This week I have started trying something new with my workout schedule. I quickly learned how much I prefer running outdoors. Problem? I need someone to watch the kiddos for that to happen. Solution? Going in the afternoon. You may recall how much I hated afternoon workouts before because I felt I lost the entire evening. Luckily, I have found a way to make it work with running.

Now, I go to the gym in the morning for my weights workout, then go out for a quick 30 minute run in the afternoon. It works out quite nicely because I get to run outside and still have time for la familia in the afternoon. Win-win-win. I used this method on Tuesday to head to the gym for a quick full body weights workout in the morning:

In-out-done in under 40 minutes, including a quick warm-up/cool-down on the elliptical. And I still felt great for my run that afternoon.

Today, I got my weights done in the morning again. This time, I resorted to an old favorite from the past year. Group Power! (<---my gym’s version of Bodypump) I normally like doing my own thing for weights, but it was nice to mix it up with the class.

After class, I came home craving a simple breakfast. Plain old cereal sounded perfect this morning. I nabbed some Cheerios and then spruced them up with chopped up Cinnamon Roasted Almonds and blueberries.

Who says you need to spend money on overpriced and oversugared fruit and nut cluster cereals? Fruit, nuts, and Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Breeze are all you need to make plain cereal taste special.

The rest of the day went along as normal (thank goodness!) and before I knew it, it was time to head out for my run. I especially looked forward to my run today. Why? Well, two reasons. A – fine company to come out with me.

Even though they weren’t with me while I ran, I still loved having my family there because we could walk and just enjoy the outdoors together before and after my run. It ended up being a nice little afternoon.

And the second reason I looked forward to the run? I had some thinking to do. What better time to relieve some stress and sort through my thoughts than during a run?

The past couple of weeks have presented some motherhood challenges. Nothing major, but I have found myself questioning whether or not I’m a good mother on practically a daily basis. It all stems from Makenzie suddenly acting out a lot more and many times I feel like the one to blame. For not giving her enough attention. For not having enough patience. For not catering to her and doing whatever I can to make every day something exciting and fun for her.

Lately I get this feeling that Makenzie doesn’t feel the same devotion that she used to from me and I feel guilty. I feel like I constantly try to find ways to do more for my family and less for myself. Then I feel guilty when it reaches a point that I refuse to give up some parts of myself – like working out or writing this blog. I had to think all this through on my run today. Basically, I needed to sweat away the emotions to see the reality.

It’s okay to still have passions and care for myself because I DO balance them and keep my family first. I spend on average an hour a day working out, which is not going to make my family fall apart. And I include my family if at all possible. I save any and all blogging for naptime and, over the past couple of months, have really cut back on putting so much time and energy into the blog. 

I am a good mom. I work hard to balance my life, yet always put them first. It’s likely why some days I end up feeling so run down after living so fully for someone else. Actually, make that THREE someone elses. Makenzie is not acting out more because I don’t show I love her.She is acting out because now I have two children to love so fully and she is having to adjust. Sure, I have my rough days where I could have a bit more compassion, but she still knows I love her. This all will pass with time. Until then, I will get through it. With some outdoor runs to help along the way. 😉

Question of the Day – Where do you find the hardest time finding balance?

Morning, friends! How did everyone’s weekend go? I hope well and that those experiencing the time change weren’t too poorly affected. I felt exhausted all day and even ended up taking a three hour nap. The kids slept for 3 hours too. Unheard of but much welcomed. Especially since I stayed up late (for me) Saturday night with a blogger meet-up and some chill time with the husband. Sorry, Peter…but the blogger meet-up stole the show this time.

From bottom left then around the table – Alayna, Lee, Sarena, myself, Laura, Kristy, Stacy, Laura, and Laura.

We met up at the 5 Seasons Brewing Company for some grub and conversation. And beer. I can’t go to a place that brews their own specialty beers and not order one! That would be blasphemous, no? 😉

I ordered the Kilt Lifter Scotch Ale. It had a nice strength to it, but wasn’t overly hoppy either. You can tell I’m such a professional, huh? I just know what tastes good. This = tasted good. That’s all you need to know too,

When it came time to order dinner, I almost went for the Alligator Eggrolls. Or the Antelope Patty Melt. Or the Rabbit Enchiladas. Or…ummm…not! They did have quite a few things that looked great – salads, a shrimp & grits dish, scallops, ahi tuna, a grilled pizza with ham and apples. I couldn’t get over the thought of a Portabella Mushroom Sandwich though. I was sold at goat cheese and getting some fries.

Two portabella mushroom caps in balsamic with goat cheese and greens. Served on a delicious foccacia bread.

Apparently our table agreed as half of us ordered the dish and I think all of us got sweet potato fries. With good reason too. It was a winner. Clearly, since I ate my entire plate. Total domination.

We spent about 2.5 hours there chatting about all sorts of things – races, favorite workouts, Roller Derby (which Laura does!), favorite restaurants in the area, frozen yogurt love, and more. I love how a group of bloggers and readers can get together and instantly connect. It’s a special bond we have I tell ya. I already can’t wait for our next meet-up, which will hopefully be sooner this time. And I cannot wait for the Fitbloggin’ conference in less than 10 weeks to meet some of you other ladies. Whether or not I have the chance to meet you in person someday, I consider each of you a friend. You all really are so great. Muah! Now, have a good day why don’t ya?

Question of the Day – Best part of your weekend? .

Don’t forget - Month 2 Progress Post going up tonight!