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1st Postpartum Run!

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img_5702I’ve anticipated this run for a while and this morning I made it out for my first postpartum run! Well it wasn’t pretty but it wasn’t ugly and that’s really the most I could ask for.

I spent a lot of time thinking about how I was going to make my come back and worrying about everything from jello legs to whether I would fit into my workout clothes to making sure someone was able to watch the baby in my short 30 minute endeavor out of the house. I even purchased a new pair of running shoes for motivation. Everything fell into place this morning once I received the clear from my doctor to start exercising.

img_5741Josh was on baby duty before he started work for the day and I was up at 6am to pump and eat a small breakfast in preparation. Granted this was going to be a really short run, I’ve been ravenous (like marathon training season) and extremely thirsty. I’ve also been emailing my friend, Libby for advice and hearing how she tackled her first runs back was really reassuring and comforting.

Then it was time! And I went outside, turned on my Garmin Forerunner 220 for distance tracking and not pace, and stretched a bit. After speaking with Libby, I decided I wanted to go no further than 2 miles and shorter depending on how I felt. I had no expectations and was prepared to stop and walk if needed.

Now for the run. My legs remembered how to move. My stride was not long. My gait felt off and shorter than previously. And my pace was slow. However, I was able to run and run consistently for a little over a mile. I didn’t feel out of breath and my legs didn’t feel like jello. I finished up after less than 15 minutes covered in sweat (I guess 85% humidity will do that to you) and my endorphins were sky high.

I realize this post may seem a bit dramatic for a mile but hear me out. Running has been a big part of my life for the last four years. It has essentially been a part-time job, maybe even more on most weeks of the year. While pregnant that all changed – not for the better or worst – it just changed and being able to come back now after 11+ months to find a way to resume a new kind of normalcy is a big deal (to me at least). Running is me and I’m glad to enjoy this part of me.

I read a lot about when to return to exercise and running postpartum and I opted to follow my doctor’s orders (not that you shouldn’t) especially given my specific recovery and labor. However, I was probably ready to return sooner, maybe 3-4 weeks in. Again, this is not what my doctor’s recommended and I caution everyone to follow what makes sense for them.

Over the next couple of weeks, I will share more about my running/exercise routine (well, hopefully I can find a routine) and my “training” plan to attempt some of the upcoming races I am signed up for.

Well, this post felt a bit like a ramble but thanks for reading this far and sharing in my excitement of one mile!

Friday Favorites #15 – randomness on a Saturday!

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Please excuse my tardiness on posting about Friday Favorites on a Saturday. Let’s talk about my Friday Favorites but with a twist on the things I really missed being able to do in the last year. And oh by the way, I’m horrible at taking pictures of anything that’s not our baby, so please ignore the lack of pictures in this post.

The Olympics. I love competition and I love the Olympics. It’s been great having coverage on in the background throughout the day. Women’s gymnastics are awesome and of course, swimming. I am also very much looking forward to the track and field events, which started yesterday. By the way, the Women’s 10K race was incredible and so excited that Molly Huddle broke Shalane Flanagan’s American record. Oh and I am with the New Yorker about Women’s Gymnastics deserving better TV coverage.

img_5568Any and all cheeses. Man, I hated asking everywhere I went if the cheeses were pasteurized. Josh and I went out for the first time just the two of us last week for dinner at Bin 14 and it was the first time we just ordered whatever we wanted without concern.

A glass of Riesling. My absolute favorite wine. I never did drink much, only socially, and with constant marathon training over the last couple of years, I was drinking even less. But I really did miss being able to order a drink on occasion.

Smoked salmon with bagel and cream cheese. Yummy! I haven’t had one of these in over 10 months and was so excited to finally be able to eat smoked salmon. Josh makes it best with frozen whole wheat bagels, cream cheese, tomatoes, and of course, smoked salmon.

Stokke MyCarrier Cool, Gaiam Backless Ball Chair and Africa. The combination of these three things have been a savior the last couple of days when our little one would wake up early and not be able to fall back asleep. I carry her with the carrier, either pacing/dancing around the apartment or bouncing on the ball chair while singing Africa. This also keeps my hands free to eat (very carefully that I do not drop anything on her) and of course, type this blog post.

img_5475Can’t wait to run/exercise again. I’m itching to start exercising and running again but will wait until I hopefully receive clearance from the doctors in a week and a half. Did I tell you I brilliantly signed up for the Bronx 10-miler and NYC Marathon? Ha, we’ll see how I do getting back into shape especially in this heat. To inspire my return, I am purchasing a new pair of running shoes. Brooks is having a sale on the Launch 3 in select colors until Sunday! It’s too bad the USA edition is not discounted.

Our families. They deserve more than a mention in a post. We’ve been so fortunate to have our families visit for the birth and afterwards. They have been incredibly helpful and have spoiled us and their granddaughter with so much love, lots of diaper changes, early morning feedings, and extra sleep for Josh and I. We’re so grateful for them.

Hope you have a great weekend with a lot of running, Olympic watching especially the women’s marathon tomorrow, and if you’re in the NYC-area heat wave, that you’re staying cool.