May 9 2011 38 weeks
April 16th was my last race and as of now most likely my last run :(. I was almost 35 weeks at the 5k race and finished in about 31minutes (I also biked 11 miles before the run too). Unfortunately I think earlier that week I had tweaked my hip running with the dogs due to those darn pregnancy hormones trying to loosen up my joints and prepare my body for having this baby! The little annoying ache turned into a sharp pinch every time I walked, so running was completely out of the question. I am going on three weeks now without running and I miss it already. Thankfully I have an amazing chiropractor that has me almost pain free again! While I couldn't walk, run, go up stairs, or stand on one leg to put my pants on...surprisingly I could still very comfortably swim, ride my bike, and lift upper body. I tried to do nothing and rest method...that didn't seem to make the pain any more tolerable.
So I joined the Tri Club of San Diego. I figured if I can't run, maybe this will keep me motivated and have something to look forward when I can start training again. I was able to do a 20mile bike ride with the beginner group April 17th, then did that same ride again the following weekend. I was surprised and happy I could still ride my bike since I couldn't run anymore. I also joined a swim workout with the club in the pool...I do get a few funny looks, but I'm kind of used to that now. :) My doctor has advised against any open water swims as of now...which I am actually ok with and am happy to stay in the warm 80 degree pool water versus the freezing ocean or bay! I also went to a spin workout with a friend I met through the tri club. It was an outdoor class where you bring your bike and ride on a trainer for about an hour and a half! I was slightly nervous because my bike trainer kicks my butt after 30min! And when the instructor came over to help us out he said that this class was a pretty intense, and that beginners sometimes can hardly make it though the warm-up! He told us to do our best, but no slacking! I unzipped my jacket and pointed at my huge belly and asked him if this was an excuse to slack...I was totally joking, but I think I caught him a little off guard...he said he had no idea I was pregnant. When I told him I was over 36 weeks pregnant he just asked me to please not go into labor during class. The class was definitely challenging, but it was good to learn how to properly train on my bike instead of just ride the easy gear while watching something on netflix! The next week I did get in 4 swim workouts, did the elliptical, and 2 weight training workouts. I was pretty proud of myself that I could still do 3 sets of 3-4 pull-ups at the end of my workout with the extra baby weight! My workouts have been a little unstructured, mostly depending on my energy level, my schedule, and my SI joint pain. I just try to get some type of exercise most days, but still listen to my body. If I feel like I need to just rest, I do.
Since I feel like I am FINALLY getting some relief in the pain department, I am hoping to get in some great workouts this week. Most likely the pool, bike trainer, and the gym...oh and the never ending job of cleaning and trying to get ready for this baby!
