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Boston Buildup Winter Series (The Postpartum Comeback)

In Winter 2019-20, I was privileged enough to run the Boston Buildup series with an incredibly talented group of runners. After a successful first postpartum race, I wanted to continue the momentum and brave the elements.

Starting with a 10k in Rowayton, the Boston Buildup Series works its way up by 5k each race, with the grand finale being a 25k in hilly Silvermine.

I ended up winning the series for my age group and placing 32nd overall out of 364 speedy ladies and gents.

Sweaty and happy post-race in my backyard with my baby.
 

One race after the other, I'd surprise myself with my strength. I'd think, this PR is so nice to achieve--relish the moment, be grateful, and don't expect it again. (By the way, I still think that way.) Yet somehow, the PR's kept coming. I believe that I became stronger after giving birth. A useful mantra for me was--if I can go through back labor without any drugs, I can push through to the finish of this race! No comparison. No question!

Finally, in mid-February, we found ourselves at the final race--a hilly Silvermine 25k. That was definitely pushing it for me in terms of time away from the house with a breastfeeding baby, but my husband was super supportive and was ready with the bottle. In the back of my mind, maybe I was thinking I'd better hurry home... but whatever it was, I think it was the best race I've run to date. The course was long, the terrain was challenging, and yet I ran a faster mile per minute than my best half marathon--which is a full 2.4 miles shorter than a 15k! Plus, my body had grown and birthed a human in that time that had lapsed between those races. 

Right after that amazing 25k race, I decided I'd run a marathon that spring. As we all know, there were no marathons in spring 2020...so that didn't happen. Still, it inspired me to train for it, completing an 18 and a few 20 milers, until it became crystal clear that the show (race) would not go on anytime soon. 

This year, the Boston Buildup series will start out being run virtually, then will hopefully transition to in-person with all of the necessary safety protocols in place. I'm thinking of all my fellow Boston Buildup runners--some of whom have become my close friends--and am wishing them health and happiness. The inspired me to keep adding the miles postpartum, and to even consider a marathon, and they continue inspiring me today. 

The Run Down 

  • Type: Race Course 
  • Distance: 10-25k  
  • Location: Various/across Fairfield County 
  • Terrain: Rolling hills to extremely hilly 
  • Hydration/nutrition: At least 1 station passed 2x 
  • Bathrooms: At the start/finish 
  • Other conditions to consider: Weather may cause postponement/cancellation...but usually it takes place at the designated time 
  • Recommended? Yes
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