Any running moms? Looking for tips and advice...

awolfff · September 2015

Don't really post much here, but I did a quick search for this and didn't see what I am looking for. Sorry in advance if the below has already been discussed!

That said, i was a long distance runner before I got pregnant and would really like to get back into it. Looking for tips from other running moms in terms of returning to running postpartum. Also, I've read good things about the bob jogging stroller, but is it generally better to get a sitter while you run? Is it worth the investment? Also, hoping to do a half next June and am trying to figure out training and all that good stuff. Really nervous about starting back running because I'm know I'm not going to be able to start where I left off.

Thanks in advance!!

Sammy K · September 2015

We have a Healthy Mama's thread you should check out. There are a few runners here.

I did a half 5 months after DS and while it was slow, it was pretty fun since I had very low expectations. So tip #1 is don't compare to your pre-pregnancy times. Start slow and low mileage to ease your body back into it.

Make sure you have a good sports bra. You'll probably need more support now. Ditto on shoes if your feet have changed.

I have a Bob and it's nice, but if you can easily get a sitter, that will be much more enjoyable. You can't use the Bob until they have complete head control, so that will be a few months yet. It is nice to be able to get out when DH is traveling, so I'm glad I have one. They're just a lot of work.

Just be easy on yourself and take lots of time to build up. You have to retrain everything - cardiovascular capacity, leg strength, core strength and pelvic floor strength.

Good luck and hopefully I see you in the Healthy mamas! I'm planning on a Thanksgiving 5k. With 2 kids, I'm lowering my expectations even more.

beemaya83 · September 2015

I too was a long distance runner before getting pregnant. I was up to 10 mile runs one day on the weekends. I started a workout routine 6 weeks pp after getting clearance from my doc. I started with 1 mile walks on the treadmill. Now I'm doing 4 miles 4 times per week and I'm 12 weeks postpartum today! The hard thing for me is consistency, things get so busy with kiddo sometimes the only time is at night, which by then all I want to do is sleep. I signed up for a 1/2 marathon relay with a fellow momma which is coming up in October. My hubby for sure watches my son on weekend mornings so I can run outside on my own....I enjoy it so much! @Awolfff

47923ang · September 2015

Former marathoner here. I didn't run at all during my pregnancy, and I had a few complications with my recovery, so I'm just now starting back at 13 weeks postpartum.

I'm starting with the mindset that I'm a brand new runner. I'm using a gps for reference, but I'm not worrying about paces at all. I'm completely focused on consistency--get out 3 times per week every week and build from there.

On weekends, I can have DH watch the kids, and during the week, if it works with my work schedule I can drop them off at daycare then run before work. I also have a treadmill, so that may come into play at some point.

I don't have any races planned, and I don't know when I will. Maybe some spring 5 and 10ks? I'll probably work toward half marathons again, but at this point I don't have any desire to do a marathon again because of the time involved in training. That could change, but probably not for a few years at least.

aresee · September 2015

I started back running around 6-7 weeks pp. For those first runs back, I really recommend keeping it short and doing slow run/walk intervals. Helped me take the pressure off and figure out what parts of my body need extra strengthening and stretching (my right hip is still not at 100%).

I may do a 5k over the winter, and I'm aiming for a local 5k/10k/half series in 2016. I probably could build up faster, but I don't want to put too much pressure on my schedule during this first year.

awolfff · September 2015

Thank you ladies!! This is all very helpful! I miss my runs so much I have dreams about them

Marcantonio · September 2015

If you are BF- nurse or pump before you go any distance it will be much more comfortable.

47923ang · September 2015

GET A GOOD BRA!

I just went out today in a bra that isn't supportive enough. Ouch.

I got a decent one from old navy for $15. There are much better ones out there, but I don't want to spend a ton yet.

alcrimmins · September 2015

I ran before getting pregnant and at the beginning of the pregnancy. I just started running again with the "Couch to 5k" app on my phone. I gradually builds you up to a 5k in 8 weeks. Right now I walk an 80lb 10 month old goldendoodle while wearing my l/o 4 miles every morning, then hit the gym to run and lift after. I'm a SAHM so that works for me, plus my gym had free child watch for 2 hours.

Get a good bra and shoes. Remember to take it slow until you're ready. You'll know when to really start pushing yourself.

jessieR358 · September 2015

My chest got ginormous with breastfeeding and a great bra is the moving comfort rebound racer.

awolfff · September 2015

Thank you!! Any recommendations on a good sports bra? I'll try out that one from old navy, but thinking long term- kinda want something that will last...I'm pretty rough on clothes and bras

Sammy K · September 2015

Moving Comfort is great. I like their Juno. But they're not cheap. If you're BFing, be aware what fits now might not in a year.

47923ang · September 2015

Sammy K said:
Moving Comfort is great. I like their Juno. But they're not cheap. If you're BFing, be aware what fits now might not in a year.

That's the main reason I went with the old navy one. It'll do for now, and I'll invest in a moving comfort--I've heard good things about Juno, too--after I figure out my new size.

mindaa · September 2015

I got a used Chariot stroller off Craigslist, and purchased an infant sling insert that can be used until LO is big enough for the regular seat.

I had kind of been looking forward to training with a stroller, viewing like one would use a weighted vest - So then when you get the chance to run without it, you are extra light and fast

It absolutely is discouraging getting re-started but stay positive. Even though I've been taking things super slow and easy, I feel good at how quickly I've been able to increase my mileage. The worst part is that I still have to wear a light pad due to the bladder leakage. Ugh.

