Moving and Blogging

Evidently it's easier to just start a new blog when you change your gmail address.  And, I suppose it was time.  So much has changed:  quitting job for a new stay at home mom job, taking care of a 1 year old, being pregnant with #2, living frugal...etc.

I'm now posting semi-regularly at http://detoursandspeedbumps.blogspot.com/.

Chilly 5K 2012

Still hammering out the details of my 2012 goals, but regardless I decided to start it off with a New Years Day race - the Chilly 5K in Joplin, MO.  It was a fun event with 300+ participants and chili at the finish.  It runs (hehe) from the North YMCA to the South YMCA.  Point to point races are always good - no duplication of scenery (the course was through part of the May 2011 tornado devastation, which has a way of putting your pain into perspective as well).  It wasn't flat, but not terribly hilly either.  The wind was at our back for 2/3 of the race which was awesome.  The man offered to pace me to what we hoped would be a post baby PR.  At the start of the race I was pretty unsure and had stomach issues.  We finally got going and I was able to let go of some of my nervous energy.  The first mile was pretty good.  The second mile my lungs were hurting.  The third mile my body chimed in, but I was still able to kick a little in the end and finished in 23:41.8.  A little less than 2 seconds off my overall PR at 6 months post baby.  This made me happy.  :-)
The stats (just for fun):  73rd out of 306 overall; 16th out of 160 women; 2nd in my age group; 7:37minute/mile pace.
I have to admit it was fun (and hard).  Now I'm anxious to get out on a flat, fast course on a day I feel good and see if I can break my PR.  Also planning to go back to doing speedwork and see where it takes me.
Here's a pic taken a few yards from the finish line where I look the least like I'm going to collapse (but, there was an ambulance there if I did!!): 

Till next time - Run on!

Chanti

I love to run...

Truly I do, really love it.  Especially on those days when everything just feels right.  You are able to clear your brain from the 'piles' of things you feel that you should be doing - laundry, cooking, cleaning, even spending time with family to carve out that little piece for yourself.  Those days when the weather is your perfect temp (whatever that may be).  Mine seems to be around 35-40 degrees - crisp and cool.  Your body feels good, no real aches and pains (at least tolerable levels).  On those days running is easy to love.
Luckily, I've had a few of those runs lately.  Not enough that I'm dying to get out the door every single day, but enough that some days I am chomping at the bit to get a run in.  Today is one of those days.
Being able to run through pregnancy was awesome, but it was also hard and I didn't have those perfect runs for whatever reason.  Being able to run with this:

is a total treat, but I admit it's hard to have a perfect run when you are busy protecting your precious cargo from the yahoos out on the streets.  Not to mention the extra weight - great for making you stronger, but not so light and free.  Days when B can keep M and I'm able to just go sans stroller I feel bouncy.  I'm definitely not complaining.  I want all the days, but I just really want to appreciate those few that really keep me coming back and leave me feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and healthy. 

These thoughts were all leading me up to the fact that I don't have a routine anymore.  I don't have a goal anymore.  I don't have a plan for those days when I don't want to get out the door.  M is 5-1/2 months old.  I think it's time.  Just running when I want too or can find the time was great for a while, but I think it's time to get more serious.  I know that my schedule as a running mother will have to be flexible, but flexible is better than non-existent.  Right?  So, what's the plan?  What should I train for?  5K, 10K, 1/2, marathon?  Initial thought is marathon training is too time consuming for now.  So, focus on a 1/2 or work on that 5K PR?  This is what's on my mind.  Time will tell what I decide. 

Till then, run on.

Legs & Lager 5K

Ok, so posts are few and far between, but that's not because I don't have things to say.  Time just slips away these days.  Mostly thanks to M:

