1/2 Marathon at 15.5 weeks!

What a great race we had through South Mountain park!  We've ran here several times, so we kind of knew what to expect, but it was a HILLY course.  It was a gorgeous, chilly 7:00am start in the high 50's - perfect running weather!

 *Before the start*

Matt wanted to get under 2 hours (like his fast wife and fast older sis) and I knew I'd be a lot slower, so we parted ways at the start.  After several miles, I figured Matt would have a hard time making his goal because it was just so HILLY.  Definitely the hardest course I've done.  It was a nice out and back, so I was able to wave at Matt as he started his trek to the finish and I was approaching the tough hill to the turn around. 

I didn't really have a goal time, but a realistic expectation of around 2:30 - 2:45 based on my recent past runs.  Despite the hills, I felt pretty good until about mile 9 when I was sick of the hills and was ready for a much needed gel.  Once I got the gel at mile 10, my second on the course, I was feeling good!  It's amazing what happens when you don't have any caffeine for 15 weeks and then all of a sudden take gels with some caffeine - wowsers - I was off!  I surprised myself and finished with a 2:29!!  Matt greeted me at the finish, happy with his 2:05.  All in all, I was ecstatic to meet my goal of doing a half marathon while pregnant.  Matt has his under 2 hour sights set on the Fiesta Bowl race December 5th, which some of us did last year after our wedding.  We'll see if I'm up for that one!

 *2:29 Finish!*

*Matt enjoying a massage at the finish*

Yummy treats!

A fabulous surprise showed up on our door step this morning - COOKIES!!!  Thanks to my Grandma Martin and mother in law for getting us my favorite molasses cookies and Matt's favorite peanut butter chocolate chip!  I'm going to try to exercise some portion control, but we'll see.  Luckily, I did run 6 miles this morning...so I've got some justification there right?  Yes, I have a little bump too - part baby, part molasses cookies!

15 weeks!

I feel like my belly has popped out over the weekend!  Matt seems to think it's not that noticeable, but I'm sure noticing!  I think a shopping trip is in order soon.  :)

We ran 10 miles yesterday and it was a great feeling!  We got an earlier start than last week, so the weather stayed pretty cool the whole time.  It took 2 hours with my pace, but Matt was able to run ahead of me and do push ups, dips, sit ups, and sprint intervals.  I think I worked him pretty hard!  We're both signed up for the YMCA Half Marathon (13.1 miles) next Saturday, so I'm looking forward to that.  It was a big goal of mine to be able to do a half marathon while pregnant, as motivation to keep in shape and not veg out on the couch.  Last year my goal was to do a half marathon in under 2 hours, and I did a 1:58 in June at the Rock N Roll Seattle Half Marathon!  Next weekend, I think I'll be doing it in 2:30 - 2:45....quite the change but I'll still be proud of myself!  Hopefully Matt will be able to break 2 hours.  I'll post some pictures next weekend and maybe show my growing belly!

On Sunday we went to Joe's Farm Grill with Matt, Kourtney and baby Cooper - where I splurged on french fries and a chocolate shake.  Yummmm!!  Between keeping up my running and being pregnant - I think it's well deserved! 

8 miles!

What a nice, relaxing weekend we had with no plans!  I was excited to do an 8 mile run on Sunday, especially now that it's getting cooler outside.  We slept in a little (someone had a little too much to drink Saturday night!) and the late start meant we would finish in high 80 degree temps.  Like usual, Matt starts out at my pace (slow!) and then goes ahead and does some fast intervals.  That way, we both get in a great workout! 

I know there are some people that are skeptical about running being safe for pregnancy.  Trust me, I did lots of research and talked to my doctor.  Benefits include controlled weight gain, better muscle strength, better sleep, better mood, and faster recovery from labor.  The general consensus is to listen to your body and don't push it.  I know 8 miles may seem like a lot to some, but you have to keep in mind that before pregnancy I was doing 8 miles several days a week and then 12+ miles on the weekend.  It's all relative. 

Paula Radcliffe, the marathon world record holder pictured below, was featured in a great article in Runner's World about her experience running while pregnant.  I won't go into too much detail, but you can check out the article here.

 

Today is Columbus Day so I have the day off, and started the morning with a nice 3 mile run and then a 4 mile walk with my friend Kourtney and baby Cooper.  Happy Monday!   

Almost 14 weeks!

What an exciting couple of weeks!  And yes, I'm almost 14 weeks because the due date has changed to April 11th! I had an ultrasound last Friday - which was so amazing!  The little guy wasn't moving around much, because apparently I didn't get the memo about eating sugar prior.  I'm not sure if I'd want to do that anyway....you know how I feel about giving young children extra sugar!  Ha!  The test results from the NT test were normal, so no worries there thank goodness.  Then on Tuesday I had a doctor's appointment and he measured my stomach and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat using a Doppler - 166 bpm!  What do they say about a high heartbeat?  Boy or girl?  Check out the ultrasound picture below...he/she is waving! 

Last weekend my parents were in town - which was just great!  I love having them here!  It was their first time meeting Clifford, and I think it was love at first sight for both of them.  My mom can barely live across the country for Clifford, so hopefully we'll be headed back to the mid west in the future.  My mom and I also ran an Oktoberfest 5k while Matt ran a 5 mile race and my dad brought Clifford - good times!

As for how I'm feeling - well - I'm a new woman!!!!  What a difference a few weeks makes.  I'm happier (just ask Matt), not craving tons of food, not sleeping 12 hours a day and not feeling like I'm going to puke!  Makes me worried that something happened and I'm not pregnant anymore....but again, all we can do is trust in science.  :)

Today I went for a nice 3 mile run to meet my friend Kourtney and her new baby Cooper.  We walked almost 4 miles - and it was so nice to chat with someone who knows what I'm going through.  Hopefully we can drag them to the mid west with us!

Well, we have a half marathon in 2 weeks - so I'm hoping to fit in a nice long run now that the weather is cooler!