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When discussing running during pregnancy and postpartum, the focus often lands on pauses, patience, and the body’s incredible changes. We explore topics like pelvic floor trauma, the six-week “clearance” that frequently pushes new mothers back into running without adequate guidance, and the marvel of growing bellies. These conversations celebrate the female body’s strength and adaptability, and they’re undoubtedly valuable.
What we discuss less often, however, is how deeply motherhood reshapes our relationship with running. Both running and motherhood profoundly transform who we are, and running remains with us—even when our mileage dwindles to zero—as we grow alongside our babies.
Some mothers embrace running as a way to prepare for childbirth, treating it like training for a race. They looked at running and walking and getting fresh air as the best way my baby could train for this marathon we were about to face.
For others, running becomes more challenging. While some professional athletes run until delivery, others are sidelined early by nausea or other symptoms. Every pregnancy journey is unique, but common threads bind these experiences.
After giving birth, many mothers face a new emotional and physical reality tied to running. Some observe that many mothers express feelings of grief and overwhelm in early motherhood. “It’s such a complex emotion because, for most, returning to running isn’t about weight loss or reclaiming a ‘pre-baby’ body. It’s about autonomy, freedom, and the mental health benefits running provides.
Running is an integral part of many women’s identities, and its absence postpartum can feel like a profound loss.
Postpartum running is undeniably hard. Some were exhausted, their core was weak, and weren’t dedicating enough time to pelvic floor rehab. Some mothers felt sluggish, energetic, hormonal, and out of touch with their bodies.
The desire to return to running often remains strong.
Though many mothers enjoyed running during pregnancy, postpartum challenges —including a stress fracture and another pregnancy—have made it difficult. Some mothers often wondered if or when they’ll ever run consistently without injury again.
The reality is that pregnancy and childbirth brings numerous physical changes. Weakness, pelvic organ prolapse, scar tissue, fluctuating hormones, and more; all come into play. Although societal norms often imply that six weeks postpartum signifies complete recovery, the body may actually require a year or even up to 18 months to fully heal.
Recovering runners may need specialized guidance in pelvic floor health, core pressure management, and strength training. Even with careful preparation, returning to running at 8 or 12 weeks postpartum isn’t always achievable, which can be frustrating.
"Reality doesn’t always match expectations, but the shared experience of facing these challenges reminds us that we’re not alone."