Motherhood is a life-changing event. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But there is also no denying that you simply can’t call in sick for motherhood. Our little (or not so little) people depend on us every day. Regardless of how busy, or ill or injured we might be, a mother’s needs often take a back seat to the needs of those we love.
Last year, I spent a lot of time in the back seat. I was in the middle of training for my first triathlon, desperately trying to get my girlish figure back. Truthfully, I haven’t been acquainted with that figure in a long time, but I digress. Nonetheless, I was getting into shape. I discovered running in college and ran my first marathon when my daughter was 6 months old. It’s therapeutic and I love that runner's high. The triathlon seemed like a natural step up and I liked the idea of cross-training (swimming and biking). I wasn’t particularly good at the latter two sports, but I improved.
Unfortunately, I never made it to the actual competition. Three weeks before my triathlon debut, I came down with shingles. While on vacation. In Hawaii. It was painful. It was a long recovery. It contaminated my right eye and by the grace of God, didn’t affect my eyesight. It took me the better part of two months to recover, all the while holding up my responsibilities as a mama. I started running again and made a personal commitment to be even stronger than before. Not too long after, I suffered a grade 3 sprain from—WALKING.
My doctor suggested a full physical, just in case. Then, last summer, at the annual BlogHer conference, I got the call. They found abnormal cells. I was scared. I tried to be positive. I tried to be brave, but I was terrified. For the next three months, I underwent tests and biopsies before the cancer scare was finally over.
Today, I am once again recommitting to health, fitness, wellness and being the best I can be. It feels like a second (or third or fourth) chance and I refuse to squander it. I joined the San Diego Track Club's annual Rockin n' Runnin' Marathon Training Program.
It’s hard. I can barely run a full mile without stopping to rest. I am out of shape. I am overweight. I have a long road ahead. But if I put one foot in front of the other, I know I can achieve my goals. Five days a week, I lace up and go.
Is snail a pace?
I lost 10.5 pounds since January 1st and there is no going back. I make mistakes. I fall off the wagon now and again. But as long as I stay focused on the big picture: my health, fitness, family and loved ones, I won’t stray too far.
This journey won’t be easy. Finding time to take care of myself isn’t easy. Yet I know I have to make the time. If I don’t tend to my own mental, physical and emotional well-being, I certainly can’t take care of anyone else’s. It’s not selfish. In fact, it is one of the most selfless acts I can perform.
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