Hey all,
Well, I've gotta get something off my chest that's been bugging me.
I feel like I have left one "club" and have joined another. And I want to be a member of both!
What I'm talking about is "being a runner" vs. "being pregnant." Now, I know I can do both, but I am finding it so incredibly difficult to run these days! Whether it's because of my EXTREME exhaustion, making it impossible to get up an hour earlier for a morning run, or to drag myself out after work for an evening run....or because it is like my body feels like a ton of bricks WHILE I'm running..I just feel so out of it.
And out of the loop! Now that Spring is here, I am aware of all these great races around me, including half-marathons, 10-milers, and a slew of 5ks. In another other year, I would be signing up for them all. Yesterday I went to (easy) yoga, and then to a diner where about twenty runners with medals were hanging out stuffing their faces because they had just done an awesome race! A race I was sad not to have run.
I know, I know - pregnancy is WONDERFUL. The thought of being a mom is awesome. And I am embracing the changes in my body as well as possible. But I cannot stand not running, and racing, the way I used to.
I realize this is not permanent; that once I feel up to it I will begin to run again the way I like. And it's not like I have completely stopped running now. It's just that I feel so incredibly tired and slow right now. And left out.
I make myself feel better by saying that running will always be there, and that it's not going anywhere. But pregnancy, and motherhood, are opportunities for growth and for giving life a greater meaning, and these things have presented themselves NOW. I am really happy about that! And Derek also knows that once I recover from childbirth, if I am not able to run to relieve stress or get a moment to myself, he will be the one hearing about it. :) So I am sure he will be more than willing to watch the little one while I run laps around the block.
In other news...we find out the sex of the baby tomorrow! I am so excited and nervous. I just want to make sure that everything is ok and that he or she is healthy.
Anyway, happy Sunday!
If you're not already following XC2, you should totally check out her blog. This chic is running while 6 months pregnant. WITH TWINS.
ReplyDeletehttp://crosscountrysquared.blogspot.com/2010/04/cradle-your-prenatal-my-photo-how-to.html
I remember her saying how much easier running in the second trimester is as compared to the first. Maybe the same will hold true for you! :)
Hey, thanks to you and Pam for the shoutout. :o) I know EXACTLY what you're talking about. Exactly. Running was what I did and who I was. I hate that these perfect spring days are here and I can "only" go for 4 miles. Seems like such a waste of spring!
ReplyDeleteI'm like you in that I know I'll be able to run and race again blah blah blah, but it doesn't change how I feel nooooow. The best marathon in the state is in a couple weeks, and it's breaks my heart to miss it.
My only advice is to run as much as you can as often as you can. Even a short run is more than most people can/will do. My doctor told me that being pregnant is a 9 month workout, and anything you do beyond that is double bonus.
Very best wishes with the upcoming ultrasound. We couldn't get enough of watching everyone squirm around. :o)
I've added you to my google reader so I can keep updated and wish you luck along the way.
And PS- get a good jogging stroller. I just dropped serious cash on a double BOB, and it helped drown my tears about not running now. Retail therapy is a wonderful thing!