Running with Two: Baby Steps

Running With Two is a series on LV Running Scene written specifically for women who balance running and motherhood. Christina began writing for LV Running Scene while she was pregnant with her second child, covering topics such as active wear, racing while pregnant and cross training and stretching. Now, with a toddler and a new baby, she tackles the challenge of finding a place for her running while raising two beautiful daughters.

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Since the birth of my second daughter I have been walking at least three times a week. It’s important to stay somewhat active during recovery. This will help me lose the baby weight, keep my head clear and ease my body back into a running schedule. Today, I got myself ready, both physically and mentally, to tackle my first walk/run. I spent about 45 minutes gathering my gear (hat, water, sunscreen, stroller, phone) and prepping baby (light clothing, feeding, diaper change) before I actually hit the road. The weather proved to be a little humid with a slight breeze. I chose a shaded route to keep me and the already protected stroller out of direct sunlight. I planned to walk for four and run for one – a great idea for my first excursion which took me a little over 2.75 miles. Although my run was more like a fast trot I felt comfortable and wanted to increase my speed in addition to the length of the run. Not wanting to overdo it, I made sure to cut each run off at the one minute mark. The last thing I need this early in the game is an injury. My legs responded well to the road, much better now than at nine months pregnant. It’s amazing the effect extra weight has on the joints! Forty minutes later I carried my little girl through the garage door into the comfort of my air conditioned home. Allison was delicately placed into her bouncy seat, the water bottle was refilled and stretching had commenced.

When planning your route stay close to home or, if you drove to a park, make sure you have any baby items in your car (diapers/wipes, change of clothes, bottles). Not only does the first ‘run’ require physical preparation, but I also needed to make sure I had the all necessities related to my gear. Here are some suggestions for getting back in the game:

1). Wear a supportive bra – I will wear two the next time I go out.

2). Wear a belly support – I purchased a maternity belt to provide extra support when running during the pregnancy. This proved to be a great investment for post-baby, too. Your midsection can feel like a deflated punching bag which can be awkward when running.

3). Bring water – It’s always important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re nursing your baby.

Keep in mind that getting back to your ultimate level of fitness will take some time. Relax and happy running!

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Christina “Muffin” Roberts, wife and mother, ran through her second pregnancy. Disappointed with the lack of information on pregnancy and running available today, she wanted to write about her experiences in hopes of sharing what she’s learned and to encourage fellow pregnant runners to keep on running. She continues to write post-baby about the challenges of balancing running with motherhood. Christina blogs at http://muffinmadness35.blogspot.com/.