30 Weeks Pregnant and Still Running

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Yesterday marked my entry into my 30th week of pregnancy. Ten weeks to go! Somehow, when you get into the 30's you really feel like you're in the home stretch of pregnancy and everything becomes a more real. My little boy's kicking has been constant and rather strong (maybe he'll be a runner just like his big sister and mama?:-) I'm also getting a little "nesty:" feeling the urge to fold and refold his little boy clothes. I though it wouldn't be a strong the second time around but I can definitely feel that desire to make our home and his thing "perfect" before he comes.

I've noticed some changes in the past few weeks in regards to pregnancy and my running:

Runs have shortened. I was doing 6-7 miles comfortably about three weeks ago, but now those longer runs have become more uncomfortable. Mostly because at about the three mile mark I have to pee like crazy. And for some reason that "pressure" seems to cause me to have Braxton-Hicks contractions. Most of my recent runs, with the exception of a 6.8 mile run last week have been shorter 3-4 miles. And I've been OK with that. I can still do a nice 6 miler near my house because its an out and back the turns around at the community center where there is a bathroom. But there have been runs where I've prayed that a porto potty would materialize out of thin air...it hasn't happened yet, so sometimes I use the woods. Yep! Good thing I'm a New Hampshire girl and not afraid to pee in the woods:-)

Times have slowed. My times have definitely slowed. I can't really run comfortably in the 9's like I was a couple weeks ago. Most of my runs are in the high 10's or low 11's. A small part of me cringes at this, but thankfully the larger part of me says "Sarah, your out here. Run what feels good for you and your baby." I especially noticed it last night on the track. I'm still going to track workouts mostly because I love the way running around the track makes me feel: strong and confident (even if I'm slow and getting lapped). And I love the encouragement from the other members of my run club. But last night there was a significant difference in the way I felt: lopsided and leaning to compensate for my growing belly. I tried to let my form be easy and light, but man it was hard. I think the degradation in form is part of the slowing process. My body is just not as efficient.

I need support.  I've been wearing two Bella Bands on my runs now (one folded under the belly and the other over the top to secure and add support). Because my abdomen muscles (even with all the plank poses) really are strained when I run. The bands give enough support that I feel comfortable. If I don't wear them I get really painful side-stitches as my abdomen muscles cramp up. It's not the most comfortable in the heat of summer to have three layers around your midsection, but it is so worth it! I've also found that my hydration belt gives a little support too.

Stretching is key. Everything in my hips feels tight after a run. I could feel on my 6.8 miler last week that at about the hour mark all the little muscles in my lower abs, my hip flexors and muscles in my inner thigh were TIRED. So when I finished I was sure to give those a good stretch and foam roll, cause if I don't they tighten up and can be incredibly uncomfortable during every day activities.

I'm done with races. I did two races in July two days apart and though it was really fun. They wiped me out. I ended up taking three days off from running (insert naps). For now, I'm going to pass on the races and start saving that registration $$ for maybe some new shoes for the fall;-)

I've still got the OK from the midwife to run, she assured me on Tuesday that if for any reason she thought I should stop she'd let me know. I appreciate that about her, she applauds my desire to stay in shape but will be honest with me if she needs to. I think from here on out my plan is to run Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, leaving Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for rest or cross training. Hopefully this plan will keep me running for the next 10 weeks:-)

Have you run through pregnancy? When did it get difficult? If you've never been pregnant, how do you listen to you body when it's telling you you need to ease up or take rest?

--Sarah