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Fresh Burst 5 mile race

I was PREPARED for this one...

race bib

shades

running GU

iPod

kt tape

body glide

water bottle

garmin watch

I ran this race last year so I was familiar with the course. Still my nerves were uncontrollable. I am still doubting my abilities and having to take so many walk breaks is just so foreign to me still. I had a great plan for this race and thanks to my garmin running watch I could execute my goals. I ran for 10 min walked for 5 and repeated. I was very strict. Never walked when I was to be running and never ran during a walk break. Just stuck to my plan.

Last year I finished this race in 51:40 min. This year, 63. Not too bad eh?!?!?

The swag for this race is always the best...

It ALMOST killed me...

That first race post baby was HORRID!!!

I was sore, as in could not move properly for a few days sore.

I thought about never running ever again but then I saw this...

Firecracker 5 mile race

THE RACE FROM HELL!!!

The facts...

100 degree weather

Birthed a baby 40 days ago

Still engorged from my nursling

Just resumed exercise 18 days ago

I crossed the finish line.

I think that is all I have to say about this race.

It was the worst idea I ever had, almost made me give up running. Glad I did not die. Glad my sweet baby slept the whole time. Glad my family did not die of heat stroke while waiting for me. I went home fed my baby and slept. Woke up to feed him again and then slept some more. IF I ever have another baby... (not likely I am old) I will not run this soon after. IT.WAS.BRUTAL.

A different kind of race...

Baby is here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is how labor and delivery went for me ...

Much like a big race, I signed up for this.

Much like a big race, I planned for this.

Much like a big race, I endured the pain.

Much like a big race I knew the end result would be worth it.

Early labor for me was like interval running where you sprint at full capacity for about 90 seconds and then take it down to about 80% for about 90 seconds.

Active labor was when I started climbing those peaks of pain. Much like the half marathon I ran in my first trimester this was, in fact, the most painful, most mentally and physically challenging thing I’d ever experienced. I even had my running playlist on my iPod during hard labor. Katy Perry and friends got me through many hours. After 42 hours however I opted for the epidural which was like that "runner's high" part of the race where you think, "heck ya, I can DO this". Things seemed attainable at this point. Then I hit the wall (transition) and the intensely fierce pain came and I was utterly exhausted. I knew that horrible pain meant that the end was near so I pushed through. My biggest cheerleader and coach (my husband) was there for me as usual. The finish line was in sight. I mustered up all the strength humanly possible. I dug deep. I went to another place and used muscles, endurance, and stamina I did not know was even present in my body. I delivered my sweet boy. I crossed the Finish Line. The euphoria set in. I felt like an olympian. Like I could conquer the whole world all at once. 9 months of prep paid off in a huge way.

And immediately I wanted to do it all over again.

I came home with the BEST medal ever!!!

Cash Elliott Lingo

7lbs. 13oz. 19 in.

5/24/2012

9:07 am

To pass the time...

My running obsession has not left me. I still have 3-4 weeks until this baby comes and I would guess at least 3-4 weeks after that until I can start running again. I miss running so much it hurts. I cannot wait to get out there again. For now, I am focused on growing this baby so I will get my running fix in other ways...

Reading about running is not the same as running but at least it curbs my obsession for now. :) Anyone have any must read running books I should know about???

28 days

I am 28 days away from my due date. I really feel like this baby could come at any time and to be honest soon would be nice. :)

I am anxious to lace up my running kicks and get to pounding the pavement asap. I want this pregnancy weight off but mostly I just want my sanity back.

"I run for health, fitness, stress relief, and pure enjoyment. When I have a bad day or am really stressed out about something, putting on my shoes allows me to clear my head and decompress. I do some of my best thinking when I am running." -Kathey Moskal, Runner's World Challenger of the Week