• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Fitness Fatale

Conquering Fitness Goals One at a Time

  • About
    • Press
  • Blog
    • Archives
  • Workout Programs
    • 21 Day Fix Resources
    • P90X Resources
    • 80 Day Obsession Purchasing Options
  • PRs & Race Reports
  • Pregnancy
    • Twin Pregnancy
  • Recipes
  • Want To Work From Home As A Fitness Coach Too?
    • Fitness Coaching
  • Join My Next Challenge

February 22, 2016 By fitnessfatale 16 Comments

Running PRs Everywhere

Running has been going great lately. I’m not running any crazy distances, or breaking any land speed records, but I feel myself getting back into the groove (I started running at exactly 6 weeks postpartum so this is a long time coming!). With the La Jolla Half marathon approaching in 9 weeks and the inspiration I found after watching the Marathon Olympic Trials, running is on my brain. I’ve found myself wanting to get out and run as much as possible, and burning out a bit on P90X (good thing we just started the last week of it). In fact, I’ve put runs above it for the last couple of weeks and have missed a few of the key P90X workouts as a result of poor planning. I’ve got a lot of thoughts running through my head on how I’ll be able to balance running, working full time and taking care of a baby (who still wakes up around 4-5 a.m. for a feeding pretty much every night), but for now, I’m enjoying the (quasi) freedom of being a temporary stay at home mom and enjoying mid-day runs in the 70-80 degree San Diego “winter” weather we’ve been having lately.

Siena and I headed out for lunch after a sunny Friday run.
Siena and I headed out for lunch after a sunny Friday run.

One of the big reasons I’m really loving running is that my friend Allison and I have set up three runs a week together. It’s rare that we end up running all three together, but for now we have a Tuesday stroller run on the 101 in Encinitas, a Thursday baby free run in Carlsbad (my mother is law has been coming every Thursday to visit with Siena), and a Saturday morning baby free “long” run on the trails near my house. Running with a buddy is ALWAYS better, and the miles tick by so quickly, even if my legs or heavy or my arms are sore from pushing the stroller.

Running with Allison, Beau and Siena
Running with Allison, Beau and Siena

This past weekend I ran my longest postpartum run yet – 7.3 miles. During peak marathon training I used to bust out 8-10 miles on a weekday, but this 7.3 mile long run felt victorious. I thought that I’d have a harder time accepting the “new me” when it comes to running, but I’ve been able to really let go of past paces and distances and just accept where I’m at today. Today, 7.3 miles is a LONG run. Today, a sub 10 minute mile average on a run is fast. Today, finally running the crazy hilly 3.1 mile trail near my house without walking is something worth celebrating. Today, I am the runner I am.

Running with Allison on the trails near my house last weekend
Running with Allison on the trails near my house last weekend

When I first started running, I PRed on every single race I ran for a year. It was so motivating and fun to watch myself get faster and faster. That’s how I feel again. That 7.3 mile run was as rewarding as the first time I ran 7 miles. My upcoming half marathon will be my first postpartum half marathon and I don’t want to compare it to races I’ve run before this. This is where I’m at, and I look forward to challenging myself to improve my current fitness level. Of course I’d love to beat my pre-baby PRs (and I plan to someday), but for now, I’m focusing on celebrating the improvements I’m making with this body and this fitness level.

After injury, pregnancy or another running set back, do you tend to compare yourself to your old self or your current self? 

PS – Prices for the San Diego Craft Classic Half Marathon go up on March 1! Use code FITNESSFATALE to save $10 (there are also races in Atlanta and Phoenix). Come run and drink beer with me! http://www.craftclassic.com/san-diego/# 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
Pin
Share
Tweet
0 Shares

Related

Filed Under: Running, Uncategorized Tagged With: postpartum fitness, running after baby, training for races after having a baby

« A Day in the Life – Maternity Leave Edition
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Protein Balls »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erica says

    February 22, 2016 at 4:59 pm

    I love that I’ve basically reset all my PR’s postpartum so every time I run further, or faster, it’s a new record. Very motivating! I will say I’m getting pretty frustrated my pace times aren’t really improving. It’s hard since I can only run on a treadmill which is getting SUPER old. Can’t wait for warmer weather and the ice to melt!

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale says

      February 22, 2016 at 5:38 pm

      I agree, super motivating! It’s almost like a revival! Haha. I bet treadmill running is getting old. I’ve actually considered buying one (was just looking on Craigslist) for the times when I can’t leave Siena or its very dark and possibly speedwork. But I can’t imagine doing all my runs on one! I hope it gets warm for you soon!

      Reply
  2. Wendy says

    February 22, 2016 at 5:18 pm

    Great perspective! It’s one I will try to adopt. It’s hard not to compare my pre-injury efforts to today’s efforts, but since I’ve been working with a PT and strengthening my weakness, I feel I will not only catch up to my past efforts but surpass.
    (for now I have to deal with building my running endurance back up–I have none!)

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale says

      February 22, 2016 at 5:37 pm

      You definitely will surpass! It’s just a temporary set back. Keep up the good attitude!

      Reply
  3. Ashley says

    February 23, 2016 at 9:53 am

    Great perspective! I wrote a similar post when I ran 4 solid postpartum Mike’s with a veryyyyy tiny glimpse of my pre-baby self. Little victories are the way to go 🙂 eventually they become bigger and all of the progress can be celebrated! Nice job! I’ll have to come back to this in a few months when I will undoubtedly feel bad about postpartum running for the second time lol!!

