Running vs Walking - A pregnant runner's dilemma

When I was pregnant with my first, I followed all the "rules" that I was reading online and in books; I stopped drinking diet coke, eliminated deli meats, limited my tuna sandwiches, and kept my heart rate below 140.

Wait, what? Keep my heart rate down and still be able to run? How was I supposed to do that? It's not like I was out of shape to begin with - I had ran the Philly Half Marathon about a month before I learned I was pregnant. I tried to run, but to no avail. After less that 5 minutes I was over 140. So I tried the elliptical, but that was no use either. So I resorted to what any other normal person would do - I sat on the couch and ate ice cream (almost) every day.

I gained 40-something pounds and had Munchie in September of 2008. I slowly resumed running over the winter of 2009 and ran my first post-partum 5k that spring, followed by my first half marathon in August of 2009. I was happy that I was able to get back into running, racing, and had lost almost all of the baby weight.

In the spring of 2010, I began my blog and started following some other running blogs. I came across 2 women who were running during their pregnancies. Really? How cool was that! I started to do some research and realized that the 140 heart rate "rule" was a little outdated, especially for someone who was used to running and in good physical condition. I vowed that if/when I ever got pregnant again, I would continue to run.

Over the winter of 2011, while training for the Lake George Half Marathon in April, we got pregnant again! I continued running, and finished the 13.1 at 6 weeks pregnant. I continued running and doing some smaller races - a few 5ks and a 5-miler. I was feeling good and so excited to keep up my fitness level. But as my pregnancy progressed, so did my back pain.

As a physical therapist, I was having my co-workers treat my back in between patients or at lunch. Eventually I realized that I needed my own appointments and started to get treated regularly. Unfortunately, I made a realization - my back was worse after I ran.

It was suggested to me to "just walk" instead of run. Walk? But that's not running. Previously, if I came back from a long run and wasn't able to run all of it, I felt like it wasn't a successful run. So I guess you could say I equated walking as failure? In my head, it was kinda hard to translate walking into a productive way to exercise at that time.

Well, now it's been a few months. And the heat waves are over. And there is nice, cool weather in the mornings. And I have an itch to RUN. But I know it's not in the cards, at least not for another 3 months (plus a few weeks for post-partum recovery!). I have conceded to walking and am ok with it for now. At least it's exercise and I am feeling good about it!

I'm BACK!

After a few month hiatus from blogging, and a small break from scrapbooking, I am officially back! The last few months have been a fun and exciting time for our family - I am expecting in December :)

I was running through the first few months of the pregnancy but am officially done for now. I developed some SI joint problems and it just isn't worth pushing through the pain and discomfort. I was pretty upset at first but have come to terms with it now. Taking walks with Munchie, who can now pedal a trike faster than I thought was ever possible, have become an awesome new way to exercise for now.

I just finished 5 new Runner's Race Bib Books and they are all for sale on my Etsy shop, LauraElaineDesigns.Etsy.com (for some reason blogger won't let me hyperlink right now).

Marathon Mama

RUNNER GIRL

RUN LIKE A GIRL

RUN

RACE BIB BOOK

8 miles in the book!!

Just finished up my 8-miler and I felt GREAT during the whole thing!!!! 8.21 miles in 1:29:49, just under 11-minute pace. I decided during this run that it's sooo much better to go a tad slower (11:00 pace) and feel good during the whole thing, than a little faster (10:30 pace) and struggle, be negative, and not feel so great. The weather was bright sunshine, about 40 degree, and slightly windy, so it was really pretty good - a little chilly in the shade when the wind blew, but overall not too bad. I also RAN up my entire Big Hill (see my previous post here from my 6-miler where Big Hill beat me)!

Hope eveyone has a great Sunday! Enjoy those long runs today!!

Goliath got David today.....but only for about 30 feet...

I was looking forward to today's long run since it was supposed to be another gorgeous day out. I knew it was going to be mentally tough becuase I was running in the afternoon (I'm a morning runner) and it was my reunion with my lovely hills.

