Babies, bodies and running
I take it for granted that post-partum bodies are just ready to go and run, but that isn't the case. It takes a bit of work to get back to running and a lot of work to get back to racing. That said, it is worth every ounce of effort.
My experiences have been something like this:
After having the baby and feeling that natural high that cannot be matched (I CAN DO ANYTHING!) I usually then look in the mirror and feel a bit huge. And tiny. Tiny compared to last week when there was a 6lb baby in my belly, 3 lbs of water, and all of the swollen body parts that indicate pregnancy. But huge compared to the me I have known since the age of 15. I still have a belly and my skinny jeans aren't even close. I am very forgiving and know that it will come off, so I just avoid the mirrors.
I begin with simple kegels and belly tightening exercises. It's important to learn how to do a proper kegel and I suggest working with a rad pilates instructor for the first 12 weeks post-partum to make sure you are getting everything tightened up properly. Then I embrace walking. I've been known to walk for miles- maybe too far for a tiny baby mama- and the lbs start to melt off. If course, breastfeeding is so important for weight loss and getting back to the old you. I always fed on demand- rather than a schedule- and the baby's growth spurts were really good for my body image.
Around 4-6 weeks I begin to run. Not long and not hard. Just a little jog to know what it feels like to run again. That run became a mile or two and then a few more. All the while working on my core strength, because as we now know, my navicular stress fracture was likely caused by a weak core 2 years after having my first child. Weakness adds up and stresses are compounded with time. Don't let the little pains get away from you! Think of a tent- one pole breaks and while the tent doesn't fall down, the entire structure leans and sways, is weakened to compensate for the one broken pole. Bad news for a high mileage runner!
Anyhow, by about 4 months I start to feel like myself again. I get rid of the Medium sized running clothes and get out on the trails on a regular basis. I try racing- but I like to do something different so that I am not comparing my new self with my old self. In 2010 it was the Empire State Building Run-Up. This time, I strung together a few races and refused to push hard at first. My first postpartum goal was simply to run sub-20mins in the 5K. Then I ran a half marathon I'd signed up for so many months before, and finally another 5K where I let myself run.
It was a good approach and helped me develop the confidence I needed to run and train again. And of course, before you know it, my body was back and I forget what it was ever like to feel heavy, slow, and pregnant.
My experiences have been something like this:
After having the baby and feeling that natural high that cannot be matched (I CAN DO ANYTHING!) I usually then look in the mirror and feel a bit huge. And tiny. Tiny compared to last week when there was a 6lb baby in my belly, 3 lbs of water, and all of the swollen body parts that indicate pregnancy. But huge compared to the me I have known since the age of 15. I still have a belly and my skinny jeans aren't even close. I am very forgiving and know that it will come off, so I just avoid the mirrors.
I begin with simple kegels and belly tightening exercises. It's important to learn how to do a proper kegel and I suggest working with a rad pilates instructor for the first 12 weeks post-partum to make sure you are getting everything tightened up properly. Then I embrace walking. I've been known to walk for miles- maybe too far for a tiny baby mama- and the lbs start to melt off. If course, breastfeeding is so important for weight loss and getting back to the old you. I always fed on demand- rather than a schedule- and the baby's growth spurts were really good for my body image.
Around 4-6 weeks I begin to run. Not long and not hard. Just a little jog to know what it feels like to run again. That run became a mile or two and then a few more. All the while working on my core strength, because as we now know, my navicular stress fracture was likely caused by a weak core 2 years after having my first child. Weakness adds up and stresses are compounded with time. Don't let the little pains get away from you! Think of a tent- one pole breaks and while the tent doesn't fall down, the entire structure leans and sways, is weakened to compensate for the one broken pole. Bad news for a high mileage runner!
Anyhow, by about 4 months I start to feel like myself again. I get rid of the Medium sized running clothes and get out on the trails on a regular basis. I try racing- but I like to do something different so that I am not comparing my new self with my old self. In 2010 it was the Empire State Building Run-Up. This time, I strung together a few races and refused to push hard at first. My first postpartum goal was simply to run sub-20mins in the 5K. Then I ran a half marathon I'd signed up for so many months before, and finally another 5K where I let myself run.
It was a good approach and helped me develop the confidence I needed to run and train again. And of course, before you know it, my body was back and I forget what it was ever like to feel heavy, slow, and pregnant.
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