Run, run, fast as you can?

With the nice weather out I see lots and lots of posts and pictures about race day victories which I personally think is AWESOME!  With that being said, I thought I might share a little something I've learned along the way on my running journey.  I realize that no two people are in the same stage of life meaning their fitness aspirations and accomplishments will be totally different, and I believe in all of them.  I am also proud of all of you no matter which stage you are in. Whether you are a decathlete or a beginner, I commend you.  This is just my experience. 

I've run 10ks, I've run a half marathon, I used to run 9 miles every Saturday morning. I did all of this after becoming a mom of two. After finding out I was pregnant with #3, all day "morning" sickness, zero energy, and juggling my household responsibilities, and being a good wife and mom to my two boys, I let my fitness take the back burner and I really didn't mind. Running those races and preparing my body for them took a lot of time and energy that I needed to spend elsewhere.  Since the birth of my 3rd child I have tried and failed to get back into running and working out more times than I can count. I'm not saying this time will be any different. I'm smarter than that now, however something has changed. Before when I was running regularly and in probably the best shape of my life, I was way too hard on myself. There is healthy pushing and then there is having to be perfect. Healthy pushing got me started and it was the unhealthy striving for perfection instead of enjoying the ride that ultimately got me injured before a big race and finally burnt me out altogether.  Now I'm spending my time running to get reenergized to be that good mom and wife. I'm trying to be proud of running that 5k (which I'm still struggling to reach) in whatever the heck time frame I run it in. It's not about being the fastest or running the farthest. It's just about doing it and feeling good that I did and that's more like it!