Post Marathon Report

So I am following in the footsteps of my old college Track & Field Teammate as she did post running Boston & I'm going to write about my marathon experience so one day I can look back & remember every detail...  So here goes...

Let me start back about a month and a half before the race.  I did a 15 mile run on a Sunday.  I felt so strong Running about 7:50 pace.  Up until this point, I hadn't had any injuries.  My knees were a bit tender, I had some problems walking up & down the steps but over all I felt great.  Coming off a good 3 years of not really working out hard...not to mention this was the FIRST time in my life running more than 5 miles consecutively (in college I was a Sprinter/Jumper) I felt like I was doing pretty damn good!  Well that changed that afternoon. I felt a slight pain in my groin. The next day I had to cross train & i felt a pull.  That Tuesday, I had an easy 5 miles.  I couldn't even run 100ft.   I started crying & told my husband that something was wrong.  Went home...iced, heated- I'm sure I did everything wrong but I didn't know what the heck was causing this horrible pain in my groin.  Literally felt like it was inside my you know what.  Putting a foot down & applying pressure- was not happening.  I took 2 days off.  Thursday I ran 3 miles.  I could only get through it because I had some left over Ibuprofen 800MG from my C-Section.  So off to the doctor I went.  First to the Chiropractor, then a referral to  Performance Therapy for some Active Release Techniques (or ART).  This is when I also started Physical Therapy.  I was so terrified that I would not get better that I was doing everything and anything to get through my long runs.  That helped some but a prescription from my general practitioner for some anti-inflammatories was what got me through the next 3 weeks.

So September 20th (our 11 year anniversary) Jason & I did a 20 mile run.  I felt great.  I took my anti-inflammatory about 20 minutes prior- had plenty of electrolytes & strawberry "shot blocks".  This was particularly important because prior to the 20th, I had not been eating anything during my runs!  What a difference the shot blocks made!  When I finished I put my arms in the air like I was crossing the Olympic finish line!  I looked out around the park & i don't think a single person was looking in my direction.  Whatever.  I felt like a champ.  So I hobbled to my car to do some post run stretching & I noticed not only was my left groin aching, but my right hip flexor/IT band was throbbing.  Back to the ART Specialist, PT & Chiropractor.  I slugged through the next week, and as a last ditch effort went to see an orthopedic.  He took an ex-ray & was pretty positive that I did not have a tear or fracture in my hip or pelvis.  He confirmed that it looked like FAI (Femoralacetabular impingement) He said that because I spent the last 3 weeks running on the injury to m groin, that I was overcompensating and had strained my hip flexor on my right leg.  He did prescribe me meloxicam, which is a different type of anti-inflammatory & a topical cream.  I think that I needed a change because the other medicine was not helping my pain anymore.  The last 3 weeks of training was horrible.  I felt horrible every day, tapering down was supposed to feel good but I was in SO much pain & no amount of time off was giving me any relief.  So on I trudged.

My parents who had just returned from Portugal the day prior made the 13 hour drive on 3 hours of sleep to come take care of our kids.  The 2 days leading up to our flight down to key west was so busy.  I was extremely anxious, had so much to prepare for my parents with their care of my kids- not to mention I was still limping and needed to get some last minute PT etc.  Wednesday I called a acupuncturist and explained my injuries.  She had an appointment open Thursday morning (the day of my flight) As desperate as I was, I nabbed it.  Have I mentioned I have never done acupuncture before?  Holy Crap!  But in retrospect, I think the acupuncture saved my race!

So we fly down to Miami & meet up with our Marathoning friends...Hop in a van & head down.  We arrived at the Base Officer's Quarters at around 10 pm & went right to bed.  The next day we got up & realized that even at 8 in the morning....It was F*ING HOT!!!!!  We did a quick 2 mile run & spent the rest of the day eating carbs & watching movies.  It was time for bed.  I was SO concerned and filled with anxiety that my injuries would prevent me from finishing the marathon that I could not sleep at all.  I think if I slept more than 45 minutes that night it was more than I remember.  I tossed and turned and felt butterflies in the worst way possible.  No matter how hard I tried, I could not fall asleep.....and then the alarm sounds.  4:00 AM.

