Sunday, April 6, 2014

A Blogger's Apology - and Updates!




I have officially been a terrible blogger. A non-existent blogger. How inconsiderate to disappear for a REALLY LONG TIME without any explanation! I do apologize. And really, I feel like I can explain myself - but I'm still not very pleased with my performance (in most things) as of late.

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses:
After the marathon in October, I was taking it easy as far as training goes. I was frustrated with some Plantar Fasciitis issues that had been bothering me for a long time. I took a break from real training and focused on enjoying my fitness - rather than feeling obligated to stick to a regimented schedule. 
Then came January and I wasn't...um...feeling quite like myself. I put my detective skills to work and realized that my symptoms all pointed to one very specific thing: PREGNANT! Ahhhhhhhh! Holy shit. I mean that in the best way I can - like - "oh my God - that's amazing, but oh my god, there is a baby alien in me. WHAT?!!!!!! Who allowed this? Check again. Does eating garlic or too many gummy bears cause a false positive???"

In all honesty, we were both extremely excited right from the beginning. We didn't tell anyone though - and that started the beginning of my silence on the internet. I think my mind was so consumed with the news that I just could not focus on the other things in my life that usually get my attention. 

You're Tired As Hell? You Have NO Idea: 
One thing they do not tell you as a young girl is that when you are growing your own human person, you will be tired in a way that a normal non-pregnant person cannot relate to. Those little people are LIFE SUCKERS for the first trimester. Literally. Sucking every ounce of energy - but I get it - they are busy growing arms, legs, and brains. Hard work! But oh. my. god. 

I pride myself on being a really energetic, motivated and busy person. I always have a million things going on and I usually achieve them with relative ease - work, coaching, training, cooking, gardening, blogging, PaperMichelle and still maintaining a totally normal social life. I simply could not do those things for the first 12 weeks or so. I would sleep like ten hours a night, if not more - and SIT ON THE COUCH the second I got home from work - completely zapped of anything resembling motivation. It was torture. I was not in a great place mentally - crabby and annoyed with myself for being so lazy, but too tired to do a thing about it. I did workout when I could get the energy to put on a dvd and some sweatpants - but it was ugly. Frumpy, heavy and slow. I felt like I was turning into a lethargic monster, doomed to a life of zombie-like sluggishness and naps.

I also had no interest in talking to anyone that was able to train, to blog, to make healthy food and live the awesome, active life that I was used to. Look at you and your perky self in your tiny little workout gear - looking so refreshed and happy? PUKE. It just made me more depressed and so, I avoided everything on the internet (blog, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, all of it.) I didn't even want to read RW! *gasp* I am fairly confident in saying that I didn't do laundry for that entire time - and lived in a Milwaukee sweatshirt, running shorts and knee-high wool socks. So sexy.

What other fun symptoms did I have? Nausea and one vomit-y morning. Food aversions. The smell of beer was the worst thing I could think of for a while - blasphemy! Headaches. Did I mention being tired and crabby? Oh, the rage.

This Too Shall Pass:
As they say, all things come to an end - and so did that first trimester! Good riddance, dude. You suck. And from what I hear, I had a really easy time compared to what others go through. (I hope I haven't offended any mommas out there that had an actual hard time. I'm just whining. I can't imagine puking that whole time, too! I would only have one kid. Seriously.) 
But that first trimester is long gone (I'm 17 weeks!) and I feel really great. I don't hate people anymore (thank God.) I have been working out every day. I sleep like a normal person. Aside from this tiny, itty-bitty, barely-there bump - I would forget that I have a tiny person hanging out in my belly. I'm like a normal person...a sober and normal person. Yay!

17 weeks, 1 day - little bump!
Training and Boston:
The short version is that, yes, I am still running Boston in two weeks! Am I prepared for it? Not really. I am prepared enough to complete the distance without injuring myself, but my training was nowhere near where it should have been for apparent reasons. And you know what? I don't really care. I am going to run slowly, carefully - and if anything feels weird AT ALL, I will stop. My doc says that it isn't an issue to run the race, because I am a trained runner and I can do whatever my body is used to. So, this is one of those times when common sense will be my guide. I can't believe the race is so soon, though. With all the distractions lately, I feel like it snuck up on me. I am really excited to go back to Boston and see how everyone rallies. I am expecting an epic celebration...and we wouldn't miss it.

