how to fuel a long run
May 7, 2018 (Updated February 6, 2023)

Weekend

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

128 comments

Hi guys! It’s gorgeous here today (where was this weather over the weekend, though?!) and I’m feeling grateful for my ability to bring my laptop outside this morning to enjoy it! We could have used some of this sunshine over the weekend, but we still got out for a few nice family walks with Riese in the carrier, and I met up with the girls for a run date, too.

morning run along the tidal basin in dc

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I know I’ve been talking a lot about running lately on the blog, but I’m just so happy to have it back in the mix as a stress-relief and social outlet! I’ve found motherhood is a weird mix of really wanting self-care/alone time while also never wanting to leave the baby’s side… it always makes me sad to not see her for a few hours, but at the same time it’s so nice to feel like my old self and to do something just for me. I love the time to catch up with two of my best college girlfriends, too – it’s much easier for all of us to meet up for run dates vs. trying to schedule a dinner.

run date with the girls

We did a fun monument/classic DC loop and enjoyed chatting nonstop as usual. I’m glad the water fountains around the monuments are back on again because I was really thirsty – it wasn’t super hot given the lack of sun, but it was still really humid out there!

running around the tidal basin in dc

4+ miles done! The girls went on to do a bit more together and I was tempted to continue because I didn’t want to miss out/say bye, but I decided to be smart and not push it. I’ll get there soon enough!

morning run dc postpartum

As for eats this weekend, we did some delivery and some of our usual homemade favorites. Friday night we were both really tired and decided to order some food – we had Liberty Tavern salad + pizza plus some beers on the deck and it was perfect. I got the “Vermont pizza” – it had white cheddar, smoked prosciutto, caramelized onion, apple, and sage and was soooo good – super savory. Normally I’m 100% a red sauce pizza girl but it was nice to mix it up – just what I was in the mood for! I love their salads, too – the one we both got had sliced fresh fennel on it which is such a refreshing and nice addition. Love that licorice flavor!

liberty tavern dinner

I also discovered the next day that the pizza leftovers were awesome topped with a couple fried eggs for extra protein and to make it feel more brunch-y. Because what isn’t good with a fried egg on top, right?! 🙂 I added in some veggie volume on the side for satiety, too.

IMG_2525

On Saturday night, Matt made steaks, roasted potatoes, caramelized onions, and sauteed spinach for me and our friend Shane, who came over to watch the Kentucky Derby + the Penguins vs. Capitals ice hockey game with us. Delicious, although we were out of ketchup so I had to use BBQ sauce for the potatoes instead. The horror! Must pick up more ketchup ASAP! Although actually the BBQ sauce was quite good too. 🙂

IMG_2524

Last night we had a simple pan seared fish with rice and salad that I forgot to take a photo of – oh well!

I feel like this weekend went by both fast and slow – which is kind of how motherhood has felt in general, to be honest! Matt and I were both feeling a bit cooped up and restless this weekend and decided we need to make more of a consistent effort to plan stuff/get out and about with the babe in tow, even though it’s easier to just stay home. This weekend it looked like it was going to be rainy so we didn’t plan much… and then it ended up being gray but relatively nice out, so we were bummed we didn’t get out and about much after all! Oh well. Weekends are hard because both of us want some self care time, but obviously we also both want to spend time with each other and with Riese, too. It’s just hard to balance it all, and Riese still isn’t a great napper (meaning, she only takes really short 20 or 30 minute naps a few times a day, and always on one of us while walking or being held, not in her crib), so that makes it hard too because we don’t get that built in free time while she’s napping. We’re trying to start doing crib naps more and to get into a bit more of a schedule, but I hate letting her cry so it’s just been easier to pick her up and not try… plus, we like taking family walks so it’s usually easier to just do that around the time when we know she’s getting sleepy – she’ll look around at the scenery for awhile and then snooze for a bit too. She’s also going through an overnight sleep regression right now which doesn’t help… definitely feeling the 3 a.m. wake up this morning combined with the less than stellar weekend of sleep.

Anyway… I’ve got lots on my blog-related to do list today and some AnneTheRD nutrition client calls to prep for so I’d better get after it. See you guys back here tomorrow!

