1.2 More...In Perspective

The Road Race Series continues for this mommy.  This weekend it was the 10k.  Not so much longer than the 5 miler...but that 1.29 felt pretty long!

I made on major change for this run- a new sports bra for "well endowed women."  That is now me.  Prior to pregnancy/breastfeeding, my only care for sports bras is if they matched my kit.  Those carefree days are a distant memory.  

Behold, the Enell Sports Bra.  It is a game changer.  If you are breastfeeding or have larger breasts, this is the running bra for you.  I can't even look at my other bras anymore.  I had no bounce, and for the first time in weeks I could run without pain in my chest. 

I finished the 10k in 56:18 for 6.29 miles/8:57 avg pace with pretty even splits that varied a little by terrain.  I didn't drop any time this go around, but I loved getting out there.  The hard thing for me (besides the fact that running is just really hard right now!) was mentally wrapping my head around the fact that I was running a 10k at my ironman marathon pace.  At times I had some negative commentary going on in my brain such as "all I can feel are those 10-15 extra pounds" and "I will never run the times I used to run" and "I used to finish this course xx+ minutes faster."  Luckily running is still hard enough that I can't think and breathe at the same time for too long. 

Yesterday I went for a run and my legs actually felt like running legs again, and all of my 10k negativity was banished.   I calculated I have only been running without adding in walk breaks for 4 weeks now after a 6 month layoff.  So, when put in that perspective, I felt great about my progress!

Plus, the weight is what it is.  I have never been that girl and don't want to start now.  I am eating healthy, exercising, and breastfeeding.  I am healing from pregnancy and surgery (I am not sure how long I can use that excuse, but I am milking it:).  My body will make the changes when it is time.  I saw my doctor yesterday and he reminded me I hormonally have the body of a 60-year-old right now and to be PATIENT. 

And I just know everything will start to CLICK soon if I just keep at it and stay POSITIVE. 

"Going for a run isn't mommy being selfish, it's mommy being AWESOME."  Brought to you by Fellow Flowers- this tank would make an awesome gift if you are looking for a present for your running mommy friend.   Thank you, Michelle, for sending me the link to this awesome shirt!

Of course the best part of the Road Race Series is the inspiration and camaraderie out on the course.  My new friend Emily (fellow mom that I met at my first 5k) and I dressed like twinkie moms for the 10k.  The tank was a good reminder of why we started running in the first place.