Six weeks into the Baby Race, Sarah has already completed a 12k. Here's her latest take on what it's like to get back into shape after having a baby.
Whelp, my first post-baby “race” is in the books. I use that term lightly since I definitely did not compete, but it was an organized event with timing chips, a registration fee, an awards ceremony, etc. So yeah, it was a race, but I did not race. Nor was I planning to. I realize now more than ever that getting back comes in quite a few stages. First, you get over the hump of simply going for that first run. Then, you have to continue to bump up the distance. Then, you can introduce some speed. And, only then should you finally test that speed and endurance in a race.
And no way am I ready for that last step. Because today? After 7.5 miles of leisurely running (and I know it was leisurely because I talked to a friend the entire time), I am SORE. Like, I just ran a 19:15 5K sore. Hmmm. Clearly my legs lost a ton of fitness over the past few months because there wasn't anything too challenging, at least cardiovascularly, about that run. Which I'll take as a good sign, since it means that likely I'd be able to finish 13 miles at that pace if necessary (and probably not be able to walk for a week afterward!). But also, I'm going to have to really step up the consistency and quality of my runs if I want to actually enjoy this half-marathon in 8 weeks.
So, no major accomplishments on a personal level. But...I was able to catch up with my friend and be there with my sister-in-law who very impressively completed her longest run ever...so I take that as a win.
-Sarah