Hi everyone!
I have been really excited to write this update because I finally have a race schedule to share!
My training is going well and I am finding a lot of momentum in building back my fitness. My mileage is building each week and I am seeing faster workout paces. Just last week I ran my highest weekly mileage since before pregnancy! I recently went in to test my VO2 max and Lactic Threshold. It was great data to have as I begin more threshold workouts again. I have a lot of work ahead of me yet, but I am encouraged and excited by the progress I am seeing each week. I had a bit of a hiccup in early August when I got sick and was only able to rest or run some easy miles for 2 weeks. However, I have bounced back well and put in a few solid workouts (threshold work, fartleks, and a dash of speed!) since then.
Although my training is coming back well, I still need to be diligent in taking care of my body postpartum. My pelvic floor muscles are still weaker which comes with it’s own hurdles. I have always believed that core work is important to stay healthy and run well, but I would argue that it may be one of the most important factors when coming back after having a baby. Slacking in core results in form breaking down quicker, greater likelihood of leaking, and can increase risk of prolapse depending on how far out from the delivery you are.
The newest factor I get to figure out is how to race while nursing/pumping which brings me to my fall race schedule! One way to gain back that race fitness is through racing so I’ll be kicking off my postpartum racing season tonight, August 31st, at the Tracksmith Twilight 5k here in the Twin Cities! My plan is to follow that up with City of Lakes Half Marathon, USATF 10 Mile Championships, Monumental Half Marathon, and finish out the year with a marathon debut at CIM! To pursue a marathon within a year of having a baby is both exciting (I love a good challenge!) and a bit intimating. I have a lot of respect for the marathon distance and look forward to digging deep and being present in the process.
Training and racing as a mom looks a lot different than before. I have this incredible tiny human being that I get to take care of which means planning ahead for early morning runs before my husband goes to work, jumping on the treadmill during her nap (and praying I finish before she wakes up), or slowing the pace down and enjoying the miles pushing her in a stroller. It is trying to do core while blowing raspberries, tickling tummies, and playing peekaboo. It is waking up throughout the night to comfort or nurse your baby before a workout or a race and not letting the interrupted sleep steal your confidence. Being a mom runner is the hardest thing I have done, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Time to go kick off the first race in my postpartum comeback. Thank you for following along and supporting myself and other mom runners as we continue to strive for our goals on the track, roads, and/or trails!
Joyfully,
Breanna