But, I wouldn't change that for the world.  Then, there are the holidays to prepare for and in-laws moving back to town.  Anyway, I'm going to try to get back into the swing of things.  I thought to begin I would back track to the last race I did - Legs & Lager 5K.  B and I both did this run sans stroller thanks to Great Granny coming to stay with M.  Pre-race we decided to do some warm up running on the single track just off the Greenways trail that the race was being run on.  That all went well and good.  (Running single track and not falling is a little unusual for me - hehe).  We realized we had some more time so we decided to go around the block prior to race start.  About 1/2 way around we hear the 5 minutes till race and decide to head back and take the short cut on the old railroad track.  I cut the corner short and hit a hole where there evidently was a post at some point, but was covered with leaves and down I went.  Lovely, always good to start a race bloody and bruised.  It probably looked worse than it was.  I got some sympathy from fellow racers prior to the start which is always nice.  ;-)  I gave B a kiss then went to line up close to the back since I'm not feeling very speedy as of late (or ever really - ha).  The gun went off and we took off.  I made sure not to go out too fast.  Managed to pick off a few peeps on the way out, then distracted myself by cheering the race leaders (including B) on their way back.  I finally made it to the turn around and realized I still felt pretty good.  Had a bit of a mental let down when the slight turn in the trail was not the one closest to the end as I had thought.  Luckily my pride at just having passed a couple people and B cheering me on allowed me to keep pace until the end.  Finished in 24:47.  I took another minute off my post-baby time.  Only one more minute to take off before I'm back to pushing for a new PR.  Whoohoo.  Considering my sporadic running schedule lately I'll take it.

Till next time - run on.

Rails to Trails with Baby

We perfected using the Burley with a carseat during our chill Monday Night rides, but doing a long ride still seemed a stretch for a 4 month old.  Last weekend we decided to take a chance and see how it would go.  We found what looked to be a decent surfaced trail that runs from Springfield to Boliver:  The Frisco Highline Trail.  We decided to do the 20 miles from Walnut Grove to Boliver, grab lunch, then head back with hopes the break in between would fit with feeding time.The first 16 or so miles she was a perfect passenger alternating between napping and sightseeing and 'talking'.  We stopped as soon as she showed signs of crabbiness.  Turns out I dressed her a little warm and she didn't need the blanket I had swaddled over her legs.  We opened up the Burley and removed the blanket and she was a happy kid again, amusing us and our friends with talking and laughing while we stretched and reorganized.  The next few miles she mostly napped.  I changed and fed her when we got to Boliver, then we ate.  She fussed for a bit when we strapped her back in so we made another pit stop at Wal-mart to make sure everything was OK before heading on.  Pretty sure she just felt the need to fight sleep.  She crashed and stayed asleep until we were about 5 miles from the car.  At that point she woke up and talked to us until we got back.  At the car we changed her diaper and clothes (from excessive drool) and fed her again.  She was a happy baby.  So, another successful mission.  I think what I learned is she can do it, but it will be day to day (minute to minute) if she wants to do it and we just need to be able to accommodate.
Side note on the trail - most of the surface was pretty great with small gravel and the fall leaves made it very pretty.  There were a few rough patches, but nothing unmanageable (even pulling the Burley).  There are a lot of bridges on the section we rode and a few cattle guards, but we went slow and the bumps weren't terrible.  A few miles were paved right before Boliver, but the trail doesn't actually go into Boliver.  We had about 3 miles on outer roads & fairly busy city streets to find something to eat.  For normal riders this would be fine, but I'm still pretty nervous about having the Burley and my baby out on the roads.  We have plans to do it again this spring, but may just take a picnic lunch.  :-)      

Pumpkin Run 5 mile - a Family run

Still just getting back into somewhat consistent running post-baby so when the topic of the Pumpkin Run came up I was hesitant.  I knew I could make it 5 miles (well, pretty sure anyway), but I was concerned about 5 miles pushing a stroller with hills.  So B and I decided we'd do a family run and have the option of taking turns with the stroller...and it was a good thing we did!!  Our little Mira, who generally likes the stroller and/or sleeps decided to throw a bit of a fit about 2 miles in.  We walked for a bit and I picked her up and consoled her.  We put her back in the stroller and took off.  About 3 miles in she was fussy again so we decided to stop and try a diaper change.  It helped for a bit, but then I knew she had decided she was hungry...sigh.  So, about mile 3-1/2 I put my nursing wrap on and proceeded to walk and nurse the little bugger.  It was just what she needed and let me tell you she was hungry!  She nursed while we walked at a decent clip for over a mile, then for a while longer till we got a good burp.  We were able to get her snuggled up in her stroller again and cross the finish line running (at a disturbing 1:08).  Regardless of our time, it was a beautiful day shared with other friends doing something we love.   

