21. Rediscovering Running During Postpartum Depression | Heather Giffin

Got feedback about this episode? Send Carolyn a text Heather Giffin is a 41 year old speech-language pathologist, business owner, wife and mother of two boys from Napanee, ON. Running has played different roles throughout her life, but perhaps most notably is how it helped her move through postpartum depression after giving birth to both of her children. Running shifted from being about performance to being about JOY. This conversation is raw and real. Heather shares how her entry into motherhood was anything but what the Hallmark cards promised, how she came to terms with going on medication, what it means to be an “obliger” and how she leveraged this tendency to propel her (in regular clothes) and her friend (wearing full-on fire gear) across the finish line of the 2019 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. While it might have been easier to stay quiet about her mental health challenges, Heather is not one to shy away from difficult things. She chose to speak with us today in the hopes that it helps even one other person to feel less alone. Resources we discussed in the episode: Heather's SLP business, Big Words Little People Favourite Mantra: Borrowed from “kindness meditation” she focused positive thoughts on somebody in her life during each kilometre of the marathon Favourite Place to Run: On a trail with Carolyn Bucket List Run: Napanee Heritage 5k , Race in Iceland Favourite Book: Better Than Before Post-Run Indulgence: A nap You can help spread the running love! The best way to SUPPORT Inspired Soles is to share your favourite episode(s) with friends, subscribe, or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts . Connect on Instagram @inspiredsolescast or email guest ideas to inspiredsolescast@gmail.com.