I recently took a poll on Instagram Stories about whether or not I should start back with my weekly workout recaps and cover fitness-related topic more often. I had well over 200 votes for “yes” and 20 for “no,” so I guess that means I’ll start them back up again! I’m not sure if I’ll do them once a week or every few weeks, but I will try to share the updates regularly. I’m not a professional and have a weakness for anything chocolate…but as a new momma trying to get back in shape after having 2 babies in less than 2 years, I think it’s a good way to hold myself accountable as well as a way to share the successes and challenges I have along the way.
I mentioned on Instagram that my postpartum goal this time around is to run the Honolulu Marathon in December 2018. Last time around my goal was to run a marathon before Jack turned 1, and I did that with about 2 weeks to spare. I had wanted to beat my personal record of 3:40, but ended up running it in 3:43. It was really difficult to train for and I think it affected my milk supply a bit. This time I’ll have 15 months to get myself ready for it so I think all around it will be more manageable (although I have a feeling that running with a toddler and a baby at home is going to prove to be difficult). I’ll run the Honolulu Marathon Readiness Series (a series of 5 races ranging from 15K to 30K that help you get ready for the big race), and I’m really looking forward to getting back into it. The Honolulu Marathon was my very first marathon back in 2011 and I can’t wait to run it again and see if I’m any faster this time around.
Alrighty so I guess since this is the very first postpartum workout post lets talk pregnancy weight gain. I started at about 127 pounds and ended at 175 pounds. My happy weight is between 125 and 130 pounds so that is where I’d like to be eventually. I gained a lot quicker than I did with Jack so by the time I had my first prenatal doctor’s appointment I lied and told them I started at 130 pounds. I seriously could not stop eating carbs! I’ve been saying I gained 45 pounds but I guess it was more like 48. I think my body just likes to gain a lot of weight while pregnant and I think that’s ok. By 6 weeks postpartum (Monday, October 16th) I was down to 142 pounds. The first 6 weeks after giving birth I didn’t worry about what I ate and didn’t work out because I tore a bit and needed the full time to recover. I did walk a whole lot though, tried to drink lots of water, wore a postpartum corset to help my organs and muscles go back to where they’re supposed to be, and I’m breastfeeding so that always helps with weight loss. I’m still wearing maternity shorts almost every day and I am SO ready to get into my normal clothes again. I know that weight loss is always easier to maintain when you lose it slowly, so I am going to focus primarily on healthy eating and moving every day. My main goal is to build my mileage back up, add muscle mass, lose the excess fat, keep up my milk supply, and get back into my regular clothes. As I mentioned above I’m happy and feel really good and strong when I’m between 125 and 130 pounds, so that is my eventual goal weight. It took me about 4 months to get there last time so we’ll see how it goes this time around. I kind of enjoy the whole “getting back in shape after a baby” thing because I think the transformation that a female body goes through during pregnancy and after giving birth is truly amazing. That being said, here are a few photos of me at 39 weeks pregnant, 2 days postpartum, and 7 weeks postpartum (yesterday):
39 weeks pregnant (I went to 40 weeks and 3 days)
2 days postpartum
7 weeks postpartum
Here are the workouts I did this past week:
Sunday, 10/15/17. (Technically the day before I hit 6 weeks). Very first postpartum run! Ran 1 mile, walked about half a mile and then ran another mile. 2 miles of running in just under 22 minutes. I wasn’t sure how my body would feel so I took it really slowly (honestly, I couldn’t go any faster). It felt so good to work up a sweat.
Monday, 10/16/17. Long walk (~4 miles) with the family.
Tuesday, 10/17/17. Ran 1.5 miles, walked a bit, then ran 1 mile. 2.5 miles of running in 26:30. Felt better than the first time I ran and ran a bit longer and faster. I also went on an evening walk with the family.
Wednesday, 10/18/17. 2+ mile walk with the babies.
