Weekly Workouts: Postpartum Base Building

Weekly Workouts: Postpartum Base Building

In the first few weeks of Isla’s life, my mantra was “it will get easier.” Neither Ryan nor I had ever babysat nor spent extended periods with newborns, so we had a crash course in infant care with our tiny little girl. Each week presented what felt like a new challenge, especially as we navigated through ultrasounds to check for hip dysplasia (which fortunately came back clear), the newborn fussy phase, growth spurts, and an ear infection. Somewhere around the 6-8 week mark, it did, in fact, get easier.

The same is true for running. It gets easier, usually right after it feels overwhelming hard.  After three and a half weeks of run-walk intervals, running finally felt easier. Once I started running continuously, it felt almost normal again.  I still have some core and pelvic floor weakness, but ReCore is helping with that. I ran 16 miles last week, which is roughly what I was running at the end of my pregnancy. 

And now that I can run continuously again, it’s time to rebuild that aerobic base. 

Weekly Workouts: Postpartum Base Building

Monday: 4 mile run & ReCore

I ran a smooth and easy 4 miles on the treadmill, with varying inclines and a slight progression of paces.

I used one of Isla’s tummy time sessions as an opportunity to do my ReCore exercises. If I can consistently remember to do core and mobility work while she does tummy time, I won’t slack on it! 

Tuesday: 4 mile run

Our treadmill has iFit and I picked a simulation of part of the Boston Marathon course. It was fun and made the run pass by quickly. If I wasn’t being so conservative in my build-up, I would have run for longer.

Wednesday: ReCore & strength training

I have slacked on strength training recently, but I can’t for too much longer – I need to prioritize it if I am increasing my mileage. I did my Recore exercises plus some simple upper body and lower body exercises. 

Weekly Workouts: Postpartum Base Building

Thursday: 35 minute run

I ended up running opposite of the local Turkey Trot during my run. The excitement of seeing all the other runners gave me a mental boost. I ran faster than I expected, with a couple miles in the 8:05-8:15 range – paces I haven’t seen in months! I ran a total of 4.3 miles.

We had a relaxed celebration for Isla’s first Thanksgiving, with a simple dinner and some time with one set of grandparents. 

Weekly Workouts: Postpartum Base Building

Friday: 50 minute hike

We always hike on Opt Outside Day, and we want to continue this tradition with Isla. She doesn’t tolerate long car rides too well right now, so we hiked a local park. Ryan took the dogs while I wore Isla and we hiked for a couple of miles around the nature preserve. 

Saturday: 4 mile run

I should have ran on Friday. Isla is showing symptoms of teething, and we had a rougher night because of it. I took Ollie out for a quick 4 mile run in the wind – his first run with me since July! We were both so happy to run together again. 

Sunday: ReCore Exercises

I did my ReCore exercises but other than that, I embraced a lazy day. We enjoyed lunch at a brewery and continued our Thanksgiving tradition of watching Star Wars. 

Linking up with Weekly Rundown

How was your week in running?

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8 Responses

  1. It’s nice to read that you feel as though you are getting your running legs back after pregnancy. Being a new mom is not easy on so many fronts. I am sure sharing your progress will help other new moms. Thanks for linking up

  2. Everything worthwhile is hard! I’m at the opposite end of the spectrum with parenting and I’m struggling with letting go. Grateful to have running to give me a focus and a place to work off some of the angst. Glad to hear you’re finding your way back.

    1. Thank you! I can’t imagine being at that phase of parenting yet (especially since not long ago I was on the child side of it) – it’s good that running can be there through all phases of parenting!

  3. I’m so sure it will get easier for you! I bet it’s hard to have patience though, or no? I mean when you are used to running the way you did before you were pregnant and even how well you were able to run through the pregnancy, I’m sure you just want to get out there already. It will happen. Things have changed and I’m sure you will find a new normal soon, with all the things you want to do included.

    I think I ran about 2 KM last week 😀 I did some run/walk intervals on the treadmill. I’m not in a rush. I can run again but I need to be careful with it.

    1. That’s great that you are being so conservative with running – it pays off to not rush it! I’m surprisingly feeling patient with this whole process – I don’t feel rushed yet to do much more yet. Although I have already signed up for some races next year!

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