The Exercise Thread - Page 7 « Back to Group Discussions

[spotty4]

Thanks, Kitteh.

Here are some photos from the event w/ me in them!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/potomacriverrunning/8461364063/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/potomacriverrunning/8462462714/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/potomacriverrunning/8462251704/in/photostream

 

In regular running clothes and from these head-on angles I don't look pregnant.

[CrystalMarie]

Kitteh! Way to go lady keeping the miles in even with all the stress surrounding you right now. I know those stress relief runs can feel so good, even if you're not able to come up with a solution on them, just getting out and moving does wonders. I hope everything smooths out soon and that you're able to get what you want in a range you can afford. 

Those photos are great Spotty4 even though the belly is pretty well concealed. I've instructed my dh to try to get some side shots of me this Saturday for my half so that I stand a chance of looking pregnant, but it will help that my shirt says "Running for two!"

I love that we're pregnant and still running! It makes my heart swell with happiness and accomplishment. Not that growing a life isn't an accomplishment in itself, cause it sure is! 

I just bought a support band as well at the recommendation of my midwife due to my sudden weight gain, I gained 10 lbs in the last 3 weeks, the first time I've seen the scale go up since getting pregnant. She wants me to wear the support band during my half since i haven't had much time to adjust to the weight yet. Should be here today or tomorrow and we'll see if I notice a different. I haven't yet noticed any abnormal strain so far, but I'm sure it will pick up real soon! 

Earlier this week I was feeling really good and wanted to see how fast I could push myself during a 2 miler, not to the point of not breathing or gasping but a hard push and see how it felt. I managed to kick out 2 sub 8 minute miles with the first on being a 7:28 pace! It felt amazing! It was only two miles and it wiped me out for the next day but it was nice to see I could still put some decent speed in at 23 weeks! I don't anticipate anything even close to that for my half this weekend, likely looking at high nines or tens. I'm happy to just be able to cover the distance. 

Keep it up ladies! I love hearing how you're doing. 

[spotty4]

Fantastic, CrystalMarie!  Doesn't it feel great to just open up and GO sometimes!?  We can't wait to hear about your event this weekend.  Please give us a report!

I haven't yet looked into a support band.  My belly just is not all that big yet and I've not felt abdominal strain.  Kitteh, you have the prenatal cradle.  What did you buy, CrystalMarie?  I wonder what else out there is good or worthwhile.

[CrystalMarie]

So so good! I will certainly post a race report when I'm done on Saturday.

I just bought the Gabrialla support belt (medium support) size medium and had my first test run using it today. I was pretty happy with it, though I think I had it strapped too tight to begin with and once i let it loose a bit it felt better. 

http://www.amazon.com/Gabrialla-Elastic-Maternity-Support-Medium/dp/B000ZKE4AM

I don't think I needed it yet, I'm not having any trouble keeping my belly muscles tight and firm while running at this stage but It was one of the conditions of Running the Half marathon. If I ran I had to have a support belt so...

I'll know more how I like it after this weekend!

[kitteh]

I can't wait to hear how it went CrystalMarie!

[kitteh]

After a disappointing last week (total of 12 miles over 4 days) I went out to do a 5 miler and ended up running into some friends who are training for the LA Marathon. They were half way through a 14 miler and I was 2 miles into my run, so I decided to stick with them the rest of the way and ended up covering 9 miles for the day. I plan to reward my effort with empanadas later :)

[CrystalMarie]

Ok! My half was Saturday! 

It started out sunny and so warm 45 degrees but as we drove the 20 minutes into the town the race was in and a thick fog layer picked up which dropped the temp by 10+ degrees and me in my tank top and shorts when from really content and ready to race to freezing and wanting to crawl in bed. I had a backup long sleeve underarmor cold weather shirt which i threw under my tank top because I wanted people to see my shirt. It said "Running for Two" and I from certain angles I don't look pregnant at all. So I have a long sleeve shirt under my tank top, (this kinda matters later.) Random fact, I get race day jitters and usually use the restroom 3-4 times before a race even when I'm not pregnant well on Saturday I used the restroom 7 times between leaving the house and standing at the starting line. :) 

As we're standing at the starting line the sun breaks through the fog and I know the long sleeve shirt is a bad idea, that's the last thing I'm thinking of when the gun goes off. Miles 1-3 are basically consumed with me being stressed that I"m already too hot and there is no way I'm stopping because of a wardrobe switch so I start trying to figure out if it's possible to get the long sleeve shirt off without taking off my tank top, support band and hydration pack. I see my dh at mile 2.5 and he knows I'm already overheating, and offers to take my shirt but stubborn me still refuses to stop and waste precious seconds undressing! You'd think I was in it to win it or something. Feel free to roll your eyes at me. I manage some houdini escape artist moves and manage to get one arm out, not without hearing seems starting to rip mind you, and am finally able to get myself free from the shirt of death at mile 3.5 and then I settled in to my run! 

