Back in the Saddle Again

It's not that I haven't wanted to run since my 1/2 marathon...Life has just ran on and without the pressure of "having" to run, it has been easy to not. One day last week I did slip on my running shoes and take Jonah on a 3 1/2 mile route. But then he worked a bunch of extra days, then I got sick...you know....
So yesterday, I did it. I got up and put on my running clothes just like I did in the good ol' days (you know, 3 weeks ago). I headed out on my 4 mile loop. I am still pretty stuffed up and so I was wishing that I could do that really cool trick that only boys seem to be able to do, shooting boogers straight out of their nose. Doesn't work so well for me, although I am getting better at spitting my "clams".
For not really having run for the last 17 days, my loop felt amazing. I remember why I like running. I came home with a clear head ready for my day.

I did it!!!!!

Yesterday was the big day...race day.
We headed up to Portland on Saturday at lunch time. The packet pick up was from 10-3, so I wanted to be sure to be there early. The biggest thing for me was the overwhelming feeling of having no idea what is going on. Apparently I should have gone online and written down my bib number, so thankfully they had print outs so I could find myself. I felt anxious all day. Jonah did his best to keep me relaxed. We did a little shopping down town and then out to dinner. I was in bed by 9:30 and hoped for a good nights sleep. No such luck. I kept thinking in my mind that it was almost time to wake up but it was only 12:30...2:15....4...I tossed and turned all night trying to reassure myself that the book says it's okay if you can't sleep the night before. Just stay in bed! My eyes were so tired when I got up, I couldn't even get my contacts in for the first 45 minutes. Sunday was supposed to be a really rainy day but the weather held! We headed out of the hotel around 6:45. Jonah was going to drop me off by the start. Traffic around the square was nuts and we ended up stuck on the max line with the bus honking at us! I jumped out so Jonah could just get out of there, but in my haste, left my hydration belt on the floor. I realized it moments later but Jonah was already blocks away. It took some effort, but he did manage to get turned around and close enough for me to grab it! Tinsa and I wandered around the square. It was kind of an amazing sight. Hundreds of people milling around. The line to the bathroom was ridiculous. About 25% of the people were in costume. That was entertaining...I couldn't believe anyone would even run a 10k wearing a halloween costume! Finally the 10 minute warning, so Tinsa and I headed out of the square up to the start line. That's when I saw them. ALL the rest of the people that we were running with! It was insane! More then 2 full city blocks solid of runners! They said more then 4000 people ran the 1/2 marathon, 10k and 5k.
We were so far back that we couldn't even hear the start gun. We could just see a sea of people in the distance turning the corner. I don't even know how long it took us to cross the start. People were weaving around us and we were trying to get around the walkers. It was nuts! It got better once we hit the waterfront. My adrenaline was pumping...I felt breathless. It was so weird. I think it took me 3 miles to finally relax! The first 5 miles flew by. We ran up the waterfront and into the Pearl district. There was just so much to look at! By 6 miles we were headed up Barber Blvd and going UP hill. The course map said 4 miles of gentle incline. It wasn't too bad, but was discouraging to look ahead and all you see is hill! It didn't really matter to me, I was pumped up, channeling my dad's ADD! Tinsa was having a harder time then me. She has been fighting a leg injury and it began to start hurting. We had the last major up at the 10 mile mark, turning at the Fred Myer on to Turwilliger like we used to go to OHSU when Adrianne was a baby. I felt great at that point. I knew it was mostly down hill the last 3 miles and I knew that road well. I would have liked to turn on the gas a bit more at that point, but I knew that Tinsa needed me. We kept on pace and ran a great race. I will not forget passing the 12 mile mark and knowing that there was only 1 more mile to go. Jonah was waiting at the last corner (He had watched us at a few different places in the race). Then there it was...the finish line! I did it! 13.1 miles...check!
I don't have my official time yet, I will post it when it shows online. The lines in the square were worse at the finish then the start. We skipped even getting our free food. I felt so great afterwards that I walked with Jonah the mile back to our hotel. It was a great race and it totally made me want to do it again.

The final countdown!

Oh mama!
It's here. My final week of training. This is a light run week, maybe just 9 or 10 miles (last weeks total was 26). Then Sunday...oh don't think about it...

