One Trail. Two Bodies.

I did it! I completed my first run since Jacob was born. For the past two weeks I've known that I was recovered enough to hit the running trails but I was simply too terrified to do so. Less than two months ago, I had my stomach muscles cut open. And though everything has been healing just fine, the thought of going on a vigorous run after such an ordeal left me with an image of me in the middle of a wooded trail holding my guts into place over my newly opened incision. If that image won't keep you from exercising, nothing will.

Then I had my official six week check up (at eight weeks post baby thanks to my over-booked doctor's clinic) and I explained my fear to my doctor in person. When she finished looking at me like I was a crazy person, she told me I was healed very nicely that it was definately safe to run. I just had to get over my crazy mental barriers.

If you ask me, running is a 95% mental activity anyway. I'm used to battling and conquering my mind. This is something I do each time I lace up.

When I woke up this morning, I decided today was the day. Today I was going to destroy my inner monster. I like to think this newfound courage came from a store of undiscovered bravery deep within. But, truth be told, I think it had more to do with that huge Taco Bell burrito I ate last night, the one with a bagillion excess calories, and the fact that my bathroom scale has stopped tipping in my favor.

I bundled Jacob up, strapped him into the baby jogger, grabbed my shoes and bounded out the door. At first my steps were awkward and uncertain. My lungs burned as if I was racing towards a finish line. And my stomach muscles seemed to groan in protest, unsure of exactly what they were supposed to be doing. I was slighlty disappointed. I don't remember running ever being this hard for me. Not in middle school, not in highschool. Not even at the beginning of a new cross country season after allowing my body to atrophy all summer long. It was with great mental discipline that I propelled my legs out for each step.

Somewhere between mile one and two, things got better. My body warmed up and I started stripping off my many layers. My feet fell into a rythm that felt slightly familiar- like runner's deja-vu. I eased up on my pace a little and my lungs felt stronger. Before you know it, I was flying. Well it seemed like I was flying. It felt incredible. The sweat, the burning, the rythmic pounding on the sidewalk. I completed three miles in 36 minutes!

The baby jogger worked great. It was such a smooth ride even over potholes and uneven sidewalks. Jacob even fell into a contented sleep. I thought it would bother me to push a stroller on a run but it was no inconvenience at all. If anything, it gave me a great arm work out.

The best part of the run was being able to share the experience with Jacob. He's been on many many runs with me but he has never before been able to feel the sun, breathe the fresh air, or be exposed to the panoramic mountain and water view of my favorite running path. I loved sharing my favorite activity with him. I hope someday we will be running side by side on these trips. But for now, I'm stretching out my slightly sore muscles and planning a week full of amazing road runs.