Monday, May 7, 2012

Working on my Fitness

Now that Lucy is 2 months old, I feel the time has come to start seriously working on my fitness level.

Its some what frustrating to put this into writing because information regarding postpartum fitness has been hard to find. Prenatal yoga DVDs litter the fitness world, but not near as much regarding how to get back into shape post baby.

So, I had a baby. I took it easy for a bit while I healed. Now I need to get cracking building strength before my body revolts against all the physical activity it takes to raise a baby. No amount of walking around the neighborhood is going to strengthen my abs and back to be able to lift all that baby crap without hurting myself.

So, what do I do?

Well, before I got pregnant I was attempting to do the couch to 5k program. It wasn't going as well, because I had no guidance as to how often to do the workouts. Plus I have really terrible running shoes. I burnt myself out before I'd really given it a chance to work. But now I'm thinking of giving it a chance again.

My SIL Terzah gave me a book when she was out here. Train Like a Mother (Its even a signed copy)


While I have no plans on becoming a marathon runner, I do think it would be nice to be able to run the 5k distance without dying. After all, I have a little girl now. Wouldn't it be nice if I had a bit of stamina to be able to play and run with her?

So, I'm thinking of starting their 5k running program. Like the most basic beginning runner version. The prerequisite was walking for 30 minutes a day 3-4 days a week. Well, I've been walking 2-4 miles a day 5-6 days a week since Lucy was 2 weeks old. I think I'm in a good place for this.

The other reason I'd like to take this on is because the book lays out a plan. Rather than trying to run every day, the plan has built in days for cross training and rest. I love that the cross training days are built in. I can use those days for things like Ballet, Disco Abs, Pilates, etc. All the fitness things I like to do that will also help me re-gain my core. It also has days you must run, and days you can skip the run if your infant happens to be up all night long.

So, what do you think? Should I give is a go? Everyone says breast-feeding mothers shouldn't focus on loosing weight, but if I don't start regularly exercising (more than walking) my back, hips, and arms are going to revolt. I'd much rather build my strength now than hurt myself hauling around a toddler.

(Oh and Terzah- Don't think I didn't notice you are quoted in the book. I'm pretty sure that's you considering the likelihood of another Terzah who is a runner in Colorado is pretty slim)

5 comments:

  1. This is SO awesome!! These training programs are perfect for new moms (and moms of little kids, too). I hope it works out for you. I posted a link to this blog post on the Run Like a Mother Facebook page.

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  2. Terzah is a celebrity! (and my blogger-friend who I met while she was visiting you!)
    I say yes give it a go!!!
    You can do this!
    I am a fan of the Orange book!!!

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  3. Aww, yay!!! I'm an old bud of Terzah's and have heard all kinds of nice things about you! Go for it - I really like their training programs!! You can absolutely do it!

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  4. Yep, go for it, Jessica! And congrats on the babe. We'll see you at the finish line!

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  5. Yes, yes, and yes! The TLAM plans are perfect, and you'll rock that 5K!!!

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