Miles 3.5 - 7 felt glorious. It was an out and back so partway through I was able to cheer on the leaders who were heading back in! I'm a cheerer, during the first half of races then dead silent for the last half :) The first half of the race was a gradual uphill so I was hitting 9:30's-9:40's, coming in to mile 7 at  1 hour 8 minutes and I knew I was going to need to pick it up if I wanted to hit my goal of 2 hours. I picked it up around mile 8 and felt really good through mile 10, popping shot blocks every mile or so an sipping water. I started to feel some leg fatigue set in at mile 11 and it felt like mile 12 took forever to happen, though in reality my last 3 miles of the race were my fastest miles, with the final mile being my best of the race. I knew around mile 11 that I was going to need to push the pace even harder than I was if I wanted to hit my goal time so I increased a bit but had to drop it back down a hair because I started getting odd belly pains, not cramps, not pain but it felt to me like a little warning, that I needed to ease up and give up my goal time because baby or my body were telling me to. I still sprinted the last .1 miles and felt great finishing. My time was 2:02:51, so I was  3 minutes off my goal but I'm happy with that!  I averaged 9:22 miles and managed to pull off a negative splits for the second half!

Overall it was a glorious race day. DH got lots of pictures but I forgot to grab the camera to upload them so you'll have to wait till tonight. Sorry! I ended the day with a big chocolate milk (my favorite post race drink) and a big burrito and took a nap. I was stiff afterwards but yesterday I did not noticing any more soreness than after my normal long runs, which is nice because usually I'm shot for days after a race. 

Whats next?

I plan on helping my sister-in-law train for her first 10k sometime before baby is born, maybe even June 1st... eek! We'll see, she's going pick a race in the next week or so and I plan on running it with her. I've also got a 10 miler in my sights for April 1st (I'll be 30 weeks then)  I'm still feeling really good on all my runs and haven't noticed too much abnormal strain but we'll keep playing it by ear. 

Thanks for all the support guys! I'll post some pictures tonight when I get the camera! 

[kitteh]

Nice work mama! You are a total rockstar. Just out of curiosity, what is your non-preggo half marathon best? Because your pregnant time is like 5 minutes slower than my NON-pregnant hm time! I just can't help being in total awe of your speed. and just a tiny bit jealous

Can't wait to see the pix!

[CrystalMarie]

Thank you! My half PR is 1:43, which is my goal for a half 4-8 months post baby but we'll see.

[CrystalMarie]

Mile 2, concentrating on how to get the black shirt off! 

Mile 6.5 ish, pretty happy to see DH! 

Mile 9 ish, I think the truck makes me look fast. :) 

So there was no actual race photos because it was a small race but was able to get these, try as he might, these are the ones that I look most pregnant in. I never remember to get post race pictures but oh well!

[kitteh]

I've been checking out a few prenatal yoga classes at my local YogaWorks studio. They have a one-week free preview so I'm trying all 3 of their weekly classes to see which is the best fit for me.

Yesterday I attended a class that I really liked, but the instructor really annoyed me with a very negative reaction to my running. We started the class out with introductions, and when I said that I'm a runner still getting in 15-20 miles a week (which is pretty low by runner's standards!) she tisk-tisked and suggested that I should really talk to my care provider about the risks involved. When I told her that my midwife is a runner too who did a 5k the weekend before giving birth to her last baby, the yoga instructor kind of brushed that off and listed off a number of possible risks involved with running, like twisting an ankle or tripping over uneven cement and falling on my stomach. She herself currently has a twisted ankle but she has no idea where she got it and thinks it might have been from a recent trip to Disney, which included a day full of walking. Now, I normally wouldn't notice a pregnant woman's figure, but after all of these comments from her I began to notice that she seems to be carrying a lot of weight, which probably doesn't help her ankle problems. She is 39 weeks along in her pregnancy, and I'm not one to judge a woman who is that far along in her pregnancy, honestly. I have no idea what her weight was like pre-pregnancy and the current weight she's carrying could be due to late-term swelling or lord knows what else. But I felt really judged by her for choosing to risk the safety of my unborn daughter by continuing to run. I honestly believe that my running is a very good thing for this pregnancy, and if it can help me keep excess weight-gain at bay I believe that it will lead to an easier labor. Coupled with the stretching and relaxation of yoga, I'm excited about my exercise regimen for this pregnancy and was just kinda bummed out that she rained all over my parade.

The Monday yoga class I attended was alright, but nothing amazing. They have one more class on Saturday that I plan to check out. I've heard great things about the instructor (from one of my runner friends who is also a yoga instructor) so I'm hoping that this one is a good fit.

[spotty4]

Love your pictures, CrystalMarie!!  Thanks for sharing. :-)  You look super cute.