We got up, got dressed, tried every which way to go to the bathroom before the race successfully I might add and off we went.  It was pitch black out...but the start line was all a buzz.  Music blaring through the speakers at the start line of the Rum Barrel, the bar that sponsored the race.... (We chose Key West because of the idea that upon finishing, we could crawl over to the first bar stool we saw & celebrate our victory) We all hovered around the port-a-potties trying to get the last visit in before the 5:30AM start gun.  I didn't want to run near any of the people I knew- so I said my goodbyes & picked what I thought was a comfortable spot.  Then out of the blue I hear "DARIEN!!!!"  I look over my shoulder and I see Charlene, my best friend who had flown down so that she could be there to cheer me on.  It was 5:15AM and of course...My bestie was there!  I started crying!  After some hugs & quick photos.....Small stretches- I was ready.  The gun sounds.  A roar from the tiny accumulated crowd, whistles blowing & horns sounding...I was off!  And then I had to reign myself in.  I was shooting for an 8:30 pace through out.  Now- I am by no means a distance runner- I wasn't trying to break any records, I was simply trying to stay with what I was comfortable running during my training.  I always seemed to be at about 8:15- 8:20 post injury (prior I was consistent at 7:50ish) so I just wanted to be at a reasonable pace.  My first mile I was at 7:30.  LOL!  I definitely was on that "high" they talk about.  I calmed down a bit and settled nicely into the 8:20 pace.  My leg was comfortably numb from the meloxicam & cream & I was on my way.  I ran in the dark past the tiny groups of volunteers that came out to cheer us on, some with music & neon hula hoops....and photographers along the way taking pictures.... then around mile 10, the sun peeked out over the blue water horizon. At about the same time, my middle toe on my right foot started to feel weird.  The toe nail started rubbing up and down along the inside of my sneaker, and really started annoying me.  I was used to training in the summer with 5 8 oz bottles of Lemon Lime Gatorade attached to my belt & I only had 2 8oz bottles with me, relying mainly on the route-side hydration.  I think this was a critical mistake.  I should have went with my gut & carried more because this small race had water set up every mile and a half.  I had not anticipated that the early morning sun would literally take the life out of me.  By mile 16, the sun was in full force and I was struggling.  Each mile I fell back another 10 seconds.  It was this exact moment that I turned the corner & read a sign "Mama's Garden center".  Mama is the name that we called my deceased grandmother.  My guardian angel & the love of my life....It was a Literal sign.  I knew that I would make it.  My legs were wobbly.  If I stopped, I would not start again for sure.  By the time I got to mile 20, I was playing mind games with myself.  I would slow down to almost a walk and then pick it back up when I had strength.  The route was so terrible.  We were running in full sun.  So not only was it hot outside, but there was not a tree or a cloud in sight.  I found myself crossing the streets to get to spots where there was a tree or something so I might get a mili-second of relief.  My mouth was dry & my hydration belt was empty.  The water stations were so far away....around mile 22 a chick on a bike with a basket rode next to me & said something like "not much longer now" and i wanted to lunge on her back and beat the piss out of her with whatever I had near me & ride her bike to the finish.....and that is when I came up on my husband.  My dear husband who had a goal just to beat his time at the Boston Marathon...was struggling.  The heat had gotten him too.  I felt awful because he had really taken this challenge on for me.  He knew that I was falling into a terrible slump after giving birth to my son & having a difficult hernia repair....The idea of a marathon jump started me back into shape.  He had been there with me through all the runs, pushing the double baby jogger next to me with both kids- my 5 year old & my 1 year old son....sacrificing his own goals so that he could run with me & encourage me.  I'm not sure if you've ever pushed a double jogger stroller for 13 miles....it is hard!  So it was fitting when I reached him that we would be together encouraging each other.

