contrary to what the shape of my body indicates, i'm running 27 miles a week now and am feeling pretty darned good. my back, pelvic and sciatic pain have been kept at bay so far and even the actual running part is getting easier.
i will now introduce my totally unsupported theories on running. it's my blog. i can do that.
i feel like with running, i'm slowed down by one of two things.
1. my breathing/lungs/heart.
or
2. my muscles.
now it used to be that i was ALWAYS slowed down by the breathing. my lungs would burn, my face would get beat-red, i'd get a cramp in my side and i'd have to slow down so my heart could catch up with the oxygen needs of my blood.
but now, things have changed.
i can run and run forever, and unless i really pick up the speed, my heart steps up to the plate and i can breath with ease.
here's the problem:
the issue i'm currently sorting out involves my leg muscles. specifically the muscles on the front of my shins. that's it. shin muscles. they get super tight after about 18 minutes, but ONLY if i haven't run the day before. and yes, i'm stretching before and after i run. and no, i don't think it's shinsplints.... because i've read all about them and their presence is contradicted by the fact that i can run through the pain and the muscles will eventually loosen up and the pain will become tolerable. if i slow way down to like 5.2mph because of the shin pain, then pick up the speed to a sprint for a few minutes(like 7mph?) and then slow way down to like 5.5mph (yes, i treadmill) the pain decreases enough and it feels like i could run at that speed forever. but the pain is still there. and it's annoying. and i wish it wasn't the limiting reagent (remember chemistry? ew.) in my running. i wan't to be able to run faster. i don't get it.
the point:
i've been reading a bit about running stride and the mechanics of running and i feel like i need to change up my running stride; learn to land more on the ball of my foot as opposed to the heal. reference: here. i've even been reading about barefoot running, and i can't say i'm not tempted to try it...but could i wear a pair of these and retain any dignity at all? i think not.
it seems like i'm running enough that my shin muscles should be strong and pliable enough to support me. maybe they can't keep up with the stress placed on them by my ever-increasing weight??
i know a few of you run regularly. does anyone have any experience/insight/opinion/jokes on this topic? i'm all ears.
in the mean time, i'll go eat another apple turnover. from costco. damn those coupons.
Yes I'm a sometimes runner and no I never been pregnant...that being said my dos pesos...you need to listen to your body...there are somethings it just doesn't want you to do...and in my opinion your body is telling you that you don't need to run any faster...the fact that you are running during your pregnancy period is awesome and I wouldn't push it...save all that research for once Baby Doud part II is here...7.0 is hard enough for me to maintain and although as stated before I weigh more than you I am not making a baby...so just enjoy the stamina and increased lung power my friend...that alone is quite an accomplishment.
ReplyDeleteTony says its called medial tibial stress syndrome. He says the remedy is icing the shins twice a day and not running for about two weeks. Then you can try running again and see how it feels. As far as getting faster - interval training. But I wouldn't recommend that at your stage in pregnancy...wait until you have your little bebe and then work on that one...I can even help if you want:) BTW your posts make me laugh out loud almost every time...I love them!
ReplyDeleteI would laugh so hard if I saw you wearing those but.....at the same time kinda want to try them on because they look comfy and if you had them it would justify me having them too!
ReplyDeletePlease listen to the wise comments of J&J. When your body is finished making a new Doudette then it will stop competing for materials you both require right now. How fortunate to have such smart advisers. ... "in the mouth of 2 witnesses shall all things be established".
ReplyDeleteBet you will run fast and strong without the added weight of a pregnancy after you deliver! Jogging is good.
I got planter fasciates (sp? the more letters the more medically painful it looks) and a dislocated toe when I was preggo because of the extra weight. The kind doc said that when I lost the baby weight it would go away. The planter f. has but the toe is still there dang it. My advice - don't stretch speed when you are gaining weight and losing balance but do a lot of reading so when you are done you can do it right. Plus then get outfitted with the right shoe and maybe custom insoles after the baby and get a running coach. I had one for the my 1/2 and marathon and it helped tons. He would watch us in groups and help us with footwork, speed, hills, endurance etc. My time improved big time while doing that but while you have a Doudster in there don't worry about the time or the weight on the scale it will all get better in a few months. Plus the more you run he/she may get used to that constant motion and you will have to hold and rock him/her for hours on end after he/she is born. :)
ReplyDeletefirst: I'm impressed that you're still running while preggo. Morning sickness hit me HARD and put me as a no-go on a morning jog for the first 4 months and I am now an avid speed-walker (dont judge).
ReplyDeletesecond: I've had this pain before, and for me it turned out to be the waiting game before shin splints (just saying, this prob isn't you.) So I'd say make sure you stretch before and after running, but I also love stretching before bed too, all the same muscles. I feel like this lessens my likelihood of tensing up the next day. As when I usually stretch after running, my heartbeat and energy level are no where near as low as they are at the end of the day. And therefore I tend to spend my day full of energy and still utilizing alot of the muscles that tensed up on my run. This make sense? Basically I feel just about as stiff after a full day of running + regular activities, as I do after just a long run.
ugh, I'm so jealous of you, I miss my runs SO much. but I got a BOB, and come August, I'll be back.
I am now officially terrified of going to the gym with you.
ReplyDeletek so i didnt have the patients to read everyones and im not a doctor but in cross country we would get them...sounds like shin splints...u gotta ice and lay off...and trust me i had them so much i have permanent bumpy shins from the muscles pulling off all the time...ice and icy hot and avoid hills ...esp going down them ...ps this is shauna
ReplyDeleteand oops patience
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