Virtual Insanity

I've found the most amazing thing, virtual races. It's virtual insanity!

I first read about them spring 2012 when I ran a world running day 5k but just recently found them again in December. It was a charity race I found on NYC Running Mommas blog, I thought, what the heck! I'm 9 mos, 3 weeks pg and I get to say I ran a 5k!

Since peanut is only 3 mos I'm still trying to figure out a schedule so weekend AM races aren't really in the cards yet. But you know what is? Virtual races!!!! I love the Internet, I love running, and I love medals! Virtual races are my favorite because I can do them while the baby is napping or playing with me in the gym, I can do them while daddy is holding her upstairs or I can do them pushing the stroller. I can do them at 5am or 10pm, the virtual running world is my oyster!

The latest virtual race I've signed up for is actually a series called 'Get out and Run' put on by US Road Running. For $13.99 ($19.99 if you want a tech shirt) you sign up for a 5/10k or a half and then complete it within the month you sign up. After you complete it you post your results on a message board. Since runners are notoriously moral, honest, good people, your results are by runners honor. Why lie? You're not competing with anyone so the only person you're lying to is yourself and that feels ishy. Did I mention you get a medal? I love swag and this monthly series comes with a personalized medal! I ran a 49 minute 10k for March and I can't wait to get my first medal. Maybe a half for April?!

I also just completed a 5k called The Virtual Bacon Challenge, an awesome group of online running friends who love bacon and running!

And last, but not least, I signed up for the Digital Running 'interstate challenge'. I need to run either a half or a full in two states to earn a medal. Swag!

So, there it is, with a three month old baby (who just rolled over for the first time today!) I'm already out racing again and it feels amazing! I love running.

US Road Running Virtual 10k

Virtual Bacon 5k

NYC Running Mama virtual 5k fundraiser (3 days before baby!)

I'm just about to roll over for mommy!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JkIs37a2JE

Two, or three, a days

As I mentioned earlier, I don't always have time to run more than two miles at a time so I've been breaking runs into segments of however far I get to go until those segments equal 4,5,6 miles.

But is it even good for me? I'm logging miles but at only a couple miles a pop, am I getting the same cardiovascular advantages? I'm running faster but shorter. I'm pretty sure a race director won't let me run 13 miles in a couple mile segments throughout an entire day.

I ran two-a-days in college and know elite runners often go long in the AM and speed in the afternoon but they are finely tuned athletes. I, unfortunately, am not. And I'm running 2 miles, then 1.47, then 2.2 not, 18, then 10x800 at 5k pace. Am I doing more harm than good?

I feel like I'm perpetually doing speed work and I'm having a hard time keeping up. My legs get tired by the third leg (pun intended) and then I just feel like they're junk miles.

Does anyone have any answers or thoughts for me?

I'm watching man vs food as I write this and all I want to do is eat a 7 ingredient, 7lb breakfast burrito instead of running 7 miles...

Toenails are trophies

As much as I'm clearly freaking out about the scale, I kinda don't mind my body.

My stomach isn't as toned as it used to be but now all the extra skin makes it look tan. It's a start on my lifelong quest to be golden brown.

My butt and thighs make squeezing into my pants almost uncomfortable but I have hips! It sounds weird but I've always wanted hips and now I have them!

And boobs?! Don't even get me started! I'm usually a 'B' at best, now (or at least ever 2.5-3 hrs) I'm a full 'C'. I finally have some shape and I feel kinda hot.

Do the new dimples in my butt and angel wings make me self-conscious? Hell yeah. But the way I look at it, after I run a marathon I usually lose at least one toenail, which is disgusting, but doesn't bother me because I'm a badass and just ran 26.2 miles and I didn't get last place (at least not yet).

I think that is how I need to embrace my body. Does it kinda gross me out? Yep but I'm a badass, I just birthed a human being and I'm keeping her alive with nothing more than my huge jugs. She could be the President, win a Nobel Peace Prize, or be an Olympic marathoner and I spent 9 months growing her. In my body! That's amazing! I think going up a size in jeans is a small price to pay for creating life.

I need to wear my new body with pride. Dimples are the new missing toenails for this stage in my life and I couldn't be more proud.

Gooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllll!!!!!!!! (Read like an Italian soccer announcer)

No, I haven't started playing futbol but I do have a couple goals bouncing around in the net which is my head.

I know hitting 1000 miles for a year isn't anything amazing but I was still proud because I accomplished it while pregnant. It was something I could strive for, a constant while everything around me was changing.

This year is the same but different, more difficult but not. I'm physically in a better position to log miles, run races, and get a PR. However, I now have another human life to support. That includes sacrificing sleep and time. I can barely find time to shower before husby gets home let alone run, and if I can run its 4 miles, 5 max or in 2 mile increments. That's no way to train for anything. (We'll find out for sure April 27 at the Derby Mini Marathon, anyway!) I just started participating in 'Run this year' to keep me on track. I probably won't hit 2013 miles or kilometers but each month is a new challenge to look forward to!

Since it's already March, I think it's time for me to set some goals or at least get them down on 'paper'.

-I'd love to run 26.2. I've been craving one but not in a position to sign up for one at this point. Not until I see how the munchkin does in the BOB. Three months to go!
-reference the movie Mighty Ducks at least once a week (believe it or not I'm 10/12 on the year)
-lose the last 10 baby lbs I keep telling myself are in my boobs but I know are in my butt and not in a hot J.Lo way.
-quit eating mega stuff Oreos. This is a more immediate goal BC I am making myself sick.
-repeat of last year but, WO more days than not. At least it keeps me active.
-one WO a week has to be something other than running.
-get out of the house more. Seems ridiculous but with a baby, everything is a production and I talk myself out of it. I'm sure part of that is MN winter...
-let myself nap. I'm horrible at this, I'm exhausted right now but as soon as the baby sleeps I bet I hit the treadmill and not the pillow
-be better at managing the time I have, I'm sure this will be easier once we have a routine established.
-be a better wife. I love my husband so much and want to make sure he knows it. I feel like I'm so wrapped up in keeping the baby wrapped up I don't pay enough attention to my husby.

All in all, I want these goals to push and motivate me to be a better mother, wife, runner, person.

What you get by achieving your goals is as important as what you become by achieving your goals. - Henry David Thoreau

Ps, just finished season 5 of Gossip Girl on netflix and I'm dying for season 6! Guilty pleasure...

I run for these two!