If you want to get back running postpartum, the one thing you’ll be visualising is the convenience of popping those trainers on and setting out the door (child free!) for some much needed head space and to get the blood pumping.

Running is so incredibly freeing.

I’ve had many conversations with mums over the years.

Mums who know running is the number 1 goal, and are eager to get back to it, but aren’t quite sure when and how to start.

But also mums who don’t consider themselves a runner per se, because running has felt hard in the past, but they are keen to try it again as they know it’s great for their physical and mental wellbeing and so accessible.

The wonderful thing about running, is there is no set standard, no benchmark for how fast or how far you need to go, it’s more about the act of doing.

I truly believe running can be accessible to anyone, whatever your staring point right now.

The Couch to 5k is an incredible NHS initiative to get more people moving.

But it’s target market?

Those who are not active – beginner runners – those without any pre-existing concerns…without postpartum concerns.

That’s why I don’t consider the Couch to 5K as the starting point for a postpartum mum returning to fitness with a running goal.

Why?

It does not prepare your postpartum body for the high impact single leg sport, which is running.

It doesn’t take into account the incredible journey you body has been on to grow and birth a baby.

Your body is different after children.

Whether you ran before or not.

After birth, whether in those initial weeks, months, or even years.

You need to regain your strength from the inside-out before you start running.

You need to precede running with a strength based plan which restores your capabilities to reduce the risk of setbacks down the line.

You need a plan which takes into account your personal mumhood journey – your birth and how your body is recovering; the unique symptoms / aches / pains you are experiencing; and navigates any challenges you encounter along the way.

This is the number one journey I personally coach mums on.

A journey which takes a mum through my signature process: