running

The Never Again Run

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Last weekend I chose not to run my first postpartum race. I had prepared for it and was ready but in the end decided not to. It wasn’t due to lack of preparation or desire but because of the course.

Neil and I had registered for a local Earth Day race back in February with the plan being that he would run the 5 miler and I would run the 5k while pushing Edith in the BOB. Since I am also training for the Hippie Chick Quarter that is Mother’s Day weekend I needed to log some extra training miles so the weekend before the race Neil and I decided to run the Earth Day 5 mile loop. We downloaded the map headed out to the starting point and started our run. 5miler2

The race map showed that both the 5-miler and 5k had the same starting point but broke off shortly after so we headed on our way with the plan of doing the 5-mile route.  Just pass the point where the 5-mile route broke off from the 5k there was a few pretty huge hills that even without the BOB would have been a struggle for me but add the BOB and a baby and it made it at least 5x more challenging.  I said to myself okay no big deal it’s good for you to get these hills in and don’t worry you won’t have to do this ever again.

As I made my way along the course things were going pretty well.  There was a gradual incline which anyone who runs knows that they can be at times even more challenging than one big hill because you honestly don’t know when its going to end. It finally did end though and I met back up with the 5k course and ran along a section that had a nice gradual decline for a bit.  Then we headed through a neighborhood where we were to catch back up to the paved nature paths which would lead us back to the park where we had started.

Just before reaching the path I had taken a short walking break which I am glad I did because when I hit the path I was greeted by a drop off.  Okay not a total drop off but I am talking like steep decline which without the BOB would have been a challenge but with the weight of the BOB pulling me forward I had to use all my strength not to let it pull me head over heels. Once I made it to the end of this drop off all I could think was never again.5miler3

Things didn’t look up much from there either. Unlike the path we started on this one was uneven with lots of cracks in the path.  My legs were already feeling strained from going down the steep hill so every bump, sharp corner and crack in the path made me cringe and say never again over and over. Finally the path smoothed out and I saw Neil who of course asked if I got his text about the hill and of course I didn’t because I hadn’t bothered to check my messages. We both agreed that if that really was the race path that we both had no desire to run it again especially with other people on the path with us.  Honestly, it just didn’t seem safe at all.

After our run I went home and contacted the organizers to ask if we had indeed ran the same course that the race would be the following weekend.  I also told them about our experience on the path and how if that was the correct course that it was not stroller friendly.  In the end I didn’t ever get an answer to whether or not it was the correct course I can only assume that it was based on the map that was up on the race website. The only response we received back was to say that they would be happy to switch us to a different race, which we both did.5miler

Race day came and I have to say that I was pretty bummed that we didn’t end up running.  I had worked hard to get to that point, running 3-4 days per week with Edith in the BOB in preparation but in the end the race course just wasn’t the right fit.  Part of me is glad we did a practice run of the race course before the actual race because it would have been quite the surprise to come up on that spot on the course mid race but I also wish we hadn’t because I really wanted to run a race.

Q: Have you ever ran a race course prior to race day? If yes, did it change your expectations? Have you ever decided not to run a race?

Why Running Is Important To Me #TodaysVictory

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Lately I have been really thinking about why it is that I run and why it is important to me. Honestly there are so many reasons….

1. For Edith. I want to be the best role model I can for her and part of that is making sure she knows that fitness is an important part of a healthy life style and that creating and attaining your goals is an important part of life.

2. For the post run beer. Yep, I’ll be honest I love having a beer after a long run or a race.

3. Because it means wearing comfy clothes all day.  I often don’t know when I am going to get a run in during the day so if I am not headed out to interact with other people then you can find me lounging in my running gear until the opportunity strikes.

4. It gives me more energy.  We have had many sleepless nights around here due to wonder weeks and teething so getting out for a run or doing something active really helps to increase my energy and keep me going.