Saturday's run was fun. I ran with Joan. She picked a 12 mile course and off we went. Around mile 6 she began to struggle with low blood sugar. We slowed so she could eat some energy jelly beans and drink some orange juice and then took off again. A few miles later she was feeling bad again. We walked then jogged then walked then jogged. I know she felt bad that she didn't help me run the whole thing, but I didn't care. One thing I am learning is that the experience is worth more then any goal I can have. If I have any irrational thoughts that I am running to win anything, then I need to be snapped back into reality. The race this weekend is about me, yes, but it is also about Tinsa. I won't be satisfied if I finish with a great time but left her in the dust to struggle. More to come...

A good day for a run

This has been a great week for running. Monday morning was SO cold. I wore sweats, an ear warmer and gloves for the whole 4 miles. BRRR.... Jonah drove me and Adrianne to her school and I took her in and then ran home. 4 miles feels like a lot longer when you run it straight and not out and back.
Yesterday I ran 6 miles. I felt amazing. It was cool but not cold and a little damp from the morning rain. The wind was blowing too, the last 2 miles it was at my back. I imagined that it was propelling me forward. It just felt so good to be out there. Does it sound bad to say how proud of myself I am? I just kept thinking, "I have a 6 month old baby and I can go out and run 6 miles, wow!"
Today was my last short run of the week, 4 miles. I ran in town today my new loop up 5th to the hospital, down main to 7 Eleven up to 5th and back to the car. I think I run faster in town. All the motivation of people looking at me. I have been laughing to myself and telling the cars, "you'll never catch me!' Secretly I'm really glad I'm in better shape in case a scary man jumps out at me. I know I can turn on the gas and get outta there! My brain is strange.
Saturday is my last long run. I'm going to run with Joan since Tinsa is out of town. I know I'm ready for my race. I am feeling the nerves with it being just over a week away. I've been googling race tips. One of them said while you're waiting for the race to start, get in line for the portapotty and when you're done, get in line again. I'm wondering how I'll handle my nerves. Usually I would overcome it with red licorice, but I can't imagine that 13.1 miles would feel so jolly with a ton of candy in my gut. Okay enough thinking about it, I'm making myself get nervous as I type.

Week 6 done!

11 miles yesterday was more of a challenge. Maybe it was just the residual from the hectic week. Maybe it's because we changed directions and ran home from town instead of to town. At the end Tinsa told me she wouldn't have finished if I hadn't been with her. It does take a lot of mental toughness. A little grit to make yourself even when you really could stop. That kind of challenge just makes me smile and feel optimistic. I even made her run fast for the last 100 feet. I like that she needs me. It gives me even more drive that she is counting on me. Don't get me wrong. I'm not sure I could do this alone either. I can't imagine doing these long runs all alone. She also keeps me at a good pace so I don't over do it at the beginning and just having someone to talk to to help the miles pass.
One more long run this Saturday. I've run 112 miles during this training so far. 192 miles since July. I am still so surprised by myself. I didn't know I had it in me.
Miles:11
Miles this week: 24

It was the best of days. It was the WORST of days.

I did not want to run at all yesterday. I AM TIRED. I AM SORE. I AM WHINEY.
I needed to run 4 miles yesterday to finish up my training week. I made the mistake of not making myself get ready for it in the morning. I should have had Rebecca come and watch Charlotte when I took the big girls to school, but I wasn't in the mood. What I wanted to do was come home and sleep during Charlotte's nap. That didn't happen since Charlotte fell asleep in the car 5 minutes from home and then wouldn't stay asleep when I moved her to her bed. All day I knew that I needed to run and all day I kept thinking...LATER. Later. later.
Finally about 3pm I realized that if I didn't run now I wouldn't run at all. So I suited up and stretched out. Grumpily down the driveway and to the road. I could not have been in a worse state of mind when I started. On top of tired, sore and whiney, I felt like I was moving in slow motion. My feet began to hurt. My calves began to hurt. I've never struggled so much. I felt like I had the angel/devil thing going on. The devil side kept saying: "Turn back, you're hurting. This can't be good for you. You are fine, you don't need this run today. How about just 3 miles or even just 2?"
Then the angel side reminded me: "Tinsa is training this week too, how can you expect her to train if you won't do your part? 4 miles is no big deal, why are you letting yourself off the hook?"
I stopped and loosened my shoe laces and it was as if I started the whole run over. My body finally engaged. My mind was changed. I was so glad when I got to the 4 mile turn around that I had made myself overcome ME.
I have to power to will myself. I can do this even when I'm not in the mood. Geez, think of what all I wouldn't do if I was waiting to be in the mood. My kids would never go to school or eat most days as a matter of fact. I probably wouldn't get out of bed. Being "in the mood" is not a prerequisite for my life. This is what makes for a good run. The fact that I can. I can overcome. I can finish. 11 miles tomorrow.
miles: 4
Miles this week (so far): 13

Come on my run

2nd bridge, 5 mile turn around











1st Bridge, 3 mile turn around























My finish tape.

