Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Feelings about pregnancy weight gain and a 4 mile run

A little over two weeks ago I went out to participate in a local track club race.  The weather is cooling off and the mornings are nice.  I didn't have any specific goals for this event. I just wanted to be able to run the whole way.  I lined up in the back and when the horn went off to start the race I took my time and made sure that I was careful. I kept my eyes focused on the ground in front of me and I kept my pace steady. My splits for each mile were 9:17, 9:23, 9:20, & 8:42.  Towards the end I had plenty of energy left over and I just wanted to finish the run. I'm happy with my time for sure. Since then I have been run/walking about 3-4 times a week mostly pushing my son in his stroller. 

Running is starting to feel pretty awkward. My body feels like it belongs to someone else. The baby is starting to sit really high up and it puts pressure on my lungs and it makes my breathing a little bit harder. My stride is changing because of the extra weight in my belly. I'm hoping that I can still run for a few more weeks but, I don't think I"m going to be able to run all the way through this pregnancy.  I'm getting worried because I'm afraid that I'm just going to blow up like a balloon once I stop running.  But, I can't force my body to do something it can't do.  I'm also really going to miss the endorphins I get from running. 

My priority is obviously the baby.  I found out that I am having a little girl. Her health and safety override any feelings of vanity that I may have.  Feeling her kick and squirm around really makes me happy. It seems like she is more active than my son was.  I think I am having a mini pity party today because I am so tired. Even though I got eight hours of sleep last night I could  put my head on my desk and take a nap right now.