The last stretch of the course before entering the quaint little party town of Key West was a 2 mile length of side walk lining the gulf.  The sun was blaring, reflecting off the water & I swear it was magnetized to my skin....at this point we were grabbing liquid from the stations and just dumping them over our heads.  I felt like I was hallucinating, vaguely remember a cop sitting in a squad car cheering us on.....I knew I did not have much left in me, I kept arguing with myself internally & at one point I did yell "I can finish this shit!  Come on!!"  Turning the final corners were unbearable...all I wanted to see was the finish line.  Jason telling me he was proud of me...........and then I see Charlene, beer & camera in hand....racing along side us...taking pictures.  As with any important moment in my life- there she was.  From college to the birth of my babies....she has always been there for me.  I reach for Jason's hand...we are .2 away from the finish line.  Since I am 22 years old, he has been there next to me...in all forms at one point or another- Angry. Happy.  Proud. Sad. Afraid.  Beaten. On top of the world. Ready to strangle me.  Disappointed. Thankful.  As corny as I feel writing this....I felt so proud of us at that moment.  I mean- this wasn't the NYC Marathon, or Boston- but it was MY marathon.  I never in my life time would think I would say that.  I remembered the reason why I wanted to do this.  In part, because of all the inspiring people I saw cross the finish line in Boston that day...Including my husband... but because I remembered what an asshole I was in college.  How much I wined and complained when I would have to run the 800 or the 400.... How I despised the workouts and felt angry all the time & that I disappointed my teammates with my poor attitude- what I wouldn't do to get those days back & do it the right way....but now, holding my husband's hand as we approached the small group assembled at the finish...and past the flashing bulbs, I had proved to myself that I CAN follow through with a training plan...and I can be successful.  I finally felt like I can close the door on those memories.  Jason raised my arm up in victory!  I finished 8 minutes over my goal.  I wanted to finish under 4 hours.....So be it.  I finished, my injuries didn't overcome me, and we were done!  4:08:52

As I crossed the finish line, I felt like I was blacking out.  My legs were coming out from under me.  Just then, a little lady came over & grabbed me and held me up with her arms bear hugged around my waist.  She walked me over to a chair & I got about 5 ice water buckets dumbed over my head by a paramedic.  I could not see.  The sun had burned my eyes.  The lady leaned down to me & in an accent said "Congratulation...I am Brazilian".   She was gigging & so happy & congratulatory....I still could not talk but her accent sounded so much like my Grandmother.  After I regained my composure,  Jason encouraged me to walk around.  I wanted to thank the Brazilian lady....but she was gone.  A small part of me wants to believe that she was my Grandmother.  I had seen the sign on the course, as well as the yellow butterflies that followed me around town the 2 days prior.....

So now I am finished with my race.  I haven't run for the past 3 weeks.  I've started some cross training, trying to repair my groin & hip flexor injury before I take on my next challenge.  I keep thinking in my mind that if I didn't have these injuries a month out before the race & if I didn't choose a marathon that would have me running in 90 degrees, full sun...That I might have had a better time.  So in these quiet moments that i am reflecting on my race....I think...Can I do this again??  I'm going to be 40 in 2015.  Should I do it??  For now....I am going to sign up for the NYC United Airlines 1/2 Marathon March 15th...and see what I can do from there:  To Be Continued.......

My First 20 Miler- 3 weeks post injury

Acupuncture treatment 2 days before marathon

Our AMAZING partners in crime, both coming in first in their Age Groups!

Day before the race, walking around Key West looking for carbs to load

Getting our numbers

My Number + Lucky Charm sticker :-)

Night before the race, setting up our gear

Pre-race Jitters....looking for the shitters. LOL

Approaching the finish line!

Jennifer & I

Jeff, Jen & I trying to feel better

Here is that bitch of a last 2 miles before you hit the town that about killed me.  Notice the lack of shade....anywhere!! 

The sign I saw when I needed it most!

The course

The boys after a night of celebrating....Jason threw up & Jeff wasn't far behind

Pictures from Training....and that damn double jogger

Happy after our 20 miler!

About to run...

1/2 marathon training

This is what 18 miles looks like....

I used these like "Bumps" during the long runs. lol

After my 2nd 20 miler

And I signed up for this Why????

Oh hey!  Been a while....Thought I would fill up my blog with an update.  Did I mention that I'm running a marathon? That is 26.2 Miles, you know.  Have I lost my Effing mind?

So just to paint a picture of what a typical week is like these days.....

