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I’m Back!

by | Mar 09, 2011 |

Yesterday I experienced something that I’ve been waiting to experience since my very first post-pregnancy run. I ran one of my key “measuring stick” workouts as fast as I used to run it before I got pregnant. I’m back!

The workout was a 10-mile tempo run at marathon pace. I averaged 5:22 per mile. That’s the same pace I averaged when I did the same workout before the 2009 Boston Marathon. I felt so relieved after I finished it. I celebrated by running another seven miles. (There’s no rest for the weary marathoner on a 120-miles-per-week schedule!)

The rational part of me always knew I would get here if I put in the work. Unfortunately, the rational part of me is not as strong as the emotional part of me. So, in the back of my mind I constantly worried that I never would run as well as I used to, until yesterday, when I actually did it.

I’m not exactly the same runner as I used to be, though, because I’m not training like before. When I prepared for my first three marathons, I trained more or less the same way I trained for the track, except I padded my volume by 20 miles per week. I tried to hold onto all of my track speed and layer a little extra endurance on top of it. But Alberto says that’s not real marathon training. So this time we’re letting my speed go a bit and building a lot more strength with much heavier mileage.

And, sure enough, I am slower but stronger than I was in 2009. I can’t hit the times I used to hit when I run mile repeats. In tempo runs, as I mentioned, I’m now right where I used to be. And in long runs I feel better than in the past. I used to dread my faster long runs. Now I feel at home in them. I have no problem starting a 20-miler at 6:30 pace and picking it up from there.

It would be nice if I could be as fast as I am when I focus on speed and stronger, but that’s not realistic. And when I hit the 20-mile mark in Boston, I know I’ll be glad that Alberto had me focus on strength.

Now that I’ve hit my tempo run milestone, I’m really looking forward to my next race: the New York City Half Marathon on March 20. I’m nervous about it, because this is the first race since I started my comeback where I expect to run up to my usual standards, no excuses. My main goal is not to win (although I’ll try my best) or hit a certain time but to be mentally strong the whole way through. At some point, I know the race is going to get really tough, and when that happens I want to avoid giving in and feeling sorry for myself. If I stay mentally strong the whole way through, the numbers will take care of themselves and I will walk away feeling good about Boston.

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  • MC Runner

    I like your mind set in all of your training. I need a little of that to rub off on me(except add a few minutes to all of my paces). My “baby” is 14 months and is my 4th child so I’ve really been focusing on strength instead of speed this time. Although my times aren’t as fast as in the past I feel better than I have in the past as well.Good luck. Keep it up.

  • Texas Fan

    For many of us, you never left!!! Good luck in New York and Boston! TEAR IT UP!

  • JB

    Kara – you are very inspiring!!!! Thanks for the insight into your mental toughness! Look forward to seeing you put it back out there in Boston.

  • Rachelwhelton

    It’s really brave that you talk about races before running them. Emotional honesty is a huge strength for you. It becomes a sense of righteousness that your training and Alberto complete the effort and passion you invest. Momentum is building. Your training is paying off in real times even when your own emotion and “logic” question your post-baby abilities. You are busting down those old wonderings and next comes new times, new standards, new realities. So exciting.

  • Katie

    Kara, you are awesome! A true inspiration:-)

  • http://lilywheatfill.fastrunningblog.com/ Lily Wheatfill

    I’m 31 and a Mom of four. Yikes! -I know, FOUR! I can say from experience, I am a stronger and faster runner now than I was before I had children. Something about having children does that to Women. And it’s not just me, I notice it in all the female runners I know. Dig deep and grasp your passion for running and being a Mom, and I firmly believe you will achieve in greater success than you’ve already had. I promise. Love your blog :)

  • Erika Whinihan, Seattle, WA

    Congratulations, Kara! Good luck to you on March 20th as well – I am running a half marathon that day in Seattle for training for my first Boston marathon. I am so excited I have your blog to follow for inspiration. I know you are going to do great at Boston!

  • Rayalva

    te deseo bueno suerte en New York desde Spain.
    Ese dia estaré disfrutando del Mundial en Punta Umbria

  • Rayalva

    te deseo buena suerte en New York desde Spain.
    ese dia estaré disfrutando de Cross Country en Punta Umbria

  • Rayalva

    buena suerte desde Spain.

  • Rayalva

    Te deseo buena suerte desde Spain

  • Rayalva

    buena suerte desde Spain

  • BK

    1:08 isn’t enough time to start “feeling sorry” for oneself ha. That usually kicks in around 2:15.

  • Kate

    I am also post-partum – my daughter is 6 months old tomorrow! While I am far from your times, I am hoping to maybe qualify for the trials in a fall marathon. I must admit, I felt exactly what you described a few weeks ago – ‘maybe I won’t ever be as fast again’ – especially after some poor performances in a couple races last month. I am FINALLY feeling fast and strong again, pushing my teammates in our weekly 18-20 milers and workouts during the week. I also find that I can tolerate a higher weekly mileage than before. Now, I’m feeling confident that I will have some PRs this spring. So to all the mothers out there – be patient! You’ll have your comeback soon enough. :)

  • Smiling

    That’s so exciting! The feeling of a great workout is truly indescribable, and I’m so glad you’re right where you want to be in preparation for Boston. I only wish I could be there to watch you! You’re a true inspiration. Best wishes on your journey to Boston!! :)

  • Rayalva

    Te deseo buena suerte en New York desde Spain

  • http://www.gone-running.blogspot.com kate

    Yay Kara!!!! You CAN do it!