- anne

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128 comments
  • Lisa
    You always talk about "veggie volume" and it just strikes me as so disordered. Let me get full on these low calorie veggies because my stomach will feel full but I will have eaten few calories. And I get it. Being a mom is tough. But you have more self care than any mom I have seen. I have been reading your blog for a long time and actually have a lot in common with you, including having lots of family support. For most self care is getting out once a week. Maybe going to a gym with childcare. You have a full time nanny. The constant talk about self care is getting old. You had a baby, they are needy humans. Yes it's tough. That's what happens when you procreate.
    Reply
    • Kori
      "Veggie volume" simply means that along WITH her carbohydrates, protein, and fats, she gets vegetables for fiber and plenty of other nutrients. Yes, it can be used in a disordered manner, but this is not the case. This is Anne's blog and journal, and she is simply expressing her experience thus far into motherhood. She has stated how grateful she is for her line of work, nanny, family support, but it doesn't change the fact that she would like to strike a balance between time for herself and with her family. If you find this blog doesn't jive with you, then don't visit it. You are quite the downer.
      Reply
      • Anne
        Thanks Kori - I appreciate this. <3
        Reply
    • Anne
      Hi Lisa. Thanks for reading my blog, and for sharing your thoughts. You are certainly entitled to your opinions, but I'd like to respectfully provide some thoughts on what you said. First, adding veggies to meals is not disordered - in fact, it's a big way in which I help my nutrition clients to be LESS disordered in their eating behaviors and thinking, because I have them add more "fun" foods to their diets (vs. only eating "healthy" stuff, or feeling guilty about eating stuff that they don't see as healthy), then think about how to balance them in a way that physically feels good, which often means adding some veggies. I love pizza, and I also love veggies - eating them together is a great way to make a meal satisfying and well rounded. That's all I mean by veggie volume. Second, I am getting pretty tired of the "who has it harder" dialogue with moms - moms have enough judgement and guilt of themselves and I hardly find it helpful to turn that judgement and guilt on each other. Yes, I have a nanny 3.5 days a week. And the reason I have a nanny is because I'm working. I run two businesses by myself; I'm not just sitting around hanging out while someone else takes care of my child (although if I were, that would be my choice and okay too). Sure, I occasionally meet a friend for lunch during the week (which people with office jobs can also easily do, even if they are parents), and I get out for morning workouts (which don't require a nanny, since my husband is home - he gets in his workouts at night while I'm home). But outside of the occasional lunch or short dog walk, when the nanny is here, I'm either working or I'm taking a break from work to feed my baby. And yes, I like having time to myself. I don't see anything wrong with that. Self care is important for everyone, new moms included, and I'm tired of being made to feel bad when I actually take a minute to myself.
      Reply
      • K
        Very well said Anne! You do you. Other people should worry about themselves.
        Reply
      • Amber @ Bloom Nutrition Therapy
        Absolutely Anne!! I agree with SO MUCH of what you said here. In fact, it's one of my biggest fears about motherhood is NOT being able to have time for myself! What's WRONG with that?! Since when did it ever become a thing that once you have a child, then that literally is your entire life and you're not "allowed" to do anything else? Crazy. I'm glad you share these snippets on your blog. It has helped me to understand how maybe I could balance still being an individual and having a life, while also being a new mom, should I so choose to be one day. :)
        Reply
      • K.
        I think it's great that you focus on self care. It's truly necessary when you have a child, and you'll probably find (I have) that you get more time for it as your child gets older, sleeps through, is more predictable, etc. I think what a lot of working moms (I work full-time) are looking for, though, is just an acknowledgement that you have a nontraditional job that does allow you more flexibility than most working moms get. Your job really IS different from jobs where we are required to be behind a desk 9am - 5pm, and it feels kind of hurtful to equate them.
        Reply
        • Anne
          Thank you for sharing your thoughts, K. My job absolutely is different, and I certainly acknowledge that and have in the past. Having had desk jobs previously, I know the added challenges that come with that, and certainly appreciate my flexibility and know that it often does make creating extra time easier. That said, it's just frustrating to get comments (not just on this post, but I've had some really hurtful comments on other posts recently) that make it sound like I have childcare so I can hang out/sit around all day, or because I'd rather not be with my daughter. Even though my job is untraditional, and I work for myself, it's still a job, and I work really, really hard to be successful at what I do.
          Reply
          • K.
            I totally understand that. Like most moms, you probably get your actual "me time" when your spouse is taking care of the baby, not when you're paying for childcare! Also, all jobs are different. I can totally take a break at work to do a 20-minute workout or run errands, so even I have more flexibility than a lot of moms. I think—and I'm sure you know this—it's just really easy to feel defensive when you're a working mom. There's a lot of implicit criticism of us out there.
            Reply
            • Anne
              Yep. Exactly. Thank you for reading and for your thoughts!
              Reply
    • Kristin
      I agree with this. It's not that easy for those of us who don't have the ability of a flexible schedule. I understand that I chose the life I chose, and she chose the life she chose so I can't complain........ but...... I am beginning to feel disconnected with this blog because how easy it is for her to just schedule a run here and there when sometimes I realize I haven't showered in 5 days and have to wake up at 4am to exercise because I don't have help during the day.
      Reply
      • Kristin
        I take that comment back. Today was a rough day sorry.
        Reply
        • Anne
          It's okay. Motherhood is hard. Hang in there - sending you lots of love. <3
          Reply
    • Amber @ Bloom Nutrition Therapy
      @Lisa If you don't like what she's journaling, then there are LOTS of other bloggers you can follow. I really don't see the point of your comment here, other than to be hurtful. SHAME on your for food AND mommy shamming her....
      Reply
  • Kori
    I love eggs on leftover pizza! You're right - an egg can go on top of anything. ;) I can understand your struggles with wanting time to yourself but also with your family. It certainly does make for a new balancing act, and I hope you all find a great routine soon!
    Reply
  • Mary
    I appreciate the running updates. I’m 37 weeks with a frank breech baby (sound familiar?!) and I like seeing how long it takes to get back into the normal running routine. It is keeping things real for me, so thanks!
    Reply
    • Anne
      Ah, that does sound familiar!! So exciting, congratulations and wishing you a safe and quick delivery! <3
      Reply
    • Mary
      I delivered my frank breech baby via c-section at 37w3d, and I returned to running on the quicker side! Good luck!
      Reply
      • Mary
        I also don’t mean any disrespect if returning to running takes a bit longer! I hope it didn’t appear that way. I only wanted to show encouragement for delivering a frank breech baby!
        Reply
        • Anne
          Not at all! I think it's good to show that everyone's experience is different, and that's okay! Glad you are back to running! <3
          Reply
  • Maria