If I want to run more than 3 or 4 miles, I need to leave my neighborhood. There are two choices that I have to run DOWN when I leave the neighborhood - Big Hill and Bigger hill. I usually choose Big Hill...which means I finish my long runs by running UP said big hill for the last mile back to the house. Since today had 6 on the schedule, I got to meet up with Big Hill again, for the first time since the fall.

Along with the gorgeous weather today (temp was 67 and sunny!) the wind was absolutely brutal. I really can't complain 100% about it, because I know it helped a ton to keep me cool. There were some parts of the run that I literally had to close my eyes because of the sand and leaves blowing up into my face. It felt great to be out and about on a long run though, with a training plan. I had my GoLite Hydro Clutch and had brought a Gu which I had around mile 4. Overall I was feeling great as I began the last uphill mile.

And right at mile 6, just before I reached the top of the hill, that nice ol' wind hit me HARD. I don't even think I was moving forward! So I did it...I gave in and walked to the next mailbox. Just about 30 feet, but I let it beat me. Next time Big Hill, you are all MINE!!!

I finished in just over an hour. I hit the "stop" button instead of the "lap" button at mile 1 (which was a wicked fast 8:06 DOWN the hill!), and didn't realize it until I went to hit it again at mile 2. Rest day tomorrow and probably 2 or 3 for Sunday, depending on how I feel.
Have a great weekend everyone!

Celtic 5k Race Report

Family 5k in Worcester, MA - Sunday March 13, 2011 - Steve's birthday!
It was a chilly morning, but great weather for running. We pushed Munchie in the jogger (his first time riding since the fall) and he did awesome! It was an out-and-back course along the end of Worcester's St. Patrick's Day Parade route, an hour before the parade. It was awesome because all the people coming out to watch the parade were already gathering on the streets as we ran by! We decorated Munchie's stroller with green and orange balloons and streamers. We were wearing shamrock headbands, although they are kind of difficult to see in the photo.

family shot before the race

Since we were pushing Munchie, we started out slow at the back of the pack so that we wouldn't be in any one's way. Just before we hit the turn around at the half-way point, we spotted Team Hoyt - Dick and Rick Hoyt - the father and son team who have done hundreds of races, including Boston, with Dick pushing Rick in his wheelchair. They are an incredible story of love and perseverance. We ended up passing them a little after the turn around - they are so incredible!

munchie looking thrilled!

We finished in about 30 minutes and some change - not sure of our official time since I forgot to stop my watch :) our parade-watching spot

After the race, we headed back to the car, changed into some warmer and dry clothes, grabbed our chairs and headed back over to watch the parade! Munchie kept asking where Santa was, since the last parade we went to was the Xmas one :) He enjoyed all the bagpipes, marching bands, and of course the firetrucks.

All in all, an awesome day. We will definitely do this race again next year!
Happy Birthday Steve :)

Oh yes - AND Steve is famous - check out his quote at the end of this article in the Worcester newspaper (click HERE) about the 5k!

I'm signed up for my next Half!

My sister had emailed a link to me about a week ago to see if I was interested in running a half marathon in April. It's not too far from my parents house, and it's the day before Easter, so it is perfect timing for us to both do it. I went back and forth, but hubby and I decided we're both on board (he actually just signed up for Marine Corps Marathon next October!). It's the Lake George, NY Half Marathon on Saturday, April 23 at 8:00. And its 7 weeks away. I figured out a training plan, since lately I've just been doing random runs with no plan in sight. 3 miles has been my go-to distance with one or two 4-milers and one 6-miler mixed in. I think I'll do something along these lines for the long runs:
March 12: 4 miles
March 19: 5-6 miles
March 26: 6-7 miles
April 2: 5-6 miles
April 9: 8-9 miles
April 16: 10 miles
April 23: 13.1 Race Day!

It is an abbreviated schedule from the plans I've done in the past, but since I've been consistantly running, and this is all the time we have, it will have to do!

Congrats to all the Princesses!

After reading about all of my bloggie friends that traveled down to Orlando and particpated in the Disney Princess Half Marathon today, I've decided that I need to do this race next year! I first heard about it last year when I treated a patient that was participating in it with a group of her girlfriends. Seeing the popularity of it, and of all of the Disney races, I've added some Race Bib Scrapbooks to my Etsy shop. There are two Princess ones in my shop (HERE) and (HERE), as well as one Goofy Challenge one (see it HERE) and one WDW Marathon one (see it HERE).

