Yes, I’m a Pregnant Runner

These days I do three things. Try to find something appetizing to eat – the plague of my first trimesters. Sleep – lots. And run – as fast and as long as I can a few times each week. You see, before I found out I was pregnant I committed to a race. I even recruited a running buddy to help motivate me and keep me on track. We’re all registered for a step up from my normal 5K … we’ve got a 5-miler next Sunday! And let me tell you, 5 miles feels much longer than 3.1. 

I haven’t shared much about the race for fear that I’ll call it quits. There is nothing worse to a Type A mama than putting a lovely goal out into the universe and then a few weeks later stuttering, “Um, yeah, well that just didn’t work out.” I’m just so tired, like, I want to hibernate through this trimester kind of tired. Seriously all I can do most days is keep up with Jemma and Max. I’ll even confess that I weaseled Jemma into putting herself to bed last night saying I was too sleepy to make it upstairs with her. She was totally a good sport about it thankfully! 

Back to the race though. Lest I catch the flu or break my ankle – I’m doing it! It’s only 4 days away and I’m on track with my training. Not excelling like I had hoped, but tracking as best I can and I can honestly say I have full faith that I’ll finish.

I’ve been asked more than once why I’m not quitting my race plans. I mean, I’m pregnant, after all, everyone will understand. But I just can’t emotionally commit to letting go of this goal. And I already have my outfit so that would just be a shame to let it go to waste! It takes so much effort to train. Especially for me. The non-athlete girl who dislikes sweat. I’d say it’s stubbornness that is keeping me going, but it’s more than that. Running gets into your blood. Something about it just feels good. Feels right. 

Pause there for a moment … because, race outfits! You all know me pretty well, so you can guess that shopping for athletic wear (and all shopping in general) adds an itsy bitsy ounce of motivation to my efforts. I adore Zappos.com for shoes, clothing, accessories and more. Seriously they’ve got it all … even things I may need for baby #3! And, with free shipping and returns, you can’t go wrong! I’ve had a few outfits in the running (get it?), but I think this may be the race day winner. I went for comfort while taking potential weather fluctuation into account. 

More than anything (even more than awesome running clothes), I’m proud of myself for sticking with this goal. And I’ll say that forever when it comes to exercise. Because it’s just not like me to run or compete. Which mean if you think you can’t, you probably can! Never ever ever in 100 years did I think I’d be able to run 5 miles. But I can. I look tired at the end, but not near death. It’s been a stepping stone of practice; first intervals – running 1 minute at a time, then 3 and 5 and 10. Now I aim more for distance and pace, lengthening my stride and slowing my breathing. It’s been a work of diligence that clears my mind and strengthens my body. Both things I need as a mom.

Toss in the pregnancy factor and none of that really changes. If anything, I need a clear mind and a strong body more. This will by far be my healthiest pregnancy and that makes me so happy. I didn’t exercise at all before Jemma or during my pregnancy with her. And my only exercise pre-Max and during that pregnancy was chasing after Jem. This race is just a small part of my commitment to personal health. At some point I’ll slow my running to less jostling exercise like weights, swim and yoga. But I still plan to be active. It’s my commitment to my family and myself; to take care of my body so I can better take care of each of them. 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.