Miles To Come

There was one item that helped me fall into love with running after I had Jack, and at the same time fostered a special bond between Jack and I: our jogging stroller. I purchased it out of necessity, most times it was the only way I could get out for a run. I grew to love running with Jack, and he seemed to love it back. We shared so many conversations (well, he was a late talker so he mostly listened) over countless miles over two years. I grew a stronger runner than I ever thought possible thanks to pushing it.

When we found out number two was coming along, I knew I'd need a double, but I did not want to give up the single. As silly as it sounds, I had grown so attached to this stroller and the memories that went along with it. We ran in the sun, snow or rain. We ran along the lake and by the coast in Maine.

After one of our first runs together

Our first race together- ran with GMR!

A chilly winter run

Playing at the waterfront after a beautiful run on the bikepath

We even went for bike rides

Taking a bike break with Grandma

We rode our bike to a bar :)

While hunkered down during Irene, he wanted to go for a run

Back from one of our first runs with Alice (in my belly)

I bit the bullet and sold it. I even cried a little (really).

He insisted on riding in it when we were going to meet the woman who bought it

Then we bit the bullet and bought a double, and I'm so glad we did.

I can't wait for all the miles the three (maybe four- I'm trying to convince Adam he wants to run) of us will share together!

4 Miler

Yesterday I had the luxury of going for a run by myself, and this time I was able to complete the run by running two miles, walking a quarter, running one mile, walking a quarter then running the rest. I am pretty happy about this. It's hard not to get discouraged when I used to be able to run this same route in 38 minutes, and now it takes me almost 50, but I'm trying to stay positive. With each run, my muscles feel a little bit stronger and my breathing a little more under control, which I'm thankful for.

One of the toughest obstacles I'm facing right now, whether it's related to running or day-to-day life, is this new physical body. Things are different. My running clothes are all too tight, I have to double up on jog bras and it seems like every square inch of my body jiggles with every step I take. I know I just had a healthy baby and that's all that matters, but it's hard to feel good about myself leaving the house almost eight weeks postpartum still in maternity clothes or clothes three sizes bigger than I was in before I was pregnant. I'm hoping that by continuing to get out there and run, my confidence will get the boost it needs.

Maine 2012

Maine this year was a little different. With an added little person to pack for, it made for much more of a production getting there. But once we arrived we were able to relax, decompress and spend time as a family.   It's rare to have a solid week with family, including Adam's parents, sister and her three kids. Here are some pictures of our week in Goose Rocks Beach (last year's photos can be seen here and here).

                                      

I Did It.

Last week while on our annual family vacation in Maine, I went on my first postpartum run. 2.7 miles that were slow, painful, and above all, awkward... but downright amazing. The warm sunshine, salty air and salty skin were just what I needed (salt water solves everything). I went solo and used my Garmin, not to track pace but to try to keep a set run/walk ration. I ran 1/2 mile, walked 1/4 mile, but couldn't quite complete the last repeat of running.

These 2.7 miles reminded me how much I love this sport. It's going to take a while to build up my endurance but I'm up for the challenge.

Goals

This past winter, while pregnant, I decided my goal race was going to be Leaf Peeper's Half Marathon on October 7. Then, I made it official and registered. Well, here we are, August 4 and the race is a mere nine weeks away. At this point, I have no idea if I will be half marathon ready in this amount of time, and really I won't get the go ahead to run from my midwife to run for three more weeks. I am okay to walk now, so for the next couple weeks I'm going to make every effort to get out and walk then slowly incorporate some running. I'm not sure what I was thinking when I signed up for this, but the last thing I want to do is get hurt. I'm obviously not worried about time- it's about finishing and I think I'm going to try to train to 10 or 11 miles. Luckily the entry fee was only $30, so I'm going to reassess in couple weeks to decide if it makes more sense to drop to the 5K.