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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Postpartum Workouts: Week 1 Recap

Welcome to a new fitness series! I joined a gym last week so that I could restart my fitness journey. Yes, I have worked out since having a baby, but it hasn’t been consistent. I want to change that, so I’m sharing recaps of my workouts as I try to get back into my fitness routine. I’m recapping this both to inspire others to start, even if it’s slowly, and to hold myself accountable. If anyone reading this is also trying to meet a fitness goal, I’d love to be virtual workout buddies. Share your goals in the comments!

Week 1 Workout Recap:

Note: You will notice my workouts were not intense or long on my first week. That’s because I know my body and I am not in the best shape. I want to show how even just a short workout can help in the long run.

Monday-Tuesday: No workout. It was New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. We signed up for the gym membership on NYE and then went to the gym to tour it and grab our passes on the first.

Wednesday: .5 mile run and 15 minutes on the stairmaster. I then did 15 minutes of light yoga and bicycle crunches. (I was sore for three days from this.)

Thursday-Friday: No workout.

Saturday: .25 mile walk on the treadmill to warm up, followed by a 1-mile run. We then did about 15 minutes of yoga and bicycle crunches.

Sunday: Yoga Sculpt class at a studio. This class combines yoga with using free weights and strength training exercises like squats and lunges. It also includes a section on working the core. I estimate we did about 150 lunges holding weights and at a fast tempo. I had to take several water breaks. The instructor was like a drill sergeant, but I appreciate the intense workout.

Reflections and tips:

  • Don’t worry about starting slow or taking it easy. Yes, you want to get a good workout in, but you also don’t want to hurt yourself. Stretching is important, as is drinking enough water and allowing your body time to recover.
  • Mix up the workout to keep yourself engaged. I have always enjoyed a mix of yoga, running, and strength training.
  • Don’t worry about what others think. There will always be people who are annoyed at the newbies. Focus on yourself and ask for help when you don’t know how to use machines. Many gyms offer a free training session when you first join, and the trainer can help with the machines.
  • You don’t need the fanciest shoes, workout clothes or gear, at least not to get started.

Note: I am not a fitness trainer. These are just tips that I follow and that work for me. For the best fitness advice consult a professional.

Shop for my yoga towel and yoga mat**:

** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise.

My 2019 Goals and Guiding Word

It took weeks for me to figure out my 2019 goals. I had to really think about what it is I hope to accomplish. The person I wanted to be a year ago is not the same as the person I aim to become now. Some priorities have shifted, and some goals I previously saw as unattainable are now aspirations I think I can make happen if I commit to them. 2018 has been wonderful for us. We bought a house and grew our family, and all my attention and energy went toward that. In 2019 I hope to refocus some of that attention on my own goals outside of motherhood and marriage. While family will always come first, I have career and self-development goals that are also important to me. With that in mind, I’m sharing my 2019 goals in hopes of inspiring some of your own. I hope you’ll share your goals or guiding words with me in the comments!

Make fitness a priority again and run two half-marathons. I want to bring back fitness posts, which have taken a hiatus in the past year during pregnancy and afterward. I want my energy back and I’d love to not be out of breath when I walk up the stairs while holding the baby or carrying laundry. Also, working out has always helped relieve my anxiety. This goal is more about committing to my health and fitness, and then using that newfound energy to meet my career and family goals.

Replenish our savings. I saved in 2018, but a lot of it went toward replacing the lost income I had from taking maternity leave, which was unpaid besides short-term disability payments. I want to increase our savings and set aside separate funds for becoming self-employed. I also want to explore new avenues of making money.

Travel to a new place as a family. Iceland, Seattle, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas are on my wish list, but we are still discussing possibilities for travel in 2019. Our travel plans all depend on my husband’s work schedule and on a major decision we just made, which I’ll share later. (We also have a wedding in Virginia.)

Sell photography services/prints. I have always loved photography, and I’d like to do more of it. I’m not trained professionally on it, but I have learned a lot from workshops, classes and watching tutorials. I recently had a collaboration in which I was hired to shoot video and photos for marketing materials, and I really enjoyed it. I want to do more of that in addition to selling prints of my photographs.

