Week 1 Update!

I have completed my first two nights of nursing school and am happily studying and completing assignments. I am excited to be a part of the program and to be finally pursuing this dream. I am trying to establish routines that include daily study time and all of the other tasks that I need to include. The kids have been great this week and I am so fortunate to have a wonderful support system. My babysitter is a rockstar and has already stayed late and been so helpful. The kids adore her and I'm so blessed to call her ours!
I've been working like crazy this week, which I like, but it has taken away from my workouts. My plan is to get back on track next week, when we're back to normal! (Well, as normal as normal is for us!) So for me, that means MWF (maybe Saturday) cross fit and TTH runs. We'll see how it goes. We've been working on hydration and cleaner eating, and will transition into complete clean eating next month. We'll always have our challenges, but this is definitely one we can conquer!

Crossfit Take 2!

Went to the 6am workout on Monday, and was lucky to be in a small class. A little back story: weight lifting has never been my thing. Running? Check. Swimming? Check. Competitive team sports? Yep! Weight training? Not at all. So, I was glad to be in the small class where I could monopolize the coach with questions and form issues. He took the time to walk me through and watch me as I went through the dead-lift. It felt so unnatural at first, but by the end, I was feeling better and better. And today, well, today I feel sorer and sorer (sorer is a word, right?). I can tell that I'm utilizing muscle groups that I never have before, and am so hopeful that this addition to training will be beneficial!

In other news- nursing school starts tonight! Eek! Recap to come tomorrow!

Crossfit Intro Workout Recap

Welp, I'm still alive!
And in love!

I had a blast at Crossfit on Saturday. I think I lucked out and showed up at an intro class where they worked a lot on fundamentals and form. Exactly what I needed! I'm still super sore, but am really looking forward to class tomorrow morning.

In the meantime, Baby J is teething and so very grumpy. I feel terrible for him. There just isn't enough snuggles in the world to comfort his sore face. I'm trying, but I don't feel like it's enough. Poor buddy.

We spent a ton of time outside today because the weather was beautiful. Our heirloom fixer-upper is in need of so much more attention, we're just biding our time while our bank accounts catch up to our ambitions.

School starts Tuesday! So pumped.

That's all for now. More to come after tomorrow's workout!

All lives matter.

I usually try to keep this space pretty light-hearted, but this topic is weighing me down.

There is so many things wrong with the world today. Police brutality is one of them, but it's not the only one. Now, not only has Baltimore lost a young man, but now has destroyed homes, business and public property, along with an image of a great city.
I am an avid police supporter. That is no secret. To me, if you follow the law, there should be no problem with law enforcement. The men and women in blue do their job. They protect me, my babies and my families and friends from things that could cause harm. I applaud the officer with the car stopped down the street. That car drove far too fast past my children and I think they deserve a ticket because they broke the law. This is not saying that I am not guilty of speeding. Or talking on the phone while driving. I am. And when I get caught, I am responsible for the consequence and will not question the officer. If I am in the wrong, it is the officer's sworn duty to enforce what is right and dole out consequence. I support this effort whole-heartedly.
The riots in Baltimore are a huge step backward in the crusade against bias justice. The people responsible are ruining their own communities and the lives of others. The businesses and homes that are being burglarized and destroyed belong to someone. The owners must now repair or rebuild the lives that they've worked hard to create, all because this is a small groups' plan to draw attention to a cause? I cannot begin to fathom the fear and disappointment that the rational population of Baltimore must feel. What they were once so proud of is becoming a disgrace.
I don't say this to discount the efforts of those trying to bring peace, but without the unreasonable reactions of those destroying the community, those going out of their way to clean the streets or protect their homes would not be in a position to do so.
My prayers go out to Baltimore. And to the police. And to all affected by this nonsense.

#alllivesmatter

Crossfit?

For years, my husband has been encouraging me to try crossfit. I've been hesitant, partially because I'm a cardio junkie, and partially because I'm terribly intimidated. Welp, that ends this week.
I'll be sharing my journey along the way. Any tips will be greatly appreciated!

26strong

Today I applied for an opportunity to run as a member of an all-woman team for the Chicago Marathon in October.
Marathon.
26.2 miles.
Oh. My. Goodness.
What did I do!?!?!

It's been a goal of mine F.O.R.E.V.E.R. to complete a marathon, and when I saw this opportunity, I couldn't not give it a try. So I applied.
This opportunity includes:
-Coaching from a rockstar marathoner (and former cadet!)
-Expense-paid trip to Chicago
-Saucony gear
-A bib in the 2015 Chicago marathon!

I'll say it again.
Oh. My. Goodess.

Here's hoping!

Dreams Unfolding!

Two weeks from now marks the beginning of a an adventure that has been calling me for years-
nursing school!
I cannot wait to get started. I am apprehensive about juggling it all, but I am so motivated.
I. AM. SO. MOTIVATED.
(I think I'm going to have to remind myself of that periodically!)
I've been talking to friends and preparing myself for obstacles, and now that I feel like I have everything lined up, the first day cannot come quickly enough. I finally feel like I'm exactly where I belong.

That said, it's been a shift of crazy in the Megan Trail household. We're getting into routines, working together and adjusting our schedules to accommodate all the changes to come. It's all very exciting and I'm so blessed that Mr., is extremely supportive and encouraging. I wouldn't be able to do this without him.

Taken for Granted: A Moment of Appreciation

Right now, I'm appreciating something I normally take for granted: Gas Station Attendants. Now I know anyone who lives outside of New Jersey has no idea what I'm talking about (sorry!). But, these nice men and women stand outside on blustery cold days like today to pump gas so I don't have to. I get to stay in my nice warm car and out of the wind. Thanks Gas Station Attendants. You're awesome.

Backwards Lent

I'm not giving something up for Lent this year, I'm adding something. I want to write. I want to write exciting things, silly things, nonsensical things. I want to write them. We'll try it here.

Handwriting Sample