Saturday, March 2, 2013

BOB

I took out the BOB for the first time today - I wish I had a pic! (This blog is doomed to fail if I don't start remembering to take photos...)

Oden loves being in the BOB - all wrapped up and there is a special cup holder for him and plenty of room for him to bring along a stuffed bear larger than he is, and Polarbear. We have to figure out a good route - but it was a nice short run to the park, half way around, then to the playground. We ran into Andy and Jane the Jack Russell, and did a loop together. My running partner has replaced me with a tiny white puppy...

I can't believe I didn't use a running stroller with Oden. In one sense, I made sure that my runs were hard and focussed, but I can already see how this is going to allow me more freedom and it didn't change my gait at all. If anything, it'll be an extra workout to push it uphill. I really can't imagine doing the bridges with it, but we'll have to see how that goes.

So, all in all, I probably only ran 2 miles today, but it was interesting! Eng San skateboarded along side of us and provided hot apple cider, donuts and entertainment as he rode along jumping in the air and doing some tricks. I can't wait until summer!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Last Long Run

Without fail, I pushed through a very slow run yesterday and sadly came to realize that I hit the end. Some runners have been able to sustain longer - but I felt like it was truly time to hang up my sneakers after struggling through the 6 miles at a turtle pace and paying for it the rest of the day.

My runs are not easy - there is traffic, the uphill climb of the bridge, crossing Manhattan, then the breezy west side. It's just under 10k and is honestly the most enjoyable route I've ever run. It never gets boring. Getting onto the bridge is about 1.5 miles, and it's a good struggle. The uphill climb is a challenge, but I never found it that challenging. The descent is awesome. Then, I can either cross the city or take the long way around to make the distance 9 miles. Lately, I take the short cut.

The west side is my favorite portion, being flat, straight and along the water. I can finally zone out and not worry about tripping over potholes, being bumped into by pedestrians or hit by a maniac New York City driver. I have some people along the way that I've become buddies with - the cop who runs the bridge every morning, the awesome female construction worker that crosses me through the intersection, the stars on the WSH, the guy who runs 2 blond labs, the couple that wear really fancy running gear, the 3 women that struggle through what look like 12 minute miles but they're out there every morning, the big guy that cleans up the pier and finally, the security guard at the Google building that raises her eyebrow at me as if to say, "What are you doing running in the cold?".

I'll miss you all very much.


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Best. Run. So. Far.

I don't have the photos to prove it, but today's run was pretty amazing. Even though I was only pulling a 9.46 on straights, it felt like a strong struggle-free run - and that is the first time I can say that in a few months.

I've been doing pilates 3 or 4 times a week, and it seems to be helping immensely. My legs were like bricks for the first mile this morning - so I figured I had done some good mat work. With the huge belly attached to my front, and a full backpack on my back - I'm like a sherpa running and dodging the streets of New York. It was especially busy downtown today and Chambers left me at a near standstill - but the west side was perfect as always. The bridge was insanely hard for the first time in several years. I'm hoping to get another run in this week while the weather is getting better and I'm still fitting into my shirts. At what point do I have to stop?

I finally figured out how to reset my Nike account - so my runs can be tracked again. I was happy to see that my time didn't really suffer in the 1.5 weeks that I couldn't track my runs. The biggest fear I have is tripping and wiping out - which I'm known to do quite regularly. Wish me luck!


Sunday, February 17, 2013

Excuses Excuses

"You may be feeling tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax. So your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being off.

Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs."

So, aside from being tired and clumsy - I'm still planning to run twice this week. I've really cut it back, but added pilates to the mix. Obviously, I'm happy that the baby is getting bigger - but it's really a challenge to deal with blubbering out!

Today I crawled through tunnels and pitched myself into a pit of pillows and stuffed animals - chased around Oden a little at the Children's Museum and now it's 9pm and can't keep my eyes open. I've always been pretty stubborn (determined) to push physical limits - but in the 8 or 9 weeks before little #2 shows up, there is a good chance I'll try to relax!

That said - there's a race coming up in March for kids that I think I'll enter O into. It looks like a ton of fun and he can run anywhere from 25 yards to a 1/2 mile. I think he can pull a 1/2 mile to be honest. He has the stamina! Coogan's Salsa, Blues and Shamrocks - Join us!

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

30 Weeks and Kickin'

This morning was a gorgeous morning - after days of snowfall and slush, I finally got to hit the streets!

