When I began to run again after a 28 week hiatus (I stopped running at 16 weeks pregnant and didn’t start up again until 4 weeks post-partum), I knew I could look at my return to fitness in two ways.  Either  “I am slow, my endurance is crap, and I’m carrying all this extra weight” – thus making running a source of stress – or “This is a fun test of my commitment to the sport; getting back into shape is awesome!” – thus making running a stress reliever.  Obviously, I’m choosing to look at it the second way, not getting too wrapped up in my pace or obsessed with gaining back mileage too quickly. 

2

BUT… Today, I am proud to report that I kicked running butt.  I think last week I turned a real corner with my workouts, clocking in a total of 13.5 miles.  I’m on track to do 15 miles this week.  And this morning, I banged out a long run of 5 miles at an excellent pace.

 

I’m doing a 5-mile race in two weeks, and I knew I wanted to do the race distance prior to the event… just for the mental confidence it would give me.  I’m trying to decide how I’ll pace myself at the race (just have fun with it v. try to rock it out), so I figured this morning would be a great opportunity to see what I am currently capable of.  I strapped on my Garmin, put on my game face, and committed.  While I didn’t have a good night’s sleep, I did have two cups of coffee and excellent weather – 68 and cloudy – working in my favor.

 

Check out these stats!

 

  • Mile 1: 10:22
  • Mile 2: 9:59
  • Mile 3: 10:23 <—timed walking break/sports bra adjustment (explained below)
  • Mile 4: 10:08
  • Mile 5: 9:08

 

That’s 50 minutes on the nose.  While I’m really not down with paying too much attention to pace right now, I must say that I’m pretty pleased and have definitely decided to GUN IT at the race in two weeks.  Good times!

 

In other news… I tested out a new sports bra on my run.  You all know that I’m obsessed with the eternal quest to find the “perfect” sports bra (all my sports bra reviews are right here).  This one was a winner!

photo

I love that there is a bottle in this picture.  Running momma!

 

In my last sports bra review of the Champion Custom Criss-Cross, I reported that I was disappointed in the support level of Champion bras in general.  Champion wanted to prove to me that they did, in fact, make bras that worked for runners with bigger chests and sent over the Shape Scoop-Back Full-Figure Underwire bra.  I have to say – I was impressed!  The bra comes in a variety of D and DD sizes, is slightly padded, and includes an underwire.  I’ve never ran in an underwire bra before but it was pretty comfy.  I especially liked the back of the bra – it had a low scoop (maximum breathability!) and comes up pretty high in the front.  But I really liked the hook-and-eye closure in the back and the Velcro adjustable straps.  Also – no awkward uniboob, and it was actually a pretty bra (which is hard to find in this size range).

 

However – I snapped it on the widest setting, which you are supposed to do at first because, in theory, the bra will stretch out over time and you can eventually adjust to the tightest setting, but after 2.5 miles, it was too loose.  I ended up standing on the side of the road, reaching up under my shirt to adjust it, and threw out my shoulder!  It hurt SO much, and I seriously don’t even know how I did it.  Not the bra’s fault, though. Winking smile

 

Happy Friday!

 

Stay tuned for a Mind and Body After Baby Update, coming this afternoon.

{ 41 comments }

 

  • Lindsey September 14, 2012, 10:48 am

    LOVE this bra – I just bought 4 of them! Highly recommend!

  • Katie @ Soulshine and Sassafras September 14, 2012, 10:52 am

    Oh no! I’m sorry, Caitlin, I hope your shoulder has a speedy recovery!

    • Caitlin September 14, 2012, 11:15 am

      It’s fine now! Thank goodness!

  • Abby September 14, 2012, 10:52 am

    Woooohooo!!!!!! Great times!! I would love some splits like that 🙂 I blame the florida heat! Good for you for getting out and getting it DONE! <3

  • Annette@FitnessPerks September 14, 2012, 10:53 am

    NICE job on the 5 miles!! 🙂

    I too hate trying to snap a bra in place–it’s so awkward. I hope your shoulder heals quickly!

