It’s been 5 weeks since I’ve run. Five very long weeks. Although my body does not miss it (right now), my brain most certainly does miss it. Give or take a week, I imagine that I’ll be running again in about 6 weeks. One 12-week break from running thanks to my stress fracture and one 11-week break due to pregnancy in one year hasn’t helped me set any new PRs, but it really isn’t that bad considering what I have accomplished this year. I am, after all, growing a full size baby right now!
I arrived at work this morning. Checked my email. I hit delete a few dozen times. And then I got really excited about one email sitting in my inbox. I got into the Cherry Blossom 10-miler. The lottery opened up last week. I entered, and I crossed my fingers. It worked. My name was selected. I will be running 10 miles in DC on April 1, 2012 among the cherry blossoms. Let’s hope there are no repeat souvenirs this year. Last year after a weekend filled with biking and yoga among the cherry blossoms, we came home with a baby much to our surprise. I had only been off of birth control for 1 week.
Later in the day, I was doing my daily Facebook check. The Shamrock Marathon posted that it is about to sell out. There are 1500 spots left. Last year it sold out on December 16th. I knew that if I wanted to run this race this year, I would need to sign up NOW. When I went to the website to register, I remembered something. I don’t have a check card; therefore, I don’t have access to the money in my bank account. Christian’s truck was broke into last night. Whoever did it was mean enough to rummage through everything and throw everything around his car, but they were nice enough to leave everything behind. My check card was in his car, and they kindly left it on his front seat along with our GPS, iPod, and tons of other things. To be safe, I cancelled my check card this morning. The last thing I need is for someone to write down the number and our address so they can go shopping. Fortunately my mom came to my rescue. She paid for the registration fee, and I can pay her back once my card arrives in the mail. THANK YOU MOM!
This race is another full-circle race for me. I missed out on running the full marathon last year due to my injury. That injury lead to buying road bikes. The road bike purchase inspired Christian and I’s cherry blossom trip. That trip created Chet.
In one day, I’ve registered for 2 races. Merry Christmas to me!!!!! It feels so good to know that racing and running is right around the corner.
On March 18, 2012 I will be running the Shamrock half-marathon. 13.1 miles 11(ish) weeks post baby is slightly ambitious for me. 4+ weeks to recover. 7(ish) weeks to train. Eek! I’m pretty sure I’ll be run/walking this race. Time to start coming up with a training plan. Suggestions are MUCH APPRECIATED at this point!
On April 1, 2011 I will be running the Cherry Blossom 10 miler. This races gives me 13(ish) weeks post baby to recover and train. 4+ weeks to recover. 9(ish) weeks to train. I’m hoping I can run the whole thing. Again, training suggestions are gladly welcomed.
Here’s to hoping 2012 is a year full of healthy running!
Kristy Maute 
I found that doing the 1 mile run 1/2 mile walk when I was coming back from all of my back stuff was really helpful. It allowed me to pick up mileage faster than if I had just been running without risking the whole stress fracture thing (I know you’d like to avoid that ;)). It was a little frustrating at times when I got into a good groove and had to stop to walk, but honestly, I think it’s what got me through MCM this year!
I’ve been thinking about your plan a lot these days! I think it is something I will be incorporating into my training. I will just have to make sure I actually walk when I’m supposed to walk so I don’t run out of stem!
you are an amazing women and mother! you will do amazing stuff this 2012!!!!!! I love you!
Sounds like 2012 will be such a blessed year for you. Sounds like you have two very fun come-back races on your agenda…can’t wait to hear all about them. Cheers to healthy running!
Way to go on the TWO entries! It must feel great to have something on your post-baby schedule already. My only training suggestion (because it’s what I’m going to do) is to try and relax and just run a solid comeback race. I don’t plan on hyping myself up for a PR; just finishing and feeling good will be enough for me!
You know I’d be the one to preach, Cross Train!!!!” You’ll only be glad you did, though it’s hard to squeeze in with a baby and you may have to be creative to get it all in and not compromise family time! I thoroughly enjoyed my “return” post baby. At first it may seem slow but then one day you’ll get out there and you’ll wonder if it’s your new socks that brought your speed back 😉
Lesson learned the hard way – Cross Training is a MUST! I’m hoping that and new socks will bring me speed since I never had any to begin with 🙂