I didn’t plan on running the Mt. Hood 25K this past weekend; in fact every time someone asked whether I was running the race with the rest of the Flex & Flow Runners, I said hell no.
Originally, my plan was to drive up in time to see everyone else finish the race, give them high fives, and then spend the day relaxing by the lake with Colby, eating chips and drinking cider.
What was I thinking?!?!
On Wednesday, just a few days before the race, I had a weak moment (perhaps a slight case of FOMO?), and I registered for the waitlist. I figured there was no chance I would actually get in so close to race weekend and didn’t think too much about my decision to run. Or the fact that my longest run since Colby arrived was 9 miles.
On Thursday, I received the notification that I got into the race. As soon as I saw that I was in, I immediately wished I hadn’t registered. I suddenly felt anxious and nervous about the distance. About the time away from Colby. About my body’s abilities and overall fitness. About breastfeeding, pumping, and my boobs, in general. And honestly, I wanted a reason to back out. I wanted to say no thanks, I’m good. Y’all enjoy the run and I’ll see you later at the lake.
I kept thinking this is a bad decision. Something could go wrong. What if I don’t (or can’t!) finish? What if I’m painfully slow? Is it too much time away from Colby? Are people going to judge me? Will they think I’m a terrible mom?
One foot in front of the other
The night before the race I listened to a TedXPortland Talk with Colin O’Brady, an inspiring endurance athlete who overcame adversity to become a professional triathlete, and then two time world record holder in mountaineering. After an accident while traveling, Colin suffered from severe burns that covered over 25% of his body, and he was told that he might never walk the same again. Despite what doctors told him, he has continued to put one foot in front of the other, challenging his limits, and putting his physical and mental strength to the test. Now with the help of Standard Process, a leader in whole food nutrient solutions, Colin is on track to climb the 50 highest peaks in the USA in less than 22 days (the current world record is 41 days) – a truly amazing and inspiring feat!
Colin’s story and his journey to peak performance helped me realize it was time to put aside my own fears, self doubt, and long list of what ifs, and at least toe the starting line. Because honestly, at the end of the day, in the grand scheme of life, it’s not that big of a deal – it’s just a run. It’s as simple as one foot in front of the other, and I knew with the right attitude, I could do it. And deep down, I knew everything would be just fine.
And I’m so glad that I chose to run.
I not only ran a 25K for my first race post baby (just 14 weeks postpartum), but I really ran the race. I felt strong and more connected to my body than I have in nearly a year, and I felt grateful to be out on such a beautiful course, running alongside some of my closest friends. We wound around Clackamas Lake and Timothy Lake on soft, buttery, beautiful trails with Mt. Hood grinning at us in the distance. The 15.5 mile (or 25K course) boasted just over 2,200 feet of elevation gain and loss. With only one minor hiccup – a wrong turn on a hot road that added just about a mile to our race – my running buddy Robyn and I were able to dig deep for a strong finish.
So while it wasn’t my fastest or my slowest (official race time: 2:40:20), it was one of the best races I’ve ever completed. It was not only a beautiful course, but I also got to run it with a good friend, and on top of all of that, it helped me regain confidence in myself, my postpartum body, and my strength. And I needed that. Desperately.
Reach your highest peak!
Wherever you are on your own fitness journey – whether you’re working on your postpartum fitness, recovering from an injury, or simply challenging yourself to reach for higher peaks – I invite you to give Standard Process a try!
And to make it even easier, I’m giving away Standard Process’ Veggie Complete Pro, an insulated tote bag (great for carrying bottles for all your outdoor adventuring!), a salad bowl, and a shaker bottle!
Join the celebration at Mt. Hood!
After a beautiful weekend racing on the mountain, I’m so grateful to be going back this Thursday, July 19 to celebrate Colin O’Brady’s final 50-states high point climb in his home state and his journey to become a 3x world record holder. Follow Colin live: http://bit.ly/2yoD3kq and come out to Mt. Hood Thursday morning to celebrate with us! Colin will arrive early, around 4 a.m. and should be back down by 11 a.m. He’s using the southside route, that is adjacent to the Timberline Lodge parking lot.
As always, stay sweaty (and keep reaching for your highest peak)!
XO,
Jamie
Disclaimer: I was compensated by Standard Process for this post, but as always, all opinions, words, and thoughts expressed are my own. I truly appreciate all of the brands that support the Sweat Pink community.
