I’m running a half marathon.
Go ahead, laugh. It’s cool. I’ll wait.
Aw, heck, I won’t wait. I’ll laugh right along with you, ‘cuz yea…13.1 miles. Hahahaha. Haha. HA.
The why and how of it is mostly this:
I started doing crossfit workouts twice a week back in July. It’s been good for me and I have enjoyed it, but I found myself entering that old, familiar evasion pattern of mine (1.procrastinating 2.excusing 3.avoiding. It’s this really awesome coping mechanism I have). I needed more motivation than just ‘because I should go’. So I gave myself a goal.
A 13+ mile goal.
It sounds ridiculous, but when I stopped to think about it before clicking “register & pay” on the half marathon website, I realized how unridiculous it is.
I am 25. If there were ever a time to go from delivering a human being to running 13 miles in 24 weeks, it’s now.
For the last three years my body has: been pregnant, given birth, breastfed, been pregnant while breastfeeding, weaned, been pregnant, given birth again, and is now breastfeeding again. It is capable of incredible things and I have learned that I fully underestimate just how incredible those things are.
And just like that I was training for a half marathon.
Once the date was on the calendar, I went from doing crossfit twice a week and hitting the path by bike or foot once a week to following a pretty strict training schedule that had me running 6 miles yesterday. For the most part, I have been able to stay on-track, but there are always obstacles, aren’t there?
Like the time that my blisters got so bad 2.5 miles into my 3.5 mile run that I had to ditch my shoes and walk the last mile in my socks.
Turns out my postpartum feet need a different size running shoe than my pre-baby feet. (Don’t worry, I have since bought new shoes.)
I also have some joint pains creeping up. (O, did my hips mention? They JUST carried a baby for 40 weeks, then birthed him in all 8lbs 10oz of his glory. They like to remind me of that around mile 4.)
It really is going well, though. My body continues to impress me, and the $80 registration fee keeps me a-runnin’ (I’ve paid for it so now I HAVE to finish, because sheesh, just think of what those $80 could have done instead!). Our neighborhood has a lake loop that is just about 3 miles and is such a beautiful run.
Several days a week I get to take in the glorious fall Minnesota sunset over the lake.
And one time last week? I got whistled at by the driver of a white Chevy Suburban.
That’s right, OBrother… your mama’s still got it.
Good for you, Alison! I’m seriously impressed.
You are amazing! I can’t to see pics of you crossing the finish line!
Good for you! You can so do this! And I must admit in a weird way I’m totally jealous.
I miss running.
Since I moved to Africa, it’s just more than a little unusual and probably culturally “off” for a white female to go running by herself.
So here I sit. With my Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD unopened trying to muster the motivation to work out in front of a screen.
Enjoy your sweet, autumn runs!
Good luck! Just finishing will be a huge achievement.
Way to go, Allison!!!! After 3 babies/breastfeeding in five years, I feel the same way. I haven’t been as brave as you to sign up for anything more than a 5K, but I actually have been enjoying my runs lately. I never thought I would say the words “enjoy” and “run” in the same sentence, but oddly it is true. I’d love to hear more about your training!
You go! Which one are you running? I ran a Half when I was 29, and the thought of doing it again at 35 exhausts me. So you’re smart to do it now. Ha.
Good for you! I finished my first half last weekend. I loved the feeling after it, and I am confident you will too!
I am SO proud of you! I signed up for a 5K in two weeks and I am planning on doing a half in May. Pass some of your motivation my way, ya hear me?
You’re amazing, friend. You can do this! :)
go get ‘em girl! you are amazing.
there is such a rush & release that comes with running. i love it. some days are easier than others (usually depends on what i ate and/or drank the day before) but i love it. i hope you are enjoying AND loving it!
You’ll totally rock it! Way to go!
Haha, I love the last sentence!
go YOU! You are so right, we truly underestimate what we are capable of!
cheering you on all the way from colorado!!
Yay! I’m running my first half marathon in 4 weeks! Not 24 weeks after giving birth but not much longer :) I had a 10 mile run this week and it was so ridiculous that I can do it.