5. For my sanity.  Running is a time for me to clear my mind and focus on something other than whats for dinner or how many packing peanuts Edith tried to eat that day (today it’s been 5).

6. For my health.  I want to live a long and healthy life so I can enjoy my daughter and husband.

Why is running or working out important to you?

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

PureProject: Running Motivator

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As you read in my last post I need to work on increasing the intensity (and frequency) of my workouts.  Today I did just that thanks to my husband who encouraged me and pushed me to run further and having a new pair of Brooks to try out was a great motivator as well.

A few weeks ago Brooks contacted me about trying out a pair of their shoes.  I wasn’t told what I would be getting, only that I should expect something in a few weeks.  Last week to my delight a new pair of shoes arrived on my doorstep.

I opened the box and inside was a pair of Brooks PureProject Flow running shoes. Instantly the desire to go for a run overtook my mind and body, there is nothing better than new shoes to motivate me to move.

According to the website they are “For runners who love the feel of free feet but count on cushion to go the distance, this shoe strikes the perfect balance. Breathable on top, flexible underneath, and altogether awesome looking.”

  • Lightweight with cushioning
  • Wide Toe Flex empowers big toe
  • Air mesh upper for breathability
  • Nav Band provides a locked-in fit
  • Named “Best Buy” by Runner’s World in their Spring 2012 Shoe

I was in need of new running shoes ASAP so I was hoping that these new Brooks PureProject Flow would fit my needs.

Today Neil and I decided to have an at home day after running around for the last four days and I decided that it would be the perfect day to try out my new shoes. Neil and Edith decided to come along for the run since my pace is still pretty slow.  Neil pushed Edith in the BOB and I ran ahead of them, making loops back to say ‘hi’ every .3 miles or so.

The run went really well and it was great to have Neil helping me with correcting my stride and arms.  He also was a great “coach” and pushed me to challenge myself and run further before taking a walking break.  I usually don’t like to run with anyone else but today it was great to have the help, support and of course to get to see little E while I ran.

On the way back from our run E was getting cold and a little fussy so daddy to the rescue aka Neil carried her home during my cool down walk and I pushed the empty BOB.

E was so glad to get home and decided to show you all how I felt by the end of my run.

I am so glad I got out for a run and now I’m itching to get back at it again.

What motivates you to run?

Disclaimer: Brooks sent me these shoes at no cost.  I was not asked or required to review these shoes.

Best Body Boot Camp

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Remember a few weeks ago I posted about my project to get off the couch well things have been going really well. I have done a ton of walking, have gotten out for a few runs (!!!!) and have been spending more time on my feet when I am home. It still is a bit of a challenge like this past Saturday when E nursed pretty much from 1pm-7pm with only a few breaks, but I am happy to say that day I did get out for a short walk with the Hubz and E.

Now to really get myself back in the workout mode I am participating round 3 of Best Body Boot Camp! I am do excited to get started and get back in shape. Every two weeks we are given a workout plan of  five workouts for each week.  The workouts are about an hour long and consist of  three strength days and two cardio days.  Tina also includes suggestions for limited training time which is great for me because as much as I’d love and hour to workout every day and it is what I strive for most days are limited to 30-45minutes.

Tuesday I started with workout A and holy crap was it killer, especially for me since I have been doing a lot of walking, some running and very little strength training.  I made it through all three sets of the workout though with E hanging out on her playmat grabbing and batting at the birds. I have to say I altered a few of the moves such as scorpion with ball (husband tried it with the ball and had a hard time because our balls are about 50% bigger than the one in the video).

Instead I did this version of scorpion which was still killer.

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Overall things are going really well with being more active and on my feet during the day.  I know it’s early but I am really loving BBB and love how motivating it is; who else is participating?

On the agenda for today is Workout B which will involve a little alteration because I don’t have access to a bosu ball but I guarantee it will still be a challenge.

