Happy Monday!!
We woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning. My husband didn’t believe me when I said there was snow. He’s not one for winter running, but he still does it. I can honestly say I wasn’t ready for the snow this time around either. I usually don’t mind winter running, but for some reason I am dreading it this year. Maybe it will get better as winter progresses.
I am starting my second week back of running. I was stubborn this morning and didn’t put tights on, and kept to my cropped running pants. Sometimes it’s hard to part with the crisp, fall weather and move into the cold, winter weather. I am holding off as long as I can.
Let’s just say I am excited to return to running, even if for now I am only doing every other day, and keeping it at 4 miles. I might stretch it to 5 in the next day or two. 2 weeks off from running was the longest I have taken a break from running in over 6 years. It was probably much needed and long overdue.
The 2 weeks did fly by though, but that’s probably because there’s a newborn at home to tend to, and literally all my time is spent with the little cutie. Even though I was consumed with baby girl, and loving enjoying all my time with her, I was anxious to start running again.
Running is my form of stress release. It’s my me time, and after being stuck at home, I was ready for some me time. I was ready for just me and the pavement and now the snow….
I didn’t know what to expect when I started running again after baby. My first run back was all about taking it easy and enjoying being back on my feet pounding pavement and breathing in fresh air.
And I did enjoy it. I felt light on my feet, but awkwardly so. I still have some aches when I run, but I expect that since I did just deliver a baby 3 weeks ago. Surprisingly my stitches didn’t bother me at all. I had more pain in my ribs the first week back. My ribs are bruised from the pregnancy, and I am just now feeling some relief.
This morning I felt even better than last week. Less pressure, and no aching ribs. It was more slick outside from the snow and the rain that froze. The sun was shining, and I could feel it’s warmth as I the miles clicked by. Even though it was 4 short miles, the half hour break from motherly duties, grad school projects, and the dirty house was just what I needed to feel refreshed.
It’s almost as if I haven’t taken any time off at all. My times are slowly making there way back to pre-pregnancy paces, but I am still trying not to worry or care about pace and distance.
I have my race schedule on my mind, but for now I know easing back into my pre-pregnancy routine and listening to my body. I have my 2014 mile goal for the year on my mind, and knowing that I am less than 200 miles away makes me want to amp up my running. But my health and body are more important than this goal (I thought I would never say that…..I guess being a mom has put some things into perspective 😉 ).
Returning to running was long awaited. I appreciate my runs more than ever now. I love the solitude they offer and I am thankful of the mini vacation they take me on. I am only 3 weeks into being a mom, and don’t get me wrong it’s great, but without my escape found in running I would go insane.
It’s a little true!! 😉 [Source]
For my sanity, and for my husband’s sake and now my daughters sake, returning to my runs is a necessity and something I take seriously. So here’s to many more mom filled miles…..
And for the curious folk I am at 1820 miles for the year….is 2014 doable?
Until Next Time Be Whole and Be Fit
 What’s the longest break you’ve taken from running? What does running mean to you?