First Race Post Baby #2 and Future Racing Plans

I registered for the St. Albert Fall Challenge on Aug 25, and we ran on September 23.

Since Vitamin E was 12 weeks old on Aug 26,  that meant on race day she was just shy of 4 months. 

4 months!

When Vitamin A was around 4 months old, I ran a 5km race, so I am very proud of the hard work and progress I've made this time around.
On race day, I felt incredible.  I've been eating well and trying to listen to my body so I took it easy on the hills and pushed when I felt I had it in me.
My Dad actually started around 0.5km behind me, to make up for the 1.1km extra of the half marathon he was running, so I was sure he would catch up to me soon.
Not so!  I carried a fairly consistent 6 minute kilometre race pace, and brisk walk breaks every 10 minutes.  I could feel a blister on my right foot at the 7th km, but I kept repeating in my head, "What are you saving it for?".
That day, I didn't save anything!  At the last 800m or so, my Dad caught up to me, and not a minute too soon!  I needed that final push to run the last (uphill!) stretch of the race.
One of the things I take pleasure in the most, is running with my Dad.
Truly.
And running through the finish line, once again, to a personal best time, made for a very memorable day!

I ran a 1:02 on this course and I was really pleased, to say the least!

Now that I'm comfortable running 10km, I'm looking to start training for the Hypothermic half marathon.

Trouble is, I'm more nervous to start increasing my distance than ever before.

I've not run more than about 10km since the marathon and subsequent ankle injury.

I have yet to run completely pain or discomfort-free and although by the time I finish running, I feel great, the beginning of each run starts with a nagging right ankle and more recently, a tight left achilles tendon.

I'm aware that I'm not a young runner (this is true!  In four more years I can register as a veteran, or master!), but I also think that with proper cross training, stretching and generally just taking care of my body, I should feel fine better than ever, running.

I'm sure some physiotherapy would help, so I'm going to add that to my regime as I begin training for the February half marathon, but I'm really not sure there's much more I can do.
It's too bad running & I have this crazy love affair, or I think we would just break up...

This is my Dad, Audrey (crying) and I crossing the 10km finish line.
My Dad was only half done.
No one likes two loop races.
Take note race organizers...

I was trying to have a snooze with my two little monkey girls, but as I'm finding more and more, my mind seems to have other plans that do not include resting.

I'm tired.

As in, two diet cokes down and it's only 2:30pm.

Really tired.

If being tired is the worst thing about being a parent, and I think it might be, then I'll take it.  It's the best job on the planet and if you're considering it - then DO IT!

OK, I just had to plug parenthood a little, but I'm done now.  At least for today!  ;)

I know that I need to start planning Audrey's birthday and getting a start on Christmas, but I really love nothing more than to lay beside my two amazing little girls and watch them sleep.

Don't judge me.  I know you do it too.  And if you don't, then give it a try.

Children are miracles.  Absolute marvels.  I cannot believe that two sets of genetics can combine (twice!) to create two perfect little people.

*sigh* Can life get any better?

Here's monkey girl #1 lying in the grass waiting for Papa
to cross the finish line.  He ran a 2:04 half!  It was a great day!