Guest Post: Running While Pregnant

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Hi! I’m Nicole from Making Good Choices and I’m so happy to be here with you while Lindsay spends time with her little one. I’m a small business owner and health counselor (like Lindsay) so I spend my days working at Pure Bliss Eats (www.pureblisseats.com) and helping people live a healthier life. You can read more about my business here.

I am (as of when I wrote this) 25 weeks pregnant. I’ve enjoyed following along with Lindsay’s pregnancy and keeping track of her experience. It’s so much fun finding pregnant bloggers, especially since I don’t have too many IRL friends who have babies/have been pregnant.

Ever since I got pregnant I have been running anywhere from 9- 15 miles a week. Generally I run about 12. When I found out I was pregnant, I wasn’t sure about a lot of things, but running wasn’t one of them. I just figured I’d keep running until I couldn’t anymore. So far, so good.

Now, let me tell you some days are WAY harder than others. Some days it takes my body 2 miles just to warm up and feel normal running. Those are the days where I stop and start and take lots of walking breaks. I try hard to just be super happy I’m running instead of discouraged I need to stop and start so much. 99% of the time I’m in a positive mindset. 1% of the time I need to get over myself and keep going.

I have been running for years. Sometimes longer distances, sometimes shorter. Before I got pregnant I was running up to 6 miles at a time. I was physically fit before getting pregnant, which is why I kept up exercising and running.

I wanted to share some tips that have worked for me over the past 6 months to keep me happy while running.

Getting out and exercising: In the first tri when I felt awful I would get up to workout and it was the only thing that made me feel better. I took it easy most days, but just getting the heart pumping and blood flowing really helped. If I ever had felt worse I would have stopped.

When I was in the first tri, I would do run/walk intervals. I think in weeks 7-8 I ran 5-7 minutes and walked a couple of minutes and repeated that. Eventually I got back into the groove and now walk 1-2x per run.(Which probably will go back to being 3-4x in the third trimester.)

Allow yourself to walk whenever you want. As long as I’m getting out there, I could walk 1 time or 4, I don’t really care.

Don’t worry about pace. Some people (like Michele) are still super fast. Before getting pregnant I ran about 9:30-10 minute miles when I was just out for a typical run. Now I’m running between 11-12 minute miles and celebrating every one.

Hydrate and go to the bathroom about 10 times before you run. Or better yet, go running FIRST thing when you wake up. I’ve found that if I just wake up and go I am MUCH happier and don’t feel like I have to go to the bathroom ½ mile in. I try to make sure I’m drinking enough water, but I don’t want to drink too much before I run because then I’ll have to go to the bathroom 5 minutes in.

Carry a cell phone and water if you think you’ll need it. I ALWAYS carry my cell phone while running. You never know if you just can’t finish the run, or if you need to picked up.

Listen to your body. If you feel pain or are very uncomfortable, stop.

Whatever you thought about running before, throw it out the window. It’s important to be FLEXIBLE and to do what you’re body needs. If you need to stop and start or take a break do it. The important part is that you are getting out there and moving.

Don’t give up! I’ve had many runs where the first 20 minutes are awful, but the last 20 are amazing and I’m on top of the world. I can usually tell if it’s a head game or if I’m just off that day. Push through and keep going! (Unless something is really wrong, then obviously, stop!)

Have fun! This isn’t a time to be super serious about your running. Enjoy the fact you are running!

Note: I spoke to my doctor about the fact that I run and he said that as long as I was doing it before, I was fine to continue. Speak to your doctor before you do anything!

Thank you for letting me share my running while pregnant experience with you! I hope you’ll visit my blog as I talk about food, fitness, health and being pregnant!

Postnatal Running “Plans”

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I know that having a baby is hard work on the body and that breastfeeding and sleeping are going to be two of my top priorities once this baby arrives however I do want to set some postnatal running goals.

I would love to get back to walking regularly as soon as it feels right (and my midwives give me the okay), starting with short walks at first and then as I feel up to get going longer. I eventually would like to get back to running, even if that means starting out with a combo of walk/jogging.

