Running After Having Kids

I recently did a segment on WCMH NBC4: HOOFit To Get Fit where I was interviewed about running later in life, and it inspired me to write this post to share my experience.  I started running in my late 30’s – not in high school, not in college, heck, not even in my 20’s when all I wanted to do was look good in a short skirt. No, my 30’s, and after I had two children. I was never a runner. The idea of being able to run longer distances than from my car to my house (more than likely because of rain) was foreign and to me – and frankly, just not possible.

Then I ran into a friend at the gym, and she told me that the C25k (Couch to 5k) program was an awesome way to get started. She said C25k was offered as a downloadable podcast – all I had to do was stick it on my iPod and put my ear buds in. Yeah! *whatever* was my initial reaction. I have asthma, I don’t work out regularly, and I have two young children at home – I CAN’T do it!!! Well, I did. Even with diseased lungs, I did. Now, I’ve been running pretty regularly for three years. My kids love it too – they come to the races and cheer mommy on. Plus, I am trying to set a good example for them about the importance of exercise and that it can be fun. We only get this one body, we need to take care of it.

I started with this podcast by Robert Ullrey: http://www.c25k.com/podcasts.htm. It wasn’t easy at first, but I was ready and determined to make running part of my life. The thing with running is that you have to keep it up to get better, especially when you are first starting out. Working out regularly just happens. The program is something like three days a week for twenty-five minutes. Do you think that is doable? If so, DO IT! But…

Mind you, running gets addicting, especially after you realize you CAN run for thirty minutes at a time (which is about three miles) and run your first race. My first race was the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning in 2009. I proceeded with a few 5ks and then did two half milers. Seriously, train for it and you can do it. And, don’t be afraid to walk. Many people starting out think they have to run the whole distance without stopping, that is not true. I fell for that in my head and was defeated many times when I couldn’t get through a run. There are factors that can make your run easier or harder, such as weather, time of day, what you ate the night before, what you didn’t eat for breakfast, etc., etc.

Since I am getting all preachy I’ll share some advice. This is stuff I’ve learned along the way, but please remember: I am not a professional runner, a sports med doctor, or a physical therapist, so please do your own research if you are questioning something I’ve written. Here goes:

• Training to run is about building endurance in your legs, core, arms, and lung capacity. Each time you run you build up your endurance in all of those areas, and that is why it is important to be consistent.

• Injuries in runners are quite common. In fact, I’ve had a stress fracture, pulled muscles, foot problems, and yes, runners trots (If you don’t know what those are, look them up. I’ll spare you the description in this post. These get better with training, though, so don’t worry…or get grossed out. ha!). Give yourself time to heal up, the pavement isn’t going anywhere.

• Starting out can be done on a treadmill, outside, or on a track (if you run inside, be sure the track is long enough and you can switch directions – trust me on this one. I had a stress fracture in my femur to prove running one way on a short track is a BAD idea). If you run on a treadmill try your best to simulate outside running. Meaning, increase speed off and on and increase level. Again, from experience and from hearing about other friends’ experiences, running on a treadmill is very different from running outside. It is still a great workout, but running five miles outside is not as easy as running five miles on a treadmill. Try to do some of your runs outside, especially if you are training for a race.

• Strengthen your core with sit-ups, push-ups, work on the ball, yoga, whatever – your core will help you when your legs are d-o-n-e. Core strength will also help keep your back strong.

• WOMEN, listen up, strengthen your hips. My physical therapist at the sports med office said a number one problem she sees in female runners is hip problems. Look here for a good exercise: “All in the Hips” from Runner’s World online.

• Running does not make you lose weight. It can help, but think of running as good for your health and great exercise rather than something magical that will help you drop a dress size. Trust me – I ran two half marathons in a year and didn’t drop an ounce. Losing weight is about decreasing calories *in addition* to exercising. I’m not good at decreasing calories. I like food.

• Asthma sufferers, please talk to your doctor first and use what I am about to write only as reference. I’ve worked out with my inhaler close by since I was in high school, so I know what works for me. What will work for you may be different. I take a shot of my albuterol inhaler right before my run and I don’t need it during or after. I am getting to a point where I can run without it, but it has taken me lots and lots of training. Best advice: stop when you need to. If you can’t ask a stranger the time because you are too winded, you need to stop.

• One more thing then I’ll let you go – if you are training for a race that is longer than a 5k, train with the things you think you’ll use: headphones, Spibelt, water bottle, Gu, eating beforehand, etc. etc.

• I lied, one more thing – get good shoes. Save yourself some foot, ankle, knee, or hip pain. There are some great running stores in Central Ohio – Frontrunner and Fleet Feet are popular choices.

Now, go run! I’ll be cheering for you from the virtual sidelines!