Race Day!

I love to run. I didn't used to love to run. It seemed pointless to me. I much preferred to get my exercise playing a sport, where running was secondary to bouncing a basketball or hitting a tennis ball. But once my days of organized sports passed, I turned to running.

Pre-Emma, I ran about five days a week for a total of 20-25 miles. Nothing crazy. But I was very dedicated to running. In fact, at one point with work, I was having to get up at 4:30am to run.

When we started IVF, the doctor told me I needed to limit my running to no more than 20 miles a week. Once we actually started the process, I dramatically cut back. But I continued to run. In fact, I continued to run up until 32 weeks pregnant when I found out that my amniotic fluid level was low. And then I stopped.

Once I got the all clear from the OB, I started running again about 6 weeks post-baby. And it was hard! I hurt in places I never knew could hurt. I cried with frustration. This activity that I once loved was no longer enjoyable. But I've tried to stick with it.

And...this weekend brings my first post-baby race. I can't believe it is almost here. When I signed up for the race back in January, I never thought it would be here. And I never thought it would be so difficult getting to this point.

But, on Sunday, I will lace up my running shoes, pin on my race number, and run a cool 13.1 miles in the Virginia Beach Rock n' Roll Half Marathon. I've run this race in the past and have tried to get a good time. This time, my goal is to finish!

And I hope that I survive so I can tell you all about it next week!

Happy Labor Day to you all!