Postpartum Running

Running Shoes, Tank, Shorts

Wow! Another week has flown by and we're back to another Friday. I didn't really mean to take the week off from blogging, but when this little face is smiling at me, it's a no-brainer to spend my time playing and snuggling with her. Yes, I could do a little writing during nap time, but that's when I try to take care of myself with a quick shower or nap. Another way I've been taking care of myself is by starting to run again.

Monica will be 8 weeks old this weekend and I began running (with walking) about 2 weeks ago. I've been getting out for (sometimes very slow) walks since she was 5 days old and felt like I was ready to pick up the pace a little more. Plus, my doctor said everything was healing well after the C section and I was cleared to exercise.

In true Cathy fashion, I found a 10K race and started to follow Hal Higdon's training program. A 5K seemed too easy and a half marathon is out of the question since I took a year off from running. Sure, I tried to exercise while pregnant, but running was out of the picture.

One of the obvious reasons I'm running again is to try to get back into shape. I put on somewhere between 35 and 40 pounds during this pregnancy. While that's a healthy amount to gain, it was a mentally scary number on the scale. And I was already carrying a few extra pounds when I got pregnant. I'm already down 30 pounds, but those were the easy ones. Monica accounted for about a third of that and I was retaining a bit of water near the end of my pregnancy. Breastfeeding has probably knocked off a few more. 

Mentally, I need to get out and run because it helps me clear my mind. Plus, when I go out for a solo run, John gets some daddy-daughter time with Monica.

 

On the positive side, having a baby has made me less self-conscious about my body. It just grew another human being for 41 weeks and worrying about my belly is low on my priority list. Sure, I'm still rocking some maternity wear and am wearing clothes that hide my imperfections, but I'm starting to fit into more of my non-maternity clothes. Like my skinny jeans (!), even though they were unbuttoned at the top. And I wouldn't mind fitting into a few more articles of clothing. I miss you, pink gingham button down!

As for the running itself, it's slow going and my legs are definitely rusty. Sometimes my running is more akin to a slow shuffle than jogging. And let's just say I need to invest in a few new sports bras! My Dolly Parton-like boobies are uncomfortable and flying all over the place!

So for the well-endowed runners out there, any sports bra recommendations to share?

see more Friday's Fancies at {long distance loving}

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