Just Connect + Fitness Is Easing It's Way Back

Every day I want to blog. 

Every. Single. Day.

Of course, I don't end up blogging everyday and sometimes a week goes by and I have written anything (Anything that I have actually published. There are tons of notes, research, interview prospects, and ramblings in my journal or on scraps of paper that I find while waiting in the carpool line).

Some nights or early in the cold dawn when I have been awakened by my little people, I have the most profound ideas of what I am going to write about. Tips, ideas, inspiration... lately it doesn't seem to steadily make it's way onto the page.

At first I stressed about it (I didn't blog today!) and now eventually I realize that it will work it's way back into something good. Something that I can be proud of and look back later with a sense of satisfaction that I actually pressed the publish button and it was a good decision.

I realize that every blog post doesn't have to be the most profound thing I have ever written. It doesn't have to move mountains - it can just be a way to connect. To share struggles and triumphs, ups and downs. Some posts will be awesome chunks of information of what is making a difference in training and how it can help YOU. Some posts will be just me saying "hey" and here's what I did today, despite the challenges of daily life.

I'm finding my groove with motherhood, training, writing, and the rigors of life. Life is joyful, but it can also be hard. There are days when I am happy that my kids are fed, bathed and sleeping - oh, and they learned something. I am so happy to crawl into bed with a deep sigh (ask Jerold ---> he'll tell you I sigh every time I come to bed) and think, I did it - I helped shape these little people today and I am pretty darn proud of that.

Anyway. 

I just wanted to say that I love this space. I love everything that this space has represented these past two years and I can't wait to keep going.
Keep dreaming, sharing, providing information, inspiration and a smile (most of the time).

This quote MOVED me today:

"Don't be ashamed or embarrassed to dream big. You're living your life with hope. It's a powerful thing." 

-Kara Goucher

Right?! This is a definite stick on the mirror and look at it while brushing teeth, quote. As in - everyday. 

That pretty much ties a bow on Monday.

Here what the week of November 14th looked like:

Building a base, getting stronger, staying confident.

Monday November 14: 

5 easy miles. The miles are ticking by easier than a month ago. I feel like I am settling into a groove. 

Tuesday November 15: 

5 easy miles

Wednesday November 16: 

REST. I was scheduled to run a hard workout today and you know what? Life got in the way and I was just plain tired. Decided to move this till Thursday. 

It's called flexibility and not beating yourself up about it.

Thursday November 17: 

2 mile warm up, 4 mile progression run (7:35, 7:18, 7:03, 6:58) 1 mile cooldown. 

Ran this workout on the treadmill. A little progress here! Finally seeing some decent (for me) paces. It's a good starting point and can't wait to see what this looks like in a month, in two months...

Friday November 18: 

5 easy miles

Saturday November 19: 

REST. Let's just call this flip flop week and be happy we got it done, mmmmk?

Decided to rest today and hang out with the fam. By the way, I post every day on Instagram, so you can find daily musings there...

Sunday November 20: 

12 mile long run. Last two miles were 7:55 and 7:45. #boom

Practiced my fueling and I love that I have plenty of time to figure things out for Boston. I need to know how to take in fluid, while running at race pace. Practice, practice, practice. This is also a perfect time to try new product, experiment, see what works, what doesn't.

Today I had water and Fluid Performance drink in my bottle. Fluid has been my go to for the last two years, but I may try others that I am curious about as well.

I was overjoyed to have these loves as pit crew for me!! They love asking questions and seeing what Mommy is up to, so it was a win. Plus they had special time with Jerold playing on the beach (and we had RAIN! Hooray!).

I actually finished the run in pouring rain, which was good. I needed the change and it's nice for the sun to disappear for a while.

34 total miles for the week. 

I'm happy and proud of the effort and progress.

As we embark upon Thanksgiving, I'd love to know:

What are you thankful for?

What goes through your mind at the end of each day?

I am thankful for you guys. Thank you for being here and cheers to the journey ahead.

Happiness Is Running Life.

xo,

Natalie