This blog has always been about whatever I want it to be – there’s no particular theme other than it’s about mostly the fitness side of my life. At first it was a P90X blog, then a running blog and for a year or so, a newbie triathlete in training for an Ironman blog. I’ve highlighted my engagement, wedding planning, honeymoon and travels to New Zealand on this blog. This is my life, albeit a small snapshot of it, and therefore I chose to blog about my pregnancy and child birth here. I know that probably caused me to lose some readers but it also helped me meet, via the interwebs, so many fellow mothers who I’ve enjoyed getting to know over the last several months.
At the end of the day, I write this blog for me. I don’t write it for money or for fame (clearly I’d be failing at both of those). I’ve always loved to write and that is why I’ve stuck with this blog for nearly 5 years!
At one point I’d wondered if I’d have time to blog once the baby is here. Well, considering I nurse practically all day and have mastered the art of multitasking while doing so, I’m able to continue writing while she rests comfortably on my chest. As she grows older and more active, we’ll see, but I have a feeling I’ll continue to write because I simply enjoy it.
As for the direction of the blog – I don’t plan to make this a “mommy blog” although now I am a mother and that will be a part of my identity forever, both online and in “real life.” I plan to continue to focus on fitness and running, while also sprinkling in some baby love along the way. I hope that you’ll continue to read on! 
Of course I’m already thinking about getting back into shape and racing again. I miss running, and I really miss racing. I miss pushing my body to its limits and feeling my lungs burning. I miss the accomplishment of a finish line. I am considering the Carlsbad half marathon in mid January as my first race (and possibly walk/jog a turkey trot), but I’m going to wait and see how I feel after a week or two or running first. I don’t plan to run for at least 6 weeks postpartum and even then, I’ll totally play it by ear based on how my body feels. I stopped running at 33 weeks (and let’s be honest it was more of a walk/jog at that point) so by the time I’m running again it’ll be over 3 months since I last laced up my shoes for a run. Carlsbad may be a little soon; we’ll have to see.
At this moment, I do plan to run a marathon next year, probably at the end of the year. I don’t know if it’ll be a Boston qualifying effort or not – again that will be dictated by how life goes. And honestly, I may decide a marathon is too much to commit to with an infant at home. Getting to Boston used to be one of my biggest goals, and while I still do want to make it there, I have bigger priorities that will come first.
I definitely want to continue yoga and strength training. Even if I train for a marathon, I don’t imagine myself running more than 4 days a week, maybe 5 during peak training. I’d like to continue my yoga practice, at least once a week, from now on. My body and my mind both feel immensely better with a regular yoga practice. Getting all of these workouts in could be an absolute stretch once I’m back at work and juggling another priority, but Mike and I have had a lot of conversations about how we want to make it work for both of us to continue to stay fit and healthy.
So here we go – this journey is going to be the toughest yet but the reward is worth every sacrifice.
What kind of fitness goals did you make for your first year postpartum? When did you start running again?
Man – this is exactly what is happening in our house right now! My little lady is 4 months and in the last few weeks my husband and I have gotten in a good routine of who gets to leave the house to go workout and who has to workout at home in the mornings. We are also LOVING our family long runs on the weekend pushing the bob! I’m doing my first half post baby in January – attempting to do it faster, have just started doing some light speed work! Definitely be kind to yourself as you come back, sounds like we did a similar amount of running during our pregnancies! it sounds like you have a really good attitude about fitting in fitness with the new little one! I too am wondering if another marathon will be in my near future or if I will be going a couple years without a marathon – right now I’m still not itching to run a marathon. Congratulations on your little one, she is beautiful!
I just have to say that I read your blog prior to your baby posts but, not as much because I was pregnant then had my baby. I didn’t relate as much being in my new phase of life. Once you posted about being pregnant, I started to read more because I could relate to your journey being pregnant and trying to stay fit. So, you have a reader here 🙂
My first postpartum goal was a 15 mile race. I waited until my 6 week check up with my doc and she gave me the green light on running and working out. I literally laced up that day, got the baby in the jogging stroller, and took off…. it wasn’t pretty at first but, totally got better. Had to pull over, sit in the stroller and breast feed on the side of the road a few times! . I started a strength training routine and because of that, I became a better/faster runner post baby than pre baby!
Now that she’s heavier it’s a whole new challenge but, still, I’m a better runner for it. I definitely listen to my body more now and honor it when it’s not feeling the ramp up of mileage or speed. This new journey as a mom has taught me so much about myself and there’s always a new challenge which, can, and usually is, exciting or totally whacky but, I love it!
You are gonna have a blast! Some advise I CAN give is sleep when baby sleeps! I know it’s hard with so many other things you can do while baby sleeps but sometimes, you’lol really need it. Much love!
Love all this 🙂 Keep up the fit mom blog, you will rock it! Stroller miles, nursing before races, it will all be awesome to share with other women wondering how to make it all work.
Fun story: my first race post partum was that San Diego Holiday Half, that I later figured out I followed you the whoke race (it was your birthday, right?) I ran a PR 1:44 that day, at 5 months post partum. So cool.
