Running
Normally I have little-to-no interest in running-specific sports bras. I’ll just be honest and say it’s because I have little-to-no need for support. I just grab my go-to C9 sports bra {I have just about every color because I’m obsessed} and call it a day.
When I got pregnant, I continued to wear the C9s; I just went up a size. It wasn’t until after my baby was born and I started breastfeeding that I needed something a little more supportive and running-friendly.
Zensah sent me one their running sports bras to try out. {Previously I only knew Zensah from a compression-sleeve standpoint.} It’s hot pink, so what’s not to love about it?
There’s not a ton that can be said about a sports bra, but here’s what I like about it:
It’s supportive. Mission accomplished.
The inner layer is cinched {is that the word?} to make the fabric a little more form fitting, while the out layer provides extra support. This is not a technical assessment, just my opinion on the inner workings of a sports bra.
The fabric is soft and comfortable on my skin, while still being firm and tight enough to do it’s job.
The downside? They run small. I got the S/M size and it’s definitely a tight around the band and gets uncomfortable after wearing it for a little while- not one I’d keep on all day after the gym. That’s an easy fix though: get a bigger size. 
<– Image from Zensah
Now, if only they made breastfeeding sports bras. You’d think after more than a year I’d finally invest in one instead of constantly changing my clothes…
Running
I was pleasantly surprised when I hit the pavement a few weeks after my son was born. My knee didn’t hurt and things didn’t feel that different. I took things painfully slow- alternating walking and running, being uber diligent not to overdo things.
While things were ok at first, it quickly became clear that I wasn’t going to be able to give myself the consistency I needed in order to train properly. As we reached the peak of the no-sleep debacle, I just didn’t have it in me to get out there and run on a consistent basis- slowly cutting down the walking intervals and gradually building mileage. I definitely didn’t have the time the dedication to commit to my rehab exercises in the manner I needed to in order to see progress. You don’t build muscle or gain strength by haphazardly doing a few PT exercises every few days. So after awhile I sort of subconsciously through in the towel.
Once the baby started sleeping {halleluiah} I started to get some of my energy back. Before long I was itching to get back out there, but the lack of sleep and breastfeeding had taken it’s toll on me. Even with a good warm-up, five steps into a run I was limping in pain. While I was angry and frustrated to still be dealing with this old nagging injury, I knew what the problem was this time- I had {and have} zero muscle.
Forget muscle imbalances – a leading cause of injury – I had a serious case of muscle wasting. Lack of sleep destroys you, both mentally and physically. Add to that the physical burden of breastfeeding and I was a lost cause. I love nursing my son and I think it’s the best choice for him, but it requires a TON of calories. Even when I stuff my face, I can barely keep up with the demand. There are no extra calories left for me to build muscle, gain weight, or fuel a run.
Even though I’d love to just lace up my neon shoes and dart out for a run, it’s a back-to-basics approach for me. Instead of waiting for injury to knock me on my butt, I started where I left off last time around- with my beloved chiropractor. He’s a sports-focused chiropractor specializing in Active Release Technique. He’s an athlete himself and I knew from my past experience with him that he could help get me off on the right foot {pun intended}.
Turns out it may not really be my IT band that’s the culprit. Over the course of the month he gave me a whole boatload of new exercises to target my weaknesses, kneaded out some of the kinks in my leg, and helped me work on my running form and cadence {again}.
Now it’s up to me to be a good patient and find the dedication to truly focus on the rehab and rebuilding my strength. Committing to the rebuilding phase is what will get my back on my feet, running like I long to be. I can’t wait for the physical and mental relief a nice long run brings. 
Thoughts
The day almost passed me by.
But it didn’t.
Today marks 4 years since I started down this crazy road of chronic pain and all that comes with it.
It’s a good thing I almost forgot about it. That means it’s not taking over my life anymore. Thank goodness. But I did say almost forgot about it- it’s still something that’s there in my every day life. I’m thankful to be able to say it’s just part of my life and no longer all encompassing or even a burden. I don’t give it much thought and it doesn’t get in the way of anything I want to do anymore. My hands bother me more than my feet, which is a welcome change. I ask a lot of my feet everyday and there’s no getting around it. I can ask for help or come up with another solution when it comes to using my hands.
I’m never going to go as far as to say I’m grateful this happened to me, but now that I’m not in the height of pain I can certainly see the bright side. It feels a little fake to say I’ve been able to accomplish so many things in spite of the pain since I’m not actively racing or even really running right now, but it’s not my feet that’s stopping me this time around. I was able to finish a triathlon, 2 24-hour bike rides {1 while 13 weeks pregnant}, 2 half marathons, an obstacle race, and a handful of other races. That’s pretty good in my book. I was even featured on Fitness Magazine’s The Fit Stop!
Now I’m not running and racing because of other things in life. Good things. I miss it though, and I ache for the day that it’s back in my life. But I got it back once, I’ll get it back again- and there’s much less to overcome this time around. I do have to say, I’m terrified to stop breastfeeding because I’m pretty sure the hormones have something to do with the pain holding off… only time will tell. Until then, my fingers are crossed. As crossed as I can get them anyways. 
