Karen Coull, a young mum, is slowly getting back into shape after the birth of her second child.
A competitive runner, Karen’s eager to return to racing but not just yet. She knows she’s got to be patient this time.
Right now she’s busy caring for Poppy and Isaac while daydreaming of a decent night’s sleep.
In between nappies, feeding, washing, cleaning, shopping Karen jotted down her thoughts and tips on coming back.
Read Karen’s diary as she juggles the needs of her young family with her own desire to workout. Follow her “baby steps” back to running.
January 2009, the first few months
April to May 2009
June to August 2009 - Winter Blues
The RunDown
Karen Coull (nee Collins)
Married to Josh. Two children, daughter Poppy 3 and son Isaac 4 months.
Home: Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.
Age 32 years old.
Full time Mum.
 Running Club: Richmond Harriers.
I ran in primary school and was going ok but for some crazy reason, I don't know why, I stopped running. I didn’t take it up again until 2002.
Personal Bests:
400m 62:81, 1500m 4:50;
5k-18:29, Half Marathon–1:24:00
Karen (far right) with her
Richmond Harrier teammates. New Year, New Baby
Isaac was born on January 3rd, 2009. Poppy’s been the center of our universe the last couple of years. What a relief that she really loves her new brother. What a way to celebrate our Happy New Year.
My Plan
After my first pregnancy I started back running too soon. I didn’t give myself enough recovery time after Poppy’s birth. I didn’t get enough rest and had a string of injuries and illness.
This time around I plan to do lighter training. I’ll try to be consistent and build up slowly. That way (with some luck) I’ll keep moving forward and minimize any set backs.
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Diary: January 2009, the first few months
Craving Sleep
I’m back in that broken sleep phase again with Isaac. Yawn! What a blur. Some days I don’t feel like a human being. I’m just so tired sometimes.
Taking Baby Steps
I start walking straight away after Isaac is born. They’re short walks every now and then. At first it’s hard work just to get around the block. I can’t believe how tired I get, how slow I am. But I stick at it. I take it day by day and see how I feel.
I don't want to get too tired while looking after the little ones. And there are two of them now! I remind myself that I’m exercising for energy (can someone send more of that please). That it’s a good idea to condition my body gradually. Some days I’m indoors on our elliptical trainer. Other times I’m walking outside. Top of Page April 2009
I’m already noticing my strength and fitness improving. Wow and I’m only walking. It seems so mild compared to the hard training I use to do. Well, that was then and this is now. I miss it but have to be patient. It’s difficult to be back at square one.
May 2009
It’s been over four months and I’m walking an average of four mornings a week, around 40 minutes to an hour. I try to jog occasionally. I know I probably shouldn’t but I can't help myself. I guess once a runner always a runner. But then it’s back to walking.
Sigh. I know it’ll strengthen my legs, build my cardio and drop some of this pregnancy weight. I’m doing my best to remember my goal and stick to my plan. I want to stay injury free and get back to running.
Me Time
It’s a wonderful feeling to get outdoors first thing in the morning before everyone’s awake. I do my workout and have a bit of quiet time to myself. The mild training gives me an energy boost; I feel fantastic. It’s better than any pampering service!
Eating Right
I remind myself to make the effort to eat like an athlete. I know it’ll give me more energy to workout. Boy it’s hard. Sometimes I get busy and so tired that I eat whatever’s easy and in reach. Top of Page Whose body is this anyway?
My body has a big reaction to the relaxin hormones released during pregnancy. I’ve a large abdominal separation and my feet are a bit flat. Oh well, I guess it all goes with the territory.
It took the best part of a year for my feet to get back their normal arch after my first pregnancy. So I wear good supportive footwear. I’m also doing Pilates exercises to tone and condition my abdominals.
 Family Fitness
On the weekends the whole family has been out bush walking. I carry Isaac in a sling on my front and Josh carries Poppy in a child carrier on his back.
Being out in the forest hiking the trails together is almost like a modified Sunday long run with my running friends.
I’ve also had fun riding with Poppy, sitting her in the child’s seat on the back of my bike.
Running Comeback
I think it’s important to take the time to do what you love. It keeps you happy and makes you a better Mum. I love to run and can't wait to start again. I miss the physical and emotional benefits of running.
My goal is to get back competing and do personal bests in all my events. I know it’s ambitious and I have to be patient.
Maybe running will be something we all can do together. At least it’s a great example for our kids to see. Their parents running, enjoying the discipline and the payoff that hard work brings.
I realize Poppy may not choose running as one of her passions, but still I can't help working out how old I’ll be when she’s old enough to run on my relay team!
The Next Few Months - Winter Down Under
I’ll be doing most of my training alone in the freezing cold mornings this winter. Boy, you have to be keen to get out and train in all conditions. We’ll see how I go. There are too many variables with the kids to make plans to meet anyone. So it’s easier to go alone at the moment. Top of Page Read your comments on Karen's story.
June to August 2009 - Winter Blues
Best Laid Plans
It's been a winter of stops and starts. Over the past few months I've tried to get back into my training but it's really come to a halt at the moment. Looking back I was running fairly regularly at this stage when Poppy was a baby. I thought I'd being doing the same this time around. Oh well. My plan sounded good but it hasn't worked out that way.
As a baby Poppy was not a great sleeper but at least I could take daytime naps when she was asleep. Now with two, I no longer have that luxury. I know that things will settle down (eventually) and Isaac will get into a regular routine.
In Survival Mode
For the last month I've been waking up every two hours. The other night it was five times with Isaac and two with Poppy. This week I had a stomach bug but Isaac still needed to be fed. So I'm up in the night vomiting while breast-feeding. It wasn't pretty. I won't forget that in a hurry.
Just as my stomach was settling down I've caught a heavy head and chest cold. Of course we all have it now. The little ones are really feeling it. The sleep goes out the window just when you need it the most. Of course they are both beautiful and completely worth it. But I'd love some rest.
How Do They Do It?
I've heard so many stories about women runners who come back quickly after having babies and supposedly feel stronger than ever. Wouldn't that be nice? I remember a few years ago lining up with Susan Michelsson (winner of many state titles) before the Victorian 5K champs. Susan was telling me that her baby was turning one. Well she lapped me and came third overall. Obviously she got in plenty of running during her baby's first year!
Soldiering On
I guess it all comes down to circumstances. Some women bounce back and others, like me, take longer. But I'm feeling quite patient about it all. Just trying to keep going. Hopefully this time next year I'll be running the cross country season.
Well I'm off to bed. I'm definitely a woman who needs her sleep. Fingers crossed that I'll have better news in my next update.
WomenRunningTogether will be checking in with Karen every couple of months. Follow her journey here.
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