What to expect after taking a loooong running break?

Hi! I have never posted here before, always on other boards but I need to get in shape after having DS.
I used to be a huge huge runner. I ran long distance in winter and spring track from 6th grade to 12th grade and ran everyday after until I got pregnant with DS. I had a really rough pregnancy and was so nauseous my plan of exercising all throughout my pregnancy went out the window. Also, the only foods I could keep down were high carbs so I really packed on the lbs. I still have 50lbs to lose.
I'm really scared. I have never been this heavy, I look really bad and feel really unhealthy. I'm scared that since I've never been this heavy that it's a long shot that I'll lose that much weight. Is it even possible? I want to be myself again.
I tried dieting but I am nursing DS until August and breastfeeding makes me hungry 24/7. It's like I don't get full. So I think this is what I need to do... get back into running then after August when I'm done nursing then the diet can go into full effect.

Since I haven't run in a year and a half, plus all this extra weight what is in store for me? Has anyone ever gone through this? Taken a huge break then come back to running? Will I only be able to run for a few minutes then need to stop? What sort of plan should I have, is there a plan out there for this, returning to running lol? I feel like I am so out of shape I'm going to run for 2 minutes then puke and be out of breath.

TIA and sorry it's so long.

Re: What to expect after taking a loooong running break?

I'm coming back right now after an injury. I stopped running in January and just started again the past few weeks (so it was probably only about a 3 month break). However, even with those 3 months off I noticed a big difference in my running. First of all, your pace will not be the same. In 3 months I lost about 2- 2 1/2 minutes on my mile. My endurance has also suffered- I used to be able to run a 10 miler no problem...now a 3 miler is tough!
I'm slowly (VERYYYY slowly building back up). I have to be extra careful because of my knee. It's very important not to get discouraged though. I have seen progress in myself but its a slow process. I pretty much had to start up back up by running. I would run (at a much slower pace than I was used to...almost like a jog) and then walk a little. I still need to take walking breaks.

Good luck!

Re: What to expect after taking a loooong running break?

Well, I ran before I had children and then stopped running after their births. I am back to it now that DD's are 2 and 4.5 years old.

Years ago, I used to run races and kept a decent pace of about 8:30 per mile. I ran a marathon, a few half marathons, 10k's and 5k's.

After children when I started running again, I started with jog-walk-jog-walk just to get back in it. I would jog 2 minutes, walk a minute and keep up that pattern. I didn't go all out but kept in mind that just getting back into activity was going to help me shed the pounds.

I am back into running about a year now and I am currently running about 9:15-9:30 pace. I don't do long distances anymore....4 miles is about my top and I am happy with that. I run now just to keep in shape.

I think to start--don't have much by way of expectations for yourself. Go out slow and easy so you don't get discouraged. Focus on what you can do and not what you can't do!! Good luck!!

Re: What to expect after taking a loooong running break?

1. I don't think you have to wait until after nursing to get back to running. I ran while nursing my 2 kids and i plan on doing that this time too (You will get some leakage - or a lot if it's a long run)

2. You won't be running the times/distances that you used to, but you can get back to there. If you were running up until m/s (this happened with my 2nd - I had to stop running it was so bad), I think you will be able to come back and start with a mile or two.

3. My pregnancy weight came off more from nursing than running, I think, but I was able to lose 61 pounds with #1 and 51 pounds with #2. I gained a few back after weaning, since I ate like a pig (the hunger is intense!)


good luck. make small goals. and remember that all time on your feet will help endurance - so if you have to stop to walk, it's OK.

Re: What to expect after taking a loooong running break?

you've gotten good advice here but i just wanted to also give you hope that you CAN get back into it again. it took me a little while but after having 2 babies i finally got back to it.
i vowed that i would but it was hard and easier said than done. that said i ran a marathon last fall while my DD was 3 and DS was 15 months.
not that anyone has to run a marathon but i just wanted to tell you that running is possible again after a long break.
i won't lie-i am SLOW.... i'm the tortoise but i could care less. i just run to run and feel grateful for every mile i accomplish. i missed it so much that i don't take it for granted.
good luck and be easy on yourself!

ETA-i have to also add that for me to really get it back i had to lose my baby weight. i had a stubborn 15 lbs to lose. i joined WW and got rid of it and that definitely helped A LOT!

Message edited 5/7/2011 10:45:59 PM.