Happy September everyone!
With the start of the school year, comes a natural time to think about clean slates and fresh starts. New books, pens & calendars are waiting to be filled in. We’ve had kind of a busy, stressful summer which has left me feeling a little out of sorts and unmotivated the past few weeks. I am thinking September is the perfect time to reset & refocus my own goals.
Family
You perhaps saw the photos and heard me talk a lot about my daughter going off to college. I am so so happy for her and I know she is loving it there but I really miss her terribly. It is really strange not knowing if she is safe and sound every night. I know these are normal feelings to have and it will get easier. I also know that my job as a parent was to raise her to be successful and go off on her own and I am so proud to see that happen. It’s just hard.
Goal: Realize that with time this will get easier. All parents go through this. Figure out how to channel these feelings into something positive.
Workouts
I was so focused on my tri training this summer and loved having a training plan in place requiring lots of bike/run workouts as well as long swims. I absolutely loved training with my friends each week. I even loved those brick workouts and felt a real sense of accomplishment each time we completed one.
Ever since the race (3 weeks ago), I almost feel sad that it is over. I miss the focus of our training and I miss the daily chats about the race. I definitely feel a void where that was and a boredom with my regular workouts. I sometimes feel like I am just going through the motions.
Goal: Try adding in some new classes or exercises into my routine. Plan my fall race schedule! (Check back Friday for that)
Nutrition
Doing long bike rides and swims made me starving all the time and also gave me the excuse to be a little more lax about my eating. Now that I am not exercising as much I need to reign in the chocolate eating. I don’t weigh myself anymore (and haven’t in over 2 years) but I just feel kind of blah.
During the summer, we are more laid back about our schedule and have been eating a lot later. I’ve also not been as structured on my meal planning. This also gives me a little extra stress.
Goal: Get back to my regular eating schedule and meal planning. Not giving up the chocolate though. Keep cooking up fun, new recipes for the blog.
Ok so hopefully I don’t sound like a total basket case today! Thanks for listening and reading friends. So tell me…
Do you feel sad after a big race or project? Have your kids gone off to college? Do you reset in September?
P.S. Don’t forget to join us this Saturday for the Ultimate Coffee Date linkup!
Linking up with
Ann Marie, Angelina Marie, Fruition Fitness, Creating a Better Tomorrow
I don’t think I reset in Spetember but I don’t have kids so that’s probably why. I do change my rating enjoying more fall flavor a. Bring on the pumpkin!
oh yea pumpkin is good but I am not quite ready yet!
Totally with you on this. Sad my boys left for school but it does get better. Also the loss of focus after a big event (although sometimes that is needed). I am planning to “reset” this month as well.
Thanks Kelli! Hope you have a great month too.
September really is such a perfect time to refocus on goals with all the life transitions that are happening. Thanks so much for linking up <3
I always look at fall as a time of getting back on track, of new beginnings…I liked reading about your plan! Hopefully your daughter didn’t go too far away for school. Will you get to see her soon?
thanks she is in Indiana so a little far but we will go see her in a few weeks.
I think its natural to feel a bit sad after a big race or other milestone. Training for your tri was a huge focus for so long, and now you don’t have that training to focus your energy on. But you’ve got some great goals for this month, and I have no doubt that you’ll be able to achieve them.
Thanks Kathryn! looking forward to mixing it up a bit
You don’t sound like a basket case at all! Sending a child off to college is a huge transition. One I’m already thinking about even though it’s 4 years off. I think I feel more of a sense of relief after a big goal race, because marathon training right now is nuts. People are asking me to commit to ne things post-marathon and I can’t even get my head there yet.
Thanks it is kind of a weird time of everything coming together at once. I can see not being able to focus post marathon too. Have a great day!
Whenever I think about having kids, the first thing I worry about is whether they will be okay when they grow up. But you said it so well, it was your job to raise your daughter to go out and be successful in the world, and I have no doubt that she will be! Not an easy thing though. The feeling will pass 🙂 I hear you on busy summer – mine has been nuts and I don’t want to keep up the pace. I like the idea of a fall reset!
Thanks Jill-it’s an emotional strange time for sure. I know it will get better in a few weeks. Summer pace can be a little crazy can’t it?!
I totally feel a let down after a big project like that… sometimes I’ll get caught up in it and try to sign up for 10 more things in the following days. I would not advise that 🙂
Well yea there’s that! LOL
I love how you set goals that will resolve your issues. My oldest lived at home while he went to college. My 2nd will be going next fall and wants to be a vet, which will definitely require an out-of-town university. I’m already dreading it.
It’s an odd thing for sure! I hope it gets easier
I am a January re-set kind of girl, I am kind of hard wired to the calendar year 🙂 I was just wondering how you were doing with your daughter away. It will get easier. Just remember how well you did raising her! You do get kind of a funny feeling once a big race is finished, I guess that is why I like to have the next one on the calendar 🙂
Thanks I know you’ve been through it yourself it’s just kind of strange to have them go.
