As I mentioned in my training log on Monday, I already met one of my April goals last week, as well as broke my almost year old 5k PR. Breaking my PR took me by complete surprise, and to be honest, I’m still quite shocked by it. I only hope that I can be as speedy at my first post-baby 5k race later this month.
My stats from last Tuesday evening’s run
Many of you have commented, either here on the blog or on social media, that you’re amazed that my comeback to running as been as smooth as its been since having little man at the end of December. I’ll admit, I’m quite shocked as well. I did not expect to rebound anywhere near as quickly as I have, though I’m of course very thankful that I have been able to. Being able to run is one of the ways I’ve made taking care of myself a priority, and one of the ways that I’ve been able to feel like “me” again, despite the new role that I took on the day that little man was born.
I’ve been trying to process for the past week what it is that I’ve done to help me rebound as quickly as I have. It certainly hasn’t been pure luck or magic that has allowed this to happen! So what do I think are the main things that have been helping me the most with my return to running?
- I set out to walk as soon as my body allowed me to, and the weather allowed me to. And when the weather didn’t cooperate in January, I headed to the gym to walk on the treadmill. It was extremely difficult to be at the gym and only be allowed to walk until I was cleared at my four week postpartum checkup to start running again.
- Even though I’m breastfeeding and am constantly hungry, I’m not using it as an excuse to eat junk. I’ve been trying to focus on keeping healthy snacks readily handy, especially now that I’m back at work and have the temptation of the vending machines staring me in the face.
- I haven’t been trying to overdo it in terms of my cardio. Prior to pregnancy, and throughout my pregnancy, I ran 3-4 days a week, and have been maintaining that training schedule. Even if I’ve been able to fit in cross training to my already busy schedule, I’m refusing to allow myself to run anymore than I did prior to pregnancy, even though I’m eager to tighten the last of my post-baby loose skin.
- I ran up until I was 32.5 weeks pregnant. Running while pregnant was no easy feat, and even though I slowed down significantly towards the end, I was still moving. And that was while carrying extra weight, which certainly helped with maintaining my endurance.
After one of my last treadmill runs back in October. The last time that I ran while pregnant was at Rock ‘n’ Roll Philly on Halloween, after which I turned to the elliptical for my cardio exercise.
QOTD: To my fellow mother runners, what do you think helped you the most in your postpartum return to running?
You’re doing so amazing Kathryn! I just love your dedication and perseverance! And what a great example you are setting for little man!!! Great job Momma!!!
Thanks for the support, Mindy. I’m definitely trying to set a good example for him.
I didn’t recover well after my first born. However, after my second was born, I was able to get back to running earlier. Taking care of my body was key for me postpartum.
Its been key for me as well, especially in helping to make me feel like “me” again.
I’ve read that being active before and during pregnancy allows for an easier comeback. That’s not to say it will be easy peasy, but the body remembers its fitness.
Some days have been harder than others, but I’ve always just been happy when I’ve been able to be active.
This is inspiring for the future for me, and you’re so lucky you were able to recuperate quicker. Also, I read an article in the New York Times just last week about how exercising throughout pregnancy with your doctor’s blessing is good for both mom and baby – I always feared it was something only elite runners were capable of, but you’ve proven me wrong (not that you aren’t elite in your own way 🙂 )
I used to think that pregnant women just had to sit on the sidelines and stop exercising for 9+ months. I’m so glad that I didn’t have to do that though.
Wow- congrats on your 5K PR, that is amazing! I had been struggling with fitting in runs in my post-baby workout schedule but recently got a treadmill so that now I can squeeze in a couple of runs per week while my baby naps. I’m lucky that I’m back in the shape that I wanted to be in already, and that’s due to staying active doing (very, very) modified CrossFit and circuit training until the very end of my pregnancy. Unfortunately I stopped running in my second trimester because it became too uncomfortable so that may also set me back a little bit when it comes to running and speed…but it’s ok, I’m doing what I can!
~Julia
Doing what you can is all that you can do! I wish we had a treadmill at home, which would definitely help with scheduling logistics. But like you, I’m getting my workouts in when I can.
Your like the perfect example:) Granted I’ve never had kids. But seriously, I’ve been amazed at how well you did pregnancy and now post, your a health and fitness rockstar!
I’m far from perfect, but thanks for the compliment, Kristy.
My return to running has not been so smooth for sure! I’m battling an old knee injury that surfaced again after giving birth, so I’m focusing on nutrition (I’m starving too!) and really working on my core and stretching. I walk when I can, run when my hubs is in town and can watch the baby, and I’m really exercising PATIENCE with my body! Luckily my first race isn’t until Labor
Day so I have plenty of time to build a base, get stronger, and get faster. Way to go mama!!!
Take care of yourself and too push yourself too hard too quickly.
I wasn’t active before or after my pregnancy, but I can confirm to you that the “Always Hungry” feeling never goes away after you stop breastfeeding. But you are on the right path to not eat junk! That is a huge victory!
I’m trying my best!
I was cleared to run 2 weeks pp but I ran walked like a mile or two so it was nothing major, but I definitely think getting out there early and often helped!
It definitely helps to get moving ASAP, even if its just walking.
Just found you via TrD Link Love – great post! I don’t have any littles, but right now working on my own nutrition I can say it definitely makes a HUGE difference.
It definitely makes a big difference.
Isn’t it great how your body knows what to do? I bounced back after my pregnancies and hysterectomy surgery very quickly! Not to mention returning to running after injuries as well. I’m always amazed at that.
Its amazing how quickly our bodies remember what they were capable of prior to a major event or setback.
You’ve done so great and are inspiring many, Kathryn! Even though I was a bed rester for most of both of my pregnancies, I managed to bounce back really quickly. I think the key is to work back gradually to an active, healthy lifestyle.
Yes it is.
I think our bodies are truly amazing!! I’ve also heard from others that our body remembers fitness, so being active before pregnancy makes it easier to return to activity after.
It definitely does.
So wonderful that you have bounced back so quickly. I think being active before and during pregnancy really helps. I am working toward a 5k PR as well great job.
Good luck going after that PR!
I wasn’t a runner until a few years after I had kids but I was a gym goer. I think being patient was key for me and realizing I had to come back slowly. So great that you are back at it so well!
Recognizing our limitations and taking things slowly is definitely important. I didn’t start pushing my speed until recently.
With my first, we had this amazing carriage where the kid was completely flat. Since he only napped when he was moving, I walked for HOURS with that and then “ran” with it when I could. With the second, I had him in some sort of wrap on me all the time while I kept up with my four year old. It’s amazing what carrying that extra weight for several hours a day does for your fitness LOL.
It definitely helps with your endurance, that’s for certain.
I totally agree that working out before and during pregnancy makes the recovery SO MUCH better!!
Yes it does.
You’re doing so amazing! Congrats on the PB
Thanks!
Definitely staying active until the end made things easier. Taking too much time off results in too much lost cardio.
Agreed.
I’ve heard staying active as much as you can during pregnancy can help with recovery and getting back to activity, and I know you did that really well. Keep it up!
You are seriously such an inspiration! Great to hear that you’re active and doing well. Keep it up!
Wow! Amazing job! I ‘m still working on my post baby running (5 years later 😉 Found your post on #SundayBlogHop
Nicole | The Professional Mom Project
I’m 2 months pp and starting at it again. Definitely taking it nice and slow. Biggest challenge for me is the lack of sleep which makes it so hard to actually get out and run. Right now I’m only asking 1 mile of myself at a time. Then I usually end up doing more.