, in my books, five hours is hardly "sleeping through the night." This Runner Mama calls eight hours "sleeping through the night." But, alas, I digress.)

Since we've returned home, The Lunchie now has resorted to just three hour stretches, with the odd four hour sleep period. And the "added" hour created by Daylight Saving Time hasn't helped either. What is it? Some people have said, growth spurt, teething, time change, blah, blah, blah. The list goes on and on as we struggle to figure this whole sleep thing out.

Anyhoo, as we try to solve this sleep puzzle and figure The Lunchie out again, I'm finding myself also getting a bit tired through the day - reminiscent of the earlier, newborn period. Bah! And this whole issue has thrown a wrench in my training schedule and other daily activities. (Honestly, I don't mind because motherhood has made me pretty adaptable.)

This leads me to my second thought that came to me during this afternoon's run:

I now realize how isolating being a new mom can be. No, I myself don't feel like I'm going it alone, but I've noticed that since I've returned to running and working out, doing it with a group has become increasingly difficult. You see, I now keep "odd" hours- that is, the hours I have available for running or training with a group have now been taken over by The Lunchie's sleep and nap schedule.

Lucky for me, I have an extremely supportive husband who doesn't mind that I bugger off for a run or workout when he's home, I belong to a great gym that has incredible babysitting services, I can bring The Lunchie to CrossFit and I also have wonderful parents who don't mind me coming to visit...and run!

Unfortunately, not everyone has this support network. And without it, I can see how tough it can be to get to the gym, do a run or even have a shower (for some unfortunate mothers who have a colicky or high-maintenance baby.)

My third, and last thought that I can remember from this morning's run was that I am improving! Okay, duh, I know that it was bound to happen, but back in January, when I returned to running for the first time postpartum, I remember thinking how difficult a snail's pace, 3K seemed to be.

I used to do a route from my house to the waterfront. Well, I haven't done this route in a long time and this afternoon when I ran it, I checked my watch. I was running at around an 8:20 pace! It was the first time when I actually felt progress. (I felt great today, until the 6.50 mile mark when I got a bad stitch around one of the intercostal muscles along my right side. Ouch. I had to slow down and concentrate on my breathing. Still I made it home and averaged around an 8:47. Not too bad, even with a stinkin' stitch!)

Honestly, running can be somewhat like a dream - with a little pain: a lot of random, and sometimes not-so-random thoughts stream into my mind. I guess that's why many sometimes call it The Great Escape.

Are you there God? It's me, Runner Mama. Thank you for giving me legs so that I can run.

A Reminder of my Past Life

These days I spend most of my waking hours with my little sidekick, The Lunchie. I've become so used to it that when he's not around me, I feel somewhat, alone and naked. Still, I know as a new mom, I need to get away and have "me" time. It's good for me. And it's good for The Lunchie.

I had a bit of "me" time this evening. It was my first yoga class sans bebe. (I usually do yoga with The Lunchie at Mommy and Baby yoga class during the day, midweek at my friends' studio, East Village Yoga. I love it there and felt somewhat like a traitor for going to the class at my gym tonight. But I digress...)

It hadn't really donned on me, until we were doing a Vinyasa that The Lunchie was not with me! You see, during Mom and Baby yoga, I get to interact with him and blow on his face when I, for example, come down from mountain pose and do a swan dive to move through to plank. And sometimes, when he needs some lovin', I have to stop my pose and wiggle him or tickle his belly. During these classes, I never really get to the stage of closing my eyes and blocking out the sounds and sites of the room. (As I usually tried to do when I did my traditional practice, pre-baby.)

Since today was a running rest day, Hal's training plan suggested I spend time "strengthening and stretching." Hence this morning I got spanked at CrossFit and tonight I did a yoga class. At CrossFit I can actually bring The Lunchie into the room. So, he's there, watching his Mommy squat (I did 80 whole pounds today!) and do things like box jumps and burpees.

However, when I do yoga at my gym, The Lunchie stays in babysitting. Since this was my first class sans bebe, I (somewhat) forgot what it's like to practice with only adults beside me - to actually hear and feel my breath. It was a nice reminder of my past life, but to be honest, I actually really enjoy the Mom and Baby yoga class more!

I love spending time with my boy, doing things I love. And yoga is one of them. And as he grows older, I'll get to share more and more of my passions and hobbies with him. I'm so excited, yet wistful at the same time.

The Lunchie is getting stronger and more coordinated as each day passes. There will come a time when he'll no longer be the helpless baby I have to hold in my arms. There will come a time when he will be able to walk by himself. And there will come a time when I no longer can attend Mommy and Baby yoga. As I've said many times before, I love (and need) my "me" time, but I savour every moment I spend with my boy.

