This post is sponsored by Zappos.
I have run less miles in 2018 than I have in any other single year since I started running in college. Following the guidance of my OBGYN, I took most of the third trimester off of running. And then after being cleared to run six weeks after Finn’s birth, I found that I didn’t get back to it the way that I thought I would.
(All photos in this post are Scott Broome Photography)
I have really enjoyed the postpartum running that I have done and have been surprised to find that running actually feels better than it has in years. I attribute a lot of this to the fact that I’m not working out nearly as much as I did pre-pregnancy so my body is overall more recovered.
The challenging thing about running with a baby has been finding the time, energy and motivation to do it. I often pick stroller walks over stroller runs and I’ve only run one race since having Finn.
I don’t think there is a right or wrong way to return to running after having a baby and it’s felt right for me to do less of it. That said, I’m to a point where I miss running and really can tell a difference in how I feel physically and emotionally when I make time for it. Physically, it now energizes me rather than drains me. Emotionally, it gives me that same “run therapy” feel that’s kept running my favorite way of moving for so many years.
I am so ready for 2019 and all of the fresh and new that it has to bring. I want to set some loose goals for myself around running that will get me out on the road with a little more regularity.
2019 RUNNING GOALS
- Run 2-3 times per week. This has always been a sweet spot for me that allows me to also fit in things like strength training and yoga, which are important to me as well.
- Build a solid base back where running 8-10 miles feels doable on a regular basis.
- Stay on top of preventing injuries by focusing on dynamic stretching, strength training, yoga, massage and bodywork when needed.
- Train for a half marathon, either late spring or in the fall of 2019.
- Apply to be an ambassador for the Charlotte Marathon. I would love to partner with the Charlotte Marathon again as an ambassador.
- Host another online training group for the Charlotte Marathon and Half Marathon and try to get as many of you in Charlotte with me to run it! Go ahead and save the date for November 16, 2019! 🙂
And that’s it! I want to keep my goals simple and attainable. I don’t want to get too focused on time goals or weekly mileage counts that I aren’t sustainable. 2019 is going to be busy as I ramp work back up along with mom duties!
THE ASICS GT-2000 7
I switch out my running, walking and workout shoes very regularly and wear a variety of different brands. One shoe that I have been enjoying lately for running and walking is the new ASICS GT-2000 7. This is a shoe that offers great stability.
This model of the ASICS GT-2000 features less weight, enhanced cushioning and lighter and stronger materials. They are designed to provide support, structure and high-mileage durability.
THE ZAPPOS EXPERIENCE
I ordered these shoes through Zappos, who are my go-to resource for shoes whether they be casual, dress or athletic. I am always blown away by the selection that Zappos offers. It’s so much easier and better than the days of bouncing around to various department stores and athletic shoe stores in search of shoes for various occasions. Tell me I’m not the only one with not so fond childhood memories of this!
Zappos offers fast and free shipping and excellent customer service. They make returns a breeze with their 365 Return Policy. If you’re not happy with your purchase, you have a whole 365 days to return your unworn items.
Life has always been full with a lot of balls up in the air but it’s next level now that I have Finn! The more I can streamline and make things easier and more efficient, the better. Ordering my shoes from Zappos means I can shop when it’s convenient for me (which is usually times when the baby is in bed and traditional stores are closed) and I can very easily return anything that doesn’t work.
If you’re looking for a shoe that offers comfort and stability, check out the ASICS GT2000 7. They are a great supportive shoe! You can order them through Zappos and be out running in them just a couple of days from now.
I would LOVE to hear your goals for running in 2019! I think it would be so motivating if we all shared and were able to read each others!
I’m pumped for 2019 running! First up, I’m doing the Strava/Lululemon running challenge (run 40 or 80 km outside in the first two weeks of 2019). I don’t run outdoors much in the winter so I’ll be doing it all as short runs and hope that we don’t get any major storms. I’m running my first half marathon in May and if that goes well a 2nd half in November.
Oh I haven’t heard of that challenge! I will have to look into it! So exciting about your first half marathon! I am pumped for you!
