Run Jac Run 🏃🏻‍♀️

March 7-13

Amazingly enough we are already in March – I haven’t posted in well over a month and with that I have also hardly worked out. So, lets start out with where I am “at” right now.

Mentally – I feel strong, I am still going on walks when I can and working my way through piles of laundry. Since the move and going from 250 sq.ft. trailer to a 1200+ sq.ft. house we have had some adjustments.

Physically – I am lumpy and want to get STRONG. I am a little more intrigued to lift weights than to just run right now. I am constantly looking for weights and workout equipment but then can’t pull the trigger in buying it just yet. As much as I want my running mileage to go up, I know that in order to achieve the body I want I need to lift weights.

This last week I started a new job which I feel less than qualified for but I am hoping with time I can exceed expectations. With that, I get to make money and use my brain finally! Hazel is with Jesse during the day as he was laid off but they seem to be having a blast. It is a definite turn of events.

About 10 days ago I tried taking the dog for a walk/run – and ended up falling over him and cutting my arms and hands, they are still healing… the scabs are gruesome. But I am doing better and it didn’t hurt when it actually happened.

Goals for the coming week:

Focus on nutrition – macro counting
Drink more water (aiming for 60-70oz of water)
Daily walks (during work – I need to set aside the time to walk on breaks) I might even join a gym nearby to go on lunch breaks – but I still have to figure in pumping time.
Waking up 10 minutes earlier each day to eventually get to 5am wake ups so I can pump and workout in the morning. Once I feel confident with this and Hazel doesn’t wake up early I want to get the gym equipment. I would love to just go run but if she wakes up, I want to be able to nurse her – so I need to stay nearby and a treadmill will help with that goal.

The picture that doesn’t do the boo-boos justice

First day waking up to workout and got about 6 minutes of a pilates workout in

Friday (the day I wrote this) I decided to challenge myself to a daily movement challenge. I want to feel good. And when you feel good you look good. Simple. I love training, I love moving, I love a challenge.

So I want to move every day. Intentional movement. From stretching to yoga to pilates to weights to running.

Week 5 (2022!) – Feb 1 – 6

Monday – big news! We got a house! It was also a rest day… I spent the day signing papers, getting keys and then spending time in the new house just imagining

Tuesday – 1.5 mile walk with the pup and the 18 min long run for couch to 5k… I have a brand new jogging stroller but the right hand side of the handlebar keeps coming down, some sort of malfunction…. So I did have to stop a few times which was so annoying and I almost gave up! But then I figured out how to not get it to go down. Not sure if it’s still in warranty or not… Or should I say returnable.

Wednesday – rest means laundry day lol

Thursday – 1.5 min run, 30 sec walk – – – – – – Jesse stayed home today, so I was able to go out and do this run on my own it was humid it was a little rainy but it was beautiful! This is the last run that I will be doing at Wales West, which is where we have been staying for the last 7 months in our travel trailer. I have great news that we are moving into our own house!

Friday – cross training – pushups, squats, pulse squats, side lunges, mountain climbers. The cold cold weather came in today and it is about 40° and raining, therefore we are staying inside and keeping warm.

Saturday and Sunday – we were moving, organizing, corralling kids, picking up washing machines… All of that. I did not get to run, unless you count running after the dog who decided to go meet all the new neighbors.

I know these next couple weeks are going to be focused on moving things but I need to promise myself to put aside that hour for ME!

Week 4 (2022!) – Jan 24 – Jan 30

Monday – Active rest day! We went on a 2.5 mile walk

Tuesday – 12 minute consecutive run I DID IT!!!! it was rainy and cold 40s, Jesse stayed home due to the weather so I took advantage of that and left the dumpling at home and they hung out and I went to the gym. IT WAS BUSY!! anyway, I did a 5 min warm up, then 12 minutes of RUNNING 11:19/mi pace and then cool down and then incline walk! Ooooh girrrrl! It was amazing! Loved the feeling of running, wasn’t too hard at all… It was amazing!

Wednesday – I was supposed to stretch and strength train, but did I? No. 😳 I did stretch some, but neglected strength till late in the night when I was holding the nugget and doing lunges and squats lol. So I got a little in, but nothing really that great.