    Riese's nap schedule sounds very familiar to my daughter's not so long ago. I thought I'd never get more than 10 minutes of breathing room during her naps because I was too busy pumping (I exclusively pumped for four months), washing bottles, cleaning up the kitchen, etc. But, when she turned 7/8 months old those naps consolidated into two very long (1.5 - 2 hour) naps. So hang in there, it will get easier and these short naps will not always be the case!
    Reply
    • Anne
      This is good to hear, Maria -- thank you! Also, I'm impressed with your exclusive pumping - such hard work! <3
      Reply
  • Christina
    She might be too old for this now, but did you ever try swaddling her? My kid went from random 20-30 naps to solid 2 hour naps once she was swaddled.
    Reply
    • Anne
      We used to swaddle her overnight but read that it was probably about time to ditch the swaddle so we've slowly weaned her off it... bummer because it does definitely help!
      Reply
      • Jenn
        I hate to add to the "have you tried...." but we swore by the Merlin's Magic Sleep Suit (Gretchen uses it) when our kid was Riese's age. Can you have the nanny try to create a firm nap schedule/environment? I let daycare do it!
        Reply
        • Anne
          Gretchen actually just lent us hers -- we are going to give it a shot! And yeah, I just asked the nanny to start trying to do 1 nap per day in the crib to start to transition her a bit... we will see how it goes!
          Reply
          • Diane
            No kids here - but this was the novelty item all the moms were raving about at a friend's baby shower last weekend! May it work wonders for Riese (and mom and dad too :)) Also, hang in there - there's always many more nice, positive people than negative Nancys. This is such a crazy transition period in your life, and anything you do to help yourself be your best is worth it - as another commenter said: you can't pour from an empty cup! So glad the weather and your body are cooperating to help you get those runs in. Take care!
            Reply
            • Amy
              If Merlin isn’t your thing, a sleep sack could be a good in between! My daughter has used since transitioning from swaddle and it works well for us.
              Reply
  • Colleen
    Parenting is hard and the guilt is always there no matter how much time you spend with your kid(s). I find the separation from my husband challenging. In order for us to survive, we end up doing a lot of - you go do your thing while I watch the baby and then switch. It's hard to spend quality time together without the baby on top of making sure everyone's needs are met, and the baby is only awake so many hours during the day, so I always feel guilty when we're not there for every waking hour, especially since we both work full time and don't see much of him during the week. My baby sucked at napping, too and then childcare got him on a schedule and we don't deviate from that. You're doing a good job. There is always someone who has it worse and always someone who has it better. You're going to hear about both whenever you openly discuss your day to day challenges.
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thank you Colleen <3 It's such a balancing act!
      Reply
  • Kathy
    Lisa, I also agree with Kori. It’s Anne’s blog and you should find one that is more in tune with your interest. No insult meant by this post.
    Reply
  • Holly Larson
    Hi Anne - I am not a mother, but I hope to be someday. I really have enjoyed reading along with your journey. I appreciate that you journal and share, even if it does make you vulnerable to do so. I imagine balancing it all is a challenge that continues to evolve, but from an outsider's perspective, you're doing great. In our society that seems to expect mothers to give and give and give and give, I admire that you are a great mother AND take care of yourself AND your marriage. What a healthy example :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thank you Holly. <3 I honestly am thinking I might not talk about motherhood much on here anymore... I know many readers find the updates helpful and interesting, but it's just really challenging to constantly be questioned/attacked. I have enough guilt and emotions all day related to motherhood and it's really hard to have others adding to it. I appreciate your support!
      Reply
      • Holly Larson
        It is a shame that parenthood seems to be such a competition these days. Jerky people can be awfully brave behind the anonymity of their screen.
        Reply
      • LP
        I hope you don't stop posting about it! I completely understand the inclination but please know most of your readers aren't reading in such a critical way- I really enjoy and appreciate your honest look at motherhood and I think it's really helpful hearing about how you balance everything.
        Reply
      • Kirsten @ little bites of my life
        Anne - that's a shame that you feel that way. I find with any form of social media these days, people are SO brave with their comments and opinions and do not shy away from sharing them. I always wonder "would you say that to my face if you were in front of me?" How would that person feel if I said that to them? Probably quite upset and offended. Before people comment they really need to think about the words they are about to use!
        Reply
        • Anne
          I know... people are so mean when they are anonymous/behind a screen. I always welcome other opinions and respectful disagreement, but the straight up cruel/judgemental comments are really tough to take. People would never say things like that to someone in person - not sure why they think it's okay online.
          Reply
      • Emily
        Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! I had my daughter about a week after you had Riese (also at Virginia Hospital Center!) and reading your updates have been so helpful, its comforting to know you're not the only one going through the same issues/struggles/mom guilt.
        Reply
        • Anne
          Aw, congratulations! And thank you for reading <3
          Reply
      • Laura
        Hi Anne! I'm sorry that you seem to be feeling discouraged over the negative comments. I hope you continue posting about whatever you are comfortable discussing, but I for one really enjoy the aspects of "mom life" (and everything else of course). I know how easy it is to have the negative comments outweigh all of the positive ones, but I hope you feel all the support from your readers as well. We are rooting for you. #womensupportingwomen
        Reply
        • Anne
          Thank you Laura -- I appreciate this!
          Reply
      • Anon
        Oh, I hope you do not stop blogging about parenthood! I really appreciate (and benefit from) hearing about how you structure your day and balance motherhood with individual and professional pursuits. I also work from home with a nanny. I get that I have it easier than so many other working parents but I still find it hard, and it’s nice to know I’m not alone and get some ideas to make improvements.
        Reply
  • Beth
    I find it disheartening people judge each other so harshly. If you don't have kids, why not. If you do have kids, here is what you are doing wrong and let me tell you what to do because I am perfect. I think it is amazing you show your vulnerability with the good and the frustrating. With that said I understand not wanting to have it all out there. For the running - woohoo!!! That's so exciting and I totally get the amazing mental and physical feeling. It's this sense of freedom and leaving everything behind. And now time for a personal thank you from me. 20 years ago I was told to never run because I could blow out my ankle and knee. But after reading for so long about your running and me about to turn a milestone age I decided I wanted to fully run a 5k before that. I got stronger at the gym, added the Peloton in (ps - they now have a treadmill type of program too), and really made the effort to do it by reading and understanding all I could. The best part - I did it months before my goal and under 40 minutes (another random goal I picked). I ran the whole thing straight through. And while my knee was not happy, running/stair climing on concrete at a baseball stadium probably wasn't the smartest idea, I couldn't be happier. So thank you. Thank you for giving me the understanding of what to do, how to work it and the inspiration that I could actually do this.
    Reply
    • Anne
      That is so awesome, Beth! I'm so proud of you and honored to hear that I helped to inspire and inform you along your running journey. Keep it up! <3
