Running Postpartum

Ready to lace up those running shoes postpartum?

Sometimes nothing feels better than a run right? The breeze, the sun, the time to think, the simplicity….

BUT before you actually head out the door, do a check to make sure your body feels as ready as your mind.

Here’s a few tips I’ve found helpful for running postpartum:

• How is your body feeling during daily activities?

• Have you had the opportunity to see a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist? A PT can assess how your muscles and organs are functioning postpartum. 

• Do you have a trusted professional to help guide you through a return to run or a new run program, such as a physical therapist? Depending on your body, your fitness level during pregnancy and your current goals, it is helpful to have someone help you create a plan. Just going out for a 3 mile run may not be what is best. (I am totally guilty of doing this and then paying for it!)

• If you’re experiencing any urinary incontinence you will want to work on strengthening your core and pelvic floor muscles before you begin a running routine. Running is high impact and because of the way in which our core and pelvic floor muscles work during pregnancy, they may need some strengthening and conditioning before you start running.

And I’ve learned to give my body the time it needs to recover. I try to be gentle on myself and remember that returning to running really does require an individual approach. It’s not helpful to beat myself up or just do what I did when I was running track in college! 

Take good care Mama!

-Michelle