Friday, September 3, 2010

The Woes of a Running Mom

Just this morning when I was on the treadmill I was texting a running buddy and good friend of mine complaining about how much running sucks when you are pregnant and how I don't know how I'm going to make it three more months.  We ran a lot together during our last pregnancies and she is the one person I knew would understand what I'm going through.  I don't feel bad about whining to her because I know she's not thinking "well just stop running then you idiot!"  She really understands how it feels to have to run.  Literally I mean that... I HAVE to run.  EVERYDAY. 

She pointed out to me that being pregnant is a mind game.  I think this must be why I hate being pregnant.  Don't take that the wrong way, I love my kids more than anything, they are worth every bit of misery and I know there are people who would give anything to experience being pregnant, its just not something I could ever say I love.  And, I SUCK at it because it really is a mind game.  I hate not being in control and I hate all the changes, and I hate the fact that I am not the only person I am responsible for right now.  I cannot do whatever I want to my body because it is not my body right now... it belongs to someone else.  Selfish as that may sound, it's how I feel. 

Fast forward to tonight... I'm up at my mom's and the new Runner's World magazine just came.  I look forward to reading this every month, but you'll never guess what was in it this month.  A whole ten pages on pregnant runners!  To say I was thrilled is an understatement.  I have an extremely hard time slowing my pace or cutting out miles, even if my body and the baby are telling me otherwise.  Somehow reading about moms who are crazy enough to run the entire nine months just like I do motivated me and reminded me that I can do it!  Hearing how they have to slow miles by 2-3 minutes, cut way back on intensity, and even cut miles on days they just aren't feeling it made me feel so much better.  Apparently I'm not the only one!  Not only that but there was an article about some pro-marathoners that are both having babies in September and then run on a 0-gravity treadmill so they can set their body weight to whatever they want!  How awesome would that be!!  I have to carry my extra 10 pounds of baby.

Running while I was pregnant with Cole was hard on my body.  I am adamant that it made my pregnancy, labor, and recovery MUCH easier, but I've had hip problems ever since.  I think a lot of that came from pushing too hard and too long.  I'm not complaining because I love my running, but I promised myself I would take it easier this time around.  Even though there are days I can hardly walk because my back hurts so bad, I still feel so much better if I get in my run!  I know there are people that will never understand the runner's "high", but it is something I live for and one of the only things that makes my pregnancy bearable.  Without it, I'm not sure how I'd survive!

5 comments:

  1. you are amazing. really I wish I had your determination! Can't wait for this new little one!

    ReplyDelete
  2. oh p.s. I totally agree with you going private. Some people just need to grow up. Good for you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I wish I had your determination too! Seriously, if it makes you feel good, then DO IT! Especially when you are pregnant, I totally, totally understand and don't think you are selfish at all. When you're pregnant you have enough running through your mind about everyone else, so do something for you for a change!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hang in there!! :) {But I am picturing you running prego..if you know what I mean}

    ReplyDelete
  5. How interesting to read about that...... Personally I'd rather well, do a lot of other awful things than run, but I find it admirable that you're so determined to stick this out. I agree with exercise making pregnancy, delivery and recovery MUCH easier, so keep up the good work!
    Maybe one of these days I'll catch on to the running fad and might actually enjoy it, when I do I'll call on ya for some tips :)
    By the way, how's work going for ya? And sorry about your creeping co-worker.... how annoying!

    ReplyDelete