Before

 

Right now it’s a week away from a very important day for me… the day when I do my first post-pregnancy run. Just like after my last pregnancy, I’ve waited until 12 weeks have passed and followed a mixed plan of physio and pelvic floor exercises to give myself the best possible chance of strengthening those core areas affected by pregnancy and birth. But now, the wait is almost over, and I approach it with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Excitement to get back out there and anxiety about how it will feel, how I will get on. Will I collapse in a heap after 30 seconds…? Whatever happens I won’t have to wait long to find out…!

 

During

 

Hooray! The day is finally here! Having stopped running early on in my pregnancy due to pelvic discomfort, it feels like a looooong time has passed. Feeling very excited as I put on my running gear and lace up my running shoes. It’s winter, my favourite time of year to run, I much prefer the cold to the heat. I’m having to go early, and make sure my toddler is ok and that baby is full of milk and settled before I go, but then they’ll be snuggled up with Daddy until I get back. Once I’m out the door, there’s no stopping me and the feeling of freedom is unbelievable – I can’t remember the last time I went anywhere without taking at least one child with me! Off down the street following my usual route without even thinking twice, I haven’t planned in advance where I’d go, just wherever my legs take me. Legs that feel slightly stiff from not running for a long time and a body tired from lack of sleep – but it feels good, feels nice. It feels different but the same. No music. Just running to the sound of my own beat. 

 

Afterwards

 

I hadn’t planned to run for long, and I didn’t. I was out for 20 minutes at most and yes my pace was quite slow (not that I ever run that fast). But oh what a run. A delicious, indulgent, time-for-me, RUN. I’m glad to say that I didn’t collapse in a heap as I feared that I might do. I can’t say I found it easy but I did find it enjoyable and that’s what I love about running. That it was there, waiting for me, once I’d had my baby and felt ok enough to put on my running shoes again, like a trusty friend who you don’t have to speak to every day but who you know is always there for you. And so, I’m pleased to say, my love of running continues…

 

Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear your pregnancy or post pregnancy running stories if you’d like to share any in the comments below.