Pregnant Running Must Have and Tips

Although this is our 3^rd child this is the first time that I have run while pregnant.  When I first found out I was pregnant I searched the web for “Pregnancy running gear”, “Pregnancy running clothes”, followed by “Cheap maternity running clothing”,  “Pregnancy running tips”, etc.. I wanted to find out what I could to set myself up for success.  As helpful as the information was each pregnancy is different and I soon realized that I would be learning as I went.  I am 28 weeks along in the start of 3^rd trimester and I ran 4 HILLY miles yesterday.  This is SUCCESS in my mind.  I am not comparing myself to anyone.  I am celebrating each day that I am able to train in the sport I love.  Along the way I have come across what I am calling Pregnancy Must-Haves.  This is my short list; if something on it helps you while running pregnant it was worth posting. 

Pregnant Running Must Haves:

Support for the Girls:

Moving Comfort has SAVED me.  Having never been a big girl in the upper region I did not know what to do with my new assets.  Moving comfort had the solutions.  I wear my Juno and Fiona bras for all my runs, so much better than doubling up on constricting sports bras.  The hooks in the back make the bras much easier to get in and out of as the bump grows.  And they have SALES online HERE .

Comfortable pants:

I know many women are resistant to convert to maternity pants, if you can fit in your regular workout gear more power to you.  I have not been that lucky.  I also do not have the budget for high priced gear.  I was lucky to find pants I love at Old Navy and Motherhood Maternity.  I think 2-3 pairs is enough, but I am only running about 2-3 times weekly.

LONG tops:

Tugging to keep a top down is the WORST!  Thankfully the styles right now seem to be headed toward longer lengths.  I have had success going up a size at TJMaxx, Ross, Marshalls, and the like.  Clearance racks are great.  My worst fear is ruining my favorite tops because I try to stretch myself into them. 

I am in love with my t-shirt from Run Like a Mother BUY HERE, the top that my buddy Zoe made for me and the decals sent by my friend Mandy to add to a clearance top I found.  It is FUN to wear something that lets the world know you are bumping.

"This is not a speed bump, and I am not slowing down."

Tall Baby Runner On Board

Sweating for Two

Compression socks:

As I gain weight I notice the stress on my calves and feet.  Compression socks have kept me from mid-run cramping and aided in recovery after runs.  It is getting hotter which makes me a bit nervous, but I may need to keep wearing the tall socks for the support.  My favorite compression socks are sold by The Recovery Sock

Support Belt:

I bought mine at a consignment shop for $12, since it does not go directly on my skin I was not worried about second hand.  I highly recommend scoping out local consignment shops and sales for items like this to save some $$.  The style I got was similar to the Motherhood Maternity style.   

I don’t wear the top strap.  What I LOVE it the back-support, the breathable fabric on the back and the easily adjustable waist.  I don’t love how it makes mid-run bump photos look, but I feel like the extra support has kept baby girl off my bladder.  Also the belt keeps my under tank top down and pants up, double bonus!!

Running Buddy Support:

As you get slower you may feel like you are holding back your partner. DON’T!  That person agreed to run with you and is there for YOU!  Having someone there is important (especially as you enter 3rd trimester), don’t feel guilty, enjoy the company it will keep you from solely-focusing on your ever-present bundle of joy bouncing on your front-side (and your bladder).

I slow him down and he supports me.... TRUE LOVE!!

Good Shoes:

Pregnancy is not the time to test new shoes.  If you have a brand/style that is your old faithful keep with it.  I love my Brooks Adrenalines, I have not even thought about putting on any minimal support shoes since I have been pregnant.  My feet are flattening and widening as the weight increases making supportive shoes all the more crucial.

Tall Mom Pregnant Running Tips:

• 1.      Take credit for every movement.  I run, jog, walk, etc. I keep my Garmin on and record the final mileage and finish time regardless because I am proud of what I have done!!

• 2.      Pace does not matter.  As a competitive person I find myself fixating on my Garmin at time, willing it to move back to a lower pace….but now is not the time for that.  No one cares how fast I am running.  I am running for myself and my baby not to set any speed goals. 

• 3.      Set yourself a goal of time/distance/etc. going in, but be prepared to through that goal out if your body does not respond.  This is NOT the time to push through the pain.