Front cover of the first princess one:

Room for lots of photos and journaling:

RUN!

Mats for more pictures and journaling:

Place for the race bib (sample race bib below):

Second Princess Half Marathon Race Bib Book (see it on my Etsy site HERE):

"Once Upon A Time"

"I wear the glass slippers in this house"

Room for photos and journaling:

The last page has room to hold your race bib (sample below):

If you are interested in purchasing either of the above books, or if you would like a customized Princess Race Bib Scrapbook, please visit my Etsy site, Laura Elaine Designs.

Thanks for looking and congrats again to all of the PRINCESSES :)

Treadmill Distance PR!!!

I headed over to the Y today, thinking that I would do 3, maybe 4 miles on the treadmill. I started out at my usual, 6 mph. I flew through the first 3/4 of a mile - that was the first time I looked down at the distance/time - and continued to do well until 2 1/2. From there 'til 3 was TOUGH. I debated finishing up and calling it a day, but I still had 45 min. until I needed to get Munchie from daycare. I talked myself into trying 4. Mile 3 to mile 4 was a breeze, so I thought I would finish up with 4 1/2. Once I got to 4 1/2, I talked myself into 5.

Now let me back up a little. Steve and I had signed up to do the Super Sunday 10K at Castle Island in South Boston this Sunday. We had arranged for a sitter (Steve's cousin) and then we were going to join them to watch the game after we ran. I was really looking forward to this as we haven't raced since Thanksgiving and it was going to be some nice "couple" time for the two of us.

But unfortunately, the race has been postponed due to weather. It's just going to be to HOT and SUNNY and BEAUTIFUL out at Castle Island on Sunday.

HAHA just kidding!!!! Apparently there is no where for us to run due the massive amounts of snow we have! It's unsafe for the streets to be blocked off (huh???) and the sidewalks are buried under 50+ inches of snow. Boooooo

(Not really 50 inches, but she looks happy, right????)

Anyways, once I approached 5 miles and I wasn't dieing, I knew I had to finish the 10K. 6.2 miles on a treadmill. The most I've ever done is 4, maybe 4.5 on the dreadmill. But I was feeling it today, so I took a 30 second break at 5 miles, lowered the speed to 5.5 mph and chugged along until I finished the 10k!!!!!!! 63 minutes, 40 seconds - a 10:16 pace! So proud!

Suck it up Buttercup Virtual Race Report

Michel over at Baby Weight My Fat Ass is hosting a virtual 5k, Suck it up, Buttercup! for the month of January. I somehow missed when she first posted this, but came across it last night. We have an upcoming 10k next weekend (Super Sunday 5k/10k in South Boston), but I haven't been running outside because of the cold. I thought it would be a perfect chance for me to reunite with the pavement and get my mind/body back out running in the cold.

It was 25 degrees when I left the house at 8:45. It took me about a half mile to really warm up - those first 5 minutes my face was COLD! I had on 3 layers on top, and put shorts on over my running tights for some extra warmth. I have issues running with a winter hat becuase of the ponytail factor (I need to get one of those ones with the hole in it!) so I was wearing my winter headband over my ears/forehead.

The 5k I did today is probably one of my favorite routes to take around here - I've done it 100s of times, it's a good mix of hills, and it never feels too far. Today it took me a little longer than usual, since I was darting the snow and ice. My time was 31:09 and I'm happy with that!

I felt great the whole time. This was just what my mind needed - I just couldn't take even the thought of running on the treadmill today, and it helped me to feel more confident for the 10k next weekend (outside!).

Happy Running!
Laura

2011 Miles logged and Goals

I finally was feeling well enough today to get out and log my FIRST running miles of 2011. And it's already January 16th! Yikes! It was COLD but felt great to sweat again. My lungs were burning breathing in the cold air, but at least I could breathe out of my nose again!

On Friday Steve and I went to a nearby State Park, Purgatory Chasm. It is by far one of our favorite places to visit, any season of the year. We snowshoed for about an hour and a half in the peaceful, snow-covered woods. It was awesome and I can't wait to do it again.

