Me neither, because I never actually kept track. But I went about 4 days a week with increasing duration and frequency, sometimes pushing 80 pounds of children and stroller, the tires of which really need replacing. I have battled milk supply issues and learned how to take better care of my body and better manage my time. I have sacrificed hours and hours to run when I could have (maybe even should have) been doing other things.
I am noticeably stronger now than I was in May, having taken almost 3 years off from regular running until then. Today and last Saturday I went on 2 intense runs within about 6 hours and actually felt really great during the first leg and after both legs, although I felt not so great during the second leg on either day and am anticipating the same when I do it again.
And this Friday and Saturday at the DC Ragnar Relay I will be doing it again, only three times instead, including once at like 3 a.m., and not sleeping at all in between. I have learned that when I am doing relatively short runs like these (this summer I never went more than about 7 miles at a time--usually went between 3 and 6) I just need to make it through the first 1 or 2 miles and then I am fine. Last year when a group of my friends did this relay, I was 9 months pregnant and completely jealous. This year I am getting nervous and wondering what I was thinking.
Regardless of how this weekend goes, I am unbelievably happy when I think about what my body has helped me accomplish since September 2008--I pushed out a baby with my own body. I fed her with my own milk. I strengthened my body and spirit through daily work of one kind or another. I did many, many, many things that I did not want to do but that ultimately improved me. I am trying to enjoy my kids and husband more and love them more completely. I think (I hope) I am a better person than I was a year ago, maybe despite this summer's training and maybe helped along by it. I guess both.
Please wish me luck on Friday and especially on Saturday because I will NEED IT...and so will Ida. I have never spent the night away from her and I won't see her for about 30 hours. She still nurses 3 times a day. If you had asked me a month ago, I would have said she'd be completely weaned by now, but thanks to fenugreek and a melting heart I couldn't do it. I think I am more worried about my separation from her than anything.
Because, well, would you want to be apart from this angel?
She really is an angel. I will miss Theo too but, well, look, she's my baby, OK?!But thanks to the stellar dad that is Matt I won't have to worry too much.
"You can do 192."
14 comments:
YOU CAN DO IT!
Saying that you won't get ANY sleep isn't 100% accurate, you'll get at least 2-3 hours of sleep at a time...
During our run today we talked about doing it again. I'll decide after I run down Georgia (friggin') Avenue now that the course has changed...yet again. Details on that to come.
In any case I am very impressed that you trained so well despite all the obstacles in your way. I would never have been willing to train while nursing. You've taught us all that we can no longer use that excuse.
Go Team.
Georgia Ave, WTH. I don't know if I want to know! Maybe just tell me on Saturday! I was all happy about my leg through Rock Creek Park...
It looks like I can't tell you yet anyway. They STILL haven't posted the new maps. Guess we'll wait until race day.
Oh, and I would hate to leave that adorable angel too. But she'll be in capable and loving hands the whole time. Go Matt!
What a bummer--you have to run down Georgia??
Also, I feel really bad that I didn't end up being an alternate beeeecause I didn't end up buying tickets to go to CA next week. But in Robbie words, "You (me) would have been so butt-tired from running Ragnar." Thanks Robbie.
I'm glad to hear that your training has turned out well. It is so exciting to think that the race is next weekend. I love that picture of ida and wish that I could have seen her for more than just two minutes this week while picking up your car. Maybe we'll drop in on Matt next weekend while you are running. Good luck!
Good luck Eliza! You will have so much fun! You should be proud of your work this summer. It is not easy to train with little kids.
You are awesome. Totally understand the missing the baby thing. I always struggled with it myself.
Heck I can't get myself to run 3 miles and I don't even HAVE a baby, much less two. GOOD LUCK, you'll do great!!
Good luck! I will be thinking of you.
You will be great! Bring a pump, though. You might really need it.
Good Luck! You always do anything you put your mind to!
I guess I haven't been paying very close attention - because I don't think I knew about this.
But I have all the confidence in the world in you!!
You are a Terrill after all - and running seems to come with the DNA!!
Somehow the Terrill running gene completely skipped me. I guess I got the Clayton running gene:)
Ida will do great. I still can't believe that I left Agnes for 4 days when she was 11 months old and she was a champ and started nursing again right when I got home. But you will need your pump!
I will be thinking about you this weekend. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
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