Race Takeaway: Hills zap me, but at least I’m out moving.

This morning was the Heart House 2 Mile Walk / 4 Mile Race/ and 10K Race in Eureka, IL. It was low 50s, sunny, but breezy.

Racing with a baby has changed my approach to race morning. Before Chase I would make sure we were up and hustling to get ready so that we would get to the race with more than enough time. I would stress if we aren’t at a race at least an hour ahead. I want to know that we have enough time to park, register or pick up our packet, get extra warm up clothes off, bibs on, and a warm up with time to spare. Now that’s all changed.

Rob and I still move with focus and hustle in the morning, but the X factor is how is Chase feeling. And Rob and I are both okay with whatever happens. In the case of this morning Chase was extra hungry and took her time eating. Plus she pooped three times (it happens), which meant lots of changes before getting her all bundled up for the race. We weren’t stressed at all. We were like “hey if she doesn’t seem happy we won’t go”, and she was a totally happy baby. And when we got out the door very late, we figured “hey maybe we will just have a nice drive and go out for a run somewhere”.

Turns out we made it there with about 15 minutes, which was just enough time to get ourselves registered and Chase ready.

Chase was super snuggy warm with her pumpkin hat, long sleeved onesie, cardigan, pants, two pair of socks, and two blankets. She probably doesn’t need all of that, but we would rather go over board bundling her up because it’s always easy to remove a layer. 🙂

We decided this race Rob would still push Chase and we would each run our own pace. Rob would take it easy on any turns or bumpy road conditions.

This race is HILLY. I’ve never been good with hills, even in my best shape so this was a butt kick for me today. I only passed Rob and Chase briefly at mile 2 where it was gravel, Rob was walking to make sure it wasn’t too bumpy for Chase. He then got past me before mile 3. I managed to keep my pace under 9 minute miles for the first three miles, but I was zapped by the hills and just survived the rest of the way. I just told myself it was good to be out and moving no matter what to be a good example to Chase. After mile 4 it was awesome to be able to see in the distance Rob ahead on the course pushing the stroller and picking up speed. There is no way I could have survived with pushing the stroller on this course, I’m so glad Rob was happy to do it. Chase slept the whole way too. 🙂

Rob and Chase finished in 52:30 and I was done at 58:20.

I nursed Chase afterward in the back of the car and Rob went to check the results. This was a very small field so Rob and I both got 2nd in our Age Groups.

Us with our finisher medals and Chase. Chase was ready to go and we headed out.

Stats:

58:20

9:25 Pace