Meeting my goal...

My goal, after having Benjamin, was to run a 5k. If that went well, I'd move on. I've already committed to three races so far this summer! I love the excitement of a race, training, free things (hee hee) and the satisfaction of crossing the finish line.

Yesterday was my first race, a 5k in Pittsburgh. I kind of trained for it, but it's been a hectic few weeks. All in all, I think I trained maybe five weeks to run this thing. I would run when I could (because to run, someone needs to watch the babe) and would go to workout classes and do P90X dvd's to build my strength and endurance.

My friend, Jennifer, decided last minute to run with me and I'm so glad she did. It was nice to have a race buddy and to have someone to keep me going. If I was alone, I may have walked the last leg of the race. Accountability is good on so many levels :) Jenn's husband and four kids, plus Patrick, Benjamin and Piper cheered us on and took some pictures. I left my camera at home, but Todd got some great shots and shared them with us.

I finished the race in 34 minutes (and three seconds). I was bummed I didn't finish closer to a 10 minute mile, but I can work on that for the next race (which is a 5 mile run on July 3). I walked for about 20 seconds three times to work out a cramp in my side. The course was pretty hilly and I wasn't expecting that! When we hit the last hill, I was really feeling it. I kept saying, I just gave birth, I just gave birth. I wanted to remind myself that it was okay that I wasn't in perfect shape and was having a hard time breathing :)

My goal, really, was to finish this race and I did that. I met my first post-pregnancy goal! Jennifer got 2nd place in her ago group!!! I told her it was nice to run races with her because we would never be competing in the same age group (we are 10 years apart). I was 15 out of 20 in my age group - boo for me. I'm proud of myself, though, for sticking to my goals and finishing with a smile on my face (even if it was forced and I couldn't breathe).

So here are some pictures to remember the event!

Ready to run...
Almost to the finish line...
Post race. Jenn with a medal, me with a baby :)
Family shot. Plus an orange in my hand.
And I wanted to make sure I got a picture with just me and Benjamin. I wanted to see a picture of me pregnant, right after delivery and then 13 weeks later...

I think this was 40 1/2 weeks

2 days after giving birthWith my baby, 13 weeks later...
One race down. Bring on the next one!