Well, my first post-baby race is officially in the books and I’m happy to report that it went really well! Erin and I — aka Team Two New Moms — both had solid runs considering we’re both trying to regain some semblance of our pre-baby bodies and running form.
Erin did the first leg, so I drove over to the exchange point and hung out there for a while. I read a bit of this month’s book club book, and once the first runners had passed and the crowd started to grow, I got out and watched the race and got ready to run the back half. I’ve done this race several times — sometimes the full 10 miles, but more often the relay — and somehow I’ve ended up always running the second half of this course. And there really isn’t much to look at on Space Center Blvd! Oh well. The first half isn’t really that scenic either.
Erin showed up around 55 minutes, right when I expected her. I took off with my watch set for 3 minutes of running, 2 minutes of walking…and repeat. My goal was just to cover the distance, but if I’m really being honest, I have to admit that I also hoped to finished my 5 miles under 1:05 so that our team time would be under 2 hours. That’s an average pace of 13:00/mile which I knew was achievable even doing a 3/2 as long as I kept my pace during the running portions decent enough.
(I forgot how it’s funny/annoying/embarrassing to run/walk in a race, especially when you’re towards the back of the pack. Several times when I stopped for my walk break, a well-intentioned fellow runner would encourage me to keep going. “You’re doing great!” or “The finish line is right around that corner!” I’m like yeah, I know, I’m walking on purpose because I’m crazy out of shape, thanks.)
It was a warm and humid morning, but I obeyed my watch exactly and finished in 1:02:20! That’s right at 12:30/mile which I think is pretty darn good for someone who 1) just started running again 4 weeks ago and 2) wasn’t that fast in the first place. So yay! I was really happy with my run, and it felt awesome to be back out there.
And the best news? My knee didn’t hurt at all! And 12 hours later, it still feels fine, so I’m planning to get back to running 3 days per week. If I feel any twinges again, I’ll cut back, but for now I’m optimistic that taking this week off was all it really needed.
Well done, welcome back!