Running is off the table for me for a little while.  Until the spotting stops I have to curb running and keep walking to a minimum.  The spotting does seem to be subsiding but even when it does stop I think I may keep running at bay still and just really ramp up the walking for the rest of the pregnancy.  I know my dog won't mind. :-)

[CrystalMarie]

Originally Posted by kitteh 
 

Yesterday I attended a class that I really liked, but the instructor really annoyed me with a very negative reaction to my running. We started the class out with introductions, and when I said that I'm a runner still getting in 15-20 miles a week (which is pretty low by runner's standards!) she tisk-tisked and suggested that I should really talk to my care provider about the risks involved. When I told her that my midwife is a runner too who did a 5k the weekend before giving birth to her last baby, the yoga instructor kind of brushed that off and listed off a number of possible risks involved with running, like twisting an ankle or tripping over uneven cement and falling on my stomach. She herself currently has a twisted ankle but she has no idea where she got it and thinks it might have been from a recent trip to Disney, which included a day full of walking. Now, I normally wouldn't notice a pregnant woman's figure, but after all of these comments from her I began to notice that she seems to be carrying a lot of weight, which probably doesn't help her ankle problems. She is 39 weeks along in her pregnancy, and I'm not one to judge a woman who is that far along in her pregnancy, honestly. I have no idea what her weight was like pre-pregnancy and the current weight she's carrying could be due to late-term swelling or lord knows what else. But I felt really judged by her for choosing to risk the safety of my unborn daughter by continuing to run. I honestly believe that my running is a very good thing for this pregnancy, and if it can help me keep excess weight-gain at bay I believe that it will lead to an easier labor. Coupled with the stretching and relaxation of yoga, I'm excited about my exercise regimen for this pregnancy and was just kinda bummed out that she rained all over my parade.

I've been meaning to respond to this since you posted it but I didn't have my computer and typing on my phone is so much work.

You would think a yoga instructor, someone who is educating and guiding others in health and fitness would be more informed than that and not make misinformed suggestions to another clearly fit mama. The decision to run or lift weights during pregnancy is a personal choice, like where to birth, to breastfeed or not, to cosleep or not.  We're all mama's trying to make the best decisions for the health of our little ones and ourselves. Standing up for what you believe is one thing, putting others down and implying that they are somehow bad mama's, and willing endangering their children, is in my mind unacceptable. Especially when from my experience the runner/exerciser mama's who I've come in contact with so far have full support from their heath practitioners and are more aware of their health and bodies than those who choose to not exercise.

For me personally, I believe running is good for both me and my child. My midwife is in absolute full support and we spend a good part of every meeting talking about how it feels, the changes my body is making in regards to running. I feel better when I run, if I take 2 full days off from running, I get tightness and pain in my hips, which sometimes cramp completely to the point that I can't sit and have to stand up at work. If I run, this doesn't happen. I feel better and am happier when I keep my running up. Yes, I'm steadily slowing down and I realize this will continue to happen but no matter how slow I go, I believe it's best for me and this little one I carry. My midwife has had an upwards of 10 marathon running mama's in the past and said as a whole, they were more aware of there bodies and had smoother, more efficient labors. 

There are risks involved in exercise just as there are also risks involved in remaining sedentary during pregnancy and in life in general. If i develop some issue and my midwife no longer advises it, I will stop running but for now. I'm gonna keep it up, regardless of other opinions. 

Don't let Miss Anti-Running Yoga lady bother you. Keeping doing what you think is best for you and your child. 

Spotty4! Sorry you've having some spotting, I hope you're able to feel peace and calmness is this trying time. No shame in walking either lady! Keep up the exercise in any way that works for you! 

[Sweet Huck]

Kitteh, don't get too offended by your Yoga teacher. She just wants you to be healthy and safe. Luckily, you've got it covered. Smile and nod and let her advice go in one ear and out the other.  To paraphrase CrystalMarie --- you know your body. Stick with what you believe is right for you and your babe.

This weekend I was surprisingly active. My husband and I spent long mornings together at the gym both on Saturday and Sunday.  Each day I ran/walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes, lifted with his help, and then swam for an hour! I even squeezed in an hour-long yoga tape last night on top of all that! Today I did a brisk 30 minute walk along a path near my workplace. The weather is supposed to turn icky and my schedule is about to get all wonky with work obligations, but I sure hope to squeeze in SOME activity before next weekend....

In the past 5 weeks or so I began experiencing trouble with posterior pelvic pain... but I'm finding (a bit to my surprise) that exercise is really making it much better. I am determined to try and strengthen and stretch as much as I can to try and keep things in check so I can try to prevent more PPP down the line. Fingers crossed.

