Orange County Moms Blog

OC Half Marathon Here I Come!

 

A funny thing happened about three months ago.  I committed to taking the time out of my hectic “stay-at-home-and-also-try-to-work-at home” life to do something completely just for ME.  I became a runner.  

Well, if we’re being honest, at my pace, I should probably say “jogger” but “runner” sounds more empowering so please humor me.  On Sunday, May 2nd, after 3 months of training I am going to run 13.1 miles in the OC Half Marathon.  I am scared to death, but also crazy excited to cross that finish line. This week I have actually been pretty emotional about it and just writing this makes me tear up. Mostly because I have realized it has been about more than just pounding the pavement.  I feel like in this experience, I found myself again.

I started running for the obvious physical benefits.  You know, get in better shape post-baby, feel stronger, have more energy, etc.  All that has been true, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the mental and emotional impact it would have on me.

When I started training, I told myself that this was going to be the one thing in my life just for me. I called it the answer to my "Momlife Crisis."  So if I can help it, I NEVER bring my kids in a jogger.  I will go to great lengths to go at odd times or arrange help, so I can run alone.

And, what that has meant is I actually have time to THINK again!  In fact, the more I got to THINKING about it, the more I realized in the last 3 years and 10 months since my firstborn arrived, I have not had much time to really think!  My days are sooooo busy....always go, go, go!  I am mom all day, then blog at night, and sometimes mix the both throughout the day, and when the day is done I have not had one spare minute to myself.

These past 3 months, I have had time, good chunks of time, where it is just me, the Back Bay and my iPod. It feels really therapeutic to have the time to actually process linear, uninterrupted thoughts!  I think about my kids, feel grateful for my husband, plan out dream vacations, think about the future, write my blogs in my head. I can analyze and ponder.  Dream and plan.  It has been in this time where I feel like I have found myself again.   Isn’t it funny how we don’t even realize we are lost until we are found? 

On that Sunday I won’t care about my time. I just hope my feet hold up and will be thrilled to just be able to finish.  And when I cross that finish line, you bet there will be some tears, because when I see my family waiting there it will be like coming home.  In more ways than one.

This is an Original Post to Orange County Moms Blog.  

When Jen is not running the Back Bay immersed in her thoughts, you can find her blogging about fun finds & amazing giveaways at her personal blog Tiny Oranges.  You can also find Jen on Facebook & follow her on Twitter. 

Seeking Adventure? This Momma Surfs & Skis

Just because we're moms doesn't mean we can't crave adventure right? Adventure can be defined in many ways. For me, I need high energy, outdoor athletic kind of adventure. I love activities that take me out of my comfort zone. Things that relieve my cluttered head and clear out all the junk. 

The day to day stuff gets to me.  Laundry, dishes, more laundry, spills, messes, tantrums.  I am not so fond of those.  Really who is?  If you say that stuff doesn't bother you then my hats off to your endurance! This gal needs to burn off the humdrum with heart thumping thrills that also burn gobs of calories.  I am an endorphin junkie.  Before I make myself sound way more gutsy than I am I'll share a bit of my background with you.