Are you still running??? This is a question I have started hearing more and more frequently as I get closer to my due date. For the most part this question doesn't bother me. Currently I am 34 weeks pregnant and, let's be honest, it's pretty uncommon to see a pregnant woman running around the streets anywhere you go. Most of the time people are pretty positive; I get encouraging comments and a lot of jokes (most of the jokes come from men, which just makes me smile). People look at me with awe, and in the case of Clint and my parents I can tell they are proud of me. (This makes my heart super happy!) However, occasionally this question brings a look of disdain or criticism. I know these people care about me a ton and they mean well but it is super hard to see them look at me, or tell me, that I am harming my baby. Now, I know I am much more emotional right now. I have a ton of estrogen in my system at the moment. But honestly, I have broken down to Clint on more than one occasion over this question and the critical looks I receive.
So, in response to this question, let me just explain myself a little bit. I love running SO much! It makes me super happy. Those close to me know how much running means to me. It gives me sanity and endorphins and passion in a way I just can't describe. After a good run I am literally bouncing off the walls. (Just ask Clint.) I have this huge grin on my face with flushed cheeks and bright eyes. I feel like I can take on the world, like I can do ANYTHING.
Now, as I explained in a previous post, running during pregnancy is hard and being only a few weeks away from my due date it keeps getting harder. (Try running with a bowling ball strapped around your middle.) BUT it is not hard in a way that is harmful to me or my baby. I have conditioned my body over the years. Last year alone I ran almost 1200 miles - right before I started my pregnancy! Of course my miles have decreased significantly as my pregnancy progresses and I have slowed down a ton but my body knows what it is doing. Running is not a new thing for me. (And in all fairness, I feel like I'm pretty good at listening to my body.) Not gonna lie, it can be hard to max out after 8 miles when, pre-pregnancy, my long runs were 10+ miles - at least once a week. I've gone from logging 30-40 miles in the course of a week to around 20 on a good week. However, I wouldn't trade this little girl for anything. I love her so much already. Pregnancy has been a wonderful experience and it is only temporary. Before long I'll be up to my previous mileage and I'll be stronger because of my baby girl.
Also, my doctor has approved all of my physical activity. In fact she has encouraged me to stay consistent with exercise. On my end, exercise tends to make labor/recovery easier and faster, plus it keeps me healthy, both physically and mentally, on so many levels. She is also getting so many benefits from my exercise habits. She is receiving more oxygen, labor will be less stressful on her, and, in general, she will be a healthier baby. And honestly, I think she loves running with me! She tends to move a lot more on days when I am active. (She's gone over 600 miles with me so far.) And while I may have a few braxton hicks while out running, I have not had any serious contractions at any point during my pregnancy. My doctor is really pleased with how well everything is going.
Lastly, I have several spiritual experiences during the course of the last eight months letting me know that I am okay and to trust my body and that if I do I will be able to run my whole pregnancy. The Lord truly understands how much running and my baby mean to me. He has blessed me in so many ways. I often find myself praying during solo runs, trying to express my gratitude to Him.
I have to make a huge shout out to my friends and family who keep encouraging me. (Especially Clint and my parents - pretty sure I have the best family ever.) Thank you for your positive words and for cheering me on. I know there are a lot of people who love me and worry about me and my baby girl but just know I am listening to my body and the doctors and the Lord, constantly.
So, am I still running? Yes, of course! And I plan to run until the end. :)
Friday, August 14, 2015
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Running while Pregnant
I love running so so much but running while pregnant is HARD. It hasn't been hard the whole time though. During my 1st trimester running was easy. I could push myself with normal workouts and my pace didn't change. I felt great while I was running - not so great otherwise from nausea.
As the weeks went on I encountered new trials when working out: lack of fuel made me feel sick, leg cramps would seize up my whole leg, even mild contractions if I didn't hydrate well. With each challenge I sought answers. I now eat something before almost every run - bananas are my favorite. I also load up on all of my electrolytes constantly - my go-tos are CalMag Fizz and salt pills. And I now run with a maternity belt for support. Not all of my methods are fool-proof but, for the most part, they work great.
