Running in Circles

Before There was a Bun in the Oven:

Before I got pregnant I was running 55-65 miles a week, for a few months straight. It felt so good and liberating and was definitely the easiest way for me to relax from school responsibilities. Then I got pregnant and ran a half marathon. I beat my personal record and placed for my division. I walked away with a whopping $15 cash prize. It-running that is was  about the numbers: how fast, how many miles, and how often. 

Almost 6 months Pregnant:

I run 5-6 days a week still and am still running 40-45 miles a week, but a whole minute or 1:30 slower. But it turns out- I still LOVE running. I love the endorphin rush, I love feeling accomplished, and I love feeling strong and healthy instead of achy and tired. I also love that I eat whatever I want after a run, and just convince myself that the sweet babe wanted it. Like licorice. RedVines lately are just amazing. The point is, and this is more for me to admit out loud than anything else, is running can be just as wonderful and just as healthy without being consumed with the numbers. I run to be healthy and to feel confident. Not to be competitive, with myself or anyone else.

It turns out I love running, but it's not who I am. I run. I love running.

 Note to self: Remember running is a wonderful part of my life, but it is not my life- it is not the reason I live!

Baby News:

At my last doctors appointment I got to see so many parts of our little girl. All four chambers of the heart. Major blood vessels. Her stomach. Bladder. Kidneys. He cute nose. All ten fingers and all ten toes.

She weighs an entire pound.