Walk My Way Back

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Over the weekend, I hit the stir-crazy point. I was SO sick of being in the house and on the couch – since leaving the hospital, I’ve only really left the house to drive Henry to school and take Claire to the doctor’s.  I truly thought I was going to lose my mind if I didn’t go do something else!

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So over the weekend, I went to the grocery store AND took Henry to the playground while the Husband stayed behind with Claire (and a bottle, of course).  IT FELT SO GOOD.  Freeeeeeeeeeedom!  The produce section was never so exciting.  Hah.

 

I also started making an effort to exercise everyday.  Here’s my workouts so far:

 

9 Days Post-Partum: Walked 0.25 mile

10 Days PP: Walked 0.50 mile

11 Days PP: Went on two walks for a total of 1.0 mile

12 Days PP: Went on two walks for a total of 2.0 miles

13 Days PP: Went on one 1.5 mile walk wearing Claire in the Ergo AND pushing Henry in the stroller <—oof!

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For the first few walks, I walked until my stitches started to feel funny, and then I turned around.  But by 11 days post-partum, I could walk a whole mile without any discomfort at all, and now I’m only really limited by what Henry or Claire will put up with.  My ‘plan’ is to go on at least one walk a day, everyday, until I’m cleared for more challenging workouts at my next doctor’s appointment. 

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I don’t really care how far I walk; it’s more important to me to just get out there regularly. I would love to do a morning and evening walk, but that may be hard to swing with the winter weather!  Regardless, it feels super good for the body + soul to get outside and smell the fresh air.  

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This is pretty much the technique that I used to get back into running shape post-Henry – I walked until I was cleared to run, and then I used the Couch to 5K App (<—there’s my review of the app) to work my way up to jogging and running.

 

Some related content on WALKING <3 <3 <3

 

Six Ways to Embrace the Walking Break

Creating a Walking Habit

How to Walk a Half Marathon <—harder than it sounds!!

Walk Harder – How to Make Your Walk More Challenging (plus a really yummy recipe)

Reader Q&A: Do Real Runners Walk?

Walk the Dog Workout <— a walking workout to do with your pup

{ 19 comments }

 

  • Natalie @ The Ravenous Mommy December 16, 2014, 9:55 am

    I loved going for walks after I gave birth to my son, it is SO nice to get some fresh air 🙂

  • Brynn December 16, 2014, 12:14 pm

    Walking was (and still is!) a lifesaver with a newborn! I started to go stir crazy after two weeks and started slow and then added on. Now I make sure to get out a few times a week for a 30-60 minute walk. I take the babe and dog – it is so good for all of us!

  • Katie sB @ teaandlace December 16, 2014, 12:16 pm

    good for you for the walks. Walking is one of my favorite ways to exercise. I would think it would be hard to have a baby in the winter because I would feel more stuck inside. Would definitely be more of a challenge for me. then again, fun to have her alreadu for her first Christmas!

  • Heather December 16, 2014, 12:46 pm

    Do you plan to get a double stroller? I am curious what others do with a 2.5 year gap.

    • Caitlin December 16, 2014, 1:16 pm

      I’m not sure…

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed December 16, 2014, 12:54 pm

    Sounds like a great plan 🙂 Keep up the good work!

  • Jill December 16, 2014, 1:01 pm

    We LOVE evening walks at our house. We bundle up our 2 year old in his snowsuit, put a blanket under and over him in his stroller, wrap a flashing collar around the dog, and use the flashlight tool on our iPhones to light our way (it’s super dark – no street lights where we live). The kiddo loves it, the dog goes crazy for it, and my husband and I both feel like that little 25 minute boost of fresh air makes the rest of the evening even better. I remember in my first days after having the now-two year old, I bundled both of us after he was in his carrier, and walked about 150m to the little store near our house. I was so pleased with myself for just getting out of the house. Keep it up!!

  • Brooke December 16, 2014, 4:12 pm

    I remember going to the grocery store ten days after I delivered my son. It was the best feeling ever! I felt so free and normal again. I also took a walk every morning which was so refreshing.

  • Karlee December 16, 2014, 4:53 pm

    I have a newborn too. he is a week old today. Haven’t walked yet but hoping to this weekend! Also, would love to hear more about your breast and bottle feeding. I gave my first bottle today to give my nipples a break and it made me super sad :/.

    • Caitlin December 17, 2014, 8:34 am

      Congrats!!! It’s going okay. We have also been doing bottles for various reasons and I’m not thrilled about it. But all that really matters is baby getting fed! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

  • Christina @ The Beautiful Balance December 16, 2014, 6:00 pm

    I love that you have stayed active and know when to stop and turn back. I don’t blame you for getting stir crazy, I would be calling and texting everyone I knew nonstop and trying to get them to come to my house haha!

  • Aja December 16, 2014, 10:37 pm

    It’s good to mix things up, and walking is definitely a good way to reconnect and not get so bored with your routine.

  • Personal Training in Lafayette LA December 17, 2014, 3:10 am

    Walking is great exercise. Its good to hear story like this. It is motivating and give us ideas about how to enjoy life with our family.

  • Heather December 17, 2014, 4:13 am

    Good for you! You’ve inspired me to get back in gear after slacking for 8 weeks. I’ve got zero babies, so no excuse!

  • Chrissy December 17, 2014, 8:20 am

    Good job! It’s hard to re-establish fitness. But how on earth did you track 0.25 miles? I think I walked that far in the hospital, down to the NICU to visit my second baby.

    • Caitlin December 17, 2014, 8:32 am

      It’s one of the cul de sacs in my neighborhood. 🙂

  • Christina December 17, 2014, 10:10 am

    Thank you so much for documenting your postpartum period with your second baby! I’m due in April and your positive attitude is really inspiring!

  • Cassie December 17, 2014, 3:45 pm

    I am trying to get more walking in my schedule too. I’d also LOVE to do a morning and evening walk, but with work and winter weather, it’s hard to swing. I do better in the Spring and Summer.

  • Rebecca @ Bring Back Delicious January 12, 2015, 7:03 pm

    I was SO motivated to start walking as soon as I could after our daughter. I was practically crawling out of my own skin to start working out in any way possible. I think I pushed myself every single time I went out, but the doctor said as long as there’s no obvious hemorrhages, I was fine. I think I’ll always treasure my solo walks with the peanut. 🙂

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