Greenwich Buggy Running Mum

No Parkrun or running buggy for us this morning and maybe for the next few weeks as we work out the logistics of life as four! 😃

I’m delighted to share that our latest addition, Otis, was born at home as planned just over a week ago, weighing a healthy 8lb 8.5oz. I have never had so much love for two little people and I’m so excited to watch their bond as brothers grow.

Running is clearly on hold for a while as I recover, but I’m super excited to get back out there when I feel ready and to start building my fitness again. Watch this space… buggy running to resume soon! 😀

Big smiles this week as we hit and my final Parkrun with bump… nothing fast and mostly walking, but good to get out and tick off another one! 💪

I feel very lucky to have got this far and still able to do a sub 45min 5k, my body has kept strong and allowed me to keep active, even if a lot less than I could with Albie, just shows how every pregnancy is different.

Excited for what’s to come but definitely planning some time to relax and lots of family time ❤️ … especially before the new little one arrives!

📷 Charlton parkrun

Love that ParkRun are helping to endorse buggies at their events… everyone should have the opportunity to take part and love that it means families can take part together.

After discovering parkrun last year, Emon Chowdhury initially didn’t think he could take part with his daughter in the buggy.

That preconception was soon put right by some helpful volunteers and now Emon is encouraging other buggy runners to join him.

Read Emon's story 👉 http://parkrun.me/qo7sn

🌳

Team parkrun UK smashed it again… and love that we had three buggies this week joining the crew at Sutcliffe parkrun!

Despite the forecast the weather was actually pretty kind to us, although the wind on the top straight maybe contributed to a few minutes extra on all our times!

Tim pushed the buggy this week so I could focus on myself and the bump, was lovely to have the company of Kelly all the way round to keep me going. We had a run/walk strategy taking advantage of the wind when behind us! Seemed to work as we finished strong in just over 40mins.

Super chuffed to still be running Parkrun at 34wks as my fitness is definitely not where it was when pregnant with Albie and the bump feels very different this time around. But we kept the pace comfortable and didn’t push it. Just great to keep active and moving!

Well done to everyone else who got out there on a wet and windy morning yesterday, and thank you to all the volunteers who make it possible.

Who’s doing parkrun UK this week?

We are planning to return to Sutcliffe parkrun, we first visited here In August this year when I was only about 10wks pregnant (as shown in photo). It’s a great flat course on tarmac so perfect for the buggy and ideal this time of year when other routes are getting muddy.

I’m pretty sure I won’t be getting the time I got back in August as running at 34wks is a lot slower, but excited to keep active and moving.

If any local mums (or dads) want to join us with your buggy and little ones we would love to see you this Saturday. Also don’t forget Parkrun is for everyone, so even if your little one isn’t old enough to run with yet, you can still walk. ❤️

How is it the last day of the year?!? 2022 has just disappeared… although looking back we have had the best time.

From getting back into running properly postpartum and achieving a 25min Parkrun to being pregnant all over again and seeing my little baby grow into a independent and cheeky little toddler.

Together we’ve run over 250miles together with the buggy and walked many more. We’ve inspired some amazing mamas to keep active and get out there walking or running. And I hope to continue to do this as we move into 2023.

2023 will be a difficult year with another baby due in Feb, but I’m excited about the new challenges ahead and how our little family is growing. I know there will be sleepless nights but we will survive, and I’m excited to finally start getting my fitness back on track later in the year and to see what we can achieve.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy new year and to all the buggy running mamas out there you are super stars and totally got this 💪 # # #

All parkrun UK cancelled in Royal Borough of Greenwich for sensible reasons… it’s pretty icy!!! ❄️ Be super careful out there and keep warm… no run is worth risking an injury or worse a buggy accident, your training or times won’t suffer, so take advantage and enjoyed a chilled morning with the family… see you Xmas Eve (hopefully) # # #

It's a real mix of expressions I get when out running with my bump, most people look at me and smile or give a thumbs up but some people look at you strangely and I'm sure they are thinking is that safe?....

But as this recent article from Runner's World explains, 'running while pregnant can be safe for both you and your unborn child.'

Some top tips it explains are;
- be sure to hydrate well
- be careful on uneven surfaces as your centre of gravity changes
- concentrate on good form
- accept that your running will change, it’s not the time to push yourself: slow down, add walk breaks

These are all great suggestions and ones that I've followed throughout both my pregnancies. But one of the main reasons I've continued to run is running can make you feel better and relieve anxiety, something that I definitely feel has helped me positively get through the 9 months.

Although I'm not sure I totally agree with the comment, 'it won’t put you into labor' as my waters broke with Albie whilst running along the river in Greenwich! 😆

Check out the article here...

For Those With Uncomplicated Pregnancies, Experts Say Running Won't Hurt the Baby Your guide to running when you’re expecting.

Charlton parkrun this morning and buggy running with toddlers doesn’t always go to plan. As snug as Albie was wrapped up this morning in multiple layers and a super warm footmuff, he just wasn’t happy as we approached 4km.

Toddlers can’t tell you what’s wrong and even the snacks he was enjoying weren’t helping, so we tried cuddles and walked for a bit.

After cuddles weren’t really helping… Daddy run ahead to finish, whilst we had lovely cuddles and kept warm, then Daddy came to the rescue so that Mummy could finish too.

Just want to show that buggy running is not always successful but we got out and gave it our best shot, and most importantly the little ones come first. Also at 29wks pregnant running for a time wasn’t our goal, and just glad we all came home happy and well… especially after the hot drinks and chocolate yule log that we all enjoyed afterwards.