  • cindy September 14, 2012, 10:55 am

    I just bought the pink one! I am so sick of practically holding myself as I run! Thanks for the link and help with our (mine too) to find a great sports bra.

  • Caitlin September 14, 2012, 11:09 am

    Congrats Caitlin! You are so inspiring! What 10k training plan have you been using/did you create your own? I’m trying to do something similar but have never used a plan before…

    • Caitlin September 14, 2012, 11:14 am

      I am using one in the Train Like A Mother book. It’s good!

  • Courtney September 14, 2012, 11:09 am

    That is a cute sports bra! Glad you found one that worked.

  • Courtney September 14, 2012, 11:15 am

    I am also on this same quest to find the perfect sports bra and am almost always having to double up. The price on this one isn’t bad either. Thanks for sharing!

  • Lana September 14, 2012, 11:15 am

    How about some sports bra recommendations for even larger sizes? I wear a 34 or 36 G and it is impossible to find a good sports bra! I’m sure your readers have some good ideas for me to try!

    • Caitlin September 14, 2012, 11:37 am

      Check out this post: http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/2011/12/sports-bras-for-the-b-t-c.html There are lots of G recommendations on there! Definitely try the Enell. Also, for what it’s worth, I wear a (small) 32G in regular bras and the 34DD in the Scoop bra fit me. However, I think a 32G is smaller than a 34/36G. Bra sizing is so confusing.

  • Janae @ Bring-Joy September 14, 2012, 11:19 am

    “Obviously, I’m choosing to look at it the second way, not getting too wrapped up in my pace or obsessed with gaining back mileage too quickly.”
    What an awesome approach Caitlin–that’s the way to go. (& your times are awesome, you go girl.)

  • Tracey September 14, 2012, 11:26 am

    Great job on your run! Like Abby, my run times suffer in the Florida heat, so I’ll be glad for cooler weather. And as a busty runner, I really appreciate your reviews! Will have to take a chance on the Champion bra.

  • mary @ what's cookin with mary September 14, 2012, 11:40 am

    **virtual high five** nice job on the run !!

    I hear you on the ugly bra’s for larger sizes. Not sure what it is… do manufacturers think that women with big boobs want to look frumpy? AND, what’s up with many bra’s not coming in my band size for my cup size ?! As if to say that women with smaller smaller rib cages, but with larger boobies get to choose from one of two ?? I hate that. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard… ohhhh yeah, that bra doesn’t come in “that” size. WTF?

    I actually need a good, not $4643274626 dollar bra that keeps the girls from bouncing all over the place during spin w.o wearing three of them. Must find.

  • laine September 14, 2012, 11:41 am

    Dear Champion,
    D and DD are not the end of the alphabet.
    Love,
    34H

    PS Caitlin, I’d bet you are in too big a band, and too small a cup. Find a Nordstrom or boutique bra store (any place that sells above DD) and try on the Freya active. I outweigh you by about 60 pounds, I can’t believe you are a 34 (the smallest bandsize of that bra) in a properly fitting bra.

    • Caitlin September 14, 2012, 11:43 am

      Bawhaha. Check out the other sport bra links – there are tons of reviews of 38’s and 40’s up to much larger cup sizes. Esp this post: http://www.healthytippingpoint.com/2011/12/sports-bras-for-the-b-t-c.html

      • Caitlin September 14, 2012, 11:43 am

        Also, sizing confuses me SO much. I am not a 34 (I’m a 32) nor am I a DD (I’m larger) but the 34DD fits on the smallest setting?! I know there’s some sort of sliding scale with band sizes v. cup sizes but it’s so confusing.

        • Amber September 14, 2012, 5:26 pm

          The sliding scale seems more complicated than it really is. For every band size you go up, you go down a cup size to equal the cup size you currently are. So for instance a 30H=32G=34F=36DD(or E). Hope this helps and doesn’t make it more confusing!

          • Caitlin September 14, 2012, 8:28 pm

            AH HA!

