Bf & exercise: can I go from 0 to 10k in two months w/o hurting myself?

[slightlysoupstained]

There's a 10k run beginning of May. I am not a runner. Currently walk about 3-5 miles a day & do very gentle yoga once a week. Still breastfeeding DS (6 months). Had SPD in pregnancy, really don't want a relapse (but no symptoms now).

Would like to see if I can do a 10k, but not sure whether it's wildly unrealistic to try for this one. My main worry is the possibility of causing damage to my joints: keep seeing conflicting advice, e.g. fine to exercise after 6 weeks vs take it easy while still bfing as your hormones are still like pregnancy.

Any suggestions?

[EauRouge]

I think the general rule is not to add more than 10% time or distance a week to your runs which probably wouldn't mean you could get to 10k in 2 months if you stuck to the rule. It might be possible, have a look at some 10k training plans and see what you think. I'm going to be doing a 10k this June but I've almost finished C25K and I've been doing it since Nov. 10k is a long way!

Oh, and I'm BF both mine. It is fine to exercise and BF, just ease in gently and make sure you stay hydrated. Some babies don't like the taste of post exercise milk; if you find that yours doesn't then just feed him before you go.

[AntsMarching]

I did 0-10K in 2 months. I didn't find it did me any harm and I am breast feeding. DD2 was 5 months when I started from nothing. But I did not have spd, so I'm not sure how much caution you have to take in relation to that

[slightlysoupstained]

Was thinking of trying this one, though tbh, after tonight having second thoughts as DS not settling for DP at the mo: www.bupa.co.uk/running/training/training-programmes/beginner-10km/

Good tip about post-exercise milk, thanks Eau will look out for that.

Ants, good to hear it's possible. Maybe will try starting the program, & back off if it seems to be getting painful.

[AntsMarching]

Slightly, I'm not very fast. (Long term) I think if you're realistic that you won't be doing a 10K in under an hour and just focus on finishing then its doable. (Short term) I think just giving the program a go and monitoring your pain is very reasonable. Good luck.

[Munashe]

Why not start with a 5K run first? Lots of race for life around at the moment. Very good to get started on because its all women and dare I say most totally unfit so it can propel you to doing more once you see how many you will have gone past. 10k runs will be more seasoned runners including males too and it really is a big leg up from the 5 k runs where you get loads of first timers.