on the road again: running after baby.

Greetings! A few friends have asked about my postpartum running journey, so I wanted to share my experience. After two babies in two years, I have some insight on the matter. What you'll find in this post is simply a window into my own return to running. I was monitored by my obstetrician throughout my pregnancy while I ran and followed the advice of my doctor once both of my children were born. As a disclaimer though, I am most certainly not a doctor, so please follow the guidance from your physician. Enjoy some snapshots from my pregnant and postpartum running days in this post -- the man you see in many of them is my dad ;)

A little background: I am one of those crazy people who ran up until the end of my pregnancies. With James, I ran 7 days before I went into labor. (I didn't run that week before thanks to a fall on some boxes during our move.) With Rosie, I ran 2 days before I went into labor. I can only imagine what the people in my neighborhood thought when they saw me waddling by their house. If you were to ask me if I loved every pregnant run, I would say no. However, I am really glad I stuck with it as I look back on those months.

Pregnant running is a whole new ball game. Running in the first trimester was rough, but it was manageable. I personally loved running in the second trimester best -- when my bump wasn't so big and I still had a reasonable range of motion with my legs. I decided that running in my third trimester was a means to an end, especially after week 34. I wanted to keep running, even though I wasn't always happy to get out the door. My OB once saw me running during the last six weeks and told me she was proud to see me "waddling". I wasn't speedy, but I was moving -- and that mattered most.

My first runs post-baby always coincided with a visit with my favorite running partner: my dad. Our cadence is nearly identical and we run almost always run in stride. (When we run races together, it's almost eerie.) These first runs were both roughly three weeks after delivery. In the hospital, I was given the guidance that I would know when I was ready to get back on the road. I was told to trust my instincts and that's what I did.

One important note about my return to running was when my little ones were born. James was a winter baby; Rose was a summer baby. Returning to running after Rose was a whole different ballgame than with James. With my summer baby, the frequency of my runs increased around six or so weeks postpartum. With my winter baby (who also happened to be born in the worst winter we've ever had in New England), I wasn't running more than once or twice a week until at least twelve weeks.

Here's where I get really real (so click away if you don't want the truth): my postpartum running hasn't always been pretty... or dry... if you catch my drift. I recently got a referral to a physical therapist for these issues, so I am hoping to make some progress in the coming months. I thought that running throughout my pregnancy would make it easy to come back, but I was dead wrong. I convinced myself that returning to running the second time would be different too. Nope. Dead wrong again. In my estimation, two things made running postpartum more difficult: nursing boobs (sorry to be crass) and relearning how to move without a big weight on the front of your body.

I know many people think women running with a bump is nuts, but I promise you -- it is not. A pregnant body does an incredible job adapting. Once a baby is born, there is every expectation that a mother will just magically be right back to where she used to be. Nope. There are a lucky few for which this happens -- and if you're one of them, rejoice. I had my first at 29.5 and my second at 31. Things just didn't fall right back for me. Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing a woman can do for her child, but it also requires constant awareness to one's hydration (which causes a joyous postpartum issue...) and one's supply. Exercising too much can affect the supply and drinking too much can cause really unpleasant running conditions. (cough)

Truth bomb: from my experience, running while breastfeeding could be tougher than running with a huge bump. My theory is that the bump gives your ladies something to rest on... suddenly, when your bump goes away, they're just there in all their heavy, hanging glory. Nursing boobs are a serious running buzzkill. They make getting back on the road much harder because you're carrying extra weight in places you didn't have it before -- and getting some new weird aches and pains as a result. 

 

With James, I stopped nursing at six months. Rosie is six months and we're still on our breastfeeding journey. Breastfeeding is seriously miraculous, don't get me wrong, but I will say that I didn't rediscover my joy in running until I weaned James. It is a serious struggle for me to get out the door these days, partially because of the cold and partially because I just feel like a lug. I am one of those few people who can't wait for her ladies to return to their non-milk producing state, though I will keep feeding Rose as long as she's interested in what I have to offer.

Beyond the chest department, there is serious shift in your center of gravity. I should have anticipated this would make things more difficult. Following both of these pregnancies, I felt like I had to relearn how to run -- even though I ran while pregnant. I averaged 3-4 runs per week during pregnancy, which was equivalent to my "normal" running days. (I cannot run back-to-back days because of stress fracture issues. My hope is to address this once we're sure we're done with children.) I'm currently averaging 3 runs per week -- Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. I try fit in two shorter runs (5K - 4 miles) and one longer run (6 - 8 miles). I know that's not a lot in the way of mileage, but I'll get back there soon enough. I would say that I enjoy two of those runs a week, but one of the runs feels like I'm running in five foot deep water. I can never predict when a run will feel that way, until about mile 2... when it hits me like a wall of bricks.

All I can say about re-learning your rhythm is this: it takes time. Right as I got my groove back after James, I found out I was pregnant again with Rosie. (She was and is such a blessing, one which I'm not trying to bemoan. I'm just stating fact!) Because of better weather post-Rosie, I feel much better on the road speed-wise today than I did post-James. 

