Howdy and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Talk about a day that has drastically changed over the years. Instead of bellying up to green beer, I spent most of the day at home in much more subtle green clothing, hanging with my little guy. We did get a little crazy and went to The Container Store and out for shamrock shakes this afternoon 
Though I have some incredible memories of SPDs past, this year is exactly where I’ve wanted to be for a long time.
Wee!
So I thought I’d change things up and give ya’ll a quick update on how running has been going lately. Yep, still a runner. Though not nearly as hardcore as I once was. Things definitely got off to a slow start with the insane winter we’ve had (ps,, three cheers for the spring equinox on Thursday!). My only winter race was the Run4Love 5k about 6 weeks ago. With the snow and polar vortex-y stuff, I haven’t had many opportunities to run outside. And my motivation to go to the gym after the hubs gets home in the evening is pretty nonexistent. I’ve tried to keep myself somewhat active by doing T25 workouts during nap time, which hasn’t kept my attention all that well either. So as you can see, I certainly haven’t been following an actual training schedule. More like a ‘Fly by the Seat of my Pants’ schedule.
Since things have gotten a tad warmer (above freezing anyways), I’ve been able to make my way outside more. By the way, it has been SO NICE to just lace up and start running right outside my door, unlike at our last house where I’d have to drive to the park to find good trails. Game changer. Last weekend while my parents were in town, Dad and I went for a couple great runs together, which I definitely needed. Those times always reenergize and refocus me on the goals ahead. In this case, goal #1 is our first half marathon in Chicago on April 6th.
Another major change in training this time around is that instead of [mostly] running solo, I’ve now got six extra feet along side of me. No, I haven’t had 2 more children. But in addition to Emery, I’ve also got a 4-legged fur baby that is always in desperate need for some fresh air. Stroller running in itself is a challenging technique to master. The pushing, the steering, the one-armed swing. So as you might imagine, adding a dog to the mix has definitely been an experience. A little push/ pull action if you will. Surprisingly it’s been getting easier the more times I do it, so I guess that’s motivation.
This past weekend, I knew that I NEEDED a long run. The only longish distance I’d ran to date was 5 miles the weekend before. With 3 weeks until race day, I thought 8 miles sounded like a solid distance to strive for. Not too far where I’d risk hurting myself, but long enough to restore some confidence. As soon as I put my little guy down for his nap on Sunday morning, I handed the baby monitor to the hubs and said, “Run time! Adios!” I normally would run outside seeing as how much I hate treadmill running, especially for any sort of distance. But it was in the 20’s and windy as all get out. So instead I bundled up and ran the 3/4 miles down the street to our subdivision clubhouse, which has a few machines for members to use, treadmills included. A nice perk! I was the only one in the gym to start, so I turned on HGTV, covered the monitor and got to work after a quick warmup.
Pronate much?
About 3 miles in, a few dudes came in, so I graciously changed the channel back to ESPN and zoned out to my tunes. Before I knew it, I was 7 miles in! After a quick stretch, I bundled back up and ran home, making my total mileage 8.25 miles! Woo woo! Besides a few baby blisters, I FELT GOOD.
Boom! [ps, warm up included]
Despite my erratic training so far, I feel SO much better after yesterday’s run. Even the hubs told me I’m in good shape if I can knock out that kind of mileage on essentially no training.
Plans from here on out: another long run next weekend, which has gotta be a 10+ miler. Maybe I’ll make my way over to the Monon for old times sake. Anyone wanna join me??! Also would like to get in at least 2-3 shorter runs. And with the forecast looking the way it does, I think it’ll be pretty doable. I’m not in any shape for a PR just yet. I’m just happy my body is cooperating with what I’m throwing at it right now. My focus for this first race is to avoid a PW (personal worst), which I think is in the 2:20’s. But if I don’t, and that’s what happens, then it happens! Thankfully I’ve done enough of these races so at least I know what I can and can’t handle. One thing’s for sure: I’m excited for the post-baby chapter of RunBMC to begin 