I haven’t documented my weekly workouts on here since before Grayson was born, but now that I’m back to work I thought it would be a good time to get back to it. During maternity leave my workouts were just all over the place and there wasn’t much to document. Now I’m trying to sort of get back to a routine, but that’s easier said than done with a 3.5 month old.
Let me start out by saying that I have no idea how people train for marathons in the months after having a baby. Aside from the physical aspect (and recovery may have been tougher for me because of my c-section) I just have not had the time, energy, or desire to focus on workouts. I think what’s key about that last sentence is “desire”. That used to always come so easy to me. Now my priorities have shifted.
That’s not to say the desire won’t come back. And there are moments when I think about how much I look forward to training again. But now is not the time for that. As much as I enjoy my time out running, I am always focused on getting back to Grayson. In the beginning it was more of a worry (like OMG will he survive 30 minutes with me) but now it’s just that I want to make the most of my time with him, especially since I am back to work.
Physically, I feel ok. Running still feels weird and pretty tough. Some days are better than others. My incision doesn’t bother me when I am running but if I do too much it will be slightly sore the next day. I think the biggest issue is that my posture is a wreck from spending so many hours a day slouched over nursing.
So right now I am only working about 3-4 days a week while we get childcare set up, and my mom watches him the days I work. Typically he goes to bed around 7:30 and sleeps until anywhere from 3:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. If he wakes up between 3 and 5 I feed him and put him back to sleep. More recently, his wake-ups have been on the earlier side, between 3 and 4:30 am.
So what I’ve been doing is putting him down for the night and trying to go to bed as early as I can, like by 8:30. Then after that morning feed I put him back down and do my workout. Then I eat breakfast/start getting ready until he wakes up. Usually he is ready to eat again around 6:30 or 7 so I feed him before leaving for work.
This is all well and good except for the days he doesn’t want to go back to sleep after eating. It only happens once every few weeks, but of course it happened on Monday, my first day back to work. After over an hour of trying to get him back down (and he wasn’t crying, he was just happily awake and wanting to play!) Rob took over and I made it out for a 15 minute run. Talk about learning to be flexible.
On the days I don’t work I’ve been trying to go back to sleep after the morning wake-up and then either strength training or doing core work later with a walk outside now that it’s warmer. It’s funny because I have way less motivation to get a workout done when I don’t work! It really helps to have some sort of schedule/routine I think.
Here are my workouts from last week:
Monday: 15 minute run
My first day back to work. This was the day we couldn’t get him back to sleep after he ate at 4:15. I think he knew something was up that day.
Tuesday: Strength training and 15 minutes spin bike
I fed Grayson at 4am and then got in my workout. Of course I stare at the monitor the whole time even though Rob is right there in the room with him!
Wednesday: Core work and 45 minute walk
I was home this day and the weather was finally a little warmer so we got out for an afternoon walk.
Thursday: Strength training and 45 minute walk
I got in some strength training during a nap and then we went for another walk. I try to make the walks long enough so he can get in a decent nap because he wakes up as soon as we get home.
Friday: 3 miles
We were up at 3:45 but there wasn’t really much time for me to go back to sleep after feeding him so I started my run at 4:50. Then I had enough time to eat breakfast, shower, and get ready for work before he woke up again at 6:30.
Saturday: 45 minute walk
It was so warm out and I was initially planning to run, but I had been sore from Thursday’s strength training. (I added in squats for the first time in like 6 months so I was really feeling it!) I decided to enjoy the nice weather by walking with Rob and Grayson. Somehow it took us like 6 hours to get out the door but it was worth it when we finally did.
Sunday: 5 miles
I got out for 5 miles in the rain. At least it was warm out! I felt a little stiff but overall it was a good run.
My workout routine is much different from what it used to be but I am totally ok with that. I am just happy that I am doing something. It can be easy to fall into the “all or nothing” trap but I keep reminding myself that something is better than nothing. There were some weeks during maternity leave that I did zero workouts, but now I feel like I need them for the stress relief if nothing else.
Oh and one other thing. I’ve been locked out of my Bloglovin account for weeks now! I don’t know my password and when I try to reset it I get a broken link. I’ve contacted them but haven’t heard back. So I’ll mainly be reading blogs through the link-up or if you leave a comment I’ll head over to your site!
[Tweet “This is how my workouts are looking at 14 weeks post c-section @milebymilerun”]
How were your workouts last week?
Do you have and all or nothing mindset when it comes to working out?
Do you find you keep up with your workouts better when you have a set routine?
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down!
Your life is definitely not on your own schedule anymore! It is so hard to fit in any workouts. Nice job on getting into a routine. Nice to see you back!
Thanks! Yep these days its a lot hard to squeeze in a workout!
Grayson sure is cute! Seriously, you’re moving & that’s the most important thing. Someday Grayson will notice that, too. I seriously don’t know how moms do it at all, you’re all superwomen.
I’m pretty self motivated when it comes to working out, thankfully. Unless I’m not — but it’s rare that I’m not.
