When it’s 10 days til Christmas

2021 Wendell Foster Half Marathon

On Saturday, I ran a half marathon. The Wendell Foster Half Marathon to be exact.

That’s the first time I’ve been able to say that in 7 years. It’s also my first race post-baby. 14ish months ago I had a baby and this weekend I ran 13.1 miles IN UNDER 3 HOURS. I am so dang proud of myself for that.

I went into this race with expectations other than to finish. The time limit was 4 hours and to be honest, in the days leading up to the race I worried if I would finish in time. While I had started training well, the last few weeks I had hardly run due to work and other commitments. The most I ran during this training cycle was 9.5 miles.

My official time was 2:58.09. I was 418/480 and the last one in my age group to finish. And guess what, I’m still so pumped about it. My running goals look a lot different than they used to, but this sport is near and dear to my heart and I’m thankful it keeps welcoming me back year after year.

Race day was COLD with temps in the low 30s. But there is nothing like the energy at the start of a race. Once I got to starting line with hundreds of other runners, I was pumped.

The course was beautiful. We started in downtown Owensboro at Smothers Park and basically ran all around the “north side” of the city. The foliage is breathtaking this time of year and the fact that I got to run all around my hometown and see these views made me so happy.

The best part about this race was I had FUN. Miles 1-4 I just rode the runner’s high and stayed with the 2:45 pack. Once we started to thin out I realized I was going a little fast and should probably let off the gas a bit. Miles 5-10 I just tried to take it all in. I was running a half marathon! I was actually out there doing the dang thing. I took pictures of every pretty tree I saw. I took pictures of lawn statues decorated for Christmas. I gave high fives to spectators and even saw my high school XC coach at a water station.

By mile 11 I had slowed down a little and mile 12 was pretty rough. But that last mile I knew I could do sub-3 if I pushed myself.

Going down the chute I spotted Ryan and Emery and I started to get emotional. They are my support and the reason for everything I do. I could not ask for a better team. Ryan encourages me to chase my goals and Emery was the best little running partner during all those stroller runs. Gosh, I just love them so much.

Not only did we get massive medals, but the swag was also pretty great too. Tech shirt and hat, freebies and coupons from local businesses, a 13.1 sticker and a beer at the finish line.

This was the perfect comeback race. I had so much fun and I believe in my abilities as a mother runner so much more now. Already looking forward to 2022!

Running with a baby in a jogging stroller

This will probably be the first of several posts about running with a baby in a jogging stroller.

First things first — it is hard. Like obviously I knew pushing a stroller + a 20-pound baby would be harder than just running but even a short run with the stroller gets my heart rate pumping.

I’ve been a runner for 10+ years. So I knew that even though my life was changing ALOT with a baby, I knew I wanted to get back at it. While I’d been running some (both on the pavement and the treadmill) as Emery was getting older and life was getting busy I knew I needed a way for her to join me on my runs.

A friend at work sold me his running stroller for a steal and I love it! I *think* it’s 2016 BumbleRide Indie Stroller (linking their latest version of the Indie). It’s easy to maneuver, has lots of different seat positions and I can raise/lower the handle. With lots of storage and pockets it’s perfect for running or other outdoor outings!

It took a few runs to get used how I wanted to push it, but I mainly push with my left hand and swing my right arm. I switch back and forth some times and use both hands any sharp turns or big bumps (which Emery loves). I usually stick to running 2-3 miles with the stroller (someone gets cranky if she is in there for a long time).

Stay tuned for a whole post on some tips for running with a stroller! While we’re not perfect, we have both learned a few things along our journey (like bringing snacks is a must).

Training for my first postpartum race

Half marathon training has begun! Even thought it’s been a year since my daughter was born, I’m just now getting serious about running again. I’m currently training for the Wendell Foster Half Marathon on November 3 in Owensboro, KY (my hometown!).

I’m a month or so into half marathon training and so far, so good? I’ve definitely not been able to follow my training plan to a T, but I’ve moved things around and *almost* have all the miles needed “in the bank.”

Some runs have had to be stroller runs which has been so fun but so hard trying to manage! I love getting to run with my baby but man, does pushing a 20-pound baby (toddler?!) + plus a stroller wear a momma out! I need to a dedicate a whole post to stroller running because there is a lot to say!

If you’re new here (and read this far!) follow along with my running adventures on Instagram @mileswithmeghann.