      Reply
  • Brianne
    The years are short and the days are long. My second son is turning 1 this month. It seems like so long ago that I was trying to balance the baby with the toddler, with my own life. You are doing so great! Riese will get better with naps as she gets older and I think it's a good thing that you are trying out crib naps. If it doesn't work, ah well, try again another time. My little guy takes 1 nap a day now, usually for 2 hours. They grow and change so fast. Enjoy every minute...even those minutes you get away for a run.
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thanks Brianne. The years are short and the days are long is so true - I feel like that all the time. And I appreciate you saying to enjoy the minutes away as well as the minutes at home with Riese... both are important!
      Reply
  • AwayEmily
    First: people can be real assh*oles. It's fine to judge other parents' choices once in awhile -- we ALL do it -- but have the courtesy to keep it to yourself. You seem like an amazing mom, Anne, and I suspect that a lot of what you have posted (about your C-section, about finding time for yourself, about struggling with childcare) has really resonated with a lot of people, so you ARE doing good by sharing this. That being said, I would be super annoyed by all the judgy people, too, so I totally get considering dropping the motherhood talk. Anyway, I came to recommend a specific book -- The Good Sleeper, by Janet Kennedy. It is by far the best sleep book I've come across, because it doesn't advocate for One Single Strategy That Works For Everyone -- instead, it talks about the science behind infant sleep and gives you lots of different options depending on your comfort with letting the baby cry, etc. I did extinction CIO with both my kids on the early side and it worked very well for us, but I totally get that that isn't the right choice for every family, and I think it's great to educate yourself on the range of options that are out there. Good luck and keep on momming!
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thank you, and thank you for that book rec, too! I will definitely check it out. :)
      Reply
  • Anna
    Mom stuff is so hard! And yes it is okay and beneficial to take care of yourself too. You can’t pour from an empty cup. I have a daughter who is about Rieses age, and if it was up to her she would never nap during the day and then go crazy at night once she got overtired. A couple months ago I told myself that it was my responsibility to get her to be a good napper. It was SO HARD and meant that I was home all day for awhile (I work 2.5 days a week so I had to get her caregivers... my mom and MIL on board too which was a struggle) but now she will take solid 1.5-2 hour naps in her crib and it is a game changer. It is all so hard and there’s no right andwer and we are all doing the best we can! Please keep writing about motherhood!
    Reply
    • Anne
      You can't pour from an empty cup - very true! Thank you for reading <3
      Reply
  • Megan B.
    Everything is TOTALLY better with a fried egg on top! My husband makes so much fun of me for always adding one to leftovers. Though I have somehow never done it with pizza! I guess we know how I'll be eating my next pizza leftovers. Haha. And I'd like to add my support to you to continue blogging about parenthood too. I have loved reading your blog through this transition and, as a mom myself, who is not exercising as much as I'd like these days, I love the mix of life/food/exercise your blog provides. I know how hard it must be to share that side of your life - there is sooo much judgment out there!, but I'd love to keep reading about your journey with it all. :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thank you Megan! And let me know how you like the fried egg pizza :)
      Reply
  • Michelle
    Hi Anne! I enjoy your blog with a mix of fitness/nutrition and family life. Anything with cute baby pics works for me! That said, I can understand why you feel like you might want to pull back on writing about motherhood. The judgement is silly and so unnecessary. That said, I think it's great that you write about taking time for yourself and exercise. I also wanted to tell you! I started running about a year ago. I run through a local running store but one of the reasons I started was because blogs like your's made it look so fun! This past weekend I finally completed a 5k without having to take any walk breaks! I felt so accomplished and proud of myself. I have a 10k in a couple of weeks. We'll see how that goes.
    Reply
    • Anne
      Congrats on your 5k, Michelle, that's awesome!! Thank you for reading, and for taking the time to let me know that I helped to inspire you to get out and enjoy running. Keep it up - and good luck and have fun at the 10k! :)
      Reply
  • Katie
    Anne, you're doing a great job. Seriously. I hope you know that.
    Reply
  • Emily @ Pizza & Pull-Ups
    It can be so hard to find the right balance of family time, self time, marriage time, work time, etc. Especially when the baby is really small and sleep schedules and stuff change all the time. You are doing great. I think it is awesome that you are making time for social time and working out. I am a big believer that you need to be cared for to care well for others, and that typically means taking time for the activities that make you feel good and like yourself.
    Reply
  • Christina @ montessoriishmom.com
    I totally relate to what you said about balancing the weekends between self care and family time, it really is hard! I also crave time to myself, but then feel bad / like I'm missing out if I'm away from my son. Also, my son used to only take really short naps and only nap on me - it was SO hard! I know you're not asking for advice, but what worked for us was to first switch his first morning nap (which is usually the best nap for young babies) to his bed. Once he was napping well in his own bed for the first nap, we switched the rest. It actually worked pretty quickly and was such a relief!
    Reply
    • Anne
      That's a really good idea - I always appreciate advice! Thank you!
      Reply
  • Kris S
    I'm not a mom but I love reading what you write about motherhood. It demystifies it a bit for those of us who have not crossed that threshold but are considering it. I love that you keep it real instead of just saying "Everything is amazing! Best experience ever! It's worth it!" Thanks for sharing your ups and your downs. Of course each person has a unique situation and unique experiences but I'm happy to hear about yours :) Also Riese is super cute so keep up the cute photos ;)
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thank you my friend <3
      Reply
    • Kris
      Another Kris with a 'K' here. I echo everything Kris said. I don't have kids, but I love reading about your experiences and that you keep it real. I'm inspired by you and Matt (the importance of an egalitarian relationship and partner who does their share can't be underestimated). Both of you are good role models--good parents, careers, active lifestyles and social lives. I love how often you both get out with Riese and eat out, go on walks, etc. It is all great to see because the message we hear and internalize is that parents (especially mothers) are to be totally consumed by parenting (known as intensive motherhood). Children are to consume their parents' lives, and parents don't have time for anything, let alone a shower, and parents lose their identities. To someone without a kid and who doesn't know if she wants one, that message is scary--and a deterrent. So I love seeing that it's possible not to get consumed by parenthood. I hope this doesn't sound creepy, but when I read your blog, I find myself thinking "well, if I have a kid, I'm going to do it like Anne," or "if I get pregnant, I'm going to continue working out like Anne," or "we'll take lots of walks with baby like Anne and Matt." Thank you for sharing your life. I love your blog and learn so much from it.
      Reply
      • Anne
        Thank you so much Kris <3 I agree -- being a parent (especially a mother) does not have to mean completely losing your own identity in the process. I think it's good to still allow yourself the time and space to do your own thing - and then to come home refreshed! It's hard, though, with so much dialogue around guilt if you do take that time for yourself.