Mother Road 5K

Joplin held it's own little marathon for the 2nd year.  The plan was to go out and support some friends, but at the last minute I found out the company I work for sponsored the 5K portion of the event and had a few slots left to fill for FREE.  Seriously, you can't pass up a free run right?  (Ha, even though every day is technically a free run)!  The downer was that no strollers were allowed, but B said he would watch Mira while I ran (and skip running himself) so that was appreciated!!  We left the house with plenty of time to get there, then as we are on the way I realized I forgot my number and chip - oops!  So, we went back to get it and they dropped me off as close as possible to race start about 10 minutes before the gun.  Oh well, who needs that last bathroom break anyway.  I was in the back of the pack and didn't realize how many people were in front of me.  I knew my actual time would be based off my chip anyway so I didn't worry about pushing my way to the front.  Once I hit the line I started running and realized I had made a mistake - it was a serious traffic jam for the first 1/2 mile.  I weaved and hopped and swerved my way to clear territory and finally found my pace by mile 1.  At about mile 2 I began to question if that pace had possibly been a little fast, but I saw a friend up ahead and made my way towards him.  The way back was a slight incline and into the wind.  The friend slowed, but I was able to maintain.  I kept up pace through the finish and was pretty happy with my time...considering.  To put it in perspective this is my first 5K after giving birth 14 weeks ago that I was not pushing a stroller.  Pushing a stroller a couple weeks ago on a hilly course I ran a 30:45.  Not pushing a stroller on a flatter course with lots of traffic my chip time was 25:43 - whoohoo!  There is progress!  Hopefully once I get off the extra 10-12lbs of baby weight I'll be able to shave off a couple more minutes.  (fingers crossed!)

Some interesting tidbits about the race:

1.  I was 2nd in my age group (35-39)

2.  The top 3 women were excluded from age group wins

3.  Two of the top three were in my age group

4.  I was ranked 7th woman overall (clock time)

5.  By chip time I was 6th woman overall

6.  The only women's age group I would not have won (besides my own) based on chip time was 25-29

7.  It was a 25-29 overall winner

I'm not trying to point out that I rock, but that women in my age group ROCK!  Who said it's men that get better with age!  I won't even get into how many men this age group of women beat.  ;-)

Till next time - run on!

First bike ride for baby Mira

We finally decided to take Mira out for her first bike ride.  She was 10 weeks old and had been going on runs since she was 5 weeks old.  The problem was that she was too small for the Burley.  So it was time to improvise.  We were able to strap her car seat into the Burley, but it still had some wobble to it.  A couple of narrow pillows off our sofa placed on each side of the carseat proved to be perfect!  She was snug as a bug in a rug.  She was a little tentative at first, but was happy as a lark once we got going.

Since B is the stronger rider (and just a stud in general - hehe) he took on transporting duties.  I was the overprotective mommy that followed her and monitored traffic from behind.  ;-)

Overall the ride was a huge success.  She enjoyed it and B and I were able to get out and pedal some.  

She's been on one ride since and another ride planned for tonight - hoping it goes just as well.  :-)

Till next time - ride on.

Dash to the Bash 5K

I hesitate to say Mira completed her first 5K because technically she has done a few - they were all just inside my belly.  I also hesitate because someday she will run her own first 5K (I hope).  So, I'm going to call this our first mother & daughter team 5K.  Not bad for not quite 12 weeks old.  ;-)
The course had some hills and the mom had some aches, but we still eeked out a 9:55 average pace for a 30:45 finish time.  Not what I had hoped, but not terrible either.
So now what will our next goal be??  That's what us runners do right?  We set goals.  Sometimes it's just to finish, sometimes it's a PR, for now I'm working on post-baby PRs and eventually I'll get back to just PRs.  Our next run is a 5 mile Pumpkin run on October 22 - I think my goal for that one is going to be to have fun!  But, our next 5K is planned for November 19 (as long as it ends up being stroller friendly).  That's the one I want to shoot for a time goal.  My thoughts are getting down to the 28 range, anywhere in the 28 range - like 28:59 is acceptable!  The man thinks I should be shooting for 26 - I think he's on something, but we shall see.  We're adding in those faster runs on Wednesdays, they might help.  But I think I should get a two minute handicap for pushing the stroller - don't they do something like that in golf??
Time will tell.
Till next time - run on!

