Farewell, 2nd trimester! On Wednesday I’ll be 27 weeks and beginning my 3rd trimester, according to my Sprout app. Whether this happens at week 27 or 28 – I don’t know – but I like the sound of it so I’m sticking to it.
I know I sound like a broken record but I still feel pretty damn good. Aside from having a gut that won’t go away and grows after each meal, I still feel like “me”. Although I must admit, over the past 2 weeks, I get pretty cranky from 3-5PM. I’m exhausted from carrying around the excess weight and just want to lay down. After dinner I generally feel better so maybe I just need a snack? Why do I feel like a toddler?!
Running during the 2nd trimester was pretty consistent, with the exception of a few days of extreme humidity, where I just bagged the run all together. I decreased my overall mileage to 30-35 miles per week, compared to 35-40 miles per week in the 1st trimester. My long runs stayed in the 10-13 mile range. And I completed (pregnant) half marathon #2!
The 2nd trimester also brought some so-called “shin tension” while running. I really can’t describe it any other way. My compression sleeves helped a bit but my legs have to continually adapt to the increased weight. Even more so now that my weight gain will be more rapid (awesome!). I’m super vigilant about recognizing any shin tension, taking extra rest days, using the Tiger Tail, and icing.
Now that it’s cooler out my running wardrobe is limited. All my tanks and shorts fit fine but my race Ts are a bit snug. My weeks of wearing them (decently) are numbered.
Instead of buying new ones, I decided to take advantage of Matt’s Ts (some of which were originally mine but too big). Since Matt is “retired” from running, he shouldn’t miss them.
This morning I ran an impromptu 5K! Might as well leave the 2nd trimester on a high note. My goal was to give it a solid effort and beat my PW of 28:22 way (way) back when I was 25. That was my first 5K ever – on University of Maryland’s hilly campus. That race is probably why I still hate 5Ks to this day.
Anyway, I didn’t think it would be that hard to beat – it would be close – but feasible. What I didn’t expect was for my legs to feel like bricks after mile 1. I felt like I was at mile 24 of a marathon…where your brain and lungs are saying “go, go, go” and your legs are uncooperative. My breathing was fine, my stomach wasn’t “in the way” or bothering me but I just couldn’t move my legs any faster. I did run 6 miles on Friday and 8 on Saturday but I really think it was just all the added weight and increased “speed”.
I finished in 28:44 – 9:16 average pace. And now my legs are sore. Who knew 17 lbs (and counting) could cause such havoc?
Looking ahead to the 3rd trimester, I think my motto is going to be “grateful for each day that I can run”. I will cut myself some slack on my miles per week mandate and just be happy running 25(ish) miles per week.
I decided (after MUCH debating back and forth) to drop out of the Philly Half Marathon and instead do the Rothman 8K in November. I’ll be 8 1/2 months by then and I need to be realistic. Even with using a run/walk approach, 13 miles is too far with all this added weight. Today’s race confirmed that!
So glad to hear that things are going well! You look fantastic – so adorable with your little basketball bump!
You look how I wanted to when I was pregnant. :^)
I’d just go with the tiredness….there’s nothing better than a nap when you’re pregnant. It’s like that great sleep kids get. Enjoy it. And the decision to do the shorter race sounds good to me. All this running will mean you’ll be very strong for your baby’s birthday.
Glad you’re still feeling good! And happy (almost) 3rd trimester! 🙂 It feels so good to get to this next milestone…even if it means having to slow down on the running front.
Congrats on the 5K! I think you’re making a smart decision to drop down to the shorter race in November. I know you’ve been doing great with your mileage so far, but I think in another month your body will thank you for slowing down. I’ve definitely started to notice a difference in running longer (and by longer, I simply mean being on my feet for close to an hour…however many miles that ends up being). Shorter runs are just starting to feel so much better.
Also – I’ve basically been living in my husband’s t-shirts whenever I’m at home. He is obviously thrilled about losing half of his wardrobe.
Congratulations on such an amazing determination while being pregnant. Well done on documenting your progress too, . The best way to stay on track
Yay, happy 3rd trimester!
Awww you look adorable! Such an inspiration! I love reading posts about active pregnant women. 🙂
Holy crap! You are incredible. Sounds like you have had a great pregnancy thus far. I only hope more wonderful running days for you. And if not, don’t worry. You will be back. I do not doubt it. Did you ever buy the running for two pregnancy tops. I just bought one and i loved it. It lasted the whole pregnancy. It was a great running top for that time. I am sure you already know about this but just in case.
You are too cute. Love that bump. You are going to have a wonderful delivery!!! Xox