February 10, 2017

February 2017

The last couple months have been a blur, with the holidays, lots of new adventures and trying to soak in every moment with my little man. Here is what’s been up the last couple of months.

Excited About // My new role teaching at a small local college. I had moved more into administrative role over the last few years and I LOVED my job at the University. Honestly I really miss my old job and my coworkers, it really was an amazing group of people and students to work with. But after returning after having Cannon, it just didn’t feel right to me. I hated spending so much time away from him when he was so small, it broke my heart and I didn’t feel like I was my best at work or at home. So I resigned from my job without a real plan on what I would do next, it was scary but I believed that something would come up that would be a better fit. In December I applied for a teaching job where I would only have to be on campus twice a week and could do the rest of my work remotely from home. I interviewed and was offered the job right at the begining of the year. While I loved being home full time with Cannon, this for me feels like the best fit, I love that I am with him most days but I still get to teach and interact with adults. It’s not always easy, and there is VERY little free time, but it’s so worth it.

Training For // Marathon training for an April trail marathon. It feels so good to be training for an event, like getting a little piece of myself back.

Focusing On // Little victories. As I have gotten back into training and eating well to fuel my runs I am having little victories like being able to run all the hills on the seven mile loop around my house. Being able to zip up my old favorite running jacket, this is a big win in my book. And fitting back into more and more of my work wardrobe. I hit my pre-pregnancy weight a while ago but after having a baby and (still) nursing things are a little different. I was training for an Ironman before getting pregnant so even if the scale is the same or less body composition is still a work in progress.

Struggling With // Nursing. You may recall that I had a hard time establishing my milk supply right after having Cannon. I had to work really hard to get enough milk to feed him. It was going along but I always had to work at it. I woke up every night for months to pump extra, sometimes multiple times. Now that I am back at work again my supply seems to be going down again and I feel like I am hanging on by a thread to keep up. It’s stressful and I have a lot of mom guilt about it, like I am not doing the right things if I am not able to make enough milk for my baby. I know it’s fine if he has formula, and that I even have a frozen milk stash but I am struggling with accepting that this has been such a struggle.

Loving // Playing with my little man, he is so much fun!

Cannon loves his toys but of course his favorite right now is my water bottle

February 8, 2017

2017 Races

One of my favorite things to do is to plan races for the year. I love to think about the fun adventures to be had, especially when we are in the grips of winter. It took me a long time to settle on races for the year and I am still not 100% sure on some of them. Life is a little more unpredictable now with a little one so I don’t want to commit to too much. I am also leery of getting injured this year, coming back from no running for a year to a 50 mile ultra marathon is a lot to ask of my body. So I want to be gentle and forgiving of my body while pushing to see what it can do. Here is the tentative plan for 2017:

Run Through Time Half Marathon – March 18

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This race is a big maybe for me, I would really like to run it and it would be nice to run a half before my marathon in April. The question is the condition of the trails, the trails in Salida in March can be beautiful, ankle deep mud or covered in snow. I don’t want to travel to this race (especially if Cannon is coming along) on treacherous roads. So I will make the call when we get closer to race day.

Desert RATS Trail Marathon – April 15th

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This is the race I am using as base training for the rest of the year. I am excited to head out to Fruita for a spring trail marathon. It will be challenging to train on trails during the winter so I am sure all the climbing in this race will be hard. I am doing my best to get out when the trails are dry and climbing as much as possible.

Collegiate Peaks 25 Mile Trail Race – May 6th

I have wanted to do this race for a long time, it looks so beautiful!

North Fork 50K – June 3rd

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Another race close to home that looks BEAUTIFUL, this would be the first ultra for the year.

Mueller Trail Marathon – June 24th

Cory and I are planning on running this race together. June 24th is our anniversary (11 years!) and we love to do races together to celebrate.

I will likely add some races over the summer, but I am not ready to commit just yet….

Run Rabbit Run 50 Miler – September 9th

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This is the big goal for the year! RRR is a beautiful and challenging run up in Steamboat Springs.

