When I found out I was pregnant for the second time (oops!), I was at the peak of my running performance. I was determined to keep running, but knew it would be a whole new ball game!
I've been blessed to be able to continue running through my pregnancy and now that I'm coming to the end, I thought I'd share some of the things I've learned. • First and foremost, ALWAYS talk to your doctor and get the all clear before starting or continuing any physical activity. If you were active before, it shouldn't be an issue to continue your active lifestyle, but better to be safe than sorry. Even if you weren't active before pregnancy, it doesn't mean you can't be active once you become pregnant. Find something that works for you! • Throw out any expectations. Now is not the time to try out running an ultra for the first time or aim for a new PR. • Set goals to stay motivated, but be okay with having to slow down or adjust your goals. Be flexible! • Listen to your body! Wear a heart rate monitor to determine what pace you should be going. If you have spotting or discomfort, STOP and re-evaluate your plan! • Don't be discouraged or afraid to slow down. Your pace will probably slow down by 3-5 minutes per mile (or more!). Pre-pregnancy my comfortable pace was around 7:30. Some days I feel great around 8:45-9:00 and other days I can barely stay at 12 minute miles. Now is not the time to worry about pace. Instead, try to concentrate on staying active and being healthy for baby. • Be prepared to pee your pants! No joke, it's gonna happen. I recommend black bottoms. I try my best to plan my runs around routes that have lots of potties and bushes available (on yeah another thing I learned is to not be afraid to pee in public!). Even with proper planning, accidents happen. • Invest is proper support. As you get bigger, you'll want to get a belt or band to support your bump. I'm in love with my Bao Bei maternity band (http://baobeimaternity.bigcartel.com/). I also recommend compression socks for recovery. I love these CEP recovery socks http://www.cepcompression.com/women/socks/womens-recovery-socks. Compression socks are great for post runs and also if you have to sit for long periods of time. • Lastly, surround yourself with motivating people who support you! Whether that's joining a running group or finding other preggie runners to follow on social media, keep like minded people around you! There are so many awesome women out there! The amount of love and support I've gotten over social media has blown my mind. I'm so grateful for every comment and kind word I receive. It's what helps keep me going on days when I feel like being lazy or giving up. Hopefully this is helpful to all you running mommas/mommas-to-be!
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I can't believe I'm getting into the home stretch of this pregnancy. It's going so fast! While I've only gained 15 pounds so far and have had a very healthy pregnancy, there are some things I've been struggling with lately. I want to share some of the thoughts and things I've been wrestling with over this third trimester incase any other mommas are feeling the same things.
Backing up a little bit. It took me over 2 years to lose 75 pounds after I had my first baby. I was in absolutely the best shape of my life when I got pregnant. I weighed less than I did in high school, was below 20% body fat, and was running faster than ever before. When I became pregnant, I knew my body was going to change, but I was determined to have a healthy pregnancy and stay as active as possible. I feel like I've been pretty good at eating healthy and exercising, but the last month or so, I've been wanting to just throw in the towel and pig out every day. I've had a couple days where I did give in and ate WAY too much and felt icky the whole night because of it. Over the last couple weeks my belly has really popped, I've been more and more uncomfortable, having insomnia, and struggling as I see my face getting rounder, booty and hips getting wider and thighs begin to rub. After working so hard for 2 years getting the scale to move down and clothes to fit better, it's really mentally hard for me to see the scale move up. I know gaining weight isn't bad or the end of the world, but I'm being honest that it's a hard thing for me to warmly welcome. So, as I wrestle with these thoughts, emotions and struggles, here are some things I NEED to remind myself (probably daily!): •I am not defined by my body, weight or appearance •No matter what shape or size I am, my hubby always thinks I'm sexy •I am suppose to gain weight and I have so much less to lose than the first time •If I can lose 75 pounds once, I can lose 20-30 pounds this time •I didn't have one before, so no, I won't have a six pack 3 weeks after giving birth •Having a cheat day (or multiple cheat days) will not cause all the hard work I've put in to be completely undone •Even though I can't run as fast, I'm still able to run, which is a huge blessing •I finally have BOOBS! Enjoy them before they disappear And finally the most important thing that I need to tell myself daily (if not hourly) is.... •Being able to carry a baby is such a huge blessing! Some women struggle to carry their own children. How vain and selfish is it of me to feel that my belly and butt getting bigger is a burden! God blessed me with the responsibility of being a vessel for this precious life inside of me to grow and flourish. Nine short months of my life is nothing compared to the lifetime of pure joy this baby will bring and he will love me regardless of what my body looks like. So, I will embrace my growing body, appreciate everyday I can continue to be active, and be incredibly grateful for the opportunity God has given me to carry another baby. |
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February 2019
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