I’m hoping to make a return to running in 2019. I had a baby in March of 2018 and wasn’t able to run during my pregnancy due to complications I was having so I haven’t ran in about 1.5 years now. Running used to be such a huge part of my identity and I really missed it but I wasn’t able to fit it in between being a mom and working full time. Plus I exclusively pumped since our son didn’t latch and that was a major time suck! But I am done pumping now (and have enough froze to last him until he turns 1!!!) so I am getting some time back. Realistically, I won’t return to running until the spring as it’s just too cold, dark and icy here in Minnesota and I don’t have a treadmill or gym membership. But once spring arrives, I want to get back into running, ideally 2-3 times/week. My goal is to run a 10k in the fall. I used to run marathons so setting a goal of running a 10k seems like such a low bar but I know I need to be realistic about what I will have time for with my work schedule. So my near-term goal is to get back into HIIT and strength workouts which I can do in our basement after our son goes to bed.
Hi Lisa! Isn’t it the weirdest thing how much that part of your identity can shift? I am happy to hear that you are getting back to it in 2019…I think it will make you feel more like you. I think it’s really great that you are setting a realistic goal instead of setting yourself up to be disappointed or feel like you failed. I think you will just be so happy to get back out there and that you will naturally settle into a routine that works for you and your family and work obligations.
Hi Jen! I have a question. I love to run and have also made some 2019 running goals. And one of my goals is to try yoga! I have never done yoga before, so it is out of my comfort zone. But I think since I want to improve my running, then more stretching and ab work should be factored in. So my question is, where should I start? Do you recommend starting in a class? Or should I try to find some videos and do it at home? I can bend down and touch my toes (barely) and that’s about my range of flexibility. I’m terrified!
Great question! It depends on your style. Some people need classes to stay accountable and feel like they’re getting something out of it. Some people really like to practice at home. The first thing to remember is that YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE FLEXIBLE TO DO YOGA! I would check out a few different classes in your area, and a few different styles. See what you think. If you think you’d rather be at home, check out YouTube or YogaGlo. There’s some good yoga content online that you can stream. Hope that helps. Ask me any other questions.
One more thing…remember…once a week is better than no times a week! You don’t have to practice 3-4 times a week to see a benefit. Do as much or as little as your schedule allows!
Hi Jen – I have a question. I looked at the Zappos site, and found the GT-2000 6, at a cheaper price. Is this last yr’s model? would love to save a few dollars. Thanks!
Yes! That is the previous model. I have done that often to save money, you just miss out on the updates.
Hi Trish – the GT-2000 6 is the previous version of this shoe. It came out either late last year or earlier this year (I can’t remember). I frequently buy the previous year’s model of shoe off Amazon or Zappos, or the manufacturer’s website to save some money. I have seen people state that shoes that have been sitting around for a year or two will break down, but personally I haven’t had any problems. I run marathons, so I do put quite a bit of mileage on shoes and go through a few pairs a year. I also need the stability and personally have not noticed any difference in the comfort or wear of 1-2 year old shoes that are new in the box versus brand new shoes. The Asics GT 2000 has been a regular shoe in my rotation for several years now. The others I use regularly are the Saucony Guide and Brooks Ravenna. Hope this helps!
I’d like to improve on my half marathon PR! I ran a 1:49:33 just before Thanksgiving and will have two coming up in 2019 -April then November. Hopefully I can keep with 8 minute splits for as long as possible. Any tips folks have for endurance/pacing appreciated: I always start a little fast and don’t know if I should go with that adrenaline or if it winds up hurting later!
I just signed up for strength/conditioning classes and my goal is to build up strength, flexibility, and conditioning so I can start running again regularly without pain. I’ve had some knee and hip issues that flared up when I was working a lot and not moving my body much. At 29, I feel way too young to be worrying about joint pain. Hoping to address it so I can get back to running, which I love and miss. Your posts on taking a break from, then returning to, running have really inspired me to focus on strength and crosstraining. Would love to see more posts on remaining injury free
as a runner (and related topics like massage and bodywork).
I love the motivating runner post. I haven’t been able to run since living in this cold state. I can’t wait to move and experience warmth again.
Hi–
What brand is the shirt you are wearing?