Running for Two Part V

Previous posts:

Part I (weeks 0-14)
Part II (weeks 15-20)
Part III (weeks 21-26)
Part IV (weeks 27-32)

Weeks 33-36

Here we are again! This update only covers the last 4 weeks, instead of the 6 week intervals I’ve used before- things are changing fast around here and who knows where I’ll be in another 2 weeks.

Still friggin running! So great. I was so unsure at the beginning of my pregnancy how long I would be able to run, and here I am less than 4 weeks from my due date and going strong. Super happy about this.

So latest issues- well, the side stitches still happen although less frequently the last couple weeks. And I haven’t had as much tightening/contracting either. My new complaint is this sharp, stabbing pain I get right in my hoo-ha. It is right in the bladder area but the doctor said it’s actually most likely the baby’s head pushing down on my pubic bone. Thanks, baby! How can that be comfortable for her?? Thankfully, this pain is usually fleeting (although it takes my breath away when it happens!), but on one recent run it hurt the whole time. Yet again I was left wondering if my running days were over- but the last two runs were pretty much pain free. So I soldier on!

I haven’t had as many runs with Alisa lately- we’ve both been traveling and otherwise occupied, but we do our best. She’s in peak training for her half-ironman race anyway so it makes it hard to wedge a couple miles into her intense schedule. She’s still an awesome supporter though! (and awesome shower-thrower too, see previous post!)

One person I have been running with- Zach! He’s finally in a place where he can go out for a few easy miles with his round-bellied wife and I LOVE it! After his spring of ultra-marathoning and then an extended recovery due to a knee injury, it had been a long time since we ran together. He’s very accommodating- usually jogs as slow as he can and still gets ahead of me, but he always waits. :) We had several great runs on our babymoon vacation in Central Oregon, including a few trail runs! We also have been running from home together and love exploring the neighborhood and new trails around us. Such great bonding time in our last weeks as a family of 2!

Anyway, here are the stats from the last 4 weeks. I’m still running 3 days a week about 3 miles at a time. Here is each week’s “long run” and weekly mileage total:

33 weeks pregnant: 3.7 miles at 12:48 pace, 12.6 miles total
34 weeks pregnant: 3.1 miles at 10:38 pace (5k!), 9.6 miles total
35 weeks pregnant: 4.0 miles at 12:15 pace, 9.75 miles total
36 weeks pregnant: 4.0 miles with Zach at 12:20 pace, 9.1 miles total

Running pictures:

After today’s run- 36 weeks pregnant:

4 miler at 35 weeks:

Finishing 5k at 34 weeks along:

Trail run with Zach at 33 1/2 weeks in Bend:

Body Changes:

As you can see in those pictures, I am getting big. It’s pretty fun- certainly identifiable as Super Pregnant. Lots of kind smiles, questions about my due date, and seats on the bus.

Baby girl is squirming and rolling all the time, it’s borderline disturbing. I mostly love it but it can be kind of painful. Everyone with a few moments to spare can easily see my belly wobbling or a foot protruding – so that’s fun (for shock value.) When my friends were here for the baby shower they all got a nice kick or two!

Doctor visits are going great and everything is looking good. I got an ultrasound to check on her and she’s in ship shape. At 35.5 weeks she measured at the 60th percentile and was estimated at 5 lbs 11 oz. They said 7.5 ish pounds by her due date. I still haven’t really gained any weight in the last few weeks- pretty interesting. I am eating super healthy – probably better than I ever have. The doctor isn’t surprised or concerned at all- baby is obviously fine and I have energy still so my body is just doing it’s thing I guess.

She’ll be here soon- probably in about a month or less even. I am strangely not that worried about giving birth. I know I should be, it’s going to be crazy, but it’s just not in my head at all. I guess my rationalization is that giving birth has been the “A” goal of this whole endeavor, and if I get to do that, it’s the best case scenario. So I am grateful for the opportunity to shove her out. Weeee! I can’t wait to meet her and see her little face and learn all about her.

 

Cross Training:

Hmm, I think I went to yoga two of the four weeks. That’s it! Lots and lots of walking though too- on my lunch break every day and often in the evening after dinner with Zach.

 

Pictures:

I have a whole slideshow of weekly pics which I may post someday but for now, let’s just do a few (4 week intervals):

12 weeks:

 

16 weeks:

 

20 weeks:

 

24 weeks:

 

28 weeks:

 

32 weeks:

36 weeks!

And a few pictures of the nursery, which is now pretty much ready. The theme and colors were inspired by the bird painting I bought on Etsy. The big tree mural is a vinyl sticker decal we ordered online. The birdhouses were made at my baby shower by all the guests. The flamingo painting was done by a good friend. Nature, beauty, and lots of love.

 

 

Thanks for reading. I owe you one last running update- weeks 37-???