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.
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.
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.
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/#
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!
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!
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!)
You definitely will surpass! It’s just a temporary set back. Keep up the good attitude!
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!!
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!
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
Thanks Jesica!
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!
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!
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. 🙂
That is awesome!!! I’m excited for you! Looking forward to following along as you train.
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.
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.
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!
Cheers to that!!!