Running While Pregnant

I signed myself up for a 10k Turkey Trot to help motivate me to continue to work out while pregnant. The run is two weeks away and I have run/walked probably four times since signing up a month ago.

What was I thinking committing myself to run six plus miles at six and a half months pregnant?

Even though I feel a bit crazy, my run tonight felt really great. I use the term "run" loosely. I am talking more jog/walk routine than actual running. It was nice to get some endorphins flowing and see some impressed looks from my fellow gym goers as I picked up my speed on the treadmill.

It is difficult, however, to go against my competitive nature and slow my pace in order to keep my heart rate low enough so my tiny running partner has enough blood flowing to him to do crazy things like grow lungs and a pancreas!

Most that know me well, know I race other runners who are completely unaware that we are racing. Whether I am on a treadmill or a trail, if there is someone else in the vicinity I am in competition mode! If you are running at 6.5, I am going to bump my pace to a 6.6! If I am about to start my cool down and someone comes over the hill I will continue to run until we pass one another. It's a sickness really, especially since I am not a good runner or a fast runner!

I have my weigh in tomorrow for my monthly check up with my OB. I dread it each month. I am hopeful that somehow I only gained a pound or two in the month...but inevitably it is always much much more. With all three of my babies, I have carried them high and big. I am currently venturing out of the cute pregnant belly phase into the just BIG pregnant belly phase. I am anticipating comments such as, "Wow, due any day now," beginning soon. And the annoyed awkward reply of, "Actually, I still have months to go!"

PPBE is what I am diagnosing myself with. Petite Pregnant Belly Envy. I have a girlfriend that is six weeks ahead of me with her second baby and she is blessed with PPB! Since this is my third baby, experience has prepared me for my belly getting big. Not just regular pregnant big, but "OH MY GOSH, I think you will actually pop," big!

For the other moms out there, remember when you were about five months along with your first child and thought, "How can I possibly get any bigger." And then you doubled in size after that point?

Here is my most recent photo of my pregnant belly! Do you notice that I am in black? With a jacket and a scarf on? Standing in the shadows? All intentional efforts to disguise the size of my growing belly.

Even though I suffer from PPBE, I can't complain too loudly. All my pregnancies have been pretty easy and drama free. No complications or worries other than my vanity and a bigger than average belly with some leg cramps now and then. I have had it pretty great!

So, here is to hoping that running continues to feel fun for the next few weeks until the big 10k turkey trot.

Here is to hoping that it will offset some of the indulgences I partake in (like Costco pumpkin pies and Chick-fil-a's spicy chicken sandwich).

Here is to hoping that I will deliver a nine pounder this time around. Since both girls came out at 8lbs 10oz....I am thinking this boy needs to tip the scales and show his sisters up a bit! Plus, the bigger he is, the less weight I will have to lose after, right?!