February 6, 2017

Weekly Rundown – Marathon Training Week 6

I can’t believe it’s already been 6 weeks of marathon training already. Things have been going pretty well so far, I am steadily working on building up my weekly milage and weekend long runs.

I am linking up with Jessie at The Right Fits and Jess Runs ATL to recap last weeks training.

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Monday: Complete rest day, I had a lot of work to do and my legs felt thrashed from the weekend anyway.

Tuesday: Quick 2.15 mile run with Cannon, it’s been pretty warm lately so it’s nice to get outside to run with my little sidekick.

Wednesday: Early morning 5.6 mile run, my legs still felt heavy but it was nice to get a slightly longer mid-week run in. In the evening I got in 30 minutes of strength training.

Thursday: 30 minutes climbing workout. Thursday was a busy day at work so all I could fit in was a quick treadmill workout. After a quick warmup I set the treadmill at 15% incline and marched away, this is good training for the hilly marathon I have in April.

Friday: Cory had the day off so I was able to get out for a 7 mile run in the afternoon, without having to push a stroller. I love having Cannon with me for runs, but I live in a hilly neighborhood so it can make running with a jogging stroller challenging. In the evening I also did 40 minutes of strength and core work.

Saturday: Cory, Cannon and I got out for an early run before a busy Saturday. I love when we all get to run together.

Sunday: Sunday (long)run day! It’s been warm and dry here so the Boulder trails opened back up. I headed to the trails early so there would be plenty of time to get to our afternoon swim lessons and kick my feet up to watch the Super Bowl.

Totals:

Running: 33.3 miles

Strength: 2 sessions

Overall it was a good week, just 10 weeks to go!

February 4, 2017

February Goals

Oh heyo February!

I am kind of glad January is done for the year. This happens to be my least favorite time of year. The days are short, winter is in full swing, the holidays are long over and spring seems forever away. But this year more than ever I am not wishing the months away. Cannon is growing up so fast, sometimes I just want to press pause to really soak in who he is now, he is so sweet and fun and precious.

But since I don’t have control over time I guess I will just move along with goals for February.

I always like setting goals for a month, the time is long enough to really get things accomplished but not so long that it’s overwhelming.

For February my goals are:

1. To run 120 miles. This may not seem like much, especially since I am in the thick of marathon training but I am determined to build up slowly so I don’t get injured. I set a goal of running 100 miles in January and just made it with 102 miles.

2. Run everyday in February. I don’t think that a “run streak” is necessary but for me I like the idea of not thinking about when to run and just setting up really good habits of running everyday. It doesn’t have to be long, just 20 minutes to count in my book. This is a fun goal but one I will give up on if I feel that I am going to get injured.

3. Strength train at least twice a week

4. Try to post on the blog at least twice a week, three would be better but I want to be realistic. I really want to remember this time in my life and documenting it here means a lot to me. I would like to include marathon training updates for my first big race back after baby.

5. Continue to prioritize and put family first. January was pretty crazy with some life changes (more on that later) but I was happy that I was still able to be present and prioritize time with my family. This one is a bit intangible but I think I will know if I have been successful.

January 23, 2017

Cannon // 7 Month Check In

Cannon is now 7 months old and is such a ball of fun and love!

He is now 18 lbs 1 oz (45%) and 27.55 in (65%)

The biggest thing that happened over the last month was celebrating Cannon’s first Christmas.

Even though he didn’t really understand what was happening, he loved the lights and spending time with family.

Cannon is working on crawling and does “laps” around his crib every night. He is not quite on the move yet, but I don’t think we have long.

This month was Cannon’s introduction to solid foods. We decided to go with baby led weaning because we liked the idea that Cannon was in control of what and how much he ate instead of us.

He is doing really well and likes most foods, the one he doesn’t seem to like is chicken but he loves broccoli and brussel sprouts so I am not complaining. I was a little nervous giving him peanut butter and eggs as they can be dangerous if your baby is allergic. Since we have no family history of food allergies, our pediatrician encouraged us to introduce early and everything has gone well so far.

Even though it is January we try to get Cannon outside as much as possible as long as it’s above freezing.