Trying to hang

Note:  this post is from 9/22/11

Running is coming along.  Officially 11 weeks after the birth of Mira.  I'm able to run about 5 days of the week, usually 3-4 miles each.  My longest run was 6 miles last Saturday.  Not sure what my fastest run has been, I guess it's about time to start wearing a Garmin again and see where I actually am.  I do know I'm quicker when Brooke or Brady pushes the stroller!  ;-)
Last night I decided I would try to tag along with Brady and Robert for their run - which can be fast even when I'm in shape.  I hung with them for a little over a mile then opted to take the stroller and slow into a more comfortable pace for the final 2 miles.  They are planning to do these runs more often.  I'm planning to try to hang with them longer each time until I can run the whole distance WHILE pushing the stroller!  :-)
For now I'm happy to be back out on the roads.  Eventually I'll regain speed and possibly a more consistent running schedule (right now I try to run mornings, but when Mira doesn't cooperate we push it off till noon or even after work).
This weekend will be my first test - a 5K Saturday night.  It will be my first since the one I ran the day I went into labor.  My goal at this point is only to beat that time, especially since I'll be pushing an adorable baby in a rocking stroller.

I'm back...kind of

I have definitely let the blog go...so much has happened that I need to document, but time has just flown by.
I think I will start with just a short summary of things I would like to capture before they blur in my memory.

The List from oldest to newest:

1.  June 13 - floating Spring River while 35 weeks preggo
2.  June 15 - preggo pics taken
3.  June 18 - baby shower bbq hosted by the greatest friends
4.  July 4 - Boom Run 5K in the AM - went into labor with baby girl in PM
5.  July 5 - Mira Nyx born at 3:30AM!!!!!! via emergency C-section - healthy baby girl 5lbs 9oz 18" long - 2 weeks early
6.  July 17 - 1st bike ride post baby - 12 miles
7.  July 31 - hiking at Roaring river with Mira
8.  Aug 11 - 5 weeks post baby 2 mile run
9.  Aug 26 - Colorado with Mira (first flight) for USA Pro Cycling Challenge Stage 5 & 6
10.  Sept 4 - week total of 20 miles running, including a 5 miler in 5 fingers
11.  Sept 12 - Mira's first bike ride in the Burley trailer
11.  Sept 14 - back to work and missing my little girl  :-(

Stay tuned...

Also, thinking this blog may change up a bit and have more stuff (not just running).  Need to look at how to categorize things- any thoughts on that?

Starry Night 5K at 33 weeks pregnant

Last Monday I had a so, so 3.5 mile run.  Friday morning I had an OK 3.25 mile run, but it still required walking.  Pretty sure both were in 10:30 - 11min/mile pace.

So, Saturday came and I was feeling skeptical about whether I should attempt a 5K that night.  The fact that it was for a good cause won me over and we headed to Joplin.  Decided on a grilled cheese & cranberry limeaide from Sonic as the perfect pre-race dinner.  We got to race start around an hour early and registered then chatted up with friends until start time.  There seemed to be great attendance for a first annual event.  Everyone was stoked about doing a night run.  We were all outfitted with glow in the dark arm bands in either pink, purple, or yellow.  The course was lined with luminaries.  It was still humid, but tolerable by the 8:30pm race start.  After prayer and the National Anthem the 10K racers were started followed shortly by the 5K racers.  I picked a place near the back and fielded more questions on whether I planned to walk or run and how far along I was.  (My answer was "whatever my body feels like doing" & of course "33 weeks" - per the title).  We got going and I realized the hard packed gravel was treating my belly a little more gently than the pavement.  I felt good and proceeded to unintentionally 'pick-off' people.  I grabbed a swig of water at the 1ish mile mark to make sure I stayed hydrated.  As I left that water station I started seeing the top 5K runners on their way back.  I yelled 'good job' to them all & chatted with people I passed to make sure I was staying within my 'able to have a conversation' zone.  I made it to the 1-1/2 mile turn around, then grabbed another swig of water at the 2ish mile mark.  Heading back in was surreal - pitch dark on a tree lined trail with only luminaries on the sides and lots of swinging circles of glowing light (our glow in the dark arm bands) then into the lights of the finish line.  It was a pretty impressive finish line for a 5K, but at night it was even more awesome.  With the music and the announcer and the fans it felt more like finishing a marathon.  My time was 31:30 - the best pace and best run I've had in weeks.  I felt like I could keep going, but was also happy it was over so I could have a bathroom break!  I downed two bottles of water, an orange, and a snocone as we watched the rest of the 5K finishers and the 10K finishers come in (the winner of that race came in right behind me!).  

