I know I've talked a bit about this here and there, but I thought I would be fitting to put together a summary post on how I've been feeling about running since this whole "being pregnant" thing started.
Being a blogger, it is very easy to compare yourself to other bloggers. I read lots of blogs where women ran throughout their entire pregnancy. I figured that if they can do it, I can too. Why not, right? Well when it actually came to it, my body and my mind weren't really on the same page. During the first trimester (the first 13 weeks of pregnancy), I was EXHAUSTED ALL. THE. TIME. I could get 8-9 hours of sleep and still be ready for a nap at any time. I felt like garbage and was really nauseous for about 5 weeks. Then, to top it all off, I was working long hours at the office including a few business trips along the way (all while keeping my big secret). Honestly, I don't know how some women can run despite all of that going on. I know I had to choose my priorities wisely. Running or sleep? Sleep won every time.
Then, when I was feeling a bit better and starting to run again (during that same first trimester period), I would get an occasional cramp in my stomach. Being so early in my first pregnancy, these small cramps completely freaked me out, and I would stop running immediately. Turns out, when I got to that section of the baby book, minor cramping that early in pregnancy is totally normal. Your body is adjusting and stretching, making room for the baby to grow. This is not a seamless process after all.
When I got to the later part of my first trimester and started my second trimester, I was feeling good, wasn't really showing, got my energy back and running became easier again. There was no small cramping, I could maneuver around comfortably, and things were going great.
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| At the gym with my mini bump at 18.5 weeks |
Not to mention, all my running clothes still fit. :)
Now that I'm in the middle/end of my second trimester (wow, time is flying by), the bump is starting to grow more. I'm starting to feel sore after too much activity (not pain, just general tiredness). The temps are starting to warm up... I can't go as far as I once could and I can't go as fast as I once could. That is something I've come to the realization on. However, these things can make it really unmotivating to get my butt out the door. I'm not training for anything, group runs are fun but not always convenient, I have lots of run envy out there on the internets, and sitting on the couch just sounds like more fun.
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| After a Tuesday night run with the FNRC at 21 weeks |
I'm thinking that my days of running while pregnant are numbered and I'm okay with that!
Like I said before, I had all these ideas of how I would be this awesome pregnant mother runner! Well, I came, I saw, I did what worked for me, and its time to call it a night. I have a 5k that I plan on run/walking over Memorial Day weekend, and that will probably be my last run that I complete while pregnant. Which is a decision I'm completely happy with. I know this is right decision for me and Baby Wilson. It was fun while it lasted and maybe during my next pregnancy, things will be different.
I'll still be doing physical activity, don't get me wrong, just more cross training type stuff and lots of walking.
I feel like there is lots of info out there on women who breezed through running while pregnant. It is really hard! And during those early weeks, very nerve-wracking (maybe just for me). Either way, I'm glad I did it for as long as I did, but I wanted to share my honest experience with all of you!
AND, I registered for a jogging stroller and plan to be back out there as soon as my doctor gives me approval post-birth. Perhaps I'll be ready to race for Turkey Trot season? Only time will tell.
P.S. If anyone would like to join me for prenatal yoga or prenatal pilates, I'm game any time!