      • laine September 14, 2012, 11:52 am

        That’s the thing, I’m not a 38 or 40, I’m a 34 (or 36). If I was in a store that stopped at DD, they’d be like Oh, you are a 40DD. But that’s because that’s all they sell. When I finally went to a store that carried all sizes, I found out I’m actually a 34H/36G.

    • mary @ what's cookin with mary September 14, 2012, 12:47 pm

      Seriously!! I need 32 F (DDD) and that size never seems to exist. I’ll sometimes end up having to do a 34 DD, but that’s not my size and fits awkwardly/ slips :0(

  • Jolene (Homespun Heritage) September 14, 2012, 11:51 am

    I’ll have to look into the rest of the their maximum support bras. Thanks for the post and I’m glad that you gave them a chance!

  • Gretchen September 14, 2012, 12:24 pm

    Great job Caitlain! Keep up the great work. I have to say I’ve searched high and low for a sports bra that is worthy of bragging rights. Finally after 5 years I have found THE bra! I’m a tough to fit 32DD…and a very salty sweater…aka chaffing is a big big problem. But finally problem solved when I found the Shock Absorber RUN bra on Amazon $46ish….AMAZING! It has withstood my most humid 13-milers sans Body Glide and not a bit of chafe! PS>Henry is adorable!
    http://www.amazon.com/Shock-Absorber-Womens-Sports-Silver/dp/B00368CL9Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347639764&sr=8-1&keywords=shock+absorber+run+bra

  • Ellen @ Wannabe Health Nut September 14, 2012, 12:56 pm

    You are rockin’ it, girl! Great run. The race will be a breeze. 🙂

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats September 14, 2012, 1:27 pm

    That’s great that they send you one that works, and awesome run! I’m sure it feels awesome to be getting back in the game!

  • B September 14, 2012, 1:52 pm

    Caitlin, I love you and your blog. I’m sorry for what I’m about to do, but I notice it in all of your running posts and just have to say it: “I’ve never run…” not “I’ve never ran.” I’m sorry I’m such a jerk.

    • Caitlin September 14, 2012, 1:54 pm

      Haha duly noted. Will correct!

      • B September 14, 2012, 2:03 pm

        ;). Coincidentally, I’m new mom who also just ran 5 post partum miles for the first time. And I’ve been struggling with sports bras too. Have you tried the Moving Comfort Juno? The Fiona is good and comfy too, but not quite supportive enough.

  • Laura @ My Pink Thumb September 14, 2012, 2:06 pm

    wow! that’s a killer 5M run!! WTG!! 🙂
    as for the bra, it looks wicked … wicked awesome!! I’m also larger in the chest and am always on the hunt for a great sports bra that helps hold the gals still on runs and/or when I ride my horse! I’ll have to look into this one.

  • Lindsay September 14, 2012, 3:20 pm

    I am probably the flattest chest commenter on this post, but my favorite bra is totally Champion Sports Bras in a size small! I get my bras at target and they work perfectly for my workouts! http://www.target.com/p/c9-by-champion-womens-seamless-cami-bra-assorted-colors/-/A-13793420

  • ash September 14, 2012, 8:04 pm

    Love your honesty, your such an inspiration! And great mom!

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More September 14, 2012, 10:05 pm

    See I have the opposite issue with Champion bras…I have a couple that fit pretty well but then I have a few that fit well around my body, but then are too big in the chest area…:-/

  • Karen @ Runner Girl Eats September 15, 2012, 9:40 am

    I am forever searching for a sports bra to support the ladies (they are pretty large on my small frame). I’ve seen this bra but was skeptical about the velcro. Did you have any issues with the velcro?

    • Caitlin September 15, 2012, 4:50 pm

      I have used a lot of bras with Velcro straps and I have never had an issue.

  • sale February 18, 2013, 12:09 am

    I enjoy what you guys are up too. Such clever work and coverage!
    Keep up the superb works guys I’ve included you guys to my blogroll.

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