Last week we traveled as a family to Arizona.  Husbo had some business out there & put him up at a resort.  Why not tag along.....with 2 kids....on a 4.5 hour flight?? Again....I have lost my Effing mind.
Anyway, Sunday is typically my long run days.  Because we were flying back on a Sunday, I saved my long run for Tuesday.  So....Tuesday 15 miles, Wednesday 8 Miles, Thursday 5 Miles, Friday off, Saturday 8 Miles &  Sunday 18 miles.  Yes, I said 18.  I am finally creeping up there in the mileage & reaching some personal goals.  Each week at this point is a milestone & that feels good.  It is so nice to feel a sense of accomplishment again.  Don't get me wrong, getting my kids to bed on time, potty trained or brushing their own teeth feels nice but for once, I am doing something for ME and it feels great.  That being said....I have been in a world of hurt for the past 6 weeks.  Several things have happened already & I can feel my age catching up to me.  Just to think....When I started this journey, I was running 1 mile a day for 5 days out of the week.  Then the next week it was 2 miles per day etc.  I'm surprised that more hasn't happened....So about 6 weeks ago I pulled my groin.  It wasn't like an average groin pull.  It was internal so it literally made me feel like 1/2 my lady part was in danger of falling off.  Each step was pain.  Running was a nightmare.  Picking up my kids & walking across the floor was nearly impossible.  I saw the Chiropractor, ART Specialist (Active Release Therapist) Physical therapy....you name it.  Turns out the injury is called Femoral Acetabular Impingement, or FAI.  I have had groin pulls before but this was different.  In addition to the specialists, I saw my general practitioner who prescribed me some NCIDS, (basically a gentler on the tummy version of Ibuprofen).  That seems to be keeping the inflammation down so that I can make it through the longer runs.  I have to say- this marathon is exactly what i needed in this juncture of my life.  About to turn 40 next year, the every day monotony of being a stay at home mother.....It is exactly what i need to keep the endorphins flowing!  Without my husband cheering me on constantly,  i don't know what I would do.  As difficult as it has been for me through various things - post mileage stomach upset, knee pain, groin pain, aching toe-nails, foot pain & some other even less desirable things that I'll refrain from mentioning so that I can hang on to my dignity a bit- It has been even harder for my guy. We have a baby sitter that is only available on the weekends.  That means that Jason has been pushing the double jogger stroller on every single one of our runs. Keep in mind- Jax weighs 20lbs- Hayden 35.  The poor guy!  We usually go together after he gets home from work.  We run on the Swamp Rabbit Trail which is a beautiful path that spans 36 miles....but it gets dark quickly & there have been a few attacks on joggers.  I don't want to have to run with my concealed weapon strapped to me so we go together. He has been killing himself for me!  I am thankful that he is ambitious and fit. I ask myself constantly why the heck I signed up to do this.  I have been looking at myself in pictures and I see how tired I am looking lately!  UGH!  But honestly- after seeing what I saw at the Boston Marathon:

 I just knew that I had to accomplish this for myself-at least once. After All, I am able bodied not getting any younger. It's now or never.  Also- I needed something to get me over that hump.  I had been stagnant for about 6 years.  Trying to have babies, having babies, hernia operations, trying for more babies, C-sections, more hernia operations.....I got into the routine of just loafing through workouts and not being focused at the gym....just going through the motions but never actually working out at or above my target heart rate, eating like crap....which essentially means that I was wasting my time.  Now, I know I have an awesome base & I can't wait until the marathon is over so I can start Crossfit.  I intend to be in SICK shape by my 40th.  The training has changed my body.  It's strange- You would  think that running as much as I am would get me feeling thin & sleek- but instead my legs feel doughy.  I am losing a lot of weight but the mileage is breaking down my muscle.  It's going to take hard work to rebuild my legs and abs.  I am determined.  That feeling alone is changing my attitude.  Running (or working out in general) has always leveled me out.  I think if I didn't work out hard, I would have more anxiety, more stress & likely be depressed.  It's a slippery slope for someone who lives far away from my family and close friends- moving every 2 years from state to state trying to make a home for my family in a place that I don't really know except for what I read on the internet.  I know what running/working out does for me & sometimes I wish I could get others to jump on board.  It changes your life- and the lives of those around me.  I have more tolerance for my kids and lets face it.....for my ole' man.  I'm less likely to bash his skull in for constantly leaving his dirty clothes in various places around the house!!  Or for asking me where things are that are right in front of his face....Or for me having to tell him what needs to be done in the yard....or for- OK, I digress.

