Tuesday, March 20, 2012

To Run or Not To Run...

...with a bub on board?

That is the question.

Except, it's not even a question as far as I'm concerned.

The issue is simple for me.

As soon as I know I am pregnant, I put a halt on running.


I guess that makes me 'Mum on the Walk' for a bit, doesn't it?!


It's a personal choice.
I certainly don't have an opinion (or any authority) on any other's woman's choices - during pregnancy or otherwise.


I simply choose not to run 'with child'.


I am not technically, medically 'supposed' to fall pregnant, so when I do I'm not going to be tempting fate one little bit.

 
Plenty of research reinforces that it is perfectly safe to maintain the exercise regime you were engaged in just before pregnancy, but I go with my (ever expanding) gut on this one.


It honestly just doesn't feel right.
For a few sickly weeks there, it actually felt downright impossible.


I'm not particularly concerned that I'm losing fitness, tone and endorphins with every day that passes.


I don't miss it one little bit.
(Maybe one teeny, tiny bit occasionally - but it never lasts long.)

I still head out early in the morning on my 'run' days, but I walk.
I'm still getting the fresh air, the head space, the (milder form of) exercise that I love.


I still go to the gym once or twice a week, but I faff around far more than I used to.
I sweat less and chat or belly rub more.

I still use the free weights and exercise bike here at home - but I'm no longer pushing myself.


Right now, my focus has shifted and my body is someone else's for a while.
I'm trying to be the perfect hostess to 'Muppet' - well, the best I can be anyway.


I know I will run again.
(Heck, Magoo has already offered to look after the baby while I go for a run - bless him.
I'm sure the relevant government agencies would have no problem with a four year old babysitter.)


In fact, I have my sights on another marathon in 2014.
(Keep it down. I can hear you snorting from here.)

In the meantime, I've got some beautiful tiny organs (ovaries even, if you ask me hey Hubby?!!!) to develop and a gorgeous little person to nourish and love.

Do you power on as normal when you're 'duffed'?


Shar :-)

13 comments:

admin said...

I love your sneaker shot!!! & soon it will include a baby bump as you look down! how exciting xx

Tamsyn said...

Wait, how did I miss this!? Congratulations on being pregnant!!

All For Love said...

When I fell pregnant with Angus, I didn't actually realise I WAS pregnant until 8 weeks along. First pregnancy, not really knowing what to look for or how soon it would happen etc etc... What I DO remember was for a few weeks there just how HARD running was. I was at peak fitness doing multiple laps of the beach in dry sand... and actually doing races with hubby too. He was giving me grief about not being able to keep and when we found out why, he felt very red faced, hehe.
From that moment, the running stopped and I settled for power walking. I did the same throughout my pregnancy with Felix. Like yourself, I was never keen to take any chances. I know women who do and power to them, but for me, it just didn't feel right. Sounds like you're keeping up a great workout regime anyway Shar. Go Mama! xoxo
Voucher arrived today, Wahoo! Baker's Delight here we come, thanks again!

Teresa said...

I was going to ask you about this, Shar.

I was the same as you and substituted walking for my usual running routine (and on my mother's advice started doing pelvic floor exercises in the car at every red light?!)

Did you hear about that lady on the news a few months ago that ran a marathon and then gave birth?! Wowsers!

Sounds like you have made the right choice xox

Mel @ Coal Valley View said...

First pregnancy I was too scared to do anything other than brisk walks. It just didn't seem right even though I knew it would have been fine to do more. So I know exactly how you feel about that. But I did put on A LOT of weight because I also had the desire to eat a lot to feed the baby. After that I joined a gym for the first time and lost all the weight and fell pregnant with no. 2 so continued with what I was doing at the gym until the day before I gave birth (by then it was just a brisk walk on the cross-trainer). Third pregnancy with the twins I could barely walk by the 4th month - painful pubic bone separation issues - plus looking after the other 2 kids - so really only managed getting out for walks SO I guess you just need to adjust to what feels comfortable physically and emotionally. You're doing great, can't wait to see the bump!! Mel xx

Karla {Ironmum Karla} said...

Good for you, I pretty much did nothing during my pregnancies, and turned into one of those people that sleeps in everymorning. It didnt worry me one bit, priorities!x

Nat - Muddy Farmwife said...

I always think Mum knows best and what feels right for you.
Go you Shar, fresh air and a brisk walk sounds good to me.

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

Oh yay, i don't think i even said a hearty congratulations about the bun in the tum, i know you like your rhymes . . . everything crossed for you to win the cute baby Volleys on my blog giveaway, go the girls!! Love Posie

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

Oh completely forgot to respond to this post, tired, busy day on the sander . . . i couldn't exercise when i was pregnant, everything made me want to puke, especially Yoga, my head just could not move, certainly not below my heart, lying down was also uncomfortable, blah. But the minute i gave birth i'd literally leap from the table, yay, new baby & no morning sickness, let me run free. Love Posie

Jane said...

A good topic, Shar. I didn't feel comfortable running with any of the pixies but then again, I loathe running so it was never on the cards ☺. Just do what feels best for you. And like Jules, thanks for the voucher - I'm looking forward to using it! J x

Mrs M said...

I was one of those 'oh I'm going to get fat anyway, may as well enjoy it' and ate and did whatever I liked. which I am still ok with. there is plenty of time for pushing yourself, but like you said you most certainly have your priorities right, right now!

Kate @ Our Little Sins said...

When I was pregnant I did what 'they' tell you not to and did more, far more, than pre-pregnancy. I was so fearful of bad abs and crazy old stuff like that and I'd heard that exercise could improve labour (who the hell knows where I heard these bizarre things) so I did more. I felt good. Who knows whether it contributed to anything though?!

No snorting here re: plans for marathon in 2014. If anyone can, you can!

Anna @ green tea n toast said...

I was running a fair bit when I fell pregnant with Oliver and eventually it just didn't feel right so I stopped. And sadly haven't got back in to it since. I have managed to keep my yoga going though which has been great. x