ChardeeMacDennis · September 2015

@Sammy K Do you nurse in your Juno? I've seen it recommended for that.

Also some colors and sizes are on sale for $36 right now I see. https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/juno-sports-bra/350025.html

jessieR358 · September 2015

ChardeeMacDennis said:
@Sammy K Do you nurse in your Juno? I've seen it recommended for that.

Also some colors and sizes are on sale for $36 right now I see. https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/juno-sports-bra/350025.html

The rebound racer has Velcro straps too. I nursed in it one day but the Velcro is like professional grade and i was almost sweating by the end trying to get the dang strap back in the hole bc the Velcro was getting so stuck on the fabric!

henrytviii · September 2015

I only use the Juno when I am breastfeeding. I don't normally need the support but right now its essential. I've nursed in before but I tend to take it right off as soon as i can. I feel like the tight sports bras give me mastitis.

For running, I worry that starting to early just sets me back. I wouldn't run if your pelvic floor doesn't feel normal. I did that with my first and it took almost 2 years to get back to normal. This time things feel better but i am still just running 2-3 miles once or twice a week and focusing on swimming and biking. I'll ramp it up in the spring when my body is 100%. And I stopped wearing my Garmin. I don't need to look down and see a pace that is discouraging!

ChardeeMacDennis · September 2015

Hmm, ok. When I eventually take her to child watch at the gym I want to nurse her when I drop her off so I was looking for something easy. Too bad. Thanks!

mypower610 · September 2015

I was a runner before getting pregnant. PP I've used the couch 2 5k app as well. I walked about 2 miles every other day for a week before starting the app, just so I didn't go straight into running (ESP since I didn't run during pregnancy).
I def agree with nursing or pumping before going.
I have the Graco all terrain stroller. LO is still in the car seat but it clicks in it. I haven't had any issues with running with it.

Sammy K · September 2015

ChardeeMacDennis said:
@Sammy K Do you nurse in your Juno? I've seen it recommended for that.

Also some colors and sizes are on sale for $36 right now I see. https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/juno-sports-bra/350025.html

Not really. I have, but it's not that comfortable. I only have one that really fits now, the rest are all a little small but I pump before I go and just make due. Since I'm running 30 min max, I don't worry about it. I wouldn't do a longer run in a too-small sports bra. I'll have to check out the Brooks!

SmashJam · September 2015

@henrytviii what does a normal pelvic floor feel like? I get out running like, twice a week, and it feels like someone kicked me in the crotch, kind of like towards the end of pregnancy. Is that my pelvic floor feeling weird? Or something else? Anyone else know?

Sammy K · September 2015

SmashJam said:
@henrytviii what does a normal pelvic floor feel like? I get out running like, twice a week, and it feels like someone kicked me in the crotch, kind of like towards the end of pregnancy. Is that my pelvic floor feeling weird? Or something else? Anyone else know?

Probably. All those muscles need to be strengthened after pregnancy hell. I can tell when I go too far. I feel sore and like I need to pee. It took a good 4 months of consistent running before I could run 10 miles without a pee break (or worse, ha). I peed in some pretty random places for a while. Luckily I run early morning so no one ever saw me.

henrytviii · September 2015

So mine was soft tissue issue. I could almost feel it bounce and I would pee myself if I ran hard. So at race pace I would almost instantly have issues. I'm not sure why I felt compelled to be racing within months. Dumb. My crotch would feel swollen after runs. I also kept getting mastitis and thrush. My body was too worn down from pregnancy and lack of sleep. My sister also ran too soon and hers was more of a pelvic bone pain, like someone had kicked her in crotch on the bone. She carried wide and had more hip spreading. With this baby I carried straight out and did kegels more and I seem fine. No swelling, no bone pain. But I am running once a week and super easy. At 9:30 to 10:00 pace instead of 7:30-7:45 pace if you need precise #'s. I really really really think that if you run too soon you set yourself way back. I hate to be discouraging but based on me, my sister and a few friends, I would not run if you feel like someone kicked you in the crotch. Wait, it its not worth rushing. Exercise another way. It will come back quick when you body is ready. I am actually doing a triathlon tomorrow but only bringing flip flops so I have to drop out after the bike. I'm trying not to look at it as embarrassing, but rather be proud that I am being gentle on my body for once.

delujm0 · September 2015

Sammy K said:

ChardeeMacDennis said:
@Sammy K Do you nurse in your Juno? I've seen it recommended for that.

Also some colors and sizes are on sale for $36 right now I see. https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/juno-sports-bra/350025.html
Not really. I have, but it's not that comfortable. I only have one that really fits now, the rest are all a little small but I pump before I go and just make due. Since I'm running 30 min max, I don't worry about it. I wouldn't do a longer run in a too-small sports bra. I'll have to check out the Brooks!

I've nursed in my Juno. Right now I'm just running indoors on my elliptical due to time constraints and the humid weather, but I was a 34DD pre-pregnancy so I've always run in moving comfort. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized how easy it was to nurse in the Juno...sometimes lo is starving so I have to feed her between my workout and shower.

Two of my old MC bras fit well still, I just clasp them on the biggest rung instead of the smallest one like I used to. The other two are questionable (different but similar style) but are ok for 30 minutes on the elliptical if I've recently fed or pumped.

You can try Sierra Trading Post online...they usually have moving comfort bras on sale, though unfortunately the larger cup sizes sell out quickly.

I'm coming back to this thread in about a month when I plan to take my runs back outdoors!

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