#BOSTONSTRONG

After I return from Boston, my plan is to keep running until I can't anymore. I'm hoping to make it well into the summer - it will be slow and sweaty, but who cares? So far, I have only gained one pound and I'd like to stay as "in shape" as is healthy for both me and the kid. 

Blogging From Now On:
My intentions are to return to the blogging world now that I am feeling better. I can't guarantee that it will always be super regular, because like everyone, I've got a lot going on - but I will do my best. I miss blogging and all of you that I only "know" through our connections on the 'net. I also like having an outlet to share my little weekly updates (belly bump, fit mama recipes, cute baby things I found, training updates, etc.) I am truly excited about all of the changes coming my way, and I love getting to share it! :) 

Any advice from you 'been there, done that' fit mamas? I know nothing.




 

24 comments:

  1. Love it! See u in 2 weeks. The atmosphere should be electric! Joe

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  2. Thanks Joe! :) It is going to be amazing!!!!! Good luck to you. Any specific goals this year? I'm Wave 2, Corral 2 by the way.

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    1. Only goal is to finish:) wave 1 corral 7 for me. I'm gonna look for ya!! I want a picture!

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  3. Yipee!
    Um...I am a bad blogger. Only posted two times...last one in January. Life.gets.crazy. frankly, your "excuse" is better than mine. :)
    As for the tiredness...you do realize that the first trimester you are building temporary housing for a small person!
    Congrats!!!

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    1. Oh yes, I get it - but I was totally blind sided by it! YIKES. How is this fair? Boys have a sweet gig!!! :) I'm kidding. I know it is all totally worth it - and not THAT bad. Thank you!!!!!!

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  4. Congratulations!

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  5. I'm so excited for you and Thad - Congratulations! This is going to be one awesome kiddo!

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    1. Aww, thanks Laura!! I think it will be a pretty rad kid. :) Thaddeus is so funny - he is probably more excited than I am and so he has been really cute about everything. It eases my mind so much!

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  6. Congratulations. I've missed you but the tiny alien human in your belly is a wonderful excuse. Xoxo

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    1. Thanks doll. I knew I was neglecting my net responsibilities - and I wasn't happy about it but...life happens. :) I'm happy to be back though!!! I missed everyone too.

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  7. Hi Michelle! Congratulations! I'm so happy to hear that you are out of the first trimester blah phase. I think my favorite weeks of being pregnant as far as how I felt were 25-35, so know that hopefully there's a good road ahead!! You are going to be one cute pregnant woman!! :)

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  8. you're awesome! running Boston at all is such an amazing accomplishment, IMO, I can't describe how in awe I am of someone who can (and will) do it while preg...best of luck!

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    1. Aww, you are so nice! Thank you. I'm really excited just to go back and have the experience with everyone again. :) I just hope I finish this time around. *I will*

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  9. I am so happy that you are back. I loved reading your posts last year, and I am so happy for you and the little bump! Everyone needs to take a break sometimes--it is best to take it, and come back when you are ready, otherwise you will always just be dragging your feet until you quit it completely. And blogging should be fun, and beneficial for all, something that you can't do when you aren't feeling it. Welcome back, and I/we can't wait to hear more!

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    1. Thank you so much! I appreciate the feedback. I think you're right...it was important to take a break. Otherwise, my posts would've been all complainy and weird. Happy to be back and looking forward to sharing this little journey of ours. :)

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  10. Read this the other day and meant to leave you a comment, Tweeting was so much easier, lol. Anywho...Congrats again! Enjoy Boston with your precious gift! As a momma of 2 who ran through both pregnancies, yes it does get better, and somedays it was the only thing that made me feel better. Enjoy this 9 month marathon, you will do amazing!

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    1. Thank you, Amy! I look at all of the fit/runner mommies out there and it makes me feel so much more comfortable, like "I can totally do this! They did!" You guys keep me motivated and inspired to keep doing the best thing for me and my little boo. :)

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  11. Plantar fasciitis is a very painful condition where at the bottom of the foot’s plantar fascia becomes inflamed due to a number of reasons. When this happens the plantar fascia or a tissue ligament (which is easier to understand) becomes swollen and irritated. Hence, for such persons it is very important that they wear special shoes that are specifically designed managing this condition.

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  12. If you are purchasing a lower-heeled shoe, make sure that the heel is secure and ... You should have 1/2 inch of space between your longest toe and the tip of .

    Catherine T. Schultz

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  13. As is commonly said, all things arrive at an end - thus did that first trimester! No love lost, buddy. You suck. What's more, from what I listen, I had a truly simple time contrasted with what others experience.

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