Thursday – 15 x 1min run/ 1 min walk I really wanted to take Hazel to the gym and have her chill in her carseat so I could do this run inside, but they wouldn’t let it happen. So I tested out the strip of paved road we have and the stroller did great with her – no jostling her at all… So she came with! And it was great! Honestly, it went so quickly (even for a 45 minute workout) and it was nice and running with the stroller made me take it easy and slow and that’s exactly what I needed. I had no need to try and push it at all.

I’m honestly so happy with how this training block is going and it’s been relatively smooth getting back into running. I thought I had lost all fitness, since i want running at all at the end of my pregnancy, and not walking much either. I definitely didn’t eat the healthiest either. Pizza was my go to. Lol but, overall my fitness has returned (more than I expected) and I am so so so excited for the rest of the year!

Friday – 25 minute walk with the pup while baby-wearing little dumpling babe.

Saturday – – the day got away from me and I couldn’t go on my run!

Sunday – 15 x 1min run/ 1 min walk – 3 miles conquered today. Kids stayed with dad and I raaaaannn. Yesterday I really wanted to do my workout, I was itching to get out. I love my family, but I look forward to my time to myself too. So this morning I wasn’t letting ANYTHING get in my way. I drank my coffee and I skiddaddled out of there so quick, running is so freeing.

I think it’s finally time I can spill the beans! We bought a house!!! On an acre of land, and it’s absolutely beautiful. We are so excited to be able to move into this beautiful place and we close in 1 week (but when this is published we will be closing in 1 day! Lol)

Week 3 (2022)- Jan 17- Jan 23

Monday- martin Luther King Jr day no working out due to weather, severely cold!!

Tuesday- COULD NOT NOT WORK OUT. I took off and walked 2 Miles and enjoyed the sun. Still chilly, but it felt great to get out. Tomorrow I start couch 2 5k!

Wednesday – cross training full body Actual: walk was all that was managed to

Thursday – 10 x 2min walk / 1 min run actual: legs killer workout

Friday – rest/crosstrain Actual- 10 x 2min walk / 1 min

Saturday – 10 x 2mjn walk / 1 min run Actual- so stinking sore! Rest with a little walking

Sunday – rest/ cross train Actual: I did Saturdays workout today, this time outside and it was amazing. I love feeling the in my face, the sun shining down and lungs filling with fresh air.

So even though I had to switch around days, I pretty much got it done, I did start in the we middle of the week though. So Tuesday is really the end of week 1. With the baby, I plan on just trying to take her to the gym. I hope they don’t mind!! But I felt it so good this week! It was great getting back to running. I missed it soooooo much!!

Week 2 – 2022! (Jan 10-16)

Weekly Goals: get outside daily. Move body daily. Stretch. Patience. Nap

Monday: we got in a 5k walk! It was really cold today, of course the cold front made it’s way back here so we didn’t get out for a walk till the afternoon. So during the morning I definitely felt lazy and not productive, despite cleaning and doing the dishes. I even did a 10 min HIIT workout in the morning, but it was shaking the trailer so much (lol) that I had to do a lot of modified moves. I felt pretty good during it too! My pelvic floor exercises have helped a ton. This might be TMI, but I am not peeing myself when I sneeze or cough.. I don’t have to cross my legs either. Basically pregnancy and childbirth can make it so that you don’t have much control over your bladder. And ever since H was born (nearly 7 years ago!) I always had to cross my legs and hope I didn’t pee myself. Well, I was SO OVER that and so after baby dumpling was born I started strengthening my pelvic floor. And it’s helped a ton! Very simple exercises ( I still do) to help, because trust me… You take for granted being able to hold your pee! Anyway, I did a little HIIT workout and then in the afternoon once the wind calmed down a little and the sun was out more we went on a 5k walk. In the middle I stopped and did squats, walking lunges, elevated pushups and tri dips. Doing this while baby wearing (she was in a baby carrier and she is probably 10+ pounds now)! Then at night I stretched and did more pelvic floor work.