Blog consistently and pursue sponsorships with brands I love. In 2018 I nearly tripled my blogging income, something I am proud to have accomplished. I want to continue that growth while doing something that brings me joy. I would like to double my blogging/editing income this year while continuing to partner with brands that I think readers would like or benefit from.

Those are my main goals, but I’ll be thinking about other self-care and career goals, too. What are your 2019 goals?

My Guiding Word/Word of the Year

Abundance.

This word has come up a lot lately, which I’m taking as a sign that I need to refocus on this mindset vs. on scarcity. I’ve been focusing on the money and energy traveling outward instead of the abundance heading my way. It’s not just about money, either. I put so much of my focus on time I don’t have instead of maximizing the time I do have each day. 2019 is about changing my perspective in that way.

Do you set a word of the year? What did you choose for 2019? How did you do on your 2018 goals?

 Related posts:

Favorite Self-Help Reads
5 Ways to Improve Your Photography
Beating the Sunday Scaries

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Running a Half-Marathon Without Training | Chicago Half Marathon Recap

Note: Before I share my Chicago Half Marathon story, I want to advise against running a race without training. It is never a good idea. Even if you think you are in great shape, you put yourself at risk for injury. As always, you should consult a physician about what exercise/event is safe for you to do.

On Sunday, I awoke at 4:15 a.m. to get ready to run 13.1 miles in south Chicago during the Chicago Half Marathon. Some backstory: I had signed up for the spring Chicago Half Marathon in 2017. With V having recently joined our family, I was not in a routine and had no childcare lined up for the day of the race, so I deferred to 2018. I then didn’t run the fall half-marathon in 2017 because I was newly pregnant and had a fainting episode that week. I obviously didn’t run the spring half marathon again this year because I had just given birth. I contacted the registration team and asked if there was any way I could run the fall race instead this year, and they said that they normally don’t allow this but they made an exception for me. I was so grateful and thought surely I would be able to train at least a little during maternity leave. I even blogged about my postpartum fitness goals and said I would recap my training on the blog.

That did not happen.

Postpartum life was harder than I expected. I am fairly certain I was in a sort of depression for much of it and I didn’t feel like myself until A was at least 3 months old. I can count on one hand the number of times I ran outdoors. I went to about as many Soul Cycle classes, too. That obviously is not adequate training, especially after taking months off running during pregnancy.

But I wanted to run the half-marathon anyway. I wanted to do it for myself. I miss running. I used to do it several times a week, and it was a major focus of this blog. I would share weekly recaps of my training along with tips I learned along the way. The time I spent on the Chicago Lakefront path was like my therapy as I am an introvert who needs this time for herself. I miss that so much! Not having any time for myself postbaby is likely what caused my postbaby blues to last longer than many people say they typically last. So even though I wasn’t really ready, I didn’t want to skip this race yet again.

The day before the race, I was 50 percent sure I would do it. I debated changing to the 5K at the last minute. But then Graham told me he took the day off and I picked up my packet with the girls. V kept saying that I was going to “win” the race and get a medal. I didn’t want to disappoint her.

When I went to bed that night, I was still unsure. I decided that if the baby woke up multiple times at night (like she did the night before), I would not run. Lucky for me, she went to sleep at 7:30 p.m. I went to bed at 9 sharp. She woke me up once around midnight and then not again until 5:15 a.m. when we left for the race. I couldn’t use lack of sleep as an excuse.

The Chicago Half Marathon

As I stepped into the corral, I was proud to have at least made it. I figured that if it was absolutely horrible I could call Graham and then leave the course, though I could never imagine myself doing that.  I knew I wanted to jog as slowly as possible and that I would probably walk some of the race. I maintained about a 12 and a half minute mile pace throughout much of the course. By comparison, I ran this same course in 2016 at a 9:30ish pace for most of the race. I felt fine, so I didn’t even try to go faster. I only walked while crossing over two bridges, because they were on a little bit of a hill. (I listened to this playlist.) It was quite something to listen to Chance the Rapper while running through the streets of Chicago, I have to say.

