Entering My Competitive Soccer Mom Era
I officially entered into my competitive soccer mom era.
I’m celebrating by attempting to run 14 miles before my daughter’s first game at 8:30 AM (tomorrow’s first game is also at 8:30 AM). I am parking near the field and running to meet my run group (luckily the fields are just a few miles from where they meet) and leaving a change of clothes, a recovery shake and a banana in my car. I just hope no one gets too close and smells me…
Unlocking a New Level in My Running
Another era? Unlocking new levels in my running.
I can just FEEL it coming.
To make a long story short – I’ve struggled with pelvic floor dysfunction for many years. It got worse after having the twins (surprise – carrying 13.5 pounds of baby inside you and pushing them out messes things up).
How I Realized My Pelvic Floor Was Affecting My Running
I knew that I was having certain symptoms and had been to an in person pelvic floor PT, but I didn’t finally tie it back to the way my running has felt until last year at the RRCA run coach convention last year.
The Presentation That Connected the Dots
A pelvic floor PT/run coach spoke in one of the sessions about the connection between the pelvis, hips and core with not just leaking or bathroom breaks on runs, but also low back pain, tight hip flexors, and running feel less fluid and efficient.
Nearly everything she described sounded like me.
Why Fueling Wasn’t the Problem
I had tried different approaches with fueling to fix the bathroom thing, but it didn’t seem to matter. I started to realize it was not about the food or drink – it was my core & pelvic floor function.
Why Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Can Be Difficult to Fix
But the hard part is – this isn’t something that is easy to fix.
Pelvic Floor Symptoms Can Be Complex
Pelvic floors can be weak or tight, strong or weak…. The kegals my PT gave me didn’t really make much of a difference. And seeing someone in person regularly is hard when you run a business, marathon train and have 3 kids.
The Pelvic Floor Program That Helped Me
My neighbor mentioned Caroline Packard’s program Connect Pelvic Floor and I signed up the free trial a few months ago.
Starting With the Basics
The first weeks of “workouts” were just breathing & stretching in different positions… but it helped me from the beginning.
Improvements I Noticed in My Running
But, within weeks, I was noticing improvements in both my bathroom breaks on runs AND in my running form.
Changes I Experienced
My stride is smoother and more efficient, and I’m running faster (My V02 Max score on my watch went up 2 points quickly).
While I’m still having some symptoms – it feels like I’m not being held back anymore.
And I feel hopeful.
Why Female Runners Should Consider Pelvic Floor Health
I’m going to follow this up with a more functional and scientific explanation in a future email, but for now I just wanted to share this win. I also know there’s got to be at least a few women who read my emails who are now putting the pieces together for themselves.
Sometimes the Missing Piece Isn’t Obvious
You know your body best – but sometimes it takes trial and error and putting together many puzzle pieces to figure out exactly what is holding you back. Maybe one more piece of the puzzle is starting to fit for you, just like it has for me.
Happy running,
Nicole Dobransky
PS Allison did AMAZING at the Rock n’ Roll marathon and said the final mile was as hard as natural child birth – and now she wants to do another one. So basically, a runner was reborn! I’m a proud coach and friend.
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