• 4.      Give yourself a BREAK.  If there is anything I have learned while running during pregnancy it is that my body is very fickle.  I can set out with the best of intentions and quickly realize that it is not going to work that day.  Running 2 days in a row does not work for me and that is OK.  There will be days I think I am DONE running, then follow it up with an amazing 5 miler a couple days later. 

• 5.      Use Bodyglide everywhere!

• 6.      Drink water, then more water, and more water. This will help with cramping and keep you moving on your runs.  I will drop in a Nuun tab every once in a while for some added electrolytes.

• 7.      Start and end your runs at a bathroom and use it before and after.  The unpredictability of internal NEEDS has been a tough adjustment for me.  When nature calls I want to know how far I am from the nearest facility (or bush if in dire need). 

• 8.      Take photos of your pregnant running.  I have really enjoyed looking back at my mid-run bump shots.  Maybe it is vain, I do love having my photo taken, but I think of it as an addition to my pregnant running journal.

• 9.      Keep a record of your workouts.  I love using DailyMile (find me HERE) it helps me keep track of walking, hiking, running, etc. and is also a very supportive community.  The comments that people leave on my runs make me smile and remind me that what I am doing is “inspiring.”  I also have a simple week by week spreadsheet for the 40 weeks of my pregnancy where I record my mileage and little notes about the week.

• 10.  Take care of yourself and your little one!  That is the most important tip I can give you. 

I am sure there are plenty of things I have missed.  So drop additional tips in the comments.  Sending Positive Vibes your way!!  Pregnancy update and more photos coming soon!!

Seahawks 5K and 27 weeks

This week has been tough for the running community and the world.  I am blessed to have a friend in Boston who I could connect with and focus my love toward..  This week my runs were dedicated to all those impacted by the tragedy.

2.62 miles run at 26.2 weeks pregnant..

When I picked out my outfit for the SeaHawks Glow 5K I did not have too many options, imagine my surprise when the Nike top I wore after I finished Boston in 2011 fit and covered my ample 27 week bump.. I wore my Boston 26.2 necklace under the top and spent most of the run people watching and relishing being a part of such an amazing community..



The BONUS was running the 5K with Tall Sister.  We were supposed to run the St. Paddys 5K together in March but I came down with a horrible cold.  Today we chatted through the whole race and had a great time... I counted 5 dogs, 4 jogging strollers and a handful of tiny boys smaller than LS #1 passing us.. I was not worried about pace...this race was to be with my sister, get a workout and have fun. We Finished at 33:31 which is about 10:40 pace which we were both happy with!!

Before the race, baby Q even made the photo..

It rained a bit but I felt comfortable..  After the race I felt my little lady jumping on my bladder so we took a pit stop, went to get coffee to warm up, then went shopping for a bit in nearby stores.  I really liked the location and the overall logistics of the race.. and the course was FLAT which was great!

After the race.. It rained a little and we were getting chilly..

Funny the last time Tall Sister and I ran a 5K race we ended up posing in front of the same backdrop..

Hoping I can get this shape back by next Fall.

To follow with my Tall Baby growth journal I will be 27 weeks tomorrow.

 

Cravings: Waffles with whipped cream and berries, Ice Cream and tater tots....not great for weight gain.  Really trying to keep my diet in check but the HUNGER is extreme.  I eat a lot of fruits, veggies, nuts, grains, etc. to keep me satisfied.

 

Running: I ran 3 times this week and felt GREAT!!  My support belt has been a great help and keeping the distance low makes for easier recovery.  I am still around 10:15-10:45 pace, although I don't obsess if I need to walk.

 

Sleep: Overall sleep is good, I am cherishing it as I know what having a newborn can bring.  I could do without the creepy and vivid dreams which are a result of interrupted sleep.  The fatigue throughout the day is very draining wishing that corporate America would bring back the nap.

 

Purchases: Dresser, paint (pink and white), chair rail and supplies to transform her room, hot pink converse from a consignment store...and more.. 

 

Growth: The BUMP is fully sprouted. Hoped that I would be smaller this pregnancy but with the rapid growth I am doubtful.  I went through my clothes and arranged so that I only have to look at items that fit me. I still have an inny belly button and have no swelling.

 

Baby Movements: This little lady likes to do her pilates!!  She is very active after meals and at bedtime.  Really cherishing this time...while a bit nervous how these movements will feel when she is bigger.

 

That is about all I have for now..  Wishing you all clear pavement and loads of energy!!

