This post is long overdue, but better late than never right?! We’re more like at the 3.5 month mark now, but I thought I’d fill you in on how my fitness routine has looked for the past few months. During the first few weeks, we just walked and walked and then I at five weeks, I decided I felt good enough to start the process of finding my pre-pregnancy body again.
Running
My first post-pregnancy 5k
I have really missed running. Prior to getting pregnant, I had some low back pain issues that left me running off and on for a couple years. My fourth marathon was in May of 2010 (I can’t believe it’s been so long!). When I got pregnant, my back was feeling mostly better and I thought for sure I would be a pregnant runner out running right before my due date. When I went to the doctor for my first checkup, they gave me some seriously outdated advice and told me not to get my heart rate above 140 bpm. I thought that sounded odd, but I wanted to be extra cautious, so I did what I was told. A few weeks later, I learned that advice was nixed in the 80′s. By this time, I had morning sickness and then I was anemic and for the remainder of my pregnancy, I stuck to daily walking.
After I had Aiden, I wanted to make a serious comeback to running. I went on my first run at 5 weeks postpartum and while it was hard as hell, my physical body felt okay. My lungs burned and my legs were sore for days. I only went about 2 miles and alternated some walking in there. I had a long way to go. Since that day, I have completed a 5k (running the whole time) and have incorporated running a couple days a week (usually alternating running and walking). My low back has started aching a little bit again because I think I pushed myself too hard in life in general (taking care of Aiden, starting a practice and exercising 5-6 days a week).
Pushing this beast!
Stroller running is a whole other beast. Pushing 40 lbs. or so is no joke while trying to run. I’m pretty sure my form is all off and I look like I’m running a 15 minute/mile pace and feel like I’m trying to break a record! From here, David and I sat at the drawing board and figured out a time that I can run alone while he takes care of Aiden. I think this will be so much more beneficial.
Insanity
Ever since three summers ago, I have loved doing Insanity. Sure it gets boring and monotonous after a while, but it seriously works! The workouts are ideal for me right now because they are about 40 minutes (with stretching), can be done with no equipment at home and are easier to incorporate in my current lifestyle with Aiden. I love the fact that Insanity is a perfect mix of cardio and strength training exercises.
Finding a time that David can take care of Aiden, getting to the gym, and doing a group class just has seemed a little overwhelming to me until the past week or so. I think I’m finally ready to get back to the gym and have David watch Aiden after work. I have only one problem with this and that is the evil breast pump. I don’t know how many other moms feel the same way, but I absolutely despise pumping! The biggest reason that I don’t go to the gym or run on my own is because I would have to pump for Aiden. YUCK!
The Future
From here, I think I’m going to find a class 1-2 times a week at the gym that I can do. I kind of want to take zumba. I did it about 5 years ago and found it really fun. I’ve decided that at this point in the game, I’m not going to train for a race. That seems too regimented for our life right now. David is training for the Ventura Marathon and I think that’s enough for our family for the time being. I still feel like I’m recovering from labor and delivery, so I’m going to listen to my body for probably the first time. This used to be the furthest thing from my mind, but I’m trying to honor what my body needs and what Aiden needs from me too. With that said, I know that training and running races are in my future and I can’t wait.
Post run at Washington Park
