Book Review: Run Like a Mother

Book Review: Run Like A Mother 

by Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea

This is a wonderful book....no INCREDIBLE! Even if you aren't a huge fan of running, this is still a great read. It was a super fun book, filled with antidotal stories and inspirational sayings. One thing I really liked about the book was the format. It has 26 chapters, each having a .2 little quip. It discusses topics from diet, pregnancy, trail running, running with an injury, and the essentials to wear on race day.

I never knew I could love running more, until I read this book. Both Shea and McDowell have different views of running (Shea like me is competitive, where as McDowell focuses more on the journey and process.) I enjoyed both of their perspectives and how to be both a mother and a marathoner was truly inspiring. 

I recommend this to anyone who enjoys running and participates in races. Its an easy and very enjoyable read. 

Naturally I give this book an 6 out of 5 because it was AMAZING!!

They also have Train Like a Mother, which is high on my to-read list

Also visit Another Mother Runner, Shea and McDowell's fun website. 

Click here to register for their Mother's Day race!

 

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13.1 QUICK MILES

Welp... another half under my belt.
The 9th annual Urban Cow Run.

It was so much fun. I was able to meet up with some ladies from the local chapter of Moms Run This Town. It was great. I started my first two miles with them and then headed off. The course was really nice. Beautiful and similar to the course I ran in March. It wound through neighborhoods, the mall, and by the river. Very nice. I'm not sure if it was my pace or the course but it went by quick. I remember looking at mile 3 and thinking "Am I gonna make it at this pace." With all the cheering and my hubby sending me encouraging texts, I knew I could.

1 hour and 48 minutes later I sprinted to end!! I BEAT MY TIME!!! Not a PR, but a PR for post baby and boy am I counting it!!

We also got super cute medals...they were cowbells.

It reminded me of not giving up. Throughout the course I was reminded of how strong we are. How physically demanding this was, but how rewarding it is. I learned to appreciate my strength and acknowledge my weaknesses (my knees). I find that I am still competitive, but am so eager to cheer others on throughout the course. I find that in life I am much the same. Impatient with others for their lack of drive, but wanting them desperately to succeed. Mad that they haven't sen their worth, but learning to let them find it and not be pushy.

Its a fine line.

Running has been such a blessing to me. And although most of the times I'm not enthused about it, I do it anyway because I know how I will feel at the end.

I sometimes wish we all had that drive. Or that I have it in moments of stress. Let it go and enjoy the ride. Be great-full for what I have been blessed with.



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Week 13 fitness

Well I did it!! I finished my half marathon before Little Miss turns 1!!

You can read about it here.

This week I tried to relax a bit, but its hard for me to "take a day off". I always try to do yoga or walk.

Saturday: yoga

Sunday: Shamrockn Half Marathon

Monday: 30 min yoga, 3 mile walk

Tuesday: Tone it up Summer Slim Down

Wednesday: 2.5 mile run

Thursday: stretching, 5 mile run

Friday: (planned) walk and maybe a tone it up workout

We leave for Maui on Monday!! You can follow me on Instagram for some lovely Hawaiian sunsets!!

Have a wonderful Spring weekend!!!

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I DID IT: Recap of the Shamrockn Half Marathon

It finally happened. My goal of running a half marathon before Lilly turned a year, happened!!

I seriously couldn't be more excited and proud of myself (toot toot)

Anyway, it was the largest half marathon in Sacramento history with 7,500 participants.

That morning I was seriously nervous, visiting the restroom 5 times.

Its not the race that I worry about, its all the other variables that I can't control. Getting down there on time, finding a parking space, will Lilly be okay with out me?

And the list goes on...

We left the house at 6:30 and got down there at about 7:20. There was some traffic, but we managed to get down there fine, and a parking spot within walking distance to the stadium.

The race was held at Raley Field in Sacramento.

I was in Wave 2 and met my girlfriend from high school outside the stadium. We chatted and she got to meet Lilly. Then of course...

we had to go to the bathroom.

Wave 1 had already left and there were mere moments before we had to start.

She left to go to the rest room, but they said 25 seconds.

Then we waited for 7 minutes before we crossed the start line.

The other waves had crowded around the start line making it difficult for us to begin.

So she really could have gone to the rest room.

We ran 5 miles together and it was so fun getting to catch up with her.

Then the race got crowded and we had to split up.

Luckily she was understanding about me wanting to beat my PR time: 1:45

I ran by the American River trail and through downtown Sacramento.

There were bands playing throughout and people cheering.



it was so fun!!!

At about mile 8, I had been passing everyone, but this guy ran right by me.

Enter COMPETITIVE HANNAH!!

I said 'I will pass him'

But he kept getting further away.

At about mile 10 he was within distance.

Mile 11...even closer

And up comes a hill and I just keep running, just keep running.

He was shoulder with me, but by the time mile 12 came I amped up my running.

I had to get to Steven and Lilly!!!

So I passed him :)

Then rounded the corner of the stadium and sprinted to the finish....

only to wait in a line to get out of the stadium :)

My dad said that Steven saw me right when I came in the stadium because eventhough everyone was wearing green, no one had an orange skirt too.

I didn't PR, but I'm super proud of my score 1:48, and my friend PR by 5 minutes.

It was a memory I will never forget!!

Have you ran a half marathon or a race that was life-changing?





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