 

My Boston Finish

The horrific events at the Boston Marathon today leave me sad, heartbroken and in fear.  I cant help but put myself in the position of the runners, the spectators, and everyone in the city.  I will never understand evil!!  Why do people chose to take something so special away?? 

For so many their Boston Marathon experience today was not what it should be, marred by fear, injury and death.  The tragic event will live in the nightmares of my friends, fellow runners and all those who were there to support the Marathon.

I ran the Boston Marathon in 2011 and although the day did not go as I planned, it was all that I could have imagined and more.  I cant help but let myself focus on my moment and not take myself to that dark place of what happened today in the city that holds a special place in my heart..

I sat on the Finish Line the night before the race with my training partners and friends.

I flexed my muscles crossing the Line just over 4 hours.

 I earned my medal and joined the foil blanket fun that followed..

Maybe it is selfish to take my head and my heart there... but at the end of the day the Evil cannot take my moments away.. This was my Finish Line in Boston just 6 months after the unexpected death of my Dad.

I pointed to Heaven as I crossed the line and hope that all who were watching could see me Finish. I dug deep and did not give up!! Yes I let my time goal escape but that didn't matter, I made it.

FINISH LINE!!! I was zombie, the pack of people was so tight.. What I do remember is the Medals, I picked a pretty young lady with a dimpled smile. She put the medal around my neck and I turned away. Tears flooded down my face and suddenly the world melted away....I could feel my Dad giving me a HUG, I could smell him, the crowd was gone and I was with my Dad... I felt him say "I am proud of you, and the family. Keep going, I am with you." People probably thought I was CRAZY!! I am not sure how long I stood there motionless, it felt so GOOD to feel his presence.. Suddenly he was gone and I was ALONE, in a sea of people but alone.

My friend Bethany Finished today in 3:41....an amazing time!!  She was able to connect with her husband and they were together when the bombs went off.  She should be celebrating with greasy food and a milkshake instead they departed to the safety of their home in Boston... She has so many GREAT Boston memories, I pray for her heart to heal in this tough time.

If you have a positive Boston Moment please share....let yourself remember because we cannot let Evil take this away from us.

24 Weeks

I need to start labelling my photos from my phone so I can keep track of the bump growth :)  It is getting harder and harder to tell one week from the next as baby is in a MEGA growth phase right now.  Thankfully I have been posting on facebook to keep track of the weeks. 

I am still running (jogging) about 2 days a week and walking most other days.  I have been wearing a support belt because baby girl likes to hang out low and the pressure is a bit much.  My gripe right now with running is calf cramps and soreness in the muscle in my abdomen.  I am getting some FUNNY looks at the trail these days which is fine by me. 

It is funny because some days I am much bigger than others, you will notice in my montage of photos below.  My phone camera is NOT the best, I want to get a new one before baby is born so her first years are not blurry..

22 Weeks 4 days 5K in 31:28

5 mile run at 5 1/2 months

My feet are starting to disappear

23 Weeks

23 weeks baby girl is now over 1 pound

5K in 33:15, painful day.. just about 6 months

 Easter Weekend we had AMAZING weather and really took advantage of it with multiple egg hunts, family time and a trip to the river for the boys to adventure.

 I have struggled some with the pain of running, but I am determined to keep it up as long as I can.  I pay attention to my body no need to push through any pain that will cause more harm than good.

24 Weeks

24 weeks 5K in 31:50 for 10:15 pace

My running partner, love him!!

 Our 5K last night was AMAZING!!  I had slight calf cramping but other than that I felt "normal". Special thanks to my good buddy Zoe for the tank top, it was a surprise in the mail last week!!  I forgot I was wearing a tank with words and noticed a lot of people staring at my chest..hehehehe..  Muscle Man is now training for Seattle Rock N Roll which means that ours runs together will be add-ons to his training, yesterday he ran a fast 5 miler in the afternoon and a 5K with me that night.. So proud of him!!

As I get heavier my bad knee (old basketball injury) is starting to feel the strain.  In non-prego life I have to keep right around 200lbs or less or the pain gets worse.  I am at 222 right now with a gain of 17 pounds thus far.  I am hoping I can stick to my goal of 25-30 but time will tell.

Pregnancy Week 24:

*My goal is to walk/run 10-15 miles a week as long as I can. 