Well into week 6

Fatigue has hit me. It's not the running. I wish it was a simple as stopping something to get some rest. It is probably all the combination of a baby, small children, night time interruptions, PMS and the running that is doing me in. I am feeling like a slave to my schedules...school, baby routine and run schedule. At least it still feels good to get out there. I am looking forward to my race and having a mental break from the schedule of having to run 4 times a week. November and December will be months I can go down to 3 times a week and however long I want. That will be a nice freedom. Hopefully by the time we hit the new year the baby routine and school routine will be more polished.
Ten miles on Saturday was awesome. I woke up concerned for myself since I had two middle of the night adventures, one with Stella and one with Charlotte. I moaned inwardly about running ten miles on 5 hours of sleep. I picked up Tinsa and we headed out. It was really cold, but it felt so awesome, especially after 5 miles. I really enjoy the time we get to run together especially now that we are both in shape and can hold a conversation with out gasping for air!
This week that miles have increased to 4, 5, 4 for the short days and 11 on Saturday. I did 5 miles in town today. I really prefer the country roads. I keep tripping on the uneven sidewalks. I haven't laid myself out yet, but that may happen in the future! I need to read my chapter for the week and find out what I am supposed to be focused on. More to come...

Week 5 coming to a close

This week has sailed by leaving only the long run of 10 miles tomorrow. It blows my mind that I am not nervous about 10 miles. It feels totally doable.
I have been trying out energy packs on my longer runs. The running store steered me to GU Chomps, which are like a big fruit snack.

The nice thing about them over a energy gel is that you are not forced to eat a whole package. On my 8 mile day, I ate one at miles 4,5, & 6. I didn't want my stomach to be full all at once of a "jelly" snack and it seemed to really agree with me. Then I just folded the package and put the rest in my belt for next time.
I also picked up a hydration belt, an amphipod belt. The bottles click in and can be worn vertical or horizontal. I opted to get the one with 2 larger bottles and a pouch. The pouch is great, holds my mace, phone, keys etc... oh my Chomps too! I thought I would wear it low on my hips, but in order to make it stay put, I had to make it really tight which wasn't comfortable for me. I actually wear it slightly above my natural waist so that my ribs help keep it in place without squeezing my stomach. Not very fashion forward, but oh well!

I really like having water with me and having my hands free.
This is the last week of 3 miles being the short runs and I am so glad. 3 miles doesn't seem long enough and I hardly feel like I'm in my grove before it's over. Sick, isn't it? Who knew I would come to feel this way about running. I have totally been converted and transformed! Two more weeks of training, a week of tapering and then it's here. I am getting a few butterflies in my stomach since I turned the calendar page and can see the date marked out. I keep trying to put it out of my mind so that I don't start getting anxious about it.

Technology Sucks

No I did not fall off the running wagon! Our computer is in the shop and this is my first opportunity to post this week. Hopefully we will get our computer back this next week. :(
Week four was great. I ran 19 miles this week, including a long run of 8 miles yesterday. Joan was my running buddy and it was really great to spend time with her. I think I am one of the fortunate few who have a great friendship with their mother in law. I am so blessed, she is a great encourager. When we got 6+ miles in, she reminded me that she is 20 years older than me. I ran the last mile without her. I still had a lot of "gas" so we decided to meet at the end and I ran hard. I still am in shock that I can do this. I really do have it in me! My race is in one month and I know that I can do it!
The other day Adrianne followed me out the door as I headed out to run and she called out to me:
"Be a good runner, Mommy!"
I am excited to see that my girls can get this, even a little bit. This week talks about changing your "what if" with the action of "as if" until it becomes your "it is" reality. It is funny what a big role your mind plays in training, but this is so true of many things in life. We used to say "fake it, 'til you make it". Action really does precede belief sometimes. Well, I am living this one out.
Miles this week: 19

Week 3 Over, best run to date!

