Working out After Baby: My “Make Myself Run” Mix

I am a big believer in working out as soon as possible post-pregnancy and so I have already started this time. Don’t worry, I am not leaping around the country side like a gazelle just yet! Instead I’m trying my best to fit in a 20 to 25 minute run each day. The fact is, any more than that affects my milk supply (hello, dehydration!) and, let’s face it, is virtually impossible on the minimal hours of sleep I’m getting between feeds, laundry, sterilizing pump pieces, cuddles (my fave) and all the other important to-do’s on the list each day. To encourage myself to get out there, I’ve put together a my “make myself  run” mix – hope it helps you do your 20 minutes today.

Track 1: “Let It Go”, Frozen Soundtrack

Track 2: “Let It Go”, Zac Brown Band

That’s right, two runs of “Let It Go” to really shake off the lack of sleep and general morning fatigue after getting everyone to school with all their teeth brushed (miracle). I, too, can’t believe I have a song from a cartoon on my play list but look – I don’t get out much any more!

Track 3: “Happy”, Pharrell Williams from Despicable Me Two Soundtrack

Yep, another cartoon!  No apologies for this one, Pharrell is cool (and so is despicable me!) and this is the perfect tempo to increase your pace now that you are feeling good.

Track 4: “Beat of the music”, Brett Eldridge

Track 5: “The way you make me feel”, Michael Jackson

I love romantic songs when I’m running – they make me feel young and I start thinking about wine, and date nights, which is always a good thing in my book!

Track 6: “Revry”, Kings of Leon

Track 7: “Wrecking ball”, Miley Cyrus

Look, Miley maybe a little cray-cray right now but I have to admit I like this song.  And if I have any frustrations remaining to get out, this one really does the trick!

Track 8: “Sexy and You Know It”, LMFAO

This song makes me think “bikini” and then makes me remember my one piece.  Somehow the dream of the bikini pushes me that little bit further when I’m struggling at the end!

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And, voila! Some 20 minutes later you have actually done an awesome run! So here is to doing our best even when it doesn’t involve leaping around the country side doing Pilates, spin and all the other luxuries it seems Hollywood moms find time for.