What would Micheal Phelps do?

First, two posts is two days, whoa!

Second, thank you for the comments, texts, and emails in response to yesterday's post. We are definitely going through a rough patch but keeping things in perspective is key. Bottom line, I am so blessed.

Third, I am more than a little obsessed with Micheal Phelps and in my mind, from this point forward, he totally reads my blog.

Lastly, I think Ben must have sensed that I was nearing the end of my rope. Last night was the best night we have had since he came home from the hospital AND he took an amazing two hour nap in the pack and play today. I guess he can stay.

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As I mentioned yesterday the kids and I are headed to Maine for our annual vacation next Tuesday. For four glorious days I get to pretend that Jen, Jacklyn, and I all live within driving distance of one another (not to mention our families). Lobsters and popcorn will be eaten, Heinekens from the garage fridge will be drank, kiddie pools will be inflated, outlet shopping will be done, and on Friday a 5K will kick my butt! It is one of my favorite weeks of the entire year.

Last year I started running after my miscarriage. I needed an outlet for my frustration and anger, not to mention a way to lose the weight I had gained. I hadn't run with any kind of consistency in a long time. I started using the couch to 5K running program in July and decided to register for the Scarborough Summerfest 5K. As you may remember, my nerves got the better of me with less than a mile to go and I ended up walking for a few steps. I was so irritated with myself because I had worked so hard, but all of that faded into the background the next day when I found out that I was pregnant with Ben.

I actually missed running while I was pregnant (who knew!) and as soon as I got the okay from my OB (6 weeks postpartum to the day)  I went for my first run of the summer. I splurged on a new pair of running sneakers. Matt and the kids actually went with me to a little running store in Beverly so that I could have my foot and stride measured. It was pretty cool and I felt like a fancy pants runner. Compared to the aches and pains of last summer my knees and hips do feel a lot better, not great, but definitely better. I know my stride hasn't gotten any prettier so credit goes to the shoes.

This is where I brag a little, feel free to look away. I started running six weeks after having an 8lb baby surgically removed from my stomach via a 7 inch incision. I like to think that Michael Phelps would be impressed. I know he isn't a runner but the greatest Olympian of all time knows tough when he see it.  For the past seven weeks I have pushed myself to run no less than three times a week, almost always heading out for said run at 8pm or later. And all of this on what could be called minimal sleep at best. According to my iphone app I have run a total of 50.84 miles since June 12th...that is more than 1/2 way home! Last night I ran 3.1 miles (5K) in 33:29. I won't be setting any Olympic records but it is a start.

All bragging aside I am my own worst enemy and actually deleted the above paragraph twice before deciding it is okay to be proud of myself for what I have accomplished, even if those accomplishments are small and not really brag-worthy. Michael Phelps would not delete the paragraph. I am so much better prepared for the race this year but honestly I will just be happy if I finish. Like I said I am my own worst enemy and I just can't seem to keep my nerves in check.

No one will ever accuse me of having nerves of steel but next Friday I will be there, channeling my inner Michael.