I haven't given a running update recently, but I've actually been running about once a week still. Because I can't push the stroller anymore, (while running) I just haven't been out much more than that. I've also been continuing yoga once a week, and other than that just walking and playing with Avery to stay active.
Last night Travis actually came on a run with me for the first time in months!! I told him I've slowed down significantly, but he decided to stay with me anyway (since it was our date night activity haha.) I think he wanted to see if I've actually been running all the times I said I was, or just walking haha. We went to my favorite trail and ran just shy of 4 miles. I ran all of it except for a few short, steep hills. I timed myself because I wanted to compare it to my last significant run while I was pregnant with Avery - the Thanksgiving Day Turkey trot in 2011 at exactly 27 weeks - which I blogged about here. For yesterday's run I was 26 weeks and 4 days (close enough haha.) I set my iPod and didn't check the time until I was at 5K - and my time was 39:53, almost 5 minutes faster than where I was in my last pregnancy!! I obviously kept running for another mile too, so I am super happy about that! I finished with about a 12:30 pace/mile, which I normally wouldn't be happy about, but honestly, at this point I'm thrilled! I know I may continue to slow, but I think I'll be able to run for at least another month or so on the trail.
For me, running during pregnancy has been some of the most challenging running I've ever done. I think there are a few reasons that I've been running better during the second trimester of this pregnancy versus my last. Some is just luck - I looked at pictures of myself with Avery, and I carried her much higher than I am carrying this baby. I had more trouble breathing, and taking deep breaths, and therefore I think my muscles weren't getting as much oxygen while running. Now, my legs (especially my calves) burn for the first half mile or so, and then on and off for the rest of the run - but not to the point where I can't continue. Another reason is that everything moves (or jiggles haha) in a way that is not normal for me, but I have found a sports bra and compression tank that really fit me right now, and my top somehow doesn't ride up to expose my belly. I never found the right clothing to run in last time, and I don't think I knew what a difference it would make. Additionally, because my bladder is being squeezed by the baby, I try to pee immediately before my run (and sometimes during) because that is an issue, but I've also just become used to the feeling of feeling like I have to pee while running, haha.
Running during pregnancy gives me a different perspective for people who have never run before and what it might feel like. For me, it's definitely NOT easy, but I still love it and hope that the longer I can run now, the easier it will be to come back after the baby. I absolutely love running in the fall, so that's also an extra incentive to keep going. I'm already thinking about some races I can sign up for in the spring, and planning a half marathon around May (and maybe a triathlon in June.) I know that I'll be racing again before I know it! In the meantime, I'll stick with my "non-paced" running for awhile longer.
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