Post-Partum Exercise. I mean Training.

by This is Carrie on January 13, 2011

I have to admit that baby #4 kind of broke me.  The past seven weeks have been a roller coaster of emotion.  With a baby that is SO good, I couldn’t understand why I felt SO bad and SO overwhelmed. Little creative breaks helped, but  I honestly thought I was going crazy there for a while.  But this week? I’m starting to feel like myself again. It could be that the holidays are over, visitors are gone, and the kids are back in school, but I think the biggest contributing factor is that I’ve started training again (FYI: “training” is way more fun and satisfying than “exercising” or “working out”).

Todd hooked me up with a  “hammock” attachment for my jogging trailer/stroller for Christmas so I’d be ready to go as soon as my body said it was ready. My runs are neither long nor fast, but it feels so good to be at it again.

I’ve also started back with my weekly GNO late night swims.  Time away from the kids + conversation with good friends + swim training = the perfect medicine.

Then there’s the early morning “Beach Body” Boot Camp which make me want to cry. But I think that’s the point, right? No pain, no gain.  Four days down, and I already can see improvement in my strength and tone.  And while you think late night feedings mixed with an early morning boot camp might lead to a less than productive week, I’ve had more energy and motivation than I’ve had since the summer.

Now I just need to get back on my mountain bike and I’ll feel complete.

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A 5K on the Fourth | This Mama Makes Stuff
July 5, 2011 at 8:49 am

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Lynet January 13, 2011 at 1:39 pm

I don’t know how you do it!!! When do you find the time to get the kids ready to for school, nourish your body and your itty bitty one and THEN go to morning boot camp? Do they have a childcare facility there for him? That sounds like you said, a less productive week, but it also sounds like your body was asking you to do this to help you feel better!!!

this is carrie
Twitter: thisiscarrie
Reply:

The boot camp is really early – 5:30. Todd was able to be home every morning to stay with the kids since he’s not been feeling well. Soon, I will have to share the morning training time. I feed the baby right before I leave and then I’m home right as the kids are waking up. It’s really worked out quite nicely.

Jen Guzman January 13, 2011 at 1:47 pm

So impressed, Carrie! You are going to be racing again in no time! And I love the photo of big bro and little bro in the jogging stroller.

this is carrie
Twitter: thisiscarrie
Reply:

You bet! Hoping to pound out a 13.1 race in three weeks. It’s won’t be pretty, but it’s a goal that has me motivated to get out and get moving.

Amy January 13, 2011 at 2:01 pm

2 years later and I still don’t have the energy to exercise like you. Maybe when the weather gets nicer?

this is carrie
Twitter: thisiscarrie
Reply:

I feel so lucky to be able to live an a place with such nice weather year round. It definitely makes a difference for me since I can’t stand training in a gym.

amber January 13, 2011 at 2:24 pm

wow! the hammock is a really neat idea. i am amazed how you can do it all. all i can say is you go momma!!!

Matriarchivist January 13, 2011 at 7:10 pm

Good for you!
I’m due in May and this has been a terrible pregnancy for training. Can’t wait to get back at it again… how is your Chariot working out for the little one? Are you comfortable, any nerves about bumps or spills? Trying to figure out how soon I can get back on the wagon…

this is carrie
Twitter: thisiscarrie
Reply:

The Chariot has been working great. Love that thing. I’m not going to be biking with the baby in it anytime soon, but on the road as a jogger, it’s great. It has shocks that absorbs much of the bumps for the baby. The subtle vibrations help him sleep I am sure. It doesn’t seem any less comfortable than a ride in the car.

sara January 13, 2011 at 9:07 pm

please tell me where to get that hammock thing! will it work for a bike trailer too?

this is carrie
Twitter: thisiscarrie
Reply:

The Chariot is a bike trailer and this hammock is made as an attachement by the Chariot company. I’m not sure if it would work in other brands of trailers. We got it at REI http://www.rei.com/product/783817
They also make this baby supporter: http://www.rei.com/product/783814
and a bunting bag for cooler weather http://www.rei.com/product/696030.

I love Chariot for creating products that allow families to stay active with little ones in tow.

Semalee January 14, 2011 at 7:44 am

I think you should give yourself a break! And understand that we all experience some form of post pardom depression and it’s worse with each child.

Your little bundle in the hammock, though- TOOOOOOO Cute!!!

Semalee @ Nailing Jello to a Tree

this is carrie
Twitter: thisiscarrie
Reply:

You’re totally right. Letting go of expectations is a huge part of my problem. But rather than letting go of my fitness expectations, I’ve decided to let go of my laundry and house cleaning expectations :).

I think what I got hit with was the Baby Blues because I do seem to be pulling it out of it quite nicely.

KP January 14, 2011 at 8:24 am

You are a freakin machine@~#$%^*& I sometimes want to punch you. I am sorry you had a rough few weeks. Wish I could live closer to have known that and perhaps brought you some lush shampoo 🙂 You will be doing a race in no time! I am happy you have something that makes you feel so good and you are great at! Is baby really 7 weeks already?????????

this is carrie
Twitter: thisiscarrie
Reply:

Lush shampoo might have made all the difference in the world because I’m totally annoyed with my hair right now. 🙂

this is carrie
Twitter: thisiscarrie
Reply:

Oh and the sign of a true friend is someone who can tell you they’d like to punch you, and you don’t want to punch them back because you totally understand why.

Soybeanlover January 14, 2011 at 12:19 pm

Woo hoo! Glad the exercise is helping you feel like yourself again. What a difference it makes. I love the baby hammock! Such a great idea. Thanks for the inspiration.

Elizabeth January 14, 2011 at 4:37 pm

Yes..please let me know where you purchased that hammock for the trailer. I would love to get one. Thanks!E

this is carrie
Twitter: thisiscarrie
Reply:

We picked it up at REI. It’s made by Chariot (the same company who made my trailer/jogger). Not sure if it’s compatible with other trailers or not.

Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting January 16, 2011 at 9:36 am

That hammock thing is the cutest thing ever! How sweet is that!! Way to go, gettin’ back in the saddle! Kick butt, sweetie!

Jennifer September 27, 2011 at 7:01 pm

I started crying when I read this. I’m expecting #4 and I love running, but have no idea how I’m going to do it with 4 kiddos. I’ve been overwhelmed with the idea of how to get it all done. I know this is an older post, but it made me cry. Thanks for sharing your journey.

This is Carrie
Twitter: thisiscarrie
Reply:

I feel you! But, you’re going to be fine. You’ll figure it out because you want to and you need to. Just make it a priority and make sure your significant other knows that it is a priority as well. I don’t know about you, but I run not just just because it makes me physically healthy, but also because it makes me mentally healthy.

You’ll have a period where you don’t/can’t run but start again as soon as you can even if you don’t feel like it.

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