On another note, I have finally finalized my goals for 2011. I am going to try and check in at the end of each month to track my progress in each of these areas. In no particular order:

1 - Run/walk/hike/snow-shoe 500 miles

2 - Eat healthy, natural food. I wish that our family could afford to eat organic 100% of the time, but we will do the best with what we have. We really have made some good changes this year away from processed food.

3 - Get Munchie potty-trained. He will be 2 1/2 on Feb. 1 and we have been less than consistant so far in our efforts

4 - Try to be more patient with Munchie in his ever-curious 2-year-old learning

5 - Go to church more

6 - Create and list at least one scrapbook per week on my Etsy site

7 - Limit my time on the computer - I really need to stop mindless facebook-surfing of "friends" that I haven't seen or talked to in 15 years

8 - Expand our family :)

26 miles to go

**Don't forget about my current giveaway for a Runner's Race Bib Scrapbook HERE**

I only have 26 miles left to go until I achieve my goal of running 400 for the year! I find it kind of ironic because I have yet to catch the marathon bug, even as much as my husband has pestered me about running one! So today when I logged my latest miles on DailyMile.com and saw that I only had 26 left I thought it was ironic....someday....someday....

It was another treadmill day, since it was only 8 degrees when I left the house. No, that is not a typo...it was in the single digits when I left and there was NO WAY that I was running outside! C'mon, if it's going to be THAT cold, then we at least need some snow!!!!

Goals = Accountability

**Reminder - enter my giveaway HERE for a Runner's Race Bib Book!**


Accountability, aka guilt, is kicking in. Since my running plan of trying to maintain my miles without training for a specific race wasn't working, I decided to set the goal of completing 400 miles by the end of the year. I know this doesn't sound like a lot, but I really needed it to get my butt in gear. So far, it's working pretty well. I had a TON of stuff I could have done this morning before I went to work, and it was FREEZING outside. Great excuses, right? WRONG! I got my butt to the gym and cranked out 4 miles on the treadmill! Whoo-hoo :) If it wasn't for committing to the 400 miles, I don't know if I would have done this. Plus, it made it easier to eat those 2 cookies at work. Geez I need a lot of help this time of year!


Have a great one!
Laura Elaine

Caution...stating the obvious...

Just got back from my run - my usual 5k around my neighborhood. I have not been as consistant w/my running as I would like to be. I had set my new goal to complete 400 miles by the end of 2010, which is TOTALLY achievable....if I can just get my butt out the door and log some miles!
So back to today's run. I am a solid 10-minute mile girl. Occasionally I am able to get a few consecutive miles sub-10. Today I looked down at my watch after my 5k and saw this:
28:44!!
A 9:09 pace!

The big difference.....wait for it....I run faster when I'm not pushing a 30-lb munchkin in the jogger :) I'm still excited though.

Have a good one!
Laura Elaine
PS -stay tuned for that 100th post!!!!!!

Runner Girl

Are you a Runner Girl? 12" x 12" Premade Scrapbook pages with room for your race photos, memorabilia, and even your Race Bib!

You can see the full listing for this $10 set of pages on my Etsy site HERE.

Thanks for looking and have a great weekend!
Laura Elaine

My sister is a Chicago Marathon Finisher!

Here are some pics from yesterday's Chicago Marathon! My sister finished in 5:27:16. I am soooooo proud of her!

She's the one in the maroon - her 2 friends ran with her (blue shirt and pink tank waving at camera). They all did an awesome job!

All smiles at just before the half-way point!

High-fives at mile 17...it was HOT but she was still plugging along!

FINISHERS!!!!!!

We got to see them SIX times during the course! It was a lot of walking, but we had an awesome time and it was totally worth it!

Hope everyone else had a great LOOOONG weekend and did great in their races!

PS - Don't forget about my Running Chics Review and GIVEAWAY going on HERE!

Chicago Marathon!

