It seems like every blogger I know is training for some type of race. Except me. Such is the life when you’re pregnant right before race season!
So what’s a girl to do?
Start researching races of course! I’m getting the racing itch and can’t wait to get back out there. The hardest part? Figuring out which races are even remotely realistic for me. Luckily, I have my last post-partum experience to use as a gauge.
There are several races in late January, February and March that I would love to run. But I have to remember that last time, I ran my first post-partum race four months after giving birth. And it wasn’t easy. Running a half marathon in February or March when I’m due in December is just not realistic. Darn.
So what is realistic?
Unfortunately, the race season ends pretty early down here in Florida. Running long distances as the summer approaches just isn’t fun for anyone. Looks like any “long” races are off-limits until the fall.
But that doesn’t mean I can’t start looking forward to some shorter races!
Our local Young Professionals section of the Chamber of Commerce hosted a 5k this past year on April Fool’s Day. I haven’t heard if they’re doing it again, but I am tentatively putting that on my schedule as my target first 5k. I figure if that one falls through, there will be other 5k’s around that time – and I think that distance and timing is just about right for me. And hey, if I feel ready sooner, a 5k shouldn’t be too hard to find!
I also plan to do the Sharkstooth 10k this year – another local race. My dad ran it this past year and enjoyed it – despite the fact that it can get pretty warm around here by mid-April! Being able to run 6.2 miles by mid April might be a long-shot, but I think it’s a good goal.
(The course even looks like a sharkstooth, doesn’t it?)
Over the summer months, I’d like to get back into triathlon training. The nice thing about tri training during the summer in Florida is that biking and swimming aren’t nearly as rough in the heat as just running ridiculously long distances. I have my heart set on doing the Venice YMCA Triathlon again next year and plan to sign up as soon as they open registration.
After that? I’d like to start training for a half marathon. Which one? I’m not sure yet. Maybe the Women’s Half in St Pete (November), maybe the Zooma Half Marathon in Amelia Island (January), the St. Pete Rock n Roll Half (February), the Disney Princess Half (February), the Sarasota Half Marathon (March) - or maybe all of them?
Told you I’m getting the itch.
Anyone else already looking forward to races in 2014?
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Can’t say I’ve ever thought about 2014 yet haha. That’s awesome that you’re already jonesing to get out there though! And yes, it definitely looks like a shark tooth
I understand the itch to race. I keep looking at all these fun races, but we are also trying to start a family this fall. Those goals do not exactly go together. I think any races this fall will be last minute registrations. I just keep telling myself…there is always next year
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I personally think you should do the Savannah Rock-N-Roll 1/2 marathon next November
Just saying …
If you’re looking to do a shorter race, have you considered an obstacle course race? I actually did my first one yesterday and it was a lot of fun and it incorporated some aspects of running (like trail running) that I never do, so it was definitely more challenging than a standard 5K (not to mention the rope climbing, maze navigation, etc :>)
I can see looking ahead and planning. I wish I could get some more races under my belt, but I can’t because of the location where I am.
I am sure you will spring back, because you have the drive to do so. 
I am considering quite a few of the same halfs next year! Maybe I’ll see you there
I feel like I am in the same boat. At 27 weeks, I haven’t been running and am rather jealous when I see someone running. I’ve been planning which races to run that are close to home or near family so our little family of 4 (toddler 2 and baby to be) can come along for the ride. I plan on focusing on 5k’s for the spring and 10k’s in the fall with another 1/2 marathon in 2014. Just have to decide which ones.