The highlights of the night were all of the positive words about continuing to run I received (sometimes people outside of the running community don't understand the desire to continue running into pregnancy) and seeing such a great event in Joplin so soon after all the destruction.  This race was the first of a 3 race night time series.  The next race is called A Midsummer Night's 5K & 10K run on July 9 then the Blue Moon 5K & 10K on August 13.  I think even if I have to walk it, I would like to get back out there on July 9 (baby permitting of course).  Time will tell.  :-)

Running at 32 weeks pregnant

Just another quick update.  Still getting out the door occasionally.  (Although yoga has turned into my go to preggo exercise - luckily I have found a couple challenging videos that I like and work for me right now.)

So, running - I did 3.5 miles yesterday and walked about .5 of it.  The running (if you can call it that) was very slow.  The man ran with me and actually had a Garmin on so I know how slow I've gotten.  10:30 was average pace, my body preferred 11's and my legs preferred 10's.  They compromised, but I don't think they will continue to do so for much longer.  I think my legs will have to take pleasure from biking and spinning for a while.  I will say that using a maternity band has helped, heat has not.  Drinking on the run exacerbates the need to pee, but not drinking in this weather is not really an option.  I did have at least 1.5 miles of pleasure during the jaunt and that will keep me getting out there.  The plan is to try again tomorrow morning - we shall see how it goes.  :-)

Another note, as of the last couple weeks my longest tanks are starting to show a little belly.  I guess that's not bad considering they are just normal tanks and not maternity.  So, we found a Reebok tank from Motherhood Maternity this weekend.  I don't love the fabric and it's a little long, but it will help get me through.  I like the separation between the boobs & the belly so that it doesn't look like one big blob - that's nice for a pregnant lady.  We need to not feel like blobs as much as possible!  :-)

Running at 30 weeks preggo

Just a quick update on running - still doing it.
I have had 2 decent runs, & 2 not as great runs this week.  Kind of sinking in that not all days will be good for running and walking is alright too.  Just getting out there is an accomplishment and the fresh air always does me good.
Biggest issues with continuing to run are bladder/pelvic pressure & sore feet.
Downhills are no longer my friend since they put some extra pounding on the bladder.  On days when it's just 'the need to pee' pain I'm doing OK.  On days when there is pressure and pain in the pelvis (think needle poking pain - not excruciating, just irritating) there is walking.
Taking smaller strides helps reduce all my bladder pain.  Heel striking helps with the pressure on my feet.
Slowing down helps with everything.

So, slow and steady and taking it easy when my body says so, I'm going to try to keep up this mental release during my pregnancy.  Only 10 more weeks!  :-)

Scolding

I really did not see this one coming.  I've talked to the doctor before about my exercise - including biking.  I've cut back on my exercise.  I make sure I can carry on a conversation while exercising.  I stay hydrated.  I take care of myself and therefore my baby.  I am well educated regarding exercise and pregnancy.

So the appointment yesterday...

(Picture doctor standing in front of you with hands on hips and snarky attitude.)

Doctor - I saw you rode your bike to the last appointment.

Me - Yes.

Doc - Exactly how much are you biking?

Me - Commuting 4 miles/day, Monday bike ride of around 10 miles...(luckily I got no further than this or she might have blown a gasket)

Doc - I'm concerned about your center of balance and riding long miles...increasing your chance of falling or pre-term labor..

Husband - What causes pre-term labor?

Doc - Overheating, she needs to take it easy

Husband - She has been taking it easy, she's cut down from her pre-pregnancy mileage by over 50%

Doc - She's not pre-pregnant, she's pregnant (Really??  Hadn't noticed that one...)

Doc - More 'talking at us' about falling and taking it easy and overheating...

Doc - You've only gained .5lbs since your last appointment.

Me - No, I've gained about 3lbs - last time I was here I was wearing boots; this time I'm wearing sandals.

Doc - Overall your weight gain is fine and your measurements are where they should be (like I said...)

There was more I'm sure - that's the gist of it though.  Basically she said biking is unsafe for me now.  Mostly annoyed with her approach.  Going to blame it on her having a bad day, just being cautious, etc...

There are so many sides to this issue though.

