Losing the Baby 60: Attitude, Clothing & Trail Running Shoes

During my pregnancy, I gained 61 pounds! Most people, usually ones that haven’t had children, will shake their head in awe at that number. I did myself. When I read Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy, during my first trimester, I was wide-eyed to read that Jenny McCarthy, a celebrity, gained 60 pounds during her pregnancy. I judged her and thought it would never happen to me. I assumed that I was going to exercise and stay in shape regardless of being pregnant, but the reality was much different. Now, 6 months after delivering the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen, I need to find motivation and encouragement to lose the Baby 60.

My pre-pregnancy weight was 146 pounds and I felt comfortable in my own skin. I was confident when I wore a bathing suit and I didn’t think about it twice. If you scroll through my blog, you will easily find several photos of me with a bikini, a bathing suit, or a short dress.  I was healthy and active and never felt the need to cover up. It was a non-issue.

Between the morning sickness, or what I refer to as a big, fat lie and more accurately named it all day sickness, and the excessive tiredness, I quickly went down the baby 60 path. (You’ve heard of freshmen 15; well, this is the baby 60 where I gained over 60 pounds during pregnancy.) I learned one thing: lack of exercise leads to more lack of exercise.

Six month after her birth, I am now 164 pounds. The weight doesn’t bother me as much as the low energy. I want to be able to do everything with Athena. Run in the park, play sports, chase each other around the yard, swim, hike, camp… I don’t ever want to say, “I’m too tired.”

I started running daily again and there are a few things that have helped me along the way: the right attitude, the right clothing, and the right running shoes. I already talked about the right clothing but I didn’t know about the right running shoes until I found the Lowa Women’s S-Crown GTX Trail Running Shoe. The S-Crown GTX features a synthetic upper with mesh panels for added flexibility and increased air flow. A lace up front creates a perfect fit, while the lugged rubber sole makes short work of trails and pathways. I can no longer say, “My feet hurt too much to….” I have no excuse!

LOWA’s patented ‘STG’, Soft-to-Ground, midsole provides the correct combination of shock absorption, targeted cushioning, stability, and grip. The new Floating Tongue Construction further eliminates pressure points, and the waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX lining is prefect for North Carolina weather. With an arch stabilizer and an Ortholite footbed, the S-Crown GTX “walks the talk” when it comes to quality, performance and sustainability.

I could instantly feel the difference when I slid my foot into the shoes for the first time. I always know a good runner when it fits like I’ve owned it for years. Although I won’t be running a marathon any time soon, the S-Crown GTX runners are the perfect fit, encouraging me to continue exercising just a little bit more each day.

Just yesterday, I wore them to Carowinds Amusement Park. We ran from roller coaster to roller coaster with great anticipation and I expected to leave with blisters on my feet and aching toes. After six hours of park enjoyment, my feet emerged from the shoes victoriously. There wasn’t a blister or callus in sight.

Taking care of my feet is a worthwhile venture. An entire day can be ruined by wearing the wrong shoes or a run can be cut short because of aching feet. I want to exercise with a positive attitude and make it as fun as possible. It’s important for it to feel exciting rather than like work and that’s possible by wearing comfortable runners and appropriate clothing. I still have a long way to go to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but I’m going to stay positive and find interesting, exciting ways to continue an active, healthy lifestyle. My S-Crown GTX Trail Running Shoes are a step in the right direction.