Itβs almost six months since Iβve been back pounding the pavements following the birth of Little B, so I thought now is a good time for an update for anyone getting back into post-baby running, or thinking about it.
While Iβm back up to my old distance Iβm almost β but not quite β up to my old speed. Itβs definitely taken me longer to regain my pre-pregnancy fitness than it did the first time round, but that said I am four years older than I was when BB was born.
But the most annoying thing has been two calf injuries, one in each leg, on separate occasions. Both were gradeΒ one calf strain, when you suddenly experience a sharp pain which then takes between two and five days to calm down.
Apparently calf strain is a common β and recurring – injury for those who have been running for a long time, and Iβve been donning my trainers on a regular basis for almost 15 years now.
But while my age and the length of time Iβve been running may have something to do with it, it canβt be a coincidence that Iβve got the same injury in different legs within six months of giving birth.
They say youβre more at risk of injury post-pregnancy than you are during pregnancy because your ligaments have been stretched and your balance and coordination will have altered to accommodate your changing centre of gravity.
In one study I came across researchers discovered that more than a year after her second baby was born one runnerβs pelvis was still tilted abnormally far forward, and as a result her right leg struck the ground harder than the left, absorbing about 30% more force with each stride. Interesting.
So as well as a heavy duty calf support Iβve invested in a pair of gel heel shock absorbers, which you fit in your trainers and are meant to reduce the strain on your joints.
Iβve been on fourΒ runs in a rowΒ since and havenβt had a single niggle. Iβm just hoping things stay that way.
Linking up with…
I need to pick up running again once I get clearance from the Dr. My husband struggles with repetitive calf strain from over training in marathon season, he used compression socks, physio appointments with acupuncture and ultrasound therapy, RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and changed his trainers up!! Hope it gets better soon.
#MBPW
Since I’ve been wearing the calf support and the heel inserts I haven’t had a niggle, so I’m really hoping that’s the end of it. Am thinking of replacing my strainers too though as I wore them through the whole pregnancy when I was a good stone and a half heavier, so that must have worn them down a bit…good luck running again!
Well done you. I hope your injuries clear up soon x
Thank you! The calf support and insoles have worked a treat – think I might have been trying to do a bit too much too soon…(moi?!)
I know the feeling. I always do to much to soon and regret it later! X
Well done for getting back into it. Hope the calf strains don’t come back! #advicefromtheheart
So far so good – in another few months I’ll do a one year update x
Well done you! 6 months, that’s fantastic work. I was only just feeling human after 6 months postpartum! X #fromtheheart
Thanks – I put being fit pre-baby down to recovering so quickly afterwards x
You’re an inspiration. I’m going to give running a go for the 5,678 time because I feel so unhealthy at the moment. I’ll be honest and my exercise routine is usually based quite heavily on fitting into jeans but at the moment I’m getting out of breath a little too quickly and I could do with the endorphins. What you say about the shifted pelvis is fascinating, I think I forget what an incredible feat pregnancy is! Thanks for sharing #fromtheheart
When I first started running I could literally only run for two minutes at a time and would be so out of breath – just start slowly and build up, you’ll find it so rewarding! x
That’s interesting research! I’ve never been a rnner but I realises that my whole posture has changed post-pregnancy. Thanks for sharing #fromtheheart
I know, it makes sense when you think about it!x
That’s great that your back out running! I know that injuries can be more common after pregnancy. After both my pregnancies I have had knee problems (I walk a lot, at least 2 miles a day carrying the littlest) and I was given physiotherapy excercises to do at home to help and it went away a few months later. The Dr thought that it was probably due to changes in your body during and after pregnancy. The human body is so fascinating! Have fun running and fingers crossed that you stay safe!
Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather π x
I think our bodies go through more than we realise!
I’d love to run everyday. I need to find the time (which is awful).
I can relate to it being more likely to cause damage post-pregnancy. I used to go to the gym a lot pre-baby and when I had Evie I tried to go back too soon. I lost loads of muscle when I was pregnant and can’t do the things I used to in the gym as well, no matter how much I try.
I have actually caused permanent damage to part of my shoulder/back too and my arteries now close off if I hold my arm in a certain way. All because my body was still in the process of changing back after pregnancy and I overdid things a bit too soon.
I think the body is incredible though. It’s amazing that you’re running again too, I think with the changes we go through, it sometimes takes a lot more to get back to where we were before but it’s definitely worth persisting. Thank you so much for linking up to #whatevertheweather xx
Oh no! That should be a lesson for us all x