Jason getting the kids out of the jogger after getting caught in a down pour

Just a note about Greenville.  The weather is starting to cool off & I am excited to get some hiking/exploring in.   It is so beautiful here.  Lush, and green!  I feel happy!  I don't know how long we will stay in Greenville as I know in the back of my mind that Jason intends to get promoted which will likely bring us back to Arizona- but I am enjoying it here while I can!  In the next few weeks we will take advantage of the beauty of this state & check out Charleston again (We were there in 2002 for a long weekend).  School has started up which means my daughter also begins Dance & Gymnastics & I can focus on my little guy in Music & Baby Class.  The week days are full so we get to spend quality family time on the weekends.   I have surrounded myself with happy, positive people & I feel great about life in general.  I guess this is what "Mid-Life" is all about. Finally coming to a place where you are at peace with certain things.  I spent my 20's & 30's trying to figure myself out.  I am happy at the place that I've arrived at.  It was a long, bumpy road....but I am happy & not letting anyone puncture this bubble & get to me or my family.  I've realized that no one is perfect- and no matter what someone tries to portray their life to be on the outside, there is always something.   No one is immune- so find what makes you happy & run with it.  No pun intended.

I Brown-Bag it. So What??

OK…So clearly you see that I am a complete failure.  Not only did I have at least 4 bags of Cadbury Mini Eggs, but I did not blog when promised each time I reached for them.  Ugh.

So life has been a bit busy!  It's crazy to admit- but this stay at home mom has been ridiculously busy!  Where did I leave off…..the Boston Marathon.  I guess I can begin there.

Look- Anyone who knows me, who really REALLY knows me…knows that my life with my husband has not always been perfect.  In fact FAR from it at times.  I mean- we grew up together basically! We met at 22!! We went through every single life/relationship challenge…. discovering who we were after less than perfect upbringings, the life as a US Navy deployment/girlfriend 6-9 month widow, break-ups, cheating, reconciling, Masters Degrees, home buying, home selling, home renovating, Jobs, JOB MOVES, Death, Birth, Siblings, loss, fear, insecurity, aging, gaining weight, losing weight, fights, trips, joys….you get the drift.  We've been through it ALL.  Jason & I are finally at a place where we understand each other, our flaws…an we accept each other.  It's a CONSTANT work in progress….but not only do we accept each other, but we realize that we are in love.  Wow.  It's finally safe to say….we love the hell out of each other.  I have always admired his accomplishments.  On paper & out loud- he is an amazing guy.  Valedictorian of HS, college graduate, Master's Degree, Veteran with honors, numerous promotions & accolades in his corporate job….incredible father & friend….the jokester of the party, he commands a room!  But I have to say….in all of our years together, I have never been more proud of him then when I saw him cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon this year.

At the Great American Pub (Now Rhino Bar) in Newport, RI Where we first Met

First, I have to say a huge Thank you to my best friend Charlene for making it happen.  In 2013, after the tragedy at the finish line of the Marathon….My husband said… I would love to run the Boston Marathon next year as a huge F-U to any asshole that thinks they can pull that crap!!  Charlene happens to be married to one of the most well respected boxers of all time- who happens to be from the Boston Area & is well connected with the BAA.  The Boston Marathon is something that you have to pre-qualify for unless you are running as part of a charity.  Charlene & Micky made it happen for him!  We owe this whole amazing experience to them for getting him in the door!  The rest was up to him.  He never quits!  Even in the coldest weather, having moved from Tampa to Greenville & adjusting to snow & below freezing temperatures….He STILL maintained his training!  Every day….running…weekends….hours and hours.  One week he tripped and fell & his ankle changed to 9 different colors and is STILL swollen to this day!  He grabbed a pair of compression socks, iced it & was back running on it a DAY later.  His determination to finish this race was incredible.

In Boston the day before  the race

Here we are with Charlene & Micky

He got his number!

