Friday, March 16, 2012

Mile Markers

A good friend gave me a running book for my birthday back in October: "Mile Markers: The 26.2 most important reasons why women run" by Kristin Armstrong. I decided to bring it to work and read while I eat my lunch. Normally I get on Facebook, Pinterest, or Blogger. But it's nice to take a break from looking at a computer screen, especially since I spend a good portion of my day doing so.

So far I really like it and it's definitely inspirational. I wanted to share a passage from the book that really struck me.

"There is an underlying purpose and meaning behind my training, always. It isn't about the next race or the next workout. It's about fitness and fortitude for the next test around the corner that I cannot see. When my next moment comes, I want to be strong enough and centered enough to handle it with some measure of grace. But perhaps even more importantly, I want to be fast enough to be first on the scene when a loved one needs me, and I want to be fit enough to help carry the load for as long as it takes to reach the other side."

I want to be strong. I want to be there for my son, always and in any way he needs. I want to feel good, inside and out. I want to be the best me that I can be. This is why I run.

Thank you, Eleni, for the inspirational book!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Time to Train

I honestly can't believe it's been 6 months since I last posted. I didn't run a whole lot this winter, but I did run at least once a month. That might not sound like much, but there's no time to dwell in the past! Daylight savings is here, the weather is beautiful, and I can start running after work again. Hooray!

I took Jack out for a late run on Sunday, our first of the year. I ran back in January but on my own because it was a bit cold. I'm so glad he still likes the stroller! He actually requests to go in the "big stroller." It was getting a bit late and it was my first run in over a month, so we just did our short lake run- 1.51 miles in 19:16 minutes. I took him out last night after work and went a little bit further for a total run of 1.76 miles in 20:56 minutes. My pace was a minute faster! I'm trying to ease back into it and not increase my mileage or speed too quickly. But I also can't be too relaxed because I'm running a half marathon in less than 3 months! Holy crap!!

I'm running the Zooma Annapolis Women's Half on June 2. I think 3 months is plenty of time to train, but having to run with Jack during the week and only being able to do short runs is going to make it hard. I plan on doing long runs on the weekends while Jack stays home with Sidney. This weekend I'll start out doing my 3 mile route around the neighborhood and I'll gradually increase it as the weeks go on. I'm nervous but super excited! I promise I'll do the best I can updating my progress, even if it's just for myself. Do I still have any readers out there?

Here's Jack in the stroller last night. This was after the run and he was ready to get out. He had already freed his arms and was trying to stand. I can't believe how big he looks! So different from 2 years ago!