30 week bump
I'm finding it harder to restore energy after a run, and even with the awesome support belt, I had twinges of ligament pain - but overall, I can still pull this off. 

6 miles with Andy this morning - the usual route, and it was a pretty glorious day! I hope to get in a few more before we get hit with any more snow. 

My headphones finally showed up today - reports on that to come!

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Support

After a week off, my 6 mile run yesterday was pretty awesome. I've moved into a slow 10m/m average, but I'm telling myself that this time includes waiting at traffic lights and stops for water...not so bad, in a race I think I'd still be able to pull off 9.30. However, it doesn't look like I'm going to find out! The 10-miler next weekend would be awesome, but I feel like it might take a few days to recover, and there is no guarantee that my ligaments can comfortably handle 10miles.

I finally picked up the Medela support band - and it worked wonders yesterday. I wish I had used it earlier - I was too stubborn. I definitely feel the extra weight, and it's difficult to think of running lightly when I'm starting to feel waddly.

My run started out to be a struggle through to the bridge, but after hitting the top of the bridge it was easy sailing for the last 4 miles. I've finally managed to stop being competitve - with myself - about how fast I need to go and how many miles I'm trying to log in a week. I'm just really happy to be able to continue to commute to work on my feet whenever the weather and my body allows. I wasn't sure that it would still be an option 11 weeks away from delivery.

I read a lot of stories by women who have run up to their delivery, and then pick it back up a week later. It's inspiring, but I also can't believe how long they've persevered. I don't know how long I will bound over the Brooklyn Bridge and hit the West Side - I hope at least 6 more weeks, but I highly doubt that I will be picking it back up the week after the baby shows up.

On another note - how great are 1/2 caff lattes??

Monday, February 4, 2013

Discipline

I've been thinking a lot about discipline lately. It takes a lot of discipline to be a runner. Lately, it takes even more to be a runner with a 3 year old, a demanding full time job and a growing bump. Sometimes, I'm just tired.

However, being tired has never really stopped me from throwing down a few miles. Neither has pain, quite frankly. Last summer, I ran through plantar's fasciitis, then an IT band injury had me hobbling through training runs and I took very little time off. I've been known to over-do it. It's difficult to over-do when I have 14 pounds of baby bouncing around my belly!

I'm nearing the end of my week off of running, and feeling that it is going to take just as much discipline to "slow down" for a while. Missing the adrenaline highs and freedom that running offers, is tough. I'm looking forward to trying out the support band, and the new Bluebirds if they ever get here!

Thursday, January 31, 2013

How slow is too slow?

When I initially named this blog - the turtle part was supposed to be a joke...I'm really not that slow, and was working on breaking 8 min miles before struggling through the first 3 months of not knowing I was pregnant and slowing down to 9s, then 9.5s. I can still pull out an 8 here and there, but there is some serious round ligament pain as a result.

After a visit to the doc today, it seems as though I have been told to slow down. I'm pretty sure she wouldn't tell me to stop altogether, but how slow is slow?

I struggle with speed because I don't do proper speed training and haven't been able to organize myself into a program in the past year. I struggle with speed because I actually don't have a typical runner's body. I'm not really lanky unless it's 3 weeks before a marathon and I've dropped every extra ounce of fat that was keeping me curvy. So, now, having to slow down even more than the pregnancy has naturally made me slow down is extremely discouraging. I'm thinking it might be time for more cross-training, and less time for 10-milers. SO UPSETTING. But I also thought that the round ligament pain would subside, and it's been getting worse - like it hurts when I walk now. Yuck.

Gazelle that I strive to be and Turtle that I have become- there is no way I can give up running altogether, even if it means I'm at a 11 min/mile pace.. which quite frankly, is just walking quickly with a fun little bounce. There might be more controlled treadmill runs, or more time allotted to my commute, but I know one guy that won't be sad about this!
Watching a Movie with O!

By the way - the wind this morning was insane! Running across the bridge was like running on a  tiltled treadmill. The wind was my original topic for this entry - but how much can I really say about the wind?

It was incredibly strong and fun and whipped up waves from the Hudson onto the path on the West Side. I'm glad I don't have to deal with it daily, but it was a good challenge!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

55 in January

To celebrate the incredibly warm day that we had today, I thought it would be fun to hit the pavement at lunch. My colleague, Ryan, came out with me and didn't laugh at my incredibly slow pace...thanks Ryan! I can't say I was totally prepared, but managed to throw together some tights, some insane pouffy shorts, a long t-shirt and a scarf that doubles as a headband. 

