Nearly a year ago I made my comeback to the marathon, nine months after having our first child. It was a great feat and something that I was incredibly proud of. Having qualified before, but not getting the chance to actually run Boston, I was thrilled to register this past September.
I secured my spot, reserved a room, and roped my mom into coming along to watch Mary while I ran another 26.2 miles.
I began training in late December and to be very honest, my heart just wasn’t in it for several reasons. One reason was that Northern Michigan kept getting pounded by snow. I would wake up most Saturdays to several new inches of fluff to trudge through. Living in a rural area, most roads don’t get plowed until later in the day. Some roads aren’t even plowed on a daily basis. During one frustrating 12 mile run, I kept going back and forth down one short road because it was mostly clear and my usual route was blocked. It was super frustrating. I have decided that the hardest part of training for Boston is dealing with the winter running conditions!
This year’s marathon also falls on Easter weekend. I wasn’t loving the idea of being away from Rock during a special family holiday. It feels like we should be together and wake up to treats for Mary from the Easter Bunny.
The main reason my heart has’t been into training is because we have been wanting to continue to build our family. We love being parents and we have been blessed with the most wonderful 19 month old. I am thrilled to say that I have chosen to opt out of running Boston because we are expecting a new member to our family early next fall.
While we are very excited by this new addition, I want to acknowledge that this can be difficult for some people to read. Starting or continuing a family is not always easy. In fact, there were many years and months in the past when I would start reading a favorite blog and feel my heart racing, knowing a pregnancy announcement was forthcoming. It wasn’t from lack of excitement for friends. It can just be very frustrating when you too are hoping/wishing for a family of your own and feeling like things might not work out.
I hope that our news can serve as hope for anyone, that patience and love can bring great things. The best advice I can possibly offer, especially for runners, is to find yourself a great team. Seek a doctor and other professionals who respect what you love and enjoy.
As for Boston, I do understand that many runners complete marathons while pregnant. I myself have done several half marathons and logged many miles in my first pregnancy. I have a fantastic new doctor in Michigan who is also a runner and was willing to consider allowing me to run this race. However, with my heart not being into training and simply wanting to enjoy being pregnant, I am going to wait for a later time to try to qualify again and run Boston. My hope is that someday in the future, I will be able to go with my whole family and make it a special trip for all of us together.
Meanwhile, I will continue running as I have been. For now, I have been able to log about 40-50 miles per week; just at a much slower pace. We have also made special plans to spend Easter weekend at one of our favorite places, as a family. Here’s hoping that the bunny remembers how much I love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Eggs!
Running On Healthy 
Congratulations! I am so beyond happy for you! This made the choice pretty easy, lol
Thank you so much. Yes, it definitely made the choice a lot easier!
Congratulations! Very happy for you and your growing family.
Thank you so much!
Congratulations! I think you have a pretty good excuse for not running. 🙂 Boston will always be there, but your babies won’t be little forever. Best wishes!
Thank you. I think that is a great way of looking at it and is almost exactly what I said to my husband. When the time is right, it will all work out as it is supposed to.
Congratulations, Sarah! Very happy for you and your family 🙂
Thank you!
Probably the best reason ever to opt out of Boston for a year.
Congratulations!
Thank you. I completely agree!
Oh my gosh, congratulations!!! You guys clearly make good-looking babies so I’m glad you’re adding more beauty to the world ❤
Thank you. This made my day! 🙂
Oh Sarah – so happy for you and your whole family! And yes it can be challenging – we struggled with infertility and miscarriages for several years before finally having our two big goons, and that was before the age of social media (actually before most people even ‘had the internet’) … so that makes it harder for people.
I think it is ALWAYS good to listen to your inner voice, which was obviously telling you something. The Boston Marathon will still be there when you decide you are ready!
Thank you so much. The Internet can be a blessing but also so difficult at times. Life is definitely more “in your face.” I appreciate your kind words. Running and perhaps even Boston will always be there. But for now, I am so blessed to have the time to spend enjoying this as a family!
Congratulations on your wonderful news!!
Thank you so much!
Congrats! That is such exciting news. Best wishes to you for a healthy pregnancy. Believe me, the 2nd one goes by much faster than the 1st. Probably because you already have 1 little person to chase after!
Thank you so much. I can already see it happening. Everything is a little different this time around. And perhaps even more exhilarating!
I meant exhausting. But exhilarating too I suppose 😉
I think exhausting and exhilarating are the best words to describe it! Especially in the 1st and 3rd trimesters! At least my countdown is winding down, I’m being induced Monday!
Congratulations to your family! Getting a little adventure buddy will add a whole new layer to your daughter’s world.
Oh and the Reese’s PB cup eggs were always my favorite, too!
I totally agree. I think it will be wonderful for Mary to have someone to learn to share with it and get in trouble too. Aren’t those eggs the best? I’m going to stock up before they are gone!
Do it! The best Easter candy always vanishes so fast. Its uh…for the little ones, that’s right.
Obviously!