3rd Trimester Running

Alright 3rd trimester running recap! Here we go! 

I am getting induced in a few hours (eek!), I'm 40 weeks, and I had my final run this morning...so I can safely say I am DONE pregnant running (until next time...)

Again, I expect no one to read this. This is sort of my "diary" to look back on next pregnancy. 

What was different about 3rd Trimester from 2nd trimester? The sore calves really kicked in around 30 weeks! Which makes sense...b/c I am carrying more weight than my body is used to. That was really the only discomfort I experienced running. 

Weekly avg mileage & pace?

Pre-Pregnancy "avg" Road Pace: 7:45/mile

Pre-Pregnancy Road half marathon pace: 7:00/mile

Pre-Pregnancy Tempo Pace: 6:45/mile

"Avg" Road Pace 1st Tri: 8:40/mile (but it is also averaging 85 degrees + 60% humidity every morning) 

Tempo Pace 1st Tri: 7:30/mile (but I can hold it for very long because it's so hot)

Avg Road Pace 2nd Tri: 8:20/mile (notice it was faster...attributed to not vomiting + not being 90 degrees at 5 am)

Tempo Pace 2nd Tri: 7:45/mile 

"Avg" Road Pace 3rd Tri: 9:30/mile 

Tempo Pace 3rd Tri : There was no tempo running in my 3rd trimester :D. I was just happy to get out there! 

Longest distance ran in 3rd trimester: 8 miles. When I was 29 weeks pregnant, I went for a run with a friend who is coming back from having her baby - and I was able to get 8 miles in because we took the pace easy and I was distracted by seeing a lot of running friends. 

Workouts? I actually kept up my "workouts" until I was at week 32. I was still hitting the track and doing 400m repeats. But then I sort of lost my motivation after that. 

Highlights: My primary"social time" during this trimester was running time. 

I had some really enjoyable runs connecting with different girlfriends during this time. I got to run with people I never used to run with because my pace has sort of changed. ;) 

Tips: This is when I had to stop running in the dark. I chose to keep myself safe from any chance of falling. 

My belly band was very helpful. It is sort of a thick, velcro seat belt that straps around my lower abdomen. I religiously wore this every run - and I felt like it helped prevent any pelvic discomfort. Ryan called it "Baby Maddy's Seat Belt" when he would watch me strapping it on before my runs haha!

Picture highlights: 

    

This was taken last week @ Sabino Canyon with my friend Julie. She has a little girl who is going to be 7 months older than ours - and I have a feeling we will be logging many stroller runs and play dates in the upcoming years!

This Saturday - my running group had a time trial. Ryan and I showed up for me to do just an easy run. But it was so fun to see everyone. They had fun taking pictures of us :) and making jokes about baby crossing the finish line 1st (b/c my belly stuck out)  

We also joked about how someday - we hope to show this picture to our daughter and have her say "Why are you wearing those stupid masks, Mom?" 

I have to say running was kind of the one and only "norm" for me this whole pregnancy. I am so grateful it felt "good" the whole time, and I was able to keep at it. Mostly for my mental health - to be able to get fresh air, socialize with friends, and get some movement. I also hope it helps with my delivery! We shall see. 

I calculated that I put in 808 miles with this little girl in my belly. So I assume she is going to like movement ;)