What a newborn will do to your running

We were warned that a newborn consumes most of your time and energy, and they were right. It’s worth every exhausting moment, however, and it has actually improved my running.

How could that be, you ask? Well at an emotional level, the sheer act of getting out the door in a quiet moment feels like a miracle. The fact that I have absolutely no idea when I will be able to get out again keeps me humble and grateful just to be running.  

Also, because long runs are not possible these days, my training has become more efficient. I push harder in the small windows I have, incorporating intervals and incline repeats, two things I tended to avoid like the plague before. In a similar way, I no longer have the luxury of choosing the time of day or conditions for running. Before Sophie, I wasted a lot of time dragging my feet, waiting (or stalling) for the “optimal” conditions to go out for a run. But now, beggars can’t be choosers, and I have make the most out of my run regardless of how hot it is, when I ate my last meal, how late it is, etc. I’m learning to adapt, which can only make me stronger.

With that said, I am so looking forward to getting out for long run trail run when the opportunity arises. Turkey mountain once again feels like an outdoor mecca instead of the place in Tulsa to go trail running on the weekends.

Today is the Western States 100, one of the few sporting events I take the time to follow. Decent coverage via twitter is to be found here. A fairly deep field this year, especially on the women's side. My picks for the win are Timothy Olson and Liza Howard: not becuase they are favored, but becuase I follow their blogs and both seem fairly down- to- earth parents.