COMMUNITY: Oh, baby, let's go for a run

Editor's note: Erin Moeller, 35, of Mount Vernon, is a lifelong runner who qualified for the last two Olympic Marathon Trials. A native of Ryan, she's a graduate of North-Linn and Wartburg who works for Benchmark Inc. in Cedar Rapids. She has two children - Ryne (8) and Evelyn (3) - and one on the way with husband Andy.

It looks like spring may actually have arrived.

I don't know about you, but I'm certainly ready to exchange the snow piles for some green grass and the occasional smell of BBQ throughout my running routes.

I'm guessing there are many die-hards who have been dedicated to “getting their winter mileage in” throughout the wintry Iowa weather. Others may just be considering the possibility of dusting off the old running shoes and getting back into running.

Despite my best efforts to maintain some consistency in my running over the past few months, I can honestly admit I feel your aches and pain if you're struggling to get that spring back in your step and return to pounding out the miles on the pavement.

After considering another child for years, our family is finally taking the plunge and hoping to expand as the baby - hopefully there's only one - is set to arrive in early September. Admittedly, the kids are thrilled, Andy is ecstatic, and I join in their elation.

Only problem is I've forgotten how much work it is to lug around this extra weight. After all, it's been nearly four years since Evelyn arrived. Or maybe it's that I've never been pregnant at 35.

Regardless - oh baby - this whole running thing can be a lot of work.

However, my heart still tugs each day at the idea of putting in a few miles, and I know I'll feel so much better about my accomplishment when I'm done.

So, what's a person to do? We all know exercising and staying active are the healthy things to do, but man does it hurt sometimes. You know the feeling - my lungs are on fire, is this route seriously uphill the WHOLE way, are we at the turnaround point yet - that goes through our head when our body isn't quite up to the challenge our mind has committed to.

If you're struggling with some of these same thoughts, let me offer a bit of advice:

l Find some inspiration - Check out your running gear. Is it time to splurge for some new tennies or running apparel? Sometimes just the feel of new shoes under my feet or slipping on a new pair of shorts or running top gives me that extra motivation to get out the door and into my run.

l Cut yourself some slack - If you haven't been running for a while, don't expect this to be easy. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Accept the fact that you're going to have some aches and pains, and it may be necessary to take a day off now and then or mix your routine up with some cross training from time to time. Another thing to consider is leaving the running watch at home. Since becoming pregnant, there are many days that I don't wear a watch. I know I'm not going to be setting any PRs, so I figure why beat myself up over my slowing pace? I figure at this point, it's not about how fast I'm going. It's about the feeling of doing something I love and feeling good about it.

l Find a partner in crime - I've mentioned it before and I'll mention it again. Somehow running with a pal or group of runners seems to take some of the misery away from a solo run. Not only do you have someone holding you accountable to getting your run in, but you also have the luxury of getting lost in some good conversation as you chip away at the miles.

l Take one day at a time - If you're just getting back into running, don't get overwhelmed with the big picture. Set some long term goals if you'd like. Maybe weight loss or a marathon or setting a healthy example for your family come to mind. These are all terrific goals to consider.

l Have fun - If you haven't figured it out yet, I don't really see the point in going for a run if having fun and enjoying the surroundings aren't some of my priorities. Take in the beauty around you - the snow is almost gone, grass is turning green, trees starting to bud, farmers returning to the fields, more people venturing back outdoors - it's getting more and more beautiful by the day. Be sure to enjoy it.

I look forward to seeing you out on the running trails.