TAT CN Header

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Game Over

It kinda pains me to say it, but I think I'm all done with running for this pregnancy. My last run was nearly 2 weeks ago, at 27 weeks and some odd days, and even though I have hesitated to officially put the kibosh on it, I think I'm pretty much spent as far as the preggo running is concerned.

It's not as though this end has been abrupt; my running as of late has been sporadic at best, but I didn't want to say I was done when I felt like there were some days when running felt like good, comfortable exercise -- it just wasn't everyday. Now, though, the thought of running just doesn't feel feasible; although, I know it could be if I mustered up enough will-power, so really, I should say that the thought of running just doesn't seem appealing or comfortable right now.

I'm trying not to see this as any kind of defeat, and I'm especially fencing off the idea that I somehow failed to compete adequately with the running I did during my first pregnancy (I'm not in competition with anyone, not even myself) because, on the whole, this pregnancy has felt more exhausting than the first. And while I didn't run for as long as I did during my first pregnancy, I just have to accept that I did my best with it, and that I'll still remain active in the remaining 3rd trimester by walking daily and doing regular yoga. Neither of those activities really provides me with the same satisfaction as running does, but for now, they feel suitable.

On the whole, I just have to be thankful that I ran for as long as I did, and that I continue to be in good health and have enough energy to teach and chase after an active toddler. And who knows? Maybe a near-poopcident will prompt a few impromptu runs before this baby is born. Knowing me, and my bowels, it could very well happen!

20 comments:

Marlene said...

This is definitely not defeat! Running up until this point in your pregnancy has been no small feat, and I think it only makes sense that it became difficult to continue earlier this time since you are preggo WITH a toddler.

Leah said...

I had to stop at about the same time for my first (and only so far) pregnancy. It just wasn't fun anymore...well that was until I was a week overdue and tried to "run her out". But my husband went with me and was walking so I wasn't so much "running" as walking faster than normal.

Enjoy the rest of the pregnancy!

MCM Mama said...

Great job running as long as you did! I'm quite impressed. The second pregnancy is usually a bit more tiring because you can't just crash whenever you need to, thanks to the toddler.

Krissy said...

I am with you on this one, this second pregnancy I had to stop earlier too, I felt the same way as you are right now but think about it this way you are listening to your body and that is numero uno when it comes to building a little brain and body in there! You will be back in the swing of things so quickly after the baby arrives, no worries! I am looking forward to my first run again and that alone is an exciting feeling!

Julie D said...

Hey, I'd call it a victory for running during pregnancy at all!

Whitney said...

I think I made it to 24 weeks before I finally called it quits... it got WAY too uncomfortable after that. And then I walked until about 30 weeks... and then I was so large that my exercise was climbing up the stairs at the end of the day. And then Baby Girl came a month early!... Now it's been 5 months and I am just BARELY trying to get back into running.

SavvyFitChica said...

You have been incredibly rational and realistic all along IMO w/ both pregnancies. This is not defeat. You're listening to your body and mind and only you knows what's best. This isn't defeat. I'm proud of you!

lifestudent said...

any effort is a good one! you have done a great job as a prego runner :)

Erin said...

Before Norah you were running and training a lot harder so it was natural to carry on with her. This time around you have a toddler and are working! Your running routine with Norah is definitely different than pre-Norah.

Just remember, you have done more than a lot of pregnant women (like me who doesn't even leave the house a few days a week much less exercise). Be proud you are in excellent shape and continuing with yoga.

Wes said...

no worries. you have to go with how you feel...

Nicole @ Haute Runner said...

This is success, not defeat!! Few women could do what you did in not 1, but 2 pregnancies! You are a busy lady and your body is telling you to slow down.
Good for you for recognizing it is time to take a break. If you feel like running- great. If not, don't sweat it!!

runner26 said...

Great decision! You are being smart and listening to your body ( NOT to be underestimated! ). You'll be back running before you know it.

N.D. said...

congrats on making it so far and the good attitude!!

Jim ... 50after40 said...

Kudos to you for running at all! I don't like running when I've got a stomach ache, let alone another human brewing inside of me! I've said it before, but I have no idea how you gals do it!

Beginner Tri Baby said...

You are doing great! I'm 15 weeks pregnant with #2 and I think this time around is more difficult as well. So far so good on running although I have cut back already to 2-3 miles per day. I look forward to reading your posts every day. Keep it up!

James said...

Running while pregnant is tough for anyone. If you feel up to a run then great, but if not, no worries. Once the baby is born and you've recovered, you can start back to it.

Andy said...

I'll give you a medal for making it this far running through your pregnancy! You knew it was your time to hang the shoes up for a few months, and it is great of you to know when to say when.

Katie A. said...

Just getting all caught up!
First off, don't worry about giving up running right now, the fact that you went as long as you did is awesome! I can't imagine running with a watermellon in front of me!
Loved catching up on all the Norah stories and to hear your pregnancy is going well - just jealous you all had a vacay where you got to walk around in shorts and swim! LOL!
Have a great week!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

I know that running through a pregnancy is kind of like this badge of honor that we wear but it's really more about showing ourselves and others that we can remain active throughout our prengancies. You are doing a wonderful job! Run when and if you feel like it and do something else when you don't. Mentally you know you'll feel better for simply have done something and letting go of that "need" to say you are prego and still running.
You know your body best. Enjoy whatever you do! Even sitting on the couch simply marveling at that little one growing inside you. Those experinces are few and forever!

RunToTheFinish said...

great mindset! because you are right, our bodies change and we have to listen to them...especially with important little one's on board!