Take this post for what it's worth. This was my experience. I started running at age 11 -- and have run consistently since, with the exception of a few months surrounding two stress fractures in my mid-20s. When my obstetrician encouraged me to continue what I had been doing pre-pregnancy, I decided to try it. I learned to really listen to my body during my pregnancies, many thanks in part to my running. I know, without a doubt, that running helped me get through both of my labors with much more confidence. I'm glad I ran during my pregnancies, but I also know it's not for everyone. 

Coming back to running post-baby is no small feat. Taking it one day at a time is the best mentality, but these four snippets of advice may also help:

1. Set realistic expectations for your return. For example, I try to trim off 10-15 seconds per month on my overall average speed. If speed isn't your goal, add mileage gradually -- maybe a half mile a week, spread out across your runs.
2. Know your body will tire more quickly, but also know you WILL get it back. It just takes some serious dedication and understanding.
3. Only buy dark running shorts or pants for a long time. You'll thank me later. My cute pink running shorts are in my drawer for the time-being, as are my pretty light grey leggings. (If you're looking for options, I am especially loving these shorts and these pants for postpartum runs. The shorts run just a bit longer, so they do not get caught up in your post-baby thighs and do not cut into your midsection. The pants do an especially great job of holding in all your "jiggly bits" and masking other issues...)
4. Shake off the "bad" runs and know that better ones are ahead. Remind yourself that you got out there -- and that's what matters most. Better runs are coming.

If you have any one-off questions, I am happy to answer them. I am not an expert nor can I offer medical advice. (Always follow your doctor's orders!) I don't want to downplay how grateful I am my body allowed me to stay active during my pregnancies -- and to resume my running when I did. Whether you're a lifelong runner or a newbie, you can do it... just don't give up before you even start. I hope my honesty wasn't too scary -- and I'd love to hear if you have any other tips. xoxo {av}

the best pregnancy workout gear.

Since my bump days are nearing their end, I wanted to do a round-up of my favorite pregnancy workout gear. At 37 weeks pregnant, I am still running every few days and take long walks on the days I don't run. Though I will avoid the deep, deep cold of the winter, my pregnancy has spanned the entire range of seasons. I tried to capture something for all temperature ranges since everyone falls out differently on the timing spectrum. I should clarify all this with the note that I am cleared by my OB to continue working out, so make sure you have that same clearance before you invest in any of the pieces below. Here we go!

TOPS:

This tank from Old Navy has been a lifesaver for much of my pregnancy. By chance, I found one in store around 15 weeks and promptly came home to order two more. (They're typically online only pieces.) The reason I've enjoyed it is because it worked well in warmer temps, but it also wears beautifully under some of my colder weather gear. I purchased it in my "normal" size and it has grown well with the bump. 

Truth be told, I was never a fan of the lululemon run: swiftly line before I was pregnant. I am one of those folks who hates wearing tight tops when I'm running or working out. However, I learned quickly in pregnancy to embrace the bump. If there was one time I wouldn't necessary mind showing my "curves", it would be these months. I decided to invest in a few of these tech shirts (in various sleeve lengths). The fabric stretches beautifully to cover the whole belly, without getting cold on the bottom of your bump ;) I purchased them two sizes larger than I would otherwise size myself at lululemon. They have been worth every penny. I realized I would like them just fine after pregnancy since they were a few sizes larger -- and not so tight.

(One note: they had a "scoop" neck version with ruched sides at the end of the spring. I wish I had purchased it in every color. I wore it here -- and you've likely seen it in a few of my other running bump shots on Instagram. I scored one in the store and another on eBay. (I still get the eBay email alerts for them, so you can find one if you really want one!) Though I don't own one of these tops, they look super similar to the ruched top I mentioned from lululemon -- at a much lower price.

When this 1/4 zip top arrived, I was skeptical at first because it had that long and loose maternity front. Once I put it on, I changed my mind. It fit my bump from the end of the second trimester onward -- and still fits. This definitely looks like a pregnancy top, but let's face it: sometimes, it is unavoidable to wear one of those beauties ;) I ordered my pre-pregnancy size and was fine for the duration of my pregnancy.

This training jacket from Gap is a great piece for those in-between weather days. It grew well with my bump and still fits late in my pregnancy. I wore it a ton this fall on long walks. I'm still wearing it as an added layer. It washes well and doesn't lose its shape. It follows pre-pregnancy sizing.

One other note: your significant other's t-shirts (typically a size or two larger than yours) also work splendidly ;)

BOTTOMS:

Though I'm a loyal fan of these lululemon shorts when not pregnant, I found that they produced a bit more muffin top in pregnancy than I wanted to sport. I discovered these shorts around 24 weeks and never looked back. I bought them one size up, but I'm confident they'll still work post-baby because of the stretch factor.

I wish I purchased these capris two sizes larger than I did. They worked well for the two weeks after I bought them, but after a few washes, they shrunk up a bit. I love how they hit below the bump and still come up high enough in the back. If you were to buy them, you wouldn't be disappointed -- just make sure you size them appropriately. (I was trying to make a rush decision in store and didn't think it through!) These leggings also help to extend the life of your pregnancy workout wardrobe.

Sadly, these maternity tights were not available in store at my local Athleta, so I purchased the non-maternity version in a size up. They are incredibly soft and comfortable -- and come in countless lengths and colors.