I was curious to find out when other FitFluential moms had decided to get back to running post-pregnancy and to my surprise there was quite the range of answers:

  • “I was a slacker, I didn’t start running again until she was 6 months old and I could put her in the stroller to go running. My advice: don’t put too much pressure on yourself, your body is entirely different now. Do the best you can and be happy with the results!”
  • “I didn’t get back to running straight away because it didn’t feel right for me. I did other cardio, yoga and lifted but didn’t push myself because there were so many changes after baby. Find what works for you, your baby and family and do what you can when you feel you can.”
  • “With both of my boys, I started back at about 6-8 weeks after birth (both were uncomplicated deliveries). I had no stamina and was super slow, but I just tried to listen to my body and take it easy. If you are breastfeeding, nurse right before you go. Full boobs are not fun to have during running. Make sure you hydrate well as nursing + running can really dehydrate you. Even if you aren’t nursing, make sure you have a super supportive bra.”
  • “I started running at 6 weeks when I got the go ahead from the doctor but I was walking as early as the first week. Little bits here and there. I used a bjorn to bring E along.”
  • “While I totally have the desire to be running regularly and my body would certainly tolerate it.. I have a little boy who doesn’t sleep well at night (11 weeks old).. so sleeping and making sure I eat enough (so hungry while breastfeeding!) are much more important to me now than getting regular with running. I know it’ll happen in time though!”
  • “I started back at 4 weeks bc it felt right. I was super slow and did run walk intervals. I just listened to my body. I ran a 1/2 marathon at 6 months pp. Definitely agree with Erika … Nurse or pump before running! And drink LOTS of water of youre bfing.”

The reason I was curious about what others have done is because I would like to start “training” (I use that term loosely) for the Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon in November. You’re probably now shaking your head and saying what is she thinking!? Well if you have been following Running With Tongs since last Fall you’ll know that Neil and I signed up for the Disney Half Marathon last January but due to his head injury a few months before we decided to defer to the Wine and Dine Half this Fall. At the time we deferred I wasn’t/didn’t know that I was pregnant, had I known we may have decided not to defer and just eat the cost of admission we had already paid. Anyways we did defer and are planning to visit Disney with my parents aka the race night babysitters and run (well I’ll be wogging) the Disney Wine and Dine Half.

That being said, I am comfortable with not being able to finish the race in the allotted 3.5 hours. I also know that I may even decide that I need to back-out all together once this baby arrives but I figure we are going, Neil is running and I already paid I might as well plan to at least try. Since I am not sure when this baby will arrive (i.e. early, “on time”, or past my due date) I haven’t settled on a training plan. I am debating between doing a modified Jeff Galloway Plan since I know I won’t have 18 weeks to complete it or doing the 12 week Hal Higdon Walking/Wogging Plan. I know I sound over ambitious and maybe even a little crazy but I figure I might as well try.

Question: When did you start postnatal running?

Happy National Running Day! (& Name your Race Giveaway)

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HAPPY NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!

It’s National Running Day! Are you getting out for a run? Days like today make me anxious to get back to running.  I wish I could get out and participate today, however my 35 week pregnant body just isn’t down for running right now; I will however be getting out for a walk this afternoon!

Giveaway: Winner- Jenna Z says:

After losing over 80 pounds, I run because the act of moving swiftly feels SO amazing! I love getting from one place to another on my own two feet and I’m impatient so I like taking it at a swift pace! I’d love to enter The Arthur Rat Race on September 3rd in Arthur IL! I’ve got the day off and they have an awesome town festival going on too!

In honor of National Running Day I am giving away (aka I’ll pay for up to $25) a race entry to one lucky winner-  (almost) any race (max entry fee $25) anytime and anywhere.  All you have to do is tell me why do you run? and which race entry you’d like to win. I will pick a winner tomorrow morning!