Charlene & I….after many many years….Still Best friends….She took me to my FIRST Fenway Sox Game

Baltimore/Sox….Sox win it

During the race, Charlene & I joined a group and hung out at a bar while we waited for updates on the race.  The BAA would send alerts when Jason crossed certain Milestones… like the 5k, 10k etc.  He was doing awesome!  His goal was to run a 3:28.00.  This is a guy that has never ran a marathon in his life!!  This is an awesome & crazy goal!  So  we were alerted that he was getting near the finish line.  We ran out to see him cross.  I was too afraid to bring my children with me & he was so sad because we would have really loved for our daughter to be there to hug him at the finish line…but because of what happened the year prior, we decided to leave them at home.  So before hand….I had a giant poster printed up of our daughter….(See below)

When I unrolled it….the people around me all said AWEEEE!!!!  As I'm standing there….I look around me.  I am standing by the flags.  At the EXACT SPOT that those boys dropped their homemade bomb.  I am in the very location.  It was so hard for me to think about.  Those people anxiously waiting to see their loved ones cross that spot after dedicating months and months to this grueling race….. Come Hell or High water I was going to see him finish.  I muscled my way to those iron railings….The same ones that the crowd from last year clung to….I threw my poster over the railing & cheered as he crossed the finish line.  I was so overcome with emotion.  I ran the last 50 feet, poster in hand….screaming COME ON BABY!!!!!  It just confirmed everything I have ever known about this guy…..I was so glad that my life lead me to him & we sustained through all the bull shit!  My children, our legacy will know that with hard work…anything is possible!!!!

At the finish line!

After the Marathon, we spent the rest of the week at my mom's house in NY.  I got to see many people…and missed a few…but all in all it was a fantastic week of our lives!  I got to go into the City with another best friend of mine…Danielle & see the Broadway Musical Violet. What an incredible show!!!  I think it is SO important to make time for the things you love to do in life….or else why the hell are we living!!????  Broadway has always been a passion of mine.  When I was a kid I dreamed about being on broadway.  (or Saturday night live)  I still want to pursue this dream later in life….My kids are my priority right now.

Yep!  I was brown Baggin' it on the train.  Don't judge me.

A cluster of things from our trip

After our trip….we had time to reflect on the whole thing.  I thought about the people I saw crossing the finish line with one leg.  The people who were in their 70's…..the group of people that picked up someone who collapsed at the finish line & carried him across.  How could I feel this inspired and not do something about it?????  I want to be that role model for my kids too.  So guess who is running a marathon in October??  Yes….That would be ME.  The one that would ditch out on cross country workouts and hide in the woods or behind garbage cans while the rest of the team was running.  I was a long jumper & a sprinter!!!!!  What business do I have running a marathon???  It's not about me anymore.  Every thing I do is to show these kids that life is what you make of it.  You choose who you want to be.  Bad things happen to everyone but it's how you pull yourself up & rise above it that will define you as a person.  Do the unthinkable!  Don't just loaf around life…..You only have this ONE and there is no telling when your number is up.  Get out….enjoy the fresh air….see things you never saw before….take it in!!!!!!

Jason & I have a birthday 10 days apart.  We decided to take a trip to Tennesse, the great Smokey Mountains to celebrate.  We rented a cabin with the kids & the dog that had a jacuzzi & porch swing…brought a few bottles of wine & had a blast.  My birthday always falls on or near mother's day so we kill 3 important dates with one shot!  I loved it!  

Mother's Day

Finally….I got invisalign on my teeth.  So at 39 years old….I got a tooth pulled, braces & am breaking out in pimples because of the mileage I've been putting in.  Lovely.  Ahhhh…The mileage.  Lets blog about this marathon next. June 11th starts the official training.  Right now I'm just trying to build a base.  I haven't run any kind of distance in so long (Babies, surgeries, hatred for running distance) that I really need get my feet on the ground and work out the kinks.  I've been lifting 3x a week with a trainer to help rebuild my core that was destroyed from the 2 c-sections.  I'm finally starting to feel and see a difference.  Right now I'm training at a 9:30/mile pace….but I'm running a lot faster than that.  I have to get out of that sprinter's mentality!!!!!  Well…My time is up.  I have a kid crying and I'm going to be late picking the other one up from school! 