And I did it! I completed the Chicago Half Marathon in my slowest time ever for 13.1 miles, which is to be expected. But it wasn’t about the time for me. It was about following through with a commitment I made to myself to get back to running. It was about showing 4-year-old V, who kept saying she was proud of me, that you can do what you put your mind to. It was also about not letting all my excuses win. And trust me, I have a lot of excuses.

I’m glad I did it. Sure, my legs are still super sore, but it felt so good to be out there. I would do it again (in the same unique situation) in a heartbeat.

Half-Marathon highlights:

  • The expo was held at the Roosevelt Collection center this year. I liked this location vs. Soldier Field because it was easier for me to get to from where I now live. Plus, parking was free for two hours with validation, which was offered at Fleet Feet. I was going to purchase energy gels there anyway, so that worked out. (In the past, I had to pay to park at the Soldier Field garage just to pick up my packet.)
  • The medal was as awesome as ever. The Chicago Half Marathon is known for large, well-designed medals.
  • The volunteers were amazing!
  • Your bib comes with a ticket for a beer and pizza.
  • I love the view when you turn to go north on the course around Mile 3 or so.

 

 

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Related posts:

Chicago Half Marathon 2016 Recap
Chicago Marathon 2016 Recap

Inspiration From “The Year of Less” by Cait Flanders

**This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise!

My most recent Audible listen was “The Year of Less” by Cait Flanders, who apparently also has a popular personal finance blog I was not familiar with. This book was in my Audible recommendations after listening to “Girl, Wash Your Face,” which was also written by a blogger, Rachel Hollis. If you’re new around here, I am really into self-development books. I was intrigued by the idea of learning how a yearlong spending ban changed the author’s life. And while I wasn’t exactly moved by the stories of her life, nor did I follow the chronology of her story, I am now inspired by “The Year of Less” to try a spending ban again.

What I learned from “The Year of Less”

I can relate to feeling good about having some freedom to spend money lately after I restricted myself before our baby was born and during maternity leave. I knew I wouldn’t be bringing in my editing paychecks for three months and that my only income would be from blogging, so I cut back on spending unless it was necessary for the baby or Victoria. But now I want to be more mindful of how I am spending money again, because we have home-related expenses I want to save for, and I also want to save more in general. While it sounds so simple and obvious, I have been forgetting to save first and then spend, with the exception of my 401(k), HSA and childcare savings accounts. I want to stash more away in a separate savings for travel, and I want to save more for our children’s future.

While I haven’t set my specific rules for a new spending ban, I will be putting that together soon. I also want to declutter yet again. Cait’s advice for embarking on your own spending ban is to declutter first. She also took an inventory of all her belongings, but I don’t think I’ll go that in depth. I am always looking for items to declutter, but moving this summer opened my eyes to how much I didn’t know we had in storage because it was out of sight. While I can’t get rid of all of it because some of it belongs to Graham, I will be looking for what is mine and assessing whether I truly want to hang onto it.

One thing I realized I have been doing with my wardrobe for so long is buying items for the person I want to be vs. the person I am. This is a habit “The Year of Less” reminded me I was doing. When I look at the clothes in my closet, I don’t have much, but I don’t have much to wear on a daily basis because I own dresses and then lounging clothes, but nothing in between. I realized I need casual everyday clothes that I will actually wear during the week while working from home and running errands. Lately I have been wearing the same three pairs of shorts and same four tanks and tees, but when the weather changes I will be left with nothing to wear other than leggings. I will be purchasing some pants and attempting to create a sort of capsule wardrobe for the fall of items that I actually wear and will hopefully make excellent purchases that last. Wish me luck!

Have you read “The Year of Less”? Have you ever done a spending ban? What did you learn from either?

Read “The Year of Less”**

Consider donating it when you’re done!

"The Year of Less"

Related posts:

Thoughts on “Girl, Wash Your Face”
Thoughts on “Joy of Less”

 

 

Using the Erin Condren Notes Page for Blogging

Erin Condren Notes Page for Blogging

 

This year I’ve started to use my Erin Condren more for blog planning, specifically the monthly notes page. It is helping me stay organized and helps me keep track of my blogging ideas, pitches, goals and to-do lists. Today I’m sharing how I utilize the page for blogging.

