Last month, I posted about getting started with a post-pregnancy exercise routine. Getting started was truly the hardest part. Once I got started, I didn’t want to stop. The last four weeks I’ve gotten into a good groove and am finding my stride.
Running
I’ve been focusing on running more than any other workout. I was so hesitant about running outside in the winter, but I’ve been loving it. It helps that this is such a mild winter. Many days it’s been in the 50s and feels more like spring than winter!
One thing I’ve learned is that getting back into running shape is hard. It’s not like I can just strap on the running shoes and expect to be able to run as fast or far as I once could. Progress takes time. And miles. You have to put in the miles before you will get where you want to be.
For a few weeks, I simply ran for as long as my schedule allowed (usually 30-40 minutes). I didn’t know how far I was running; I had no clue what pace. I just ran. And it felt good.
Then thoughts of running a race this spring started creeping in, and I realized I should figure out where my fitness level was and get a little more serious about training. Since I have a birthday coming up, I told Tim I wanted a Garmin running watch. I thought it would be helpful to be able to keep track of how far and fast I was running.
His response was why spend $250 when you can get the same thing in a $2.00 app for your iPhone. I researched some apps and couldn’t find a reason to disagree with him. Am I missing something here? I guess the difference would be that serious runners don’t want to have to run with an iPhone, right? I’m not that serious of a runner.
So I downloaded the Nike+gps app. I’m not sure if it’s 100% accurate, but I love this app. I get voice feedback after every mile I run telling me the pace I’m at, it keeps a history of my runs and routes, and just has a ton of great features.
Mostly it’s given me the motivation I need to start running faster. My first run with it I was shocked to learn I averaged a 10:19 mile pace. Wait, what?!
Please know that if that is your regular pace, I mean no disrespect nor do I want to come across as condescending. But for me, that is slow. I’m sure I mentioned before that I ran college track. Even though I wasn’t a distance runner, 10 minute mile pace was considered warm up and cool down pace, not actual workout pace.
Since college I’ve run a number of road races and my times were always respectable. I’m still a sprinter at heart and not a distance runner, but I know that pace is below my ability when I’m in good shape. Which I clearly am not.
Since that first run with the new app about two weeks ago, I’ve consciously tried to pick up my pace a little more with each run. My average is down to around 9:45. Better, but still not where I want to be. Patience.
More Motivation
Even though I have the motivation of fitting into my clothes better again, I am the type of person who needs something to work towards. I don’t do well with just exercising for the sake of exercising. With that in mind, I signed up for the Flying Pig 10K race in Cincinnati this May.
Having a race on the calendar will keep me motivated to continue running and trying to improve my pace and distance. I settled on Hal Higdon’s Intermediate 10k training program, which I’ll start next week. I went back and forth between using his intermediate or advanced program, but in the end I needed to be realistic about my current fitness level and time available. I’m simply not at the level I need to be at to do the advanced program, even if I feel like I should be able to do it.
I think the intermediate program is a good fit for where I’m at right now. I’ll keep you updated as to how the training goes. It’s been a long time since I’ve trained for and ran a road race; I hope I’m not biting off more than I can chew!
My friend was having good luck with accuracy after purchasing the foot accessory that I mentioned but then he would calibrate it on his longer runs and therefore his time/distance would be off (by up to 1/2 a mile) on his shorter runs (due to varying cadence/amount of steps in shorter runs vs. longer runs). In the meantime, you can always verify your distance using mapmyrun.com or some other website. Good luck 🙂
Good for you for getting back to your exercise routines! I have a Garmin and it did not cost nearly $250.00! They have different models and while mine may be more “basic”, it does everything I need it to (and more really!). It cost $137.00, including tax and free shipping; I ordered it on Amazon. I believe it is the 305 model. I do run with a friend who uses the app you mentioned as well and it was not accurate at all (I think the pace might be accurate but not the distance and maybe not overall duration). He decided to get a sensor that you put on your sneaker and it definitely improved the accuracy but he still has issues with that aspect of it.
Also, I used Hal’s training plan when I did my half marathon last summer and I think it really works great! Oh and I have a lot of “running friends” all over the country and I have heard many great things about The Flying Pig-good luck to you!!
