Running Goals
When it comes to running, the first thing you have to ask yourself is what is my goal, or what is my purpose? Without the answer to this question, you’re really running around aimlessly. Although, running aimlessly can very well be the purpose of running for some people, especially parents. You simply need a break and running after pregnancy became that.
My running goals before and after my first pregnancy have not changed. My game plan for how and when I am going to truly try to accomplish those goals have, but not my goals. I have many goals with running including running sub 18:30 on the track for a 5k, running a PR in the marathon, running sub 1:20 in the half marathon, breaking 38 min in the 10k, and so on. When the Olympic trial standard was 2:45, I had a lofty goal of qualifying for that, but the standard is much quicker now. I would like to say that qualifying for the Olympic trials is still my goal, but for now, realistically, I believe I need to let that one go.
Since returning to running after pregnancy, I have added another goal and that is to return to my pre-pregnancy running form meaning running fast times again.
Another goal I have added since having my first kiddo is to show my girls what it is like to work hard and have fun accomplishing hard things. I want them to see that you can work hard and still have fun working towards your goals in life. I want them to be a part of the process. I want running to be a family affair.
Running Before my First Pregnancy
In 2019 I ran two marathons, one in January in Houston, Texas and one in December in Sacramento, California. I was able to break 3 hours in both running 2:55:30 and 2:56:57 respectively. My training then versus my training following my first pregnancy was drastically different.
Before my first pregnancy, I split my time being a full-time Doctor of Physical Therapy student, working part-time at Applebee’s as a server, and running.
Therefore, I was able to dedicate a lot of time to running and my logged miles reflected that. In 2019 I averaged 53.3 miles PER WEEK with my weekly average in October and November leading up to the California International Marathon being 75.3 and 72.2 miles PER WEEK.
If you don’t believe me I shared my Garmin running logs as proof.
As a parent, who has time for that?
And if you are the parent that has time for that, I am SO HAPPY for you; but I am not that parent. I cannot be that parent. I love to run and would love to spend my days averaging 9.6 miles per day again, but running does not pay my bills. I work a full-time job and have to go home after my work day to feed and hang out with my kiddos and husband so running takes on a very different form of commitment than before my first pregnancy.
My first kiddo was born in January 2021 and I did not start running after pregnancy until after my 6-week postpartum follow-up with my midwife when I was cleared for exercise. At this follow-up, I also requested a referral for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, which she was happy to give. I had done the research beforehand and specifically requested a PT clinic that fit my needs to send the referral to.
Once cleared by my midwife, I decided to start running very gradually as I had already been walking for a few weeks prior while I waited to start PT. If you are looking to get back into running, especially postpartum follow this link to get my FREE postpartum guide for return to running. It’s a very simple return to running after pregnancy guide.
Running After Pregnancy
My return to running after pregnancy was not how I planned it, but nothing in life after kids goes to plan.
My 2021 averaged weekly miles were 10.5 miles PER WEEK with my average miles per week in October and November being 34.4 and 35.1 miles PER WEEK during a build-up for my first postpartum marathon.
Now granted, I did not begin running that year until March and took the entire month of December off following a post-Thanksgiving marathon in Dallas; but as you can see, my mileage postpartum was much less than before.
Shoot, even my monthly average of miles in 2021 was less than my 2019 average weekly mileage coming in at a whopping 45.6 miles.
Again, I included my Garmin running logs for your reference.
I want to point out that despite running on average 40 miles per week LESS than before getting pregnant, I was able to clock a marathon at 10 months postpartum in 3:30:23. Now some may look at that and say SO WHAT, that’s more than 30 minutes slower than your personal record. Who cares?
However, in my mind, that is not the case. To me, that says that if I can layer a couple of years of consistent training for the marathon allowing myself to build a strong base again, I may one day be able to get back to my pre-pregnancy times, maybe I will PR again – ONE DAY!
So what’s the point?
My point is three-fold:
One, I was able to return to running after pregnancy successfully.
Two, as a seasoned runner, I was able to return to running a marathon 10 months postpartum in 3:30:23 – so not my best, but considering my training – pretty badass, if I do say so myself!
Three, running after pregnancy is going to be different for everyone, but find a system that works and use it!
