Musings about grief and my Boston Marathon Training Recap
Grief can be complicated.
Beautiful Gran and my Handsome Grandfather Grove (who I sadly never got to meet)
This week has been tough. I am still working through grief of my Grandmother passing away. I was very thankful to be able to spend time with my family in the days leading up to the day we said goodbye. Sharing stories and seeing all of the wonderful pictures of Gran brought back so many memories. Losing a loved one is hard to process as an adult and even harder for children who are not always certain how to handle the different emotions and uncertainty of death. My kids have been doing ok although their grief has been coming out in different ways and needs to be handled delicately. One child becomes easily tearful while the other has bottled up the emotions but has been having a hard time getting to sleep and is reacting with added separation anxiety. These are the times when you wish that there was an instruction manual for how give your children the best advice and the tools to work through their emotions.
Feeling Blue
I have become stuck in a place of reflection. I am looking back rather than looking forward. I have begun to feel stuck again with my emotions as I did after the Boston Marathon in 2013. Some days feel dark and energy is low. I have learned to push through before and am trying to find balance again and a regular rhythm to my days. For me when these types of feelings take over I have found that it is important for me to exercise (no matter what form). Endorphins and a good sweat allow me to release my emotions and to clear my head. Getting enough Vitamin D is also key as vitamin D is a natural mood lifter (one that is hard to come by in the gray New Hampshire winter). Thankfully the combination of exercise and vitamin D can be achieved by going out for a run. It is also good to allow yourself the chance to cry. Being open to my emotions and allowing myself to feel allows me to release the feelings that are welling up like the tears in my eyes that flow at times like rivers. And also recognizing that we must live for each day and live with a purpose also carries me through.
Therapy (notice the sheep watching)
Once we got home to New Hampshire I new that I needed to get back into my Boston Marathon training groove. After putting the kids to bed the first night back home I hit the treadmill for some cleansing miles and immediately began to feel some release. Over the following days, I ran and I sweated, I skiied with my kids and I ran 12 cleansing, challenging miles with one of my best running friends. The healing has begun although the memories and the love will never leave.
These smiling faces always lift me up!
Boston Marathon Training with Team Stonyfield Week 4
Here is a peek at my Boston Marathon Training this week from my coach Denise from The Sustainable Athlete:
Boston Marathon Training Week 4
How do you handle grief? What was something joyful that lifted you up this past week? What goals will you conquer this week?
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I’m so sorry about the loss of your grandmother. It is so difficult to deal with grief when you feel like you still must be strong for your kids. Nothing better really than continuing to talk about your loved ones, and allow all the feelings to flow.
Debbie recently posted…Recipes for a Great Vegan Superbowl Party
Thank you Debbie! Yes, I am taking their cues to give them what they need and allowing myself the time that I need to feel sad and to cry xoxo
oh that sentence resonates with me so much right now as well.
Stuck in a place of reflection.
And just the fact you can SEE it in yourself means you will be able to push though.
<3
Thank you Carla for your thoughts and encouragement to keep working through this. Self-reflection and self-awareness is often one of the most important steps.
Last year when I was in Boston training, Ron’s dad passed away. It was a tough time for all. The kids were the hardest. They see sadness but don’t know how to deal with it or even understand it. But talking about it all helped a lot. And of course, running is good for the soul no matter what time of the year. Think of you friend!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted…Baked Broccoli Slaw Egg Rolls
I remember than Angela and that must have been and must still be so hard on some days for you and your husband. Thank you for checking in sweet friend!
Unfortunately I’m having some hard to handle grief in my life right now. It was helpful to read this and my heart goes out to you, especially with the kids and helping them cope. I know how powerful running can be to help move through grief. Here’s to hoping both of us can use it to find a way though. xoxo
Allie recently posted…The Rundown – Cross Training (VIDEO)
Oh Allie, I wish I could be there to give you some hugs. Grief comes along with so much pain and it can sneak up on you and then the tears flow. Know that I am thinking of you dear friend. xoxo
losing a loved one is hard to work through and it took me a long time to deal with my grandmother’s passing as well. Remembering the good times with her helps.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Sweet Potato Salsa Egg Muffins
Thank you Deborah! It is also helpful to know how many people are there to support! We can all help each other to grieve.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Running is how I push through my grief. It gives me time alone to process.
Thank you Christine. Running is definitely helpful in the process!
Sending happy and healing vibes your way. I hope the memory of your grandmother brings you joy and laughter in unexpected moments to help bring you peace. I have one living grandmother whom we visit weekly. Both my boys love her as I do. I am fortunate that they get to love her and know her like I do.
Best of luck on your training. I hope your runs bring you comfort!
Crystal Renaud recently posted…Time For Training, Races And A Giveaway!
Thank you so much Crystal. All of the wonderful thoughts from near and far definitely help 🙂
I’m so sorry Sandra for the loss of your grandmother. Grief is so tricky and can crop up in so many unexpected ways. But knowing that exercise and being outside helps is such a big thing and I’m glad that you were able to find some time to sweat and release. Thinking of you and sending so many big hugs.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…Sundance Film Festival 2016 and LUNA
Thank you dear friend. Losing someone is just so very hard. Hugs to you and your family!
Pretty sure the sheep are saying “thanks for wearing workout gear that is not wool.
kymberlyfunfit recently posted…4 Exercises That Waste Time [Video]
Baaaaaa! Thanks for checking in 🙂 Hope all is well in the sunshine!
Loved the pic of the sheep watching / cheering!
Oh Sandra, I’m so sorry that you are having to deal with this. We had similar issues with my kids when my grandmother passed away, although my oldest was only 5 but he’s very perceptive. He still to this day brings her up and talks about her and it’s really sweet. Exercise definitely helps me out in times like these as well. Lacing up is usually the hardest part! Hugs friend! XOXO
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Weekly Wrap: Snowstorms, running ruts, and wine…lots of wine