November Stuff

We are constantly telling the boys that their actions have consequences, and I am currently having to face up to that reality myself, as my rehabilitation of this incredibly persistent injury has again settled into a pattern of 'one step forward, two steps back.' 

I got to week three of my return-to-running plan, and started to again feel some pain. So back to PT I went. I'm trying a different place this time - not because I didn't like the last place I went, but because I think it's good to get another opinion, and try another approach.

The approach we're going to try includes cold laser therapy, deep tissue massage, and of course some strenghtening/stretching. I'm really excited to try the cold laser therapy, as I've read so many good things about it.

I'm also going to finally look into getting custom orthotics. I've always considered that a last resort, but they've now been recommended to me by three different professionals, so I think it's time. I have an appt. in early December to get fitted and discuss the process.

In the meantime, I am still able to run - just not very much. My instructions, per PT, were to run only if it's pain-free. As of right now that means a few miles 2 or 3 times a week. And really, I'm ok with that, because it's a LOT better than not running at all. I'm even going to be able to run the Mews 5K this weekend, which I'm really, really looking forward to, since it's been over two months since I last raced.

I'm hopeful that the very low mileage, and the new PT approach, and the orthotics, will all combine to help me kick this injury to the curb once and for all. I know that long-distance running is not going to be in my immediate future, and that's ok. I hope to get back to it eventually, but for now, the goal is just to run without pain!

In addition to all of the above, I'm also making a concerted effort to get yoga back into my life. I was going to jump right into a hot yoga class that a few friends of mine have been taking (and are totally addicted to), but I chickened out and decided to start with some regular yoga classes first. It's been a while since I did any yoga at all, and although I stretch every time I workout, it's not enough, and my flexibility is subpar at best.

So I finally took a class at the Y this past weekend, and it was great - just challenging enough (there were a few poses that I did not even attempt, and some that I was able to hold only briefly) that I felt like I got a great workout, but got the calming/centering that I'm seeking, too. I was pleasantly surprised at how strong I felt, doing some of the more challenging poses. Strength is definitely not something I'm lacking, given how much time I've spent lifting weights during my running hiatus - but I have PLENTY of room for improvement when it comes to balance and flexibility.

So, all things considered, the running is going pretty well. I'm still managing to cruise along at a pace just over 8-minute miles, and that pace feels very comfortable, so I think I'll have a good race this Sunday. I know I shouldn't go all out, and I won't, but it is a race, and it is the first race I've run in since August, so I've got a lot of pent up energy that will be very difficult to contain!

In other news, my baby is becoming quite the big boy. He is chowing down on solid foods! He gobbles up his pureed fruits and veggies, and is now rather good at picking up and eating quite a few finger foods - Cheerios, diced banana and ripe pear, and his new favorite - cheese. He loves to eat!

Tonight I took a few pieces of the boys' mac & cheese and broke them up, and he ate a few small pieces of that and seemed to enjoy it. I'm still super paranoid about choking, since he is still new to all this, but I'm getting a little more comfortable giving him new stuff to try. I gave him a few small pieces of a cereal bar this morning, and he liked it at first, but then started making funny faces - I think he thought the strawberry filling was actually too sweet!

He's still nursing quite a bit, but one day last week we were out and about for most of the late morning and afternoon, and when we got home, I realized that it had been nearly six hours since I last nursed him!  If we had been home that whole time, I don't think that ever would have happened, but since he was distracted by us being out, it wasn't even an issue.

There are actually lots of times, particularly in the late afternoon, when I don't think that he truly needs to eat, but he wants to nurse more for comfort, and I am not about to deny him. I want to keep nursing him as long as possible, and I love knowing that I can provide both that nourishment and that comfort for him.

Especially now that I'm faced with his 10-month birthday next week, and then the 11-month, and then before you know it, the big One, I just can't quite believe that my little baby is not going to be a little baby much longer, and I want to do everything I can to hold onto that babyness for as long as it lasts.

I'm completely ok with not having any more babies. I love our family just the way it is, and I feel it's complete. But it's still a little sad to think about that phase of our life ending. Which is why, every night wehn I put Carmine to bed, after he's done nursing and has fallen asleep, I sit in the dark room and hug him to me, and watch his peaceful sleeping face - because there is nothing in the world quite like it.

Comments

[Mom and Dad]

seems like you are handling the running situation a very smart way and hopefully your actions will have positive results..probably not as quickly as you would like, but it will come ! And as to your blog when you speak of the boys, you either cause me to laugh hysterically or be very touched when you speak of the wonderful feelings we experience as Mom's ! Love you!

[Wes]

A good bit of short running will definitely help you build the strength to go longer later. Train smart!

I've missed having small children in my house, but I'm also looking forward to having NO kids in my house :-) That will be a first since Dee Dee and I got married 22 years ago!