Runs/Walks:
- Monday: 5.50 miles, 10:17 pace
- Tuesday: 3.01 mile WALK
- Wednesday: 2.56 mile WALK
- Thursday: 2.36 miles, 10:22 pace
- Friday: 3.53 mile WALK (E walked a little over a mile…she actually ran most of that)
- Saturday: Rest
- Sunday: 13.0 miles, 11:03 pace
Long Run Recap
I did a test run today. I can’t stress enough how painful round ligament pain can be. From first step to the last, it was a struggle today. As I get further along in my training, as my belly gets bigger, and as these aches and pains get more prevelant, I really just can’t wait for this race to be over with. It is pushing me in more ways I ever could imagine. This is a good thing, but it’s tough. So, this was my current mood today when I set out for my run, which is kind of a bummer because I used to get so excited for my long runs. I LOVED them. But it’s very different now that I’m pregnant. I have 3 days of pain associated with each long run. And the run itself is a mental struggle from the very first mile. So today’s run was difficult. Mentally and physically. BUT, the bright side is that it was SUCH perfect running weather. Overcast, 61* and a little breezy. Humidity was at 92% but it didn’t bother me too much with the breeze. I drank about 40 oz of water during the run and it was nice not to feel the need to be drinking water/having to pee all of the time like I do when it’s hot. Also, a nice bonus is that my knees held up! They have been doing well the last few weeks so that is maybe the ONLY improvement that I’ve experienced since starting this training.
Speaking of improvement, one thing that I never quite grasped before signing up for this half marathon is that I would not be getting better on my runs. My pace would not improve (generally speaking), I wouldn’t feel less sore, I wouldn’t feel stronger. At least, not any measurable amount that I am used to. I was talking to my husband about this last night. When you start a training program, a new exercise, or even something as simple as doing 30 push-ups per day, after 30 days of consistent work (even if it is 3-4 times per week), you notice an improvement. That hill that you had to walk up? Now you only have to walk up half, or not at all. You are able to add weight to your dumbbell, your arms don’t shake at the end of those push-ups. There is a noticeable sign of improvement. This isn’t happening during this pregnancy. And I didn’t realize that until today. There are small improvements along the way, meaning those moments are that much more victorious.
One victorious moment of improvement is something I’ve been working at for a few weeks. When I was 18 weeks pregnant, I set a goal of not leaning on the stroller and I’ve been knocking it out of the park, if I do say so myself. If I have to lean on the stroller, then I walk, AND THAT’S OK! Why risk bad posture and bad form when I can just do it correctly? It took me about 2-3 weeks to get away from that bad habit, and the last 2-3 weeks I’ve been doing it without thinking. I think it’s safe to say that the habit is broken!
I had somewhat of a break this week so my activity increased! It also was gloomy and cool and wonderful, so that meant I was able to get out and run in the afternoon if my morning was busy. Did I mention I love cool weather? Did I mention I’m a northerner and miss Alaska? Every blog post? Ok, just checking….
Round ligament pain is becoming a problem, so this week I decreased my runs to one long, one mid, and one short run. I get more time to recover, and I focus on walking. Even that is uncomfortable after a (not even) 3 mile run. One mama on Instagram suggested sitting on an exercise ball on top of an ice pack. I can’t believe I’m at that point already, but I think I need to do that. Time to pump up that ball again!
This leads me to my next point: self care. I’m THE WORST when it comes to this. I massaged my quads and calves on Monday (they’ve been tight for weeks) and it felt amazing. I really feel good this week. That skipped long run and backing off of training by one run really has me questioning why I am not doing more to recover week to week. Heat, ice, massage, stretching. I do none of it and should be doing all of it! My body is nowhere near where it was a year ago. And I have to stop expecting it to be. I didn’t have any of these aches and pains that I have now, so that means I need to be proactive and nurture my body!
I have had leg cramps since week 18(ish). I’ve heard that this can become a problem in the second tri, and it was. So I massaged, rested and have been taking the Trace Minerals Electrolytes instead of the regular Trace Minerals Concentrace for my daily water bottles. My legs feel great this week, even after the long run.
I feel SUPER pregnant this week. I’m only 23 weeks!!!!! I should not be feeling this way yet! Ack! Time is flying by. Hoping I stay feeling this pregnant (and not more pregnant) in 2 weeks for the half marathon…
I am also feeling like I’m not doing enough cross-training. I’m doing none. And for some odd reason, this happens to be the week where I freak out about it. This is centered around birth, not necessarily running. My last birth, I labored on my hands and knees for 4 hrs, and after, I told my husband I was so glad I did upper body workouts at the gym. I was shaking by the end and physically couldn’t hold myself up anymore. I haven’t been inside a gym since November 2014. I don’t have the courage to drop E off with childcare at the gym, so I’ve put it on hold and have come to terms with it…until this week apparently. I’m not much for at home workouts. Some people do awesome and it is a great option, but personally, I find it difficult to “get in the zone” like I can in a place outside my home. But it is kind of my only option so a changed mentality is what I really need to strive for. My husband has been doing push ups and sit-ups every night…push ups and planks are better than sitting on the couch watching, so I’ve been giving it a shot this week.
Whoa! Lots of feelings this week! On to next week.
Side note: this post is disjointed, and that’s because I wrote it over the course of several days and fell asleep each time I wrote it 😳 So thanks for sticking to the end 😉
