Last week I said that this time around, getting back into shape after having a baby, isn’t really harder or easier, just different. As I explained, last time was very difficult because we were so busy. These days, I don’t have near the obligations I had four years ago, but I have two kids!

Last time I had certain meets that I had to compete in, ready or not. I had to try and compete well to uphold the obligations of my scholarship. I was pretty rushed getting back into it. My first race was about five months after Ciara was born. I starting workouts and track sessions right away, and I also starting PRing right away. But it didn’t last. I didn’t have time to get in any base work. I ended up running faster than I thought I would, but by the time I made it to NCAAs, I was shot – exhaustedand peaked weeks before. Also, with the rush back into training, I starting having Sciatica problems. Those were the two things I vowed to avoid this time around: not getting a base and getting injured. I’m taking my time, and when I’m in shape, I’ll return to racing. I have no races that I have to be ready for, I don’t even have a sponsor waiting for me to perform. I’m going to take that as a blessing and build up my strength slowly. I’m antsy to race, but I’m letting my body dictate my schedule this time around.