Running Pregnant Questions Answered

Hey everyone!

It's been a while since I've really spoken to my experiences running while pregnant. Now at 38 weeks, I have safely reached full-term and have two weeks left until the ever closer due date. I've been asked many questions along the way that I hope I can clarify, touch upon, or answer for you in this post.

1. Does your stomach move around a lot when running? 

To be honest I don't even notice my stomach while running. It moves with my body the way it always has and I don't feel it swaying any which way. One thing that I have noticed is that prior to pregnancy my stomach, despite hot weather, would still be cool to the touch. However now, my stomach is always warm when I touch it.

2. Do you feel your baby move when running?

I have felt the baby move once during a run and that was during the 'Chilly Half Marathon' I did back in the winter. At that point in the run I was hungry and in need of replenishment. As soon as I took my gel I felt great and the baby was quiet again. I honestly think running soothes her to sleep, hence why I don't feel her when running.  I do however feel her when I go on walks.

3. Do you wear a belly band/belt for motion control while running?

My sister actually gave me a band/belt around week 28. She is very active in her job of coaching and doing choreography for figure skaters. She mentioned that she needed to wear the band/belt during the last few weeks of pregnancy and thought that I also might need it. I haven't had to use it yet because I feel quite comfortable and my stomach hasn't dropped...I might need to use it when or if my stomach drops for more support. I'm grateful I have the option. 

4. Do you have to pee constantly when running? How often do you have to stop?

I've been very fortunate in this area, while I have many close friends who do need to stop constantly to release the pressure they feel. I can run on average about 10km before I need to stop. Most of the time if I'm doing a 10k loop I make sure to have a portaloo (I know pretty gross but if you gotta go you gotta go) somewhere on route just in case. In my neighbourhood I'm lucky because the majority of parks in Richmond Hill do have portaloos on site.

Boston Marathon 2013

BOSTON MARATHON 2013

By: Kevin Souter (My husband)

Well now that the dust has settled, the emotions are in check and the legs and body have had enough time to rest and recuperate...it’s finally time to put to print ‘MY’ 2013 Boston Marathon experience.

First let me preface this by saying that it is no easy feat to 1. Exceed the qualifying times for Boston, and 2. Get accepted. Part 2 is more of a fingers crossed kind of feat, but another obstacle nonetheless. My story began last year at the 2012 Toronto Goodlife Marathon. My Goal was to run a 3:00hr marathon (couldn’t get a 3:05hr Training Plan - but hey...what’s another 5mins!!). My Boston Qualifying Time was 3:05hrs or less for the 25-29 years old age group. Training began well and remained on track. There were times where I’d substitute/skip a run based on schedule, and other days when I’d run with Calea and Kaiser enjoying some quality family time. Then with one month to go I began developing some strange and serious pains in my knee. I can only explain it as patella tendonitis without having had it professionally examined. My training then took a back seat to rest. With the run looming, I had created some varying goals: a) Complete the marathon, b) Run a personal best (PB 3:27hrs), c) Dig deep and get under the 3:05 Qualification.

Without going into too much detail, I was able to pull together all my mental resources and previous training to cross the finish line in 3:04.32hrs! The last 6-10 miles were agony. Thankfully, on the last mile with my energy truly waning, from the crowd jumped Calea to speed me up, push me on, and re-inspire me in a time of need. BOSTON here we come!!!

The build-up to Boston was like no other. I felt like a privileged and professional competitor awaiting important information and documents in the mail. All of which was needed at an extremely well run and efficient Packet Pick-Up and Expo.

Several events occurred over the weekend as runners, families and spectators descended on the city of Boston. The energy around the city was incredible amidst a sea of blue and yellow.

Sporting Life 10k 2013

SPORTING LIFE 10k TORONTO

Supporting Camp Oochigeas

Pre-Race: What you need to know is that 2 of my best friends that I grew up with from Chatham (Lindsay and Delynn) decided to run their first ever 10k THIS RACE. Let me also tell you that neither one of them had ever done a race prior to this and to be quite frank they did not share the same passion or enthusiasm for running as me before this point. They both had to start from scratch and I mean bare bones! 

The training they did prior to this was a combination of programs they found online that involved treadmill walk/run schedules that didn't truly set them up. For example one had my friend going at such a fast pace during her run she couldn't maintain it for more than 10mins. I was fortunate enough to see Delynns training schedule about a month prior to the race when her and her husband joined Kev and I in Cabo. This gave me a chance to help her adjust to the road from the treadmill and lengthen her time running vs. walking. The strides she made in our week vacation were huge and I knew if she continued on she would be set.  She learned during this vacation how to pace herself.

Lindsay was a bit different case because years ago she used to come with me on jogs and I knew she wouldn't have a problem with the distance. The problem (no problem at the end of the day) was in her head and believing in herself and her ability. She would have to tackle that gremlin on the day of and I knew her nerves would be high.