The past month has been the hardest part so far. Some of my movements have become limited as my belly gets bigger, which is super frustrating when I've never been limited before. Relaxin in my body continues to increase making me feel sore after just a few miles. I used to only feel these aches after racing or my 15+ mile runs! Tackling hills is a constant challenge due to increased heart rate and aching legs - but I keep running them anyway. Some days I can only run two or three miles before I have to stop because my body just isn't up for it. The hardest part, though, has been watching my pace slow. I can't keep up with my friends anymore and I feel bad when they are constantly waiting on me. Although I am super grateful for their support and positive words. There are days when it is so discouraging to look at my time, or my miles.
This last week I have done some major contemplating as I've tried to change my attitude. I love my baby so much and quite honestly she is super tough to go through all of these workouts with me. We are making each other stronger. Plus I only have 14 weeks left and I can do ANYTHING for 14 weeks.
Yesterday, during my run, I finally hit my breakthrough. It's not about speed or even distance right now. It's just about getting out and RUNNING. Yes it is hard. I ache, my legs burn on the uphills, sometimes I have to walk for a minute and focus on breathing. BUT it is all worth it. I can do HARD THINGS. And in the end I will be stronger for it.
"If we quit every time we felt uncomfortable we wouldn't achieve anything."
So I'll keep running. I'll push through these challenges and discouragements. I'll endure the discomfort. My baby girl is worth it all. And in the end I will be stronger for it.
As the weeks went on I encountered new trials when working out: lack of fuel made me feel sick, leg cramps would seize up my whole leg, even mild contractions if I didn't hydrate well. With each challenge I sought answers. I now eat something before almost every run - bananas are my favorite. I also load up on all of my electrolytes constantly - my go-tos are CalMag Fizz and salt pills. And I now run with a maternity belt for support. Not all of my methods are fool-proof but, for the most part, they work great.
The past month has been the hardest part so far. Some of my movements have become limited as my belly gets bigger, which is super frustrating when I've never been limited before. Relaxin in my body continues to increase making me feel sore after just a few miles. I used to only feel these aches after racing or my 15+ mile runs! Tackling hills is a constant challenge due to increased heart rate and aching legs - but I keep running them anyway. Some days I can only run two or three miles before I have to stop because my body just isn't up for it. The hardest part, though, has been watching my pace slow. I can't keep up with my friends anymore and I feel bad when they are constantly waiting on me. Although I am super grateful for their support and positive words. There are days when it is so discouraging to look at my time, or my miles.
This last week I have done some major contemplating as I've tried to change my attitude. I love my baby so much and quite honestly she is super tough to go through all of these workouts with me. We are making each other stronger. Plus I only have 14 weeks left and I can do ANYTHING for 14 weeks.
Yesterday, during my run, I finally hit my breakthrough. It's not about speed or even distance right now. It's just about getting out and RUNNING. Yes it is hard. I ache, my legs burn on the uphills, sometimes I have to walk for a minute and focus on breathing. BUT it is all worth it. I can do HARD THINGS. And in the end I will be stronger for it.
"If we quit every time we felt uncomfortable we wouldn't achieve anything."
So I'll keep running. I'll push through these challenges and discouragements. I'll endure the discomfort. My baby girl is worth it all. And in the end I will be stronger for it.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Running
I haven't posted anything in a long time but I am in a very contemplative mood tonight and decided to write about running. This post is a brief glimpse of running for me. It doesn't even begin to capture all of the moments I've had with running but maybe I can catch a few moments so you can see a brief snapshot of what running is to me.
So why do I run? I know there are all of these obvious answers: it makes me feel good, it gives me endorphins, it keeps me healthy, it keeps me sane, etc, etc. But WHY? What does it feel like? Why is it so addicting? Why do I crave it after wearing my body out after a brutal speed workout? Why do I want to run more miles after just completing a long run?
