Running Post Partum

I love to run and bike. A good thing since I don't really like swimming (read: swimming is my weakest discipline). Running post partum feels great – it is even more liberating than before because of the months of awkward motion during the later stages of pregnancy. In order to get out for a run, the day has to almost revolve around whichever activity I want to do. On run days, the first priority (after taking care of Hannah) is making sure I’ve had enough sleep, not relative to pre-baby days, but enough to function. The next priority is getting out for a run. This means trying not to be distracted by the laundry, cleaning, mail. newspaper, more laundry, bed making, e-mails, and so on. Today it's raining for the first time in a few weeks, so I've allowed myself to be distracted by this blog :) Can't win 'em all.

I have been running a few times a week starting July 4, 2 weeks and 2 days post C-section. People worry. I’m told I could stretch ligaments, prolapse my uterus, open the surgical scar. But, all I know is it feels great. I take it easy, just enough for some endorphins. Plus, I’m pushing the stroller most of the time so there’s hardly an opportunity for speed work. So far (6 and a half weeks post partum) so good. No injuries or emergencies, and the public health nurse I spoke to said to do whatever feels good. Yay!

It was on one of these runs that I started wondering if I could do Ironman Canada in 2009 (must have been the endorphins talking). I was too embarrassed to even talk about it at first, except with my husband. After a while, David said “stop saying you’re thinking about it – it’s all you talk about!” (I hadn’t realized this).

Anyway, I’m still thinking about it and will decide when I go up to Penticton at the end of August to watch Ironman 2008. In the meantime, I’ll just concentrate on getting back into pre-baby shape, taking care of Hannah, helping out where I can with renovations we’re doing, and enjoying the summer.