I have four sections on my monthly notes page. I typically use one color pen for consistency and I stick with a color that matches the planner that month. For June I wrote in green and used a couple of stickers. I don’t go too crazy with stickers on this page because I just need it to be functional.

Goals:

I write my monthly blog goals in the top circles. I typically set an income goal in the first circle and I use another to list how many blog posts I want to write a week. The next two can be used for any other goals I want to pursue. For the past two months I have wanted to participate in a giveaway, as well as film at least three videos to be published on my YouTube channel and in my posts.

Blog Post Ideas:

On the left column of the notes page I write down blog post ideas for the month. I then check them off as I complete them or cross them off if I don’t get to them. I transfer unused ideas from previous months if they are still relevant and I still want to write them.

Pitches/Collaborations:

I keep a list of brands I want to work with and the results of pitches on the right. For example, I will write down “Sponsored post” and an amount to the right of the brand name. I like to keep track of how often I am collaborating and how much I earn. (I also track income and expenses in Excel.)

To-Do List/Social Media:

I use the bottom rectangle space to jot down things I want to accomplish this month for blogging. This typically includes administrative tasks. I previously also used this space to track social media follower growth, but this month that is pictured I didn’t. On the first of the month I will write down my beginning number and on the last day I list my ending figure. I also include the difference. This helps me see where to put my focus the following month.

Erin Condren Monthly Notes Page for Blogging

I find that this layout is minimal but works. It keeps me organized and I can turn to my list of blogging ideas if I’m not feeling inspired. Do you own an Erin Condren planner? How do you use your monthly notes page? I’d love to hear and see your ideas!

Postpartum Fitness Goals

I’m now eight weeks postpartum and I’ve finally been cleared to work out. I am feeling back to normal for the most part and I’m ready to get back to running after months off! I’m sharing my postpartum fitness goals in hopes of finding others who are going through the same phase of life or who are also looking to get back in shape or improve their health and well-being. I plan to post weekly recaps of my half-marathon training when I officially begin later this month; watch out for those, especially if you need motivation to find time for working out. I am a mom of two now so it will be challenging to make the time for fitness and I’m sure that will come up in my recaps. I’ll share any tips I learn along the way!

My Postpartum Fitness Goals:

  • Running: My goal is to train for and run the Chicago Half Marathon in September. I haven’t run a race since the Chicago Marathon in 2016, so I can’t wait to get back out there! I plan to sign up for group training as I did in the past. My goal is to finish the race in whatever way it takes, meaning walking as much as I need to. I don’t have a time goal this time around.
  • Weight: As of last week I was 3 pounds below my pre-baby weight thanks to breastfeeding, so I don’t feel like I need to drop more weight, but I’ll take it if it means I feel more toned and stronger. Right now I don’t feel either way.
  • Yoga: My goal is to get back to practicing regularly after some time off. I hope to also make it to two classes in a studio a month. (I can practice as much as I want at home because I am trained as a yoga teacher.)
  • Meals: I tracked my food intake throughout most of my pregnancy but I have gotten off track over the past few months. I want to get back to reviewing what I am eating and making sure I eat enough protein!
  • Family: I want to incorporate the kids into my fitness routine as much as possible by pushing them in the running stroller or practicing yoga at home with V. We also go on family walks sometimes and I want to continue that.

Are you working toward a fitness goal? Share yours in the comments so we can hold each other accountable and encourage one another!

Related posts:

Chicago Marathon 2016 Recap
Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal

Spending Ban Update and Lessons

** This post was originally published in April but has since been updated.

In March I shared my goal of doing a pre-baby spending ban on certain categories. I wanted to stop unnecessary spending, especially it comes to dining out, before our baby is born so I can focus on financial goals. Now I want to provide a spending ban update and lessons I learned in hopes of inspiring those who want to also try to do a ban. Perhaps you can learn from my mistakes! Before I get into what I learned from trying to do a spending ban for a month, here are my fails.

Spending Ban Violations:

Total: $221.15

Most of my violations were food-related, as I expected. Believe it or not this is actually an improvement from February, when I spent maybe twice as much on Starbucks alone, all because I failed to have breakfast items stocked at home.

