Happy New Year!
As I write this, I am looking out my window at 15 or so inches of beautiful pure white snow clinging to each tree branch and covering everything in sight. Even though this can be a challenging time of year to be a runner in Minnesota, I am grateful to live and raise a family in such a beautiful place.
Since my last update in October of 2022, I accomplished one of my big “scary” goals that I have held onto since I found out I was pregnant in June of 2021. I ran my first marathon, CIM, at 10 months postpartum! Turns out, I love the distance and am already planning my next one.
Training for a marathon was challenging, refreshing, and satisfying as I was trying to gain back my fitness since delivering Addison in February. Going into CIM, I tried really hard not to set a strict time goal and just run it with the mindset of having a good first experience. However, I would be lying if I didn’t say I was secretly hoping for an OTQ of 2:37. Before the race, Coach Lundstrom told me not to go out any faster than 6:10-6:05 pace. Well, I have some learning to do because I went out at sub 6 min pace. I had the opportunity to run in a huge pack of women going after the OTQ standard with the help of five pacers. As fun as it was to be in this pack, it was stressful when we were trying to grab our water bottles and avoid the raised reflective squares along the road.
When I backed off the pace and ran behind the group, I found myself feeling more comfortable and confident in my own space. Was this the right call to sit back after 10k? I’m not totally sure, but that’s part of racing. We learn something new every time. I came through the half in 79 minutes and felt very comfortable that I could maintain or pick up the pace over the last half. My quads had other ideas though as they began fatiguing quickly around mile 17 or 18. Even though I finished in 2:42:25, I felt proud of myself and celebrated the accomplishment of coming back to a high level of fitness within my first year postpartum.
Since CIM, I took some time off running to rest and recover, enjoy sledding with Addison, and soaked up the Christmas season with family and friends. I am also having fun planning Addison’s first birthday party even though I can’t believe she is already almost a year old. As I ease back into my training, I feel excited for the challenges, growth, and opportunities that 2023 will bring.
Whether you are someone who sets resolutions or not, my hope for you this year is that you pursue your passions and find joy in the process.
Joyfully,
Breanna
