Running

It's hard to believe that it's been over a year since I gave my Beijing half marathon number to my friend Leslie to run in my place. At the time, I was 8 weeks pregnant and not at all feeling like running a race like that one. In fact, I hadn't run any significant distance since the day I found out I was expecting and that day was a painful 8 mile walk run. Life just hasn't been the same since.

I really thought that perhaps I would be competing in races shortly after giving birth. Not running, but maybe swimming? I had been swimming regularly up until the week before giving birth and going at a fairly good clip- by Chinese standards:) I even thought maybe I could team up with Dave and do a swimming portion of a triatholon the week we returned to the states-- 3 weeks post delivery. These were all pre-birth thoughts of course. What was I thinking? I guess first time moms have no clue that one may not be able to walk straight for weeks or even months after giving birth. I certainly was uninformed (or at least, not wanting to accept this fact until I experienced it for myself)

However, in an attempt to motivate myself to pretend I'm a runner again, I signed Dave and myself up for a 10k which happens to be competing this Saturday. I signed up over a month ago and since then downloaded a novice 10k training schedule and have stuck to it as closely as possible. ("As possible" being the key phrase here) It's possible to do training runs when I get the timing right in between Josie's nap schedule and can take her out in the jogging stroller. Better yet, if someone is home and can watch her while she sleeps and I go out running. The best scenario though is if Dave goes with me, pushes the stroller and encourages me to run. This happened this past Sunday afternoon, the final "long" run before the race (5 miles with hills). Oh boy, was I ever tired and slow. What at one point in my life took me 45 minutes now takes almost double that. Honestly, it's kind of depressing. However, as Dave runs beside me, I'm encouraged to put one foot in front of the other, to keep going. And Josie may look over and smile or sing as she rolls along- very cute. It's kind of like she's saying "I know that this is hard mom, and I know it's because of me, but you can do it!" And each time, I can.

And why not just walk? Good question. I like running. I've liked it since I saw my first track meet when I was in middle school (we didn't have a track or a track team at my small school so in 9th grade I petitioned my school board and another bigger, close by school to let me join their team. They let me, and I ran 4 years of track in high school. ) I loved running sprints or hills while playing soccer. Sometimes I even ran after practice for fun. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't always easy for me, and I'm not built to easily run distance or fly down the pavement. I have what you call "sprinter thighs"- but I do love a beautiful brisk day and the feel of sun on my face, a breeze in air and a little sweat to make it worthwhile. I love the feel of finishing and the sense of accomplishment. I even like a little competition, but find it discouraging in my present state. So, even now, even though I'm probably the most out of shape I've been since 5th grade, and it's downright painful in my lungs, calves, tendons and thighs to run a mile uphill, I think it's worth it.

It was worth it in high school when I pushed though the out-of-shape uncomfortable spring time to compete in the 400m hurdles. It was worth it to work hard on sprinting to be a force on the soccer field. It was worth it in college when I ran my first half marathon and during my second year in China when I ran my first full marathon. Now, 7 years later, I'm training just as hard for a 10k. Times have changed, I have changed. Everything about my life has changed-- but I still love to run.

And though no one can really know now what Josie will be like, I have a suspicion she might be just the same. She's got her father's long legs, and she knows how to kick em! She's got stamina (right now it shows up in her crying and persistence to get my attention), but I do wonder if there's an athlete among us that might surpass both of us! IT will be interesting to see who the little girl rolling on the ground at my feet making vibrating spitting noises for the past 20 min straight will turn out to be.

At least I know that she has a heavenly father who knows all those things. And he certainly loves surprises!

So, now that I've started running again, my goal is to actually RUN a half marathon (do I even dream of a full marathon?) before getting pregnant again. A good goal to have right? Maybe Josie will do it with me? I better get running!