Negatives:

Overheating - since it's hotter this could be an issue.  It leads to dehydration so I have been monitoring the color of my urine closely.  But, honestly it's just as big of an issue with running, walking, anything outdoors when it's 90 degrees and she didn't mention any of those.

Falling - there is always a risk of falling when on a bike no matter how careful you are.  But, there is some danger in anything we do or any form of transportation we use.  I am conscious about the fact that I could fall, but I also don't feel that my center of balance is really 'off'.  Maybe it will be, but currently it isn't.  I feel safe on my bike or I wouldn't do it.  

Out of my control factors - other cyclists, animals, and vehicles.  

Positives:

Normal exercising during pregnancy benefits - more energy, better mood, better sleep, easier labor and even possibly healthier heart for baby.

Other factors:

Safer/as safe as cars?? - more pregnant women die in car accidents than birth complications.  In addition, odds of dying in a car accident are 1/88, while odds of dying in a bicycling accident are 1/4717 per the NSC.  Now, that's not taking into account the fetus.  Evidently states are not required to track fetus deaths when reporting accidents.  They estimate 300 - 1000 per year.  More than 4X the death rate of infants & children up to 4 years. Mostly due to steering wheel and improper use of seat belt.

I should state it seems the big worry with falls off a bike or with an automobile accident is detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall - causing the fetus to lose oxygen.  I read it accounts for 80% of fetal loss in automobile accidents.  

So, what to do, what to do????

Baby comes first.  Cycling seems safer than driving a car.  Slow commuting seems appropriate on an upright bike.  Biking on trails away from traffic seems OK.  Road riding may be out for now.  Tonight is Thursday and I generally ride roads, but it is a hilly course with no shoulders so why take the chance I guess.  Planning to take my trainer and ride in the parking lot while the man bikes then go for an off road run with him.  

3rd Trimester 5K

It wasn't on the calendar, but running a 5K seemed like a good way to get me out of bed on a Saturday to run.  I am around 20lbs over my pre-preggo weight and my running has slowed, but I still thought it would be fun to get out and run with a group.  The hardest part was knowing that I couldn't push it.  Knowing that I couldn't chase down that 'rabbit'.  This was going to just be a run and my goal was to finish and make sure I didn't overexert.

It was the Dogwood 5K in Neosho, MO.  A friend told me about it on Friday, otherwise I wouldn't have heard about it at all.  I was expecting the typical 5K turnout for this area (30-50 runners).  Turned out to be around 120 runners in total - that was a happy surprise - the more the merrier!  It's a great idea - $8 to pre-register, and $10 day of race - no t-shirt, just a nice size dogwood to all finishers - awesome!

Race started at 9am and I took off.  We headed south (into a pretty strong wind).  I found my pace pretty quickly, continually telling myself to not go out to fast.  No garmin so it was all by feel.  After about a mile we made a turn east and up a hill.  This is where you found out who hadn't been telling themselves not to go out too fast!  I was able to pick off a few people just by not walking up the first hill.  We made a turn back south for around a block before curving back east and back up hill.  Again, a few more people fell behind.  Then, the turn North, wind at our backs, rolling hills, dogwoods in bloom on a beautiful day.  It felt great.  I passed the 2 mile mark (twice within a block - not sure which one was correct, but it didn't really matter).  Shortly after 2 miles I felt the baby moving and then the dreaded pressure on the bladder.  It hit hard for a minute, then let off, a sigh of relief was felt.  I kept focus on the four people directly ahead of me and just tried to keep my pace steady.  It didn't seem like any time before we were turning west to the final stretch - all downhill.  I sped up some, shook out my arms and bounded down the last hill into the finish corral.  I stopped long enough to have my number ripped off then straight to the bathroom!  My internal goal had been to finish in under 30 minutes and the man informed me that I had so I was happy.  Running for more than 2 miles without a bathroom or walk break at this point in pregnancy is a great run.  Eventually I'll find out my actual time, but regardless it was a great race.

