See Afro Mom Run

I finished my half marathon in 1:58. I felt great the whole way! I even sprinted in. My husband joked that I would feel freer without pushing the BOB or being pulled by our dog. He was right.

While I was physically prepared, I wasn't quite ready mentally.


Mentally I was thinking about tons of things. First, the funniest thing was I didn't realize when I signed myself and my husband up for the marathon (originally I planned on running the whole thing back when I was pregnant but during training I realized I didn't have the time to build up enough mileage to do the whole thing) that the system considered us a "team." Thus since I entered that I wanted my bib to say "Afro Mama," my husband's bib also said "Afro Mama." LOL! So I was wondering, while running, if people were saying to my husband, "Run Afro Mama!"

I was also thinking about Leon. My mom was watching him in the car. Originally the plan was for my mom to watch him at our house. But then we got the brilliant idea that she should come with us down to the race. Watch him in the car because he would sleep (the hope was) most of my race and then I could come back to the car after I finished. Then we could watch Jeff come in for the Marathon (that started 30 min after the half). However we arrived in downtown Richmond 30 min before the half started. So we were frantically looking for a parking space and I ended up jumping out of the car at a red light and throwing my sweats back to my mom. I think they yelled meet back at 10th and Marshall after your race. During my race I was trying to keep track of my time and I also repeat 10th and Marshall over and over. I was hoping that my mom remembered to take the bottle of milk out of the cooler. If she knew where his hat was. If she would be able to carry him and his stuff. I had neglected to bring the stroller, thinking it would be easier to wear Leon. But I didn't realize my mom would be transporting him.

Ever time I had a "what if" thought about LJ, I noticed I was slowing down so I had to stay positive. My mom after all is a mom. Of course she would put on his hat and bring all his stuff. She would be ok.

And she was. We met up at 10th and Marshall. I carried the ton of bricks (that's what Leon felt like after my race, a ton of soft warm, cuddly bricks) back to the car. Got some tea at Starbucks and watched Daddy come across the finish line.

I did wish they had a nursing station during the race. LOL! My chest was one of the few body parts that hurt!

Running a race post preg was one of the best decisions I've made. Having a race goal got me running sooner which helped with the post baby blues. It also helped me get back in shape(breast feeding was the number one way).

Next goal: Fitness competition in April!