Ryan and I at the 2m mark near Battery Park

And here is the bump!!!
Despite my fair efforts, there is a good chance that I have actually been eating too much and I'm a little nervous about my 'weigh-in' tomorrow (aka prenatal checkup). I haven't been running as hard or as frequently as I would like - after all, I'm pregnant. But I'm probably still eating a few too many snacks every afternoon. The funny thing is that I wake up in the middle of the night with a growling stomach when I don't graze the whole day. I'm really going to try to cut the sugar out for a while. Fingers crossed about tomorrow.

The baby is starting to weigh a lot more and I've been noticing a strain when walking or running on my lower abdomen. Has anyone had this problem before? I'm going to read through The Hungry Runner Girl's posts and NYC Running Mama. They are the only 2 ladies that have documented running throughout their pregnancies in such a greatly detailed way. Let me know if you have any experiences you can share regarding your pregnancy running stories!

(PS. Snacks I ate today: strawberries, banana, licorice, cookies, small bag of pop chips with my lunch - how bad is that?)

No Toes!

It's getting to the point that I can't really see my toes! While I didn't think that my belly was this big with Oden, it sure is with this pregnancy. I'm officially 7 months today (Tuesday), and still feeling great. My time has slowed immensely. I can do short bursts of speed, but it feels like my whole body has decided to slow down and there isn't much I can do about it. 
This is a view from the side - as best as I could take the photo. I've been getting a lot of smiles on the Brooklyn Bridge in the mornings - I'm not sure if the runners are laughing at me or just think it's fun to see a big ole pregnant woman 'racing' across the bridge with a big belly and big backpack.
It was a little overcast and I didn't filter this photo, but I thought it would be nice to post some pics of my favorite part of my morning run to work. This is taken once I cross over to Manhattan.
I wanted to get some pics on the West Side but I actually had to change routes because my path was too icy.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Cherry Tree Debate

The Cherry Tree Debate: Is 10 miles too long for 30 weeks of pregnancy? 

Yesterday was my first time on a treadmill in almost a year. I only had 20 minutes at the gym and I raced through a warm up, cool down and 2 mile run with an incline. It felt great! but BORING! If I'm going to run at the gym - I'm going to have to figure out what to do with myself. Aside from not getting the fresh air, I don't really love looking at a machine, or staring at my face. The Hungry Runner Girl is watching Parenthood - maybe I should think about TV as an entertainment option.

We joined the Bedstuy YMCA so that we could work out as a family. Oden and EK went swimming, but we weren't totally organized and showed up nearing the end of the swim time and without caps. It took O a little time to get used to the pool and dip his feet in, but he was fearless in the end! Hopefully next weekend will bring about a little more time for my workout, but I can also head over there in the mornings rather than run in the dark.

I missed the Hot Chocolate Race yesterday - and everyone that ran it had fun but it was a SLOW race because of the snow on the path. I'm now thinking about doing the Cherry Tree 10-miler in 2 weeks. I haven't pushed past 7 miles in quite some time, but I always run this race and don't really want to miss it! I still have the funny hate from last year. It is a late start so that makes it a little easier for me to waddle over to (I'm not really waddling, but it feels close.) My time last year was so great, and I ended up just running an extra 3.5 miles home after the race. Likely, I'll take a cab this year - but I think it would be fun.


Friday, January 25, 2013

To Chocolate or Not to Chocolate

I'm still debating whether or not to run the race tomorrow morning. Still under the weather, I really want to make sure I don't get worse - which is what happened in December...I just miss racing!

In the meantime, I realized that I haven't stretched in over 3 years. It started as a way to save time, then I realized it made no difference to my run. To Stretch or not to Stretch is an interesting article I read ages ago that helped influence my lazy decision. I've had very few injuries - the only one I had that was serious happened when I got pregnant. This morning I woke up early so I could just stretch. I threw on a dvd and to be honest - it felt really good!

I've also noticed that since changing my foot fall from a heavy heel-stomper to mid-foot runner, I haven't had sore feet. When I was pregnant with Oden, I had to wear orthopedic shoes! While 5" heels are sadly out of the question, I can wear pumps again and flats. I was really afraid that I'd be back in the Dansko's. I also think I walk a lot less. Rather than long walks around the city, biking & running has saved my feet and knees.

