Yes, I run like a girl

 

I have not always been a running lover.  Although an avid athlete, my favorite forte was not the conditioning.  While skill alone got me through my high school years, I found that college would not be as easy.  I quickly realized that if I wanted to continue playing soccer in college and earn a starting position, I was going to have be in phenomenal shape.  This drive took me down the crazy road of running.  At first, I started running purely to stay in shape for soccer.  I would sometimes take a run before practice or after practice.  There were no off days.  The summer was jammed with two running sessions a day and a feeling of guilt if I missed a run.  I started to love it.  I could put on my earphones, blast my techno, and go.  There was no stress or frustration, it was just me and the path and I found relaxation and joy out of it (yes, I am a little crazy and obsessive, I can’t help it!)

Once college (and therefore my soccer career) was over, I continued my love affair with running.  The problem was, now I had no goals and nothing to train for.  I decided in order to stay motivated I was going to have to sign up for races.  I started with 5Ks and eventually graduated to half marathons.  I loved the feeling of a race.  It was similar to winning a big game, a feeling of accomplishment.  Here was something I could train for, enjoy, and the after parties usually included beer trucks or wine tastings…I could get used to this.  Well…when pregnancy came, my running relationship ended.  Yes, I have heard of and read about several women who ran 6 miles a day until they were 6 months pregnant…not this girl.  I tried running for the first three months but I got so nervous.  Also, my boobs kept growing and it was sore and uncomfortable with all that bouncing (I realized why my sister always wore 2-3 sports bras before basketball games or working out…ouch!)  So, I started cheating on running with the elliptical and stayed married to the machine throughout my pregnancy. 

Now, here I am, not pregnant and the mother of a handsome, loveable little 6 month old.  The pregnant excuse no longer stands; it’s time to start running again.  I have to admit, the big reason why I didn’t start right away was because I didn’t want to feel how horribly out of shape I was.  I ran a half marathon about 2 months before I got pregnant and the first time I ran PB (post Brody) was two miles I felt like I was going to die…WTH?  I am now running 2-3 times a week and am up to 4 miles.  I feel  ok after 4 but probably can’t push it to 5 yet.  Luckily, my youngest sister caught the running bug.  We signed up for a 10K in June and then the big motivation…half marathon in October.  It’s time to get serious!  We all know that I know longer have the big boob excuse, the weather is warming up so that can’t hold me back, and my body is craving the adrenaline it feels after a long run.  Luckily, Brody has a great running stroller that is just waiting to hit the trails!  It also has an MP3 hook up that says is great for kids songs.  My son is going to learn to love techno at a young age because I am not blasting the wheels on the bus while I run.  Sorry B. 

So, as my training begins, I am going to need my supporters.  It’s time for me to throw on the booty shorts, lace up the asics, and sweat it out.  Stay tuned!