Happy Global Running Day! I figured there was no better day than today to talk about RUNNING, specifically how my return to running has been so far and what I’ve got on tap in terms of races and running plans.
If you’ve been following along, I was able to run (well, more of a run/walk) until 30 weeks pregnant with twins. I had not expected to keep it up for so long but thanks to a few pregnant running buddies (and a patient best friend) to keep me company, I kept running, giant belly and all.
I was cleared for exercise from my doctor at 4 weeks postpartum but decided to stay away from running until 6 weeks. I didn’t feel totally ready to get back into such high impact exercise so soon and wanted to focus on getting stronger before I made a comeback. I started with some pelvic floor exercises and some of the more beginner friendly workouts on Beachbody on Demand, alternating workouts with walks. My doctor confirmed I do NOT have diastasis recti – if I did I would not have started running at 6 weeks even. More to come on my postpartum workout schedule – I really want to get out a download that new moms can use to help them ease back into workouts after baby (or babies!). Look for that soon!
I scheduled my first postpartum run on a day my mom would be in town so that I could leave the house alone and run at the coast where it’s flat (all the routes around my house are very hilly). I ran 3.1 miles, and had to stop to walk several times. It was extremely humbling and I felt both motivated and excited to be back and discouraged and humbled by how hard it was. My lungs burned, my inner thigh rub was off the charts (shorts were a bad idea), and my legs tired easily. The next day all of my stabilizer muscles (inner thighs, core, etc) were sore, which was a big signal that I needed to play it smart and give myself at least 1-2 days between runs.
Since then, I’ve run a total of 5 times over the last 2.5 weeks and each run gets better and better (though it’s still not easy by any means!). I cleared all the records out of my Garmin so that every time I log a run it tells me I’ve PR’d in some distance or speed which is confidence boosting! Instead of focusing on where I was in the past, I’m trying to focus on where I’m going in the future. I also purchased and borrowed some larger running and workout clothes so that I feel more comfortable when I’m exercising. That little act alone boosted my confidence a ton! There’s nothing worse for your confidence than clothes that feel too tight, no matter the size on the tag.
In other exciting news, I’ve decided on my first two postpartum runs! My first race will be the Aloha Run 10K! It takes place in Mission Bay (i.e. flat and scenic!) on September 9th and there is a 5K and 10K. You can use discount code FITNESSFATALE for 15% off the Aloha Run if you want to join me in San Diego or run the Long Beach Aloha Run on September 15th.
My second race will be the Rock n’ Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon !!! I’ll be heading up to LA on Saturday with my friend Kelly and possibly 1-2 other women and running the race on Sunday, October 28th. We’re making it a mini girls trip and may even take the train so we can do some post race celebrating (a.k.a. drinking) and relax on the way back to San Diego). In celebration of Global Running Day, Rock n’ Roll is offering mega deals on several of the races – be sure to register ASAP for your desired race to get the best deal.
I am most likely going to join back up with my Seaside Striders Running Club in the Fall and have my coach Jim provide weekly training schedules again. I’m really excited to get some speed back and am thinking about an early 2019 half, likely the Rock n’ Roll San Diego half, and then MAYBE a full in the fall. I don’t really want to run another marathon until I can really dedicate to it and once I’m back to my old speed, so it’ll really depend on how the winter/spring 2019 racing goes before I commit to a full in the fall.
That’s where I’m at now with my running. Running, training and Beachbody coaching all give me a personal outlet during this time of taking care of my three daughters. I love these little ladies SO much but it’s nice to have some time for myself. Luckily Mike is very supportive of my running and since my mom stays with us two days a week (Thurs-Sat), it’ll be a little easier for me to get out for long runs.
I’m looking forward to making some progress and getting back into racing!
What about you? What races are you excited about? Running moms, how long did you wait to get back into racing after having your kids?
Clearing your previous records out of GARMIN is a great idea after a long period away from running. I did this after missing 8 months due to an ankle injury and surgery. The small, measurable victories certainly provide added motivation. Best wishes for training for your fall races!
It is so fantastic to already see you back out there running. There is no stopping you!
Thanks! It makes me feel like myself again!
A bunch of my friends took advantage of the sale yesterday and are heading to Chicago in July for the RNR half. I have a Half Ironman the following weekend so I decided to pass- that sale was tempting though! Sounds like you are being smart easing your way back into running!!
Awesome! Those deals were too good to pass up1 But you’re smart not to run a half a week out from a half ironman!