Well, I did it.
I ran my first race since having the girl two-months ago and despite sore legs I feel great.
I didn’t have any specific time goals for myself except I wanted to beat my six-month pregnant self (I ran the Vancouver Sun Run in 1:18) and I am happy to report that I beat that time by 5 minutes – yep, very happy about this.
My two friends that I went with also had amazing times and both ran the half-marathon.
We arrived in Kelowna Saturday afternoon and after some shopping we checked into the hotel and then headed to the expo to pick-up our race packages.
The Okanagan Marathon is relatively small so there were no lines, and since the expo itself was also small we were not there for very long. I did buy a new pair of CEP Compression Socks and have been living in them since I got home.
We had an early supper and we’re in bed by 8:00 pm – party animals I tell ya!
Unfortunately we were woken-up around midnight by a strange beeping sound. It took us all a few minutes to realize it was the fire alarm but fortunately it was a false alarm. Unfortunately, the hotel staff seemed to have had difficult time turning it off because it went on for a while. We all had a difficult time getting back to sleep but at least we didn’t have to leave the comfort of our beds.
The half-marathon started a half-hour before the 10K but I went to the start line with Krista and Leanne and saw them cross the starting line.
Thinking back I realize I didn’t feel nervous at all waiting for the race to start. I was just happy to be there. Everything started on time and the weather was cool with blue skies and sun. I got caught up in the excitement of the race and went out too fast but I settled in with a 5:1 run:walk ratio – the run portion was longer at times depending on how I felt and where I was on the course.
All three distances run the same 10K route so Krista and I got to see each other as I was headed out and she was heading to the second part of the half-marathon route. The first portion of the 10K is kind of boring as it is through part of downtown and a residential area but the end is along the water and beautiful.
My only complaint about the course is that there seemed to be different km makers for the different distances. I passed two 3K, two 4K, and two 5K markers along the way and it was really toying with my emotions 🙂
The best part of the race for me were the variety of people running but I’m saving that for another post.
As I entered the finishing chute I saw Leanne on the sidelines cheering me on and I mustered up all my remaining energy to finish strong.
I definitely left everything on the course.
I may not be in my best physical shape, I may not like looking at my race photos, and I may not be as speedy as some other new moms out there but you know what?
I did it.
I’m proud.
And things can only get better from here.
Marathon training is about to start and this may be my official marathon training song*:
*warning, he uses a bad word.
Congratulations! Quite an accomplishment, just two months after childbirth. I am in awe!
Thanks!
YOU SHOULD BE PROUD!!!
congrats.
Thank you!
Congrats!!! What a great job you did!!!
Thanks! I’m happy with the results for sure.
Congrats! Determination is a powerful force!
Yes it is!
Congrats!!! You should definitely feel proud!
Thanks 🙂
I hear ya momma, I am 14 months post partum and I still trying to get into “running shape”. Congrats on the PR and good luck with marathon training.
We’ll get there!!
wow! great job! such an inspiration! I hope to be like this after I have a kid! (:
itsaharleyyylife.com
Thanks! I wasn’t like this with my first but I’m determined this time around!
Congratulations, that is an awesome time!! It is such an inspiration to see you out running again so soon after having a new baby. Keep up the hard work!!
Thanks! I’m definitely happy with my time 🙂
Great job! good for you.
You should absolutely be proud!! Congrats on your first race back, and on beating your old time!
Jenny!
So proud of you! It was a big weekend for both of us and I was thinking about you at your starting line when I was nearing my finish line. I love that we’ve come so far since our Acadia days and we still get to inspire each other. Big congrats from us here in Hali and lots of love!
Way to rock it girl!! Running two months after a baby? You’re super woman!
Congrats Jen, good for you getting out there so soon after Teagan’s arrival. Keep up the good work. Deb
Congrats Jen!! That’s a huge accomplishment so soon after having your little girl! You definitely should feel proud!
I honestly don’t think I was consistently showering two months after having my daughter – way to go!!!
Congrats Jenny !