“Nothing is impossible – the word itself says ‘I’m possible’”
On Saturday, a hot, hazy August morning in Fargo, I lined up at the start for the GoFar Woman Half Marathon. This race was extra-special for me, being my first half back since having Abel and my first pacing gig since last fall. Despite the warm, sweaty conditions, it felt so good to be back out there doing something I love.
Pacing and running with one of my lifelong BFFs (Maggie, on the left)
I was incredibly eager to run my first half post-baby – some might recall my recent blog expressing the joy I felt when I was able to get back into running. So it might come as a surprise to those who know me when I say it’s going to be my last half for awhile.
While I’ve adapted to getting up early to do my runs before Abel and Chris are up for the day, some days those 4:30 or 5 a.m. wake-up calls are tough.
Having a baby, no matter how good he or she is or how great a sleeper at night, is tiring. It’s a different level of tiring. And some days, as much as I love running and having that “me” time, I’m just not up for it.
Then there’s the mom guilt. Even though I do most of my runs before my son is awake for the day, I have this weird sense of guilt for leaving him. I’m worried something might happen to him or I might miss out on something – all because I went running.
I know running is important to me, both for my mental and physical health, so I’m not giving it up. Not at all. But I think I’ll scale it back for a bit, stick to the more manageable 2-5 milers. At least for now…until I get that itch to pace or do a longer race again ☺
Fellow parents, do you feel it’s tough – or any guilt – taking time for yourself to work out? Comment or tweet me @LindsayIRL.