I don’t know what I necessarily do or don’t believe in, but I could use some positive prayers/thoughts/vibes/juju. I haven’t ran since March and it’s really affecting me.. Particularly beyond any physical discomfort I feel. I’m not this sad person.. This just isn’t me. This injury is getting inside my head and taking over. đŚ
Category: The bigger picture
The 15k that got away…
Feels wrong to be setting an alarm to go pick up a shirt/bib for a race I’m not running. I paid for it, so figure that I might as well. I’m just sad and mopey and I know that I’ll look back on this and make fun of myself. It’s a race… It’s two stress fractures… Get over it, present Jill. Future Jill has big plans. Ugh… Just hope I get to accomplish some races this summer.
I go for my PT eval in two weeks and also have my follow up with my dr shortly after. Cross fingers and toes that I can run a half in June even though my dr already essentially advised against it. I really want the M2 challenge.
Anyway, I really didn’t foresee this blog getting so mopey. I apologize for that. For most of everyday, I am happy and recognize my blessings. I have a sweet hubby and beautiful two year old who fill my heart heaping full of love and happiness. We’ve been blowing lots of bubbles, drawing with lots of chalk and watching Home too many times to count. Life is beautiful, even when I can’t run.
Short & sweetÂ
I cannot walk on my foot at all, so was advised to sleep in my boot or put it on each time I have to pee at night. Thank god for wood flooring. I just shimmied myself across our dark bedroom on a pillow and crawled to the bathroom. It’s going to be a long 4-6 weeks, people. This is winning.
Results are in…
I got the call yesterday afternoon. I have two stress fractures in my left foot. I will be in the boot for 4-6 weeks and have to do PT for a few weeks. I have to miss my 15k trail run and likely my June HM. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t devastated. I had such big plans for this year and now it feels like I’ve been defeated. Running makes me a better person in many ways. I’m more patient, relaxed, level headed and happy when I’ve run. I like myself more after a run as silly as that sounds. I know this is temporary, but I’m one to need extra time to adjust to any change. For me, this is a really big one. In a few days, I’m hoping to have my go get ’em pants on. I can still do upper body strength training, so there’s that. I am just most upset about missing the M2 challenge. I know in the grand scheme of things, this is minuscule. Things could be SO MUCH worse. Thanks for reading, friends.
Four weeks ’til my next race
I’ve been dealing with some stuff lately that I’m not going to get into. I thought I should write a post to stay consistent, but apologize apologize in advance for the mess.
I’ve been running regularly, gearing up for my 15k trail run next month. We had a week of amazing weather, but have been brought back to WI’s harsh reality that it’s March so anything is possible. That means I’ve gotten back on the treadmill after a few outdoor runs with my jogging stroller/running buddy. Both are challenging in very different ways. Stroller running adds a pretty intense resistance workout and truly builds strength. Treadmill runs give me the chance to do some HIIT to gain speed. Both gains are important for me and my goals.
Kettle bells continue to be my go to strength workouts. I enjoy adding a few new moves each week to keep it interesting and also add new challenges. I still love my old trustee moves and work to perfect form.
I’m turning 27 next week. It doesn’t mean a whole lot to me in all reality, but I have been reflecting the past and forecasting the future. Both are bittersweet for different reasons. Without going off the deep end, life is beautiful, but short. I hope to continue a healthy lifestyle to be around to watch my daughter grow. I want to make memories with my loved ones and worry a little less. I want to keep running and achieve new goals. I want most to be the best mother and a loving wife. Thank you for reading.
Two new races on the calendar!
Well, I’ve let some time slip away on me. Seems like it takes a good week or two to get back into the swing of things after vacay. I have my second race of the year tomorrow, a five mile brewery run. This is my second year doing it. We’ll see how it goes as its been snowing all afternoon/evening. Hopefully the course is clear tomorrow. 
I registered for two more races since my last post. I’ll be running my first trail run next month, a 15k. I’m nervous yet excited about it. I know I will need to focus more on safety and less on speed given the terrain. I hope it’s awesome. I then signed up up for a local Run from the Cops 5k at the end of September. I’m super excited as I haven’t done a 5k in years. There will also be donuts. That helps, too.
I am hoping to add another half to my year to really go out with a bang this year. Races are quite expensive and I don’t want to be irresponsible. My hubby is always supportive of my running, which does mean the world to me.