        Reply
  • Emily
    I'm not a mother (yet) and I find your approach very refreshing. It shows that it is possible to be a mother and not totally lose yourself in your baby. It seems like you have a really good balance of baby / work / self care. Would readers prefer you drop the work and self care and disappear into PND as so many do? Babies and kids being cared for is the most important thing. Parents should be free to achieve that how they see fit - without all the judgement.
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thank you, Emily. <3
      Reply
  • Kimberly
    I think your blog is perfect just the way it is. Try not to let negativity get to you.
    Reply
    • Anne
      I'm trying - it's tough! Thank you <3
      Reply
  • Laura Swanson
    I hope you don't stop posting about motherhood and your experience, I love reading about it from your perspective and it's real life. Don't let the haters get you down! It's interesting to see how people are different. For example: you like running without your daughter and with your friends for self care. I love running with my daughter and think of it as special time with her (and our dog comes too, we are quite the sight!). To each their own! And my daughter took 40 minutes naps for the longest time and we couldn't get anything done it seemed like. She eventually took longer naps and it was SO nice to have a 1.5-2 hour chunk of time to ourselves. On Saturday when she went down for her one nap of the day, my husband, myself and our dog all took naps too!
    Reply
    • Anne
      My special time with Riese is definitely my walks with her (and the dog, too, haha) - I LOVE walking with her and she loves it too. It makes me so happy! But yeah, so far at least for runs it's nice to have that as my solo/friend time. We will see if that changes later or not! Matt and I are really excited to run together again soon with Riese in the jogging stroller, though - it has been a long time since we got to run together! How old was your daughter when you started doing the jogging stroller with her? I've heard mixed advice about how old they have to be to do the running stroller. Also -- I'm super impressed you can run pushing a heavy stroller - hardcore. Keep it up mama!! I will probably make Matt push the stroller if we run together because our neighborhood is so hilly ;) Also, your nap situation gives me hope. :)
      Reply
      • Laura Swanson
        I started running with Emma when she was 7 weeks old. We have a BOB and used the infant car seat attachment. Our pediatrician said it was fine as long as I was on smooth pavement/sidewalks and not going over rough terrain. Funny story: on one of our first runs I misjudged how big a bump was and how much shock absorbing her stroller did and gave her a jolt and she opened her eyes and gave me this total WTF? look and then went back to sleep. It was so funny. Since she was so happy in the infant car seat I didn't switch her to just sitting in the BOB for awhile, maybe 8 or 9 months but I've heard around 6 months if they have good head control. It's not that hard running with the stroller except going up a hill. You'll be huffing and puffing but it doesn't take too long to get used to it. Not sure of your leash situation with the dog but I bought a waist leash stroller so I could run hands free with our dog while pushing the stroller and it worked really well. She figured out pretty quickly where to run and that she couldn't run ahead/lag behind and it has shock absorbing things on it so you don't get jerked too hard. It's called the "tuff mutt" on Amazon.
        Reply
        • Anne
          Awesome, thanks for the tips. I'll definitely check out the tuff mutt too - sounds like what I need!
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  • Amy
    I’ve never commented here before but wanted to tell you how much I love reading your blog since I discovered it a few months ago. I will have a C-section in two months and I’m also a runner so I’ve really enjoyed your thoughts on running post C-section. I hope you don’t stop talking about motherhood, but understand why you would be tempted to.
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thank you for taking the time to comment and let me know you're enjoying my blog, Amy! Congratulations on your soon to be new addition - so excited for you :)
      Reply
  • Shannon
    Hi Anne! I am mom to a 14 month old. We can all agree being a mom is the hardest job. We are all trying to do our best for our family. When you are having "me" time you feel selfish and when you are with the baby all day you feel that you just need a minute to yourself. I completely get it and probably understand more than most where you are coming from. I also work from home as VP of company, have a ton of family help locally, am still breastfeeding, have a full-time nanny (the first 10 months it was me and my mom splitting the work week and me winging it with work), and love fitness. This is your blog and you have the right to share whatever side of your life you want to share. I think in general most readers would want to hear about your motherhood journey and the benefits, hardships, and sacrifices you have to make. I think some of the disconnect comes in the sense that you call awareness to self care by highlighting it on the blog. It might be a term you think about cutting back on since it just does not come across in the manner you mean it to (I think). From a readers perspective sometimes it appears you just want your old life back with the working out runs, classes, etc but now with a baby. You probably don't mean for this to come across that way but honestly thats how it does sometimes. Another thing to consider is yes you are a working mom but you have to understand that most working moms cannot relate to your life since you seem to have one activity to yourself every day. Most would be happy with one activity a week. Not trying to pass any judgment, just trying to show different points that many you did not realize or think about. Keep living your life however it makes you happiest.
    Reply
    • Stephanie S.
      I think this is a very nice way of articulating how I’ve felt about the blog too. I’m a working mom to a 19 month old and love reading about work/family/personal time balance and scheduling logistics. I’ve found myself a little put off (not sure the right description ?) of the blog recently but can’t put my finger on exactly why.
      Reply
    • Lisa
      This was a much nicer way of saying how I felt. I am sorry my comment was so hurtful. I didn't mean it to be so judgmental, but reading it back I sound like a petty bitch. Sorry Anne.
      Reply
      • Anne
        I appreciate this, thank you.
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    • Anne
      I'll definitely consider the language I'm using in the future - it makes me sad to hear I come across like I just want my old life back, because that's definitely not the case. I'm just trying to share that I think it's important to take care of ourselves so that we can better take care of others. I certainly realize that I have more flexibility than most, though, and that it's not easy to find the time. The last thing I want is to make other mothers feel bad - that was definitely not my intention. Motherhood is so hard no matter your circumstances, and we're all just doing the best we can and we need to support each other. It has been my hope that through the blog I can build a welcoming, positive community that helps other moms feel less alone in certain thoughts/feelings. If that hasn't come across in my posts, then I apologize. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts in a respectful manner - thank you, and thank you for reading my blog.
      Reply
    • Meredith
