Thinking ahead...

These days, much of our focus is on our little Ethan and preparing for his arrival.  Whether it's shopping for clothes, working on the nursery, or organizing birthing classes and tours of our hospital, we are busy little bees.  Aside from looking forward to meeting our little man, I am also anxious to, once again, start running.  I fell in love with it and it's been hard to put it on hold, though I know it's for a good cause.  Getting my new Runners World magazine in the mail yesterday and reading about all the upcoming races this year filled me with excitement. Running provided me with a sense of calm and relaxation that is hard to match with any other form of exercise.  Putting on my I Pod and running was a release that I look forward to indulging in for myself once motherhood kicks in. I read an amazing article in my Parents magazine last fall (appropriately this issue hit stands the same month we found out we were pregnant) that talks about the importance of finding that balance of selflessness and self-indulgence.  Serenity can be hard to achieve when you're juggling getting to work on time, feeding a baby and being a caring and attentive wife.  Kristin Armstrong, a single, working mother, writes "Being fit for my role as a mother has far larger implications that the latest diet, the size of my jeans, or the number on the scale; it's a healthy reflection of who I am, who I am becoming, the life I am modeling for my children, and the strenght that I can summon when I am needed most".  The title of the article "Running for My Life... A good workout helps me get through the day-and makes me a better mother".  I have a copy of this article hanging above my desk, as it reminds me how important it was, and is now that I'll be a mother, to take care of myself and to have that "thing" that brings me back to center.  Last year, I ran in several races, including the 10-mile Crim, and found that it gave me a wonderful sense of accomplishment.  Which is why, this year, I am determined to get back on track with my love of running. Gabe and I have decided to run the Chicago half-marathon in August. While I can't start my training just yet, I am looking forward to that day of lacing up my shoes and hitting that hard, but ever so relaxing-to-me, pavement!!!! 13.1.....here I come!