But in all seriousness, I’m so happy to be back doing *my* thing. I was a runner in high school, throughout college and newlywed life and now I’m back at it as momma. I’m so proud of myself and how far I’ve come.

And to the all the miles I’ll go…

Celebrating one year of Emery!

On Saturday, we celebrated one year of Emery Jane!

I cannot believe my baby is a year old. All the clichés I were told before she was born are true; time is a thief, it all goes by way too fast, the days are long but the years are short.

We celebrated with a Sesame Street/Elmo themed birthday party and some of our friends + family. I didn’t take nearly enough pictures, but here is a sneak peak of the day.

If you’re local to Owensboro, be sure to check out some of our amazing vendors!
Venue: The Party Space Place
Cake and cupcakes: Becca Bakes
Outfit: Lil Bit Sassy

I’ve registered for my first postpartum race!

Six months into parenthood and A LOT has happened/changed since Emery came into this world. It’s a fun and exhausting time and I love being a momma.

Running has been a big part of my life for years and will hopefully continue to be for a long time.

So earlier this week, I registered for my first post partum race — the Wendell Foster Half Marathon. It’s in my hometown (and current town) and supports a great organization (I actually volunteered there when Ryan and I first moved back to Owensboro!). It’s in November so I have a lot of time to prepare (thank goodness!) But I am so excited to have a race on the calendar.

While I’m just running for my sanity right now, I can’t wait to start training soon!

Do you have any races scheduled for 2021?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite posts from today. I’m still learning and growing every day. Thankful for the voices across the country that speak up to make this country an amazing, wonderful, diverse place to live.

7 women who influenced Martin Luther King Jr.
Karamo Brown’s IG post from today. It’s a video. Go check it out.
Donate here to the #BreatheWithMe Revolution

Hiking at Jefferys Cliffs

Happy Saturday! Checking in today to tell y’all about another hiking adventure I had last weekend.

If you’re close to western Kentucky I highly recommended checking out Jefferys Cliffs Conservation and Recreation Area. It’s 230 acres of sandstone plateau formation with cliffs, rock shelters and forest. And fall in Kentucky right now?! GORGEOUS. My pictures don’t even capture all the beauty there is to see.

It felt so good to get out of the house and get some exercise and fresh air. While I have a long way to go before I’m back in great hiking/running shape, this was a great motivator to build up my endurance again! I can’t wait until EJ is a little older and we can bring her along to hike with us!

Have you found any new hiking spots near you? Let me know in the comments below your favorite local/off-the-beaten-path trails.

Looking forward to postpartum running

Let me start off this post with the most important (at least to me!) news — I RAN HALF A MILE.

While I don’t officially get cleared to workout until next week, I couldn’t help but hop on the treadmill to see work up a quick sweat. It was a sloooow half mile (13:57 pace I think?) but I am so dang proud!

I cannot wait to get back to running and to share with you all everything I learn about postpartum fitness/running along the way.

Friday Favorites v.109

Well since it’s been forever and a day since I’ve done one of these, so lets get started!

1. Emery Jane turned one month on Monday! I can’t believe our baby has been here for more than a month. Parenthood has been a wild adventure and I can’t wait to see grow and learn.

2. Can I still sing the praises of the Oiselle rogas?! I loved them before I got pregnant, wore them all 40 weeks of pregnancy (including to the hospital to be induced — see the picture of my brother and I before I left for the hospital below!) and now I’m wearing them postpartum (and all the same size).

3. Chick-fil-A’s mocha cold brew. UHM YES PLEASE. Give me all the caffeine.

4. Among Us. My husband always plays games on his phone but I’m not one to usually join in. Well he convinced be to download Among Us and now I’m hooked we play against each and my brother (and lots of strangers) and it’s addicting. I love it!

5. Tried a new-to-me restaurant on Wednesday — Chicken Salas Chick. 10/10 I had the Sassy Scotty (chicken salad with ranch, bacon and cheese) and the spicy pimento cheese. SO GOOD. I can’t wait to go back and try all their other flavors.

6. Ryan and Rose pacifiers and cutie clips. I was gifted a set at my baby shower and EJ loves them. & I love all the cute styles and colors.

7. Harry Potter Clue. Ryan and I love to play board games with family and friends so he recently snagged Harry Potter Clue. It’s so much more than the regular Clue and the Harry Potter theme is a plus.

8. I let Murphy out to play in the backyard and the next thing I know he is sunbathing on the patio furniture.

What are some of your favorite things from the week?