Marathon training and expecting child (Read 991 times)

I have a question for you folks. My DW is expecting our second child at the end of October. Obviously, this is exciting news, but it does pose a (obviously minor) dilemma... I want to run the 2009 PF Chang's Rock N Roll Marathon in January. Having an infant (along with our then-4-year old daughter) right in the middle of training is likely to present some challenges. Given that we've been through the infancy phase before, I do seem to recall not sleeping so well... My question is this...Has anyone on here trained to run a marathon so soon after their wife gave birth? Obviously, Paula Radcliffe did it (and she's the one who gave birth!!), but I don't get paid to run, so I have to work training around an actual job... Thoughts?

I have a question for you folks. My DW is expecting our second child at the end of October. Obviously, this is exciting news, but it does pose a (obviously minor) dilemma... I want to run the 2009 PF Chang's Rock N Roll Marathon in January. Having an infant (along with our then-4-year old daughter) right in the middle of training is likely to present some challenges. Given that we've been through the infancy phase before, I do seem to recall not sleeping so well... My question is this...Has anyone on here trained to run a marathon so soon after their wife gave birth? Obviously, Paula Radcliffe did it (and she's the one who gave birth!!), but I don't get paid to run, so I have to work training around an actual job... Thoughts?

Congratulations We are also planning another baby anyday now so that our son and his sibling are not too far apart in age. MTA: I asked the same question in another group within ra and someone brought up Radcliff as well.

Congratulations We are also planning another baby anyday now so that our son and his sibling are not too far apart in age. MTA: I asked the same question in another group within ra and someone brought up Radcliff as well.

Thanks for the congratulations! Good luck with your new one.

I think there are a few members who have done this...I can't imagine it...but I can't imagine training for a marathon, either--yet. I do recall how completely numb I felt that first year of our son's life--particularly the first 3 months. I barely was able to function, much less even think about mild exercise.

That is what I am afraid of.... I want to register for this thing by the end of this month (I have a coupon), but I'm worried about being to exhausted to walk a mile, much less run 20....

What does your wife say?

Whenever I mention running, her eyes glaze over.... Basically, she's not going to do anything different or be willing to help in any way (e.g., let me sleep in or take care of the kids while I get a nap).

Well...that is closer than I have done it, but then I was the one having the child and doing the training. My only advice is to suck it up about the sleep and try to time your runs around the baby, not the other way around. (or else pick a later marathon) I would sleep until the baby woke me up and then nurse the baby and GO. Any waking after 4 am was time to run. The only other thing I can recommend is try to learn how to sleep with the baby on you....then after your long runs when it looks like the baby is getting ready to nap, offer to take the baby to put him down...maybe you can sneak in 20 min that way . Also remember you get a lunch break at work...either run then or try and nap then if you can. 15 minutes, even 10 does wonders. however little sleep you are getting, your wife is getting less...AND she will be hormonal ...really you have to look at how much you want this vs. how much you think she will take without it hurting your marriage. The first 3 months are hard enough.

Uh oh. That's not a good sign. It will still be doable but without her support and understanding, you will be facing some tough times, no doubt. Good luck.

I agree. I couldn't take the time I need to train if I did not have my wife's support.

That didn't take long.

too easy