Running and Bonding

So, as talked about in the first post, I am 22 1/2 weeks pregnant with baby number three. We got pregnant with her right in the middle of my marathon training program, so she's known nothing other than a running uterus. I've run probably about 500 miles with her, some of my hardest, most challenging runs. From my milestone of 20 miles to my first marathon at 13 weeks, and now, most recently, an amazing half marathon at 22 weeks pregnant, she's been with me all the way.

And even though she's only been in my belly this whole time, and I can't really look at her, or hold her with my arms, I have to say that running with her has been such an amazing bonding experience already. The idea of "doing it for her" is what got me though some of my toughest long runs prepping for the marathon. When I was on the Dallas Rock n' Roll Half Marathon course Saturday, and looked down at my watch to realize I could beat my first half marathon time, I decided to gun it, just for her.

I have also found myself to be in the best shape of my life. For some reason, I felt that the pregnancy actually enhanced my running. My pain tolerance has been higher and my body has operated at a more optimal level. Running while pregnant has proven to be the best move I ever made. I remember when I found out that we were pregnant. My husband asked, "um, do you think you can actually RUN a MARATHON pregnant?" My response, "of course!" I thought it would simply provide more of a challenge. But in all honesty, I think it's proven to be a benefit.

This, my third pregnancy, is my most amazing one. I wasn't a runner before. I didn't give that gift to my other two kids. This baby is getting the gift of a mom in optimal shape. Me, I'm getting the gift of better oxygen circulation and amazing warm fuzzies.

Running while pregnant.....an amazing experience.