These pants have been a lifesaver since roughly 32 weeks. They're a bit of a splurge, but they do not constrict the bump and they do a decent job of containing muffin top. I bought them one size up, though I could have probably gotten away with my "normal" size. I just wanted to be able to make them last my whole pregnancy. You have to pull them on just right so they stay in place, but they truly are the most comfortable.

(One quick note: I've mentioned muffin top a few times and I want to clarify -- it isn't an aesthetic thing in pregnancy; it is a comfort thing. Too much tightness at the hips is not comfortable with a growing bump and I did everything I could to try and avoid it.) 

ACCESSORIES:

Forever and ever amen, I will be a Moving Comfort running bra fanatic. The Maia has been my favorite for over seven years. In pregnancy, I purchased a few bra extenders which helped me avoid buying an entirely new sports bra wardrobe. Though I needed a couple sports bras in a larger size for running, the extenders did the trick for longer walks.

Since it gets dark in New England at a ridiculously early hour in the winter, I have a few reflective pieces which draw some extra attention to me. This should be a common sense thing, but if you're working out at night, do make sure you're visible to drivers and bicyclists alike.

I found that my shoes wore out more quickly in pregnancy (weird?). I attributed it to the fact I was carrying around more weight. Regardless, it is worth noting that I purchased new running shoes a few times during pregnancy. I wanted to maintain the proper level of support in my arches and feet.

I have plenty more to say about belly support bands in a future post on second trimester running, but the best thing I can say is this: do what your OB recommends! 

---------

Phew. There you have it. I hope this post can help you avoid some of the trial and error process that I encountered. I found it difficult to nail down one brand that knocked it out of the park with pregnancy workout gear, so I had to do some serious research. My only other piece of advice is to stick in a consistent color spectrum when buying your workout gear. I purchased mostly black and gray with a few pops of color. You'll save yourself the "what to wear" conundrum when trying to get your tail out the door for an early morning walk ;) What other workout gear would you recommend for pregnant ladies? xoxo {av}

P.S. Not into working out but need maternity wardrobe suggestions? I wrote this post mid-pregnancy about building an everyday maternity wardrobe you'll love. 

eight tips for running through your first trimester.

DISCLAIMER: I was cleared by my obstetrician to run during my pregnancy. Please discuss your activity regimen with your health care professional prior to any physical exercise. If you haven't been running prior to pregnancy, it would be best for you to wait to begin a running regimen after the baby is born. With this post, I intend to share my takeaways from running in the first trimester. I am not a medical professional, so please see this post as a conversation between friends -- not a physician or fitness coach.

In 1997, I fell in love with running. At the ripe old age of 12, I found my stride pounding the pavement in my size 5 Nikes. Barring the times I was sidelined by pesky stress fractures, I have been running for nearly 20 years. This does not qualify me as a running expert by any means, but it does give a little background to my love of running. I know running isn't for everyone, but it is most certainly for me. Below, you'll find my eight tips for running through the first trimester. Some will apply to you, some will not. I simply wanted to share my experiences because I ached for real-world perspective on running through pregnancy during my first few months with a bun in the oven.

TIP #1: Listen to your body. Forever and ever, amen. I was blessed to have a relatively nausea-free first trimester {please don't hate me!}, so thankfully, this did not impact me getting out the door for a run. It was the intense fatigue which really slowed me down, literally and figuratively, in my first 13 weeks. My last run longer than 3.1 miles was the week I found out I was pregnant. I made a pact with myself to be happy with getting in a 5K and not pushing myself beyond my comfort zone for more miles. As one might expect, my first trimester miles were not pretty. Fatigue prevented me from being incredibly consistent, so I aimed to run every 2-3 days. I didn't beat myself up if a nap took precedence over a run. Neither should you.

TIP #2: Don't let your fear of miscarriage keep you off the road. After our loss last fall, I was especially anxious to run at the beginning of this pregnancy. My OB reassured me that my running had nothing to do with the loss of that child. For me, running was the release I needed to help me get through those uncertain weeks. I needed to spend the time on the road to wrap my head around everything. Running provided peace amidst the craziness of my emotions.

TIP #3: Be alert. This will sound like a goofy suggestion, but follow me here. Don't use the first trimester to try out crazy new trails and pathways. Even with a baby on board the size of a blueberry, you will be concerned about falling while running. During my first trimester {and beyond}, I made peace with running similar routes on a regular basis. I also made sure not to run when it was too dark {or bright!} to keep a clear view of my footing. Safety first -- especially with baby on board. 

TIP #4: Don't beat yourself up if you can't keep running. I'm the first to admit that some days were easier than others. I struggled a lot in the beginning with my bladder {sorry, it's true}. My first trimester runs were plagued with frantic bathroom hunts mid-run. Coupling these bathroom trips with the need to stay hydrated is difficult as well. You can find the right balance; it just takes patience. All I can say is that running while pregnant does get better in the second trimester. Just keep on trucking...

TIP #5: Pay attention to what smells you'll be encountering on your run. This is a totally random tip, but trust me: when you accidentally run by a fragrant Indian restaurant, you'll know what I mean. Avoid highly smelly places as best you can to keep your sniffer happy. I knew where road construction was to stay away from smelly tar. While smells can always catch you off guard, pre-run planning can go a long way if you have a sensitive nose during the first trimester.

