First run in years - and I'm elated

Submitted by kiko on March 30, 2013 - 7:08am
Body: 

I've just got to share this.

I used to love running but haven't run for years.

After reading Christine's blog post on running and another post about running on here (granolamum's I think) I was feeling motivated. Then I read "Born to Run" and started daydreaming about going for a run. Then late this afternoon, after a day with a grumpy baby, I decided it was time - we needed to get some fresh air and exercise. And not just walking - I walk lots already. I was going to RUN.

I put on some ancient running shoes, and some passable (barely) clothes for running. Dug out an old jogging pram from the garage and pumped up the tires, then installed baby. And set off.

First few minutes really didn't go well at all - prolapse was feeling very uncomfortable. But I thought "It's not actually worse than it has been recently, I'll only stop if it starts to feel worse." I ran with the mantra "lift your chest, lift your chest". And after a few more minutes, it genuinely started to feel better, which I actually couldn't believe.

Then after another ten minutes, I remembered the other reason why I stopped running - that familiar feeling of Iliotibial Band Syndrome cropped up faintly in my left leg. But I was feeling rebellious, and didn't want to stop, so I tweaked how I was running - I went a bit more up on my toes, instead of landing on my heels. Would you believe it, the pain stopped almost immediately.

When I got home I felt completely exhilarated and my baby had fallen asleep during the run (added bonus).

Five hours later and my POP still feels much reduced. This is fantastic - it has recently been feeling pretty uncomfortable and while the FAFP exercises have made a big difference, my 20-25 minute jog/walk has made an even bigger difference.

And after about five years of no running, I've got my running mojo back! The secret was running in Whole Woman Posture and not landing on my heel.

So so happy.

Forum:

MsNightingale

March 30, 2013 - 2:03pm

Great news dear kiko! wow....this is success. I am not a runner but a walker. I can imagine though how reborn you must feel. Another success story for the posture and for your dedication to it! Best wishes to you.

Christine

March 30, 2013 - 9:45pm

So glad to hear this...another WW born to run! You're so right about lifting the chest - it's the magic that makes it all happen. Hope others are feeling that their chest is pretty much permanently lifted - with absolutely no effort - it just *is* that way now. I'm trying to run regularly again, but have a thick layer of winter fat and it's sloooowww going. Thanks for the inspiration! :)

karono

March 30, 2013 - 9:53pm

I was a runner prior to my prolapse which I have had for 2 years. I am scared to run again, so reading your post made me feel really good. I plan on dusting off my running shoes and hitting the pavement is week....with my chest up of course.

Surviving60

March 31, 2013 - 5:46pm

I've always been a good walker, but never a runner. Being post-menopause and having prolapse, not to mention 62-year-old joints, I figure this might not be the best stage of life to start doing high-impact stuff (even running the WW way). But this thread does give me some inspiration to give it a try sometime. I'm thrilled for all you runners who are making this work for you. Thanks for sharing, I might give it a whirl. - Surviving

PS, spent 6 hours straight on my feet the other day. 'Celes felt comfy and well tucked away. By the end I was feeling a slight bit of fatigue in the hips, proof of something I already knew (that I've been neglecting my walking and exercise). Lesson: Even when the posture takes over, improvement will continue to happen with the passage of time, and especially if you don't neglect WW exercise.

Maleisa

April 1, 2013 - 3:42am

Wow! Thankyou kiko & all other repliers to this thread. Extremely motivating & inspiring. Running was my thing and therefore one of the major things that upset me once the physio told me it was pretty much forbidden. I'm only new to this website and head over heels grateful to Christine Kent for her work, however I haven't yet got the book and DVD so will need to make sure I get the posture right first before I take off!

Daphne11

April 1, 2013 - 11:22am

Well, I'm inspired!!
Daphne11

3girlsmom

April 1, 2013 - 1:33pm

thank you for this. i love running and have been feeling like i shouldn't because i am terrified to worsen my prolapse symptoms. this gives me hope that if i get the posture down, i could run again - and soon!

oceangirl08006

April 1, 2013 - 11:31pm

I'll just add to your elation with my own! I haven't run for almost a year and recently started doing it again, posture makes things so much better! Thanks for sharing a positive experience!

granolamom

April 2, 2013 - 11:59pm

I'm so happy for you that you are back to your running! I have fallen in love with running, but I ran too much too soon and wound up with a stress fracture. I'm all healed now and ready to get back to it tomorrow.
so enjoy, but dont make my mistake.
(I'm running on my toes too, I did read that it helps prevent ITB pain, and its great for my knees)

kiko

April 3, 2013 - 4:15am

Thanks for your replies everyone - glad it inspired a few. I'm still excited about it.

Granolamum (my original inspiration), I read that you had a stress fracture in your other post (booo :-( ) and that definitely reminded me to be super-careful and take baby-steps all the way, eager as I am. By the way, do you remember where you read that running on toes helps ITB pain? After that first run I had a look on the internet but didn't see any reference that referred to toe-running...I'd be interested to read more about it if it's out there.

Thanks so much to Christine for doing this work, and putting the word out - as a postpartum mum here in Australia I get bombarded with physiotherapy advice during and after pregnancy which runs counter to what you advise, and it can be very hard to stick to Whole Woman work when even experts and people I regard highly as "bodyworkers" - such as my (former) yoga teacher training mentor - advise against it. This work really is cutting edge. And this week has been a breakthrough for me since my youngest child was born.

louiseds

April 24, 2013 - 10:10am

Hi Kiko, look for barefoot running. That is toe running. Lots on Youtube. Also look for minimalist running shoes.

Louise