      I really enjoy this blog AND this comment really resonates with me. I don't think it's your job to do this, but it would be great if people shared blogs written by moms that maybe have a more traditional job/life set up. I haven't really found anyone like that, probably because if you are a full time mom/blogger, you probably don't also have an office job. But maybe there is someone. I also think that the negative comments are constructive. It’s pretty clear that there’s so much work for parents to do and that there isn’t really the time or support to do it all. I think a lot of this is due to our country’s lack of maternity leave/solid post partum care and support. I like to think the conversation would be different/less contentious if we all had ample time (like a year) to recover from childbirth and newborn life and find a way to fit more of what we want into our life. Maybe it’s just me, but by the time I have gone back to work, I’m just barely figuring out things with nursing and baby care and two-child care. Maybe with a few more months I would have figured out how to squeeze in a daily workout/outing into my schedule that includes lots of hours in an office, at a desk. All that to say, it’s easy to read a blog and let that person’s daily life remind you of all the things you want to do and can’t do. I don’t think it falls on the blogger to manage reader’s feelings and tailor every post to make sure no one is offended, but I find these posts interesting because of the comments.
      Reply
      • Amanda L
        Full time out of the house working mom here (3, 2 and 3 months), I agree that I wish there were more blogs from working moms - but most of us just don't have the time :) Carolina Charm is a GREAT one if you haven't found her yet.
        Reply
  • Jackie
    Don't stop posting about motherhood! I love reading these posts and seeing into my future :) If you (and Matt) want some motivation to get out and about, come visit Vienna! We would love to have you!
    Reply
    • Anne
      I am really excited to see your new place soon!
      Reply
  • Stephanie
    Hi Anne, I have been following your blog for years and absolutely love it. I started following it as a runner looking for more healthy food and workout ideas and now look forward to your baby posts. I had my first baby, also a girl, in January. I too worked out through my entire pregnancy and often felt reassured throughout my pregnancy while reading your posts. Now I greatly appreciate reading about someone else who has a baby who will not sleep alone very well (reminds me I’m not alone), loves being with their baby but misses being an autonomous being, and is working out as a new Mom. You make me feel so much less alone in my struggles and triumphs.
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  • Lara
    Motherhood is so crazy! A weird dichotomy of counting the minutes until bedtime when A is being whiny and throwing food (like tonight) and then missing her and talking about her with Jim after she goes to sleep (also tonight). You are an amazing mama (and person)!
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  • Gretchen
    The struggle is oh so real, and I’m sure it will only get worse as our babies continue becoming more and more fun... but also crazier, more energetic, and more demanding of attention. You’re doing an amazing job and Riese is obviously so loved and has a wonderful life! And she will figure out the nap stuff. I think it’s great you’re trying to get her accustomed to her crib but you know even tho Penny is a great overnight sleeper, she JUST started being able to nap for longer than 40 minutes at a time. But she has been hitting 1-2 hour naps regularly now (and when she was sick last week they were like 2-3 hours... I didn’t even know what to do with myself!) You are in no way obligated to share anything you don’t want to, but as I’m sure you’re seeing here, I think there are a lot more people who love getting to follow along in all aspects of your life than those who don’t. All the hugs and good sleeper thoughts, Mama!
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  • Cristin
    Please don’t stop writing about motherhood! It’s my favorite part? ;) Seriously, though. We’re all just trying to make it work. Don’t feel guilty about anything. Also, I’ve got to give a vote for sleep training. I’m a nanny and do it with all my babies. Makes a world of difference. For mom and dad to!
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  • Natalie
    You shouldn't have to take your comment back. There wasn't anything wrong with it. Anne simply has made "self care" (ugh is anyone else over this whole phrase yet?) Her priority here. Regardless if she means to, she has presented it in a way that comes across as whiny and entitled and almost resentful of her daughter. Yes, when we become parents, we are still ourselves and shouldn't lose that. But, you can't expect that things won't change. That is part of becoming and being a parent. Kids need us. "Self care" can wait sometimes. There is so much pressure to get out of the house, maintain a sense of pre-baby self, etc. Maybe I'm weird, but I personally cherish times at home with my 3.5 year old and almost 8 month old. Someday, I will have all the time in the world for whatever I want to do. These times are fleeting.
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    • Miranda
      Parenting is hard. Maybe Anne feels she is a better mother when she is able to take time out for herself. I don't think Anne seems resentful of her daughter. I think she has been honest about what a bloody difficult transition it is, becoming a mother. The fact she does it differently to you, or has different priorities, doesn't make her a bad mother.
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      • Anne
        Thanks Miranda. <3
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      • Nina
        No one ever said she is a bad mother. They are just saying how the posts come across to them. Everyone is entitled to live life the way they want to. I, for one, have read the blog in the same way as Lisa and Natalie here have. There are multiple ways to read the content lately and we have to respect everyone's opinions, just like I respect what the many other people are saying. The bottom line is, only Anne knows her truth and maybe watching the language moving forward will help others to understand it too. However, she doesn't OWE anything to anyone and she doesn't have to change her language if she doesn't want to. that being said, she just has to understand that some of her posts have read privileged to many women who don't have support or money to hire a nanny and have to work a 40+ hour a week job with other children at home or even their first. Not playing the "who-has-it-harder" game, but just know there are women where that is their truth.
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    • Anne
      As mothers, we should support, not attack, each other. Everyone's journey is different. Taking time out here and there to go do a workout with friends does not mean I resent my daughter. Of course kids need us - Riese is my greatest joy and I'm more than happy to be here for her the majority of the time. But I don't have to physically be present 24 hours a day to be a good mother. Plus, when I go do my own thing, Matt gets some precious alone time with Riese while I'm gone. It's all a balancing act and we just have to figure out what works best for us. I respect that your balance looks different than mine, and I hope you will do the same. Thank you for reading my blog and sharing your thoughts. Everyone is welcome here. <3
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    • Molly
      The thing is, there is no intention with these comments other than shaming and hurting someone else. Anne is not hurting you or harming you in any way, she is telling her truth. Ever hear the saying, "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all?". You should probably try that. If you don't like the content here, then don't read it. Simple as that. Also - you are not a better mom/person because you would rather sacrifice self-care for your children. It is very clear that Anne cherishes time with her daughter, and it is ridiculous that you are insinuating that she doesn't. People have the right to be parents in their own ways (as long as they aren't harming their children obviously). I am terrified to have children, because I know I do not want to give my life up for children, despite the fact that I do want them. I don't think that makes me a bad person, it just makes me a woman who is thankfully living in a time where it is becoming socially acceptable for me to have goals and aspirations outside of being a mom and a housewife. There is nothing wrong with either choice- career mom or stay at home mom or not a mom at all, and women seriously need to stop tearing each other down and start supporting each other. That starts with keeping your nasty and judging comments to your self.
