Post Baby Racing

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my strategy for running post baby is a little different this time around. Instead of focusing on adding mileage as fast as I can like I did after the birth of my daughter, I'm focusing on short, more intense runs and trying to maintain and improve my pace. My runs are usually 3-6 miles, and on days I don't run I do a weight workout or allow Jillian Michaels to beat me up a little through one of her videos.

So with my new strategy, I've participated in 5ks only since Matthew was born in January, and since then I've run three races. Each race was a little bit faster than the one before, which was a fun little goal to chase.

8 weeks post baby - the Seaside Half Marathon and 5k. I finished in 25:37 which was actually much faster than I anticipated, so I was pretty excited about my post baby starting point.  I also won 3rd place in my age group (my first time running in the 35-39 AG), but I didn't know it and didn't go to collect my award.

10 weeks post baby - the Lead me to the Cross 5k.  I finished in 25:04 and was pleasantly surprised because this course was HILLY! I would have won 3rd place in my age group again, but I didn't show up in the results. I was a little disappointed about that, but still pleased to knock a little time off my post-baby 5k.

Proof that I did, indeed, finish the race.

18 weeks post baby - the Run for a Mom 5k.  I finished in 24:56. The goal was to finish in 24 something, but I had hoped to do more than just barely make it. I didn't feel quite right while running this one, like my legs wouldn't go or something. I really had to work for it and I'm not sure I would have made it, had I not had to keep two ladies from passing me at the end. Still, I was pleased to knock off a little more time, even if mere seconds, and to win 1st place in my age group.

My next race is this weekend.  I'll be 23 weeks post baby and running the Madison Skedaddle 5k.  I'm excited to get to race, but this time I'm not hoping for another faster time. I think my time of easy improvement is over and this upcoming race has a massive hill along with some smaller ones too. While I've continued running and have gradually increased my weekly and monthly mileage, I have not done any 5k training. If the course were an easier one, I'd possibly have a shot at removing a few more seconds, but as it stands, I do not believe that will be possible.

But I still have a goal. While I am not aiming for a faster post baby 5k, I would like a 25 something and I believe that is doable.  I'll just have to work for it.  Stay tuned for the update!