So I’ve told you that I can exercise and that I’m running a half marathon May 1st with GNC in Pittsburgh but what am I doing to actually train????

I’m starting my half marathon training on the bike. I took a spin class last Saturday and another class this morning. I’m easing slowly back into rigorous cardio but without the high impact of running for fear of doing too much too soon (and my painful chest). I have a great half marathon training plan that I used in 2013 that is 6 weeks long. Since I have about 9 weeks until race day and the long run starts at 8 miles, I have 3 weeks to get up there… So yeah, I’ve got my work cut out for me. Don’t worry, I won’t over do it! I promise.

I was surprised at how many of you shared your experience with a dropped milk supply when you returned to rigorous exercise. I’m hoping that with a proper diet and right supplements, this won’t happen to me. I’m also not planning to win this half marathon.

Postpartum Depression & My Wellness Plan

I understand the good intentions behind my viewers who would like for me to take more time to heal, but for me, getting back into shape is getting back to being me again! Postpartum depression is real. About 15% of new moms develop PPD. I’ve always used exercise to keep myself sane, reduce stress, manage anxiety and more. Not being able to do it on top of the flood of post-pregnancy hormones and lack of sleep I knew was a recipe for PPD.

On days 7, 8 and 9 after Tommy was born, I had the post baby blues for a couple of hours each day but never fell into a funk I couldn’t get out of.

I’ve heard a lot about essential oils but didn’t know much about them until I started working with GNC on this project. They carry a variety of oils but lavender is like the beginner oil with its many versatile benefits. Lavender essential oil may reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It is known for its calming and relaxing properties but has many more!

In addition to lavender essential oil, I plan to also continue to take a prenatal vitamin while training and breastfeeding. Right now, I’m loving New Hampshire based MegaFood Baby and Me. It helps support the health of the woman and baby during pregnancy and lactation. I love that it is easy to digest and I can take it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning so I don’t forget. Made with fresh and local foods, it supports my “strength, balance and moods.” Literally, these vitamins are made from fresh produce: dehydrated, preserved, made into powder and then finally pressed into pill form. So while they cost a little more than your average prenatal, you know it’s good stuff and can even watch a live camera from the facility where they are processed!

With a newborn, it’s hard to sit down for meals and get enough vegetables and protein. As a result, once a day, I have a smoothie or protein pancake using my favorite shake mix from Vega, the Vega One All-In-One Nutritional Shake. It is by far the best tasting mix in my opinion and has 6 servings of greens in one scoop as well as 20g of protein, 7 grams of fiber and the equivalent essential fatty acids that you’d get in 2.3 servings of wild salmon. The greens come from 3 cups of broccoli, kale, spirulina and chlorella. And for a treat, I love the golden door chocolate bar.

To learn what supplements are right for you, visit the GNC learning center here.

The half marathon is my favorite distance to train and compete in because you don’t have to sprint the entire race, the training doesn’t take over your life, but it’s still a challenge and commitment to do one! Crossing the finish line always gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride unlike shorter races. With longer races like the marathon, you are sore for days afterwards and leading up to race day, your life revolves around this one event!

This weekend is supposed to be really nice here in Boston and I plan to go for my first “long run” which will really be an attempt at 5 or 6 miles. I’m going to pump before I go and wear my new Moving Comfort bra that just came in the mail today. I hope it fits!

Did you experience postpartum depression? What was your wellness routine post baby to prevent it?

This post is sponsored by GNC. All thoughts and opinions are my own