Wells is 16 weeks old! He’s such a happy little guy most of the time. We are very lucky so far…
I’ve noticed my easy runs are feeling easier so that’s been a big improvement. I’m excited for when my hard runs start feeling easier too! This was my first week where I did 2 workouts. They were much slower than I secretly hoped and I was much weaker mentally than I like to admit. I find I’m always weaker mentally when I’m out of shape. Reminds me of how my fastest races have always felt easier than my slowest races. I believe the closer I am to optimal shape, the better I feel mentally and physically. So, I know this mental slug will pass. I give myself little pep talks, because I remember being this way after having Currie. When you don’t run fast for a long time and then you start back up, you can’t expect to start where your racing and training left off. Doing 3 mile repeats at a pace slower than I used to do 8-10 of these repeats is hard to swallow. But, next time I do the workout, it should feel a little better. And in a few months, things will start to click. For now, I’m just rebuilding and feeling proud of the smallest accomplishments every day.
I have 4 big races planned and almost completely set in stone for this Spring. If you know me, you know I love to race and do it often. Most races are local races and then I have a few big ones each year (usually a 5k PR attempt, half marathon and marathon). For the big races I will do a taper (or at least a 2-day taper) but for the local races I will just train normally, with an easy day the day before the race. So, while I run every race hard, the local races won’t produce my fastest times. The first “big” race I have planned is the Gate River Run on March 15th. It’s the USA 15k Championships and I’m excited to be part of the elite field. It will be the first race where I wear my Oiselle Pro Kit! I will be joining at least 4 other Oiselle teammates for a fun weekend of racing and bonding. I’m very excited!
Now that I have that planned, I decided I would start doing my weekly pics in my Pro Kit! Sort of inspired my Lauren Fleshman’s wildly popular “Keeping It Real” article, I’m posting one set of pics of me just standing normally, and another set of me flexing my nonexistent abs, standing with better posture, and smiling. You can’t see my face, but I really was smiling in the flexing pics! So… here they are! 16 weeks postpartum:
Standing normally
Flexing those abs & smiling!
Questions for you:
What do you do to defeat the mental slug?
Anyone else doing Gate River Run or have done it in the past?
You’re a hero! Rooting for you, as always. Also my abs have never looked that good and I have had zero children.
Haha, you are too kind Lauren! See you in Seattle in about a month!
adorable pics of the kids
and excited for your news! Kaitlin Gregg told me this morning she is running Gate River as well! Glad to hear training is getting ‘easier’ 
Thanks Kristy! Yes, I was so proud the other day when I felt strong on the uphill back to my house! It’s the little things!
Love the oiselle uniform! I ran Gate River last year and it was awesome. You will have a fabulous time. It’s the perfect race to run a good time, have a good time and meet great people.
Thanks Paige! I can’t wait to be surrounded by all the awesome runners (and hopefully great weather!) the race has to offer! Your little one will be here any day (or at least week now, right?!)
Yes, just 12 more days until my due date. So amazing to see the pics of your little guy & how much he’s grown and changed already. Looks like he is just bursting with personality!
I’m glad to hear you have found races that you will truly excel in. You look great in your Pro kit and I know you will rock the outfit with pride. Seriously share your core workout so I get those Jen abs LOL.
Haha, thanks Hollie and nice chatting with you today. 😉 Still sad I won’t see you at Shamrock but we will get together at a race soon!
Very excited for you and your trip for the Half Championships! You look great in your pro kit! Kick some booty!
It will be fun to run some local races w/ you.
Thanks for the run today.
Thanks Kristy! Yes, I plan to race a lot of them so we will see a lot of each other.
You look amazing! and your children are beautiful
It sounds like you have an exciting spring planned. Can’t wait to hear about all of the races! Rock that pro kit
Karen @karenlovestorun
Thank you Karen!
You look amazing for 16 weeks PP! Love the pro kit. When I get into a mental slump, I start thinking about the year ahead, my goals and what I hope to accomplish. If that doesn’t work I pop in “Spirit of the Marathon”. Works every time.
Looking forward to your race recaps. Good luck!
Very cute pictures of the little ones! And you look great in the pro kit!
Thanks Robin!!
Can’t wait for your race, Jen! You’ll do great! I think having a goal race helps to beat the mental slug. Keep it up!