It's the pounding of the ground under my feet as I make each step. I'm moving. It's not flying - I'm not that fast (yet). But everything is at a different speed. At some point my legs ache. They ask me to stop but they are so familiar with the rhythm that they keep moving. Everything moves around me. I'm closer to the ground without the obstruction of a vehicle. Everything is seen at a whole new perspective. The sky changes color. It's always shifting, even in the middle of the day. I always want to capture how the sky looks against the mountains or the trees. Always different colors, altered with the seasons. The scenery too. In the summer everything is bright and green. Lots of colors with dazzling sunlight and blazing heat that twists my stomach in knots. Fall brings new colors and a shift in temperature. Leaves crunch underfoot. When winter hits I always long for the heat of summer. But even in the dull grays and browns of winter there is beauty. The air is cold and crisp. It's refreshing - once I get warmed up. Sometimes I'm lucky to run in the magic of this cold season. A bright, ice-blue sky; a wonderland covered in frost and fog; or the pure, blinding white of new snow covering the ground.
The senses are addicting. To see and hear and smell and feel all of these beautiful things around me. But running is more than physical. It is also mental. We process so many emotions. Anger, sadness, frustration, bliss, wonder, love. All of the negative feelings subside after a time. Somehow they arise to the surface, despite all efforts to bury them. And then the wind takes it away with my words or the ground draws it out of my pounding steps. I find peace. The positive feelings are only amplified. Love for family and friends, how unique and special each one is; how to better serve those around me; how to live life better - fuller. And every moment is that much more intense.
And then there is everything else. Feeling my muscles tense before a hard run or being so strung up I can hardly wait to get out the door. Seeing the finish line and my family cheering and wanting to cry from a rush of emotions but as soon as I do I realize I can't breathe. Knowing I can do hard things.
The miles pass and it's not always blissful or enjoyable in the moment but it is beautiful and wild and amazing and hard. And it is worth every moment.
So why do I run? I know there are all of these obvious answers: it makes me feel good, it gives me endorphins, it keeps me healthy, it keeps me sane, etc, etc. But WHY? What does it feel like? Why is it so addicting? Why do I crave it after wearing my body out after a brutal speed workout? Why do I want to run more miles after just completing a long run?
It's the pounding of the ground under my feet as I make each step. I'm moving. It's not flying - I'm not that fast (yet). But everything is at a different speed. At some point my legs ache. They ask me to stop but they are so familiar with the rhythm that they keep moving. Everything moves around me. I'm closer to the ground without the obstruction of a vehicle. Everything is seen at a whole new perspective. The sky changes color. It's always shifting, even in the middle of the day. I always want to capture how the sky looks against the mountains or the trees. Always different colors, altered with the seasons. The scenery too. In the summer everything is bright and green. Lots of colors with dazzling sunlight and blazing heat that twists my stomach in knots. Fall brings new colors and a shift in temperature. Leaves crunch underfoot. When winter hits I always long for the heat of summer. But even in the dull grays and browns of winter there is beauty. The air is cold and crisp. It's refreshing - once I get warmed up. Sometimes I'm lucky to run in the magic of this cold season. A bright, ice-blue sky; a wonderland covered in frost and fog; or the pure, blinding white of new snow covering the ground.
The senses are addicting. To see and hear and smell and feel all of these beautiful things around me. But running is more than physical. It is also mental. We process so many emotions. Anger, sadness, frustration, bliss, wonder, love. All of the negative feelings subside after a time. Somehow they arise to the surface, despite all efforts to bury them. And then the wind takes it away with my words or the ground draws it out of my pounding steps. I find peace. The positive feelings are only amplified. Love for family and friends, how unique and special each one is; how to better serve those around me; how to live life better - fuller. And every moment is that much more intense.
And then there is everything else. Feeling my muscles tense before a hard run or being so strung up I can hardly wait to get out the door. Seeing the finish line and my family cheering and wanting to cry from a rush of emotions but as soon as I do I realize I can't breathe. Knowing I can do hard things.
The miles pass and it's not always blissful or enjoyable in the moment but it is beautiful and wild and amazing and hard. And it is worth every moment.
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