7 Tips for Running with a Baby

Even though my training has been less than ideal, I've managed to get out a few times with Robby in the stroller. On these runs, I was thinking about being a new mom and trying to figure out this running with a baby thing. First, my soapbox. Parents, it is NOT recommended that you run with your child before 6-8 months. I got these guidelines from both our pediatrician, many licensed physical therapists, and the good old internet. Please check with your child's pediatrician before hitting the road (we're there all the time anyway, might as well add it to your list of questions). Now, here are my top 7 tips (why 7...well...that's how many I had):

My favorite running buddy!

1. Check the stroller: I have a BOB Revolution (which I love), and the tires do lose air. You want to be sure that the stroller is in good condition and the tires are filled. You will notice a difference when they aren't--the stroller will feel wobbly and unstable.

2. Use one hand to push the stroller (and don't forget to switch): Keep a steady push with one hand and swing the other. It's super convenient if you're using the Galloway method to make sure you're switching hands on each interval. Otherwise, just try to remember to switch from time to time.

3. BUT use two hands over bumps: I found it a lot easier to keep control of the stroller over bumps if I just gripped with both hands for a few seconds. If not, the stroller veered off course and it interrupted my cadence.

4. Keep the stroller away from your belly: You want to keep the stroller about 6-12 inches in front of your belly, which should be about the distance of keeping a 90-degree angle in your arm that's pushing. Keep it at this distance consistently.

Our running path even marks bumps!

5. Don't lose your form: Mid-foot strike. Arm swing. All that good stuff shouldn't go away just because you're also pushing a stroller. I've been keeping Robby in his infant carrier on the stroller, so he's facing me when we walk (not run--again, check your specific stroller for guidance as mine stated not to run with the carrier attached). I've noticed that I tend to look down at him, putting my neck and spine all out of alignment. Do regular checks of your form; you may not even realize how out of whack you are!

6. Don't bring the whole kitchen sink: The stroller is big. Babies come with lots of stuff. Resist the urge to bring it all with you. I like to live on the edge, so I don't even bring a diaper or change of clothes (not that I recommend that).

7. Find a well-paved path: Our new hometown is country (okay, it's really suburban, but it feels country to me!). We don't have sidewalks, streets are curvy, and there's a whole lot of 'nature' around us. Luckily I found a great paved running trail a short drive away. It's made it so much safer to run with Robby!

Baby bonus tip: Remember, your little one is on the run too. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and some toys and/or snacks to keep him occupied while you run!

I write this post first as a new mom, then as a running coach. I'm definitely not the end-all, be-all expert. My running mamas-what would you add?

Ohhhhh...(more than) halfway there!!!

What can you say? You can't take the Jersey out of a girl!

Yesterday I got my second round of Euflexxa shots in my knee. Even though this means that I can't really workout very much, I know the long term benefit will be awesome! I'm already feeling a little better and can't wait to put this treatment to the test.

My nurse yesterday that did the shot was really informative. She helped me to understand why the shot is so painful and why, in some ways, it's even better than cortizone. I'm no doctor, far from it, so please don't take this as medical advice. Here's what I like: it actually acts as more cushioning in your knee (which for me is gone from when I fell and tore up the cartiledge), it doesn't just reduce the swelling/inflammation. With more cushioning, the hope is that there won't be any reason for the knee to become inflamed. Love it!

Of course, the timing of this means that I'm missing the first few weeks of Dumbo Double Dare training. Guess it's better to get it out of the way now! Stay tuned, because I'll be sharing my personalized training plan in a few weeks (once I have it all hammered out). I can't wait to get back to running again, and hopefully, pain free!!!

Progress Post: 4/25/16

I'm channeling my inner turtle lately--slow and steady wins the race, right? I was I had more "progress" to talk about, but really the only progress has been that I'm set to start Euflexxa injections in my knee. I saw the surgeon who did my surgery two years ago, and he's hoping that the extra lubrication that these injections will add will "get me over the hump" so I can workout more, lose the baby weight, and finally feel better.

This past week, I have to admit I didn't do much at all to make progress. I taught my 3 classes at the gym and did one walk with Robby. Food wasn't the best either. SO, why the heck even write a post about it? Well, I told myself I needed to stay accountable so here I am, being accountable.

I took some progress pictures, or rather, lack of progress pictures, and I plan to take my after shots in 6 weeks. Stay tuned for a (hopefully) noticeable transformation! For this week, I'm sticking strictly to the 21 Day Fix meal plan + Shakeology. I'm home alone with the baby pretty much the entire week, so my workouts will consist of walking with him and modified Beachbody workouts. Since my knee isn't up to any kind of heavy workouts, I'm going to take it slow and really work on my core and upper body. I also plan to incorporate some of the PT exercises I was doing after surgery. Can't hurt, right?

There you have it! Minimal progress, but a few steps in the right direction, nonetheless. How was your week?

Even Robby's less than impressed with my progress!

Progress Post: 4/14/16

If you remember, I've been working on getting back to fit after baby S made his debut 3 months ago. Today, I can say that I've made teeny tiny steps toward that goal. Here's where I'm at:

Cardio: I can't do much in terms of intense workouts yet. My knee is really acting up, so I'm basically stuck walking. I taught a few Zumba and Hip Hop classes last week, but by Sunday I was paying for it. A nice 3 mile stroll last night with the baby felt great!