Still thinking about doing a 10K in a couple weeks - we will see if the body likes that idea or not.  :-)

Good news for baby

I've read and read and read about exercise during pregnancy.  Even after making the decision to continue to run and bike while pregnant you still question the decision with each little ache and pain.  I read something in the New York Times today that makes me feel even better about the decision.  So, not only is it good for mommy and make for easier delivery and labor, but it could be beneficial to our babies heart - win, win!  :-)

Preggo running take 2

I was 26 weeks on Wednesday and I'm still running.  It's getting less and less comfortable, but mostly due to the constant need to pee.  I'm definitely not ready to throw in the towel though.  Since it is only pressure on the bladder, I've been trying mind games to keep me from thinking about it so much.  I figure I'm going to have to get pretty dang good at the mind games if I intend to do this whole "natural birth" thing.

When I look back over the past couple weeks I'm really pretty pleased with my performance.  There have been set backs and I haven't always met my self imposed goals.  However, that's the nice thing about this pregnancy thing - my REAL goal is to have a happy, healthy baby.  That means it doesn't matter if I run 4.5 miles or 6 (as happened this morning since I just wasn't feeling it).  Pretty sure one reason I 'wasn't feeling it' was because I rode 22 hilly miles on my road bike last night (and did an hour of spin yesterday morning & commuted to work).  It's always a challenging course, but it's more so when pregnant and having that constant need to breath and stuff.  Not losing your breath on the hills is a challenge, but doable if you have really low gears.  I do, and I use them.  And, I ride smarter than I have before.  I give a kick on the down hill to make sure I have plenty of steam to get me up the next one.  It works.  More legs, less lungs.  

Wednesday I was able to run 6.  Tuesday was spinning.  Monday I felt off and skipped my run, but still did our Monday night chill ride (only 8 miles, slow on trails to encourage beginners).  Sunday was 2 hours of mountain biking - pretty easy single track - preggo friendly.  Saturday was only 4 miles and riding to and from prenatal class.  The week before looked fairly similar. There was also the occasional yoga (twice a week) and daily commuting.  How can I not be happy with that.  :-)

Gotta run

(forgot to hit "Publish Post" so I'm posting this delayed)

Yep, I'm still running.  However, I don't go out with the intention of running 4 miles, or 6 miles.  My intention seems always how to get to the nearest bathroom.  And, my criteria for what constitutes a bathroom is changing..  For instance, the bathroom on the Monday 4 mile run was behind a building in a park.  Generally this wouldn't be acceptable, but when you gotta go it works.  The 6 mile run on Wednesday I only stopped once at the Y - that's pretty impressive for me.  Today, I ran 6 of Brooke's 12 with her.  We had one stop at her house, then one impromptu on the side of the road with her and Greyson standing guard.  Unfortunately, I was in such a hurry I forgot I had tucked my gloves in my shorts so they are now MIA, but it was worth it.
Overall, I can't complain.  I'm 24 weeks and still able to run and this makes me happy.   I have no real idea the pace I've been making Brooke run the past couple weeks, but I know it's not speedy.  It's sure nice to have company though!

Still plodding along

My running has still been hit and miss between travel to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and the minor aches, pains, and fatigue of pregnancy.  But, it's still happening and right now I'm going to consider that good.
I'm not going to catch back up completely (b/c to be honest I didn't keep great records), but lets start with last Friday and go from there.  I was able to get in a 4 mile run prior to work.  Saturday we went to Tulsa for the man to race bikes.  He took the time and energy to ride with me for 40 minutes (a couple hours before his race). Between that and walking the dogs on the course to cheer him on I considered Saturday semi-successful (considering we were on the road).  Sunday he raced again.  I only managed to run a couple miles in between his laps (mostly b/c it was colder than anticipated and I hadn't brought the right clothes).  However, in order to get the best views of his race I hiked up and down the side of the dam 3 times and let me tell you it was steep!  So, not as much as I would like, but there was movement.
Monday started off good with a 6.5 mile run with Brooke in the cold.  I have to say, I got a sun burn on Saturday and that made getting up to run in "feels like" 24 degree weather a whole lot harder.  Not to mention it started raining on us prior to the finish.  At least I had good company!  Unfortunately, I also had chaffing.  Not sure if it was the wet or just an ill fitting jog bra, but I must remedy the situation.  Once you get some it's very hard to keep it at bay with something continually rubbing it.  Argh.
Today was back to spin class.  Hoping tomorrow leads to another run, and Thursday another spin class.  Friday we head to Port Aransas for a pre-baby getaway.  We've rented a tandem to cruise around town and if that's the only exercise I get I will be happy, but a run on the beach might be nice as well.  We'll just have to see.  :-)

Till next time - run on!
Chanti