In March of 2016, I received the wonderful news that I had been accepted into the 2016 NYC Marathon! It was my second time entering the lottery, and I felt incredibly lucky to have been chosen so quickly. However, in December of 2015, I also discovered that I was pregnant with my first child! At the time, I was working as a first-grade teacher, and despite the nerves that came with the new job, I was overjoyed at the prospect of embarking on the journey of motherhood.
Running a marathon had only been a dream of mine for the last five or six years. I truly never saw myself doing a marathon at all! I never even expected to do a half marathon but again because of Will I was drawn in to try this feat that I never thought was possible. I was due with our first baby in late August 2016 and the marathon as always was the first weekend in November. I knew in my heart that 3 months was never going to be enough time to get cleared medically and start running with a newborn. I made the decision to defer my marathon entry for the following year! The only unfortunate part of this is that you have to pay the marathon fee two times (one for each year). For those who have done marathons, the fees are not as cheap as you would expect for torturing your body for 3,4,5,6,7… hours. But it’s the price we pay for glory! So my race was deferred and I knew that training was going to be possible with a baby!
I have 6 key tips and tricks for training for any kind of event with or without a baby!
- Lay out your clothes the night before. This organization will get you moving in the morning as you can wake up, turn off the alarm, grab your clothes and get right to work! 95% of my workouts are in the morning because that is the best time for me to get my workout done, but that may be different for others.
- Try not to look at your phone before a morning workout! Looking on your phone leads to unnecessary scrolling, time away from your workout, and creates a sense of urgency when you are running out of time for the workout that you designed in your brain. I will admit this does not always happen in my house because I am stalling the process, but I try!
- Have a plan or workout regimen created for the week, month, or even up until your race. Will gets credited with this task as he is my coach for all races. He puts a plan into my calendar so that I know exactly what kind of workout is expected for that day.
- Walk constantly throughout the day especially after meals. Even if you do your workout, continue to walk. I aim for 12,000 steps a day but on my running days, I get at least 20,000-30,000. I aim to walk to and from school everyday to pick up the boys if it is above 32 degrees! I also take my dog for a walk every night for both of us. The more you move the better you sleep and sleep is SO important. I aim for 7 hours a night. Listen to your body when it needs the rest and it is okay to skip the workout if you need the sleep.
- Be consistent! Running, strength training, swimming, cycling, walking, dance cardio or whatever else you do is going to be effective if you are consistent. I aim for 6 days of working out and one rest day a week. My rest day will still have a walk in it though to keep my step count up. Do not beat yourself up about what you are doing, if you are moving your body – it is good!
- Know that you will get interrupted. I can wake up at 4:45am and still may get interrupted during my workout from a child who needs something. Try to have as much patience as possible because having your child see you workout is such a blessing. They want to do everything you do, remember that!
Being a triathlete, almost ultra-marathoner, marathoner and half marathoner, and Mom takes a lot of hard work! Hard work is not something that you are given, you work for it and one example of what I see everyday is from my oldest son, Billy. He is an extremely talented athlete, student, and overall human. Billy is seven years old and exudes confidence in all of his actions. He puts 110% into each activity he does and his motivation to be better motivates me as his mom.
Billy plays soccer, ice hockey, deck hockey, basketball, baseball, as well as being a cub scout. His goal in life is to become a professional athlete in whatever sport it works out to be. Every time we go to the library, he asks the librarian for a plethora of books on various sports in order to learn more about athletes and the actions that they took to get to where they are today. He is motivated to do better, to work harder and to improve all of his skills. This Christmas, he received a giant regulation size hockey net and he has spent hours rollerblading outside to improve his shot and his skating. The main question he asks every night is who is playing tonight? He will watch whatever game is on tv that night just to learn more about the sport.
Billy’s presence in my life has taught me countless lessons about love, patience, and resilience. He was my partner in crime during his early years, and our bond is unbreakable. He has been with me every step of the way, from the early days of motherhood to my marathon training. Even though training with a one-year-old was challenging, it also provided valuable opportunities for Billy to learn independence and resilience. Billy made me a Mom being the oldest and I learned so many things about myself through his presence. I learned how to nurse a baby, take care of a very small (only 4 lb 13 oz baby), and how to love unconditionally. I was a nervous wreck the first three months of his life because I never knew if I was doing it right. We were partners in crime as he was my only baby home for a little over two years. Our bond is one that is special, and that can never be broken. He started my child -filled workouts, he was there for my training for the NYC marathon and he was my motivation to keep going. Dodjogger and his Uncle Frankie took him all around the five boroughs on that rainy November day to cheer on his Mama all the way to 26.2 miles.
Marathon training with a one year old was difficult. I would either run before he woke up, on the treadmill while he was playing contently, or with him in the jogging stroller. I was running a lot as this was the longest race that I had ever done at this point and did not know what to expect. Training taught Billy how to play independently and see a good example that hopefully sparked his love of sports, although I feel like he was born with his talent!
Despite the inevitable mom guilt that accompanies prioritizing self-care, I’ve come to realize that taking time for myself ultimately benefits my entire family. A happier, healthier mom sets a positive example for her children and contributes to a harmonious household. Billy’s boundless energy and zest for life remind me to embrace every moment and pursue my dreams with determination and joy. Exercise elevates your endorphins and endorphins make you happy! (Name that movie) Billy has energy and goes hard for 12 hours a day. I am constantly looking for ways to tire these boys out whether it is at a park (physically), going to the library (mentally), or getting them involved in sports (mental and physical).
Hard work is something that comes naturally to Billy and he exudes joy in all he does. He is my most vocal child and he loves to make people laugh. He also is a great storyteller and has an extensive vocabulary. I love watching him interact with friends as he is seen as a leader to so many of them. I can’t wait to watch Billy excel in sports as he gets older and he decides which sports suit him best.
Running the NYC marathon was a feeling that you cannot explain in words. The power of the crowds cheering takes over your body and pushes you all the way to the finish line. I am so happy that Billy was there that day and that we have those pictures to look back on. Whatever Billy becomes in life, I know it will be big and unforgettable! I love you Bill and cherish our relationship till the end of time.
