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Monday, August 24, 2009

Got the Itch

For running, that is.

But the question of when to resume running post-partum is a bit tricky to answer.

I've been doing a lot of reading in the past week about when it's safe to resume running after delivery, and the answers vary according to different women. Some women, apparently, returned to running within a week of delivery. Others waited a month, or the doctor-recommended 6 weeks.

For me, two weeks post-partum, I feel fine. Seriously, I feel totally recovered; however, that doesn't necessarily mean I am. So, on the one hand, I know I shouldn't rush recovery just because I'm itchin' to run (it's been 10 weeks since my last run back in June and I'd really like to get back to it); but on the other hand, I really don't think I need to wait another full 4 weeks. This predicament is just like any injured runner predicament: Go back too soon and you re-injure yourself and perhaps make recovery longer, don't go back soon enough and you lose your mind.

What are your thoughts? Do I wait until I've had my 6 week check up (September 22nd), get the "all clear" from the medical professionals, then resume running? Or, do I wait another week or two and then give it a personal test?

33 comments:

Marci said...

Catching up with blogs... loved all those pictures you posted!!

I would try a slow/run walk (maybe 1 min run, 1 min walk) and build up slowly and gauge how you feel?

TNTcoach Ken said...

Wow, that's a tough one. I ran the day after both of my kids were born. I guess it's different for each of us, HA! Take it easy, you have the rest of your life.

Unknown said...

i'd wait for the all clear.

Marlene said...

I'd be inclined to give it a try in another couple of weeks. Chances are, you know your body best.

BTW, awesome that you are feeling so good already! I would guess that the fact that you remained so active through your pregnancy has a lot to do with that.

teacherwoman said...

I can see where one would be anxious to get out there and run when you are feeling completely recovered and have the itch! I don't have any advice but to maybe take it slow and easy the first time out?! Listen to your body!

X-Country2 said...

I don't have any kids, but I like Marci's idea. Run/walk blend. Like the Couch 2 5k program. :o)

ShutUpandRun said...

I'd go for it and see how you feel. I started exercising 6 weeks after giving birth with no problem. Just take it slow. It was a great outlet...

I want to be a success story said...

I agree with everyone else! Start out slow and see how you feel. I was ready to start exercising again about a month after giving birth, but started out slow. When I went for my 6-week checkup and told the doc that I had already been exercising, she said it was fine as long as I was taking it easy and not pushing myself. I think all the walking you are doing with Norah is great!

Anonymous said...

I would give your body another week or two and see how you feel. But, you know your body the best. I think if you slowly ease back you'll be ok.

Wes said...

Great pics!! Start walking again. Maybe throw in a few short jogs and see how you feel. You are pretty good at listening to your body.

JojaJogger said...

I would give it another week or two, and then start out very slowly, go for a walk and add a few 1 minute slow runs initially, and then go from there depending on how you are feeling.

SavvyFitChica said...

I'd say if you're doing a lot of walking already, maybe try a short, slow jog and see how you feel.

I have a feeling any doctor right now would tell you to wait because they have to be on the safe side. But you know your body better than anyone and what it can handle right now.

Keep us posted on what you decide.

Erin said...

Good question. As a non-runner, I would opt for the better safe than sorry answer and wait for the check up.

Then I put my "what if it were skating, not running...how would I answer?" hat on. I think I would try a slow short run and see how it feels. You will know if it's too early.

Internally you probably aren't back to normal but I am not sure how that would be affected by running. Your stomach muscles are probably not back together yet which will make it tough on your core.

Remember, it's still 95 degrees out at 6am with 99% humidity. It might be nice to hold off for that reason. :) Any decision you make will be a good one.

RunningLaur said...

I don't have post baby experience, but you've been doing so much walking I think it'd be fine to test it out. You've been running long enough to know if it's not going well and to drop back to a walk if needed.

M2Marathon said...

Agree with the others...start slow and add running. Your body will definitely tell you if you do too much (in the form of cramping and other fun "stuff"). I waited abouta month after my first and then hit the gym. After my second, I was up antiquing/walking all day 3 days after. I started power-walking about a week after, then jogging about 2 weeks after...and continued adding from there. It was probably about a month after when I had ramped back up to regular 2-3 mile runs.

Julie D said...

I agree with the others... take it easy and go by feel. If I were you (though I haven't had any children but have dealt with "injuries" and "procedures"), I would head out, starting with a walk 0.25 mi, then run/jog .25 miles, then repeat until I feel like I can go longer stretches. Obviously you're not trying to win a speed contest, so just take it easy.

