I laced up my running shoes and hit the pavement last week (at exactly 8 weeks post-partum) for the first time since early October when my pregnancy belly took over my body and “trying not to waddle” became my legs’ new priority. Over the past several months I’ve received a lot of reader emails asking running-related questions, and now that I’m finally back out there–running my ass off to reclaim my body–I feel a bit less hypocritical answering them.
Q: How did you get started running?
A: Running was definitely NOT something that came easily for me, but it is something that I found I got a lot of satisfaction out of, so I stuck with it. I started running about seven years ago. G and I had just bought our first house and I really liked exploring our neighborhood, plus he had just proposed so I had a wedding to get fit for. It was a combination of those two things that first got me off the couch. I’ve always been fairly active (I played sports in high school and got a gym membership after college where I would pretty much stick with doing the elliptical or exercise classes) but running brand new to me.
I started off only doing maybe 1-2 miles at a time, and if I remember correctly there was a lot of walking in there too. I worked up to 3 miles, with a few walking breaks when needed, and then one day decided I would run the entire 3 miles–no matter how slow I had to go–without taking a single walking break. Once I started getting used to running 3 miles I got a watch and started timing my runs. That made it a little more fun because I liked to see how my pace was going and if I could beat my time from my last run. I also signed up for my first 5K and set a time goal for that race which really helped me push myself and stick with it.
I ran off and on for the next few years. One thing that kept me from being a more consistent runner is our freezing cold winters. I really dislike running on a treadmill, so once it started getting too cold out I would stop running until it warmed up again in the spring. I got a lot more serious about my running when I decided to sign up for a half-marathon in the fall of 2007. Up until that point my running was pretty inconsistent (and I’d take weeks or even months off at a time) and I was pretty much only running 3 miles at a time with maybe a 4 or 5 mile run peppered in there occasionally. I began using a training program to prepare for the race and started running 6 days a week. I got so committed to running that I decided–for the first year ever–that I would run all the way through the winter. However, if you’ve read my post about this you’ll know that I ended up over-training and suffered a leg/hip injury that had me side-lined for quite a while.
In 2008 I barely ran at all. I maybe hit the pavement a dozen times total. But then in 2009 I set a mileage goal for myself, made it public by posting it on my blog, and got back in the game! When I found out I was pregnant in April 2009, I decided not to hang up my running shoes and to see how far I could make it, and ran 20 miles per week through my 20th week of pregnancy. In September 2009 I hit my goal for the year and shortly afterwards my baby belly got to the size where I needed to stop for the rest of my pregnancy.
Now the baby is born, I’ve finally recovered from my c-section, the weather is warming up, and I’m back in the game! I’m signing up for an 8K race at the end of April and that–as well as losing this baby weight–is what I’m currently working toward.
Q: When do you run?
A: When I was pregnant I did all of my running in the morning and I found that really worked out best for me. At the end of a long day of work all I really want to do afterwards is go home and relax, so it’s so much easier for me to make excuses and not go for a run. I found that in the mornings (once I got used to getting up earlier!) I did a much better job of sticking with it. Now that Kate is here most of my running is in the evenings after G gets home from work, but once I go back to work I hope to get back into a morning routine.
Q: What else do you do for exercise in addition to running?
A: I do 30 minutes on the elliptical machine, typically on the days I’m not running. I learned from when I over-trained myself for the half marathon that cross-training is so important for preventing running injuries. I also try to strength-train at least 1/week (although I haven’t gotten back into this yet since having Kate). I found that both things really helped my running, making me faster and giving me a lot more endurance.
Q: Any tips or words of advice?
A: First of all, get yourself fitted for a proper pair of running shoes–it makes a world of difference! Once I started running more regularly I was having all sorts of foot and leg pain. Someone suggested that it might be the shoes, so I finally went to a local running shoe retailer (Fleet Feet Sports for all my locals) and got fitted. Turns out I had been buying the wrong kind of shoes for my feet all along!
Once you’ve got the right shoes, get yourself some comfortable running clothes made of moisture wicking material that will help keep the sweat away from your body. No cotton! Proper running shorts are a must in my opinion. My favorites are the Nike Tempo track shorts. Another must-have are moisture wicking socks. They’re pricier than cotton socks, but totally worth the splurge in my opinion.
And my final tip is to sign up for races to hold yourself more accountable and give you something to work toward. Even if your goal is only to finish the race it’s certainly a start and you’ll feel so great once you do!
I’ve run a 1/2 and full marathon, and that is all great running advice that you gave. I was nodding along in my office.
I’ve started a running/food/life blog and just posted about the mind games that I play with myself to keep boredom away while long distance running.
http://www.minegoes2-11.blogspot.com
I love your blog and can’t wait to hear more!!
I want to start running, so thanks for the tips!! I’ve tried running on the treadmill, and I hate it. Now that the weather is starting to warm up (here in Buffalo- so I feel your pain w/ the long, cold winters!) maybe I’ll hit the pavement. And I plan on getting a jogging stroller this summer, so I can take the little guy out too.