After all my races for the year are over, it is weird not having the same training as before, but it is also nice to just relax and play it by ear for a while. As to September, it is always a time of change with the kiddos going back to school. I will get more “me” time which will be nice. But I can’t imagine the day when they will go away for college. That will be really hard so I understand your thoughts about your daughter away.
Yes I remember when they were little wanting school to start so I could have more me time. Now I just want them to come back!!
I do feel a bit lost after a goal race, and I have definitely kept myself in a training cycle for the last few years (with small week long breaks). But after Boston in April I am looking forward to taking some time away from marathoning and moving into training for my first tri – YIKES!
oh I am excited for you to do a tri next summer!
No basket case at all, I see a great plan! My daughter is in college here locally for now that is. I would truly miss her if she was off, there is a sense of comfort knowing she is coming home each night. Our Summer was crazy busy, I welcomed the routine of a new school year. I’m still trying to figure out a schedule so-to-say for me in my training, blogging and family life but it will get there. Great post Deborah! Hugs to you in missing your daughter! 🙂
Thanks so much I appreciate it!
Finishing a training cycle is always kind of bitter sweet. You are proud that you crossed the finish line and are somewhat relieved that the hard training is over, but at the same time, you’re then left without a set plan to stick to – which is hard! I’m going to try to make a recovery plan after Dopey to give myself something to stick to :). Happy September!
A recovery plan is a great idea!
Congrats on your daughter going to college! I know she will ace it. 🙂
Thanks I am sure she will!
I definitely know how you feel about being sad when the big race is over! This is why I have to keep signing up for races to keep up my enthusiasm! If I’m not training, I’m doing as little as possible!
I’m sure your daughter really misses you too! My mom struggled a lot when I left home for college (I’m the youngest), but over time it got better!
My eating habits have been really bad so I have to reign it in too. Twizzlers are a HUGE problem in my house!
ah twizzlers 🙂 Yes we do have to keep signing up for stuff to keep us busy and entertained.
I usually try to be signed up for a race before my next goal race happens so I’m always training for something. It might be months away, but it’s out there & it keeps the post race blues away.
It’s so hard to reign in that eating after you’re used to burning off a lot of calories!
I don’t think you sound scattered at all! It’s awesome how you’re so organized and focused about goals.
September is a natural time for me to reflect. Probably from going back to school for so many years, it’s just natural for me to reflect on what I still want to accomplish this year and set out goals on how to do it.
The first few weeks apart are the hardest. But knowing that you raised a smart, levelheaded young woman helps calm the mind. At first I spoken to Allyson every four days. Then we set Sunday evening as the day she calls home. She isn’t big on talking on the phone and doesn’t text me everyday either so this schedule works best. Sending big hugs and happy thoughts as you get through this transition.
I feel like I need to reset. My blog and work schedule has gotten out of whack, and I can’t catch up. Prioritizing and scheduling is needed!! I think the college experience will get better 🙂
I love that you are already thinking about what next. I often feel at the end of my goal or right after I need to set new goals or if I rest set a time to set that next goal.
I really need a reset with my schedule being off after injury but with all my time being used to care for family that needs me right now and pulled in so many directions I am just focusing on making sure I don’t forget my families needs and for me my blog as it is my outlet but also trying to take care of myself.
That sounds like a great smart strategy!
Even though right now my husband is the only one going ‘back to school’ (he’s a teacher), I definitely feel like we could use a reset in our household. We need to check in with our goals as a family and our individuals goals.
I cannot imagine how hard the adjustment must be to take one of your kids to college. Matilda is not quite 2 yet and I cannot imagine our house without her crazy antics.
Good for you for focusing on the positives! I hope your hubby’s training is going well!
Thanks! Yes it is weird to think about the kids not being here. Here’s to a happy September!
I definitely need to refocus my nutrition a bit. camping season means I indulge in junk food that I never have in the house and more beer.
Ha sounds fun! I love a good smore too
This post totally resonates right now. I just this morning wrote out a list of all the things I needed to take care of and get out of the way, so I can get ahead this month with both work and life. I’ve even dropped a couple of those off the list today and hope to knock off a few more too.
I’m also refocusing on my goals, due to current circumstances I think it is in order to figure out different ones, and possibly different ways to achieve some and set a few others on the back burner for a while.
Great post!
Thanks! I hope we both have a great September
I feel a bit like I’m just getting started, lol, but when did I ever stop! I’m glad that you are taking some time for you to get back to yourself–you deserve it!
I feel like that sometimes too!
You will get used to her being at college pretty quickly and will stop worrying as much. The hard part is when she comes back home for Christmas! She is used to doing her own thing and being free and you will start to worry again because she’s back under your roof. My daughter is a junior and if she is home visiting, I still can’t sleep at night until I hear her come in. Lol, but when she’s away at school, I never worry. So weird huh? 🙂
Not weird I have some of those same feelings. Thanks for making me feel better 🙂
Definitely normal feelings… especially after such a big race. I would suggest immediately finding another goal. A race ? A vacation ? A house project ? I need to always be looking forward to something or else I get the blahs also. Looking forward to coffee this weekend !