He loves being outside and playing in the snow.

We just started swim lessons at our local community center. Cannon LOVES being in the water and hanging with the other babies. It will be a little while before he is really swimming, he is doing a great job learning to kick and float.

Hangin with Grandpa waiting for swim class

Overall, this last month has been amazing, I love being able to spend time with Cannon watching him grow and develop. He is such a sweet little boy, it’s so fun getting to know his personality more and more.

Past Monthly Updates:

January 5, 2017

Hello 2017! Goals and focus for the new year

2016 was a GREAT year with the birth of Cannon but I am ready to start a new year and focus on training and racing again. Life will never be the same as it was before I got pregnant and all I needed to worry about was working and training but I feel strongly that it is still okay to chase dreams that are just for me. Cannon will always come first but I am ready to put some energy back into myself as well.

I spent some time the last few months debating what goals I wanted to chase. Ironman is always in my heart, I love so much about training and racing Ironmans but I also really liked the idea of tackling a longer ultra. I contemplated if I should do an Ironman or ultra back in September, I decided to just let it stew and see if an obvious answer would show up. And I believe it did. As the weeks unfolded I seemed to be able to get out running but biking and swimming just weren’t happening as much. Part of the reason was that I could more easily get a run in while Cannon was napping or take him along in the BOB stroller.

I could bike but only on the trainer and it was hard to find time to always get to a pool. So fairly naturally it seemed that an ultra marathon was the correct choice. I still would like to bike and swim but not enough to get ready for an Ironman. One day I will be back, Ironman Boulder is still calling my name. I haven’t given up on triathlon completely, I would still like to do a few short races this summer.

The next big question was how long of an ultra, the Leadville 100 is a dream of mine that I very seriously contemplated throwing my name in for. I had the page up on my computer to enter the lottery many times with my heart racing and palms sweating. I struggled to stay strong and NOT enter because when I thought about it rationally I just don’t think it’s wise to jump to the 100 mile distance yet. If I had ran through my pregnancy, had an easy delivery and bounced back to running then maybe I could toe the line of a 100 mile race a year later but that is not my story. So instead I have set my sights on Run Rabbit Run 50 mile trail race in Steamboat Springs. It will definitely be a challenge and one that I am excited to tackle. Training I am certain will need to be creative with a little one that needs caring for and that I don’t like spending too much time away from.

So most of 2017’s training will be focused on Run Rabbit Run and trying not to get injured. The fun part is filling in the rest of my 2017 race calendar. Happy trails everyone!

What are your big goals for 2017?

December 24, 2016

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you all Peace, Love and Happiness!

December 20, 2016

Cannon // 6 Month Check In

Over the weekend we celebrated Cannon’s half birthday. Time is flying and Cannon is learning and growing so fast!

He is now 17 lbs 5 oz (46%) and 27 in (67%)

Over the last month we got to run our first Turkey Trot 5k as a family and celebrate Cannon’s first Thanksgiving. While Cannon didn’t get to try any of the food he really seemed to enjoy the run

He can now sit up completely unassisted and rolls both ways. He still can fit into most of his 3-6 month clothes but all his pants are a little short on him so he will be moving to 9 month clothes soon. It does make me sad to pack up his stuff as he out grows it but it’s just so fun to watch him grow.

It has been pretty cold this last month so we haven’t been able to get out on as many walks and runs as I would like but when we do get a chance Cannon loves the snow so much. I may have to learn to ski or snowboard just so I can take him.

Just a little snow day goofin’ Love this little guy so much ❤️❄️️❤️ #snowday #cannon #cmcn

Cannon also met Santa for the first time, no tears this year, but I bet we aren’t so lucky next year.

Luckily for me, just in the last week naps seem to be getting a little better. Hopefully this trend will keep going and we will have more of a consistent napper. We continue to be spoiled with overnight sleep between 10-12 hours every night!

We are about to start eating solids after being exclusively breast fed for the last 6 months, I think Cannon is more than ready!

Now we are just waiting for Santa to visit. My heart is exploding with joy over celebrating Christmas with my little family.

