First race after baby

A few weeks ago, Chris and I ran our first race as parents!  The training went decently...until I went back to work and then I was only running 1 day a week and going to body pump 1 day a week.  Certainly not ideal race prep but work with what you have :).  

I started running 6 weeks after Henry was born (after being cleared by my midwife).  The first few weeks were a little rough and very slow.  I could certainly still feel the looseness in my hips, lost my cardiovascular endurance and I was achy after running but things steadily improved!  Another challenge I faced were "the girls"-I have to invest in larger and more supportive sports bras and had to pump directly before the race.

Most of C's family ran the race too, which made it really fun!  I ended up the same pace as my mom and we ran together for most of the race and finishing just over an hour with a 10:30/mile pace....not my best but certainly not bad.  

Chris originally signed up for the 1/2 marathon but dropped down to the 10k because of some hip issues and pack if training.  Danielle wrote a great race recap here: (http://justanotherdayinthepark.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-family-that-runs-together.html?m=1).  

I love that health, wellness and fitness are family activities!  Can't wait until H is old enough to ride with us in the jogging stroller-only a few more months!

Race day:

Pre-training race with Henry:

Pregnancy Fitness

This is a topic I've been meaning to write about for a while as fitness has always been an important part of my life.  I need (and like) to work out for stress management 5-6 days per week.  Pre-pregnancy, I did a mix of cardio (running and spinning) with strength training (BodyPump and Hot Yoga).  Needless to say, now that I'm 7+ months pregnant, things have changed.

The beginning of pregnancy brought a lot of nausea and tiredness, which resulted in lots of naps and not much running (I felt so slow and would feel like I was going to get sick).  Add moving and giving up my yoga studio and gym to that and there wasn't much motivation.  Not to mention, I was totally out of my routine.  So I decided to take it easy on myself  until I felt better.  I did find a yoga studio, Inner Bliss Yoga and attended their slow-flow classes for a few months. Then I joined a gym, L.A. Fitness and started taking their version of BodyPump (aka Urban Iron).

These days, my goal is two days of strength classes at the gym and walking 2 or so miles 4 days a week with Lila.  I don't beat myself up for missing a day (or three) and realize that in order to have a healthy pregnancy, it's a balance of staying in shape and getting the rest my body requires.  I also am very aware that the better shape I'm in, the easier childbirth (especially important since we are planning an unmedicated birth).  And I'm trying to keep the pregnancy weight gain under control...I'm currently in the healthy range and want to stay there.

Here are a few photos over the last 20 weeks in the same (pre-pregnancy) work out top (no particular order due to technical difficulties):

32 Weeks:

14 Weeks:

20 Weeks: 

Not sure if this top will make it the whole 40 weeks and if it does, I probably shouldn't be wearing it in public :)  Either way, my goal is to keep it up til the end!

Warrior Dash!

Over the weekend, C and his cousin Bryan participated in their first Warrior Dash. The guys had a great time and got good and muddy by the finish! Here are a few photos:

Warrior Dash-Before

The kids in the Warrior Hats

Fresh off the finish line and covered in MUD!

Enjoying their beer and turkey legs post-race

Kim (Bryan's wife) and I both missed out of the fun because we're both pregnant!  Maybe next time the boys can watch the kids and we can participate....but after the Ruckus last year, I may still be banned from adventure races :)

The difference between a training run and a run

This morning I went out for a run, just for fun, leisurely Sunday morning run. My training miles and my "fun" runs are very different:

Training runs include:
1. Intervals
2. Timed miles
3. Mapped routes
4. A training mindset (meaning I push myself harder)

Fun runs are structured very differently:
1. None of the above :). I run 3-5 miles, depending on how I feel. I listen to my body and run a comfortable pace and distance.
2. I enjoy looking around the neighborhood.
3. Take time to think, reflect, meditate and be thankful.

What do you do differently on training runs than "fun" runs?

Sonya's List of Must-Have Gear for Running

As promised, here's my must-have gear for running a race!

1. Good sports bra.  I'm not brand specific but I do like mine to be made of moisture (aka sweat) wicking fabric.  
2. Running socks-yes, running socks make a difference!  Once you try them you will never go back, I promise.  I have mix of Thorlo, Wigwam and Balga.  They have extra cushioning in the toes/heels and compression around the mid-foot.  Good stuff!
3. Running shoes.  I highly, highly, highly recommend getting fitted for running shoes at a reputable store.  They will watch the way you walk/run and recommend shoes for you.  Are you an over or under pronator?  They will be able to tell you!  Then you try a few pairs on and go for a quick test run (inside or out, depending on the store) to make sure they will work.
4. Running capris.  No shorts here, I like a little more coverage when I run.  I do like compression capris which fit snugly and give support to my legs/knees.  And pockets are nice for keys, energy, etc.
5. Cliff Blocks.  I'm not a huge fan of running goo but these I love.  Most races give goo so I carry my own blocks (hence the pockets in the capris)
6. iPod.  Music is a great motivator.  I use the Nike + system to track my distance and pacing through the iPod.  I like the iPod nano because it's small and light.  C runs with his iPhone but I feel unbalanced and weighed down with it.
7. Watch/Heart Rate Monitor.  Know your zone and where you need to be.  Tracking heart rate is a great way to listen to your body.
6. Sunglasses.  I borrowed C's Oakley's for race day.
9. Layers.  I wasn't sure what race day would bring so I picked out a few layers ahead of time.  I ended up wearing the black Dry-Fit tshirt (10) and a zip up long sleeved jacket before the race and handed my jacket to C right before the start so I didn't have to tie it around my waist once I was warmed up.

Quick note about race day clothes:  NEVER wear anything new!  Always take your gear out for a few test runs to make sure that there aren't any performance or comfort issues.  I have a friend who wore new shorts for a marathon and now has a permanent scar from the tag rubbing her back.

And of course, not numbered, but my race bib ready to be pinned to my shirt.

What are some of your must-haves?
 

Cbus 10 Miler

On Sunday, I completed the Cbus 10miler for the second year.  Chris, Brittany and I ran this race last year and it was tough!  The race course was flip-flopped this year so there wasn't a two mile incline at the finish but there still was a mile incline that I hated :)  It's a hilly course that is meant to be a training run for the upcoming Capital City Half Marathon.  My goal this year was to beat last year's time (1:38:40 or 9:50 per mile) which wasn't much of a challenge since I had a cold last year, and I'm happy to say I did!  My time this year was 1:27:35 (8:46 per mile) which is a PR (personal record)!

  Over all, it's a nice, small race with both street and (paved) trail running.  I wouldn't call it easy because there are several inclines, some steep and some long and slow, but the people are friendly and the race well organized.  I think strength training (yoga and BodyPump) helped me improve and the guy that paced me for the last three miles :)  I don't know who he was but he would not let be get below a 9 minute mile :)  Wish I could say thank you to whoever he is!  Here's a few photos of the day: 

All my gear, ready to go (and my bags packed for a work trip later that day).  Gear post here!

Almost to the finish!

After the race

My race supporter and sometimes running partner

My race reward (not really, I just needed new shoes and they were on sale after the race)

Now that I'm a few days past the race, I'm wondering what's next?????  Maybe another sprint triathlon?