Running is still going fairly well at almost 22 weeks. It’s not necessarily blog-worthy – lots of slow miles – but I feel like I’ve learned some lessons along the way.
You never know how you are going to feel day to day. I used to map out my mileage and workouts for the week every Sunday. During the 1st trimester I still did that but then discovered it’s rather pointless. Good days and bad days come and go like the wind. These days if I feel good, I add miles. If I feel bad, I cut the run short. 6 milers can turn into 8 milers or 4 milers…it all depends.
I hold myself accountable for weekly miles, not pace. This sound like a contradiction to what I just said above. During the 1st trimester I was running 35-40 miles per week. Now I’m holding steady at 30-35 miles per week. I really strive to hit that weekly mileage for 2 reasons: (1) it motivates me and (2) why the hell not? If I still feel good, go for it. Things could change drastically in the next month. But pace is the one thing I cut myself some slack on. I stopped wearing my Garmin a long time ago. I’m slow and I’m getting slower. But if I hit my weekly mileage goal, all is good!
Lungs are fine, legs are sore. Some days there is so much tension that builds up in my legs (mostly my shins) that I have to take a short walk break to shake them out. I attribute this to the increased weight (concentrated in one spot) and probably gait changes as my body figures out the best way to handle its changing shape. The plus side is that I’m rarely out of breath (but I also run like a turtle).
The more support the better. I’m talking shoes here. I usually rotate between my Brooks PureCadence and Brooks Ravenna. A few weeks ago I noticed the PureCadence were not cutting it anymore. I could feel everything and I felt like my feet were working overtime. Again this is probably due to increased weight in one specific area.
Sundays are rough. I generally do my long runs (these days that’s 10-13 miles) on Friday or Saturday and, come Sunday, I’m just not mentally up for a run. Rather than take a rest day or bog myself down with a “longer” run, I do 4 miles and allow myself to walk/run. It allows me to get in a shake out run but also not set myself up for failure.
Motivation. I always thought running without training for something specific would be hard. I am running the Philly Rock n’ Roll Half in a few weeks but don’t really consider myself training for it. Instead, the biggest motivator (besides hitting my weekly mileage), is knowing that I’m doing good for myself and the baby. Cheesy, right? While I’m at it, I love running “with” the baby. He/she is the best running partner and our runs together are our special bonding time. I’m becoming a softy with this pregnancy!
Any running/exercise pregnancy lessons you can share?
You look adorable! And your puppy looks absolutely in love with you 🙂 I might have missed it in a previous post, but are you going to be surprised with the gender, or are you just surprising the readers? Good luck in the coming weeks!!!
I think you’re doing an amazing job by continuing to run and it sounds as if you have really accepted the way your pregnancy affects your running. I know it must be easier said than done at times, but you seem doing be doing great. I still think that picture of you with Hawk is adorable and I love how emotional and gussy you are getting 🙂
I love the weekly pics with Hawk! He’s so cute.
I think it’s great you are still running, and as much as you are, I bet you’ll inspire a lot of other preggers, to do the same. 🙂
Running while pregnant definitely has its challenges! The biggest thing that I had to accept is sort of related to your first point – every week is different. You may have a really awesome week of running one week, but a few days later it could all change. What keeps me from getting discouraged during those bad weeks is knowing that the next week things could get better again…and I just try to take things one run at a time.
Also important to remember that everyone is different (obviously this applies outside of pregnancy too). I’ve been able to keep a fairly decent pace on my runs (well…until this past week), but I just can’t handle the mileage. You just have to do what you can and not stress about the rest too much.
I hear you on the sore legs though! Have you tried running with compression socks? I don’t know if they REALLY make a difference (scientifically speaking), but it does make me feel better. My calves have been so tight on my runs lately that having the compression seems to help.
You’re being smart about the shoes! I developed bunions during my pregnancy (and I wasn’t even running), and those don’t go away without surgery. I do OK with them, but it would be much nicer not to have them. Supportive shoes now (and after you give birth until you’re back to your fighting weight, strength and form)–that’s all I’ve got to add.
I’ve got absolutely nothing for you, but think your bump just gets cuter! It must be so fun to experience running with your new little one 🙂 He/she will be all ready for the jogging stroller when the time comes, haha!
You are a gorgeous pregnant runner! 🙂 I love it! I’m amazed as how a lot of you ladies are pregnant in the blogging community and everyone looks sooo gorgeous and fit in their running gear! 🙂
So inspiring! 🙂
Just found your blog – congrats on the pregnancy!
My #1 pregnancy exercising lesson has been to be flexible and adaptable. I’m 30 weeks now and not running, but I’ve found having other cross-training activities to fall back on has been really helpful. I feel so much better physically when I exercise so being able to find alternative ways to stay active has been a life-saver!