I didn’t start running until AFTER I was a mom, so all I know is momma running. But it’s awesome. I’m certain it will be different from your running days before baby – but it will be great. Enjoy your rest time, no rush, you will have plenty of time to meet and exceed goals 🙂 keep snuggling your sweet baby!
Wow I didn’t realize that was a PR for you so close to having a baby!! That’s awesome – I love hearing stories like that. And yes it was my birthday!
She is super cute!!!! Congrats!!
Congratulations…She is SO CUTE!
I started running 3 weeks postpartum with both my kids.
I signed up for Big Sur while I was still pregnant with my first and I ran it when she was about 7 months old. Having races to train for really helped keep me balanced in those first few challenging months.
Every single PR I have was set within a year of having a baby (I just got a new marathon PR 6 months after having my son!) This will probably be the year of the BQ for you!
Wow that is encouraging! I’ve heard of a lot of mama PRs after baby….maybe we all have a higher pain threshold after!
Oh my goodness, That last photo is so adorable!
Finding time to work out with a baby is definitely a balancing act. I recommend a gym or yoga studio that provides child care, and a jogging stroller, and lots of communication! My husband and I would take a few minutes every week to organize/coordinate our workouts. Then it’s on the schedule and more likely to get done!
I started running 6 weeks after my daughter was born. My first race was a half-marathon when she was 5 months old. I ran another half-marathon two months later and didn’t PR but was back within my normal pre-pregnancy range for time. I hoping for a similar comeback after I have Baby #2 in December, but I did stop running sooner this time so will have to take it easier if necessary.
I think the important thing is to be kind and patient with your body. It’s just done this amazing thing! But we all bounce back at different speeds. Looking forward to following along whichever direction the blog goes!
Your blog, your rules. And clearly by my blog title, MommiesRun, you can mix your worlds and write about whatever you want! Congrats on your beautiful baby girl.
True! And thank you!
I’m like you. I write because I intrinsically enjoy writing. I don’t get paid or make any money off my blog, which I am completely fine with. I will continue blogging as long as it is something I appreciate and enjoy doing.
It’s been so fun meeting you and a few other new moms through blogging. A few of us got pregnant right after CIM (I still think there was something in the water) and have experienced everything around the same time. I definitely feel the connection! I’m thinking about going back in 2016!
I think a half marathon in January is completely doable. I just had my first run yesterday and while it was slow and a struggle, it felt so good getting back out there. The biggest challenge seems to be finding the time/energy and figuring out a schedule. I’ve heard mixed advice as to when it is okay to start running with a baby in the jogger. Some people have said after a couple months while other have said wait until 6 months. Do you know what is ok and not ok?
P.S. Little Siena is just precious!!! Maybe someday she will get to meet Axel. 🙂
I know it has been awesome to have gone through this journey together – especially since we seem to have a lot in common. I actually am thinking CIM may be the marathon for me – a rematch!!! It’d be so fun for Siena and Axel to meet there! And my husband and I are very interested in a Bend vacation at some point.
And no, I have no idea when it’s s really ok to run in the stroller – I’ve heard 8 months and I’ve heard when they can hold their head up and I’ve heard it all doesn’t matter! I’ll probably see what my pediatrician says and go from there. we have a lot of hills by our house and mike has said even walking up them with that thing is a workout and he’s in good shape!
Oh I’m so glad you’re going to continue blogging! Being a mom so incredible but we have other interests too so I’m glad you’ll be sharing it all!
Post baby I can say I got faster and stronger. Honestly for me I think this was bc I was mentally stronger and knew I could tolerate a lot of pain. As far as when I started running again that’s a little more complex. My son was early and had two separate stays in the NICU so I did jog a bit at 6 weeks and my pelvic floor needed more time! At 8 weeks it was much better. I didn’t start really working out until my son was 9 months or so and I started with a boot camp class. After 2 years my son was healthy and thriving and I got the racing bug again so focused on running and I’ve had some amazing PRs! 30 mins for half marathon and over a 2 min improvement for 5K and I also ran my first marathon! Having my son at the finish line of all my races is just something so incredible about it!!!
I have found that running early in the morning works best for me! I know you’ll figure it out. Enjoy the baby snuggles!
Super adorable pictures! I don’t have children yet but I have enjoyed reading several blogs with newbie moms including yours to better understand the bodies changes.
I know I will feel the same exact way and be super ready to run again because I can’t go more than a few days without my “fix”.
Thanks Sheena!!
I Just wanted to say kudos to you! I love that your blog is a passion and that you’re sticking to it in the manner that you want it to go. I’m still kind of a “new” blogger and I feel like there can be a lot of pressure about what to do with your blog, so good for you! And I’m not a mom but I think it’s great that you’re keeping continuing to do blogging AND fitness in the direction that you’re a great inspiration for women about being able to be healthy but also balanced. 🙂 Thanks for what you share!
Thanks Devon! Just be true to who you are with your blog and don’t worry too much! Easier said than done but it makes the whole thing much more enjoyable.