Can you believe it’s been 7 weeks since Hailey came into the world? I certainly can’t! It’s also been 1 whole week since I was officially cleared for exercise. Since the doctor gave me the official thumbs up, I’ve hopped back into fitness, and it feels so good!
I’ve missed wogging more than any other exercise (though I’m itching to get back to yoga, but that may be a while since I’m not comfortable putting Hailey in childcare yet). But one thing I can do with Hailey (& Koda) in tow?
COUCH TO 10K!
I’ve been staring at the C210K app on my iPhone ever since I announced it as my new year’s goal …and then found out I was pregnant the very next day! So, here I am 11 months later and finally ready to tackle this challenge.
(This outfit is why I’m considering new workout gear. Thick pants and a t-shirt are my running gear. Oh, and clearly you can tell from the background I have an affinity for horizontal stripes… dangerous for post pregnancy!)
Couch to 10k is set up similar to the Couch to 5k app I enjoyed so much last year. It’s a 3 day a week program, and I’m trying to fit it in on MWF (reminds me off college class schedules :)). This week, I’ve accomplished it! Though it is a bit more difficult while pushing a stroller and holding Koda’s leash, BUT…
Running with my posse in tow worked OK this week when the task was simply run for 30 seconds and walk for 4 minutes and 30 seconds. When things pick up, I might have to leave Hailey at home (with proper supervision, of course!).
So how does it feel during those 30 second spurts of running? Mentally – fantastic! Physically? Kind of like my insides are going to fall out. I’m very glad it starts slow, and I hope it stays that way for a while. But I’m not letting that discourage me, because like Pinterest taught me:
I repeat this mantra to myself quite often.
And… that’s not all! Look who has returned to my life.
I know strength is important, too, so I’m fitting level 1 in on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Yes, this is adding onto my already busy schedule, but…
it’s all about making time.
Overall I am grateful that I’m healthy enough to be able to get out and move. I’m feeling inspired, challenged and ready to be a new, improved, lean, mean mommy machine!
And thank you facebook & twitter friends. With help from your feedback, I’ve officially decided to take the new me to another level. Scissors meet hair at 10:30am today! AHhh! 😉
What is your favorite health/fitness quote that motivates you?
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Couch to 5K is what got me started on running almost 2 years ago. Loved that program! I did 30 day shred yesterday for the first time in MONTHS and my arms and legs are not happy with me right now.
Corey @ the runner's cookie says
Awesome! So happy you’re excited to get back into running! I have lots of favorite quotes…my favorite running quotes are all from Steve Prefontaine
Jamie @ FoodinRealLife says
Awesome job! 10K is a great goal, and my favorite race distance. Just wondering- how long did your doc say you needed to wait before taking Hailey jogging? Also, what type of stroller do you have?
Brittany says
I’m using our City Mini, which I love, but I hope to maybe get a BOB if I want to keep up running with her in tow. Her car seat snaps in with an adapter, so her head doesn’t move much at all (safety first! :)). I can keep this up for a while, but once I start running more than a minute or two at a time, I’ll go on my own if I can.
Katie says
That quote about lapping everyone on the couch is one of my favorites! (I’m a bit of a slow runner myself) 🙂 Good luck- you can do it!
blackhuff says
I love the inspirational quotes you have here. May I borrow them?
I am happy for you that you are cleared for exercise and that you can start again. Running with baby in stroller is harder, I know. I push my 4 year old in her stroller and I must say, it IS hard. But a woman told me, that when you push a stroller while running, you tend to be more fit than a normal runner. So, there you have it 🙂
Good luck with training for the 10k. I am sure you will succeed. Your mind is right for this.
Brittany says
Of course you may use them- I didn’t come up with them (though I wish I did!) 🙂
Jen says
That program sounds great, Brittany! I cannot imagine running with dog + baby. Good for you! And you look awesome, by the way. So inspiring!
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers says
Ahhh, that last picture/quote is something I don’t like to think about but is so very true. There are so many good mantras out there!
Oh, and I have to admit that I too have an affinity for horizontal stripes.
Morgan says
Good for you! Are you feeling better than you were a week ago? I know you mentioned still being sore from childbirth. Since I’m due in 4 weeks, I’m really interested in hearing from new moms how the recovery process is going.
Brittany says
I think I’m heading in the right direction but I still do not feel healed. I was cleared for exercise, which I always thought meant I’d be feeling 100% again. After experience and talking to other moms, I’ve learned that it isn’t the case. I feel discomfort afterwards and when I jog it does feel like my insides are going to fall out, but I hope it keeps getting better everyday 🙂
I’m excited for you- only 4 weeks away!!
Holly @ The Runny Egg says
I don’t really use quotes as inspiration — I like reading them but what really keeps me going is looking at my training calendar — I like crossing workouts off as I do them and I feel good tallying up my miles each week.
I get my workout clothes at Target — their Champion brand is pretty decent and reasonably priced.
