The Value of “Me” Time as a Parent

“I’m going to miss you when you go,” Declan said thoughtfully, taking his gaze to the wall to our left.

I was preparing to go away for four days to do the Ragnar Relay.  I was 1 of 11 team members who were going to relay 200 miles, from Saratoga Springs, NY to Lake Placid, NY.  I had gone over all the details of Declan’s schedule with him to get him prepared.

I was packed.  I had planned.

I was nervous.

I have never traveled away from my kids since Declan was born.  I used to travel for work, but that was ages ago.

Now I was going to be going away.  For four days.  Thankfully, to run.  But also – I was going to have to socialize.

“I am going to miss you too,” I replied and added, “I don’t know, Declan.  Do you think I should just stay home?”

Declan moved his gaze from one wall to another, and replied just as thoughtfully,

“No, I think I need a break from you.”

How’s that for honesty?

So, it was settled.  I was going to leave for four days.

And you know what?  I had a blast.

I met so many new people.  Their personalities were so bright and happy.  There were so many laughs.  It was easy to fall into a happy feeling.  Here we are, team “Are We There Yet?”

The relay was amazing.  You didn’t pass a baton, but a slap bracelet.  And it was so much fun watching it come into a relay point and moving from one runner to the next.

The scenery around us was breath-taking.  Lakes, mountains, tress, rocks – so much to see and keep you happy as you ran.  A friend got this picture of me – such beautiful surroundings!

We ran for 30 hours straight.  Which meant that you ran through the night.  Here I am getting prepped to do the midnight run with another friend.

The run was a team effort, which I loved.  And it shows in this photo.  I just received the slap bracelet and was headed out.  Not before she wished me good luck and I congratulated her on her run.

And I was the lucky runner to bring the bracelet to the finish line, straight into Lake Placid training grounds.  It was beautiful!

Here I am at the finish line.  The team captain gave me 2 medals since I ran an extra leg.  In all, I ran 24.7 miles.  I was happy!

In seven years, I had never left the house.  I have never traveled with the girls.  I am a runner, and I have never even traveled away for a race.  In seven years, Declan has only been away from me for two separate nights – at my parents where I could get to him quickly if I needed to.

Declan was honest – he told me to go because he needed a break from me.

So, I went.  I ran, I LAUGHED, I talked with adults.  I did something FUN.  I came home mentally refreshed.  In short, I didn’t realize I needed a break too.  Not just from Declan, but from everything.

In the past, I had never put the value on “me” time.  I had watched other moms, other husbands and wives, get away.  At times, I was jealous because their trips seemed like a luxury that wasn’t afforded to me.  I never looked to get away because I wasn’t able to.

Now, I am thankful we are at a spot that getting “me” time is a possibility.  And with the help of family and friends I was able to get away for this amazing experience.

I had a wonderful time, and totally learned the value in “me” time.  I feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever lies ahead.

And when the question arose, would you do another Rangar?

My answer was simple – Yes, please!