Skinny mom but want to get back into running

[Anonymous]

Long story short, I stopped running when I had a baby - now in elementary school.
Attempts to re-start running keep failing.
Lost lots of weight due to essentially running after the baby plus ft work plus limited housekeeping.

***How do you guys fit it in?***

My legitimate excuse: I’m so tired - I don’t see myself on the treadmill...
I feel that I’m too skinny now that it limits formerly-abundant energy. I’m in mid 40s, eating well but not gaining nevertheless... all lab tests say I’m healthy.
But it’s so annoying that at the end of the day I feel complete exhaustion... skinny —- >>> not always good and not always how it seems.

[Anonymous]

How is your sleep and what does your typical daily menu look like? I would agree that running might not be the best idea at this point as it will put more stress on your body. Maybe consider some body weight higher intensity but short workouts to start with. Then fuel right after, for example with a protein shake with fresh fruit in it. I normally don’t like suggesting to drink calories, but if you struggle to gain that could be the way go,

[Anonymous]

I think you should lift weights for now and forget about running for awhile. Focus on your back/abs and legs if you’re worried about arms looking too bulky. Also, take a look at your diet and make sure you’re getting protein and vegetables everyday.

[Anonymous]

There are other forms of exercise, you know? Try walking daily (outdoors) and weights a couple days a week. Maybe add some fat -yes, fat- into your diet.

[Anonymous]

op here.
Thanks for the replies.
Diet is varied. But generally small portions as I just get full with smaller portions compared to my younger days - not anorexic or the like.
Sleep is generally good but there are bad days too - worrying for various life or career stuff.
I am stuck on stubborn running goal I guess and have to change my thinking.
Time to adjust the goal [?] - asking myself.

[Anonymous]

When I was getting back into it, I signed up for a 10 mile race out of town with a friend. The financial obligation, plus the thought of disappointing my friend if I bailed was enough to get me back running. I waited until my one and four year old were asleep and did it all on the treadmill while watching terrible television.

[Anonymous]

Try pool jogging or swimming. I love it and it gives a relaxing alternative that has just as much cardio

[Anonymous]

I signed up for the princess half marathon at Disney after my third child was born. Which is crazy since I was never a runner. But having that goal, and paying for the flight and hotel and entry fees, really kept me motivated in a way that simply saying "I want to start running" wouldn't have. I knew I had paid a small fortune for this and that I HAD to make it happen. I did the Galloway program (basically three miles Tuesday and Thursday and a long run on Saturdays) so it was really working out only three times a week plus stretch days. My husband took the kids on the weekend for my long runs, and my maintenance runs during the week I did on a treadmill in the house after the kids went to sleep around 8 pm. I had enough time to run, shower and drink some tea and could still go to bed by my usual 10:30 bedtime.

[Anonymous]

Be sure to test your iron levels given the fatigue. But having said that, sometimes settling into an exercise routine gives you energy (sounds counter intuitive but it's true) and helps you feel the hunger to eat more.

[Anonymous]

Unless you are underweight, being skinny does not typically cause fatigue. Most runners are thin, elite runners are skinny. But lack of exercise will exhaust anyone. Start small, with walking and yoga, and work your way up to weight lifting and running.

[Anonymous]

op here.
Thx for all ideas and great to see other moms with more kids managing it.
I agree that weight should not have an effect theoretically. But annual check ups with detailed bloodwork are ALWAYS fine so no iron or other possible issues (and i look like an idiot for requesting the detailed lab work). Thyroid was checked too. So i have no other explanation but need to eat more.
Lookswise i’m borderline scary skinny i’d say. Anyways - thanks for the ideas. It helps to hear from others.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Unless you are underweight, being skinny does not typically cause fatigue. Most runners are thin, elite runners are skinny. But lack of exercise will exhaust anyone. Start small, with walking and yoga, and work your way up to weight lifting and running.

- right... thanks.

[Anonymous]

Join a group. I run with friends in the morning so it gets done before the rest of the day goes on. It’s hard to get into at first but then becomes habit. My sleep is crap but I can still manage waking up early before my body even realizes how tired I am . Really though, meeting others is HUGE in terms of motivation.

[Anonymous]

Op again: i think i need a trainer to help pace things correctly. I was stingy to sign up before.
Then I overdid things on my own when restarting in the past.
A nice getaway 5k walk/run on calendar would be uplifter too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Join a group. I run with friends in the morning so it gets done before the rest of the day goes on. It’s hard to get into at first but then becomes habit. My sleep is crap but I can still manage waking up early before my body even realizes how tired I am . Really though, meeting others is HUGE in terms of motivation.

Ppl like you are heroes in my eyes b/c i cant do that. Well not yet.