Final Thoughts

I asked my experts for final thoughts on postpartum running and here's what they said:

Source: Winnipeg Free Press

Gina: If you really love running/sport/exercise, somehow you find a way to do this. It looks so different to everyone and is not comparable at all! Some women have an amazing pregnancy and can train close to their previous level, while others require rest. Some women have great pregnancies and poor recoveries, or vise versa. Over time, you learn how to implement your sport with your family life, and it becomes part of the dynamic… and this is the best part. Spousal and family support is huge in keeping with your sport.  This might look like: running with the dogs and the stroller, having husband bike with the bike-carrier beside you, running to the beach to meet your family there after a long run, picking races with family elements to it, doing exercises with the kids, etc. I think you are most successful and have the most enjoyment with running throughout and after pregnancy when you remove any expectation you might have and just follow what your body is telling you (a hard thing to do when we often see the exceptions in the running magazines, etc.). I think this leads to a healthy baby and a happy and injury-free mom. 

Source: Winnipeg Free Press

Cathy: I think having kids made me an even tougher runner. Prioritizing time, working through exhaustion, timing naps so kids would be relaxed in the running stroller. Haha.




Source: Instagram
Jackie: The hardest part has been not getting my body back to what it was before. I’m still 10lbs heavier and I don’t feel myself. I have to say though after accomplishing my first long run outside (and only my third time running outside since August) and seeing the paces I was able to put out just shows your body doesn’t just forget all the hard work you have put in over the years. On the treadmill, I’m often just running 7:30 min/miles and feeling pretty exhausted after 4-5 miles. I did 10.5 miles with an average of 7:10 min/miles and felt amazing. I don’t see myself getting back into competitive shape till we are done having kids so for now I’m just running because I love to run.






Becky:
Source: Instagram
I am not currently training as I went back to work full time, am taking my masters and taking care of a baby. I run casually and hope to get back into training in the fall. There was a period I was in full swing training probably around 5-7 months postpartum. I actually believe with the care and attention I paid to do proper rehab and strength, I would be a stronger runner than I was pre-baby. After a couple months of work, I was running stronger than I have in a long time. I hope that is motivating to other female athletes worried about returning to their postpartum training. Some things are for sure different, I might leak if I run fast intervals, but you adapt. The first 5-6 months are the most difficult and require a lot of patience, time, and dedication. 






My Reflection: It has been amazing to touch base with all of these ladies about their postpartum running. I found it very interesting and valuable to hear their different perspectives. I find it very inspiring that they were able to share their stories with me and I am very hopeful that my recovery might look similar to some of theirs. I would like to follow their advice about strength training and being adaptable. I would like to thank Gina, Becky, Cathy, Jackie, Darolyn, and Reesa for sharing their stories with me. I want to give a special shout-out to Reesa who responded to my message despite giving birth the same day (!!!). I admire all of these strong, relentless, women, and I am so glad to be able to call them friends! You ladies are the best!

Source: Winnipeg Free Press
Source: Winnipeg Free Press

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