I am in Chicago for the weekend to watch my sister as she runs in her first marathon! I am so incredibly proud of her and can't wait to cheer her on! I flew out here this morning from Boston to surprise her!!!!!! Can't wait to see her face as I greet her at the gate :) It's going to be an awesome weekend with the marathon and all, but also....I'm solo for the weekend. It would have been just too much for all 3 of us to fly out here, so as much as I love my little guy, it will be a nice little get-away for Mommy :)

Good luck to everyone who has a race this weekend...can't wait to read all the race reports!
Laura Elaine

PS - Don't forget my current giveaway - Running Chics! Check it out HERE

Fall Runner's Race Bib Scrapbook

My newest scrapbook creation for sale at my Etsy shop: Runner's Race Bib Scrapbook in fall colors - just in time for the fall marathons! You can check out the full listing HERE along with all of my other running-related scrapbook items.

If you would like a chance to WIN a scrapbook OR a $10 credit toward my Etsy shop, check out these two current giveaways that I am a part of:

FREE SCRAPBOOK from Laura Elaine Designs

$10 Credit toward anything at my Etsy Shop

Have a great day!

Laura Elaine

Virtual Race Report - Mama Goes Masters!

I set off for the Y this morning since we had another rainy day here in Mass. I honestly don't know the last time that I ran on a treadmill - sometime in the early spring I think. And 4 on the 'mill is a LOT for me. But I was feeling really good this morning and knew it was either the treadmill or outside in the rain, pushing the jogger (which I don't think is very fair to the little guy!)

I left Stephen at Child Watch, screaming of course, dropped my stuff in the locker room, and then headed downstairs. I think part of the motivation that got me through was knowing that he was upstairs, and the longer that I went without one of the workers coming down to get me, the greater my chances were that he was fine upstairs and I would be able to finish my run without having to rescue him!

I forgot my headphones and Ipod, so I just tuned to Sports Center with closed caption and away I went. Nothing too exciting. Finished the 4 miles in 42:17 - not too bad! I bet I could have gone faster if I was outside though!

And since I was inside at the Y, I didn't have my camera or phone on me, so once we got back to the car, I snapped this quick pic on my phone. Glad that the sunlight makes me look like I have no neck :)

Can't wait to read everyone else's race reports and Happy Birthday MCM Mama!

Laura Elaine

PS - stayed tuned for my VERY FIRST giveaway! It has something to do with CSN Stores....

Rain, rain, go away

Ya know the old saying about not realizing you had something until it's gone? Well, I am realizing after these last 3 days of rain (with the next 2 more forecasted for rain) that I am missing those sunny days now that they are gone! We had an amazing summer, weather-wise, here in New England. I really can't remember the last rainy day we had. Which means that any run that I wanted to do, I was able to just go out and RUN! I'm not a huge fan of running in the rain (who is?) so I figure today we'll head over to the Y to get some miles in. I was planning on running my 4 miles for MCM Mama's "Mama Goes Masters" Virtual Race today. Since I haven't been on the treadmill since April-ish, I'm not so sure how this will go! Plus, the little guy hasn't been at Child Watch for equally as long. So this could be an interesting race report! Stay tuned :)

Running on Fumes

As a runner, I know the importance of nutrition. As a health care professional, I know the importance of nutrition. Today I was slapped in the face by the importance of nutrition.

After being laid up for 2 days with the stomach bug and not eating much besides popcicles and toast, I took yesterday to try to get my eating back in check. I probably only took in around 1200 calories, as my stomach still didn't really feel 100% until the end of the day. This morning I woke up and was actually hungry so I thought I must be better.

I was planning on running 3 miles this morning. Usually I don't eat before just a 3-miler first thing in the morning. Today I had a quick instant breakfast shake, and an hour later I headed out. WOW. My legs felt like lead. So heavy and I didn't even think I was moving forward. My breathing felt fine, and by about 3/4 of a mile, my legs loosened up and I was feeling "normal." I made it a point not to look at my watch during the run - I knew it wouldn't be a great time, but was just glad to be back out.

When I finished my 3 mile loop, I hit "stop" on the watch and looked down. 32:31 WOW. I have been averaging right around 10 minute miles lately, so I was shocked to see this time. Guess those 2 days of toast and popcicles really did a number on my body!