u/hownowbrowncow_420

I was prepared for having to build my actual abilities back up after pregnancy. Running distance, max lifts, things like that. While I stayed very active during pregnancy, it simply wasn't feasible to expect to pick right back up where I left off, and I was comfortable with that.

What I did not expect was that 8 months postpartum, the biggest challenge is being absolutely wiped out after exercise of any kind. In the moment of exercise, I feel fine. I can go for a run, go for a hike, ride my bike, lift weights, etc. without issue. But it takes me days to recover from even moderate exercise, and up to a week to feel recovered from more intense exercise. Things that would previously require me to take a day or two off and be back at it.

I'm sure part of this is hormones, and I have to assume that my body is partitioning resources to producing milk instead of recovery. But it feels extreme. Has anyone else experienced this specifically? Exercise itself being fine but feeling crazy fatigue, stiff joints, and tight muscles that don't seem to match the level of intensity exerted during the workout? If so, please tell me it eventually gets better!

Anyone in the Grand Mesa area have any intel on how the berries and Gambel’s acorns are shaping up this year? I’ve heard various things about their response to the drought but would love to hear if anyone has been noticing anything firsthand. New to bear hunting and looking for any advice I can get on finding one. I know water will be a big thing to target.

One of my biggest issues is picking at my cuticle area. I want to keep them more moisturized to limit the desire to pick, and I see advice about lotioning/oiling throughout the day, especially after handwashing. But, I do a lot with my hands and can’t necessarily have them covered in oil all day (or expect to keep oil from getting on everything else as I use my hands). For those who have successfully implemented this, how do you manage with lotion and oil on your cuticle areas during the day?