Waiting for Santa #Cannon #cmcn #6monthsold

Past Monthly Updates:

December 5, 2016

Weekly Rundown – Run Focus

I haven’t done a Weekly rundown in a while, I am hoping to be more consistent in posting these as training really ramps up for 2017 races, I am SOOOO excited.

I am linking up with Jessie at The Right Fits and Jess Runs ATL to recap last weeks training.

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This week was mainly focused on running (more on that in a separate post).

Monday: A quick 2.42 mile run with my favorite little buddy in the running stroller. As much as I love our BOB stroller it is much more of a workout to run with it!

Tuesday: 3 miles on the treadmill with 1 minute tempo intervals, this felt so good! It always helps make the time fly on the treadmill when I have work to do =) After my run I was able to squeeze in some quick core and lower body exercises before nap time was over. In the evening I joined my mom for a swim. It was SOOOOO nice to swim. Cannon has been fighting naps so he is often over tired in the afternoon and a little crabby so getting into a calm, quite pool really helped me find my happy place.

Wednesday: 21 day fix upper body strength workout

Thursday: 2.14 mile run (outside, YAY) and full body strength workout

Friday: It was cold and snowy on Friday and my phone died from cold immediately after taking this picture but the solo miles were so enjoyable. Now that I am a mom I relish my time to get out and run so much more. I am so grateful that Cory is always supportive and happy to take on baby duty (in fact, I think he loves the time alone with Cannon).

Saturday: Saturday was super busy so I jumped on the treadmill for 2.6 miles. I kinda felt awful, it was just one of those days that my legs felt heavy and hard to move, there was lots of walking to warm up and cool down. Somedays are better than others, and I was glad to at least get moving a little. I love watching Ginger Runner films while running. Reminds me that putting in the work now will allow me to enjoy hours on the trails when summer gets here.

Sunday: 7 mile run with both my boys, it’s so nice when we get to run together. It’s such a great time for us to talk while we get some miles in.

Totals:

Running: 21.3 miles

Swimming: 1200 yds (just once, but I am working on getting a pool I can go to more regularly)

Strength: 3 sessions

As always it’s a work in progress, I am hoping to try some new strength training classes this week, a spin class and get in the pool more if I am lucky!

November 21, 2016

Cannon // 5 Month Check In

Cannon just turned 5 months old!

He is now 16 lbs 12 oz (53%) and 26.5 in (73%)

This was such a fun month for us! Cannon is such a sweet happy little boy. He always greets me with a smile and loves to cuddle and play. It is SO much fun to be his mom, I love it more than I could have imagined.

The biggest change this month for us was that I left my full time job to spend more time with Cannon. We put Cannon in daycare when I went back to work originally and we loved the “school” we sent him to but things weren’t as good as could have been. I felt like I barely had any time with Cannon and my life revolved around, bottles. Cleaning bottles, filling bottles, packing bottles, pumping into bottles and repeat. One of the difficult things was that Cannon does not take a bottle well, he won’t eat much from a bottle and complains the entire time he is eating. While he was eating okay, thinking about how my baby wasn’t as happy as he could be was really difficult for me. After lots of tears and long conversations we decided it would be best for me to leave my job and work part-time from home.

We also celebrated Cannon’s first Halloween. My parents bought him a beautiful polar bear costume but it was SO HOT in October that we had to go with a back-up pumpkin costume.

Cannon rolled over for the first time this month and sat up unassisted just this last week. It’s so fun to watch him grow, develop and learn.

We had a big sleep regression this month. Cannon had been sleeping well at night between 6 and 8 hours straight. Then after 4 months he started having trouble sleeping through the night. We hadn’t planned on moving him into his own room to sleep until around 6 months, but we were waking him up at night so it seemed like the right time to move him. Sleep was still not great so I got the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby The book has helped a lot and we have gotten up 11 hours of sleep overnight. Our naps are still very short so hopefully we can keep improving on that! Any mamas out there have tips on how to consolidate naps? We are only getting about 30-45 minutes at a time.