Thanks everyone for your thoughts on the anxiety of the arrival on #2 - I found it helpful to read the comments :)
The idea of doing a marathon in the later fall this year has crossed my mind a few times. Should I do Philly? or another local one? Or stick with the half. Or not even sign up for anything and take it easy this fall/early winter season? I know the races fill up soon, so if I am thinking about doing one, I should sign up now. I'm thinking the motivation won't be there for a full - that I need to switch it up and get into the triathlons, but how about a half? I'm already signed up for the Philly Distance Run/Rock and Roll Philly half in September which will be 2 months post due date, and the Philly 1/2 is in November - I'm considering it. Ask me on a different day and I'm also considering the full marathon. There's something about doing a handful of them that makes them seem almost easy to do, but then you have to think about the training, your goals, motivation, and the desire to avoid burnout!
I haven't found a triathlon yet to sign up for but did see tips to visit different sites for ideas and training plans. I think that will be my next goal and to decide on the Philly 1/2 in November by the end of June.
I have been getting up to go to master's swimming again ! I have been getting there about 15-20 minutes late and hop in for the workout, then go back and do the warmup at the end. It has been wonderful! and swimming feels fantastic right now. Running is pretty uncomfortable. Last week I ended with just over 22 miles, but I don't recall much of it feeling good. I'm just keeping up with it to try to keep my running fitness level in check and not pushing it.
Last, I'm on an amazing Grass powder + banana softserve and frozen berries kick. It's perfect for summer and I've been having it everyday. Nick is still enjoying it with me. Amazon has it for decent prices w/ free shipping and if you subscribe (you can cancel anytime) you save an additional 15%. I ordered one of each flavor (berry, kidz, and chocolate) to get me through the summer :) Has anyone tried the wheat grass? I kind of forget what I did with it when I tried it last summer - added it to some milk? and what to do with the powder besides adding it to banana softserve. Any ideas?
It's so hard deciding on races when they sell out so fast.... my two cents is to stick with a couple half marathons instead and maybe a full next spring. Don't want to take on too much and feel pressured/burnout.
ReplyDeletethe amazing grass with banana softserve sounds great, thanks for the idea!
ReplyDeleteYeah - def want to avoid burnout. The good thing about training for a half or 2 is that as it requires less distance you can slowly work on getting some speed back which will stand you in good stead if you do decide to do a marathon or tri. I think that will be my plan - I think poss a 10 miler or half in about Nov / Dec, with thoughts of a short mountain pass ultra (28 miles) in June with 10ks or shorter hill races as speed work. Still not totally sure and am just going to see how it is all going week by week after delivery.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll take being a mummy of 2 more in your stride than you feel like you will. My mate as worried about it, but in the end has taken it all in her stride. I would say she has got back to 'normal' far quicker than with her first.
I'm so into cold things at mo too - ice lollies, frozen fruit smoothies, cold drinks with ice cubes.
Glad swimming is going well - I had another good swim this morning - hoorah for the water!
Kaz.
I say don't plan a whole lot for the fall. If I was in your shoes, I'd rather have time to get into a routine with the new little one without having to fit in intense training. There's always going to be a marathon to run...not always going to have an infant at home. Just my two cents.
ReplyDeleteI really like teh Amazing Grass powder and I love making "ice cream" with it and frozen bananas . . . . my kids love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm an Amazing Grass fan, I've put the wheat grass in smoothies the same as the Superfood. I've put poweder in energy bars....and am hoping to post the recipe this week.
ReplyDeleteNo help on wheat grass, sorry.
ReplyDeleteI think you are doing super things for you a little one keeping up with your running and swimming! Post baby - I think a couple halfs is completely doable.
i would do philly! you can do a local one next time :)
ReplyDeleteit's crazy how fast the races fill up these days. i'm waiting on the club to organize teams for philly RNR and i'm worried we'll get shut out b/c they take forever to get their act together.
ReplyDeleteafter this fall training cycle, ive decided that i want to try a spring marathon. training in the cold winter seems easier that trying to train in the HEAT of the summer!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand your need to plan ahead. I planned out the rest of 2010 this afternoon. Lol. It's good to have goals on paper to help keep a mama sane.
ReplyDeleteI might try those amazing grass shakes... thanks for the tip!
I'm thinking about doing the Philly 1/2 this year as I had to drop out last year due to injury. Are there any shorter distances (like a 10K) you could around the Rock'n'Roll dates? Might be a bit less stress. On the other hand some people thrive on being in that situation (def not talking about me!). Maybe pick a race that you really want to do, but you know will sell out quickly?
ReplyDeleteHow long did you wait after Nicholas to do your first race? Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts. My hubby and I aren't quite ready for kiddos yet but it's so inspiring to see that you are still running and racing.
ReplyDeleteI vote you do the races you know you'll love and play the rest by ear. You'll want the flexibility to get used to having 2 without the race pressure.
ReplyDeleteI say go big and then mentally prepare yourself if you need to scale down. Races do fill up fast and I know you would be totally bumed if you're ready and can't.
ReplyDeleteI think you're doing awesome! Having something big to look forward to will be motivating for you - remember Boston?
The thing about adding the second one is that you just naturally adjust more quickly...why? Because you have the first one which thrives on balance and routine already so you by default make yourself and the new baby get back to that routine. It's going to be much easier than the first go around Natalie...you're going to do great!
ReplyDeleteAs for racing, do what feels right and keeps you sane. You need that release to keep you balanced and happy...which in turn keeps your family balanced and happy.
You're doing great!
ReplyDeleteI'm inclined to say don't get yourself burned out, but that would be hypocritical :-) I signed up for a 5 mile leg of a marathon relay instead of the 1/2 marathon a couple months post baby, and I was really disappointed. Can you sign up for the full then switch later if you need to?
This is the first time I've read but the blog is amazing. running, being healthy and raising a baby can be so tough! keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteKatherine
Haven't stopped by for awhile but have been thinking about you getting ready for the second little one. Good job on continuing to run and swim and I hope you get the rest you need before the baby arrives. Nick looks like a fun little guy!
ReplyDeleteI think you should do the half. It will give you a goal ;)
ReplyDelete