Last week was the first time where I feel like I returned to real training. Some substantial weekly mileage (22 – yes, that is substantial right now) and a 6 mile “long” run. I feel confident about the Philly LOVE Run (half marathon) at the end of March. Confident I can finish without keeling over, that is.
Fitting in runs and how I go about them has certainly changed since Fiona was born. Honestly, it hasn’t been too bad. Of course, she’s not mobile and sleeps all day. I imagine that I’ll have to get a bit more creative when she’s older (4AM runs?!). Back in the day, I was very creative about fitting in my long runs around my social schedule (and by social I mean drinking). Guess I’ll have to tap into that creativity again.
You run when you can
The luxury of running in the early morning no longer exists (for now, at least)! Instead, I hop on the treadmill whenever I can predict that Fiona will sleep for a decent amount of time (+1 for the white noise of the treadmill). Pre-baby, the thought of running in the afternoon – or worse, at night – was unthinkable. Now I relish any run…no matter what time of day it is.
what fiona does while I’m on the treadmill
Running clothes are my wardrobe
Since I never know when I can run I must be prepared at all times! I change into running clothes shortly after I get up (and brush my teeth, if it’s my lucky day). Thankfully my running wardrobe is far superior to all my other clothes (err, sweatpants).
Being proactive
Since I have big running plans this year and I know my body has changed with pregnancy I have myself on a strict “pre-hab” regimen of hip, glute, and core strengthening. These are all areas that have weakened for me during pregnancy. I don’t want pre-hab to turn into re-hab and derail any of my plans.
All runs are fast finish
Keep in mind fast is a relative term these days. Fiona will generally sleep for a good amount of time but I’m constantly checking for signs of her waking up. Once I see her stirring, up goes the speed on the treadmill. Might as well end the run on a good note!
Completely unrelated but Matt took this picture a few days ago of Hawk and Fiona. It’s too cute not to share!
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Hey Kristy — not sure if you ever read MilePosts (mile-posts.com), but Dorothy talks a lot about running with 3 kids of various ages to schedule around. I know that all families are different and Fiona is probably waaayyyy too young to place in a running stroller, but I just thought I’d pass along Dorothy’s blog as a bit of inspiration that it can be done!
Also – thanks for giving me a swift reality check when I needed it. If you can squeeze in 22 miles with a newborn, I can accommodate a few snow storms. Sending you a virtual high five from NYC!
PS – Fiona is an absolutely beautiful baby! Congratulations again!
Our expectations vs. reality once a baby arrives tend to change a bit, no? But the really good news is that it will only get easier as she gets older. And by this summer you will be able to put her into a jogger for some nice outdoor time together–I still cherish the memories of that time w/ my son and he’s about to turn 13!
She is absolutely beautiful–enjoy!
Such cute photos! You are lucky to have a treadmill at home–what a godsend right now.
Good job on the prehab too. I wish I had known to do that. You’re going to be so strong when the routine gets a little more regular. Good for you!
Totally agree with your points! Prior to baby you have all the time in the world, once they get here boy does that ever change! I’ve had to cut so many runs short because the kiddo woke up and as much as I would get frustrated you do have to learn how to be more flexible. My kid is now 20 months old and with the time change happening very soon, I may start to wake up early (like 4;45) to get a run in before he wakes up and before I go to work. Never in my life would I ever thought I would speak those words before having a kid!
Great post! I don’t have a treadmill anymore but my plan (once our little girl makes her arrival) is to go to the gym, they offer day care once she is 6 weeks old. Also I got a baby stroller where I can attached the car seat, so I’m hoping for some nice walk/runs outside over the summer. Good job on getting 22 miles in this week!!
It’s so awesome that you are back to running again, and 22 miles at that. So awesome.
Those pictures are adorable, especially in Hawk’s bed! Archie has the same bed, (of course he does), but it’s a different print. They’re so soft inside. 🙂
I am totally with you in regard to running whenever you can! I used to never even consider running later in the day and now I’m rather oblivious to what time it is if I get a chance to run later! I LOVE the picture of Fiona and Hawk!!!
Ohmygosh they are toooo cute!
that picture of Fiona and Hawk is ridiculous. He looks like he loves her so much 🙂 I think you’re doing an amazing job getting back into running and keeping in mind your new priority. It must be hard to get used to a new little person changing up your schedule constantly and still managing to get your runs, etc. in. Excited for the Philly LOVE Half!!
I will soon have a little one and this post is very inspiring. 🙂