Miles Run Pregnant:187.7 (bummed because I got a bad cold which slowed me down)

Miles Walked Pregnant: 94.5

Current Craving: Thai food, Easter candy, ice cream and last night popcorn- but we were out!!  I want to eat everything in site which is making it harder to stick to my weight gain goals :(

Current Aversion: Meat products, although the Easter Ham hit the spot.

Baby Likes: March Madness!! She is super active when I watch basketball. She also really responds to music and loves to play when I am reading before bed.

Baby Dislikes: I felt horrible when I was sick and coughing I could tell that it was not comfortable for her.  So far peanut butter is the only thing that she really does not seem to like.

Excitement: Feeling her move and seeing the boys talk to my belly.  It is starting to get real for them and us as a family and that makes me very happy!!

Gripes: Calf cramps!!! The endless hunger is NOT FUN when I am trying to keep my weight in check.

Purchases:Found an awesome bassinet for $25 and have bought many items for her nursery.  We still need to pain the walls and buy a dresser.

That is all I have for now.  Hope everyone is doing well. Be sure to check me out on Facebook HERE and Dailymile HERE as it is easier for me to keep those updated these days.

The GOOD, bad and heartburn



I can't believe that it has been a month since my last post?!?!?!  Life has been good and my coputer time has been spent searching for baby items :)  I have lots to catch up on so here goes...

 

The GOOD??

I shared this on my Facebook Page and I REALLY appreciate the response for everyone.  Very blessed to have such a positive response from the Facebook world.  I try to update Facebook often so please Like me there so we can keep in contact..

 

So what was the news???



Baby #3 is a healthy baby GIRL!!!  The 20 week ultrasound went great, the tech even said she has a little head, which was a funny comment but a good thing of course.. I am really curious if her birth weight will be lower than her sumo wrestler sized brothers who were 9'10 and 9'1 at birth..  We do have a name picked out but I don't share my kiddos names on the blog...

We are so excited.  The boys came to the ultrasound so it was a family event, I even saw Muscle Man tear up a little when the tech said "I can't locate any boys parts." Adding a daughter will truly complete our family.  I am in CUTENESS overload with all the pretty things.. I love pink, bows, all things girl girl... and the baby shoes, don't get me started.  One of the early purchases will be her first track suit, pink of course :)

Week 20-21 were great, I even got a couple runs in..  One on a sunny day sporting my Run Like a Mother Maternity top which says "This is not a speed bump, and I am not slowing down". Check it out HERE for $30

about 21 weeks

The BAD:

Last week LS#1 had a cold.. a cold that he passed on to the whole family.... I am fighting the worst cold I have had in a while.  I missed the St. Patty's 5K that I was looking forward to, I was totally wiped and could hardly breathe.. I took off a couple days from work to sleep, eat soup and drink OJ, but this cold will not budge.  I played Volleyball for 90minutes on Monday hoping to sweat it out but that didn't work either..  Volleyball was great by the way, but Dr. says at 24 weeks I am done, she knows I am slightly competitive :)

 

This cold has pretty much stopped my running.  I cant see running in the cold, rain and wind in this condition.  I am waiting for a sunny day to get back in my grove.  I even bought a couple support belts for the belly I am wanting to test.  I hope that taking off a couple weeks will not totally knock me out of running.  I would love to run an organized 5K or two during pregnancy.  My Goal of 10-15 miles per week was not met for the first time last week.. BOOOOOO!!  But I will get back at it ASAP.  If anyone has a magic cold rememdy let me know :)

 

The HEARTBURN:

Overall I have felt great second trimester, other than the cold.. but recently the heartburn has begun.. An Old Wives tale says that this means the baby will have hair, hopefully my daughter thanks me for dealing with the pain!! 

 

I keep forgetting to take belly pictures, for some reason I remember in the bathroom at work.. sorry but this is the best I've got :)





22 weeks and carrying baby girl low..

 A few random facts about me:

Weight gain in pregnancy: 13 pounds so far, my goal is 25-30 so I am right on track.

Cravings: Icecream, UH OH!! Fruits, veggies, and salad.  I am not proud to admit that I sent Muscle Man to Little Caesars to get me a Pizza one night, but I only had 2 slices :)  I kinda knew baby was a girl when I randomly craved gummy worms, very WEIRD craving for me..

Aversions: This little lady does not like meat.. I do OK with ground turkey and salmon, but the texture of most other things make me cringe.