Thursday, 10/19/17. Hour long Mommy and Me workout class. Did some calisthenics and weight lifting…Jack was very distracting so I had to stop often and make sure he wasn’t getting into trouble and then Caroline was fussy so I ended up wearing her the majority of the time. I also walked ~1 mile there and ~1 mile back. Then in the afternoon we went on another 2+ mile walk.
Friday, 10/20/17. 2.5 mile walk with the family.
Saturday, 10/21/17. Ran 2 miles, walked for a bit, then ran 1.1 miles. 3.1 miles of running in 33:23.
Sunday, 10/22/17. Visit to the pumpkin patch with the family.
If you have any specific topics or issues you’d like me to write about here or on Instagram please let me know!
Thank you so much, so glad you like them 🙂 It's definitely different the second time around, isn't it? I got so many stretch marks this time that my belly is never going to look the same, even once it is flat again. Totally worth it though! Good luck to you as you get back into working out again!
Thank you! I like reading about them too. It's kind of like getting a glimpse into someone's purse or makeup bag. Always fun to see what other people do or use!
Two questions! What do you use to wear your baby? I'm struggling with the moby and had hoped it would be helpful in being more mobile with baby. Second, I'm envious of your long walks with babies–what advice do you have for first time mamas for successful stroller walks? I find I'm so stressed and just waiting for him to cry the whole time that I can't even accomplish a decent walk!
Hi! Haha it is so stressful just waiting for the cry, isn't it? I have had the best luck with Baby K'Tan wraps. They're so great and quick and easy to put on. No cute patterns like a Solly wrap but so much faster to put on. I have also been using Wild Bird ring slings. They're easier to nurse in, I think. Here are the things that help me when we're on walks: a portable noise machine (here is the one I have http://bit.ly/2z68q2C), having a wrap you can breastfeed in if they get fussy (if you're nursing), and starting the walk when they're not hungry. She definitely has her days where she gets sooooo fussy when we're out and nothing helps at all and I pretty much just speed walk home…so don't worry, you're not alone!
I like fitness recaps, I find them inspiring and motivating.
My postpartum body recovery has been slower for me this time around but I'm excited to finally be cleared to workout again too. Yay!
I love your recaps, I am always inspired by reading anyones workouts. My babies are 28 and 29…LOL! But, I keep working!!
Just curious how tall you are? You look great Momma! I am trying to get back in shape postpartum as well!
Thank you so much, so glad you like them 🙂 It's definitely different the second time around, isn't it? I got so many stretch marks this time that my belly is never going to look the same, even once it is flat again. Totally worth it though! Good luck to you as you get back into working out again!
Thank you! I like reading about them too. It's kind of like getting a glimpse into someone's purse or makeup bag. Always fun to see what other people do or use!
Thank you so much, Jen! Whoops I guess I totally should have mentioned how tall I am. I'm 5'5". Good luck to you as you get back into shape too!
I really enjoy fitness recaps! Great job so far!
Two questions! What do you use to wear your baby? I'm struggling with the moby and had hoped it would be helpful in being more mobile with baby. Second, I'm envious of your long walks with babies–what advice do you have for first time mamas for successful stroller walks? I find I'm so stressed and just waiting for him to cry the whole time that I can't even accomplish a decent walk!
Hi! Haha it is so stressful just waiting for the cry, isn't it? I have had the best luck with Baby K'Tan wraps. They're so great and quick and easy to put on. No cute patterns like a Solly wrap but so much faster to put on. I have also been using Wild Bird ring slings. They're easier to nurse in, I think. Here are the things that help me when we're on walks: a portable noise machine (here is the one I have http://bit.ly/2z68q2C), having a wrap you can breastfeed in if they get fussy (if you're nursing), and starting the walk when they're not hungry. She definitely has her days where she gets sooooo fussy when we're out and nothing helps at all and I pretty much just speed walk home…so don't worry, you're not alone!