Right now one of my biggest running “challenges” is literally just leaving the house.  I scheduled today’s 12 mile run on Sunday.  I planned when and where my running friend and I were going to meet.  I had my older two children’s clothes and shoes laid out last night, as well as my running clothes and gear packed.  I woke up early (or should I say Ashton woke me up early) and thought I would be able to make it on time. Ashton nursed early so he was not wanting to eat again before I had to leave so I had to pump.  There went 15 minutes.  Abi suddenly decided she didn’t like skinny jeans so we had to resolve some “wardrobe issues.”  Anthony decided to pour his own cup of milk because I was taking too long so as soon as I came into the kitchen after pumping he was standing in front of a HUGE mess of spilled milk.  (Yes, counter tops, floor- all over…) This was just about the time Anna came strolling in wanting breakfast.  Can you say overwhelmed?

So I raced off to take Abi and Anthony to school.  On the way I realized I’d forgot my phone and Abi called out from the back of the van, “It’s ok.  Keep going mama! We don’t have time to go back!!” (She hates to be tardy so I decided to follow my 2nd graders advice and forget about the phone.)  Once I finally made it to our running meeting place, I borrowed my friend’s phone to call my MIL to let her know there was a bottle for Ashton because I figured he would get hungry…. And then it was time to switch from mom gear to running gear.

I love being a stay at home mom.  However, it is such a gift to be able to take a small break from the endless housework, laundry, cooking, diapers, (you get the general idea) every time I step out the door for a run.  In the past I have run with my kids.  We have a single and double jogger I am willing to use when absolutely necessary.  After baby number four, running “child-free” became more of a priority.  Whether it means waking up really early, running late or any time in between I have really tried to make it work. Fortunately, my husband has a somewhat flexible schedule and my mother-in-law is retired and lives one mile away.  Two HUGE blessings!

Anyway, once I was able to get out the door my actual run went well.  This morning was my longest run since March when I did my last outside run (before the dreaded stress fracture) Ironic that was also a 12 mile run…  Today’s goal was to do an easy 12 but still keep it under an 8 minute pace.  It took a few miles to get into the groove but we were still able to talk and carry on a conversation during the entire run.  We ended up averaging a 7:58. Hopefully we are onto something and we will be able to continue and improve our pace, even as the distance gets longer.  Can I just say how much I LOVE having a good running friend! 🙂

~Tia