Running

In case y'all don't know this about me already, I love to exercise. I am by no means an exercise fanatic that spends hours toning my physique. Frankly, one look at me in a bathing suit would put that thought to rest. Before I had Brennan, I would get up around 5:00 am and workout in peace while everyone else was still asleep. There were occasions where Jacob would wake up and either watch me workout or insist I stop to snuggle with him. But most days, I was able to get some much-needed me-time for at least 20 minutes. Well, that all changed when Brennan was an infant. I still get up around 5:00 am, but exercise? Relish in that much-needed me-time? Forget it. I am barely able to read my meditations and pray while sipping on coffee in the mornings, much less exercise. Most days I can still do my several hundred crunches of various forms, but that too is hindered by one or both boys climbing on me most days. While crunches with a 32lb child laying on top of me provides excellent resistance, it does not help me keep correct form and sometimes is accompanied by little arms choking me as he hugs me. Add the 60lb 5-year-old wanting to play airplane to the mix...geez, forget even trying to do any crunches. I have accepted that is just the way it is for now. But I have not accepted that some form of exercise at some point during the week has to be as elusive as the morning workout. So I have had to find other ways to break a sweat and clear my mind. There is the weekly chore of housework. I do burn calories and break a sweat engaging in housework, but it by no means clears my mind and release those sought after endorphins. There is playing with the boys, which definitely burns some calories. But most small children have short attention spans, so the periods of play are short-lived due to one or both of them being distracted by something else. There also is chasing after the boys when they need to get dressed or pick up after themselves. But that is usually accompanied by stress because, well, they are little boys. Then there are the countless trips up the four flights of stairs to my office at work...in high heels. I very rarely take the elevator at work just so I can burn some calories and raise my heart rate at work. Going up and down four flights of stairs definitely accomplishes that goal, but I can't in good conscience run up and down the stairs all day long at work. Now to my point of this post. Since I have been living with my parents these past few months, I have had to make even more adjustments in all aspects of my life...finding ways to exercise included. As you know, I grew up on an 11-acre farm. But I have not mentioned that 4 laps around the fence line of the pasture equal a mile. A few weeks ago, I decided I wanted to go for a jog. I was not in a good place emotionally and mentally, and I knew a workout would help. Little did I know how much it would help me. I ran for the majority of 45 minutes. And I ran HARD. It is not a smooth path because it's in a pasture with ditches and many trees, so you have to watch your footing. On the other hand, those rough areas provide changes in intensity and resistance. I felt such a rush of energy! Not to mention the peace that came over me the longer I ran. Being outside in nature has always done wonders for me. Working and raising a family doesn't allow much time for it though. However, with the help of my parents watching the boys, I have been able to carve out some time on the weekends to go jogging in the pasture for at least 25 minutes. The longer I can run, the better I feel and the bigger the smile on my face is when I am done. One of the best things about jogging out there is the scenery. I get to look at a fountain in our pond and hear that soothing sound of water as I run by it. I get to stop and love on the miniature horses, one of which occasionally runs with me. I do get chased by the crazy geese, but they don't slow me down. Last Saturday's run was extra special. My 74-year-old father joked with me that he could outrun me. While he is in excellent shape for a man his age, I didn't think he could outrun me. So I accepted his challenge. So we headed out for a jog together (after I managed to pull him away from a western on the TV). My father and I butt heads sometimes. Who am I kidding, a lot of the time. But having a father that old who is able to run with me on a fairly rough terrain? Priceless!!! He only made it 2 laps around, but he had fun and we both were smiling!

Here is a picture of my view while running. That's my mother and Jacob fishing off of the dock on the right.