Seventeen Miles this week! Wow!
I got up this morning reluctantly. I probably would have stayed in bed if all 3 girls hadn't decided that 6:45 sounded like a good time to be up. It is long run day and Tinsa and I agreed that I would pick her up and bring her to my house and then we would run to her house. It was misty at my house but by the time I drove to her house it was raining. This is my first experience with running in actual rain. I have to say this was an awesome run day. We both were healthy and cheerful. I am learning to appreciate being cool. The rain felt great! I dressed just right, shorts, tank and very light running coat. We chatted the whole way which always makes the miles fly by. Before I knew it we were rounding the corner near her house. My muscles felt worked, knees a little sore, but all in all I feel really good.
I do love technology. Google has been a real help with all the funny running things that come up. I have been looking over blogs reading about hydration belts, rashes and upset stomachs. I'm going to start trying energy gels next week on the long run and hopefully I'll get my hydration belt soon so I can start training with that.
The book this week starts in on maintaining a low level of "arousal" about running. This may be my biggest challenge, not getting worked up about it. The idea is that too much arousal means too much adrenaline which is not your friend when you are a distance runner. The first bits have been about positive attitude. I know focus and relaxation are coming. I'm going to need it!
I can't believe that next week starts week 4. Halfway to race day.

3 miles to start week 3

It wasn't until after dinner that I finally made it out for my first run of week 3. 3 miles no problem.
I was thinking when I was running how unfortunate it is that I can't do anything else while I am running. Multitasking is my middle name. I can fold laundry, feed the baby, manage the girls, talk on the phone and make dinner all at the same time.
Then it occurred to me: the best part about running is the fact that I can't do anything else at the same time. There is very few moments in my life right now that I get to have a single focus. It was a Holy Spirit moment for me...all the implications of doing so many things gets me wondering if I am doing the important things well? What if I could have more of a single focus about certain things I do. How would that change me as a mom? A wife?
I wish my days could be like my runs. I always have a feeling in me of excitement for my run. The first mile I get my grove on. I listen to the quiet. I look at the scenery. I notice all the things around me, the sun, the wind...all the little things that I enjoy. I have a set goal and I get a feeling of power and accomplishment as I work to meet it. I call on my body and it works to do what I ask. The last mile I always feel a sense of gratefulness to God for what he is working in me. I round the last corner and spy my marker tape. I focus on my goal, end strong, arms raised each time in victory.
There's lessons for me here. Yes Lord, I am listening.

Week 2, Check!

Today my long run was 6 miles. It has been a good week of running. A hectic week otherwise. I am realizing how much I really have come to enjoy this outlet. It may be the only thing keeping me sane. Tinsa came to run with me today although she had been sick all week and missed a few runs. We ran to the crazy blue mobile home 3 miles from my house and on the way back she began to feel weak. She made it more then 4 miles before she said she needed to walk. I jogged and skipped and tried to keep pace with her for a mile before she said to go ahead and she would just keep walking. I know the feeling of running out of gas after being sick, so I said I would run back to the house and get my car and pick her up. And run I did. I ran well faster than my normal pace and it felt great. I realized that I am becoming used to the mileage and so to push myself gave me that great feeling of my body hearing my demand and responding to it. Tinsa was able to start jogging again and did finish, which is just what the book says is the most important. I think overall the run was good for both of us.
Miles today: 6
Miles for the week: 16

Into two

Week two is under way. I ran 3 miles on Monday. It feels boring, almost like it's a waste of time it's so short. Who knew 3 miles would feel so short? Yesterday evening I did my 4 miles with Joan and having her really helped me get through it. I need to learn some concentration for the short runs. I think I don't make myself focus enough and that's why I'm having a hard time with them. Probably doesn't help that I'm on my period (TMI, I know!) and this week is school kick off for both the older ones. I learned last week that your brain actually shrinks by 8% during pregnancy and the volume doesn't return until 6 months postpartum. Great, just when the race is over my brain will be returning to me!
Tomorrow will be my test run in town. It's only 3 miles but I have to run and be back in time to pick up Stella from school. We'll see how it works out! 6 more weeks of keeping this crazy pace!

Week One, Check!

