Scenes from a long run

Picture post from my last long run.

 It was a gorgeous day to be out for a run.

 I had the BEST running companion ever. He lasted about halfway and then conked out.

Rockin' my Newtons. I am seriously in love with these shoes.

 Stopping at the turnaround for a re-fuel and a stretch.

Not a good picture but there's a great little wooden bridge that I cross. It's always picturesque.

The Tunnel.  This goes underneath a major four-lane road.

 I always love seeing the tunnel because it means I'm only a half mile away from being DONE!

 And of course, my reward for completing a good, tough run.

Getting ready for a run

One of the big differences for me between pre and post pregnancy has been just getting ready...for anything. I have to add on about 30 minutes to an hour of my estimated "get ready" time to get this little human ready to leave the house. There is so much to pack and do and it never fails that there is usually a last minute diaper change required before walking out the door (sometimes an outfit change depending on how big the blow-out was). Just to give you a better idea, here's a break-down of getting ready to go for a run pre-pregnancy and post-pregnancy:

Pre-Pregnancy  

• Decide to go for a run!
• Put on running clothes
• Head out the door
• Start Garmin
• Run

Post-Pregnancy (and I'm sure I'm leaving out a few steps)

• Decide, despite a considerable lack of sleep and zombie-mom status that I should go for a run to 1. get me out of the house, 2. get me out of my pajamas and 3. it's good for me.
• Is Baby Z in a good enough mood to last for 3 miles?
• Go pee
• Feed Baby Z
• Change Baby Z
• Make sure Baby Z has on appropriate clothing for outdoors
• Pump so "the girls" won't be screaming while I'm running
• Go pee again
• Put on SUPER heavy-duty, ultra-restraining, spandex that rivals the strength of the Man of Steel sports bra
• Put on running clothes
• Make sure jogging stroller tires are inflated properly 
• Put Baby Z in car carrier
• Put car carrier in jogging stroller.
• Triple check that carrier is latched in properly and safety straps are buckled
• Make sure Baby Z has enough blankets, toys, pacifiers to keep him happy
•  Go pee AGAIN
• Head out the door
• Start Garmin
• Run 

But I wouldn't change it for the world. When I look down at the stroller and see him smiling up at me it just motivates me to push a little more and go a little longer. I love my little running buddy and can't wait until he does his first kids fun run.

Today I am thankful for: flavored coffee creamers