I had the idea of wanting to run a half-marathon back before I got pregnant with my third child. I figured it was a good way to lose my post partum weight.
Little did I know that was true.
The race never happened because I got pregnant again and, well, realized how long a half-marathon really is.
It is long.
I've been running since May and just yesterday I ran 10 miles. A few stops to tend to the kids and grab some water, and a couple of walking intervals just to give my poor tired legs (30 Day Shred kicked my inner thighs' ass the day before), but that was it.
105 minutes.
I was slightly underwhelmed about the whole accomplishment since the damn treadmill actually turned off at 9.5 miles.
"You've reached your goal" it said.
How did it know that? Weird.
So I turned it back on to finish the last 1/2 mile.
I love that I'm in the best shape of my life. And I love that I can fit into clothes that I never thought that I would fit into again.
But the feeling of accomplishment, the rush from going from a mere mile or two at a time to ten - well, that's probably the best part of all.
Now off to stretch for the 400th time.
I recently discoverd your site and you are very inspiring! I am off to buy 30 Day Shred. You will love running a 1/2 marathon. I have run 3 over the past several years and it is so much fun!! Good luck!
Posted by: Alison | 10/21/2009 at 09:08 AM
You know what's funny? I'd never run before May, and as I sit here contemplating where I'm going to run in a few minutes I'm trying to figure out if I want to go 5ish or 8ish miles. 3 miles has become too "regular" for me.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY BRAIN TO MAKE ME THINK LIKE THAT?
Posted by: Bill | 10/21/2009 at 09:44 AM
And dude, you're a speedy demon at that!!!
Posted by: Motherhood Uncensored | 10/21/2009 at 01:26 PM
Congrats! I hope to be at the 10 mile mark one day. But for now, I am just happy that I can make 3 miles and not pass out! Can't wait to hear about your 1/2 marathon--when you sign up and complete.
Posted by: Rosa | 10/21/2009 at 03:33 PM
I have to say, your blog here has inspired me too- I plan of running my first 5k in the spring. I was so proud of myself- I had never ran more than across the street before recently- in my entire life! I am up to 2 miles at a time, twice a day. Then the swine flu got me. I haven't been able to work out for 2 weeks- hopefully it will be gone soon, and I can get back to working out!
Posted by: Kerry | 10/22/2009 at 01:46 AM
I was wondering if you had advice on fitting in a workout with children and family obligations. I'm a new mom (one 8 month old daughter). I'm getting to my limit of "it took 9 months to put it on, I get 9 months to take it off". But I'm having a hard time fitting in a work out. I used to go at lunch, but that time is cut back to 30 minutes so I can be at daycare for pick-up. After she goes to bed is full of making dinner for the adults and getting stuff ready for daycare the next day (with laundry and cleaning thrown in there for good measure). I was in super shape before (with much hard work) but I could spend time on things. I seem to have lost that time. Thank you for your help and advice. I've enjoyed reading your blog.
Posted by: Julie | 10/22/2009 at 08:45 AM
I'm very impressed that you ran 10 miles with your kids. Incredible! How many extra pounds are you pushing? Talk about being in great shape! And you're kids are awesome. I don't think my toddler would sit there that long.
Posted by: Lori | 10/22/2009 at 12:48 PM
I totally agree with Bill. At one point the 5k sounded so daunting and now it seems like too short of a run. I'm going for my first 7 mile stretch this weekend and I can't wait.
Then I'll be exhausted all day. Weeee!
Posted by: Vicky | 10/22/2009 at 03:25 PM
Running my first half was such a great experience! I took a lot of time after to recoup but I'm about to start training for another in a month. There's just something awesome when you can just say, "oh, I ran 10 miles this morning, what did you do?" hehe. Good luck with your training!
Posted by: Quix | 10/23/2009 at 03:58 PM
@Lori - I'm fortunate that my little gym in our neighborhood has a kid's room - so I put a gate up and they watch a dvd or a tv show while I run. I'm not sure what I would do if they were around. I don't think it would work.
If I had one at home, I'd be relegated to before they wake up *ugh* or nap time (or bed time).
Posted by: Motherhood Uncensored | 10/25/2009 at 10:06 PM