  • Guest

    you’re freaking amazing! does Adam run all your runs with you? that would be cool.. just wondering.

  • Lucia

    Kara, nice blog. Way to stay patient, believe in yourself, and remain dedicated to your training while keeping a balance with your family. You’re not only an inspiration to me as an athlete now, but also as a mother. I’ll be one of thousands (millions??) cheering you on and watching on March 20th. Best wishes for race day!

  • John

    Kara, that’s great news! I hope you remain healthy! The volume is probably more important than the intensity, especially with longer-term sights on the Oly Trials. So that said, sacrifice intensity rather than volume, if required, to stay healthy (but I’m not an expert).

  • Lorieroch

    I think that you were very thoughtful to mention Sally!

  • http://brentnkaragibbs.blogspot.com/ Karahikes31

    WTG! I am a turtle compared to you, but just this week I achieved my pre-pregnancy running speed. For me (when running distances), it was 9:30 minute miles. :) Keep it up! :)
    Kara

  • Justikk

    Kara, I am so happy for you!!!!!!! I know you can do it. I am a big fan of yours, and will be cheering for you big time!!! You can do it.. dont give up!!!!!

  • pennstatedj

    Great news! Watching you in Boston 2 years ago was one of the most exciting racing moments we’ve seen. We’re always pulling for you and Adam. It would be very exciting to see you both in 2012. One race at a time, good luck at your half and with your continued training.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Paul-OKeefe/106000262 Paul O’Keefe

    Champ not Chump Kara, You’ve got the choice!

  • http://mayberryrunner.blogspot.com Rebecca

    Been following you for awhile now… thanks for teaching me so much about mental strength while running! Good luck in NYC!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Daniel-Foster/100000088729023 Daniel Foster

    Sounds like you are doing great! Look, I’m a runner who’s marathon pace is quite literally twice your time, but running to feel strong rather than to make time or break the finishers ribbon is a great way to enjoy those long runs. Good luck, and welcome back!

  • Veronica B.

    As a 5K runner making the same transition, I know exactly what you mean about losing speed but gaining strength. My 400′s are nowhere near where they used to be but I’m much more “at home” (as you say) in my long runs.

    Good luck at the NYC Half! I’ll be rooting for you!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6F55RC2BH4NWQM7G2QBESSKYKY Matt

    Congrats on your fabulous training run, Kara! My running group and I will be cheering for you on the 20th from Minneapolis!

  • http://www.medievalistrunningincircles.blogspot.com Vanessa Taylor

    Great job, Kara! I am coming back from ITBS, and starting to hit times that I used to do. It is certainly a relief! It has been great following your progress. Looking forward to meeting you in Boston!

  • Kellyamallady

    wow! go get ‘em!

  • Angie

    Keep up the great work Kara!

  • Bekki

    Will the New York Half Marathon be televised anywhere? I’m a West Coaster dying to watch Kara dominate!

  • Wendy Unger82

    Amazing! Can’t wait to cheer you on in Boston!

  • Shannon

    Congratulations!!!!!! You are such an inspiration to me and I love being able to read about all of your challenges and success’. Keep up the great work..I can’t wait to watch you run Boston……

  • http://welcome-boston.blogspot.com Amy

    I love that your race goal is to be mentally strong the whole way through! I spend a lot of time trying to separate outcomes from process, and only focus on the latter. As you said, if you get the first part right, the numbers will take care of themselves.

    Good luck next weekend!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=525744289 Matthew Bergenholtz

    It is always a good feeling to know you can get back where you want to be after a long layoff. I’m just just feel like I got my legs back a few months ago after my wife delivered our first born (not that giving birth is the same as watching someone give birth). Keep your logical side in mind, and I look forward to you beating me at the NYC Half.

  • Kelley

    Cannot wait to cheer you on in NYC!! Go Kara!

  • http://calliopedoeslife.tumblr.com calliopedoeslife

    congrats Kara! so excited for you :)

  • Drea

    And soon….. you will be even better! Nice to meet you at Nationals! With such a young baby Kara- you are going to be amazed at what your body does in the next 12months!

  • RunnerMom

    Sounds like an AWESOME workout! Good luck in the Half this weekend and be sure to let us know how it goes! ;-)

  • casef

    Kara, that is awesome news! And such a great feeling. I’m really looking forward to following your races this year as I am about 6mo pregnant with my 3rd child and won’t be ‘racing’ this year…just joining in a fun 5k here and there!

  • Guerreroangela

    Congratulations on being “back”! What a fabulous feeling– physically and emotionally! I love reading your blogs. Thanks for your candid thoughts and advice to runners everywhere :)

  • Tjmorin

    Congrats, it’s inspiring to read about your confidence.

  • http://www.hungryrunnergirl.com/ hungryrunnergirl

    You are my running hero. I will be at boston too but probably 45 minutes behind you. I really look up to you and I am so happy that you had such a great run!!!!

  • Davethecanuck

    By my math, you must be aiming at a 5:22 x 26.2 = 2:20 marathon. That’s a nice goal, and I wish you luck! I’m running Boston too, but will be closer to a 3:00 (dare I say 2:59?) finish if my 38yr/190lb body holds up through the next 2 weeks of peak training…

  • Avarsell

    That’s so exciting! You’re going to do amazing in NYC, and I can’t wait to be there in Boston to see you win :)

  • Jaliebmann

    AWESOME!! <3 this