Oh, and Fleet Feet isn’t just a local place… we have them here on the East coast too! I think I’ll be making a trip there, because my sneakers are terrible.
Motivation. Motivation. Motivation.
I’m just reminding myself, that I too should be getting back out there and running. I did go the other day and ran to my friends house. it was only about 3/4 of a mile but I ran the whole way and I wasn’t hurting. It felt good actually and I don’t know why I don’t do it more.
My problem is my husband is really competitive and he wants me to start working on my speed, once I’m back to running regularly. Personally, I don’t care about my speed. I just want the satisfaction of knowing that I’m doing it and completing it, at any speed.
Oh well, I’m glad you’re getting back out there! It’s motivation for me to do it too!! Good work Mama!
Do you think you’ll buy a jogging stroller and take Kate with you? That would be your strength training too! Seriously! Two birds with one stone!
I have been toying with the idea of starting to run, it doesn’t require a gym membership and I can do it pretty much anywhere. I really need to get back into shape. Thanks for all the tips and pointers. It’s also great to know that you had walking breaks when you first started out, I know I will have to have a lot of those when I start!
hopefuls – if you’d like an argument for your husband, you can tell him at least your speed is better than mine… which is 0 mph because i’m inside eating cookies instead of running
i may be a stranger, but at least you’re beating me!!! <3
— anyway
i just had to post because i’m not a runner and i’m always jealous of ppl who are. i’ll probably never enjoy it, even when i try to get into it slowly, but i wish i was one of those people who could let it take me away and so forth. my friend scott runs some ungodly amount every single day almost (like 10+ miles) and can basically eat anything he wants because of it.
*kicks him*
I’ve been a reader for a while and just have to ask:
I know you said you run mostly in the morning… is it still dark outside when you run and if so, what is your “safe” approach? I’ve been running off and on for a few years (most ran at one single time is 4.5 miles) and my “excuse” right now is that it’s so dark outside. My husband can’t always go with me because of his school schedule and I don’t want to use it as an excuse anymore!
Any suggestions? Thanks and I LOVE your blog!
Thanks for this post today. I really needed the motivation. I made a mileage goal for myself this year and haven’t stuck to it at all. I’m hoping I might still have time to make it. I’ve gotten myself and my mom (first time runner) signed up for a 5k at the end of April. I haven’t been running at all. I really struggled on our run together earlier this week. I appreciate all of your thoughts. I hope it helps me get out there and running again.
This post came at a perfect time as I have been itching to get back to running lately. I think I will be dragging my G out this afternoon to show me the trail he thinks I’ll like! And all this advice was wonderful!
Thanks for posting all the tips. I am getting ready to start running again as soon as I deliver. I did have a question, though. Where did you get your running widget? I set mileage goals for running, biking, and swimming (triathlon training) this year, but I want a nifty widget to show on my blog.
Thanks!
I loved this post and am so proud of you and happy for you for getting yourself out there. How inspirational you are to us readers.
jbhat
Great post, thanks for helping me see that I can get there if I keep pushing at it. Right now I’m in the walk/run 3miles at a time process, with a 5k scheduled for May, and I have trouble pushing myself but I do feel SO much better when its done, for the rest of the day so its totally worth it. Plus I’d love to be in healthier body shape too.
I love my running socks and want to wear them all day. (and sometimes do)
could you speak more to how you got yourself to the ‘just run the whole 3 miles’ thinking,, or even to the ‘just run the whole 1 mile?’ I know its a mental strength and I had no problem running for soccer or softball in HS but straight running is much harder for me right now.
Thanks for your post!
Danielle
Loved this post!
I started couch-to-5k in November 2008 to lose weight for my wedding. Then, along with some gym buddies, decided to do an event -or more- a month from February to October of 2009. It was such great motivation! We did an indoor triathlon, an outdoor tri, lots of 5k’s, a 10k, and on 10/31 I ran a 15k. Now, I’m planning to run a half-marathon on May 1st but recently found out I’m pregnant and will be 3 months that day. I had been using the Hal Higdon plans but am switching over to the Jeff Galloway run/walk method to help keep my heart rate at a good level.
Anyway, sorry for all the rambling from a loyal lurker. š
Amanda
I have a hard time staying motivated to run in the winter (like you, I hate the treadmill!), so every year, I sign up for a spring race (typically Crazylegs)…it’s a nice kick-in-the-butt just in time for summer!
Love all the great tips! MN winters can KILL my motivation to run so I totally know what you mean. Cost wise, is going to an actual running store much more than an athletic store? I usually by my shoes from a big retailer (Dick’s/Sports Authority) but am wondering if it’s worth heading to “The Running Room”, our local shop. Great blog update!