TIP #6: Invest in a few looser fitting tops so you don't feel self-conscious in your workout gear. While every pregnancy is different, your bump won't likely be bumping until the second trimester. I have gained weight throughout my entire pregnancy, all starting in my midsection and chest. I felt hyper-aware of the muffin top phenomenon, especially toward the end of my first trimester. If you don't want to buy a new maternity running wardrobe just yet, a few of your husband's t-shirts will do. {cv} had plenty to share, so I just popped on one of his shirts when I was feeling "doughy". {It's hard to explain because pregnant bellies grow at such different rates.} Tops like these will also translate well to the first few months after baby:

TIP #7: Open your eyes to the joys of walking. I wrote a post earlier in the year about my daily 10,000 step challenge. Don't get me wrong: walking will never replace my love of running. I simply focused on moving in my first trimester, whether it was at a jog or a stroll. Because of my recurring stress fractures, I cannot run consecutive days. Walking helped me fill the void -- and gave me a 'pass' on the days when I just didn't have the energy to run.

TIP #8: You will slow down: the sooner you accept it and move on, the better. I am not a Boston qualifier, but I am a dedicated runner. My pacing is steady and rarely fluctuates over the course of a run. {This only qualifies if I'm running a relatively flat course, not beastly hills.} Prior to this pregnancy, my average pace hovered in the low-8:00 miles. During my first trimester, I tacked on a good 30 seconds to each mile. It was tough to accept the slow down in the beginning -- until I remembered the miracle happening inside of me. I learned to listen to my body {à la tip #1} and find a new rhythm which worked for me.

The bottom line with this post is that running in your first trimester is totally doable. The circumstances have to be right, of course, but you should never see a positive pregnancy test as the end to your running days. With two trimesters of running under my belt {or bump -- however you want to look at it}, I have plenty more to share about running through the next trimester too. Keep an eye out for a post on running from weeks 14 to 28 soon! If you ran in your first trimester, I'd love for you to share your tips below. I don't have all the answers ;) Happy trails -- or better yet, clear sidewalks! xoxo {av}

#raceyourself.

Sixteen years ago, I started running. Barring a few stress fractures and a summer in France {where no one really exercises?}, I've been running ever since. When I lace up my shoes and get out the door, I leave my worries at home. I run to stay fit, I run to clear my head, but most of all, I run because I actually enjoy it. Running is truly my escape, which brings me to this post.

I realized something on a run recently: my years of competition took the joy out of my running. I was always looking over my shoulder or tagging behind someone faster than me. While I got a rush out of racing and loved my teammates, I never felt good enough. I was a solid competitor, but I didn't win every race. My competitive soul stirred up feelings of inadequacy and ultimately distracted me from why I started running in the first place.

When I ran my marathon last fall, I didn't run it to break any records--except my own. After competing for six years in middle and high school, I made the choice not to run competitively in college. I received a few offers to run for smaller schools, but my heart was set on Georgetown. I chose the college experience over the athlete experience--and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

In the ten years since my high school graduation, I have run two marathons, three half marathons, a handful of ten milers, and a few random road races. I absolutely enjoy racing, but that pesky competitive pull comes right back. I find myself picking out people ahead of me to catch or getting frustrated when my splits aren't stellar. Above all, it's expensive. {Paying $100+ to run a race hurts my soul.} Competitive juices aren't a bad thing, but too much of that "juice" isn't always healthy. In the end, I've realized my best runs are often the ones when I race myself. Why? I am on my own clock--or no clock at all.

If you're a runner, why do you run? How do you keep your competitive juices in check?

My best advice? Race yourself. Know you'll have good and bad days--and be okay with it. Pledge to #raceyourself and be happy with your running. After all, running isn't for everyone. When you get out the door, you're already doing more than the person who stayed home. GO YOU. xoxo {av}

Sidenote: Runner or not--after thinking on this post for a few hours, I realized this "racing yourself" idea works in life. Be it with blogging or at work, you've got to give yourself the space to succeed!

if you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.

I have few words today after yesterday's tragedy in Boston. It was only after seeing this quote from Kathrine Switzer {via Dave Zirin and Ezra Klein} that my heart was comforted ever so slightly last night. 

Kathrine was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, inspiring generations of women {including me} to tackle the challenge of 26.2 miles. The sentiment in her statement is so true: marathons truly bring out the best in humanity. Even when the worst of human nature was on display yesterday, these examples prove that we will prevail over this horror.  

The only way I could process the emotions of yesterday was to do what I always do when I need a chance to think: I went running. I've learned from 16+ years of running that it is my best medicine.

I am so grateful to know that everyone I know in Boston is fine and well, but it doesn't make up for the people who weren't so fortunate. I'll continue sending endless prayers to everyone affected--and I hope you'll do the same. I'll be back to normal programming on Thursday. xoxo {av}

running + sunshine.

After waking up to snow yesterday morning, it's hard to believe I ran in the 60º sunshine on Monday. It had been much too long since I'd seen the sun--and seeing spring-like temperatures in the throes of winter made this runner very happy. 

