morning person?!

3 miles
6:40-7:10 a.m.
Complex track (9 laps)
80's
Steady pace

For any reader who is sick of TMI, oh well. This blog is really mostly for me to track stuff, see patterns, spout off, etc. I started my period last night, but haven't been feeling too bad physically. I got up this morning at 3:30 a.m. after waking up from a bad dream, but was able to fall back asleep. When Ian came in and got me at 6 a.m. I was really asleep, then he was immediately whining about watching a movie and going to the bathroom, etc...not how I was wanting to start our/my morning! By this time I think our noise had woken Cooper up, so I fed him, went in and asked Chris if he wanted to join me and go out with the boys too (so at least he couldn't be mad I didn't ask!) then told him to bring Cooper in our room when he was ready to shower. Ian again asked where I was going. It felt really nice outside and I get bogged down being in the gym, and since this is only my 2nd morning being out, I realized, it's not hot and it's not dark, so why don't I stay outside! So I decided to stay close and do some laps around the complex. I realized this isn't as boring as the treadmill, but that the whole "track" atmosphere still isn't that exciting, not much change in scenario, plus, just like on the treadmill, I focus way to much on how far I've gone and how many more laps I am going to do...I'd really like to do more of running out a certain amount of time and then turning around or mapping out 3-4 mile runs and heading out knowing where I need to go out to get the rest of the mileage on the way home. Not complaining. Glad I am out, but realizing these are some changes I'll probably need to make to not go crazy doing the same monotonous runs every day! :)

Oh, and I think I am a converted morning person!! Never thought I would be saying those words! When people have asked me what time of day I liked--I'd say none. I didn't like morning, in the past I have been so ornery, biting Dad and Laura's heads off during high school...I get exhausted at night, don't function well, usually don't get a ton accomplished, at least not on a consistent basis, especially when pregnant. So then I'd say, if anything, I was a middle-of-the-day-person. LOL. So I guess I have something else to thank my children for teaching me--because almost as habit, my body wakes up around 5:30 or 6 a.m., even if the boys aren't up yet. I can usually fall back asleep until they are awake, but I am realizing how much more I can get done in a day and how good it feels to already have accomplished so much when I get up and run and then have the whole day ahead of me. This morning, my 8 a.m. I had already run, made banana pancakes, and fed Cooper twice. I decided not to shower until after Cooper's nap because I decided to take the boys to the pool for the first time by myself. We had a blast and it's been a great day! I know lots of people talk about the benefits of running, more than just physical, and not that I'm expecting to change my life or me immediately, but I like the change in attitude I think it's started to have. I feel like I am slowing down and making time for this and paying attention in ways I had not been before. By making time for myself and setting some priorities I am recognizing other ways I need to do that both for myself, for the boys, for Chris and I and our family, in general. I hope this can stick! I also started a new book that is giving me some new insights (No Need for Speed).

I had felt pretty bummed that I hadn't made it out Monday and Tuesday but 2 days since then, especially two mornings in a row--as really lifted my spirits and enthusiasm. I am hoping for tomorrow and Saturday, too! Just keep getting up and going!! :)

I have also made another recent discovery--it takes me almost 2 miles to really start feeling good and warmed up. I always thought it was crazy that long distance runners almost ran more in their warm-up than the length of their race, but it's starting to make more sense! I guess the more ya run, the further your body is ready to keep going! (I keep saying that phrase, maybe I'm on to something with it...who knows! it just keeps coming out, not even meaning to keep using it!)