Let me know who's running tomorrow - I might need group motivation!!

- As a follow up....

It really doesn't seem like I'll be running in the morning! But I'll definitely hit the treadmill..it'll be a superfun race for those who do it!

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Hot Chocolate and Bluebuds

I have taken a few days off of running, and work, because I was hit with another amazing cold. I really hate being sick, but I think this one's almost gone.

So now I'm wondering if I should do the Brooklyn Hot Chocolate 10k this Saturday!
(Andy - you know I'm going to drag you out at 6.30 when it's -15... ;)  Anyone who is running a 9.30 and loves to stop at portapotties, please join me!

I also felt it was time to address the Richard Gere comment. I passed him on the West Side (THE best place to run in Manhattan - flat, smooth, right by the water..) several times last summer and autumn. Finally, I said hi. He's super nice and I'm pretty sure that the last time I saw him he was laughing at my "bump" (totally not a bump, more like a watermelon attached to my abdomen).

I realize I'm going to have to post some pics soon - first chance I get!

In the meantime - these are the headphones I'm dying to try out:  Bluebuds. I'll report back!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Cold Weather Week - Part 1

So this next week promises to be FREEZING. Normally I don't think I'd mind so much, but I don't have clothes that fit for the freezing weather....there is this strip of belly that is perpetually left with a single layer and it drives me bananas!

I also have a head cold - so, let's see what I can pull off during Week 27. Heading into my third trimester (EK is calling it the fun-mester), I'm nervous and starting to get excited at the same time. I wish I could have some alone-time with Oden before #2 shows up. I also wish that I could get in more runs - but between my our schedules, being sick so often and not having the proper attire - well, that fits over the bump - I'm down to around 20 miles a week. I'm thinking that I should consider a running stroller for baby number 2 so that I will be able to get out whenever I feel like it. Any suggestions?

On other fronts - I've become quite a muffin-maker. I don't think I had ever baked a muffin until 2 weeks ago - and my mini-muffins are like hotcakes around here. Not a bad way to stuff zucchini and carrots into little O.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Early Morning Runs & Pants

There is a good chance I'm going to bring back the early morning runs. Andy and I headed out at 6.45 this morning and I really miss the quietness and calm. However, it's still a little scary to run in the dark!

This morning's run felt good - I found a new pair of running pants that I can recommend for growing bellies. Lululemon is the only pant that I've found doesn't slide down throughout the run. They're actually old pants that I dug up - they have the fold over portion at the top. I kept it unfolded and the coverage was great. Pants have been the greatest challenge during this pregnancy, in running and in life. They are either too tight, or falling down.

Here is my new favorite: (I got solid blue, rather than stripes!) http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-pants/Runder-Under-Pant?cc=9940&skuId=3476520&catId=women-pants

Saturday, January 12, 2013

First Entry - 25 Weeks

I've been an avid runner since I was about 11. My coach/science teacher mentioned that running would keep me healthy and ensure that I wouldn't get large child-bearing hips (that's the part that always stuck with me).

I have some hips, and I'm currently 25 weeks pregnant - and running.

Most people think I'm insane to keep up my runs, but I've found an amazing sense of support and relief in reading the blogs of fellow mother-runners and pregnant runners. Especially http://www.nycrunningmama.com, http://runfargirl.com and http://www.makinggoodchoicesblog.com.

Being a marathoner is a challenge to begin with. The payoff is far greater than the sacrifice, but there are always mornings that kick my butt. On top of that, I have a 3-year old...and now pregnant with the second. I ran 40 to 50 miles a week in my first trimester, but as the second is coming to a close, I'm lucky if I can get in 20. It's busy around here! And I'm slowing down.

I've had to fit my runs into my commutes - meaning - I'm that crazy pregnant lady running to work with a backpack. I have to say - destination-running is incredibly satisfying and my route is amazing. I get to cross the Brooklyn Bridge and enter Manhattan on foot 3 times a week. The West Side Highway is a treat - it's flat, safe and there is very little fear of wiping out (I've had some awesome spills crossing the city.. not recently!) I hope to fit in 3 or 4 runs a week as long as I can. I've identified Johnny-on-the-Spots, learned to carry food, and sometimes take conference calls en route when I'm late.

Anyhow - stay tuned for some adventures. There's always something happening and I hope that I can offer some level of interest and support to fellow pregnant runners and mom-runners!