It wasn't my fastest run by far, but those six miles renewed my faith in so many things. After my marathon last fall, I hadn't felt "normal" on the road. My longest run since 26.2 had been 5 miles, so it reminded me what it felt like to get some distance in again. The quiet and solace gave me a fifty beautiful minutes to get my head on straight. It was just what I needed in the midst of a crazy week.

Running and sunshine just do it for me. Those of you who think running is a form of torture may disagree, but it is truly my respite. I am beyond grateful for legs that finally feel strong again {following my issues in September and October}. Monday's run also reminded me that spring will come--and I'll be ready for it.

 In my book, good runs are seriously good for the soul. If you're not a runner, I'm sure you have some other formula for happiness. What is your recipe for a stellar day? A good meal? Friend + family time? Whatever it is, I want to hear it :) Have a happy Thursday! xoxo {av}

P.S. What are you crushing on these days? Make sure to add your link for tomorrow's Friday's Fancies!

STAY IN TOUCH: INSTAGRAM + TWITTER + PINTEREST + FACEBOOK

the first month.

One month ago today, I crossed the finish line of the Cape Cod Marathon. I took my first {and not-so-pretty} run 12 days after the race. Since then, I have run a total of six times {for a whopping 17.8 miles}. My knee still doesn't feel 100%, but it is getting there. The reality? I am thankful to be able to run at all...even if I'm not running the volume of miles I'd like.

On the upside, I ran the 8K Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving--and actually felt good. I eked out a 38:30 {7:42/mile} with my daddy-o by my side. It reminded me I still have "it", even if I don't feel like I'm in my groove just yet. I may not be the biggest speed demon out there, but I will take sub-8s any day. I am beyond grateful for each and every step I take because I know not everyone has that luxury.

Waking up to snow this morning reminded me that spring is a few very long months away. As a major klutz, winter running is not my friend. {I slip on the pavement on dry, summer days, so imagine me in the wet, cold winter days.} After a two treadmill-induced stress fractures, I will be spending this winter finding work-out alternatives to running. This is where you come in...

I would positively love your input on work-outs I can do on my own in the gym. I don't love group exercise environments, but I'm open to trying something new. I would love to channel my awkward self in a barre class, but the cost seems prohibitive. The same restriction applies to CrossFit. I pay for a monthly gym membership, so I would like to maximize those dollars I'm already spending if possible.

In case you didn't know it, you are the best readers around--thank you for all your work-out wisdom :)
My questions are endless, but here are a few: Where do you find great gym work-outs? How do you keep up with winter running? How do you conquer repetitious work-outs? And one last one...

the full rundown.

It's been two days since the Cape Cod Marathon and I'm still riding the runner's high. I didn't want to blow up your Instagram feed, so I saved most of the photos for this post. The snaps from the course were actually taken by {cv}--who rode the course twice on his road bike during my race. His first lap was to feel out the hills and the wind and the second go-around was to replenish my fuel. {cv} won the best husband award 26.2 times over on Sunday, that's for sure! He tried to capture the hilliness, but these pictures don't do the hills justice ;) 

Compared to the race I planned on running on Sunday, the Cape Cod Marathon was infinitely smaller. It definitely felt like a "runner's race". The hills were everything I read about and more, but it just made completing the race that much sweeter. Roads weren't completely blocked off during the race, so it required a bit more attention. Crowds were sparse, but when they were around, they were great! I had an angel in Susan, the woman who was the first to tell me "I could rest on the bus". {See the story behind my t-shirt here!} The personalized t-shirt paid off because I got lots of love from spectators and runners alike. If you're running a big race any time soon, do take the time to make your own!

Though the official results haven't been posted online, I eked out a sub-4:00 marathon by all of 77 seconds. {cv} and my parents called me a few times throughout the race to keep my energy up. When my dad called me at mile 25 {running directly into a 25mph+ wind}, he reminded me how close I was to reaching this milestone. {cv} and I had done the math on Saturday night and I knew a 9:10 pace would get me a sub-4. When I heard a 9:07 average pace at mile 23.5, I knew I needed to kick it in gear. I took resting on the bus literally and booked it during those last few miles. I'm so glad I did! Here is what the course looked like via Nike+. It is almost humorous to correspond the deep reds {aka my slowest points} with the elevation profile. Those blips were BIG hills.

If you look below at my splits, I can give a few reactions. I took the first five miles much more quickly than I planned. At mile 7, there were tons of spectators so I sped up a bit there. The rolling hills started around mile 8 and continued through mile 23. {Yes, you read that right.} My least favorite hill was at mile 10, though I had been worried more about the one at mile 20. Though I never hit the proverbial wall, I started feeling way too full around mile 16. I was taking more water/cytomax than I planned during the water stops, so I think that might explain it. {cv} caught up with me closer to mile 23, which was later than he planned, but I was grateful. I needed him more there than I would have at mile 20.

All in all, it may be those last three miles I'm most proud of during the race. We were running into the wind on the coast into a wall of sea spray. It was seriously brutal. Getting the push from {cv} in the 23rd mile and the call from my dad in the 25th mile made me realize I couldn't back down. Had I walked on a hill or stopped for a bathroom break, I would have sacrificed those 77 seconds and missed the 4:00 hour mark. Though my knee may not like me much right now, I am so glad I kept pushing for the finish line.