And you’re right the registration fee is a huge motivator! No way am I going to let that money go to waste.
Way to run, Mamma! I did a triathlon this past June, just after baby number 5 turned one… you’re right. Our bodies can do amazing things. It such an incredible feeling to do something that was hard. And now I tell the kids all the time… mamma can do hard things and so can you!
woo hoo!!! This is my exact plan! There is always a half the first Sunday in September in our city. So last weekend we went to watch just for kicks and I plan to sign up next year – I’ll be 10 months postpartum so I’m guessing I’ll need the motivation even still :)
Good luck!
So impressed. I know that you can do it! You Rock Mama!
you go mama! totally supporting your through this…keep us updated!!
You’ve got this Allison! I ran three 10k’s this summer and now thoughts of running a half marathon have been creeping in! I haven’t taken the plunge and signed up yet. There is one in Minneapolis that I have looked into for next spring that runs along the river and would be a nice, scenic run. Good luck and happy training!
Good luck on your half marathon! You are a force to be reckoned with ;) Go momma!
Good for you! YOU GO GIRL! You can do it!
Yay! good for you. My feet have grown at least a half size, in some types of shoes a full size, larger than before I had kids. Weird.
Way to go! I want to motivate myself to do such a thing – okay, maybe not a 13+ mile run, but to try running. Maybe you just motivated me! =) Good luck with training and all!
Why, why, why do you do this to me?! I’ve been feeling so proud of myself for doing well with WW, but I’ve done ZERO working out since my 3 month old has arrived. Like, ZERO, ZERO, ZERO. But I make excuse after excuse…
All that to say, I’m proud of you.
You go girl.
Have fun! I’ve been a runner for several years but just did my first “longer” race (14 mi) since having my baby. Somehow I completely blanked on the fact that since I’m nursing, I’m more prone to dehydration. I dealt with cramping and all sorts of things I’ve NEVER had before. . .so. . .learn from my idiotic mistake, don’t forget to stay even more hydrated than you normally would=) Hope you love it, racing is addicting!
Such a great goal! After bringing two lives in the world, your body can truly do anything as long as you have the will. Happy training!
May sound like a crazy 80 bucks but it sounds like an AWESOME adventure your own!
I wish I could get the guts to get up and run. I always have so many problems when running. My knee hurts, my ankles hurt, I can’t breathe well {and I’ve never been a smoker}. I’m kind of jealous of you!
Good luck! You are going to rock that half marathon!
Wowza! Good for you! All the exercising should help with the PPD too.
Good for you! I will be cheering you on from here..as I try to get my butt ready to do 3.1 miles…
those two numbers are easily transposed…but I could never tackle them the other way around! Way to go Mrs. O!
This is awesome. YOU are awesome. But I’m curious-have you noticed a drop in your milk supply? That’s always my big concern with working out much while breastfeeding (just an excuse maybe, but I’m going with it).
Sounds like you have everything down, but just wanted to suggest http://www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon/index.htm for a novice training program if you don’t already have one you like. I’ve used it for 3 half-marathons and am currently using it to train for my 4th (after having a baby 4 months ago). Also, my friend Meggie has this inspiring (and funny) running blog that motivates me to get out for a run when I’d rather stay in bed – http://seemeggierun.com/.
Good luck!
You can sooooooooo do it. I did a half marathon a few years back, and completing it was the most incredible feeling! I can’t wait to see you cross the finish line!
I just found your website and have really enjoyed reading. I just had my first baby 3 weeks ago on Thursday. I am really enjoying your blogging about life in general and your half marathon you are training for. I am starting to work out this week in hopes of getting back into my routine of 5ks each month. I am nervous at how long it is going to take me to get back in the swing of thing… especially after being so much heavier right now from the left over baby weight. My main question… where do you find the energy. I am so tired come 5:30 when my husband comes home and I can start to hit the pavement for a run. Thanks for the good reading material and I look forward to more.
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