To those who like to run ....

[justanothermanicmonday1]

I have just gave birth to my second baby 4 weeks ago now.

Now I'm slowly starting to feel like myself, I'm keen to get back into the gym/hill walking & cycling mid September.

In recent years before the babies, I was quite fit. I had to work super hard to lose weight and stay in a decent shape ( size 18-20 to a size 12). It took years of consistency and hard work and now I'm back to square one.

Ive always wanted to start running but I just don't see how it's possible as I have a very large chest. But I'm keen to try something new.

Does anyone have any advice on specific sport bras or anything to make running more comfortable? Or is this just a no go for me 😂

Thanks so much.

I run and have what I think of as a large bust, depending on my weight it fluctuates from a 36f to a 40f, I have honestly never found it an issue and have ran several half marathons and a marathon.

Shock absorber ultimate run bra is good, as is the Sweaty Betty run bra (but get on sale!)

I would also say it is well worth doing some strength exercises as well if going to take up running, YouTube videos are more than fine, goes a long way in reducing running injuries

I’m an E cup, so not huge. I find the ‘squish them down’ bras work better to avoid bounce.

Caroline Girvan has some great videos to help build strength and coordination .

Enell high impact sports bras are amazing for big bust. enell.com

Try different sorts and see what works for you - basically there's the squish-them-down type and the firm cups to hold them in place type. Well there's the crop top type too but they do nothing for me! I love my shock absorber ultimate run bra (the squishing sort) but above DD/E the solid cup type seems to be recommended more (I'm on the borderline). Bras with a double clip at the back are generally more supportive though hard to do up; I leave the top clip done up and pull it on over my head. You may want to adjust your regular band size, shock absorbers in particular come up quite tight on the band and you need to be able to breathe.

Other things to consider are the boobuddy (basically a band that sits around the top part of the bra under your arms and provides extra support) or doubling up. Good luck getting back to running, I love it so much and it has made such a positive change in my life.

Congratulations on your babies!! Never think that exercise or running is a no go, you know from experience that it isn't even if it's hard 😁 well done for getting back in the saddle!! You're at a big advantage remembering how much you love it and how good it feels, hold onto that because it will take you far.

I don't have much practical advice I'm sorry, my only rubbish bit of advice is that you don't have to run long distances right away. Enjoying being in nature (assuming you have a park to run in), park walking part running, will reinvigorate you and remind you what enjoyment there is to be had in physical freedom and exercise.

I had a larger bust when I got back into running this time I got this bra from TU which I love because it's so supportive. In fact I think I found it from a recommendation on Mumsnet. It's very much in the very high impact, highly structured category so it all depends on whether that suits you but it was the first one I could wear without having to wear two bras. And the price is reasonable so I could have more than one!

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc140860070

That looks very good and great price - do you mind me asking what bra size you are @waistchallenge ?

I’m a 32g and the only one I find that works for running is a good shock absorber one.

4 weeks is very early, I waited until kids closer to 1 year before starting running again each time

I have no advice in terms of the sportswear you're after, but I notice someone mentioned about 4 weeks being early.

After your 6 week check I don't see why you can't get back into it?

I had baby no2 and was back in the gym about 10 weeks pp and that now includes a lot of running (I wasn't massively fit before but im actually at my highest fitness level in years and im 6 months pp now) so go for it!

First of all - 4 weeks is very soon pp to start running. I'd give it another month, but use that month to do some brisk, sustained walking.

I'm a 36G and a good sports bra is as essential to me as good trainers, both properly fitted, Of you can't get out to get a bra fitted, Bravissimo have fitting notes on their website and are helpful on the phone. I swore by Shock Absorber for years, but now prefer the Freya Active "Dynamic". Don't buy your usual size. Sports bras fit differently to ordinary bras.

I'd definitely get trainers fitted at a running shop. Good trainers can make or break your enjoyment and comfort of running.

Enell for sure. I have big boobs and this is the only bra that stays put.

I love running and currently out of action as 33 weeks along. Cannot wait to get back on the road- setting myself a run every day challenge for 2024!

The women at my gym swear by 'runderwear' for larger cheats

https://www.runderwear.co.uk/?twsource=google&twwadid=670917025827&twcampaign=629760425&gclid=Cj0KCQjww5unBhCMARIsACZyzS3txbZXfVk6QJun36r-K2nceez8ALElxayMd02RDAwUMDNaN2hULg4aAnXaEALw_wcB )

Not answering the question but the only exercise that helped me lose weight
Is spinning ( indoor cycling)

I'm currently a size 20 but even when I'm slimmer I have a big bust. Im 38G at the moment. I have a 2 bra system, an underwire bra and then a sports bra over the top. I use either shock absorber, panache sports bras or Asda George ones. Im at week 5 of couch to 5k at the moment as I broke my foot and ankle so easing myself back into running. I haven't given my boobs much thought with my 2 bra system!

@spartanrunnergirl I'm 34D/32DD atm, tend to buy 34 band because 32DD/E is less available. At that time when I first got this bra I must have been 38DD or E.

It is underwired which I know not everyone suits in a sports bra. I've always been very comfortable with underwiring and find it more supportive but I know sometimes people don't.

Also worth mentioning is that I didn't do the usual "size down" thing that is common with sports bras. I found it true to size, unusually.