With that, I can happily say my second full marathon is in the books. I'm looking to you all for some remedies to my post-race woes {i.e. crazy limping + achiness}. This girl needs some relief ;) Thank you again for your love throughout my training and the race. I couldn't have done it without you!

you can rest on the bus.

By the time you see this post, I will be running the Cape Cod Marathon! Though Hurricane Sandy may have derailed my year-long plans to run the Marine Corps Marathon, I couldn't be more grateful the wonderful folks at CCM let me join their fold this weekend. After months of training, I knew I had to get the 26.2 miles in somewhere. Running one of the most scenic {albeit hilly} marathons in the country makes up for the fact I won't be running by my favorite sights in DC.

In preparation for my race, I had a few t-shirts made. After my first marathon in 2004, I learned how important it is to have your name on your shirt somewhere. Spectators are fabulous human beings--and when they see your name and yell for you, it gives you a little extra spring in your step. On the back of my shirt, it begs the viewer to pretty please say "you can rest on the bus" to me. It may sound random {and maybe a little strange} to you, but these few words mean the world to me.

I ran cross country during all four years of high school and loved every minute of it. My parents were incredibly supportive of my running adventures, traveling all over Indiana to see me race. As a runner himself, my dad was notorious for running all over the course and cheering on our team. Just before every race, he always whispered these six words in my ear: "you can rest on the bus." It was his way of encouraging me to put every ounce of effort into my race because I really could rest on the bus ride home.

{Fast forward seven years to our wedding day} As we were turning to walk down the aisle, my dad whispered this little phrase in my ear. I knew exactly what he meant when he said it: he wanted me to soak in the day but also to remember what great adventures awaited {cv} and me as we started our life together.

This phrase has always been tattooed on my heart...and my dad always says it at just the right moment. Sadly, my parents are attending a wedding this weekend in Tennessee and couldn't make it to my race. Though it won't be exactly the same to hear strangers yell this catchphrase to me, you better believe it will give me a smile and the courage to keep on pushing.
---------
Today, I'm focusing on completion--and not my time--because of the hills which await me. The only thing I could ask for are your thoughts and prayers as I run on my robo-leg. I promise a full race run-down very soon! If you want more up-to-the minute info, I am @amv529 on instagram, so you can get a few glimpses of my sweaty self there. The Cape Cod Marathon is so small {think 1,300 runners compared to the 35,000 in DC!} that they don't have "text alerts", but I'll be sure to tweet when I finish. The best part about today? I know I can "rest on the bus" once I'm done.

P.S. Mom + Dad: I can feel you cheering all the way from the Midwest! Thank you for being a constant source of support--and for loving me to the moon and back. The same goes for {cv}: I know his face will be a shining light throughout the  entire race. I am so lucky to have him as my lifelong cheerleader! And to my friends who have put up with my crazy schedule for the past few months: I'll be back to normal soon! Love to you all :) 

road-ready playlist.

With my marathon quickly approaching, I have begun the tedious task of weeding through my playlist for race day. I only plan on wearing one earbud so I can enjoy the race environment, but I need it because music definitely helps me stay on pace. Over the last few months, a few friends and blog readers have asked what music I use to help pass the miles. This is my current latest 45-minute running playlist, though it is always changing, so expect updates in the future :)

My 45-Minute Road-Ready Playlist: Forever {Chris Brown} | Till the World Ends {Britney Spears}
Bulletproof {La Roux} | That's What You Get {Paramore} | Written in the Stars {Tinie Tempah featuring Eric Turner} | Sugar, We're Goin Down {Fall Out Boy} | Too Close {Alex Clare} | Dead and Gone {T.I. featuring Justin Timberlake} | Dark Side {Kelly Clarkson} | Run This Town {Jay-Z featuring Rihanna and Kanye West} | We Run the Night {Havana Brown featuring Pitbull}
---
Ok, some of these may be oldies, but they are definitely goodies in my book. There are a few rather new songs on there too, just to keep me current ;) {And yes, there are non-explicit versions for all the rap songs, Mom!} I can't wait to hear what else you have on your running or workout playlists...I am always looking for additions. Enjoy your Wednesday, friends!

counting down.

18 days stand between the finish line and me. I'll be pounding the pavement in the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday, October 28th. I am so excited to tackle 26.2 for the second time. The only problem? I'm a big klutz and my left knee bore the brunt of my clumnisness. According to my doctor, I have a collateral ligament sprain--a not-so-glorious development in my marathon training regimen. 

In mid-September, I stepped very poorly onto a tree root eight miles into a thirteen mile run. Though I thought I might have rolled my ankle, I continued on and finished my miles. I ran another 5, 8, and then 20 miles on it that week before finally admitting something was really wrong. Rather than rolling my ankle, I over-extended my knee and caused some major discomfort.

