11.08.2011

1st trimester

I think the decline of my running came the week after the Philly Distance Run. We held under 9 min pace for that race and I felt comfortable for it. Then my hamstring flared up and I could not run the entire week after. When I came back from that, it was slowly and I had to go get my hamstring worked on every week. Now I'm dealing with discomfort after every run that lasts the entire rest of the day but I can run comfortably for the most part. The pain is the worst when I'm driving or sitting still (which I don't do much!).  I feel like I can't get back to a faster pace and I'm working against myself since my body is going the other way (decline,slowing) but it would be real nice to run a better time in Philly than MCM?

I was able to run 7 miles this morning on the treadmill and it felt really good! But so slow! I could run 7 miles in an hour at one point, and it took me over an hour and 10 minutes :( Kind of frustrating. I made a friend at the gym. Do you talk to people at the gym? I need to socialize in the morning. At the Y, it was the same early morning crew so I knew people and knew the instructors. I joined a new gym for the days I'm not swimming since they were running a special for the rest of the year (and hopefully after that I can cancel it!) I don't know anyone, but this morning the guy next to me asked me a question about signing up for the machines - you have to do that to "reserve" the time you are on it. Then we became running buddies, haha. Too bad he was traveling for business.  Older guy, recreational runner. I'm starving for interaction, even when I'm running, so it made the time go by quicker. But all in all it felt good anyway! It was definitely frustrating since he started after me and was done before me - and we both did 7 miles, but what can you do? 7 miles felt really good!

So the first 12 weeks were different this time. Since I was in top shape and training for the triathlon and marathon, this wasn't in my original plan, and I did cry when I found out.  For the full story, I thought I was in the clear, then realized I wasn't and that I ovulate super late. I took the Plan B pill but this baby pulled through. I think I feel overwhelmed enough with Nick(will be 3 in Feb) - low key and sweet, and Kara( will be 1.5 in January) - demanding, mama's girl, but sweet! so it has been hard to swallow but I know babies bring so much joy and it will be great for the kids to be close in age (17 months between Nick and Kara, 22 months between Kara and the new sibling:) ) As far as my well being?? We'll see how that goes! I wish that I could share my fertility because I know so many people who want to be pregnant and jump through a million hoops to get there or just can't get pregnant. I can't even imagine.

Anyway, as far as the first trimester... I had some nausea this time around, I was napping in the afternoons very often, I couldn't keep my eyes open! I didn't really have aversions, just foods that I saw and wanted right away!  With Nick and Kara, I wanted butter, cheese, and toast/english muffins, and I could not look at veggies the first trimester. I'm going strong on my veggies and was really into cheese the first few weeks, and cheese hoagies too! Peanut butter was take it or leave it for a couple of weeks there, and I was eating my Amazing Grass Chocolate with coconut oil every day!  Now, I have weekly/monthly cravings - the chocolate and mint is a strong one, mexican food - black beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole.  Starting at Halloween with the candy, I feel like I have been shoving my face and not stopping when I'm full. I feel like I am now obviously pregnant (at least at swimming). I need to chill out a bit!

I feel like I've been pregnant for the last 3 years straight and everytime things start getting easier, bam! I'm pregnant again. I guess they'll all be close in age and have a good time. I'm questioning how you give enough time to each child, because I've always wanted 4 kids and I feel like giving two the attention they need is a challenge!  I guess I'll see after 3.

Some ultrasounds pics! Due date May 3. I'm around 15 weeks, I think. I'm not really keeping track!








16 comments:

  1. Congrats on your pregnancy! Even an unplanned one can bring joy to a family that has lots of love to give, as yours does!

    You are remarkable to train and do all that you do while pregnant! You're really a "model" pregnant runner and mother!

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  2. I feel like the tide has turned and things are finally getting a little easier with Emily. Like I can go to the grocery store and not make a total scene each time. I was thinking the next fall we'd try for a sibling, but you're totally adding to my baby fever :) Now I'm being lapped x2 here!

    You do such a great job with Nick and Kara. People say the biggest adjustment is going from one kid to two. I'm sure #3 will fit in just fine.

    I had no inkling that you were pregnant based on your posts. You handle pregnancy well.

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  3. Ohmigosh, I must have missed a pregnancy announcement! Unless this is it - LOL! Either way, congratulations!!! Wow... no wonder you were struggling! All the best to you. :)

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  4. You are so v brave to be so honest and I can really understand your fears and upset and frustrations. It is a really big deal to be pregnant. Your body is totally taken over for 9 months and the rest.... That said, I bet you look at those pics and just can't help but be excited about another gift from God. I know my heart flipped over when I saw them.

    You should get a tennis ball and sit on it / roll your hamstring on it. That should help. Also, it may seem v unrelated, but you must make sure you do your pelvic floor exercises as you can get referred pain from a weakened pelvic floor. That's a lot of force when running and especially when preggers. Think about getting some fascial release - your body has been through a lot and that might help re alignment and the hamstring.

    You are/will be an amazing mummy to all your kids. Congrats.

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  5. Congrats! I cannot believe how fertile you are. When you guys are done having kids you need to get your tubes tied! I'm kidding, but holy cow, you could be the Duggars if you wanted to be. I've got now advice on the injuries but I'd say knocking out 7 miles (and marathons) during your first trimester is impressive on its own.

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  6. Congratulations!!! I know how those unexpected pregnancies go :-). The first few years are going to be tough but once they are all old enough to play together I imagine it'll be really fun having them close in age. you'll get through it! And it's awesome you'er sticking to the training so well. You're so much more disciplined than me!

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  7. Congrats again Natalie! I know that you feel overwhelmed but you are in amazing shape and I know you will bounce back again! Take time to nurture yourself too. I know easier said than done....but make that time where you are filling your cup! Before you know it you'll be back to running sprints!

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  8. oh wow - congrats! i must've missed the announcement? i cannot believe all that you've been doing while pregnant with your third! though i know it is hard, you are really living life to the fullest with your beautiful babies, your training, your races, and all your awesome cooking! seriously,you are an incredible inspiration to mamas and athletes everywhere! good luck with your pregnancy -when are you due?

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  9. Congrats! I obviously have been skimming lately because I totally missed the pregnancy announcement a few posts ago. I'm sending you an email!

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  10. congratulations! a friend of mine just had #3 and are about the same age difference...2.75, 1.5 and newborn. she's exhausted and i think nuts (you too!) but the funny thing is, she had to do IVF for all 3 (same issue i have....bad eggs) and no one would EVER guess she wasn't super fertile.

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  11. You'll do great! I would think the biggest adjustment is going from 1 to 2 but I don't have 3 so I can't tell you that from experience ;-) It will be over before you know it. You've still got years to run marathons so don't stress over it.

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  12. Wow, congrats! We are actually talking about more kiddos at our house. Never thought that would happen. I guess never say never :-)

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  13. Holy cow! I cannot believe you're pregnant again! Congrats to you guys!

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  14. I won't lie to you, I thought going to 3 wouldn't be that big of an adjustment, or at least that's what I heard...not the case. It's hard, rewarding definitely, but it's hard. You'll be exhausted and constantly guessing whether each of them is getting what they need from you...but at the end of the day when you see them all smile and hear them laugh, you'll know why you did it. So don't forget that.

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  15. coongrats on the baby bump!!!! :) :)

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  16. How did I miss this post? Congrats, no matter how it happened, it's a blessing. Best of luck to you!

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