I saw it! It was magical. From having the knowledge that a person was growing within me, to seeing its minute arms and legs dancing around as the sonographer prodded to get it to turn to the correct angle for measuring. Be a good foetus at your scan, little one!
A few days later I lined up at the Famous Grouse start line. I warmed up, seeking friends from other clubs to share my news with. "don't be worrying about me catching you on the climb, I'm pregnant " That race was the first one where I've felt my ability lessening. The first mile or so is a steady, runnable climb up a lane, and I quickly felt the power drain from my legs. I eased into just jogging along, rather than my usual attacking pace. Telling the people I usually race beside was a tactic to ensure I wouldn't get the 'race face' out. It didn't really stop me however. I saw a runner I usually finish near to leading a small group ahead, and had a small internal battle with myself, resulting in me allowing myself to keep her in sight, without chasing close to her. I saw race stalwart Nick Ham in front of me, and to my delight realised my new placing in the field meant that I'd be able to feature in one of his well-known race photographs.
On reaching the flatter parts of the course I tested my legs and realised I could keep a stronger pace, overtaking some of the hesitant descenders on the downhill stretches and keeping my 'rabbit' well in reach. The last stretch and my race face came back, as I heard a young woman I'd marked as a 'roadrunner' raggedly panting a few metres behind me so I gave it a bit of welly. My fellrunners pride was not going to let me lose a place to her.
It was a good experience as my first race feeling the effects of my passenger, and also being able to outwardly declare that my racing was changing. I was quite knackered for the rest of the day, which is another new thing for me to work around.
During the first trimester I only had a few days of utter exhaustion, requiring me to stay off work and take to my bed, and no nausea to speak of. I know this puts me in a lucky group. Symptoms wise, the tiredness and some pretty impressive bloating after eating are all that I'm noticing. I've signed up with Lynne at Global Therapies who will be ensuring that I develop the strength necessary for becoming a mum. I've never followed a strength training program before and I know it can benefit any runner. It feels good to be doing it now, for me and the baby, and it's made a pleasure by her enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge about pregnancy fitness, and her cheerful practical nature.
Now, at sixteen weeks, my favourite running shorts from inov-8 are getting too uncomfortable. I'm usually out in the old pair of leggings with the knackered elastic. I have a small bump which is plain if I'm in running gear or a swimming costume. My weekly mileage is somewhere around ten or fifteen, not really through choice, more due to a recent work schedule with lots of travel. I tested my downhill balance on a very familiar descent the other night and my feet remain steady. I've run at two cross-country fixtures, notorious for their red-hot pace and filthy weather. Both times I have consciously made sure my effort level has remained well below 80 percent and graciously accepted that my erstwhile rivals will finish ahead of me.
I feel the month ahead will be the make or break month. My passenger is totally feeding from my nutrients and oxygen now, and will grow at a greater rate. The bump may affect my balance . How it affects my energy levels remains to be seen. Don't think for a moment that any wintry weather will hold me back. As long as I go out with trusted friends, and have an agreed plan B whenever I do, I will continue to enjoy the fells. I am fortunate to be part of a very supportive running club, in which I know I can find routes to suit whatever I feel I can handle.
My last race of 2015 was the Auld Lang Syne at Haworth, a crazy Christmas party of a race famed for its raucous and generous prize presentation and a high proportion of fancy dress. It was a milestone for me in two ways as I decided it'd be the last race I'd commit to doing, for the foreseeable future. I completed the race six minutes slower than I did two years ago and enjoyed it every bit as much.
Today I ordered some maternity running shorts (yes they exist, though the choices were few) so I'll let you know how they go in a few weeks.
A few days later I lined up at the Famous Grouse start line. I warmed up, seeking friends from other clubs to share my news with. "don't be worrying about me catching you on the climb, I'm pregnant " That race was the first one where I've felt my ability lessening. The first mile or so is a steady, runnable climb up a lane, and I quickly felt the power drain from my legs. I eased into just jogging along, rather than my usual attacking pace. Telling the people I usually race beside was a tactic to ensure I wouldn't get the 'race face' out. It didn't really stop me however. I saw a runner I usually finish near to leading a small group ahead, and had a small internal battle with myself, resulting in me allowing myself to keep her in sight, without chasing close to her. I saw race stalwart Nick Ham in front of me, and to my delight realised my new placing in the field meant that I'd be able to feature in one of his well-known race photographs.
 |
| Descent at Famous Grouse, photo by Nick Ham |
On reaching the flatter parts of the course I tested my legs and realised I could keep a stronger pace, overtaking some of the hesitant descenders on the downhill stretches and keeping my 'rabbit' well in reach. The last stretch and my race face came back, as I heard a young woman I'd marked as a 'roadrunner' raggedly panting a few metres behind me so I gave it a bit of welly. My fellrunners pride was not going to let me lose a place to her.
It was a good experience as my first race feeling the effects of my passenger, and also being able to outwardly declare that my racing was changing. I was quite knackered for the rest of the day, which is another new thing for me to work around.
During the first trimester I only had a few days of utter exhaustion, requiring me to stay off work and take to my bed, and no nausea to speak of. I know this puts me in a lucky group. Symptoms wise, the tiredness and some pretty impressive bloating after eating are all that I'm noticing. I've signed up with Lynne at Global Therapies who will be ensuring that I develop the strength necessary for becoming a mum. I've never followed a strength training program before and I know it can benefit any runner. It feels good to be doing it now, for me and the baby, and it's made a pleasure by her enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge about pregnancy fitness, and her cheerful practical nature.
Now, at sixteen weeks, my favourite running shorts from inov-8 are getting too uncomfortable. I'm usually out in the old pair of leggings with the knackered elastic. I have a small bump which is plain if I'm in running gear or a swimming costume. My weekly mileage is somewhere around ten or fifteen, not really through choice, more due to a recent work schedule with lots of travel. I tested my downhill balance on a very familiar descent the other night and my feet remain steady. I've run at two cross-country fixtures, notorious for their red-hot pace and filthy weather. Both times I have consciously made sure my effort level has remained well below 80 percent and graciously accepted that my erstwhile rivals will finish ahead of me.
 |
| At Sherdley Park XC, about 10 weeks pregnant |
My last race of 2015 was the Auld Lang Syne at Haworth, a crazy Christmas party of a race famed for its raucous and generous prize presentation and a high proportion of fancy dress. It was a milestone for me in two ways as I decided it'd be the last race I'd commit to doing, for the foreseeable future. I completed the race six minutes slower than I did two years ago and enjoyed it every bit as much.
Today I ordered some maternity running shorts (yes they exist, though the choices were few) so I'll let you know how they go in a few weeks.
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