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      • Anne
        Thank you Molly <3 Absolutely agree - everyone's choice is their own choice, and we need to respect that and stop all the comparing, judging, etc! It's not helping anyone - being a woman is hard enough and we should be supporting, not criticizing, each other.
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  • Lindsey
    My daughter didn't really start taking solid naps until 8ish months. Now at 10 months she is sleeping through the night and taking 2 naps a day (she is breastfed too). It will come soon enough! :)
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  • Irene
    my daughter has never needed a lot of sleep, especially naps and I remember early on talking about it with the pediatrician (she would never even enter the typical range they ask about) and they would just shrug and say well kids need what they need! Whereas nearly every other person ( especially in-laws!!!) were always giving all this advice and saying “sleep begets sleep”. So I totally get that short naps are really frustrating but don’t add to that frustration by letting anyone make you feel like it’s your fault. Working towards naps in the crib is a good idea but if it were easy you’d already be doing that, right? Good luck with it and please do share if you discover some magic that makes babies sleep well in their crib - I am going through this for the second time now ?
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  • Roadrunner
    Keep the reflections coming, please. Your posts are refreshingly forthright and open, and it is always interesting to read about your experiences, thoughts, and outings. Clearly, the vast majority of your readers appreciate your introspections very much. (After all, it is our choice whether or not we read your blog! And we obviously choose to do so.) Thanks for all that you share!
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  • Teela
    Hi Anne, I've never commented before but wanted to say how much I admire you! I think people forget you went back to school for YEARS to be able to earn the life you have now, you can work from home because you earned your masters and started a business on your own that allows you to do that. I find it absolutely ridiculous that people think they are allowed to say a thing about your struggles or what you're going through, they are resentful they didn't put in the work to accomplish what you have. I'm actually going back to school to become an RD (total career change from a political science major), and I always come to your blog for encouragement when I am super stressed about the decision I made. So anyway, just feel like I should say thanks! You definitely inspire people.
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thank you Teela, I appreciate this! I know I am very fortunate to have the life I live now, but like you said, I worked hard to get where I am, too. That's so exciting you are going back to school to become an RD and following your passion - wishing you a successful and happy career in nutrition! :)
      Reply
  • Sarah
    Hi Anne, Just have to chime in here with support for your honesty. I'm not a Mom, but find your writing refreshingly raw and real. I think most people can identify with feelings of "blah", regardless of their life circumstances - I know I can. Most people only put the best parts of their life out there for the world to see, and it's so powerful when someone like you shares more of the full picture. Being vulnerable is hard, but don't underestimate the impact it has on making others feel less alone. Your blog really does make a difference.
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    • Anne
      Thank you Sarah - it's helpful to know that what I write is still impacting others in a helpful way - it's easy to feel like the opposite these days.
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      • Lindsay
        Hi Anne, I am a fellow mom and RD! I own my own business as well and have some flexibility with my work schedule. I dont have a nanny but pay for childcare as my husband and I both work full time. I wanted to second Sarah's comment above. As a mom I am so tired of this general census that we can't speak the truth or discuss our struggles without being judged. There is always someone who will have more than you or less than you whether it be career success, money, friends, family etc. It doesn't mean that because you have some things others don't that you don't deserve to feel what your feeling. I personally struggled after having my daughter. I am absolutely blessed to have a healthy child (and step child) but I really struggled with severe anxiety after having her because of how significantly my life changed. I also didnt connection to her in that "overwhelming feeling of love" until about 3 weeks after her birth. While it sounds crazy and insensitive, I realize now that may women experience that. I was not naive to the fact that life would be totally different. While you make the decision to have a child, nobody can prepare you for what you feel after. My daughter is 3.5 and she is amazing and an absolute joy for my husband and I but I still do struggle sometimes. I think people are lying if they say they haven't mourned their life before children at some point. It doesn't mean I want to change my life- Im the happiest I have ever been. Its just the reality of having children in my opinion. Its such a blessing and so beautiful but there are certainly times that aren't easy. When you posted this, I found myself totally reading to what you said.
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        • Anne
          Thank you Lindsay... I appreciate this honesty!
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  • Slynn
    Is it too negative to say that I don't find any of the "constructive" comments helpful? This is Anne's blog (which has always primarily been about fitness and nutrition and has continued to be even after she became a parent), and she should be able to write about her parenting experience however she wants. She is obviously a hard worker, highly motivated, and a great mum. One thing I would like to share that has helped my almost 2-month old sleep better is a Swaddle Up: https://lovetodream.com/swaddle-up-original/. She was over have her arms pinned to her sides after a few weeks, but the "arms up" position allows for self-soothing and better sleep! She even wears it for naps. There is a stage 2 transitional swaddle for 4-8 month old babies. It also comes in different weights for winter and summer so you don't have to worry about your baby being too cold or overheating (a constant worry for me). Keep it up, Anne!
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thank you, Slynn. And thank you for the swaddle up rec - I'm going to check that out!
      Reply
      • Miranda
        I use these swaddles for my little one (didn't think you could get them in the States so didn't mention it!) and she LOVES them, cause she can have her arms up but doesn't startle herself awake. They are expensive but worth it!
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  • Chrissy
    Check out the book and fb community for Precious Little Sleep - we found it really helpful. I read through some of the comments and just want to add this: most mothers do not document their days in written form for the world to see. Of course when you're writing down how you spent your day - on a blog about a healthy life involving normal amounts of food and exercise - you might devote more space to your run, what you ate with friends, or your workout class. No one is going to have much to say about enduring another 45 minute nursing session or bouncing a grumpy baby from 5 pm to 8 pm - and if you did talk at length about that, I'm sure some people would find a way to criticize and accuse you of complaining about that. And there are such complicated feelings when nursing and feeling like your body and your time is not your own, any attempt to reclaim some sort of sovereignty is so important for everyone's sake. Good on your for maintaining a balance and talking about every part of your life. Keep doing what you're doing.
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    • Anne
      Thank you Chrissy. This helps, especially since I'm reading this moments after having to pass Riese back off to the nanny to have a bottle because she was getting frustrated at the breast because I didn't have enough milk. Feeling like a failure all around lately, so I appreciate the support.