I’ve been keeping up with my workouts, mostly treadmill intervals and kettle bell moves. I really feel tightening in my abs and hope to see more progress as the months come. I know I’d see it more quickly if I ate a stricter diet; however, I know that deprivation will only result in failure for me. I have significantly cleaned up the foods I eat since January 2014 and have made the gains I have because I don’t cut things out. I’m not saying that others can’t be successful with those approaches, just that I need me some sweets from time to time! And peanut butter, too much peanut butter. Usually before bed, too. Ugh!
Here’s some items that showed up on my menu this past week. By no means all I ate, just when I remember to snap a picture. I feel like I’m not doing too bad. I still use mfp everyday, just spending waaaay less time on the scale and more time trying to gain muscle/strength. I don’t want to be skinny… Just strong and healthy for my family.
On the home front, my daughter was very sick a few days ago. We took her into urgent care as she wasn’t getting better. Turns out we made the right call because doctor said she had a screaming ear infection. She only has a couple days remaining of her meds, but she is doing so much better. Seeing my baby sick is one of the hardest things ever. I just want to take all her discomfort away because she’s little and innocent and can’t even tell me exactly how she’s feeling. Thank goodness my sassy little baby is almost completely back to herself. And let me tell you, during this week of sickness I know I have you all beat on the number of times I’ve watched ALL THREE toy story movies…. It’s almost shameful. She loves them.
As always, thank you for reading.
Thank you!!!
I hit 200 followers this morning. I’m in awe. Thank you all for finding a little time in your beautiful lives to read my silly blog. It means a lot to me…. :):):)
It’s Disney week!
We leave for Florida in a couple days, so I guess it’s time to start packing. Now that I have a forecast to work with, I will be tackling that project today or tomorrow. Last time my husband and I went to Disney (several years ago) the weather was horrible. It was cold and rainy. I know this time of year can be hit or miss, but it is looking promising. Regardless, it’ll be warmer than WI so I’m excited. 
This winter has left me feeling very blue despite my best efforts to be happy and appreciative. I haven’t struggled with seasonal depression (undiagnosed) quite like this before. It comes in waves, but crashes fairly hard with little warning and makes zero sense. I’m hoping a family getaway and first Disney race experience is just what I need to snap back to my old self. I despise mopey Jill. I mean, get it together… My life is beautiful and other people have real problems.
I’ve been keeping up with my workout routine and have began tapering (which is tough)! Last week my long run was 11 miles as I shared and yesterday I ran 9 glorious miles. It was a mere 3 degrees, but it was perfect. The sun was streaming down and Breaking Benjamin was blaring through my headphones. I lost myself in the steady motion of forward and it was very empowering.
I’ve been keeping up with my strength training and added in some elliptical time. I have to put my Garmin on my ankle to register the strides. Perhaps for my birthday I will ask for a foot pod though I’m not sure it’s necessary. Do any of you guys have the garmin foot pod? I haven’t had any issues with indoor treadmill running as long as I swing my arm.
I have been regularly using my Mio Link heart rate monitor and it has been flawless thus far. I am relieved as I want to ensure accuracy for my upcoming half! Cannot wait to see my stats for this race… Trying to make sure I force myself to stop for a few character pics. I’m in corral A, so I’ve been told that I should be able to swing through photo ops with little to no time wasted.
When we return from Florida, I have two weeks until my next race. I’m doing a local 5 mile brewery run for the second time. I am happy to have another race scheduled as I totally buy into the post race blues haha… You work so hard and so long for something and then it’s over! At least I’ll have a pretty medal and comfy t-shirt to remember it by, not to mention numerous pictures, I’m hoping.
We shall see what else is in store for this year. I’m hoping to do my first trail run and perhaps another half marathon. I’m certain this will be my biggest running year yet. As always, thanks for reading!
Another quick catch up
Hello beautiful people. It’s been almost a week since my last post. Time sure gets away from a person. I’ve just been so immersed in half marathon training and being a mom, I guess. Both aspects of my life that influenced me to take this blogging journey, so I best get to writing. 
At this time, two weeks from today I will have completed my third half marathon in the magical place of Walt Disney World. I’m so excited. Corral placements were announced last week and I found out I’ll be in A. This makes me happy as I’m hoping to get a couple pics with characters along the way without having to wait in a long line. I’m all for soaking up the magic of Disney, but I want to RUN! Not stand around diddly dawdling.