Tuesday: I found this app called FitOn, and it offers a BUNCH of free classes ranging from meditation and yoga to HIIT and I think even some kick boxing! This morning I did a 20 minute pilates workout – which really kick started my day! It was again, suuuuuper cold. Somehow the morning sped by really quickly and we ended up getting out of the house around 10:30-11ish. I needed to get some new jeans, all my clothes are hidden in storage and we couldn’t find them when we went. Plus, not sure they will fit yet. So, off to shop us girls went. I found two pairs of jeans, 1 top and a couple outfits for the dumpling to keep her warm and looking cute 🥰 after about 3.5 hours we headed back home, played with the pup and went to go pick up big brother from school. I really wanted to get a walk in, but time got away from me. However I was able to get a couple 100m run/jogs in between H’s friends house and ours. I also did a bunch of squats and side lunges while playing with the pup!

Wednesday: I reorganized my closet, went through Hazel’s clothes she’s outgrown, found other outfits- contemplated if she would wear them bc it’s not the typical style I would go for… But came to the conclusion you can’t really say no to free clothes. Babies get their clothes dirty so easily, so it will all just have to do. I have been so incredibly hungry! And staying super busy increases my hunger, whereas before when we were just hanging out at the condo all day I didn’t have a huge appetite. So, we moved around a lot, played with the pup, danced around, oh and mind you baby wearing the whole time. Lots of nursing. Then went on a 3.5 mile walk. Went to the store and got groceries. Came home to feed Hazel more and then go pick up big brother. 🤪 It was a busy day. I’m exhausted

Thursday– REST

We got next to no sleep the night before so resting and doing absolutely nothing really helped. I didn’t get a nap in, but I did get to lay around and be lazy

Friday– I went house hunting, we are on a mission to get ourselves some land and a house! I saw two today, and let’s just say 🤐 the market is bad haha. Except, later that day a BEAUTIFUL house came on the market. So, today was mostly just house hunting and no walking

Saturday – It was pouring rain, like summer rain pouring except cold and progressively getting colder. We looked at the house and it was beautiful.

Sunday – last night there were wind gusts of up to 50 mph, and the temperature dropped to 28… Brrrrrr it was cold cold cold! All day it’s been COLD and windy. No way was I getting out there, so I barely got 1k steps.

Hoping next week I can get some more exercise in. Hazel will be 6 weeks! So I should be cleared for exercise next week!

2022!

Welcome to the new year! Baby girl, who I lovingly call baby dumpling or bb girl… Or well, coming up with lots of names… Came 2.5 weeks early!! So, my plans for getting relaxing time in and my hair done before she got here didn’t happen at all. I had to even leave work early! but she came and it was beautiful. And now, at 5 weeks postpartum I’m ready to get back to exercise!! I’ve been walking and doing pelvic floor exercises daily, I feel really strong actually, but I don’t want to start running too soon and risk injury.,

Sunday: 2 Miles walking with the babes – last day before the cold front! It was quite humid, and lately I’ve been really trying to make time for Hendrix so he doesn’t feel left out, but I realized I’m pouring from an empty cup. I hadn’t put any time aside for just me. And yeah, having baby dumpling with me isn’t technically “alone time” but she was just sleeping and chilling and doesn’t talk back… So win win. Plus H needed time with dad 1 on 1. Juggling two kids can be tough!

Monday: Plan: stretch and walk Actual: obliques, squats, lunges and pushups as well as a small walk (I mean real small) it was about 40° so getting outside was quite tough. But H goes back to school tomorrow so I am finally able to get back to establishing a real routine and will be able to focus more on fitness. My family is in town for this last week.

Tuesday: strength 20 min? Walk stretch Actual: I did a dynamic stretch which definitely worked some muscles and it felt great! And then walked 2 Miles with the baby dumpling in 28° weather! We bundled up really really well! I managed over 16k steps!

Wednesday: walk

My family was here this week and left on Saturday, come Monday I am establishing a real routine and boy am I excited!!! I’ve lost most of the baby weight, but I’m definitely not “tight or fit” I have a long way to go, but I’m excited to start!

