If you've been reading here for a while, you probably know that I have had some ups and downs with this whole running thing. As you can see from my "PR Bin" on the right sidebar, my running seems to have peaked in the past, and although I've had some decent performances as recently as earlier this year, I am starting to wonder what kind of future running and I will have.
Recently, I happened to catch a replay of a Kona Triathlon in which one of my television staples, Gordon Ramsay (spotted by me at LA Marathon 2010!), actually completed the race. To think that this busy older guy could become an Ironman was rather inspiring, as all of the stories are. Of course, I know by my crampy-cramp-cramp tendencies indicate that I'm nowhere near the shape I need to be in do complete one of those.
But I don't have any ambitions to become an Ironman, though yes, I want to complete a triathlon someday. Yet before all of that, I just wonder if I'm going to get back into the running game, and in what capacity. I ran my last marathon in January, as I had sort of decided back last June that 15 would be a good number for now. I just ran out of the time and patience to train so much and "fail," and not-training and "failing" was just as bad, only more painful.
I did my last race in Big Sur in April, which I barely ran at all because I was pregnant. I mentioned in a previous entry that my original intention was to keep running. I was running during the first few weeks of the pregnancy, only to stop due to feeling uncomfortable and paranoid. I'm not sure if I'll try again before all is said and done, but let's assume that at almost 30 weeks along, I won't. I've been pretty good about working out most days still, but with certain pains increasing, those days seem a bit numbered.
On top of the new baby, working, the slump I had even before the pregnancy, and all the fitness I've lost, will I run again?
Trying to be minimal, we only got one stroller, and it's a jogging one. I don't think I'll be running with it (just using it as a normal stroller) for most of the first year, and even then, it just seems daunting. "The Ukrainian" will probably get more use out of it when the time comes in that regard than I will.
Late last week, we were at an outlet, and I bought a running shirt to replace one of my favorite ones that has been falling apart over the past five or so years. I couldn't even try the thing on, but here's hoping it will fit again soon enough. Also, I registered for a 5k that will be taking place in March, which I plan to walk while carrying the baby. (Please send me good babywearing vibes!) Although I won't actually be running in that event, my goal is to be able to run/walk a 5k by then in general, which will be about 3 months postpartum.
I don't know what the future will hold, but my biggest hope is that I will be forgiving of myself in those first months but also that running will naturally fall back into my life as I get used to things. At least it won't be 100+ degrees outside, right??
Recently, I happened to catch a replay of a Kona Triathlon in which one of my television staples, Gordon Ramsay (spotted by me at LA Marathon 2010!), actually completed the race. To think that this busy older guy could become an Ironman was rather inspiring, as all of the stories are. Of course, I know by my crampy-cramp-cramp tendencies indicate that I'm nowhere near the shape I need to be in do complete one of those.
But I don't have any ambitions to become an Ironman, though yes, I want to complete a triathlon someday. Yet before all of that, I just wonder if I'm going to get back into the running game, and in what capacity. I ran my last marathon in January, as I had sort of decided back last June that 15 would be a good number for now. I just ran out of the time and patience to train so much and "fail," and not-training and "failing" was just as bad, only more painful.
I did my last race in Big Sur in April, which I barely ran at all because I was pregnant. I mentioned in a previous entry that my original intention was to keep running. I was running during the first few weeks of the pregnancy, only to stop due to feeling uncomfortable and paranoid. I'm not sure if I'll try again before all is said and done, but let's assume that at almost 30 weeks along, I won't. I've been pretty good about working out most days still, but with certain pains increasing, those days seem a bit numbered.
On top of the new baby, working, the slump I had even before the pregnancy, and all the fitness I've lost, will I run again?
Trying to be minimal, we only got one stroller, and it's a jogging one. I don't think I'll be running with it (just using it as a normal stroller) for most of the first year, and even then, it just seems daunting. "The Ukrainian" will probably get more use out of it when the time comes in that regard than I will.
Late last week, we were at an outlet, and I bought a running shirt to replace one of my favorite ones that has been falling apart over the past five or so years. I couldn't even try the thing on, but here's hoping it will fit again soon enough. Also, I registered for a 5k that will be taking place in March, which I plan to walk while carrying the baby. (Please send me good babywearing vibes!) Although I won't actually be running in that event, my goal is to be able to run/walk a 5k by then in general, which will be about 3 months postpartum.
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| Around 28 weeks in this one. Super 3-D!! |
So about those marathon cramps... after doing my 5th cramptastic marathon this year, I decided to sit down and really pick apart what was going wrong. I ruled out salt (I'd been training and racing with added-electrolyte chews), and the cramps are always in the same spot. Went to see a physiotherapist who concluded that my glutes were weak and prescribed some exercises. We'll see how this goes for my next marathon.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt you'll end up trying out a triathlon eventually! Just give yourself time. I've enjoyed all the tris I've done. And yes, there is a reason the 40-45 AG is so competitive at Ironman events - those folks have most of the child-rearing done and are relatively settled in their careers so there's time and money to train properly!
15 is an impressive number of marathons! You're doing great and have to keep in mind that pregnancy absolutely weighs in on motivation and your feelings. You might feel the same afterwards or find a burst of motivation to get back at it!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you're 30 weeks already! Almost to the home stretch. I went into labor Friday night and our little guy joined us earlier than planned. It's surreal! Before you know it it'll be your turn!!