Friday, August 07, 2009

How soon did you go running after a baby?

I know you have to take it easy for a bit, but how soon did you start light jogging after having a baby? Or how about running? I just had a baby and I am already dying to go out running. I'm holding myself back for several weeks but I don't know that I can make it to the usual recommended 6 weeks. I don't care about getting fit yet, I just need the emotional release and endorphins that come from the exercise- it was a rough end of pregnancy for me emotionally.

Oh, and I have had a great recovery so far. Nothing unusual to worry about such as c-section, tearing, etc.

Thanks!

10 comments:

amydear said...

I waited two weeks. I felt good, so I went for it. Just take it slow and listen to your body. Congrats on the baby!

Stephanie@Soggy Runner Girl said...

I too just had a baby 3 weeks ago. I started running at 2 weeks. definitely not as fast but it feels good to run again! I totally understand the need to run, I was so envious of anyone i saw running after I stopped toward the end of my pregnancy. It feels great to get back out there! Congrats and happy running!

erinmalia said...

and i am envious of anyone running at two weeks. i think it was my episiotomy that kept me from running. although i tried, believe me. i think i was really at eight weeks. sorry, probably not what you wanted to hear. but let's blame it on the episiotomy, shall we?

emily said...

it depends on what number baby - my first, like my sister erin, had me out of running for probably somewhere along 6-8 weeks.

my 2nd i was probably running closer to 3-4 weeks. and my 3rd was like 2-3 weeks. but i always listen to my body and watch what it does after i run.

i would always start with running/walking and then drop the walking as soon as my body felt ready! good luck.

ihaverun said...

I started walking on the treadmill at three weeks. Over the next few weeks I added a little slow running to the walking. By six weeks, I was back to running. Just take it slow and really listen to your body. Congrats!

Lisa said...

With all 3 kids I was itching to run SO BADLY that I would start (slowly) after about 2 weeks. I went a little too gung ho on the third and it took me several weeks longer to recover from delivery. Not smart. So, as suggested by others, it's going to depend on your individual body. If you are absolutely aching to get out, keep it slow and short with some walking and ease back in. You'll be back in no time!

gina said...

My doctor told me I absolutely had to wait until my 6 week appointment; because I have big babies I was in danger of my insides falling out. I know there is a medical term for that, but I don't remember it. So anyway...I don't know your situation but something to consider.

Lisa said...

I think you just need to listen to your body. After my 2nd, I ran on a treadmill 3 weeks pp. Later that day, my bleeding increased a lot. I knew that I had done too much.

A good rule of thumb is: two to three hours after you are done running (or other exercise) if you are EXHAUSTED and can't keep your eyes open (more than just the no-sleep exhausted) then you probably overdid it. If you feel energized and healthy then you did the right amount. Don't rush yourself.

Congratulations!

Alicia said...

Thank you, thank you everyone! This gives me a lot to look forward to. I have already been walking and I feel fine so I will shoot for the common said 2 week mark to add a few small runs with the walking. I will definitely pay attention to my body signals. It is so nice to hear others getting out before the "six weeker" because that seems too far away. I need to get out some of my baby blue energy!

Thanks again!

fitnessfanatic said...

I started running 4 weeks pp. I had a normal delivery so I felt it was ok to start up again. I was doing alright for the past 2 weeks. My last run was tough all my joints, especially knees, were achy. I'm not sure if my muscles are still getting back into it or the extra 10 lbs I am still carrying. Anyone else have this issue? I am training for Boston and Big Sur in April.

Thanks!