After going full circle and finally accepting the fact that I wouldn’t be running until after baby #2 is born at the end of September, I have been able to run again without any pain. Isn’t that weird how that always happens? It’s like we have to have no expectations before we can really begin to make any progress.
In my last pregnancy update, I said I was turning my attention to biking. After going to the gym a few days in a row and having some awesome bike workouts, the pain in my back started to lessen more and more. I don’t know if it was from biking, stretching more (I was stretching before AND after biking), or just the extra few days of recovery, but after an hour long bike ride at the gym on Thursday, I felt ZERO pain. With absolutely no expectations, I decided to hop on the treadmill and see how I felt.
My plan was simple – run at a nice, easy pace and stop at the smallest feeling of pain. I ran 1 pain-free mile in 9 min. I really wanted to keep running, but kept telling myself to have patience. I had run 1.5 miles the week prior – and although I felt okay during the run, I woke up the next morning in pain. So I stopped at the 1 mile mark. I stretched, went home, and enjoyed a day with zero pain.
No pain the next morning either. So, I decided to give myself a day off and try a run on Saturday. Success. I’ve run twice more this week – slowly increasing my mileage and leaving enough rest in between runs to get my body used to running:
- Thursday – 1 mi: 9 min: 9:00 pace
- Saturday – 3 mi: 28 min: 9:20 pace
- Tuesday – 4.5 mi: 43 min: 9:22 pace
- Thursday – 6 mi: 56 min: 9:20 pace
- Total Mileage – 14.5 miles
Yesterday’s run was the best yet. Nice, slow pace – no pain during or after. And no pain for the rest of the day – even when I was on the beach with my son. As much as I’m itching to run this morning, I am trying to be smart about what my body can handle right now. I will likely try to start running back-to-back days next week, but for now, am BEYOND happy with running even 3x/week.
Have you ever given up on running only to find that once you do, you were able to run again?
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!!!
You are incredible, those are some awesome miles and a great GREAT pace!! I am again, supremely impressed!!
jobo recently posted..On being unplanned (aka best. weekend. ever.).
Yay!!! I’m so so happy to hear that you are able to run pain-free!! I’m sure that it’s a huge relief for you and that it felt great. And can I tell you how cute you look? You look great.
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after running back to back marathon’s in January, I decided to take a break. I was burnt. Training got the best of me. But after I found out I was pregnant this summer, I hit the treadmill for what I was planning on just a 2 mile warm up, 2 miles turned into 5 and felt incredible! After speaking with my ob, she gave me the green light to continue with my running as long as I listened to my body and didn’t get to overheated. 5 miles turned into 6 then 7 and so on. I was in love again like a giddy school girl! Now entering my second trimester this week I am looking forward to renewed energy and more time with my ‘other love’!
So glad to hear this, Michele! I hope you’re able to run right up until Pumpkin makes his/her appearance. Glad you’re feeling well!
So glad that you’re back to running again! Nice mileage for the week too! Im hoping that after my appointment next week that the midwife will be OK with me running a few days a week. The BH contractions have subsided and are more “normal” feeling now, so I thnk I just needed some rest.
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Awesome!!!!!! I am so happy for you. Hope you stay pain free and running proud up to and soon after childbirth!
YAY congrats!! I know what you mean about finally accepting something, and THEN you begin to move forward. I think there is a huge mental aspect to it, at least for me! After I accepted that I was injured and took some time to rest and recuperate, I felt 100x better coming back. A fresh start and a new outlook always helps. So glad you’re feeling better!
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yay so happy for you mama!!
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That’s such great news, Michelle! You were so smart to ease back in… that’s always the part I have the most trouble with. Enjoy these last few weeks!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Healthy Travel Tips for Toddlers (and mamas!)
Yep – i cancelled all plans, stopped dreaming, accepted it and then slowly my knee has started to heal. We are still healing but finally moving forward.
I am really happy you are able to run again – you look so happy in your photo and your bump is uber cute too!!
Helen recently posted..Progress….
YAYYYY!!!! I bet those miles felt AMAZING after such a long bout of being unable to run. Isn’t it crazy how much more you appreciate the hell out of the sheer ability to run when you suddenly find yourself UNABLE to?
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That’s such great news! What a mental lift that must be for you. I hope it stays that way until the end, now!!
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