Thursday, September 13, 2012

Bring it Home


This photo of my family was taken in 2009, shortly after I started wogging (not sure I'd even call it running at that point). My husband had just returned from a deployment in Iraq. Most people smile and say, "Awwww" at this snapshot. It is cute, yes? But for me, the emotions I felt at the time flow back, tears welling in my eyes as I type now. This deployment had been a tough one for me. The kids were little and so very active. Communication with my hubby was pretty limited. I felt extremely alone and slightly overwhelmed trying to keep our household afoot. I was like a juggler with about 20 balls up in the air, moving from one to the next with constant focus. I literally fell into bed every night, exhausted both mentally and physically.

I was also battling my excess of weight, which further eroded my emotions. By this time, I had started to chip away at the baby weight, but the deployment put a huge pause in that. To put it mildly, I was slightly distracted from my fitness routine... and that made me cranky, frustrated and little mad. I had finally found the motivation to exercise and lose the baby weight... and then this was thrown on my lap. My "free time" was zapped and workouts came to a halt. Meanwhile, halfway across the globe, my husband was bored on his off-time (so he started to workout) and had healthy options awaiting him at every meal in the chow hall. He lost over 30 lbs during deployment! I can't lie, I was slightly bitter.

Like any difficult journey, I took it one step at a time. The day my sexy thin husband returned, no one rejoiced more than me. When I look at the photo above, I feel RELIEF, like a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders. I was grateful to have my little family back together and even a little proud of fulfilling "my role" in his deployment. Through this experience, I became greatly appreciative of the delicate role military spouses play in our country. We really haven't endured a ton of deployments, but many military families in our country are divided on a constant basis. I have huge respect for how they manage to stay married keep it all together. That is why I chose to run the Air Force Half-Marathon as part of Team USO.

The USO has worked for decades making deployments more comfortable for our soldiers and their families. I invite you to check out all the great USO programs here. If you feel inclined, a donation towards my USO team is greatly appreciated. Visit my Team USO page here. I'm trying to raise $1200 before race day!


I will run the Air Force Half Marathon in just TWO days. I have no idea what to expect. My injured toe has been a pesty pain the past week. (I walked into a door a couple weeks ago and tore a ligament more severely than I initially thought.)  Besides my race last Sunday, my running has been fairly limited. In fact, I didn't even run with my Sole Sisters last night! Instead, I've been keeping my legs moving on the bike, which doesn't put the pounding on that poor little toe.

The Air Force Marathon will be my husband's first 13.1. We are leaving the kids in care of the grandparents, so it will be a nice getaway for the two of us. I also finally get to meet bloggy friend Kim and her better half.  I plan to pack the ibuprofen and run whatever I feel that day. I certainly still hope to come in under 2 hours, but we'll have to just see how the toe cooperates on race morning...

19 comments:

  1. Awe just reading your post made me tear up a bit. I hope you have an amazing time this weekend with the race can't wait to hear about it. My cousin was career in Navy and was away from his family most of his career I saw the stresses it put on both of them. its hard when one parent is away and all your free time and focus goes to keeping the house and life together and taking care of the kids. But you didn't let it derail your journey completly which is amazing!! Definatly an inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wonderful post, thank you for sharing. This was really touching. You have a beautiful family, too.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You are an incredible woman, wife, and mother Jess. So many people don't realize or simply forget how vital of a role military spouses play.

    My husband and I were fortunate enough to not have to do through a deployment, and I was able to go to Korea with him, so I will never truly know how tough and challenging going through something like that must be, especially with children. But I want to take this moment to thank your husband for his service and to thank you for yours.

    And I think it is wonderful that you are running with Team USO for the Air Force Half!

    I think I'm going to see if there is some way I can do some fundraising in conjunction with running the Army Ten Miler next month.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Such a great post! I can't imagine how hard it would be to say goodbye as your husband leaved for deployment, not to mention having two little girls to take care of as well. Good luck with your run, I'm sure you'll do great!

    ReplyDelete
  5. As a parent of a child that was deployed I often wondered at how families manage during those times so I applaud you for doing what you could, and for being honest about how hard it was! I was always amazed at what the USO did for the troops, not just on deployment, but as they were coming home and facing layovers in airports too! It's truly amazing the level of support. Best wishes to you and hubby as you embark on your half marathon this weekend! I'll be sending virtual cheers your way!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Rock it out girl!! Will be cheering you on trough cyberspace. Lol @ wogging!! Love that. That is exactly what I do.

    ReplyDelete
  7. GOOD LUCK! If you see someone in a Tough Chik singlet, it might be me- I'm slightly terrified, and terribly excited for the AF Marathon to be my first full. Hope it goes well for you both, from one AF spouse to another!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Get it girl!! You're going to rock it out, toes and all!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good Luck Saturday!!! I am running the full marathon so if I happen to get the chance to see you I will be cheering you on!!! Enjoy your little getaway with your hubby!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What awesome pics...And I empathize, deployments are so tough. Good luck on your races!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good luck on Saturday to you and your hubby!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Girl, you've come a long way. And we finally get to meet. So excited to see what we all can accomplish on Saturday.

    ReplyDelete
  13. So excited for you! You will do great and what ever you do(run/walk) you will rock it! I will pray for no toe pain!!! And since I polish toes for a living my prayers might get answered faster! Lol! Good luck and hope your husband rocks it also!

    ReplyDelete
  14. that is a great picture! You are awesome - I can't wait to hear about this race. I'll be praying for your toe. :S

    ReplyDelete
  15. Awesome post!! Good luck, hope the toe cooperates and that you and the hubs are able to thoroughly enjoy your time together. I have the UTMOST respect for military wives. I have no idea how you all manage to stay sane. Glad your family is reunited and love the cause you are supporting!! Hope you have an awesome race.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Jess, I'm so excited for you & Kim. This will be an amazing race, full of emotion. I am looking forward to reading your recaps. HAVE FUN!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm amazed how families deal with deployment. Military wives are the strongest women I ever met. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  18. very inspirational lady! you will make the best choice regarding running next week too.. i just know it! :)

    ReplyDelete

I appreciate your feedback and comments!