Training for what exactly? For a comeback in 2014? For a healthy, active pregnancy? To justify my raging sweet tooth? It changes each day but it’s definitely motivating me to get my butt out of bed each morning.
I alluded to 2014 plans a few weeks ago and many of you asked for specifics. My due date (1/1/14) is the perfect time for “comeback” training. I figure January and February will be spent on the treadmill walking/running and trying to acclimate to life with a newborn. Then, as the weather gets nicer, I can get back to running outside. My goal is to focus on getting my endurance back first and foremost and, with that, my speed will creep back eventually. I would love to BQ again but I’m being realistic. So I have my eyes on a 50-miler (JFK?) and maybe a marathon as training run. I have no idea what my fitness level will be like postpartum so I’m just going to roll with it and see where it takes me.
Now back to the present. Running is still going fairly well, although the non-stop humidity has been frustrating. I’m averaging 30-35 miles per week with long runs of 8-10 miles. I can’t really go any further without significant help from the treadmill, which I despise in the summer time (even though it’s in my basement). I can’t wait for a break in the humidity to put some decent miles in…although by the time that happens I’ll be pretty rotund!
Speaking of rotund…
I noticed a big difference in my stomach over the past few weeks and now I can see why. I also think my butt is getting larger? Or does everything just feel tighter in that region because my stomach takes up so much space in the front? Either way it’s bizarre to see your body undergo such rapid changes that you cannot control. Note: these pictures are taken pre-run on Sunday mornings…hence the perpetual half-asleep look.
Advice for postpartum comebacks? Other than slow and steady wins the race?
Any 50-miler options? JFK is at the top of my list but I’m terribly afraid of heights and, after reading the course description, I’m terrified.
Looking good, girl! Look at that little cute bump! You’ll be in maternity running tanks in no time!
If you are due on 1/1/14, then all of Jan and part of Feb will be recovery time…that means NO running and limited (not for fitness) walking. There are tons of reasons why you shouldn’t skip that period of rest. I know it’s hard to take a break from training and running hard, but it’s for a good cause and it’s just temporary!
I actually have a terrifying story about a friend of the family who didn’t take time off to rest (she was an endurance runner and triathlete) after she gave birth. I won’t give details, but it’s enough to terrify you into listening to the doctor for sure!
You look great ! In my opinion I don’t its that your but gets bigger but your posture changes because of the growing belly 🙂 Question for you: how much water are you drinking as it is just being pregnant I feel like I am drinking gallons and gallons a day to prevent dehydration and I am not outside running like you.
Congratulations!! Wow, what an exciting time for you and your family :). The other comments are correct, you do need to take those first few weeks to let your body recover (could be a little longer if you have a c-section). It’s HARD…but, totally worth the wait. Nurture your body and the baby in those first few weeks so you can come back strong and injury free! You know you can always come see me at the barre studio…it was a great exercise for me throughout my pregnancies…I was taking class and teaching up until the day I had Noah this past Fall!
You look great!!! I heard the North Face Endurance Challenge DC is also a great race, they offer all distance from 5k to 50 miler. I did the 10k and loved it!!
JFK is definitely great, I didn’t think the descents were that bad, but I don’t have a fear of heights. Your due date is so cool! Maybe you’ll have the baby just after midnight and be on the news for first baby of 2014.
You look great, I love the little bump 🙂 You are so good at listening to your body and knowing what is right for you, I’m sure you will know what you can and can’t do after the birth. It sounds like you have the perfect attitude in that you don’t have a specific plan in place, but you have some ideas and are seemingly okay with being flexible.
I think I’ll pass on that 50 miler, but if you find a race with a 50k, I might be up for it! Oh and just get some cheesy shows or movies to get sucked into and you’ll have no problem cranking out the longer miles on a treadmill 🙂
Loving the bump, mama to be.
One piece of advice I can give you — Learn to LOVE the treadmill. It’ll be your best friend once baby is born. That and the rocker that baby will be sleeping on while you’re running on the treadmill. HA.
You’re going to great postpartum. I know you will!!! XOXO
Great job with the running! I’m glad things have been going so well. I can understand your hatred for the treadmill (especially this time of year) but if you have one, I say embrace it! I haven’t joined a gym since we moved at the beginning of May and have been trying to hold out until the weather gets worse. However…lately I’ve been reconsidering my stubbornness. It’s helped that we had a break in the heat this week, but I feel really limited in what I can do this summer. Plus – I think it would be nice to have a flat surface to run on. Anyway….all that to say that I’m a little jealous of your basement treadmill!
And in terms of the butt getting bigger…I can definitely feel mine expanding (fun, fun). It doesn’t help that my center of gravity is slowly shifting as my belly pops out more. These days I feel like I’m walking around sticking my butt/stomach out all the time! So attractive 😉
You look adorable.
You might surprise yourself, I’ve heard women are super speedy after having kids. 🙂