3 miles

Last spring, before I found out I was pregnant with Lucy, I was training for a full marathon.  I ran 18 miles in the snow.  I did speedwork and tempo runs like they were nothing.  I was in the best shape of my life.

Last night I laid out my gear and set my alarm, my stomach in knots over what I was planning to do.  I was so nervous to run 3 miles when I haven't ran in months... Nervous to commit to training and juggle running with a baby... Nervous to get out of bed voluntarily at that time of day.

And today, at 5:30 in the morning, I ran 3 miles.  Yes, it was20 seconds slower than the last, 12 mile run saved in my Garmin.  Yes, I took a walking break...  I hurt in places I had forgotten existed.  But I was as proud getting in my car today as the day I ran 20 miles. 

This is the thing I love about running.  My trusty brooks running shoes met me exactly where I was, regardless of how long they sat unused in my closet.  My running buddies encouraged and pushed me every step of the way.  I felt like I was in the place I belonged, like part of my heart started to beat again.