Jumping back in.

Back in June of this year a friend put a bug in my ear.  No, not literally.  But I guess what I heard stuck and I couldn't get rid of it...

On October 30th, Jan Kriska and Jeff Beckelhimer are hosting an endurance race at Hanging Rock State Park.  (Swimrunnc.com)  Both endurance athletes, they brought the concept of swim/run racing (popular in Europe) to North Carolina.  The race consists of 11 runs (total of 14.7 miles) and 9 swims (total of 2900 meters).  The race is set by water and land dictating the course.  So, running and swimming happens in an almost rogue fashion. 

Right up my alley...

Well, I signed up in early August, thinking for sure I'd deliver my little babe with around 8 weeks to train.  Nope.  I'll be exactly 6 weeks postpartum.  This race has another twist...you do the entire thing with a partner and you cannot be more than 10 meters apart.  And you do the entire race with every bit of gear you need attached to your body.  Yep, swimming in running shoes and running in a mandatory wetsuit.

Yikes.  Running did not happen during the last trimester and a half of the pregnancy.  But swimming happened daily...maybe my saving grace?

I realize this isn't the smartest move and I certainly wouldn't recommend it.  Fortunately, I had a wonderful water birth that enabled a quick recovery and a quick return to some running.  But perhaps, not a return of sanity?

Truth be told, these types of challenges are what ground me and bring me back to "sanity".  It's where I find joy.  I will show up for my race partner, do my best, and be in my element for about 4 hours +.  I'm grateful for my supportive husband and kiddos.  They know this is just who I am and what I need.  And hopefully, it is a reminder to them to always include leisure time in their lives.  To embrace challenge.  And to never feel guilty for feeling joy.

Be well and be smart with your choices...but also stay passionate,

MLC