Best of luck to you! I'm sure getting that in will refresh you in terms of your new role.

Lily on the Road said...

OMG, I'm still absolutely cracking up over Ken's comment ~

take it easy and start walking, then walking faster....for the next few weeks, give your "plumbing" time to adjust back to normal...

was that TMI ? LOL

Heather said...

I'd give it another week. I waited three weeks (I had an episiotomy) and had some bleeding when I started running again. I would also recommend doing a run/walk when you first start.

MCM Mama said...

My midwives said to take it super easy for two weeks and then I could do what felt comfortable after that.

Just went and checked my journal and my first "run" with Shoo was at 4 weeks and I "ran" 30 seconds out of every 3-4 minutes. My first with Jones was at 6 weeks, but that was more of a really fast walk as it was on our old non-motorized treadmill.

If you start bleeding heavier after the workout, you need to scale back a bit.

Jess said...

I think you know your body best and are a smart runner. If you go out to test the waters and start having problems, just stop and walk and then give it some more time. I don't think you have to wait the total recommended time.

Jessica said...

I th-ink it is totally personal. I am pretty hard core with running but could NOT run past 6 months due to bladder stuff...then I waited two weeks and tried to run walk for 30 min--be prepared to maybe have to go potty with short notice :) I think if you feel okay and any sutures are healed, you can do what feels good. That being said-I think its normal to be a little sore after, so maybe take some days in between.

Anonymous said...

I can't bear children but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last week...

I like the idea of when you feel like you are up to it, easing into it with 1 minute run/1 minute walk and then adding a minute to the run portion as you feel better and better.

runner26 said...

i don't know what running could do to injure you after having norah--it sounds like it's not so much an out-of-shape thing as it is an internal matter?? i really don't know, but taking it slow and starting with a run/walk might be the way to go. good luck!

Grace in CO said...

Just found your blog and really love. I also ran while pregnant and couldn't wait to get back into it. My experience was this - I waited the 6 weeks (okay maybe 5)and started out slowly. Things progressed fairly well, but I found that my mind, attitude, desire, etc were ready waaay before my body actually was. I found that I could go faster, longer and withstand more than before (maybe b/c it's all relative after the birth?) and ended up logging serious time at the physical therapist's office. I would approach it like running while pregnant and reeeaaally listen to your body. Set some goals but with the mindset they might change or take longer than you think. Even though certain parts of our bodies heal quickly after birth, I think that there are other changes from carrying and birthing that take much longer. My physical therapist even mentioned that my hip angle had changed, and therefore my gait. Anyway! SOrry for the long comment. Best of luck and enjoy!

Carolina John said...

screw it. do it. get that run in. it's been sooooooo long!

Unknown said...

Wow - you never cease to amaze me. I really do admire you. I am not an expert here but I don't see anything wrong with taking it slowly. Listen to your body. I like the idea of walk/run method. Start off slowly and see how you feel. If you are uncomfortable, wait for a little bit. Good Luck !!!

Aka Alice said...

Seeing as it took me 9 years to start running after my youngest was born, I don't have much in the way of experience to add...I know that some people start running right away, and some wait. I'd say give it a try, don't do anything too strenuous, and walk if you need to.

Oz Runner said...

if you're feeling good, i think 2 weeks is plenty of recovery time to start running again, as long as you take it slow..

Viv said...

I would wait till the all clear but I had a c section a lil different Jess. Listen to the body, take it easy.

RunnerGirl said...

I've been wondering the same thing - how soon will I be able to get back to running after I deliver in a few weeks?? There doesn't seem to be a clear answer, but everyone's advice sounds great, just listen to your body and take it slow. (And keep posting those adorable pictures!!!)

Sara said...

i agree with most of the comments i skimmed over--you know your body best, so as long as you take it easy and go slowly/gently, i think you should go for it! the 6 weeks might be for women who had complicated deliveries.

i'm excited for you to get back into things!

Unknown said...

Just to be safe, I'd prob wait and see what your doctor says. However, in the meantime, I'd probably be speeding up in the walking department and maybe start doing more vigorous walks to see how things feel.

P.O.M. said...

LIke everyone else... start slow, walk, then walk faster see how that goes, then graduate to a slwo jog. My best friend is a runner, but after her kids, she just can't do it anymore cuz she pees her pants. My suggestion is to bring a water bottle and accidentally "spill" on yourself if that happens!

Good luck and Norah is such a little adorble cutie patootie.