Shannon says
Mine would be something along the lines of lapping people on the couch. Even if I’m running slow or not feeling it, I think “At least I’m doing SOMETHING. There are people who aren’t doing ANYTHING.” And that gets me through the tough spots!
Kristin @ eat healthy. be happy. live well. says
I love that last quote! It really is about making the time. I’ve rededicated myself to making time to work out lately!
And don’t feel bad, my workout gear is very similar to yours! If it works, it works! 🙂
Sarah says
Seriously, you look FANTASTIC.
That’s all I wanted to say:-).
faith says
It’s simple and cliche but true “I never regret a workout once it’s over”.
Best wishes and I’m totally impressed with your motivation to move!
Brittany says
Oh, that’s so true!!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
You’re not alone…I felt like my insides were going to fall out when I started running again after pregnancy too. 🙂
Brittany says
I’m SO glad to hear I’m not alone. I was scared that I would always feel this way, but I hear it gets better. …it does, right?
stefanie says
You go girl! That “lapping everyone on the couch” is totally my mantra! I’m not the fastest runner out there but at least I’m out there doing it!
Jen says
yay! so glad you’re getting back out on the road. i think it’s great you are following a program with a goal in mind to complete a 10K. can’t wait to hear how it goes!
Lauren B says
It may seem silly, but whenever I feel like I am wussing out on a workout, I will order myself to “Just Do It.” Yes, while wearing Nike gear. I’m a dork. 🙂
Brittany says
Hey, Nike adopted that saying for a reason- it’s a good one!
Maria says
You look great! I haven’t had a baby, so I don’t have any real excuses, but I jumped off the workout wagon for a good 6 weeks and now I’m back to a little jogging. Its amazing how much endurance and speed you can lose if you don’t practice regularly! So I’m in this with you!
Chopping most of my hair off tomorrow as well and cannot wait!
Brittany says
I want to see your new locks! Post a pic 🙂
Lauren says
Good for you, Brittany! I’m sure Koda appreciates your exercise efforts too 🙂
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
YOU GO GIRL! and can’t wait to see your new locks. 🙂
Lindsay @ Schnoodle Soup says
So happy for you that you are back at it! You must mentally feel so much better. Can’t WAIT to see the new hair. I’m an advocate of shorter, sassier dos. I’m going to be THIS jealous, though, because I’m currently torturing myself by growing mine out for the wedding.
Brittany says
But a wedding is a fabulous reason to put up with the pain of growing it out 🙂
Ashley M. [at] (never home)maker says
So exciting!!! I think your back-to-fitness plan sounds fantastic, girl. I am also planning to dig out my Jillian DVD post-preggo and run 3 days per week. You look fantastic. Can’t wait to follow your progress <3
PressureCookerDiaries says
Ooo, I didn’t know they had a 10k version! I’m trying to train for a 10k in July, and I think this would be a great place to start.
Mandy Robinson says
My favorite is “check yourself before you wreck yourself” I believe that Bethenny Frankel from Housewives of New York said that while pregnant (and it has stuck with me since). 🙂
Brittany says
Oh Bethanny… she slays me 🙂
La. says
Ha, I plan on doing The Shred after this baby as well! It was so hard to get my abs back and I feel them gone this time again! You look so good though! Way to keep active!
Melissa @ Be Not Simply Good says
I love that mantra!
I just started the 30 Day Shred again too. I’m going to try to do it every day of November.
I’m happy for you that you are cleared to exercise again. I’m sure it feels good to be getting back into it. 🙂
Brittany says
Everyday in November? You go girl!!
galit says
Thought I’d pop up and say hello – I’ve been following your posts since your little girl came along (sweet). As a mum myself, I remember people saying that it takes about a year for your body to get back to where it was before, and I totally understand wanting to get there quicker! My little girl is nearly 4 now, and I can honestly say that she’s helped me get fitter than I was before she came along (you have no choice! Once they’re mobile, they really don’t stop). Love your motivation and keep it up! I’m so impressed with you!
Lou says
Congrats on the little one – just found your blog – enjoy these early days… they are over so quickly – my little boy turns one in 2 weeks, seriously I have no idea where that first year went! Good on you for getting back into exercise, I reckon it’s so important to stay active+ pram missions are a great start 🙂
Sophie @ LoveLiveAndLearn says
Yay go you!
It sounds like you have a great plan and I’m really pleased for you that you’re getting back into exercise so soon 🙂
I love the 30 Day Shred and it’s definitely featuring in my efforts to get back in shape!
I hope it all goes really well for you 🙂
Roz@weightingfor50 says
Yay Brittany. Glad you are getting back to where you want to be exercise wise!!! Have a wonderful Saturday.
Jen@FoodFamilyFitness says
Dang, you are awesome!!!! I’m sure the new hair cut looks great 😉
Anastasia says
I bet you’re pumped to get back into working out! I really want to do a 10k as well and didn’t know there was a Couch to 10k program. You’ll do awesome!
rachel foster says
Wow, you have a very similar workout post baby plan to me. im due in 6 weeks and cannot wait to be cleared to exercise. hope it works out for you and you reach your goals! let me know any good tips.