Thank you! Being self-motivated definitely helps with keeping up with workouts. It’s weird because this is the first time in forever that I’ve been much more laid back about working out!
Aside from 3a wakeups, hope back to work goes smoothly.
This weather was perfect for walks
Thanks! Yes the walks have been so nice this week.
Awesome job, Lisa! You said it perfectly, your priorities have changed, and you are doing what you can when it works for your schedule. You will be amazed at how quickly this first year will go (you’ve probably heard that numerous times LOL), but you’re smart to cherish every moment you can while Grayson is still so little. Of course, each stage (and age) is fun & rewarding, but they are only true babies for a short period in the grand scheme of things. Welcome to the WRD link-up…glad you’re joining the party 😉
I have heard that a lot, and I think that’s why I am really trying to make the most of this time! The past 3 months have already flown by way too fast!
I feel you! I really struggled with getting my runs in when the boys were infants. I didn’t do much racing during that time. Like you said, no desire. But I did want to run–both for mental and physical benefits.
Grayson is so cute! Looks like you are adjusting well to being a mom. Isn’t it the best?
Exactly! I enjoy my runs and I know they are beneficial, but it’s just so different right now. And thanks:) It’s been amazing!
Going back to work after the first baby is tough. I lasted two weeks and gave my two week’s notice, but I was gone over twelve hours per day for five days a week. It worked out great because I ended up getting a job at my gym and back in my field (I was a PE major).
I hope you and Grayson get things worked out so he learns to go back to sleep and lets you get your workouts in before work!
That must have been so hard to be gone for so long. I’m glad it all worked out for you! It’s definitely been good to ease my way back into things by working 3 days a week. It’s going to be really hard once I am working 5 days again!
I think that you have done a great job of still staying active during your recovery. I’ve never had a baby but my friends have told me how slow the recovery process is after a c-section so the fact that you’re running now is amazing to me!
Thanks! I had no idea what to expect because I had heard different things, but luckily my recovery wasn’t too bad. I just know that my core is super week right now so I don’t want to push too hard and get injured!
Your son is just adorable! So glad I got to see pictures of him. Your progress so soon after a C-section is amazing. You are doing great. I know it’s hard, but be patient. The runs and fitness will come. It’s so tough to find time for yourself with a newborn. I remember just wanting 2 minutes to myself so that I could go to the bathroom without a baby accompanying me! 🙂
Thank you! Haha yea there is very little alone time these days!
Desire is huge when it comes to working out and training for something postpartum. It will still be there in one year so why rush it? You’ll know when you are ready!
Absolutely! I know some women can bounce right back and that’s awesome, but that just doesn’t feel right to me right now. I know the time will come eventually to get back to training and racing.
A routine is hard to establish with a little one. Seems like once you get one, it changes! It looks like you are making good use of your time. It’s so important to take care of yourself! Great job on the workouts – you look great!
ongrats on your baby boy! He is adorable!
I cannot imagine that first day going back to work.
Take your time and take it easy. Glad you are enjoying the nice weather to go out for walks.C
Thank you! The weather was great for walks last week but is now chilly again. Hoping it warms up for good soon!
Lisa you are doing great, trying to find a routine! I think the desire is definitely there, but as you said your priorities are just different now! Your free time is totally different now! And reading your blog post, it has me really inspired to figure out my own “new” workout routine, once I get my bandage off my foot and am cleared for exercise! I know it’s not the same, but having a baby as well as having surgery, totally whacks one out of routine and we have to be strong enough in our heads to get back what is important to us!
I think you had a great week, you did what you could and the focus is there. Take your time and do YOU and don’t worry about how others come back postpartum (not that you are worried, but you know what I mean – I can also imagine it is tough to not compare occasionally with how other new moms are doing it)
You are so right! And I totally know what you mean about comparing. It can be easy to feel pressure to keep up but I know its best to just do what feels right to me right now. And I hope you can do the same when coming back from your surgery! It’s good to try to get back to something, even if its not what you were doing before, but its also important to take your time to recover well rather than rushing back into things.
I struggled after I gave birth to my Number 1 (and 2!) and fitness was definitely not on my mind. I ended up doing nothing but if I could do it all over again I would do something because every bit counts. Well done for getting all these runs done. The desire will come back but you’ve already done so well! By the way, I’ve loved following you on Facebook 🙂
Aw thanks! I can totally see why alot of moms dont exercise at all those first few months. Its so hard! And it was the middle of winter here so it was really hard to even get out for walks most days. Even if I skip a few days here and there I know I end up feeling better when I keep up with some sort of workout routine.
You are doing a great job with a new routine! While not as big as a C-section, I remember my laparoscopy scar being sore sometimes when it was still healing – it’s a weird sensation. Marathons will still be there when you’re ready, so why rush it? I hope easing back into work continues to go well!
Thanks! I actually thought the soreness would be much worse considering its a major surgery. A lot of times when I am burping Grayson he will kick me there which doesn’t help matters at all!
You are managing pretty well, lady! Impressed with your workout schedule so far.