[veggieviola]

I've been feeling pretty energized and good about my activity level the past few weeks.  I see my trainer (with whom we have an awesome barter arrangement) twice a week, and I try to take a 3-4 mile walk with the dog on the days my husband doesn't run with her.  I've also had some pretty gnarly pelvic pain (SI joints and pubic symphysis) for a while now, and the combination of strength training and keeping up with my weekly yoga class has been excellent for that.  Walking feels great for keeping my hips and lower back mobile, but whenever I feel good and start running my body is not happy with me afterward. 

[Sweet Huck]

Instead of walking around the track today, I walked across the street to the all you can eat Chinese buffet.

still counts as exercise, right? ; )

[spotty4]

LOL... I love it Huck!

[Mama4life14]

Sweet Huck!! That made me LOL! That's exactly how I feel today. Sometimes you just have to give in to your cravings! It's all about balance right?? Haha. Says the lady who hasn't done anything today but cuddle my feverish little boy and eat a giant bowl of fruit loops.... Among eating other things.

I started doing prenatal exercise videos and they are great! At least when I find the motivation within myself to do them, I feel great all day after. So why is it soo hard to find that motivation?! Ugh!! I am so afraid that I will be not have a strong body for labor. And I'm also wondering if anyone knows the answer.. Will a less active pregnancy make you go In to labor later?? I went at 38 weeks with my son and am hoping to go around the same time with this one because long story short, my SIL is a Doula and I want her to fly to Alberta for the birth.. And I don't want her to miss it. So if anyone knows if being less active leads to being overdue or later, than someone tell me!! Cause that would help the motivation!! Lol

[dayiscoming2006]

Originally Posted by Mama4life14 

Sweet Huck!! That made me LOL! That's exactly how I feel today. Sometimes you just have to give in to your cravings! It's all about balance right?? Haha. Says the lady who hasn't done anything today but cuddle my feverish little boy and eat a giant bowl of fruit loops.... Among eating other things.

I started doing prenatal exercise videos and they are great! At least when I find the motivation within myself to do them, I feel great all day after. So why is it soo hard to find that motivation?! Ugh!! I am so afraid that I will be not have a strong body for labor. And I'm also wondering if anyone knows the answer.. Will a less active pregnancy make you go In to labor later?? I went at 38 weeks with my son and am hoping to go around the same time with this one because long story short, my SIL is a Doula and I want her to fly to Alberta for the birth.. And I don't want her to miss it. So if anyone knows if being less active leads to being overdue or later, than someone tell me!! Cause that would help the motivation!! Lol

I don't know about the activity leading to earlier or later labor. I think more activity is simply supposed to make labor easier to handle as far as you are strong to stay in different positions, your pelvic floor is probably stronger, etc. 

I had my first at 38 weeks, second 39.5, third kiddo 41(or 41+2 by doc dates.) So... I understand you want your SIL there, but don't count on it. It'll happen when it's meant to happen. Stressing over it(not saying you are) won't help. Better to just keep an open mind to whatever happens. 

I found Sweet Huck's comment quite funny as well. I feel like that many times. I am trying to do Walk Away the Pounds (with Leslie Sansone), pilates a couple times a week at least and take regular walks with my kids. 

[Mama4life14]

Originally Posted by dayiscoming2006 

Originally Posted by Mama4life14 

Sweet Huck!! That made me LOL! That's exactly how I feel today. Sometimes you just have to give in to your cravings! It's all about balance right?? Haha. Says the lady who hasn't done anything today but cuddle my feverish little boy and eat a giant bowl of fruit loops.... Among eating other things.

I started doing prenatal exercise videos and they are great! At least when I find the motivation within myself to do them, I feel great all day after. So why is it soo hard to find that motivation?! Ugh!! I am so afraid that I will be not have a strong body for labor. And I'm also wondering if anyone knows the answer.. Will a less active pregnancy make you go In to labor later?? I went at 38 weeks with my son and am hoping to go around the same time with this one because long story short, my SIL is a Doula and I want her to fly to Alberta for the birth.. And I don't want her to miss it. So if anyone knows if being less active leads to being overdue or later, than someone tell me!! Cause that would help the motivation!! Lol

I don't know about the activity leading to earlier or later labor. I think more activity is simply supposed to make labor easier to handle as far as you are strong to stay in different positions, your pelvic floor is probably stronger, etc. 

I had my first at 38 weeks, second 39.5, third kiddo 41(or 41+2 by doc dates.) So... I understand you want your SIL there, but don't count on it. It'll happen when it's meant to happen. Stressing over it(not saying you are) won't help. Better to just keep an open mind to whatever happens. 

I found Sweet Huck's comment quite funny as well. I feel like that many times. I am trying to do Walk Away the Pounds (with Leslie Sansone), pilates a couple times a week at least and take regular walks with my kids. 

Thanks for the input!! I'm trying not to stress about it. I think she will be able to be here for 2 weeks so there is a good chance she will be there. She will probably come from 38-40 weeks. Fingers crossed!