Weekly Workouts: Eight Weeks Postpartum

I am being conservative with my return to running. This was my third week of running after recovering from a C-section. I still kept in run/walk interval – progressively lengthening the run interval – and increased to four days of running. It’s amazing how fewer miles feels like more work now than when I was eight months pregnant. 

Monday: 3.2 miles run/walk & ReCore

For this run, I increased my run intervals to 3 x 8 minutes run with 1 minute walk. After finishing the run intervals, I increased the incline a bit and did a short treadmill hike to cool down. 

We have a Pack and Play set up in the gym, so Ryan and I strength trained together while Isla hung out. I did the third week of ReCore, which was definitely more challenging than previous weeks. 

Tuesday: 3 miles run/walk

I wanted to bump up to four days of running this week. Since Isla slept well, I took advantage of that and ran on a consecutive day for the first time in months. I ran 10 minutes run, 1 minute walk, 10 minutes run, 1 minute walk, and 5 minutes run. It was so cold and snowy outside that I did not even mind being on the treadmill. 

Wednesday: ReCore

Isla didn’t sleep well (for her), which meant I only got 5.5 hours straight of sleep. I was really glad that I got my run done on Tuesday! I went on a short walk with her and the dogs (it probably took longer to bundle everyone up!) and I did my week 3 ReCore exercises. 

Thursday: 3 miles run/walk

Another full night of sleep and another good run! I ran 2 x 12 minutes run at a 9:05-9:15/mile pace with a 1-minute walk in between, plus a few minutes of warm up and cool down walking to reach 3 miles. 

Friday: Rest day

Isla’s extra fussiness ended up being due to a minor ear infection. Needless to say, after a poor night of sleep, caring for a fussy baby, and then going to the pediatrician, I had no interest in strength training.

Saturday: 3.4 mile run/walk & ReCore

I got out for a mid-morning run, which felt amazing after several days indoors due to the snow and cold. I ran 15 minutes, walked for 1 minute, and then ran 15 more minutes. My average pace was an 8:49 – I’m much faster, even at the same easy effort, outdoors than I am on the treadmill. After the run, I did ReCore. 

Sunday: Rest day

Linking up with Weekly Rundown! 

How was your week in running?
Do you run faster or slower on the treadmill than outdoors?