Run, Jessica, Run!

I've always loved working out.  It keeps me in shape, makes me feel good & is a great stress reliever.  Prior to having the girls, I had a gym membership & went frequently during the week after work.  I mostly did the elliptical & free weights, but I also ran on the treadmill.  Since having the girls, though, I gave up the gym membership & work out at home using DVDs & the elliptical.  Until now.  Since it is (almost) Summer & the weather (should be) warming up, I decided to invest in a BOB double stroller & take up running again. 

Or maybe I should say jogging.  I am, by no means, a fast runner.  At one point, Marc has said that my speed walking is faster than my jogging.  Gee, thanks babe!  Never the less, I've decided to start running again & was even convinced by my friend, Bryann, to run in a 10K in September!  Umm, I think I better start training ASAP!  Hello, 'Couch to 5K' (or 10K in my case) training program! :)

I was so happy when Mr. UPS man delivered my stroller 2 days earlier than estimated.  Oh, the little things that make this mama happy!

I quickly put it together all.by.myself!  Actually, it was quite easy to put together.  Just snap the 3 wheels into the stroller & voila! it is put together.  Super easy!  The girls were eager to test it out too.  Unfortunately, it was right before bath time, so sitting in it in the middle of our dining room was the best we could do for the evening.

 

 Where My Girls At??!!

Peek-A-Boo!

The next afternoon I decided to take the stroller out for a spin.  I was a little nervous, as I honestly had not run since before Kennedy was born.  Well over 4 years ago!  But there is no better time than the present, so me & my cheering squad hit the road.

I ended up doing much better than expected.  I ran for about 30 minutes, only stopping 3 different times to walk for about a minute each time.  Not too bad.  I will say, though, it is much harder to run pushing an additional 50 pounds (plus the weight of the stroller).  It was definitely a good upper body work out!  The next morning I felt pretty good.  My thighs were a little sore but nothing terrible.

And can I just say how much I love the BOB??!!  It is so incredibly easy to maneuver & is such a smooth ride.  There is plenty of sitting space for the girls & they appeared to be very comfortable riding in the stroller.  I'm loving it so far!

Kennedy asked me if she could take a picture of me after my run.  Please excuse the hot, sweaty mess!  But I figured I should document that I completed my first run...and SURVIVED! 



"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."

-- John Bingham