Sunsets like these make it easy to relax and let go of the day.

Back when I was running regularly, I could go out for hour-long runs, no iPod required. At some point I had to admit that I am a beginner runner again. This is the longest break I've ever taken since I started running.

After having Laurel, everything changed. My body needed time to heal. My schedule revolved around feedings and naps. Exercise took a back seat to survival.

But recently, I've been feeling the pull to get back out there. Not to lose the baby weight or to "bounce back" – whatever that means. But because running was always my moving meditation. My time to think, to process, to just be.

So I laced up my shoes again. And it felt terrible. My legs were weak, my endurance gone. I wanted to give up after five minutes.

But I kept going. Because sometimes the hardest part is just showing up. And remembering to breathe.

– Carmel