And as each day passes, I love him more and more.

Race Pace Run and other Ramblings

Since returning to running in January after my pregnancy with The Lunchie, I've been trying out various running programs. I've tried the FIRST program pioneered by the guys who wrote the book, "Run Less, Run Faster," the Running Room's walk-run plan and now, Hal Higdon's Half Marathon program and so far, I'm really liking Hal's plan best.

Though I love the principle's of the FIRST program, I found the progression of the run distances quite ambitious for my physical state and the pace times - well, I was beating myself up for not quite making some of those times. Then I contemplated a run-walk program, but couldn't quite get my mind around it again and wanted to run continuously, so then I Googled Hal. I've been using his program for three weeks and now I'm beginning Week Four. (Yay!)

Today, I ran the 5K-race pace run. I did it in about 24 minutes and ran an 8:07 pace. Boy, that was tough. Yes, I had a strong head wind on the return, but man, that was one tough run and my heart was pounding when I returned home. It made me realize just how much shape I need to get into for May's half marathon. Still, May is a ways away. And though I'm not too concerned, it certainly was a wake-up call!

Rambling on...

I'm really enjoying the April edition of Runner's World, especially the whole feature, "Incredible Weight Loss Myths Exposed!" Myth: longer exercise session equal better results. MYTH! Yeah, yeah, a Kin grad like myself should have easily figured that out. Still seeing it in print is reassuring. These days it's hard for me to get more than 1.5 hours on the road without feeling a) New Mom's Guilt Syndrome; and b)Pain from sore, full, milky breasts (TMI!) And though I'm not trying to lose anymore weight (I've happily returned to my pre-preggo weight), I'd like to maintain and tighten my (sorta) loose core. It's nice to be reminded that I may attain better fitness gains and fat loss by running shorter and faster.

I also really loved the excerpt from Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell's new book (to be released March 23rd) Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving - and Not to Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity. I'll be sure to pick this book up when it's released.

I enjoyed McDowell's take on how her kids relate to her running as a mother. And I also enjoyed Bowen Shea's reasons why her non-running husband (like The B) should be more appreciative of his runner wife: she weighs the same after having three kids; she has slender, strong legs toned by countless miles and hill repeats; and she often has an enthusiastic outlook and "sparky attitude" that, she says, is fired up "by conquering a run." Ah, take note, The B, on days when you're looking after a cranky Lunchie while I'm on a run, think about the benefits of having a Runner Mama!

Haha.

"CrossFitting It!"

On the recommendation of one of my old friends, I ventured into the realm of CrossFit-ness and completed my first workout this morning at CrossFit Whitby. Under the guidance of Leslie, one of the gym's owners, I learned how to do a proper deadlift and an overhead squat.

By all accounts, both exercises were actually quite challenging when done properly. Form is everything in CrossFit. I did what was called a "Power Workout" and thus did a "21-15-9" or 21-deadlifts; 21 squats; 15 deadlifts; 15 squats...you get the picture. Right now I'm not feeling it, but I know my legs...and especially my bum will hate me tomorrow.

What exactly is CrossFit you ask? Well, since I'm a newbie, here's a pretty good description. And so my plan is to supplement my running and gym training with this type of workout. Pregnancy obviously changed my body and though it's getting tighter, the area around my belly is a lot looser than I'd like it to be. (I know, I know, I've just had a baby---Trust me, I've heard this phrase tons of times. I just want to be a bit more pro-active about getting back in shape, that's all.)

But what about the time crunch I alluded to in an earlier post? I'm happy to report that the workouts can be done pretty fast because of their very intense nature. Also, CrossFit Whitby allows me to bring the Lunchie along to lift weights too. (hahaha...kidding of course!) No, seriously, he can be in the gym right along beside me, watching his Runner Mama sweat her face off!

I've been thinking...

I'm one of those runners who rarely uses an iPod or music when I run. Though I do feel pumped when I'm listening, I hate the dangling wires. Also when I get sweaty, (as strange as this may sound) my ears get sweaty and hence the ear buds fall out of my tiny ears. I find this annoying and bothersome. So, on most runs, I'm usually left to my own thoughts and the sound of my shoes hitting the pavement. I actually find it quite comforting.

Well, last Sunday, during my 7-mile LSD run, I had an epiphany. Instead of focusing on the marathon distance, why don't I just stick to the half marathon for now. In my mind I don't think it's quite as "prestigious" or challenging, but who am I kidding? A half marathon is just as challenging if not more difficult because I like to pace a little bit faster. (And apparently, I'm not alone, a recent Runner's World poll revealed that most of its readers actually race a half more than a full - the half marathon is the most popular race these days!)

