2013 was a good year in running. A year ago I was running 20 milers for fun (it’s my favorite distance), then got pregnant, and was fortunate enough to run throughout my pregnancy. I truly loved running while pregnant and didn’t miss racing or the pressure of PRing. It was just the break my body and mind needed so that I could enter 2014 fresh, eager, and determined.
I’m a little over 3 weeks postpartum and I’m dying to get back to training. I’m dying to run 20 miles again. I’m dying to have goals again and races on my calendar. But I’m realistic and cautious. I know I’m not running in the same pre-pregnancy body (reminds me of the saying contents may have shifted during flight – the same is true of my pelvis).
I started walking on the treadmill 2 weeks after Fiona was born. After a few days I ran a mile – very slowly – and felt really good. I have slowly worked my way up to 3 miles. Technically, I’m not cleared for exercise yet so I’m going to stick with 3 miles for awhile since it feels good and it’s feasible (Fiona will tolerate her bouncer and nap).
So what are my big plans for 2014? On my calendar right now is the Philly LOVE Run – a half marathon on March 30. This is a new race for Philly and the course looks great. I have NO plans to race. This will purely be a fun run. I want to cover the distance and enjoy myself.
Next up (assuming I get into the lottery) is Broad Street on May 4. I WILL be racing this one. I figure it’ll give me a good idea of where my speed is (or isn’t). Also – this is a shameless plug – RTLR Coaching has a Broad Street training program! Our first training run will be 2/22 (after the lottery is announced). This program is great for first time Broad Street Runners or anyone that would like to train for BSR under the guidance of a running coach. All the details are on my website – check it out!
After that is the ODDyssey Half Marathon on June 8. I ran this for the first time last year (10 weeks pregnant) and fell in love with this race. It’s a small field, great course, and feels more like an ultra because it’s so laid back.
So that brings us to Fall and my big plan – a 50-miler! My second ultra but first “real” ultra. I have been wanting to train for and run this distance for awhile now. And postpartum seems to be the perfect “fit” for an ultra (in my opinion). If I truly am being realistic about my return to training I don’t want the pressure of PRing in a marathon and the harsh training that comes with it. I don’t want myself getting into a too much, too soon scenario and ending up injured (remember…contents may have shifted during flight). Not that training for a 50-mile race is a walk in the park – not at all. But it will allow for a slow, gradual increase in mileage without the punishing workouts. That’s exactly what I need right now.
I have my eyes on JFK but I’m open to other 50-milers (please recommend one!) as long as they are somewhat local to Philly and later in the year (Oct/Nov). I’ll probably run a marathon as a training run for the 50-miler. I’m thinking maybe Steamtown – I was signed up to run it in 2013 – but I’m pretty open on that as well.
I do have plans to PR in the marathon and run Boston again but that’s for 2015. Right now I need to be patient and take baby steps.
What are your big running plans for 2014?
Can you recommend a good 50-miler besides JFK?
I love reading people’s comeback plans! It sounds like a great year for you–and good job running during baby naps. :^)
Love the plans, they sound great! We entered the lottery for Broad Street too since we’ll actually be back east at that time! A 50 miler at the end of the year is awesome!
Those all sound like very reasonable goals! And I was dying to get back to running post-delivery but, since I had a c-section, my wait time was a tiny bit longer… although I did start “speed-walking” at about 4 weeks.
I’m doing a 50K in April and then I’ll probably do a 50-miler in the fall as well. BUT!! I’m going a little non-traditional for the 50K and am focusing more on CrossFit-like high-intensity weight-training 3x a week, a day of hill repeats, and one long run a week… but I’m capping that run at 15-20 miles (haven’t decided that part yet). There are a few CrossFitters (and the guy who owns the CF I attend in SLC) that have done 50Ks without the “long-slow-distance” runs (max distance they did was 15 miles and they finished, no problem). This is all totally the opposite of how I’ve trained for my ultras in the past…. so I guess I’ll just have to see how I do come race day! (here’s a look at my training plan http://www.bionicbriana.com/2014/01/50k-training-crossfit.html).
And there are a bunch of fall 50-milers in the late summer/early fall if you guys fancy a trip to Utah! And I’d love to run with/pace you, of course. 🙂
I love your plans! I laughed a little reading the part about not wanting to do a fall marathon but instead take it easy and do an ultra–and I totally get it! 🙂
I agree that ultras are easier than marathons because of the speed factor.
I’m not sure of my race plans this year yet, but am thinking of doing a timed ultra, probably a 12 hour first then a 24-hr event. NJ Trail series has timed events in May and Nov.
Also, I know you said this will remain a running blog, but I think you need to include some baby pics once in a while! 🙂
Sounds like a great plan for 2014!!! Have you checked out the North FAce Endurance Challenge? They have 50 Milers all over the country. I did the 10k in DC and really liked the place the race was, plus it was very well organized.
Love this, Kristy! It must be so exciting to plan out some goals again (and have an adorable little one by your side!). Also, I’m doing the Philly LOVE run!! I signed up when I found out I didn’t get into the NYC Half. Really excited – seems like a great course and Philly is such a fun place to race/run. Will definitely have to meet up at some point? 🙂
Very exciting! I’m so interested to see if you, like most women, end up speedier, post-baby.
You’ll kick butt in the 50 miler, especially since you were running 20’s so often, just for fun last year.
Hey, you could always run Wineglass in October! (with me!)
Well you know I love JFK. But I will also vouch for Stone Mill – super fun and $170 cheaper. Good luck! You’ll love the 50 distance!
it’s so impressive that you are back on the road again and feeling good. i can’t wait to hear about how your training changes now that you’re a mom and how you feel through it. you’re going to be rocking that jogging stroller! 🙂