Up to speed….

Well…..It's been a minute!  Life has been utterly hectic the past ohhhhh- 7 months!  HA!  I am finally finding pockets in my schedule to feel a bit normal.   To take back 20 or so minutes to myself….and like an old friend, I find comfort in my blog.  My old creative outlet comes to the rescue!  I've decided to sit down & type every time I get the urge to buy Cadbury Mini-Eggs.  So I should be submitting an entry possibly 5x a day.

So I said goodbye to Florida December 30th.  We drove away from the humidity, alligators & water moccasins and drove right up to Greenville where we were greeted with 15 degree weather.  My husband took a position back with his old company which relocated us to the great state of South Carolina.  This would be my 11th move in 18 years.  People always ask me how I do it….But honestly?  It only really got hard the past 4 years…after I had children.  NOW I am finding it extremely difficult.  Before I thought it was an adventure.  We would show up in a new city & have a few days to check it out & try to decide on what the coolest area to live in would be….hit up the local bars & eventually meet a ton of great people only to do it again in about 18 months….But now??  Here is what went down the past few months…..

Saying goodbye to our friends in Florida was very hard.  Hayden did not take it very good at first.  She missed her teacher & classmates & often said how she wanted to go back to Florida…I had finally met a good group of people through kid's gymnastics, dance & swim & was getting settled into a routine. I liked my doctors & pediatrician & was getting amped to start my work out routine.  But I digress.  The opportunity in Greenville would launch my husband's career in a great direction so we decided once again to make the jump….

Last Day with her Dance Friends

Last Day of her class at Bright Horizons

Arriving Via Express Jet to Greenville

In our Hotel Room Awaiting Corporate Housing

Reedy River at Falls Park Downtown Greenville.  10 Minutes from our home

So we arrive in Greenville (With a dog, Cat, 4 Year old & Newborn) & our relocation team tells us that the corporate apartment is closed for the holidays (did i mention it's midnite?) So we got put up in the Ramada Inn.  It's now 2 AM.  We have just driven 9 hours & we have 2 vehicles stuffed with as many things as we could fit for the 2-3 months that we might need to live in corporate housing while looking for a permanent home.  We get to the Ramada….It's a one bedroom Studio.  ONE BED.  4 humans 2 animals and ONE BED??  Now I'm blowing a gasket. Welcome to Greenville.  Needless to say- within minutes we were moved to our 2 bedroom suite.  I hated having to take the earrings off and go in there with my "Mastic" on full display but mama was not playing at 2 AM with a crying baby.  We were there for 2 days…finally our Corporate apartment was ready.  Wait….let me re-state that- our 2nd floor walk up apartment.  I did mention it was 15 degrees, right?  And I have a small baby & 4 year old?  And 2 cars filled with stuff?  UGHHHHHHH

We lived there for a full month and 4 days.  Because of the time of year, people were not selling or renting their homes!  Not many people decide mid-year to uproot their families out of school or leave around Christmas time.  We were panicking! We finally found a great place very close to down town, great parks & all the shopping that I am certain to be doing during our time here.  It was new construction & came on the market right when we needed it to!  I found a great Gym, School extra-curriculars & a baby program for our son.  Things are falling into place.  It REALLY helped a lot that I have family friends here that I grew up with in NY.  They make us feel so welcomed!!  We have been spending lots of time together eating great food & laughing.  I have not seen them in about 18 years but we fell right back into the groove.   I tell you what- having done this so many times….this has been the easiest of transitions.  Partly because of our friends…but mainly because we feel complete.  Everything that we will ever need is right here with us…..and it did help that my mom came to town for 5 days to hang out!!

New House

Just a cute Picture of my kid...