Let's face it, as a new mom, my time is seriously pressed. And like other newbie Runner Mamas, like Runbuggy, sometimes just getting out - let alone completing the longer training sessions required for a full marathon - is a challenge. As I've written in earlier posts, these days I've got to work my training runs in with The B's work schedule because someone has to look after The Lunchie. Sometimes a visit to my parent's house doubles as a training day for me and a visit with the Grandparents for The Lunchie. Hey, whatever works, right?

And like new mothers everywhere, I'm still dealing with a bit of an energy crisis and often I'm running on empty. (I blame sporadic sleep deprivation.) I've got to admit, I'm so lucky to have a relatively "easy" baby. The Lunchie sleeps through the night on most occasions, but on some nights he gets up at 4:30 a.m. for a feeding. I get it. He's a baby. But it does sap my energy for the rest of the day.

So, with all this going on, I've decided to put marathoning on the back burner for a little while and concentrate on rebuilding my mileage slowly and staying injury-free. This month's edition of Runner's World has a great article about dealing with this energy crisis I'm referring to. And the picture of the guy dragging a large brick is an apt illustration of how I feel on some of the days that I run. It's no fun. But at least the experts suggest that I tone my training down, take rest days and evaluate my goals based on my energy stores.

Having this epiphany literally lifted the weight off my shoulders. I don't know why I put so much pressure on myself (I blame my A-type personality for this), but at 34, it's something I'm still dealing with. I really would like to run the Toronto Marathon this fall, but looking at the training programs, it would be hard to train (especially be out so long on the LSD runs), take care of The Lunchie, spend some time with The B, partake in my other hobbies - golf and tennis - and still be sane. I want to enjoy running - not make it seem like a chore. I know I have plenty of marathons still left in me, but for now, I'll just do what I can do best: and that is concentrating on shorter distances and spending time with my boy. After all, he's only young once.

Also, I'd like to get back into tennis and golf. I did play when I was preggers, but didn't get enough court or green time. (And there is nothing more satisfying than pounding balls - golf and tennis balls!)

These days, I finally feel like I'm improving. I'm feeling a bit lighter and faster on my feet during runs and my pacing is getting faster. But, I still have to keep watch and warn myself: not too fast. Slow and sure wins the race, in life and on the road.

Patience, my friend, patience.

(Aww fooey!)

Pack Mentality

No doubt, having a baby has changed my life (for the better) but it's also made training sometimes a challenge to fit in. Before I had The Lunchie, I ran in a group. I love running with a group because not only is it great to catch up on other peoples' lives, but also training with others really motivates me.

Case in point: this evening, I ran with my old marathon group for the first time in more than a year. Tonight's run: hills! Well, that's a great way to make a return! It was a lot harder than I remember! But at least I had a group to keep me going. I know that had I been by myself, it would have been very, very easy to quit. But tonight, there was not choice. I had to finish just like everyone else.

It was tough, but I really enjoyed it. We did four hills and after the second, well, I wanted it to end! Haha! I embrace hill training because (in the words of one my running pals, Jim) Hill are fun. Hills are our friends! It's so true. But these tough workouts are much, much easier to complete with a group.

Hills aside, one of the biggest challenges I have now is getting around to run with a group. I'm very grateful I have a wonderful and supportive hubby who takes care of The Lunchie while I run outside and play(!) However, sometimes - actually many times - his work schedule prevents me from allowing me the time to get together with a running group, so I end up running on my own a lot. It's going well, but when the going gets tough, it's not as easy to find the motivation to finish strong. I have to summon a lot of mental strength to do it.

So tonight's run was such a rush! I finished with gusto and felt rearing to go out again! (Well, not on the same night!) I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be able to do the hill workout again next Wednesday.

Tomorrow I'm doing an moderately fast 3-miler and then weights. Here's to a good workout.

The Party's Over...reality (sometimes) bites

Well, after almost two weeks of partying at the Olympics in Whistler, I'm now ready to get back into the grind and pick-up where I left off. I did do some running while I was away, but nothing significant.

Yesterday, I went out for my first run, post-Olympics. I felt hungover (even though I didn't even drink) and like I was the fat kid in gym class- you know the one : the chubster who no one picks for their team because they are as slow as molasses in January. That pretty much sums up how I felt.

Yup.

My parents were over and so they looked after The Lunchie while I ran (at a snail's pace) a 4.5 miler. There was virtually no wind and the weather was fantastic. So I have no excuses. I don't want to beat myself up about this, so I'll keep this lament short.

I'm going for another run this afternoon. It will be a fresh start.

Positive thinking. Positive thinking. Positive thinking.