Strength: I'm still teaching my Saturday class, but for myself, I'm hitting daily PiYo workouts. I turned to this program when I was recovering from knee surgery, so I thought it would be the perfect way to ease back into strength training with a ton of gentle stretching. I've only just started, so I have plenty to still work on.

Nutrition: This is the piece that I'm being most aggressive with--I'm sticking to the 21 Day Fix plan, and doing pretty well. Of course, my weekends are my enemy, and Chris & Katie are heading out to visit for a few days, so I'm sure I'll be a little off-track. I definitely notice a difference when I get all my veggies and proteins in. My energy is so much better!

Health: My knee is the nagging problem these days, so I made an appointment to meet with my orthopedic surgeon on Monday. I'm not planning on another surgery, but I'd like his opinion as to some options. I'm holding onto the hope that when I regain some strength and flexibility, my knee issues will resolve themselves. 

So there it is! Some progress--definitely NOT perfection, but I'll take progress any day!!!

Building a Base

It's time for me to go back to basics! It's so important to build a solid base of running before jumping into a training program. My next race is the Dumbo Double Dare, so I have plenty of time to get moving, get training, and really show up to race those races.

My goal for April is to get 3 runs in per week. I'm going to (gasp) give up the run-walk-run method at the moment and just get out to run. I'm not even (double gasp) going to strap on my Garmin or time my runs. Yes, I'll still listen to podcasts because I love using my time to better myself, but other than that, no technology. Heck, I might even go out and just listen to the world around me!

Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned runner, building a solid base is an important first step. It allows you to have a starting point for increasing your training, and it's a great time to really focus on attaining perfect form. I suggest you map out a fairly easy distance to get started. For me, I have a flat 3 mile out and back from my house that is perfect for weekday runs. On the weekends, this month, I'm going to work my way up to the 4 mile loop, which includes one long uphill and one long downhill.

So far so good! Yesterday, I went out for 3 miles. I ran a bit, walked a bit. My knee is holding me back at the moment, so I'm going to start taping it more. I know the main culprit is my weight after having the baby. As I key into my nutrition and exercise, the scale will move, and I know that will lessen the impact on my joints.

One day down, many more to go! I'm making myself accountable to all of you! I can't wait to run fast again!!!

The Need to Justify Me

Yes, this is going a little deep.

A few weeks ago when I was running the Hot Chocolate 15k, I spent half the race wishing I had worn something that indicated "Hey, I'm slow because I just had a baby!" It got me thinking...why do I feel the need to justify my slowness?

I'm the biggest cheerleader when it comes to people starting their fitness, weight loss, or running journeys. I love new clients in my business. I love January, when my classes at the gym are packed with bright-eyed participants ready to take on their resolutions. Somehow, though, when it comes to me, I don't allow myself to be cheered on when I'm not at my best.

I mean, really, what does THAT even mean? It's not like I've always beat me previous time when running a race. In fact, I held onto my half marathon and marathon PRs for YEARS before I was able to beat them. It's not like I never gain and lose, gain and lose, and gain and lose weight again. Fitness and running, like everything else, is a journey, not a one-way street.

Me...trying...sort of...

My confidence has been in the toilet since having Robby. Why? In some ways I feel like I'm letting everyone down. People who thought I'd just bounce right back after giving birth. All those moms who preached about breastfeeding and how that would just melt the weight off. Clients, readers, everyone. I know I'm putting this pressure on myself, but I can't help but feel like I somehow failed at leading by example.

This is the part of the blog where I'm supposed to promise to change or something, right? Well, I'm just not there yet. I'm trying. A little. But not really that much. I try to workout, but I'm exhausted. I try to eat right, but cookies are so good. I try to stay motivated, but sometimes it's easier not to be.

So when you see me and my loose belly is flopping around while I attempt to run, please just be kind. I don't know the right words, but just know that I realize that my pants are too tight, my back is flabby over the top of my bra, and I have a long way to go. I could lie and say that today I'm going to change, but let's just see how tomorrow goes. Maybe if it goes okay, then I can work on the next day. Until then, I'm going to avoid mirrors and scales.

The Honest Truth

On Sunday, Robby turned one month old! It's been a whirlwind month, full of happiness, ups and downs, and trying to figure out my new role as full-time mommy. You want the truth? I have NOT had any focus on nutrition OR working out! Yes, I took a few walks, but I have mainly been at home, on the couch, vegging out in front of the TV and binge eating junk food. I stocked my fridge with healthy options, but even eating a ton of healthy foods makes the scale move in the wrong direction.

So it's time to get real, get honest. I spent (almost) all of my pregnancy eating healthy and staying fit. Yes, I slid a bit toward the end--I was just too tired to workout hard and well, I have no excuse. I just got into some bad habits. So I'm putting it out there--I'm changing things up and getting back to my healthy self! Here's the plan:

Nutrition: I'm going to follow the 21 Day Fix meal plan, adding extra calories to ensure I have enough to continue to breastfeed. Lots of water too to keep myself milky. Of course, Shakeology daily to get in my daily dose of dense nutrition!

Fitness: This one is a bit harder because I feel like I've lost a lot in this area. For the rest of this month, my goal is walking at least 3 days per week and running 1-2 days per week. I have the inaugural Hot Chocolate 15k at the end of the month to keep me on track with this goal. I'm also planning on adding PiYo twice per week. It's the perfect new momma workout since it focuses so much on the core.

Time will definitely be a challenge, especially when I go back to work next week. I tell my clients all the time that time is just a terrible excuse, I can't use that as an excuse either! It's time to practice what I preach! Let's do this!!!!