Despite all those fails, I did have lots of success thanks to decluttering. My pre-baby nesting included a lot of reorganizing and minimizing. I have donated bags and boxes of stuff, but I also sold quite a few things I no longer wanted or used, including a camera, books and a watch.

Decluttering Income/Gifts/Refunds:

I made some money to counteract the spending I did in March. Most of it was from decluttering and selling items online. I also received a refund from an order that never arrived in February, and I was given three gift cards.

  • Poshmark: $9.13
  • Preserve refund: $14.99
  • Target gift card: $10
  • Visa gift card: $100
  • Ulta gift card: $20
  • eBay: $298.49

Lessons from my Spending Ban Attempt:

  • Stress is a trigger to spend money for me. We had a rough start to March, which led to poor communication and a lack of energy. I found myself simply not having the motivation to cook my own food on some of the worst days. I discovered I am an emotional spender. When pregnancy or life in general was getting me down, the last thing I wanted to do was “deprive” myself or summon the energy to actually cook after a long day, which led to unnecessary spending.
  • You’re going to have a difficult time with a spending ban if you don’t prep food in advance or grocery shop in advance. I could have tried to use up more items we already had rather than spend on takeout.
  • You don’t need to spend money for self-care, but you also don’t need to feel guilty when you have a terrible day and a long soak with a bath bomb makes you feel like a human again. I tend to reward myself, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, except when you’re trying to do a spending ban! I’m working on taking care of myself in ways that don’t involve money.
  • If you’re going to violate your own spending ban rules, at least look for ways to bring in extra cash as well. Decluttering worked wonders for me in March because I was able to bring in more than I spent simply by ridding myself of items I don’t need, want or use.
  • I need to be more mindful of the waste I cause when ordering food and buying food and drinks on the go. If you don’t have a reusable bottle or your own silverware you are creating more waste.
  • I have been using chilly Chicago weather as an excuse to spend. Same went for my pregnancy. I really just did not feel like driving to a grocery store, picking up what we need, bringing it home and carrying it by myself (or with V) from whatever street parking I can find to our apartment, especially when I’m so cold and uncomfortable. Maybe late pregnancy was not the best time to do a spending ban?
  • Know your why. What is it that you hope to accomplish with a spending ban? Are you saving for a trip? Paying off a student loan or credit card? Being able to remind yourself of the reason may stop you from spending.

My Spending Ban Goal:

The reason I wanted to do a spending ban was to focus on saving as much as I could for my maternity leave. I am proud of the amount I was able to save throughout my pregnancy, even if this month of not spending wasn’t as successful as I had hoped. While I still want to be mindful of where my money goes, I am happy that I should be fine for the remainder of my maternity leave.

Have you ever done a spending ban? Was it a success?

Related post:

Pre-Baby Spending Ban

Thoughts on “The Joy of Less”

** This post contains an affiliate link. I make a small commission on purchases made through this link at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise!

Lessons from "The Joy of Less" | Book Review

My most recent Audible listen was “The Joy of Less: A Minimalist Guide to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify” by Francine Jay. It coincided with the beginning of my pre-baby nesting/spring cleaning urge, which began in February. I felt the need to get rid of stuff and make room for our family to grow. I wanted to simplify my life in whatever way I could, so The Joy of Less came into my life at the perfect time. I feel like I took so much away from this book, so I wanted to share some of the wisdom. Of course, there’s a lot more to learn by reading the book for yourself, and I highly recommend it!

Lessons from “The Joy of Less”:

  • “Less stuff equals less stress.” I couldn’t agree more. That’s exactly why I’ve been so into decluttering (again) lately. The more stuff you have, the more you need to take care of the stuff, like cleaners, and storage bins, and the more time you spend taking care of your belongings.
  • You don’t have to own certain furniture because it is expected. When you’re in college or younger and maybe didn’t have as much stuff, you also didn’t need as much. When you move into a bigger place you tend to fill it up with more stuff, and a lot of it is to keep up with the Joneses. This has been eye-opening.
  • Try the one-a-day declutter. This has been the most practical tip for me, because sometimes you just can’t or won’t spend a whole weekend throwing all of your stuff into a pile and sorting through each item. Or, if you’ve already decluttered, you can keep your home tidy and minimalist by regular assessing items as you come into contact with them. I have been doing this lately. I kept a bag behind our bed and put items in it as I came across them and decided I didn’t want, use or like them anymore.
  • Set an example for others. If you want your partner to minimize their belongings, do so by doing it yourself and supporting them if they want to, but never purge their things without their knowledge. Encourage your friends to exchange experiences as gifts as much as you can.
  • Become a “minsumer.” Being a minimalist consumer means not buying. Borrowing when you need something, fixing what you have when it breaks, and buying secondhand are all alternatives.
  • Reduce is better than recycle. This is the biggest reminder I needed. I tend to think it’s OK that I buy something because I can recycle it afterward, but it’s better to not cause the waste in the first place. I have been thinking more about how I can repurpose items I bring into my home. Thinking about the disposal of an item you buy is just as important as thinking about its lifespan. Ask “why before you buy,” the author says.
  • Connect with minimalists. Reading blogs about minimalism or joining a local group can help you find likeminded people who encourage your lifestyle rather than disparage it.

If you’re interested in this book, I recommend trying Audible because then you don’t have a physical book taking up space in your home, but if you prefer reading to listening, I’ll provide a link below. Consider giving the book to a friend or family member who is interested in minimalism when you’re done with it, or donate the book to a library or charity!

Read “The Joy of Less”**:

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Pre-Baby Spending Ban

I have been in decluttering, organization and cleaning mode for a couple of weeks now. There’s something about the approaching change of seasons that inspired this, but mostly it’s preparation for the baby’s arrival! As part of my simplifying, I decided after analyzing my February expenses that I also want to implement a mini pre-baby spending ban in March (and possibly April, too!). The main idea is that I don’t want to spend money outside of baby items, groceries and replacing necessities.

Pre-baby spending ban categories:

Gifts: I don’t have any occasions I need to buy gifts for in March, so this should be easy. I do have a wedding gift to purchase in April.

Makeup/hair products/skin care: I already replaced my mascara after I ran out, so I should not need anything else. It’s possible I will run out of foundation in March and I’ll replace that if needed, but I won’t buy more makeup. I’ll admit it’s hard for me to not want to try new cruelty-free products after watching YouTube videos or reading blog posts, though.

Nail polish: I will use the polish shades I have.

Audible books: I have three books to finish, which might be enough reading material until after maternity leave. I put my membership on hold, so I am not buying more monthly credits.

Clothing: I won’t be buying any clothing until after the baby is born. I am instead selling and donating items I don’t wear. (I’m not counting nursing bras/tops because those are considered items for the baby.)

Planner stickers: I stretched out a mini kit for two months and I still have $3 sticker set from Target that I use. I used a birthday gift card to order another mini kit, but other than that I don’t plan to buy any stickers until after our baby is born. If I run out I can always decorate with markers.

Home decor items: We don’t have a need for it, nor do we have space! I just replaced an old rug under my desk chair, but I plan to not buy anything else unless it’s something we need for the baby.

Plants: We typically buy plants/seedlings in the spring or summer, but I’m not sure if we will this year. It’s probably not a great idea to add to our plant collection or start our summer garden before moving, which we want to do this year. (Note: We want a bigger place; we’re not leaving Chicago. Another note: I can’t control the actions of my husband, who loves to buy plants. haha)

Starbucks: I am not completely cutting it out, though I have already cut back. I want to keep it to once a week. (I haven’t been drinking much coffee but I do enjoy a refreshing drink or a breakfast while I’m on the go.)

Dining out/takeout/food delivery: I want to limit this to once per week in March. This will be the hardest category to even cut back on for us and I am the least optimistic about how we’ll do. Just being honest! But we are going to try. I am going to allow myself a couple of friend dates that will involve going out to eat.

Not included in the ban: Blog expenses, transportation, groceries and other essentials.

I’ll be posting an update at the end of March listing any times I break the spending ban. I hope it’s not too long! Have you ever done a spending ban? What are expenses that are worth it to you? Let me know in the comments!