Thanks! And I know you will soon be there with your kids. Yes I will be signing up for something soon. See you for coffee!
I definitely get the post-big-race-blues. But sometimes I need to remind myself that it can be nice to have a little downtime for a month or two, and enjoy going to different types of fitness classes, being able to go out on a Fri night and not worry about a long run on Sat, etc.
Well there’s that!! Thanks for reminding me
Awww! My son is only 7 and in second grade (although to hear him tell it, he is pretty much ready to move out and head off to college tomorrow), so I can’t quite wrap my head around him going away. It’s got to be bittersweet – being so proud and happy for them, but missing them so hard.
I definitely think there is a “mourning” period after the completion of some kind of major milestone. So much of your life is focused on That One Big Thing and when it’s done, you are hit with the whole “Now, what?” Take a breather and then find you next Big Thing!
Thanks so much! It was just a lot in a short amount of time to handle.
Stay strong and keep good notes. Im going to need all your pro-advice next year when mine leaves for college…love the idea of a sept reset. Find some time and focus on y-o-u, you earned it 😉
Thanks so much and happy to help you when you need it. I don’t write a lot about that kind of stuff but felt the need to get it out.
I usually re-start training in September, after a summer of doing whatever makes me happy. This fall life is a little different as I’m knee deep in marathon training. I’m in survival mode right now – think I’ll be re-evaluating everything come November LOL.
That works too! Looks like you are in a great place right now
I’m glad to be getting back to running and struggling to take it slowly! I understand your feelings about your daughter. I try to make sure I hear from my kids at least every other day ….
That’s a good strategy! I know you’ve been through it thanks! See you for coffee
I love the way September almost feels like the start of a new year! It’s the perfect time to reset and refocus 🙂
It does feel like the perfect time to reset. Happy September!
aw, you know she misses you as well. i want to go hug my parents right now! so sweet. it will get easier (so i hear!) 🙂
Thanks! I know it will get easier just feels hard right now.
I’ve been feeling pretty much the same way after my own triathlon, except mine was in July so I’ve been eating allllll the chocolate for awhile longer 😉 I finally managed to pull myself out of my workout slump by doing just what you plan on doing – trying new things! The nutrition is a work in progress but I’m getting there.
Trying new things does help! I hope we both get back there soon.
“Not giving up chocolate though” LOL! Love it. Girl you amaze me! I don’t know if I could ever to a triathlon! Congrats on finishing!
You totally could! You totally should 🙂
Sending off a kid to college is a huge milestone. You should be super proud of yourself.
Thanks so much!
Total reset in September! With all my kiddos in school for the first time starting next week, I know I am going to feel a little sad (ok. a lot!)
I’m with you – I need to reset our meal times and get back to our schedule. But always keep the chocolate!! 🙂
Yes always need the keep the chocolate!
My daughter just started college too and she is in NY and I am in Florida so it is hard. I definitely feel a low after a big race, it’s like you worked so hard to accomplish a goal, you do it, you ride the high and then boom ……now what?..
It is hard not to have them around isn’t it?! Hope it gets easier for both of us.
I hear you on needing a reset. I feel bad saying that after I just got back from a weekend at the beach, but I’ve been eating out way too much due to house stuff, not exercising as much as I’d like to, and just feeling blah in general. Definitely agree that re-setting on some goals and trying new things from a food/fitness direction will help you and me shift gears. And I do think having your daughter at college will get easier over time…one thing to keep in mind is that she misses you, too! I still tear up when I say bye to my mom and dad after visiting them!
Thanks I know she does miss me too but it is hard. Hope we all have a fabulous September
Awwww….it has to be hard to send your daughter off to college. I am sending mine to preschool for a few hours a week and I am nervous/sad about that. It seems like just yesterday she was my baby! I can’t even think about sending her off for college! I remember when my mom dropped me off for my first year and I really missed her and my family. I think after that her and I got a lot closer. She will do great…she has a strong support system and a mom who loves her! My mom told me she cried the whole way home. At the time I didn’t get it, but now that I am a mom, I can totally understand!
I think a reset is great for fall! Summer feels like it is always all over the place and with fall comes more structure. I did great with my workouts all summer long! I am working on a new goal for September and will crush my goal 😉 You will have a great month too! Once you find your stride and routine you will do great!
Thanks for linking up! 🙂
Ok you just made me cry again 🙂
I was the same way after my first triathlon. I was used to a training schedule and found myself bored afterwards. Hopefully things get a bit better for you. I’ve been in a slump many times this year and right now it’s slowly coming back. 🙂
It is kind of strange not having a set plan of workouts each week. I just need to sign up for something!
Usually after a big race I am sad, but also glad I get a break from running lol. Congrats on your daughter heading to college! I’m sure it’s a weird feeling for you but like you said, it will pass. I kind of felt that way when I moved out of my parents house…It was so weird not being back there everyday (and I know my mom missed me haha), but have gotten used to it now. I Was pretty homesick in the beginning!
Thanks I know it will get better soon 🙂
Sounds like all normal life stuff. You’ll get back on track 🙂
I hope so! thanks