My husband is running the Boston Marathon.  We would have a lot more time to explore our surrounding & get a better feel for the area but every weekend we seem to be working around his running schedule.  2 hours on Saturday….3 hours on Sunday.  This thing can't come fast enough!!  I've been spending a lot of time trying to get myself to feel healthy.  I've had many months of feeling tired & sluggish & very agitated.  I finally saw a General Practitioner & got a blood test panel.  Turns out my thyroid is practically shutting down.  I needed to Triple the dosage of my medication.  I seem to feel a little bit better.  It was also determined that I had a bad stomach bug & needed to be on a 2 week course of antibiotics. So with those 2 things knocked out….I began to work out with a trainer.  Monday, Wed & Friday I meet with a guy who has been beating me up.  This past Friday I went so hard I threw my back out.  After a few days of chiropractic care, I was able to get back in the gym today & get back on track.  I still have some big goals for myself this year.  Jason & I plan to do our first Tri-athlon in the fall- exact date & place TBD….and I want to get on the cross fit hype.  Trying to figure out how to do that with 2 kids and no baby-sitter as of late….who knows how this is going to happen.  All I know is Next year in May…I will turn 40.  I want to accomplish at least a few more goals before then.  Is getting botox and fake boobs a goal?  lol.  Ok..  I may settle for a push up bra.

So today I had a phone call with one of my besties & we were talking about the major differences you notice when you have the 2nd child...  Here is a list of the things that I came up with.

1. While nursing, it is not abnormal for the older one to try to get on it as well.  (Stiff arm to face!!)
2. You will teach your older kid to buckle themselves in because standing out in the cold to buckle TWO kids in is just NOT happening.  
3. The ever present Highchair cover while eating out with 8 toys attached has turned into mommy's coat bunched up all around him…and the toys are the coasters & silverware.  (spoons mostly)
4. The older kid gets put in the bathtub not because I am overly conscious about cleanliness but so that I can get a moment's rest.
5. I only "Make" his baby food if i feel like it.  
6. My new hang out is the mall play center.
7. My wardrobe consists of workout clothes from old navy.
8. My 2nd child does not yet have a baby book.
9. When arguing with my husband in the car, I can spell "asshole" in 1.2 seconds, dip shit in 1.1
10. My 2nd child has never worn clothing pre-washed in Dreft.  And i'm not so sure I ever pre-washed anything of his in general. 
11. I did not buy one single new exerciser….and most of his toys are pink.  
12. Almost all of his clothes are hand me downs.  Instead of raising an eyebrow at the idea…I kick myself for ever buying ANYTHING new!  
13. I don't run to the doctor for a cold.  A fever has to be over 103 for me to start worrying.
14. Diaper changing every 1/2 hour is over rated.
15. I WILL Breast feed anywhere I need to.  I'll respect your aversion to seeing two deflated circus twisty balloons and cover up but I have no control over the noises my son will make if he's ravenous.  You've been warned (as opposed to excusing myself & hiding in an electrical closet like I used to)
16. If you want to romance me, you better do it before 6:30 PM because I got a schedule & mama needs to get to sleep by 9.  
17. I no longer have patience.  Period.  So if you give me an attitude I WILL tell you everything about yourself in 30 seconds because I "ain't got time for that".

I think I'll stop there before I scare another mother out of having a second child.  I like to poke fun at everything…but truth be told…I love having my two.  I am amazed at what an incredible big sister my daughter is to her baby brother.  She is nurturing, attentive…she loves to make him laugh…she cuddles him, she runs to tell me if he wakes from a nap & is crying….I am so blessed beyond measure…tired…but blessed. 

Dreaming about Vacation

The blooming trees 

So here is one more thing I want to talk about before ending this post….I'd like to know your thoughts about going to work vs. staying at home.  I have been thinking about going back to work at some point.  Ideally I'd like to find something flexible…so that I can feel like I'm contributing not for financial reasons but for creativity!  It's been so long since I have felt that.  I try to be creative with my children, take them on field trips…through Facebook or this blog…Something is missing!  I have been researching ways to work from home….anyone have any ideas?  Also….there is nothing more annoying than when someone says to me…"I would love to be a stay at home mom".  I love that I have the choice…but please don't insinuate that what I do every day is easy.  It is the hardest, most selfless thing that I have ever done.  Every bit of me is given to these children from the minute I wake up until the moment I shut my eyes.  Though I would not change that for a second- it doesn't mean that I'm living the life of Riley over here.  I'm sure it will pay off in time, but right now it feels thankless.  There are not too many pats on the back from society for being a SAHM.  No extra bonus…no paid vacations….Just keep that in mind. 

My Little buddies