Kelsey says
July 18, 2018 at 7:54 amThe race looked gorgeous and you totally rocked it! When you slyly mentioned taking Nicci’s spot while you were in SD, I had a hunch you’d run 😏 so glad you did and kicked butt
Jamie says
July 18, 2018 at 10:16 amHAHAHa, weak moment… I have way too many weak moments when it comes to running…and my general propensity towards FOMO. HA.
Nic says
July 18, 2018 at 10:26 amYou are nothing short of amazing and inspiring! Love being able to witness all the amazing things you do (and even partake in some :-)).
Way to take this one!
XO
Jamie says
July 18, 2018 at 10:34 amAwww, thanks lady, sometimes I think I’m just a little crazy…
Kim G says
July 18, 2018 at 10:40 amFOMO is such a real thing, lol. Congrats on totally rocking your race!
Jamie says
July 18, 2018 at 10:54 amHaha I know, right? FOMO…so real. Sometimes so dangerous!
Liz says
July 18, 2018 at 10:40 amYou are SO amazing! Colby is so lucky to have such a badass and inspiring mama. I can imagine the anxiety, but LOOK AT YOU GO! <3
Jamie says
July 18, 2018 at 10:48 amTHANK YOU, you’re amazing as well..your longest RUN to date. GET IT, GIRL! You crushed it. XO
Alyse says
July 18, 2018 at 10:48 amWhat a BEAUTIFUL post and an amazing race. That’s so awesome you felt strong and connected to your body. Most incredible feeling after giving your body 100% to another human being for so long. Way to overcome the what-ifs to ROCK it. XOXO
Jamie says
July 18, 2018 at 10:58 amTHANK YOU, it felt so awesome to have nearly 3 hours or this IS ALL MINE. I did get to the last aid station, see a 4 month old baby, talk to the mama, say I had a just over 3 month old and have another aid station volunteer asking me why he wasn’t at the aid station to nurse…? But other than that, it was awesome.
Ashley - A Lady Goes West says
July 18, 2018 at 11:17 amAmazing, Jamie! Congrats to you on not only completing the race, but facing a fear! Momming ain’t easy, and we’re stronger because of it! 🙂
Jamie says
July 18, 2018 at 12:13 pmWe truly are stronger because of it. It’s so hard to balance everything and know if we’re doing it “right” but it’s also so amazing and rewarding!
Nicole Nolen says
July 18, 2018 at 11:58 amCongratulations! Way to rock it, I cannot imagine how giddy you must feel! 🙂
Jamie says
July 18, 2018 at 12:12 pmIt felt freaking awesome to be back out there — giddy….definitely! THANK YOU Nicole. 🙂
daSilentAssassin says
July 18, 2018 at 4:01 pmCongrats J!!! Way to get it!
Jamie says
July 20, 2018 at 9:26 amThanks Shane, appreciate the support!
Jennifer says
July 18, 2018 at 6:51 pmCongratulations! Looks like an amazing experience and beautiful place.
Jamie says
July 20, 2018 at 9:25 amThank you, it was an absolutely beautiful course!
Tracy says
July 18, 2018 at 11:21 pmLove this! 😍💪🏼 At 9 weeks post partum I totally hear you about getting more in tune and confident in your post baby body. Keep up the good work!
Jamie says
July 20, 2018 at 9:25 amYou too, mama, its never easy but so worth it to get back out there!
Emmy says
July 20, 2018 at 10:11 amYou are such a badass! If I had my pregnancies to do over I would have tried to be in much better shape. Great job for giving your son one of the best gifts you can give him…a healthy mama!
Jamie says
July 26, 2018 at 8:51 amThanks Emmy, your comment made me feel all the feels. No joke. I swear, every time I doubt myself for doing things like this, or wonder if people are going to “judge me” or tell me I’m screwing this whole thing up, other amazing moms step forward and give me confidence. So thank you. 🙂 <3
De Bolton says
July 20, 2018 at 1:55 pmI initially read this post to see your reflection. You inspired me so much. I have been in a limbo in my fitness journey more or so because I have fears of trying something that challenges me. Made me realize the best most memorable experiences I have are the ones I did scared. Thank you for the inspiration.
Jamie says
July 26, 2018 at 8:52 amIt’s SO difficult to do scary things. I get scared to do stuff ALL. THE. TIME. But after I do those scary things, I swear the littlest things in life get easier (if that makes any sense at all). You inspire me – you’re so incredible with your fitness, as a mama, and a person – I am lucky to know you! 🙂 XO