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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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!