I hope you’re doing well! This has been a crazy winter for sure, and I’m just grateful that the temperature has warmed up a bit and that I don’t have to run through snow, ice, and slush!
Since it’s the last Friday of the month, I’m joining Marcia for Runfessions! It’s been 10 months since the last time I’ve shared any (wow!), so let’s get to it!
Runfessions for February
I really needed half marathon training
This month kicked off my training for the Delaware Half Marathon, which so far has been going really well! Once again I’m working with the amazing Coach Laura, and I’ve really enjoyed being back to running 3 days a week. I’m also doing a lot of strength training, which is a welcome addition. With so much uncertainty these days, I really needed half marathon training. It’s given me structure and every run feels like an achievement. I was really feeling lost for a bit with my fitness, but now I feel like I’m on the right track.
I miss running with my friends
People often are surprised when I say this but I am an EXTROVERT. The pandemic has been difficult for people like me who thrive when being around a lot of people. I haven’t run with anyone in almost a year, and while I do enjoy solo runs, I really miss my running buddies. I haven’t felt comfortable with reviving my running club at work, but it’s getting to the point where I need that interaction again, even if we are all running in a socially distant manner. There are the Trail Sisters that get together, but I have to figure out something that works with my schedule.
I’m a bit disappointed in my pace lately
I’m not sure exactly when it happened, but I’ve come to realize that my default pace has dropped to 12 to 12.5 minutes/mile. This is without walk breaks (though I have dodged a lot of ice lately). My easy pace is normally around 11 minutes, at least it was pre-pregnancy. Now that I’m getting back to running consistently and strength training, I thought that would equate to me picking up some speed, but apparently not. I know patience is the game, but I can’t help but be a little disappointed. I think trying to compare myself to other postpartum runners is always a recipe for disaster. I just need to be happy with where I am.
I miss running with Baby E!
I thought I should end my runfessions on a high note…you know how I was so intimidated about running with Baby E in the BOB stroller? Well, I fell in love with it and now I miss running with her! The winter weather has been so brutal, but I’m hoping that the temps will rise, the streets will clear up and we can finally get back out there as soon as possible! She is always so content in the stroller, but now that she’s a toddler, she’s changing and I want us to enjoy this experience while it lasts!
What runfession would you like to share?
My pace has gotten slower since last year. At first I was upset about it but I’ve noticed that I’ve gotten stronger since doing more strength training so I’m trying to look at the positive, lol.
That’s a good point – I do feel stronger from the strength training I’ve done so I should take that as a win!
Awwww I used to love my BOB stroller runs! I’d drop Thing 1 off at preschool and Thing 2 and I would run. Such great memories. I hope you and Baby E can get back to them soon. All the best with your training!
That’s so sweet! I am really enjoying the stroller runs so I need this snow to hurry up and melt so we can go on our favorite trail! Thank you 🙂
That’s great that you are training for a half marathon! Is Delaware scheduled to be an in-person event?
Thanks! Yes, they are planning to hold it in person but it could still go either way…fingers crossed!
Yay for Half Training! I forgot about the Delaware Half after I fell. I’ll have to check it out again. I understand your frustration about your pace, but you need to let it go — that disappointment is only dragging you down. (This is advice that’s much wasier to give than take!)
Definitely check out Delaware – they have so many options! I am keeping my fingers crossed that they will still be able to host it in-person. I am struggling with letting the pace thing go, ugh – but I know that you’re right LOL.
Be patient! I do think with the training and the strength training you’ll find your pace improving — maybe when Winter goes, too! Be consistent & I suspect it will come back, but of course I’ve never birthed a baby either. So just think about what an amazing thing your body did, Janelle, and think about beautiful Baby E.
I’m so not an extrovert, but I like running with a group. My friends still run together, still get together post run (or did before Winter), but for a variety of reasons I wasn’t comfortable with that. Not quite sure they’ll have me back, LOL!
You’re right Judy, my impatience is getting the best of me right now! I think I need to “trust the process” and stay consistent! I am absolutely proud and grateful to be back to running in any capacity!
I hope we will get to comfortably run with our friends soon!
Lucky spring is right around the corner and you’ll be out there running with baby E again! I bet you running with the stroller is going to make you a stronger runner!
Thank you! I can’t wait for us to run together again 🙂
My pace is also slower than before. I was bummed about it but now I don’t care as much anymore. I have a great coach and have made many improvements. We did not work together this month because of the weather but now am excited to start working with him again.
I think I mentioned this but I’ve run the Delaware Half Marathon. Nice but hilly course!
I think we have to just accept where we are! Working with a coach has been great for me too, I’m glad to hear you’ll be working with yours again!
I really hope to run those hills in Delaware next month!