38 Weeks Pregnant: The Run Down
After getting the OK to get back into running last week, my goal this week was to run three times and I did! I wrote the first part of this post yesterday afternoon and saved the draft planning to get up this morning, run my third run and hit "publish." But somewhere between yesterday afternoon and this morning I developed a lovely sore throat. I'm not surprised, my two-year-old has been fighting a cold this whole week. She's been a snotty mess actually, normally her little colds pass quickly, but this one seems to be lingering. Which explains why I got it too. I still laid out my running clothes last night thinking (wishfully) that the little catch in my throat would not turn into a sore throat. But it did. Under normal (non-pregnant) circumstances I would have totally gone out and run. Maybe not the wisest decision, but that's how I operate. But given the fact that I have 12 days left in this pregnancy, give or a take a few, I made the decision that I should not run. Good for me, I'm so wise (sarcasm). Despite not feeling well this morning I did have a great run on Monday morning. I got up and out the door by 7am, into the cool, crisp, fall-like air. I'm a huge fan of summer, I feel so sad when it comes to an end and thoughts of a long, bitter New England winter loom in the back of my mind. But in-between the end of summer and the beginning of winter there's some fantastic running. Fall running in New England has to be one of my favorite things: the air is cooler, the leaves are starting to turn all shades of gorgeousness and after a summer of running through heat and humidity you feel like you're flying. I'm not exactly getting that "flying" feeling this fall, but I certainly have the itch to get out there an enjoy the changing season. I feel really blessed that I'm feeling well enough this late in my pregnancy to get out there and enjoy it.
Monday's Run: 4 miles at 11:03 average pace. I felt really good for the first 3.5 miles, but then on the return 1/2 mile (which takes me down the big hill that I climb in the beginning) I felt a tightness in the front of my left thigh up by the pelvis-the same tightness I've mentioned before. My midwife suspects all this left side tightness is due to the fact that the baby has been positioned on my left side for the majority of the pregnancy and all the relaxin has got my hips pretty loose and ready for labor and delivery.
Wednesday's Run: 2 miles pushing Sophia in the stroller at 11:18 average pace. The hip tightness goes away when I push the stroller. Not sure why, but we had a really enjoyable two miles around a flat track at our local park. I don't feel like pushing the stroller is more tiring that running by myself and my paces are about the same (although Monday's run was hilly but alone and Tuesday's run was pancake flat but pushing a stroller).
Friday's Run: Didn't happen.
Hopefully with a low-key day and a nap, I'll be feeling better by the end of the weekend. Now my goal is to make sure this nagging soreness in my throat doesn't turn into a full-blown cold.
Do you run through little colds or rest? When have you had to adjust your running plan due to unexpected health issues?
--Sarah