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale says

      February 25, 2016 at 3:58 am

      Thanks Ashley! Little victories are definitely the way to go. I have a feeling you’re going to bounce back quickly on this baby (although I didn’t always love when people said that to me while I was pregnant haha) and get back into running shape sooner than you think!

      Reply
  4. Jesica @rUnladylike says

    February 24, 2016 at 2:21 am

    Hooray! So glad to see you out there, feeling good and building back. It can be hard to compare ourselves where we find ourselves in the moment to our best running shape back in time, but you will be there before you know it. I also agree that having weekly running dates with friends makes it so enjoyable and is truly the best part of running. I have a friend I meet every week too and it is just the best. Love seeing your progress! Hope you and your family are doing great. xo

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale says

      February 25, 2016 at 3:57 am

      Thanks Jesica!

      Reply
  5. Whitney says

    February 24, 2016 at 2:24 am

    I love reading all your posts and have to admit that you have gotten me interested in P90X. I am trying to talk my husband into doing it with me after I run the Phoenix marathon this weekend. I trained to run the Eugene marathon in May, but I had to pull out at mile 14 due to injury/sickness. I am hoping this time I finish and feel good. I have two kids, and when they were little, I was thankful for any workouts that I actually completed. I started running again when my son was 3. I would love to qualify for Boston one day. I missed it 18 months ago by 1 minute. Although for this race, I will be happy to finish in one piece and am looking forward to my family being there to cheer. Please keep up all your fitness and nutrition posts. I enjoy reading them. If we end up doing P90X, I will sign up with you as a coach. XOXO Whitney!

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale says

      February 25, 2016 at 3:57 am

      Thanks Whitney! I love P90X – definitely email me nwoyski@gmail.com if you have any more questions.

      Let me know how Phoenix goes! I ran it a few years ago – it wasn’t my best race but it was definitely a well organized and fun race! Good luck!

      Reply
  6. Sara says

    February 24, 2016 at 2:40 am

    I just signed up for my first postpartum race!! It’s a half marathon in May & I’m so excited to start training. I coach runners all the time, but I haven’t trained for myself in a long time. I’m not beating myself up that I’m slower since I’ve had Allie. We are setting new PRs. 🙂

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale says

      February 25, 2016 at 3:55 am

      That is awesome!!! I’m excited for you! Looking forward to following along as you train.

      Reply
  7. Meghan @ little girl in the big world says

    February 25, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    I’m glad you’re getting back in the groove and feel good about running. I haven’t started back yet, but then I didn’t workout through pregnancy, which you were so good about. When did you start running with Siena in the stroller? I got a BOB in addition to our regular stroller but haven’t taken her out in it because I heard I was supposed to wait a while. And as far as comparison, I definitely think for a while I’ll be okay not comparing myself to pre-baby. I was a VERY different athlete them, if I can even consider myself an athlete.

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale says

      February 26, 2016 at 5:05 pm

      I started running with her pretty early, around 10 weeks when she was able to hold her head pretty steady (i used to put a blanket around her head too). Earlier than they recommend but I really do think the BOB company is just trying to save themselves with their very cautious guidelines on when it’s ok to run with the baby. I only run with her on smooth pavement and I always slow down over any bumps in the road. I make sure she’s strapped in securely just like if she were in the car. I run pretty slow with the stroller and am safe about it, so I’m not worried about it. It’s all about how comfortable you personally feel.

      Reply
  8. Kristen @ Glitter and Dust says

    February 26, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    I sensed a lot of excitement in this post. I am feeling the same way with regards to running and making it all work. It looks like our half marathons are only a couple weeks apart. I’ll be cheering you on for sure!

    That’s great that you have found a friend to run with. One of my friends has a two month old, so she is waiting a little longer before she starts running with her. I imagine once spring and summer roll around, we will set up run dates.

    Isn’t it fun to watch the progress? I don’t even remember what it was like to run before being pregnant… it’s definitely a fresh new start. Cheers to new beginnings and PRs in the running world!

    Reply
    • FitnessFatale says

      February 27, 2016 at 4:10 am

      Cheers to that!!!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to My Blog!

Nicole Dobransky

I’m Nicole. I’m a runner, mom to three girls (including twins!), and fitness lover who attempts to live a life of balance as a pizza, craft beer and coffee lover. I live and train near the ocean in San Diego and always keep it real here – there are lots of failures along with my successes in these pages, but what you’ll never see me do is give up!

I am a former accountant who started this blog from a place of absolute passion and love for health and fitness. I’ve now turned it into a way for me to reach and help more people as a health & fitness coach & it’s my mission to help as many women as possible achieve their own goals. I’ve brought hundreds of women into my community and helped them gain confidence and happiness through either my monthly accountability groups or by following their dreams as an online coach as well!

If you’d like to reach out to me for any reason, contact me at fitnessfataleblog at gmail dot com!

Let’s Get Stronger, Fitter, & Healthier Together!

I am a health and fitness coach. I run monthly challenge groups which provide daily accountability and guidance through your journey to achieve your own personal goals.

If you're a runner who is looking to mix in strength training, don't hesitate to reach out! You can compliment your running by including a modified version of any of the programs with your running schedule.

Upcoming Groups:

March 11th: 4 Week Virtual Accountability Group - Transform:20, 21 Day Fix, 80 Day Obsession, LIIFT4 or any other program.

Curious about becoming a virtual fitness coach yourself? Join our next private Facebook event and learn all about it with no obligation.

March 21st

Join The Next Coach Info Session

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 423 other subscribers

Archives

  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011

Copyright © 2019 · Fitness Fatale