You asked: Running

Move that body: 2.8-mile walk with Denali

I wanted to do weights this morning. Really, I did. But then stuff happened – like the work project I needed to get caught up on and the pork loin that needed to go in the slow cooker and the dog who will eat anything deciding it was too hot to eat. I did get in my walk – a hot, humid 70 degrees at 7 a.m. – so at least that’s something.

And since I can’t dazzle you with gun-worthy ambitions, I thought I’d take time to answer some of the questions you asked on the Old Navy pants giveaway post. Today’s questions are all running-related.

LESanaty asked …

Do you have any advice on how to start running?

I am no expert and can tell you only what I did. I started with the Couch to 5K program like so many others. I think it worked well for me because it gave me a plan and goals that were achievable but was still a challenge. In the beginning, I think it’s also important to really think about why you want to run. I don’t think it can be all about weight loss or because it seems cool. For me, I really wanted to be able to run 3 miles with Denali before winter came. Signing up for a race can do the same thing for someone as well.

Jams asked …

What makes you get outside and run, you know, when you wake up not feeling it?

See above. Seriously. There are many times when I want to do nothing and I mean absolutely nothing. But I can’t. Denali just stares at me with those gorgeous blue eyes – I mean blue eye – and I know it will be best for both of us to just get out there. We’ll both feel better and I can go to work with piece of mind knowing he’s he’s less likely to chew the bed. When it was more than just exercise – when I was training for my half marathons – I found it helpful to print out my training schedule and post it on the fridge. Every time I completed a workout, I got a sticker. Seriously. And if a day didn’t get a sticker, it really stuck out like a sore thumb and left me feeling disappointed in myself. Again, goals and races really help to keep me motivated.

Mrs. Bump asked …

My question for your FAQ page would be your strategies for continuing to run during your pregnancy. Did you use any guidelines/books about it, or just go as you feel?

I didn’t read any books but I did scope out the Interwebs for advice. I think it helped that Kara Goucher and Deena Kastor had just had babies when I got the positive test and a lot had been published about the topic. I also follow the blogs of some very inspiring runners who are also pregnant and always find their posts to be a source of good information. And, yes, I do go as I feel. If I need to break, I do. If I don’t, I don’t.

I will say that I am more than likely running against my doctor’s recommendation, which I don’t suggest. He was hesitant the last time I asked him about running and decided to employ a “don’t ask, don’t tell policy.”

Bobbi asked …

Did you find it harder or easier to exercise through pregnancy than you expected? What surprised you?

Oh, geez. Good question! If you had asked me in November whether I’d still run at 34 weeks (well, 34 weeks tomorrow), I would have probably said no. My goal was always to just make it to the third trimester and hope for the best. Now it’s day by day, week by week, and I’m so glad that I can still move. I’m surprised that I don’t feel my belly or feel inhibited by it when I work out. Of course, I’m not doing a push-up any time soon. So … physically … I’d say it’s been easier than I thought it would be.

Of course, that’s not to say it’s been easy. The first trimester fatigue is no joke and it was difficult to get moving some days. Also, I think I psyched myself out a lot knowing that I should feel tired and therefore felt tired. Does that make sense?

Holly asked …

Do you want your child become a runner? If so how will you introduce the 'lil one to your #1 sport?

I think Baby Boy is destined to be a runner ;) Of course, if he decides to be totally uncool, I’ll be OK with it if he doesn’t. My priority as a future parent is to raise him to be healthy and active. Mark and I have had a lot of discussions about this, many rooted in my fears of repeating my own unhealthy childhood, and we know the best way to do this is by example. I picture us spending weekend going on family bike rides and fun running around the park and playing catch with Dad. Mom going on long runs with Dad on bike and baby in the bike trailer. I do hope that he will feel inspired by his mom (and dad) as we continue to pursue our athletic goals (Hello, marathon 2012!) and maybe, just maybe, he’ll want to sign up for some of the kids races. But if he wants to play Wildcat baseball, that’s OK, too.