Wordless Wednesday

 

Let's Run About It // Revising My 2024 Goals

Running looks a lot different for me right now. It’s been a tough pill to swallow, even though I know it’s for the best. But having to take a step back has also allowed me to appreciate running differently. Right now, it’s more about moving my body for as long as I can, and it’s also about self-care. So, keeping those things in mind, I’ve decided to revise my running goals for this year.

I’m going to focus on slow run/walk intervals. While I had been able to run a 10k without stopping, and I was working on longer intervals, those are no longer options for me. Going forward the goal will be to maintain a 2:1 run/walk interval again. This was my “go-to” interval previously but at a faster (for me) pace. I want to be able to maintain that interval, even if I’m much slower,

I’m going to stop looking at my pace. This one is hard. While I am not a fast runner, I did enjoy seeing my pace get a little faster. It’s also hard not to compare myself to other pregnant runners in our group. Some were able to go just as hard and fast as they did pre-pregnancy. My situation is different, and I just can’t keep going the same way I was before. So, I have to stop checking my pace. If I’m running a 15 or 16-minute mile then so be it. At least I’m running.

I’m revising my mileage goal for the year even though I know I won’t reach it. I would like to hit 365 miles for this year. I think it’s much more attainable than the 801 miles with 4 half-marathon distance runs I had originally set out to do. I was already a bit behind due to illness. Then I was sidelined for a month. Plus, I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to run. So, I’m not entirely sure if I can reach this revised goal, but it helps me stay motivated to put on my running shoes. Again, I won’t beat myself up if I don’t reach it. I just need something to work towards until I’m told I can’t anymore.

And finally, I’m going to continue focusing on running for fun. While I may not have much fun as I get bigger - I've already had to purchase a running belly belt.  I want to keep that mantra going. That said, I’m constantly reminding myself that I'm running for my health; both physically and mentally. I’m running for the simple joy of it. And I’m doing this for me.

A Little Surprise

This announcement comes a lot sooner than I had planned. We originally requested privacy from those we told. For personal reasons, we wanted to keep the news under wraps until we were ready to share it. However, one of our family members went against our wishes and the news was shared much earlier than we were prepared for. So, to regain some of my power, I'm officially announcing that Baby G is on the way!

Wordless Wednesday

 

Currently // July 2024

This summer has flown by quickly and the beginning of the school year is right around the corner. I’ve already had two meetings with my daughter’s principal. A lengthier post to come. I’m hoping that the new principal and new(ish) superintendent can make much-needed changes within the next year. We've considered transferring Emery to another school, but she's not a fan of that idea so we're trying to compromise. Other than that not much is going on. I have to make a final decision on my name change within the next few days, which has been rough. In two weeks we take Emery back to school shopping which I dread because of how many stops we have to make. The mall is no longer the one-stop shop it used to be. We've also been browsing houses on the market, with no real plan. That said, I've requested a meeting with a mortgage broker and lending company to go over our current options, and budget, and possibly make some goals for the future. Then starting in August we have to make a switch to our sleep schedule since the upcoming start time at Emery's school has been moved up to 7:25 AM. Yikes, right? Anyway, those are the little happenings going on for us at the moment. Now, without further ado, here is the “Currently” post for the month.

Listening: Nothing. Music is just not happening for me right now. When I do feel like listening to something I tend to stick to my oldies, but goodies playlists: 90s Hits, Youth Group Throwback, and Chaos Anthems.

Reading: Nothing. Not even going to pretend I’m trying either. NOTHING has piqued my interest. And I’ve started so many different books from different genres. I’ve even tried audiobooks. But nothing sticks. So, I’ve decided to not force it. Maybe one day I’ll get back into it, but right now, it’s just not in the cards for me.

Watching: The Tour de France on Peacock. Y’all, last year I watched the documentary series, “Tour de France: Unchained” and I was fascinated. Then last month, season 2 was released and I binged it in a day. I loved it! If you don’t know much about cycling, you should give this series a watch. If anything, just to see what it’s all about. Because, y’all, there is so much more to it than riding a bicycle over long distances. Anyway, this year’s Tour de France started on June 29 and I have been glued to it from day one.