I haven’t been following a specific training program as I really like to go by the feel of my body on a given day. I did decide to make today my last “long” run as the 40 degree weather was only making a short appearance. I made myself take it slower today for my 11 miler as i read it’s beneficial for race day. I really am trying to broaden my horizons and learn new ways to become a stronger runner. I’ve incorporated intervals regularly as well as strength training, increased cadence, and now more focus on pace.
Here are some of my workouts from this past week:
I was able to use my new mio link heart rate monitor. It worked perfectly for both weekend runs. Previously, I had been using the garmin chest strap, but have been having issues with dropouts the last couple months. The mio is a wrist strap that seems to be on par with my garmin back in the good old days.
The hubby and I took our daughter to the mall over the weekend as she enjoys the large play area and interacting with other kiddos. Victoria Secret was having a 30% off sports bras sale, which I’ve been really wanting to try. They’re much more than I’m used to spending on a bra, so I decided to take advanced of the sale. I ran this morning with it and it was heavenly. I was a bit nervous that it would feel binding as it was quite snug, but it was so comfortable. I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes open for future sales down the road.
Going back to our upcoming Florida trip, half marathon aside, I don’t know how to flipping pack for this time of year. The weather seems so finicky in February. Most importantly, I want my two year old to be dressed adequately. I’ll be watching the weather over the next several days and try to pack an assortment without packing our entire closet. Vacation packing gets increasingly more challenging with a toddler, but definitely worth it. We’ve never used a babysitter let alone left our tot behind on a trip. My husband and I are completely in synch and would both struggle too much. The vacation would be anything but relaxing wondering how our baby girl was doing. To each their own, of course.
Some yummy foods from this week:
Thank you for reading. Until next time!
It’s Princess Half month! Finally!
Thank you all for bearing through my last whiny post. I had a lot of things swimming around my head and didn’t even properly sort them out, yet writing a sporadic post helped some. So as always, thank you.
It’s been a few days since I posted mostly because I’ve just been so tired at the end of the night. I really only get the chance to write when my daughter falls asleep and lately, I’ve just felt wiped afterward. (Here’s a few photos to recap my last few days.)
It’s February 1st! I can finally say that my third ever half marathon is THIS month. I’m running 13.1 amazing miles in what’s said to be the most magical place on earth, Walt Disney World! We’re going up the Wednesday before the princess half race and leaving the Wednesday after. We’re taking our baby to discovery cove (our third time, her first). Best of all, my daughter will get to meet the who Mickey Mouse Clubhouse gang. This girl is WILD about them. I hope we’re always able to make these sort of memories. Referencing Inside Out, I want my daughter’s core memories to be strong and full of love, especially goofball island!
I was happy to get in a decent strength workout during nap time until I dropped my kettle bell partially on my foot and woke baby up… Ugh just my luck haha. This year, I really want to build muscle. It’s crazy because I never would have said that in the past. I always thought one must just strive to be thin. I never followed a healthy diet and exercise regimen as a kid. I ate poorly, but balanced it out some with basketball. I have learned so much on this journey about creating a healthy lifestyle that you WANT to live. Waking up excited about the food you GET to eat, the workout you GET to do… I want this for my daughter. I want this to be second nature for my family, not a major overhaul in years to come.
When my husband got home, I snuck in a quick 10k outside before the blizzard hits tomorrow. They’re forecasting 7-12 inches, gross. I was born in the WRONG state. I ran intervals, starting with a fast sprint. I then took it easier for 3-4 minutes and sped back up to the next mile marker. I was excited to view my heart rate chart in garmin connect, but my HR chest strap failed again! Ugh… I will be calling garmin finally as this is nuts. My husband did order me a mio link wrist HR monitor that I’m THRILLED to try. Anyone have any luck with it?
I’m also anxiously awaiting my new nike compression shorts in the mail. I know I’ve ordered them late in the game, but need to get in a good run to ensure they’re race worthy. They’re polka dot. Hello Minnie Mouse!
To wrap up, I got an exciting email today. My application to become a fitfluential ambassador was approved. I am very excited about this opportunity and the possibilities it could mean for my future. Well, that’s it for now folks. Thank you for reading!
imamotherrunner 