When you have so much to say… you don’t even know where to begin. Life lately has been crazy busy. Trying to find time to juggle family, homeschooling, fitting in marathon training, fitness, and faith is a constant juggle. Oh yeah and that little thing called trying to find a new place to live that is over 3,000 miles away while packing up your current house. That small detail.
Needless to say, life lately has been chaotic, busy, out of my control, and a daily attempt to just go with the flow. Finding time to fit in fitness and running has been a challenge. I would much rather run outside, but when it is raining and chilly (for us) … chasing the boys on bikes isn’t that appealing. So I am forced to choose either the treadmill (which I am thankful that that is an option) or find cardio in a different way.
On Tuesday, it was a go to the gym twice kind of day. The boys were squirrely from being cooped up in the house from it raining all day. That morning I walked (just for peace of mind and quiet time) 4 miles. That evening I sweated and pounded out my bad attitude with a boot camp class.
The instructor, Van, is always intense and hardcore. She is known for her hard classes. Knowing this… I knew I needed the challenge… even if it meant modifying some of the moves at the stations. Her class is divided up into five stations where you bust your butt for 1.5 minutes. Then attempt to catch your breath as you run to the next station.
My favorite station was the slam ball station. We simply picked up our 10lb ball and rotated it over our head in a semi circle and slammed it to the ground. Oh how I loved that. Very therapeutic. I think I need to get me one (or two) of these… after the move of course!
Finding the motivation and desire to run on the treadmill is a struggle I have. On Wednesday afternoon, I went to the gym with the best intentions to watch a show (or movie) on Amazon Prime. Only for each show or movie I chose to be such trash I had to shut it down. Thankfully Erika hopped on a treadmill next to me and we ran my final 2 miles together.
Don’t mind the double (or is that a triple) chin thing going on. I was a hot and sweaty mess. It was a great distraction to have someone to run with, talk to, and share life stuff with. Because you know, running is hard. Running while taking a good photo of yourself is hard. Parenting is hard. Teaching (I homeschool and she is a teacher) is hard. Running with her was very therapeutic. Thanks Erika for running with me.
My post run sweaty (pit) selfie… reminding myself that it is not fat… it is fuel.
This week, I have been re-starting the 21 Day Fix portion control meal planning system. I shared the meals on Monday and I have really thrived on knowing what I am to eat and when. In fact, I am not hungry. Most of the times I find that I am full and don’t want to eat… or finish my plate. But I know that when I am running and working out… I need to properly fuel my body.
I guess for me, with life being so up in the air… finding something (or the few things) that I can control give my restless brain comfort. Controlling and checking off fitness and running from my list makes me happy.
If I am quiet around here, know that I am either enjoying the quiet (which is rare) or trying to fit in time with family and friends. Life is a constant juggle… and I am doing my best to find the balance in it all.
I am thankful for running… because that is my sanity savor and therapy session. Love it. Need it. Crave it.
I am thankful for my girlfriends who really ask me how I am doing… and don’t stop until I let down my I am a strong independent tough girl wall.
I am thankful that I am a strong, independent, tough girl… who is capable of doing hard things.
So there you have it. Life lately and trying to find balance juggling solo parenting, homeschooling, home shopping, marathon training, packing and moving, and enjoying the moment and season. Ah… someday I will look back and reflect upon these days and think no big deal.
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
You certainly have a lot on your plate. I need to find a constructive and active way to let out my stress!
AJ @ NutriFitMama says
I could have written this post so many times. Homeschooling, marathon training, moving… I feel ya! At least it feels good to get a workout in, even if it is on the treadmill 😉
Ashley says
I wish I had a love for running like you do. I certainly have a love for fitness, but not running! I wish I could help you find a house here! If you were moving to Lee’s Summit, I would be out looking for you! Can’t wait till you get here.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I started exercising this week after a few months off. Excited to get back to the gym.
Tammy Litke (@threedifferent) says
Good gracious, you have a lot on your plate right now, and you are juggling it all like a rock star even if you feel you aren’t. This stage of life shall soon pass and you’ll be in your new place running in new venues with new inspiration all around you. Here’s to 2015!
Travel Blogger says
and those are cute shoes, too 🙂 i have a hard time with this as well, i seem to always fail in the time for me area, like a lot of moms
Carlee C says
I think we are all in the same boat right now because of the holidays. I yearn for the days that I can just sit for a moment and read the paper.
Melanie K. says
You have a lot going on but finding time to balance it all is what it is all about!
HilLesha says
Lately, I’ve been struggling to find balance with it all. So, I greatly understand!
Travel Blogger says
You go girl! I need some of your motivation, i also struggle with the balance act.
Donna says
I think you are amazing! I find/make every excuse for not exercising, and you do all you do and still make time for running… although running isn’t my thing, I should at least be out walking. You are an inspiration to many that read your blog, Rachel!
Crystal says
I need a slam ball! There were several days I could have used the stress relief of slamming it on the ground.
Colleen says
Sounds to me like despite the chaos of your life you are doing a great job still juggling it all. Congrats on your little victories like getting on that treadmill and running!
Raijean says
I’ve been struggling with this as well. I’ve got to do better in 2015