Back at it
Slowly, sweatily, and with help from Mimi!
Hi friends, and happy Tuesday. Hope you're enjoying your summer so far… or at least finding ways to stay cool if you’re somewhere like Austin, where stepping outside feels like stepping into a hair dryer.
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for our little family over here, learning how to navigate life with a newborn, soaking up the sweet moments, and trying to find small windows of time to take care of myself again. Postpartum life is beautiful but also brutal, sometimes all within the same hour. So here’s your gentle reminder to text one of your mom friends today, just to check in. Those short messages go a long way. <3
And speaking of slowly getting back to myself… if you’ve been following along on IG, you know I’ve been easing back into running. This was the longest break I’ve ever taken from running, roughly 6 months off, and (in full transparency) running feels very different than it used to.
So this week’s post is all about getting back into running after a long break — especially when you don’t know where to start, your body feels different, and it’s 100+ degrees outside. Whether you’re returning from pregnancy, injury, burnout, or just life, I hope this post helps you feel less alone on the journey back to yourself… whether that includes running, or something else!
Finding your flow again (when it feels like starting over)
Running postpartum is not like riding a bike. My hips feel misaligned. My pelvic floor is nonexistent, and I’m pretty sure my stride is lop-sided. So I’m keeping things simple: 2–3 miles, super slow, 4 (ish) days a week. It sounds like a lot, but I promise it’s mostly about consistency — not intensity. Just showing up as often as I can, moving my body, and soaking up the mental release, which has been such a mood boost! Even 25 minutes outside (or on the treadmill) can shift my whole outlook and reminds me that this part of me still exists.
To support my recovery, I’ve also been trying to do about 2-3 yoga sessions a week to help with alignment, mobility, mental release, and all the tightness in my neck, shoulders and back that comes with carrying a baby around all day. Huge shoutout to Mimi (aka my mom) for babysitting so I can have those short windows of peace. :)
And let’s not forget that summers in Austin are not for the faint of heart. I’m often finishing runs dripping in sweat, tomato-faced, and borderline unwell... just in time for a screaming crying baby who is urgently ready to breastfeed! :)
Also… shout out to the ultra runner Stephanie Case who literally WON a 100k race while breastfeeding along the way… won’t be me, but I have SUCH an appreciation and new level of respect for this now that I know how hard breastfeeding can be, even without all the miles! Bravo mama!
But I think it’s making me tougher in the best way. And the mental payoff of moving for even 20 minutes outside is so worth it!
Tip(s) of the week
Set a goal based on how often you want to move, not how far or how fast (e.g. “I want to move my body 4 times this week”). This feels a lot more doable than chasing miles when your energy is unpredictable and you’re just just starting to get back into a rhythm again after a long (or even a mini!) hiatus.
And some other more practical tips from my own experience for those who are on this journey alongside me in trying to get back into running again…
Go slow… like embarrassingly slow. Right now, it isn’t about pace. It’s about managing your effort and staying consistent with the easy miles.
Time > distance… set a 20–30 min window, and see what happens. I did this for my first run back and ended up pleasantly surprised!
The treadmill counts… especially in triple-digit heat!
Stick to loops…. I stay close to home in case the baby (or my boobs) need me, which is also helpful for the days that I simply run out of steam!
Hydrate like a mother… especially if you’re breastfeeding!!! I take 1-2 LMNT packets a day in this heat.
Yoga helps… even just 10 minutes at home in your living room can do wonders for your body and mind.
Challenge of the week
Pick one small movement habit to reclaim for you this week. Run, walk, stretch, pilates, dance in your kitchen… whatever feels like you! Chances are, it will turn into habit, and before you know it, you won’t be able to live without it!
Thanks for being here and cheering me on through this new season. Appreciate you always. See you out there on the roads — one mile at a time friends!
xoxo,
Tay
A few final notes…
If you’re looking for support on your health and fitness journey — whether you are looking to heal GI issues, lose weight, get faster or stronger, train for a distance race, or simply establish an effective but sustainable diet and/or exercise regimen — I’d love to work with you! You can reach out here for 1:1 coaching, or book a free intro call with me here.
If you know someone who would find this post valuable, I’d be so grateful if you shared this newsletter with them!
If you have any feedback, questions, or want to chat more about this week’s topic — feel free to comment below, or, as a paid subscriber, you can drop a message in the RWWT subscriber thread. Let’s chat! :)