Back into running

I am a runner! I had to stop running when I got pregnant because I had bleeding. So basically, I had to take a year off to have Ava. No problem at all, except I really do miss it. I actually conceived Ava 2 weeks after I ran the Chicago Marathon. After that, no more races or running. Well I finally just ran my first race post-baby this past Saturday. It was called the Hot Chocolate sponsered by Ghiradelli. Lots of chocolate afteward! It was a 15K (9.4 miles) and I did so much better than I thought. I had run a few longer runs before that (of course with the jogger and Ava) but nothing longer than 7 miles and I had been pacing at 10 minute miles which is okay with me considering but I was a little worried. Pre-baby I was running 8:40's, 9:00's but I understand I can't do that quite yet. Well I ran this race at about a 9:35 pace which made me very happy! I know that I can be back at my pre-baby pace within a few months. Basically, it's not about the speed, it's all about getting myself out there again and doing it, which I am! And I'm so proud of myself because it's SO much harder now being a new mom to get myself out there. But I do have a great support system. Ian has agreed to let me join my running group again and of course he will be watching Ava during the cold winter months that I'm outside running and can't bring the baby. I'm still not running 4 to 5 times a week like I used to, I'm lucky to run three times a week, but I'm just happy to run whenever I can now. Now let's just see if I can shed these last 10 pounds that do not seem to want to come off!

I will update again in few days as Ava's 4 month shots are Thursday. OMG I just realized Ava is 4 months TODAY!