A week ago, I woke up early on a Saturday morning and drove a considerable distance to support my lil’ sis’ in her first post-pregnancy race event.
What follows are her thoughts on the race…
Half-arsed runner: How did you feel about doing your first post-pregnancy event?
Lil’ Sis’: I felt anxious about whether I was really fit and ready to compete but also excited and eager to get back into races.
HAR: How did you train?
LS: I started training a few months ago after my six week post-natal check with the doctor. First of all, I just went out and ran to see what I could achieve. I managed a slightly slower pace than I did before Lucy was born and ran a mile. I started upping the runs to two a week and increased the distance by half a mile each week until I was running 5k. I managed three 5ks before the race started with some hill work.
HAR: It was a long way to go for a 5k. Why did you choose this particular event?
LS: I love this forest and have raced here on other occasions. One of them was a 5k whilst I was about five months pregnant and they were very supportive. The other was the same event last year. This was the last official race I did before finding out I was pregnant, and it seemed fitting to start my races again with it this year.
It was a challenging and rewarding course that I would recommend to others. AAT events are well organised too.
HAR: Were you happy with your time?
LS: At first, no. Upon reflection, yes.
I was two minutes slower than last year but this year had to walk/fight woodlands through the path for a good quarter of a mile because the track was so muddy that I was afraid of falling over! I know this cost me those valuable minutes that I would have needed to beat or equal my previous time. Having said that, I feel I am already back to my previous fitness levels and that feels amazing so soon after giving birth!
It is hard to return if you are just comparing to your past fitness. Focus on the new person you are now, a mom, that’s also back to fitness, and things will be much easier. Congrats!
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