Let's be honest: I had not planned such an early "taper" before the race. Unfortunately, this little hiccup managed to slow me down quite a bit. After regular visits to my chiropractor, I am now a firm believer in kinesiology tape. {I seriously feel like I have a robo-leg when I'm all taped up!} I am running every few days--albeit short runs--and supplementing the missing runs with elliptical workouts. The tape really does help hold my tired muscles in place, which is exactly what I need.

Having a 20-miler on the books makes me confident I can do the race in a few weeks, though it may not be as fast as I originally hoped. When I trained for the marathon I ran in college, I put in half the effort I'm putting in now, so I know I'm already a step above. I simply have to remember how mental a marathon is--and keep my head in the game until I cross that finish line.

I'm doing this marathon for me. I want to prove to myself that I still have "it." When my tibia stress fractures sidelined my previous attempts in 2011, I still couldn't give up on this dream. People think marathoners are crazy {and maybe we are?!}, but in all honesty, we're just focused on a pretty big goal: the finish line.

Don't worry: I will absolutely follow my doctor's final recommendations about the race. I still had to gear up in advance though. Say hello to my latest {and umpteenth} pair of Brooks Adrenaline, my new-fangled Brooks Utopia Arm Warmers, and my fancy schmancy Brooks Infiniti Headband. {Yes, I'm a Brooks loyalist, if you couldn't tell.} I may not match, but I'll be ready for whatever weather comes my way ;)

I can't thank you enough for all of your support over the last few months while I work toward this major goal. Any of your thoughts/prayers are welcome in the coming days. My problems are minor in the big scheme of life, but I would really love to crest the hill at the Iwo Jima Memorial again on October 28th. If you have any advice in the running/injury department, I'm all ears. Have a great Wednesday!

all my essentials.

39 days from today, I'll be running the Marine Corps Marathon in DC! I haven't run a full marathon since 2004, so the pre-race jitters are already in full force. I have been fine-tuning my routine to see what products do {and don't work} for me. Some of these goodies are recent favorites, but others have been in my repertoire for years. These are my latest running essentials...

Clif Shot Bloks - I like these "gummies" because I can spread them out over a few miles, rather than all at once. | Johnson's Baby Powder - With a little baby powder, I help reduce the possibility for chafing by minimizing sweat ;) | Aquaphor Healing Ointment - For the times I do chafe or get a blister, I lather myself in this goodness. It seriously works. | Spenco Total Support for Her Insoles - After six weeks of running in these insoles, my only regret is that I didn't find them sooner. The insoles in your running shoes are probably thin and {reasonably} worthless. They're more than worth the $30 pricetag. | iFitness Hydration Belt - I always made fun of people who wore these--until I had to do an 18-miler solo. It was my saving grace--and it stays in place!

The Stick Marathon Stick - I bought my Stick back in 2004 and religiously used it ever since. It definitely helps work through the tightness in my thighs and calves. | Sweaty Bands Bandit-Rock Solid Headband - My bff running guru {kp} swears by these headbands, but I was skeptical--until I ran with one. They stay put and help keep sweat out of your eyes. I want one in every color! | Body Glide for Her Anti-Chafing Stick - This stick helps for the waistband of my shorts--and everywhere else I need it ;) | Moving Comfort Maia Sports Bra - After years of double sports bras, I finally said good-bye when I discovered these armor-like beauties. They may not be colorful, but I don't care. No more uni-boob or "bouncage" for me!

P.S. I can't attest to be a professional runner. I'll leave that to my junior prom date, who really i. (And no, it wasn't {cv} ha!)

back in the saddle.

Hello hello! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. This weekend was our first full weekend in Providence since the middle of June. We were thrilled to sample the summer menu at our favorite restaurant downtown and get some time to organize our lives a bit. If you follow me on instagram, you might have seen the other activity in my weekend: the Providence Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon.

About two months ago, I shared a post with you about my love of running. I haven't given much in the way of updates because we've been all over the place the entire summer. I also was a little anxious I might have had another brush with my pesky tibial stress fracture. My physical therapist gave me the go-ahead for this weekend, so I went for it yesterday and managed to get a PR! I was over the moon!

I'm still aiming for the Marine Corps Marathon at the end of October, but I just have to pay close attention so I don't kill my tibia any day soon. I'll be visiting my PT regularly to make sure I'm squared away. I also bought some reasonably priced insoles from Spenco to help with my gait. The one thing I wanted to ask all of you {whether you're a runner or not!} is about taking a trip to the chiropractor. If you've gone, has it helped you? I met someone at the running expo this weekend who thinks I might be a bit misaligned {thus making me prone to re-fracture} and that a chiropractor might be able to help. I'm a little skeptical, but I know you all will help me make the right choice.

For those of you non-runners, thank you for bearing with this post. Running is a big part of my life, so I couldn't help but share this little slice of excitement ;) Many thanks for your love yesterday and today!

starting today.

A very happy Monday to you! If there was one surprising takeaway from the survey I posted last week,  it was that many of you wanted to hear more about my life. First things first, I was beyond flattered my life even matters to you. I assume with blogs that most people read because of pretty pictures or content, but your responses made me realize I should be giving you more of me. I'm starting today :)

In seventh grade, I knew I was going to be cut from the volleyball team, so rather than risk imminent failure, I decided to try something else: cross country. {Ball sports are not my forte. At all.} My first year, I was last at nearly every meet. It was frustrating beyond belief, but the sense of accomplishment for simply finishing a race was enough for me. I kept working at it--and came back the next year near the top of the roster. The hard work paid off for me in middle school and high school. Though I wasn't breaking any records, I found a certain solace in running--and an incredible circle of friends.