‘Casting: A few podcasts are on rotation. More specifically, Catholic podcasts. I usually start my day with “Blessed is She Daily Devotions”. Then move on to “The God Minute.” But one of the newer podcasts that I’ve started listening to is, “The Saints” by The Merry Beggars. It brings stories of Saints to life with voice actors. It’s great for both adults and kids. I highly recommend it if learning more about Saints is something you are interested in. 

And that concludes the “Currently” post for this month. If you have any suggestions, be sure to drop me a line either here or on any of my other social media pages. Links are all at the top. I'm open to recommendations if you have them. Until the next post, Happy Tuesday, y’all! ❤

Wordless Wednesday

Gratitude Journal // Seven - Nine - Twenty Four

Gratitude Series: Sometimes, the bad days get the better of me. Other times, I get so caught up in my little world that I forget to give thanks for all of the blessings in my life. And sometimes you just need to write down the things you're grateful for to see all of your blessings. Though I admit that sometimes I take things for granted, I'm doing my best to be thankful for all of the good in my life. So, today, I’m choosing to give thanks for all of the things.

A Second Manager: I now have two “bosses” that I report to and serve as Executive Assistant to both. And one of those managers acknowledges hard work. He pays attention to his direct reports. And recently, when he notices people have come in early or worked through lunch he lets us go home early. He believes that if our work is being completed, and we are showing initiative then we should also be rewarded. This can mean getting to work from home, coming in later, or leaving early. All while still getting paid. So, yea, I’m grateful that he’s here. 

 

Random Rainstorms: Yesterday, we had some random rainstorms throughout the day. It was a day that started with sunshine, moved to cloudy, turned dark, and then poured. That cycle repeated two more times. The temperature dropped to the low 80’s and there was a cool breeze for the majority of the day. It was perfection. And at the end, we were gifted with a rainbow.

 

Early Morning Runs: I run 2-3 times a week right now. And most of those take place in the early morning. When I set out  for these runs the sky is painted in orange, pink, purple, and bright blue. And it just helps get my day started in a positive way. I get a few miles in, watch the sunrise, and feel better.

 

Fudge Rounds: Little Debbie Fudge Rounds have a death grip on me right now. I know, I know. They’re terrible for me. But when I get that chocolate craving that I just can’t shake, I end up reaching for one of these. Sometimes two. And they hit the spot every time.

 

The God Minute Podcast: Recently, I started experiencing more stress and mood swings in my day-to-day. So, a few weeks ago I decided that it was time to shift my focus. I needed to start my day with prayer, reflection, and some time to recharge my battery before heading out for the day. The God Minute podcast has been a great way for me to focus my energy on daily prayer, and it’s helped shift my mindset every morning. It's usually about 10- 15 minutes long, and for me it's like being able to attend a daily mass. 

And that wraps up my gratitude post for this month. What are you grateful for today? This week? This month? What do you do to help bring some positivity back into your day if it's been a bad one? How do you make sure to stay grounded? How has summer been going for you and your family? Are you in an area that’s been getting cooler temps or experiencing a lot of heat? Let me know below. Until the next post, I hope you have a wonderful night! Adios!

“He came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose.” // Matthew 9:25 

❤

Wordless Wednesday

 

Monday Motivation

It’s a new day, a new week, and a new month! I had my performance evaluation last week and it went surprisingly well. I’ve qualified for the opportunity to receive a raise this year if they are given. So, I’m praying that happens. That said, if I don’t receive one I will request one next year because as of June 1, I had a significant increase in workload. It’s made the days go by a lot faster, but it’s added a lot more to my plate. If I do a good job, then it should definitely qualify me for a raise next year.

 

Today, I’ll be spending the first hour of my day establishing some work goals. Then, I’ll shift to creating some personal goals for the month too. I’ve got some ideas about my running, diet, and faith that I’d like to flesh out. It’s good to take a step back and re-evaluate from time to time. And like I said in a previous post, the running goals I had at the beginning of the year are no longer attainable. So, this made me want to take a look at all other areas to see where I might need to adjust as well. I encourage you to do the same sometime soon. Anyway, here’s to July! Here’s to a new week! And most of all, Happy Monday!