It's over and I made it. Week one has officially come to a close. My 5 mile run today felt good. Tinsa and I met up, she over dressed since it was raining, but ended up wishing she was in shorts like me. I always second guess myself too, what if I'm too hot, what if I'm too cold? I can't wait until I am a little more skilled at this.
We are alternating who is in charge of the long runs. Tinsa went first and guided me on a 5 mile run near her house. It was along the river, very pretty. I know why she likes to run there, no hills! I am realizing how much I am going to enjoy running this fall. The drizzle was great, cloudy skies, the trees starting to turn. I am also looking forward to getting a handle on my schedule. I already figured out that I under budgeted time to run while both girls are in school. I had to cut one short run short because I had to pick up Stella. Rebecca will be glad since that just means I'll need her more!
I have to add that I haven't been the most enthusiastic runner this week, but peace and quiet have drawn me. That is a plus of having 3 kids...I'll always have that need.
Miles today: 5
Total for the week: 14+

It Begins

First official week of Training! The runs so far have been 3 miles, 4 miles, 3 miles and then 5 miles on Saturday. I am sore today, but I think it was the painting for 3 hours yesterday after the 4 mile run that did me in. It's nice to feel sore. Well at least this kind of sore...I don't have the "can't get out of bed sore". My muscles just feel worked out and strong. I am already looking ahead to the next weeks when the miles increase. I'm excited about the challenge. It will be interesting, juggling running, school for both little girls and a baby. I wish Stella's preschool was longer or at least ended the same time as Adrianne's kindergarten. I will be doing a lot of driving until I can find a carpool buddy. I am going to be a schedule queen~ not that I wasn't already!
I counted in July I ran 35 miles. August's total was 44 miles. I am scheduled to run 88 miles this month! 7 weeks until my race!

Mommy, aren't you running today?

The alarm had gone off and the snooze button pushed. It wasn't the worst night sleep ever, but I was up for an hour with Charlotte at 4:30. Then my early waker arrived. I told Adrianne that I was tired and she replied "Isn't Rebecca coming?"
Ah Rebecca...my faithful babysitter who is making a fortune off me with all this running. She informed me the other day she is saving for a laptop. What a 12 year old needs a laptop for, who knows!
I did manage to peal myself out of bed and get some breakfast. This is my last week before official training begins. I had a goal for myself today of 5 miles. My normal run takes me to the end of my country road and barely turns me on to the next to make a 4 mile loop. I always look further down the road when I'm doing my turn around, knowing that soon I will be going down that way. Four miles have been getting easier, but still enough work that I've been wondering how I'll do when I have to increase my mileage.
Today was the perfect running day. It was cold out, 50 degrees when I left my house. I just felt good when I hit the road. Secretly I had been hoping that Joan would run with me today and that she could push me, but I run too early for her. The further I ran the more I wanted to go 5 miles. I air punched all the street signs I passed and each one made me feel more positive and more in control. By the time I hit the 2nd bridge, 2 1/2 miles from my house, I was pumped! The guide talks about memorizing your best run days, the sights, sounds, how you felt, so you have some mental imagery for the days that your runs feel like a grind. The memory of my run today will get me out of my bed and on the road for weeks to come. I can do it!
Miles today: 5

I am a marathoner

Running alone 2 of 3 days this week gives me plenty of time in my own thoughts. One of the first things the guide tells you to do is to start identifying yourself as a marathoner...to yourself and especially to others. This sounds so odd to me since the most I've run so far is 4 miles at one time. I know the point is to start to get your mental self thinking a new thing. But inevitably, I feel a little ridiculous stating it when I haven't run one yet. I guess that's why I need to blog and also sent out my email cry for help to my friends. It is going to be a habit to get into thinking of myself as a runner.
I have been thinking about how this is true for my spiritual life too. Way back in the day as a new Christian...Telling people that I was one but still figuring out how it would be possible to live like one. I remember writing millions of poems in those days expressing my fear of falling away. Now that I've been at it for 14 years, it is easy to identify myself as a Christian. I am still growing, there is still new things that Jesus speaks to me that I am and sometimes it takes some mental effort to believe them about myself.
One week left before official training starts. There is a little butterfly in my stomach that wonders if this is really possible (or have I really lost my marbles). Thankfully I have enough will/guts/trust to say something about myself that I am not yet, but God willing, will soon be.
Miles Today:4
Miles for the Week: 12

