There comes a time when you just have to accept what’s happening around you. That’s what I have been doing. We are just 40 days away from the Columbus Marathon & 1/2 marathon. 40 days until I have to walk 13.1 miles! Yikes. I am scared. But, it’s been an interesting journey so far.

I have accepted the fact that I can’t train as much. The last time I did this I was able to train about 5-6 times a week. So far (if I am lucky) I walk twice during the week and do my long walk on the weekends. I do most of my walking at Hilliard’s Rails to Trails with a great group of friends. It’s beautiful and flat and I think it’s the kind of trail that builds up speed.

I have accepted the fact that I need some other form of motivation. I have become quickly bored with walking, so I needed to do some other form of exercise to help me along. So, I started doing Zumba! I am taking my classes at the Pai Fitness and Yoga studios in Dublin. It’s so much fun, and doesn’t even feel like a workout. I am not coordinated and I can’t dance to save my life, but I am hoping it helps build up my endurance.

I have accepted the fact that I now have big feet. I went to Columbus Running Company and saw Levi. He was great! Even though he measured my feet and promptly broke the news that I was a 9 ½. Let’s just say I freaked out. I have always been a size 8. Nope, he said “sorry you are a 9 ½. I am quite sure my gasps of shock were annoying to the other customers. I demanded he still bring me an 8 and even though he kept shaking his head and saying “I see this all the time from women who just had babies.” Anyway, I figured I put up a good enough fight and finally let him put me into a heavenly pair of Mizuno running shoes. So far I think they are the best shoes ever.

I have accepted the fact that I am slower. Sadly due to my limited training schedule I am only averaging about a 14 minute mile. I was hoping to get faster this time around, not slower.

So I have accepted the fact that I am older, I can’t train as much, I am slower and have bigger feet and I need more motivation. But I have come to realize these are not bad things. This is just the way it is now. That’s why I have come to this place of acceptance. I am DOING THIS, I might crawl across the finish line, but so what?-I will finish. And I am probably not going to beat my last time, and guess what?, that’s ok too. And so what if I have had a love/hate relationship with training this time around but I still keep at it.

I can see the finish line, I am almost there and I can’t wait to cross it with my size 9 ½ feet.

It’s been 3 years since I walked the Columbus Half Marathon. Three years since I really felt in shape. Now, roughly 30 pounds later and a beautiful 4-month-old baby boy, things are much tougher this time around. The last couple of weeks have been a true struggle. I am training with some friends and have lately found any excuse not to walk. Heat, being tired, my friend’s on vacation, you know it, I used it. Anything to not strap on my shoes and head out. And when I do walk I just feel SO much SLOWER and if I am being honest, just not as into it. I have been very disappointed in myself.

So yes, the last couple of weeks have been extremely challenging. But my attitude and motivation is turning back around all because I went bathing suit shopping. I wouldn’t recommend this four months after having a baby. I was shocked at what I saw in the mirror. I cried. It was horrible. When something is unappealing you decide right then and there that something HAS to be done about it. How did I let this happen? I realize I just had a baby but still…I was not prepared. It’s something about seeing yourself in a bathing suit that makes you want to run screaming out of the store. Unless you are one of those women who can eat whatever you want and don’t have to work out (sigh), you know EXACTLY what I am talking about.

Then my husband Sam bought me a gift certificate to the Columbus Running Company for my birthday. Just in the nick of time. I needed a little excitement and a kick-start to my training again. I am thrilled about getting shoes that fit properly. I have always worn Nikes, but who knows now… maybe those have always been the wrong ones for my feet. And of course new shoes are always a motivation to get out right?

I think it’s good that this has happened. Sometimes obstacles give us just the push we need. I really need that push and although I started out strong and my motivation was fierce and I started my training with gusto, I got sidetracked along the way. I have a goal and I need to see it through. So what if I am slower and not as fit as the last time? I guess I need to realize that YES there will be days where I don’t want to go out and do my walk. And there will be times I am less than pleased about my pace and timing. But I know that I have to do this. Not only for me, but for my baby boy. Even though he is too little to understand, I want him to be proud of his mama and know that obstacles may knock you off course, but you have to get back up, brush yourself off and always try to finish what you started.

Thanks to new mom Kelli Nowinsky for sharing her experience training for the Columbus Marathon with us.

I am going to be very honest. As I sit here and write this, I am eating a fabulous Dunkin’ Donut. Why would I put this sugary goodness into my body while writing a blog post for the Columbus Marathon? Well, I just had a baby. Fourteen weeks ago to be exact. He is the love of my life, but now I am trying to transition from “pregnancy eating” (eating everything in sight!) to “lose-the-baby-weight” mode. I won’t lie: it’s very tough. Getting my body “back after baby” is probably going to be the hardest thing I have ever done. This is why I decided to train and walk the Columbus Half Marathon. I am so excited about this. I’m walking not only to challenge myself, but to help me reach my weight loss and fitness goals. I did walk the Columbus Half Marathon back in 2007 and it was the BEST experience I ever had. I finished in 3:05:13 hours and kept a 14:09 pace. I am extremely proud of those results. At that time, I was not only training for the half marathon, but I was also in Weight Watchers. The end result? I lost 25 pounds! A win-win!

When I tell people I am training for the Half Marathon the first thing they ask is “WOW, you are going to run a half-marathon?” Um, not exactly; I am going to walk. Then they say, “Oh, ok” –with a slightly-disappointed look on their faces. First, let me tell you, my hat is off to all the people who can actually run a marathon. It’s an unbelievable feat. But walking the marathon is hard work too! It’s not a stroll in the park; sometimes you are going so fast you are almost running. You train just like you would if you were to run it. It takes dedication, sweat, and perseverance. I am also very happy that the Columbus Marathon has a separate division for walkers and treats them just like the runners (note the medal I am wearing from 2007); not all marathons do that.

I am excited to blog about my experience. I’m also excited to represent my fellow walkers and all the new moms struggling to obtain fitness goals after childbirth. We can do it together!!!

“Nothing’s better than the wind to your back, the sun in front of you, and your friends beside you.”-Aaron Douglas Trimble