Some of you are aware that I’ve been working my way back from a stress fracture I sustained in late January. This has been way harder and taken much longer than I imagined it would. I was off running for 9 weeks and then slowly began running again in April. I was and still am surprised by how difficult it is to add the miles back on. I’m following Dr.’s orders and taking it slow.
Zooma Annapolis was my first half marathon 4 years ago so it holds a special meaning for me. It seemed only fitting to make this race my “comeback” even though I would be doing the 10k this time.
Race packet pick up was a breeze as they offered a pick up near my house the Thursday before at Lululemon. Don’t have to twist my arm to go there.
I went up to Annapolis the night before with my daughter to walk around and check out the expo. We hit the “Mocktail party” briefly where we ran into lots of other DC Bloggers. I feel like I know these ladies so well since I read their blogs regularly. Funny how that happens. Jumped into a fun pic with all of them.
Ready:
We have an MRTT tradition of laying out our “Flat Mamas” the night before a race and posting the pics to our FB pages so others can cheer you on. I’m double teaming this one by participating in the Skirt Sports Virtual Half at the same time. I was beyond excited and totally nervous to be coming back with 2 races at once.
Set:
I never sleep well the night before a race and this was no exception. I was worried that my shin might hurt, or that I would have to walk and a million other things. This would be my longest run since returning post stress fracture.
We had a photo meetup for all of the MRTT runners from all different Northern Virginia Chapters. I love it when tons of us do a race meetup. All of my MRTT ladies are so inspiring and I really enjoy meeting members from other chapters.
Go!
I lined up in the cue with the mamas from my chapter and set off with my friend, Lori, to take on the 10k. I love this course as it winds through scenic Annapolis. The downtown is so quaint with the little shops and restaurants. There was tons of crowd support which always helps. I was determined to start out slow and get it done. I was so unbelievably happy to be running in a race again that the miles just flew by. Lori stayed with me and chatted the whole race. We stopped at 2 water stops for a quick drink. The weather was perfect in the 60’s with a little breeze. There was a little confusion at the 10k turn around spot but no big deal. The last 1/4 mile is basically uphill (not fair!) but I was so excited when I saw the finish that I pushed through and ran through the finish with the biggest smile. I am so glad to be running races again! Finished with not pain and no walking-my two fears.
I hit the post race Foam Rolling station-great idea!
We spent the rest of the day walking around beautiful Annapolis. It’s such a quaint little town with great shops and food lots of food. For some reason there is a fudge shop every 50 feet-I couldn’t resist!
Awesome weekend! Can’t wait to go back next year and redeem myself with the Half. But today I am just happy and grateful!
How fitting this was your “comeback” race and congrats on your finish! What a beautiful day to run Annapolis (the cake pops look delicious by the way). I def would like to run a ZOOMA race one day.
Thanks I am so happy to be running again! Zooma puts on a great race you should do one some day. Come run the half with me next year!
yay — you rocked it! so glad you had a great race 🙂 fun hanging out again!
Thanks excited to be back & hope to do many races together in the future.
Congratulations and welcome back my friend! It was an excellent day, wasn’t it?! Perhaps next time, I will be lucky enough to meet you 🙂 Congrats again!
Yes we do have to meet one of these days! It was a fun race.
Welcome back, lady! And what a cute skirt!! LOOOOVE that, and I bet it helped you run faster! Great job!
Thanks and yes of course cute skirts do make you run faster! Have a great day!
Good for you for taking it slow – you won’t regret it! Congrats on a great race AND great recovery process!
Thanks just so excited to be back running races!
SO MUCH FUN!! I am running the ZOOMA NAPA half marathon at the end of this month! 🙂
Yay! Glad it went so well for you. That uphill finish is a b*tch!
The uphill at the end is always hard but I was determined. Next year I am doing the half again!
I love your attitude Deborah! I have raced a few times in Annapolis and it has always been a positive experience. The Annapolitans seem to like runners 🙂 Congrats and I’m sure you will be there for the half next year!
Thanks! Annapolis is a fun city to run in. I know I will make it back eventually. Patience is not my thing
Congrats on the comeback run! Looks like such great race and I also love your race day outfit 🙂 #wowlinkup
ah thanks I am so excited to be back racing again! I also really do love the skirts 🙂
Congrats on running races again and I love Annapolis! The town is so quaint and nice. The mall there is very nice too! #wowlinkup
Thanks I’m pretty happy about it! Annapolis was great!
This is my first time visiting your site from the #wowlinkup and it is so pretty 🙂 I’ve been injured on and off this past year and haven’t been able to run races and it’s been killing me! Glad you’ve been able to get back at it 🙂
Catherine I’m glad you found my site. I feel you-it’s really hard not to be able to do the things you love. It’s equally hard when you keep reading about everyone else doing them. I missed all of my spring races and it was torture. I hope you are able to get back soon. Thanks for stopping by hope to see you again soon! Good luck w your recovery
Congrats on the comeback and what a beautiful day to run.
Thanks I am so happy to be back! It was a beautiful day and a beautiful city to run in. Thanks for stopping by!
How was the fudge? What great treat after a great run. Do you have to wear compression socks when you run? Visiting from the #wowlinkup
OH the fudge was amazing-thought about it the whole time I was running-LOL! I do wear compression socks sometimes on longer runs. I think it does help me especially as I am coming back to longer runs. Thanks for stopping by!