Race Schedule and Results

Monday, January 7, 2013

Running for two


I've always found running to be a stress reliever, even on the days when I don't want to get out there.  And there are a lot of those, but I always tell myself to put on my big girl panties and take that first step.  If it's miserable, I'll turn around and go home.  I never do.  Running is a way of clearing my mind.  I take in the sights (like the 5 deer we saw today).  I take in the sounds (there are many babbling brooks that we pass on our daily runs).  I think about how blessed my life is (I live in an amazing home, with my best friend. I have a supportive family and the best friends a girl could ask for.  We have jobs, we have love.)

These days I'm not fluid when I run.  Tom often smiles at the top of the hills (he's always there about a minute before me) and tells me that I look like a steam engine, just chugging away.  I used to get mad about things like that.  But not these days.  I do look like a steam engine.  Or a hippo.  I'm slow, and methodical.  I'm not a smooth runner.  I am working.  At a slow pace.  And I love every step of it.

I saw this picture on line today (Run The Edge posted it on facebook) and it totally made me smile for so many reason.

These days I'm running for so much more than just myself.  Yes, it still keeps me sane and there is no better feeling than that of finishing a run.  But now I am running for my baby girl AND me. (Yes, you caught that right... it's a girl!)  There are two of us chugging up those hills.  Two hearts getting stronger.  And what better gift can I give us both than the gift of good health - for me through the pregnancy and for her as she starts her life.

There are so many benefits to running for two:
  • Various problems related to pregnancy such as nausea, fatigue and constipation can be reduced by running while pregnant. 
  • The expectant mothers who have a habit of running during pregnancy may not experience the problem of excessive weight gain. They also have a better posture.
  • Running also helps in reducing and preventing gestational diabetes and in lowering back pain. 
  • Expecting mothers who follow fitness regime during pregnancy have less swelling of extremities.
  • Delivery complications and labor pain as well as how long delivery takes can be reduced to a great extent by running during pregnancy. It also reduces the chances of c-section.
  • Pregnancy running not only makes the expecting mothers feel good, but it also leads to increased flow of energy.  It's also been shown to reduce postpartum depression.
  • Pregnancy running helps in reducing baby fat of the unborn child without affecting the normal body weight.
  • Pregnancy fitness also leads to better blood circulation and placental efficiency.
  • Running is one of the best cardio exercises that increases blood circulation and thus supplies oxygen and necessary nutrients to the fetus. Better blood flow = better skin!
  • Continued exercise during pregnancy helps mom's get back into pre-pregnancy shape quicker.
I'll keep running for two as long as I can.  And when she's here, we'll run together.  It's just how life goes.

25 comments:

Kristen said...

So very happy that you and Tom and MY NIECE are doing so well. Keep doing a great job baking her in there, so that she's healthy and ready to meet me in June! Love all THREE of you!!! x o x o

Unknown said...

Awesome new C! Congrats to you and Tom!

RockStarTri said...

You forgot the next step after when you will run together: She'll beat you in a race and then laugh about it. And then you will never beat her. Like ever.

Speaking from experience, athletic daughters are evil. They try to make up for it by being so damned cute though. You are doomed.

:)

Heidi Austin, PT, DPT said...

Good to know for the future!!! Congrats!

Meredith said...

I'm not Gonna lie, it gets harder but any kind of movement helps. Keep it up; keep chugging along. I think running has helped me tremendously in my pregnancy and I know it will do the same for you.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Congrats!! What names are you thinking for her?

Allison said...

You are awesome, mama!!

Congratulations on the baby girl! I had a feeling already :)

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

I knew you were having a girl! So exciting! Keep running mama!

MissFancyPants said...

First off, been a bad blogger - I just missed some posts - congratulations!!! We are also expecting but not till Aug 7 - so I am so excited that you are also still running - I am in the same boat, I want to continue but feel so tired and slow. Keep running - you are awesome :)

Michelle said...

A girl! So much fun! So happy for you guys!

Carolina John said...

Yay! Daughters are the best. I'd never trade my girls in for sons. So happy for you and tom.

Betsy said...

Congrats on baby runner girl! All the benefits sound great...except the reduced baby fat! Baby fat is soooo cute :) (on the baby, of course)

Unknown said...

Yay!! I'm so happy that you are still comfortable running!! Way to go girl!!

Unknown said...

Keep running no matter how slow you get...it definitely helps in the delivery room, plus with recovery.

TriMOEngr said...

And in what seems like the blink of an eye - your daughter will be RACING next to you like my sweet girl (almost 9) is. Congrats on your baby girl. We didn't find out with either and I was convinced my daughter was a boy (pg so similar to her brother's), but I cried tears of joy when she was born b/c in my heart I SO wanted a girl.

Ironman By Thirty said...

Love it! Keep it up, the benefits are definitely worth feeling like a steam engine (or hippo) ;)

Did Jennie tell you that the woman in the picture was one of her pacers at the River Bank Run 25k last year???

It's a girl!!! Woohoo!!

Anne-Marie said...

awww, it's a girl!! That's so great! And that's awesome you're still running!

Alisa said...

I am so excited for you and tom!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alisa said...

I am so excited for you and tom!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One Crazy Penguin said...

The perfect built in running buddy :p

I love the "new" running while pregnant movement. It has so many benefits that it's crazy not to!

George said...

Awesome! Since it's going to be a girl, that Kent State leg press record is in even bigger danger. (Girls can leg press more than guys, can't they? Isn't that why Kacie can leg press like twice what I can? It's totally normal and my manhood should in no way be threatened, right?)

Molly said...

Yay for a little girl!!!! You keep right on chugging away, you're doing fantastic!

Matthew Smith said...

Yay for my future daughter-in-law!! Thanks for making her healthy now. I don't have a clue what it's like to run for two, but you get mad props for not taking the easy way out and sitting on your butt. I can't wait to see you guys!

Ms Mae said...

Love the poster. I have to admit....I have completely stepped back from running...but keep busy with crossfit :)

Congrats on the little girl. I have 2 girls now (age 3 & 4) and they are the funniest things ever. In the summer my oldest will "run" with me for super short distances and talks about when she can race with me.

I CANNOT wait :)

Caratunk Girl said...

I am so excited for you guys!!!