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      • Gretchen
        It’s SO hard and demoralizing when they don’t want to nurse or are fussy at the breast! I’ve gone through it many times on and off with Penny and would call Jenny in tears every time. Same when my pumping supply dipped. Ugh, there’s nothing more emotional than feeding your baby! But don’t despair, Jenny would tel me that there are lots of reasons she could be fussing at the breast, it’s not always indicative of you not having enough milk or your nursing journey ending. Even Alex goes on nursing strikes every once in a blue moon!
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        • Anne
          Sooo hard when they can't tell you why they are fussing! After taking 3 extra bottles on Tuesday because she was still hungry after nursing, yesterday she was back to being satisfied at the breast. I'm trying to remind myself that when she gets really fussy and extra hungry and upset on the breast it won't be like that every day - I used to be like "omg, it's going to be like this all the time now and I'm never going to make enough milk and AHHH!!!" and then it would be a day or two and back to normal later. So I'm trying to remind myself of that. <3
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      • Chrissy
        We've all been there. I pumped exclusively for my second guy for an entire year. I put so much pressure on myself to make it to a year. And honestly, looking back, I have to say that it damaged my relationship with him. I was so tied to the pump and sick of having my body belong to something else that I didn't want to be the one cuddling him or calming him when he cried. There was no way not to feel like a failure in so many different ways. This is slightly unrelated, but about feeling like a failure. It's something I read from onbeing and it really resonated with me: "Our daily lives are structured to provide us with a million reminders of the small stuff — the overdue parking ticket and the dishes in the sink and the meaning we attach to both that makes them larger than paper and water and ceramics. We sweat it all. We produce. We achieve. We churn. We pass out. We wake up and begin again." The idea of attaching more meaning to these things - dishes, chores, feeding our kids - got under my skin and I've been trying to be more mindful of not giving them more meaning. Dirty dishes are just that - dirty dishes. They are not a reflection on how successful I am as a mother. If they get put in the dishwasher after bedtime, it's okay. Feeding a baby is just that - getting a baby fed. Your role is a mother is to feed the baby with what nature AND science have determined to be appropriate nutrition. Don't give the source of the food more meaning than it deserves.
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        • Slynn
          Amen!
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        • Anne
          This is so helpful, Chrissy - I love that quote and really appreciate you sharing it, because I've been having a hard time with that lately too - attaching more meaning to everything than there needs to be. It's so easy to feel like "I'm a failure because of xxx random thing" - when you're right, it's not a reflection on how good of a mother I am, it's just that there are dirty dishes in the sink or the house is a mess because things were busy, and that's okay. Anyway - thank you - I will remember this! <3
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        • Kera
          What a wonderful quote! Thanks for that!
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  • Casey
    Hi Anne, I think your blog is refreshing and real. I am a mom of two littles with a desk job and nanny and I constantly feel guilty about everything from breastfeeding struggles to spending time away from my kids (I travel for work sometimes). It is just petty for people to criticize. Feelings are feelings, you can’t change them or take them back. They by YOUR feelings and absolutely valid. I am the same about needing self care and time away from my kiddos, it makes me a better mommy. Screw criticism. We are all doing th best we can. Some people don’t get the concept of “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” I think you’re doing great at mommyhood!
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    • Anne
      Thank you so much Casey <3
      Reply
  • Mel
    Hi..as one of your "senior citizen" readers who has been reading your blog now for years I have to say adding veggies for balance has been one of the best tips I ever picked up from this blog. Previously I used to think of veggies as "diet food" and didn't enjoy them...now I see them as a healthy benefit to my lifestyle which add balance and I love them! In addition, I just had a full metabolic work up and my numbers are perfect, my doctor said even better than people they see in their 20's and to keep up what I am doing (in my 60's and still overweight but working on it (smile)). Regarding motherhood...it is a tough job, no matter what era you gave birth in...as a Mom of 3 grown daughters, times have changed a lot. With my first daughter I had a C-section and went back to work 2 weeks after giving birth as there was no paid maternity leave back then and I was the primary wage earner for our family as my husband was laid off from work....the baby was our top priority, it was tough but we all survived. I had a few more weeks before returning to work after the C-sections for my other two daughters since paid maternity leave was implemented but there was no paternal leave so dad's could not participate, it is great that exists today. I wish I had a better motherhood/self-care balance when my kids were young and perhaps if I did I would not still be battling the weight I put on with each pregnancy ...lol. Keep up the great blog!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thank you so much for reading, Mel, and for letting me know that my tips have helped you - that's wonderful about your doctor's visit!
      Reply
  • Rachael
    Anne, When I ready your thoughts on how difficult it can be to find a balance I was nodding along. I have a one year old and both my husband and I work full time outside of the house. It’s so hard to find time for me to engage in self care when I have so little free time that I want to devote all of it to my family. Sometimes I can squeeze in a few work outs a week, whether while at work or with an afternoon or morning walk/jog with the stroller. Other times, there’s no way! Being a mom to a young child is a wonderful and challenging season of life. We should all just be gentle with ourselves and each other. I’m inspired by how quickly you’ve tried to get back into some of your old routines (am work outs!). Early motherhood especially through me for a loop. Keep on keeping on, you’re doing great! Motherhood is hard!
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    • Anne
      Thank you Rachael - and you keep on keeping on, too - you are doing great, too! <3
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  • Kim
    OMG! I just want to pop in a say you are an awesome and inspiring mama. And so brave for willingly sharing your experiences with the world. I'm sorry about internet trolls- I would have such a hard time reading hurtful comments. It's truly a shame that people feel the need to tear others down. Mommin' can be (and most often IS!) HARD no matter what your situation- everyone's is different because we are all different people. Ugh. Anyway. GOOD FOR YOU FOR MAKING SELF CARE A PRIORITY!
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    • Anne
      Thank you Kim - this means a lot!
      Reply
  • Anne
    Not a mother, and won't be. But your blog is one of my favorites, and people who take the time to write negative / cutting comments need to get a life. I love reading your updates. And you got me to try eggs with drippy yolks...life-changing! ;) Thank you for your healthy BALANCED approach to life. Please post whatever you feel comfortable sharing, but know that there are many of us out here - who may not comment often - who are cheering you on and who are so glad to see you keeping it real.
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    • Anne
      Thank you Anne, I appreciate this!
      Reply