Purchases: Maternity clothes from Old Navy,  prego running pants from motherhood, Baby girl bedding, and I am on the HUNT for some lightly used items, BOB Stroller, Bassinet, etc..

What is up with the Little Studs?:  LS#1 is a great speller and amazing in math.  He is thrilled to have a baby sister coming.  He was recently in his 1st grade musical performance of the Piggy Opera.  LS#2 is always moving, talking, singing...we are a little apprehensive with Kindergarten next year, hope he can find his mute switch.  He says the funniest things and never complains when we put him in the jogging stroller.

How is Muscle Man?:  He got a cold too but continues to run.  He is training for Seattle Rock N Roll Half so taht we will have a race medal from the event in the family.  I am SAD to miss it this year, but it is 1 month before my due date so I cant see participating.. I will be cheering!!  MM is funny already thinking about things like our daughters first date and walking her down the eisle, she has him wrapped around her finger already and she is still 18 weeks from being here :)

March Madness: As a Gonzaga Basketball Alum I am a proud girl.  The Men and Women are both dancin in the NCAA tourne with the men as a top seed!!!  Feel free to join the bandwagon, it will be a fun ride!!

Prego Bloggers: Pregnancy is a theme in the local bloggy world.  I am loving reading updates from these lovely local ladies Ricole Runs due a few days ahead of me with her 1st a boy, Jen- Runner Maybe due about 3 weeks after me and Alma- Average Woman Running due 6 weeks after.  We joked that it would be funny to field a Rainier to Ruston Relay team of all pregos....but some of the legs are pretty remote so I am not 100% sold on the safety of the idea... Also cant forget Blonde Ponytail she was once a WA Blogger, she is 6 weeks ahead of me..  Will be a year of the Blogger Baby for sure..

• That is about all I have for now..  How are you??  Please leave me a comment to fill me in.. I have been out of Bloggy land and I miss it..

3 Things Thursday

Blogging weekly has been hard to fit in these days..I think it mostly boils down to the fact that I don't want to be on the computer ALL THE TIME.. I fit it in when I can.. and that works for me and my family.  To catch up here are a few things going on.

1.  Brunch and Baby Gender

I had brunch on Sunday with the AMAZING runner buddies.. It turned out to be a Christmas, Valentines, B-day, catch up celebration... I always feel better when I have spent time with these girls.. and look at the awesome Valentines gift Auntie Zoe gave us..

 We will (hopefully) find out the gender on March 4th and then I will be able to start planning and shopping.. People have asked me if I want a girl, we have 2 boys ages 7 and 5, my answer is this.  "Yes I would like to have a daughter but once I know either way my heart will be happy."  I am not going to lie and say that I don't care but at the end of the day it is already decided and we will appreciate and cherish the gift we have been given whether pink or blue..  SIDE-NOTE: I know 4 women who are pregnant with girls right now, maybe it is a trend :)

2.  I am feeling FIT!!!

When pregnant with both our boys I did not work out.  This time I am determined to keep a consistent and realistic activity schedule.  So far walking, hiking and/or running every day has been working for me.  I feel great and have been able to put in more miles than my initial goal of 10-15 per week.  The bump is growing but I have only gained 5-7 pounds (depending on time of day weighed) in the 18 weeks, this means that I have only gained what is needed for the health of our baby and that is GREAT!!

Can you see the bump in my work clothes??

This is a total optical illusion, the black and angle hide the bump.. but I sorta love it because I feel like I look fit and healthy.

Our walk on Valentine's Day.. I wont be able to zip my favorite hoodie much longer..

 3.  Family Time

With the birth of Baby #3 on the horizon I am truly cherishing time with our boys.. Trouble is I have been pretty low energy at night which makes it sorta hard to leave the couch..  Thankfully Muscle Man has been picking up the slack.. Our $29 Fire pit from Home Depot has been put to good use, I joined them and toasted a few marshmallows the other night..

 The weekend Family hikes have replaced the second day of running.  This lets the boys get in a workout and gives us time together.. I plan to buy a Washington hiking book with trail maps very soon so that we know what to expect when we venture out.

The boys are full of adventure... I love it!!

That is all I have for now.. The active streak continues, started on January 27th, although today with the rain and wind our lunch walk was stopped... and I have a massage after work.. guess it will be a treadmill walk for me..

Hope you are all well... Thanks for stopping in!!