An open letter to myself before life changes completely

Dear Jacquie,

You’re almost 37 weeks along in your pregnancy. You’ve complained a lot. You’ve done your fair share of crying and peeing your pants. You’ve stayed fairly active and kept a positive attitude as much as possible. Sure, you’ve lost your cool a number of times and then cried and then apologized. But just remember… Even when you’re in the deep throws of motherhood and you feel like the nights and days are impossibly long and there’s no way that you can make it through.. you can. And you will. Sleep will come. The sun will shine on you.

You made it through once, and you’ll do it again. Give yourself Grace and time. Give yourself the love you’ve been practicing every day. ASK FOR HELP. You’ve got a good group around you here to help. Ready to jump in.

You might feel a little lost, you might not. But eventually you will find yourself again.

Please remember that you laugh at the silliest of things. You laugh hard and loud. You burst out laughing when someone farts. Hendrix makes you smile and gives the best hugs and cuddles. Jesse is there for you to rest your head and help you when he’s home. Absolutely no one is against you. Don’t feel like you are alone. Voice your thoughts, fears, ambitions and dreams. Do NOT keep them to yourself.

The journey back to “pre baby body” is just that… A journey. Not overnight. It will be tough. But it’ll be worth it. To show your new daughter and older son how important it is to put our physical and mental health first. To talk through your emotions.

Remember to shower and get ready for the day, do your hair and skincare routine. Make sure you feel good. But also remember it’s totally okay to just chill and not do anything. But don’t get stuck in that rut. Eat your greens! Drink your water! Hang out with friends. Get outside and get fresh air. Listen to music. Don’t be afraid to be silly and laughed at. Allow yourself to grow and be loved.

Now, onto labor – Believe in yourself and what you’re capable of. I know you imagined yourself to be running up until the baby came and you kinda had to stop because things were just getting really uncomfortable and you couldn’t breathe well. You are meant to birth! You can do it! Look into J’s eyes and find that strength. Ride the waves of pain and remember each contraction and push is one step closer to meeting HER. don’t be scared. But remain humble and respect the labor process.

You will rock at this. Keep talking about your emotions. Keep letting others know how you’re feeling. And remember YOU ARE F$CKING STRONG AF. you’ve got this.

Week 42 and 43 (of 52) – 2021 edition!

TEN MORE WEEKS TILL 2022!

Usually I start thinking about my resolutions and goals for the next year. But I feel caught up in the baby delivery to really be able to sit down.

Preliminary goals:

Make sure I make time for myself as much as I do my family

Exercise daily – get outside! Move! Make sure to take baby outside

Get H into some sort of sport to get our some aggression and also energy.

Monday-saturday was spent working. I don’t think I got in a decent walk all week. Which is sad. The sun comes up way too late and it’s freezing cold so the dog walks in the morning are short. The sun goes down early so playtime is cut short which means we can’t really do a walk and play.

Saturday I did have my girls day and got to just talk with a friend and hang out. The boys didn’t think I would be gone that long lol.

So, I didn’t realize I hadn’t posted in a couple weeks…. Mostly because all physical activity has basically stopped. The normal dog walks are nothing to report. But, let’s just say my legs constantly feel like they have run a marathon and did strength training. Always aching and hurting and tired. It’s hard to put on a smile at work for the 6+ hours I’m there and Continue to smile at home. There’s so much to do, but I’m so grateful for the help I have and how much the boys are helping me.

Unfortunately H has been sick for the past couple weeks and we haven’t been able to curve the congested cough. Which makes me stressed out and questioning my parenting. 🤷‍♀️ I know it’s neither of our faults and the weather going from 90 to 40 over night is Not Helpful.. but it’s still hard.

Week 41 (of 52) – 2021 edition!

Just chugging right along… Fully in 3rd trimester and the only activity I’m really doing is walking and stretching. My posture has really been bad so ive been trying to improve it and stretch more.

Monday – Wednesday: walking and stretching… But mostly resting. I really do wish I was able to run or walk further than I am. Faster than I am. But my legs cramp up, scream at me to stop.

Saturday – I went on a 2 mile intentional walk!