I made the decision not to run in college because I wanted a more "normal" collegiate experience--and because the schools I wanted to attend had much better programs than the D3 schools who recruited me. When I left for Georgetown, my running ended up on the back burner. At the end of my freshman year, I realized I needed to do a little soul searching and decided to sign up for the Marine Corps Marathon. Truth be told, I loved every minute of training--even when it was incredibly hard. I got an ear infection the week of the race, but I finished {though not quite as quickly as I would have liked} and found my "rhythm" in the process.

Running became a bigger fixture in my life again after the marathon. It gave me time to think and get away from the craziness of college life. After graduation, I kept with it and ran a few ten-milers and half-marathons here and there. It wasn't until right around the time I started this blog that I decided it was time for another marathon. I signed up for a marathon in May 2011, knowing full well I'd be doing most of my training during a New England winter. The problem was that I picked the worst winter in ages to train, which relegated me to a treadmill for the entire month of January. {If you remember my lack of ball-handling skills, you'll understand I'm a huge klutz--which is a bad recipe with ice and snow.}

The month on the treadmill handed me a nasty setback: a severe tibia stress fracture--which meant no May marathon. I signed up for another in October, thinking I'd be recovered by then, only to be sidelined by a longer recovery. I managed a half-marathon last year {strangely, with a PR}, but somehow, by January, I felt that sneaky little pain in my lower right leg...and knew the injury was back.

I didn't {and haven't} talked about it much because I know so many people have much worse ailments than I do. Running helped me stay centered--and without it, I felt more than a little lost. My physical therapy this winter helped me regain my confidence enough to sign up for this October's Marine Corps Marathon. I started my training last week. I'm loving each and every run, but I'm also paying lots of attention to my body because I don't want to be sidelined again. I'm sharing this today because I know it will be a big part of my life in the next few months. 

Don't worry--I have no intention upon changing {long distance loving} into a running blog, though the name fits ;) As I push for that finish line in October, the quote above was a solid reminder to try to be better--in running, blogging, and life in general. If you've made it this far in the post, thank you! I promise shorter posts in the future, but this topic needed some explanation. I simply would love your thoughts and/or prayers as I try down this road again. Any tips would be welcome too! I am beyond grateful for readers like you...

finding my toothbrush.

All right. I know what you're thinking. Finding my toothbrush?! What in the WORLD am I getting at here? This quote might help explain it just a bit...

For years, my decision was easy. I ran. Running was so much a part of my psyche that I really didn't feel "normal" unless I logged four or five days a week on the road. It's not hard for me to tally up a list of the things I adore about running: I love the wind through my hair. I love setting my own pace. Above all, I love that time on the road to just think.

Those of you who have been following me on twitter for a little while now probably saw a few tweets back in early February about my tibia stress fracture. It was a little badge of honor {though I don't wear it happily!} from the month of January when I attempted to train for a marathon solely on a treadmill. Considering my klutziness, I thought a treadmill would be better than falling on the snow or ice, but I was clearly very wrong. 

Hearing the news this stress fracture would prevent me from running for three months or more, my dreams of running my second marathon this spring were shattered {literally and figuratively}. I decided to focus my energy elsewhere {namely, this blog!}. Though I wasn't cleared for almost eight weeks to do any other physical activity, I somehow learned to fill my days in other ways. As the weather slowly improved this spring, my itch to run is back in FULL force. Thankfully, I was cleared to attend physical therapy to get the ball rolling so I can hopefully start running again this summer. 

With all of that background information out there, I can now get to the point of this post ;) After three months out of the saddle, I'm finding it SO much harder to get back into the workout routine. Until I'm back at full-strength with running, I have to find other methods to get a good workout. My physical therapist suggested spinning, the idea of which has made my skin crawl for years. Being a runner, I'm not one for "group" exercise, so the thought of sweating in a room full of people for 45 minutes with someone screaming at you isn't necessarily my idea of fun. Don't get me wrong: I am immensely thankful to have the ability to walk, let alone ride a bike or eventually run again.

With my heart set on getting stronger, however, I took my therapist's advice: I went to my first spin class last Wednesday and have been back a total of four times. Though I've not purchased spinning shoes just yet, I'm finding that it can be a good stand-in for a hard run.

Here's where you come in! Getting back in the groove isn't easy, so I need your always reliable advice :)

How do you overcome hiccups in your workout routine? 

{And will the spin bike ever get more comfortable?}

As always, thank you all SO much for your help! I feel like this is my week of health woes, so forgive me for that. It's been a big week of sharing on {long distance loving}--so thank you for your patience ;)

Have a great Thursday--and a very happy birthday to my blogger bestie, Kristen! xoxo {av}

psst: don't forget what tomorrow is--it's Friday, which also means Friday's Fancies! Email me if you have any questions or need any help getting your post ready :) I'm happy to help! So excited to see what you all pull together for tomorrow!