Thanks for your comments everyone! Of course now that I posted this I’m starting to have some knee pain so my running is being temporarily side-lined–GRRRR!! I’ve never really had knee problems before, so I’m hoping it’s just that I need new running shoes. I guess we’ll see!
@Anne Marie–Great tips; thanks for sharing! I’ll try that vacation one my next time out.
@Hopefuls–I’m with you. I wouldn’t worry about your speed. At least not until you’ve got a routine down and you’re feeling more comfortable. The speed can come later. And yep, I do plan on getting a jogging stroller to go running with Kate but probably not until next summer. I read somewhere (Baby Bargains I think?) that babies shouldn’t go in jogging strollers until they’re at least a year old b/c of weak neck muscles. Anyone else hear about that??
@Kalen–That’s awesome about your friend Scott. I know a few people who run that much too, and it always amazes me. My big question though, is how the heck they find the time for it!
@Lindsay–I usually try to avoid running when it’s dark out whenever I can, but that’s not always possible. When I do have to run when it’s dark I always make sure to choose well-lit residential streets. I also carry a little tube of pepper spray thing that just straps to your wrist. Here’s a link to what I’m talking about. I got it at a local running store (Fleet Feet) and it’s not too awkward to carry.
@Stargirl–I made the running ticker myself. I meant to post the code to it in this post, but couldn’t figure out how so readers could cut and paste. Email me and I’ll send it to you!
@Danielle–Good question! I would make little deals with myself to get myself to stop my walking breaks, mostly, “If I run all 3 miles without any walking I can have a glass of wine when I get home.” That’s a pretty strong motivator for me, lol! I’d also run the same route and try to make it a little further each time before walking. So if I started walking when I got to the park, the next time I’d say to myself, “This time you’re going to make it 3 blocks past the park and then you can stop and walk for a block.” and then gradually increase those distances. Or when I’d want to stop I’d say, “Run through one more song and then you can stop.” A lot of times just getting past that initial urge is all you need and you may no longer feel the need for a break. Eventually you’ll get to the point where you’ll think, “Okay, I’ve come THIS far, I can make it all the way!”. Once you do complete a run without stopping you’ll really think twice before stopping for your next run because it will feel like you’re going backwards. Another tip I have is to focus on POSITIVE self-talk when you’re running. Instead of thinking, “Ugh, my legs hurt.” think positive things like, “Wow, my legs are so strong. It’s amazing how they can take me this far.” Might sound cheesy, but it helps!
@Amanda–That’s so impressive; good for you!
@CampDallas–Yep, same here! And Crazylegs is the 8K I referred to in my post. It’s always such a great time (and perfect timing!). Will you be running it this year?
@Real Housewife–I had the same concern about price, which is what always used to prevent me from going to a specialty running store, but trust me, it’s totally worth it–and not necessarily more expensive. I pay about $100 per pair of running shoes at Fleet Feet–sometimes more, sometimes less. On the flip side, I probably spent over $500 total on cheaper running shoes at places like Dick’s that weren’t the right shoes for my feet, and that’s money down the drain. I’d rather spend a little extra to know that I’m getting the right shoe for me. Hope that helps!
Thanks for the link
I read your post on Friday and it kept popping into my mind over the weekend, so I had to write and say thanks for the tips! I NEVER enjoyed running, even when I was competing in gymnastics and working out every day…distance running was always my least favorite thing. However, I started the couch-to-5K program 7 weeks ago and I love it! I’ve been keeping up with it and just this weekend ran 2.1 miles straight…I was so proud of myself! I really like how it’s based on time rather than distance.
Anyway, I always assumed that people who enjoy running must just have always enjoyed it and I was just not cut out for it, so since I’m in the midst of trying to become one of those “running people” I was happy to read that you had to work your way up to it as well, and now you really enjoy it. I’m hoping it works that way for me too!
P.S. You might have miserable-to-run-in winters but I’m down in Florida where we have miserable-to-run-in summers! It’s beautiful now and easy to make myself get outside, but I’m wondering how that’s going to work when it’s 90+ degrees out!
D – Yep, I’m Crazyleggin’ it this year! Let’s hope the weather is better than last year – 40 degrees in pouring rain is NOT my style!
@Lindsay–My pleasure; happy to help!
@Kim–Good for you!! I’ve always heard such great things about the Couch-to-5K program and that’s great that it’s going so well for you! And good point about the Florida vs. Wisconsin weather. I think I’ll stick with what we have. I’m a Midwestern girl through and through–I don’t think I could handle that heat!
@CampDallas–Crazy as it may sound I actually enjoyed running in the rain last year. It was just one of those experiences that so memorable I just couldn’t help but enjoy it. At this point I’m just hoping I can run the whole thing this year. My damn knees are still really bothering me–ugh! My friend Jill is having the same problem and has been told it’s a post-pregnancy thing (loose joints that will just take time to go back to normal). It’s so frustrating!! Anyway–good luck to you–I’m sure you’ll do great!