Look guys, it’s been tough. This pregnancy has me facing problems and pains I haven’t ever felt. It’s so much more than “just lace up your shoes and get out there!” So much more than “I am just doing it”

I am facing all day nausea, exhaustion and sometimes dizziness. I don’t have much of an appetite and my legs cramp up easily. I walk 3-4 sometimes 5 times a day.. shorter walks with the dog. But still. I am moving. Just not running. I stretch every morning before getting out of bed and aim to start positively.

This baby does somersaults in my stomach and pushes on organs and ribs that shouldn’t be pushed on. I grimace a lot, I groan when I sit, stand, lay down. I try to keep up in day to day life and not get too anxious. Since the beginning I have felt in my bones she will come early. While I supposedly have ~8 weeks till she comes, I honestly feel like it’s closer to 6. I am practicing meditation and breathing and slowing things down. But anyway, here are my goals for the next 6 weeks

Taking care of baby stuff:

Washing baby clothes
Installing car seat
Practicing with stroller (open/close and getting it into car)
Clean the dang car!!!
Make the side baby bed
Purchase baby bed mattress
Stock up on diapers and wipes

Taking care of ME:

Hair cut
Massage
Mani/pedi
Getting some lounge wear that can take me into postpartum
Nursing bras and accessible shirts
Resting more
Pack up “to go bag” – while I know that the hospital provides all the necessities for that after care shower, I read something that was like bring some of your own things and treat it like a spa day. And I’m like HELL YEAH! with H I rushed my shower to get back to him quickly and didnt take care of myself properly. This time, I am going to turn on music, bring my shampoo and conditioner, soaps, face stuff… All of it. I am going to cherish those moments I get to myself to make me feel clean and better, there are nurses for the baby and Jesse! So it will be fine! But I am also planning on packing 2 changes of clothes for Jesse. If he is at work, I know he will want to change out of those work clothes first and then change again the day after. I’m hoping for delivering on a weekend or early morning so that he’s just already home. My fear is having to go through part of the contractions alone. J is really good at calming me down and helping me breathe through pain, so I’m counting on him! But also trying to learn to count on myself!

So, that was my week… Not a lot of intentional movement! But yeah

Week 40 (of 52) – 2021 edition!

First off, can you guys believe it is week 40 of the year?! 🤯🤯 My mind is blown! I also have just under 10 weeks till my DUE DATE!

Things I’m trying to do:

Make the baby bassinet – since we are living in an RV, regular store bought bassinet won’t work.
Make my nursing and postpartum baskets to help around the place. Like for instance, those late night diaper changes. I need something easily accessible so I can grab and change. So I’m thinking of some sort of hanging contraption possibly on the back of the door.
Stay active and stretching a lot
Trying to stay positive… It’s been difficult but voicing my frustrations have been super helpful because it makes me “feel seen” and acknowledged and then the boys can understand where I’m coming from if I’m in a little bit of a mood. Sometimes just a change in scenery is needed… Other times it’s alone time.
Trying to figure out what we HAVE to get for the baby, we aren’t doing a baby shower so I expect not much of any help. Which frankly sucks – if I’m honest, I was really hoping my cousin’s would help out, but they’ve been completely MIA and haven’t reached out at all to see how we are doing or anything… So I don’t expect a thing from them. 😕 Maybe I’m wrong, but it’s just a feeling. Diapers would be great, some small things like pacifiers and sleep sacks would be extra helpful. We don’t need much, but we don’t have a whole lot of extra to afford it either. But I know we will figure it out.

Monday – I was going to go out on a run, but after starting my warm up, I reeeeaaallllyyyyy didn’t want to. Like so whole heatedly couldn’t bare the thought of going on even a walk, we headed back and decided instead to play some soccer and kick the ball around! And my mood changed! Was it good exercise? No, not really…. Didn’t do too much… But I enjoyed it without pulling a muscle! Lol

Tuesday – Friday: I got sick. I had and still have a bad cough, have lost my voice and am just now gaining back some energy (Saturday). Each night I’ve passed out at 8:30pm

Saturday – Sunday : thought I was better but then H came down with something else and was putting himself down for naps during the day and I was so nauseous I couldn’t eat much of anything. So needless to say, we just slept all weekend. Our only outside time was with the pup playing frisbee and going on short walks. Other than that, we were inside resting. Rather boring and not active at all!