Related posts:

Decluttering and Items I Wish I Didn’t Buy
End-of-Summer Cleaning and Decluttering List

Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #WellYes2018 #CollectiveBias

Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal with Well Yes!® Soups

I’ve had a major goal in mind for some time now, but I’ve been keeping it to myself because of fear. This decision came about after a Well Yes!® Moment of Yes I recently had in which I realized that I need to get back to doing what I love and find time to make it work with my busy new schedule as a mom. I know the goal will be incredibly challenging but worth it, and I’m finally at a place where I’m determined to make it happen and ready to share it.

In November, when I was just heading into my second trimester of my pregnancy, I decided I would secretly sign up for the lottery for the Chicago Marathon, which takes place in October 2018. I have run this race before — it was my second marathon after the Kentucky Derby Marathon in 2015 — but not as a mother. Ever since bringing our 3-year-old home as part of the adoption process, I have not been able to successfully train for a race. I’ve signed up for two half-marathons in 2017 that I wasn’t able to complete. The first didn’t work out because I didn’t successfully adapt to motherhood yet and plan for the race accordingly. The second race I had to skip on doctor’s recommendation early into my pregnancy. I’ve been longing to run a race again since the Chicago Marathon in October 2016. I felt so inspired when I took Victoria to watch the runners, including one of my good friends, in 2017, and I knew I wanted to take part in it again. Last year has just felt like an off year for me because I put my love of running on the backburner. And so, I had a Moment of Yes for the new year: I want to make time for what I love, what makes me feel good about myself. In 2018 I want to let go of any judgement, opinions and excuses and get back to running!

Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal with Well Yes!® Soups
Completing the Chicago Marathon was one of my greatest accomplishments. I can’t wait to run races again!

Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal with Well Yes!® Soups

While I was not able to win a spot in the Chicago Marathon in the lottery, I decided to sign up for the Chicago Half Marathon just a couple weeks before. I hope that I can still find a marathon to sign up for in the fall as well. In order to train successfully, I’ll need to make sure I am taking care of myself, including nourishing myself. That’s why for the past several months I’ve been staying active as much as I can while putting good foods into my body. One of my go-to food options has been Well Yes!® Soups, which are made with non-GMO, nutritious ingredients, like sweet potatoes, kale, and quinoa. I love the vegetarian options like Tomato Carrot Bisque and Minestrone with Kale Soup. They all come in cans with non-BPA lining, too!

One of my go-to soup flavors is Cajun Red Bean & Vegetable Soup. It’s been perfect on these cold Chicago days when I’m trying to refuel after a treadmill workout. Plus, it has 14 grams of protein (per can), which I appreciate as a vegetarian.

Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal with Well Yes!® Soups

Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal with Well Yes!® Soups

Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal with Well Yes!® Soups

Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal with Well Yes!® Soups

Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal with Well Yes!® Soups
The Well Yes!® Tomato Carrot Bisque soup has been one of my favorite food options lately. It’s so good!

 

The Chicago Fall Half Marathon will be about six months after I have my baby. The reason I initially wanted to keep it a secret is that I was worried about what people might think about my decision, perhaps that I am crazy to do that so soon after childbirth, that I’m naive to think I’ll have the time, or that I would be taking too much time away from my kids. But to me, this decision is me saying yes to doing what is best for me, taking time for myself, giving myself motivation to stay active during and after pregnancy, and doing what makes me happy. Yes, I know training and the race will be difficult, that I will be absolutely exhausted when the baby arrives, that finding the time to train will be a challenge, but to me finding a way to make it work and to complete the race, even if I have to walk, will be worth it. I will be so proud of myself, and I hope my daughters will be, too.

Do you have a goal you are ready to share with the world in the new year? Also, have you tasted Well Yes!® Soups yet? Share your thoughts with me in the comments!

Don’t forget to enter the #WellYes2018 Sweepstakes in the widget below for a chance to win up to a $500 Visa gift card! It’s as easy as clicking, logging in, and sharing your Moment of Yes story! If you win, think of all the ways you can use the prizing to achieve your Moment of Yes!

#WellYes2018 #Sweepstakes (1/15 to 2/16)

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Saying Yes to My Well-Being
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