Running Away

I really do enjoy the days Tinsa, Joan or Charlie run with me. However I am beginning to really really enjoy the days I run alone.
This morning Jonah was at work, so my mom came to let me get my run in. I really like the early morning, I know shocking to come out of my mouth, I'm such a non morning person. I love to get up, slide in my running clothes, put on my trusty brooks. Mace in one pocket (for scary truckers and wild dogs!) phone in the other.
The guide talks about not using iPods or mp3 players. I wouldn't anyway because I'm running on open road and not side walks. It talks about instead listening to your body's rhythm, nature and your own thoughts. I crack myself up because almost every time I turn from my driveway to the pavement, I hear the opening rhythm of Queen's "We will rock you" or some old school Keith Green song. I think it actually helps me set my pace.
I almost always think about that movie "What women want". The part where they are making the ad campaign for Nike for the woman runner. It is true, the road does not judge me or my pace. Does not care about the way I look. I am so thankful for running. Days like today it may be the only time I spend alone until the girls go to bed tonight. When I got home from my run there was some "girl drama" with Adrianne (oh to be 5) and I jokingly told my mom that I was going to go on another run and would be back later. I get a huge sense of peace when I'm gone. Maybe it's the silence. Maybe the alone time. Whatever it is, I love the feeling that no one is making any demands of me, just me making them of my own self.
Miles today: 4

To date...

I have been running consistently for 2 months now. It feels so good to pound out 4 miles no problem. My plan is to run 3 times a week (which is what I've already been running) for the next 2 weeks. I am up to running around 4 miles each day. Beginning the first week of September I will begin my 1/2 marathon training.
Why a 1/2 and not a full. Simple: Marathon training requires 16 weeks, plus several work up weeks to be able to run 30 minutes without stopping and there wasn't any marathons in my area that were 16 weeks or longer away from when I began running. My first full marathon option is the Eugene Marathon in May 2010. I plan to run in Portland's "Run Like Hell" 1/2 marathon on Oct 25, 2009. Then I will have 2 months of "downtime" before beginning marathon training in January.
I have a running partner, Tinsa, who is training with me. I am totally excited to have her...accountability, someone to understand what I'm doing, just the company sometimes. We are trying to run at least once each week together. She joined me on my run today. Made the miles fly by.
It feels good to have a personal goal in front of me. Having had 3 kids in the last five years has shifted my focus. There are very few things I do for myself anymore. I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. I do however, think that this is a very healthy goal. I am turning 30 this fall and I think it will be a fun way to mark this birthday. Changing it from having a somewhat negative tone, to something I am proud to say I've done.

How it all began...

I remember the day vividly. This past May 2009, my husband and our 3 kids, ages 5, 3 and 5 weeks had driven to Newport, OR and were waiting to see her. My mother-in-law, Joan, would be rounding the corner at any time now. She was running in her very first marathon. Each runner that past us to go to the finish line only built my anticipation. And there she was, jogging the last stretch of her 26.2 mile journey. We screamed and cheered and held our signs. I choked back my own tears of pride for her. Here was this woman in her 50's who had never run prior to the previous year and she did it. She ran a marathon! When she came over to us, she said to me "I made it! I can do ANYTHING!"
I thought to myself, "wow. I want that feeling."
That's when it happened. Not once during her weeks of training did I ever want to do what she was doing nor did I think I could. But there it was, the tiny spark in my own heart that said "I think I want to do it too."
Doubt quickly followed. I had just had a baby in April and was still recovering from c-section and the fatigue that comes with a new born. I had gained a liberal amount of baby weight (more then 50 pounds) and had not exercised regularly since high school soccer 11 years ago. How could I run any distance when walking up and down the stairs at my house made me breathless?
I remembered then how Joan had started. Last summer Joan was like me. Maybe a few pounds overweight and not a runner. A friend encouraged her to start with an easy goal. Joan went out in the following days and ran 1/2 mile. 11 months later she completed her marathon.
My determination begin to build. I started walking down my driveway to get the mail, .6 miles. It took more then 2 weeks before I could do it without huffing and puffing. When I would get to my mailbox, I would look up the road and wonder if I really would be able to run. I let myself be realistic and slow, never forgetting that I had a new baby, not expecting myself to be able to do grand distances too soon.
I was excited the first time I put my feet on the pavement. I jogged to the nearest street sign (less then .1 miles) and jogged back to my driveway. This was my beginning.