The Half that Wasn't but That's Ok

So, I was supposed to run the Hershey Half today. I had been keeping my distances short because my husband and I were trying to conceive. But we decided to take a break from trying, and I decided to put my energy into training for this Half. I was several weeks into my training schedule when SURPRISE we find out we are pregnant. I was thrilled, but due to some minor complications and between the nausea and extreme fatigue, my running came to a halt. Not just my running, but all working out in general. To someone who scheduled her life around her workout schedule, this was a huge change for me.

Now that I am further along in the pregnancy and feeling a little better, I decided last week to try going for a walk. FAIL. Within minutes, I had sharp pains in my side which resulted in me turning around and coming back home. This week I tried doing part of a Prenatal Yoga DVD for the first time. I was surprised at how weak my muscles were. But twice this week I did a couple of sessions of yoga.

Today, I decided to try walking again. I was able to walk over a mile. My heart rate was elevated at times more than what books suggest you keep it when pregnant. But my dr told me to forget my heart rate and listen to my body. I decided to try to run. It felt great to be able to run, but it was also very awkward. With the added weight on the front of my body, and my lower back pain, it took me a minute or two to adjust to these new feelings. I was able to run a little over a mile. I had to stop several times to let my heart rate drop. It got elevated quickly and my breathing was becoming too labored. Instead of pushing through as I would have done in the past, I listened to my body and stopped to let my heart rate drop.

It was good to be outside in the fresh air exercising again.