Oh, man, I hate to hear that it’s not accurate! I’m going to have to figure something out because I am relying on it right now to tell me how far I’m running. That’s good to know that there are less expensive versions of the Garmin. $137 doesn’t sound so bad. I’ll have to do some more research…
It is always hard getting started, but once I get going I say why did I drag my feet! While I was pregnant I went swimming and it is hard getting in a bathing suit in the winter. UG. Good to know about the app since my friend and I are planning on doing a 5k in june. She isn’t a runner, but is looking to lose some weight. You are looking great!
Conrad was born on 2/21
Thank you, Jessica. Congrats on your little one!
Good for you! I’ve always been a slow runner, maybe an app like that could help me focus on picking up the pace.
It’s really motivating for me!
It’s so great that you’re getting your groove back into running! I can’t imagine how hard it is to get back on track with everything and feel good. I stopped running towards the end of my first trimester and miss it a little bit. I would use an app called Jog Log that I loved and thought worked pretty well!
I didn’t run at all during pregnancy. I know a lot of women do, but it just didn’t feel right for me.
You look fantastic!! And great job on getting your pace down already too. You will definitely be ready for that race this spring, and most likely even before then!
You are looking great! So true about getting started is the hardest part.. but once you do it then you cannot stop. I have problems getting started again. Your post is making me get off my butt and start my 6am classes.
I’m glad I can motivate you–go for it! 🙂
Awesome!! So glad you’re enjoying yourself with running and are finding ways to motivate yourself. My sciatica has felt ok the last few weeks so I’ve been “running” again but I’m still taking it easy in case of a flare up. I’d love to sign up for another race, but it was the pits having to drop out of the last one. I have the running wat
Injuries are the worst. Definitely a good idea to slowly ease yourself back into it!
You look great! Good job on the runs too. I do like the app and I used it a lot before i got pregnant. I still want a Garmin though. I had the old rectangle model but it has long since stopped working. I guess it’s the placement on my wrist vs my upper arm that I like better. $250.00 is a lot though, which is why I am holding out.
Can’t wait to get in the exercise grove again. I just can’t do it while pregnant.
Good luck on the traing!
Yes, I’m sure I’d like the ability to just wear it on my wrist. I actually just carry my iPhone right now because I don’t even have an arm band. Ha ha! 🙂
I totally know how you feel, but I bet you will get to your old pace faster than you think. You look great in that picture, btw!
Thank you!
Good for you! So awesome!
Does running affect your breastfeeding at all? I’m guessing it does not.
So far it hasn’t at all. But I have never had any supply issues (except for a few days when I got food poisoning when Meghan was about 14 months old…ugh!). I had to pump a bottle for Luke last night because I was going to Bible study, and I got 5 oz. from one side, so I think I’m doing okay! 😉
Way to get back with it! Startings def the hardest part, but now you’ve got your motivation to keep you going.
I love that app on my phone! It keeps me so accountable. Sometimes I love that woman that cuts into my music telling me my pace and sometimes I hate her. That app is one of the main reasons that I bought my iPhone- I LOVE that little app- especially the part that tells me my route pace so I know where it is that I’m getting slow.
You are doing such a great job getting back into the swing of things- I hope it continues to be a joy, which will be a lot more amazing when Spring comes! I love running in spring! 🙂
Yeah, I know what you mean. If it’s a good song I especially don’t feel like hearing her voice! ha ha! BUT I do like hearing what my pace is so I can pick it up if I’m not going as fast as I’d like to go. For some reason I seem to settle into a slow pace when I get to thinking on my runs. 🙂
Good for you for getting back out there! You’re right – getting started is the hardest thing.
You look great Maryea! I’m very much looking forward to my return to running after this baby arrives (I’m hoping to be back at it by late summer/early fall…) so I’m enjoying living vicariously through your experience!
I got a Garmin for my birthday a couple years ago, my husband has recently been using an app for his Android and it tells him everything the Garmin does. If it ain’t broke…
Ahh that’s good to hear. I couldn’t figure out what I was missing in my comparing of the Garmin to the different apps available. I think I’ll stick with the 2 buck investment for now.