In the past two weeks working out has become… What’s the word I’m looking for? Humbling? Challenging? Complicated? Obviously, I’m gaining weight and my center of gravity of is shifting. I couldn’t be happier about that (most days). However, I can’t run or even walk as fast as I used to – and picking up things is beginning to become a test of balance. Getting comfortable in my clothes, let alone on the treadmill, in the weight area, or on the spin bike adds an extra 2-5 minutes to my workouts (especially the clothes – I feel like I’m constantly adjusting!). These things are all pretty minor though. I’m not finding working out particular difficult. If anything, I feel my best when the endorphins have kicked in and getting in a good sweat session. BUT things are different and mentally it’s a struggle in a way I never imagined possible: I’m used to pushing myself hard and I can’t.
I’m sure you’re thinking – WTF is wrong with you? Can’t you give yourself a break? You’d think after two (very healthy) pregnancies where I worked out just as much as I am now I would get over this struggle, but this feeling? It’s kinda new… and I blame running.
It’s not surprising that running has built up my endurance more than any other workout/exercise, but I guess I never realized how much running pushes me to WORK HARDER. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) it’s now engrained into my brain and it’s not as easy as I thought it was going to be to shake! I was on the treadmill on Friday when this hit me. Just 4 months ago I would have cranked that sucker up to 7.2+, added an incline, and ran as fast as my lungs would let me. This time? I was pushing 6.2 (a 9:40ish pace) and the treadmill was as flat as a pancake — and that was FAST for me. As I ran next to people who were both hauling ass and giving me the side eye – I couldn’t help but be jealous. And then I thought – WTF is wrong with me?
The green-eyed monster struck again later while I was doing a strength training workout. I was lifting 10lb weights (lower than my norm) and while I was sweating up a storm, I felt like I COULD have been challenging myself more. Then, I sat on an exercise ball and leaned over to pick up my weights – and almost fell off the ball. A few minutes later I almost fell forward doing a side lunge. Slowly, a small does of reality set in: Umm nope, I should definitely NOT be cranking up the workout!
It’s funny because in all this time that I’ve been running I didn’t necessarily “get” why it’s so hard for people can’t just sit out a few weeks to recover from a (minor) injury. Or why people rush to get back into running after they have a baby (Ok, I still don’t necessarily get this one – I barely have the energy to pick up my clothes off the ground after having a baby), but I kinda feel them now. It’s not the calorie burn or the even the endorphin high that gets you – it’s the challenge. It’s reaching goals. It’s pushing yourself harder than you ever thought possible. There is an addiction in that and I guess I have the bug more than I thought!
So, how can I am channeling my inner voice? Well, I did sign up for Tina’s Best Body Bootcamp. I’m not doing it for a “best body” perspective. I’m not doing it challenge myself or my fitness. In fact, I’m sure some people thing I’m crazy for signing up! But even the toughest workouts can be modified for pregnant women. In fact, I’m pretty sure there are plenty of pregnant women doing Crossfit right now! I’m doing it because I love the structure of the workouts. It gives me something to look forward to and focus on. It’s challenging, but in a different way. So tomorrow, when I hit the gym, instead of thinking “Man, I wish I could do XX faste or lift XX with a heavier weight”, I’m going to tell myself I’m badass for signing up for a 8-week Bootcamp challenge when I’m 22 weeks pregnant!
And truthfully, the most motivating thing for me right now is hearing people tell me I’m crazy, hearing that they would never do the workouts I’m doing if they were pregnant. That I am insane. It’s not the same as pushing myself on a long run or upping the weights past fatigue, but it’s mentally satisfying. I’m doing anything that would be considered harmful (and I always, always stop if I’m uncomfortable or I don’t feel right), but I don’t have to loose my endurance-junkie self. I also know that in 6 months I’ll be back at it (<-wow crazy to think about!) and bitching the entire time. So I might as well enjoy the “down time” while I can!
Anyone else surprised by what’s challenging them after a change in mindset? It’s kinda like after I graduate from college and found myself bored out of my mind without 4 projects to work on at a time!
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Well first off, remember that “best body” to me is aiming for a healthy and happy body…so taking care of yourself during pregnancy is what that entails.
Definitely modify and take things easier and its still super impressive to me! And many others no doubt. Always let me know if you need any sort of modification. You know I’m here for you. 
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..Move It Monday: Functional Core Circuit
Thanks!! Very true about “best body!” One of the things that made me know I could do this challenge are the modifications that you have for each phase! Also knowing that I had a good solid fitness base helped
Thanks for your help in this – I’ll definitely let you know if I have any questions!!
Hmmm…I’ve started running a bit but do not get any of what you’re saying. I *do* sort of know what you mean from my experience doing zumba while pregnant. I couldn’t keep the crazy happy music-jazzed pace up while pregnant so I toned it down and did it more low-impact. But it became boring. If I couldn’t jump and shake like a maniac then I couldn’t let my body and mind go. My zumba buzz went away. It is back though
Christine (Cook the Story) recently posted..A Healthy AND Tasty Spinach Recipe
When I lived in Bradenton, I was a member of Shapes, which was an all female gym. There was this extremely pregnant chic there on the weight machines every time I was there, and I worked out at least four times a week. She looked like she could kick anyone’s ass too. It was pretty awesome. So let the haters stare, girl. Keep it up!
Paula @ Eat: Watch: Run recently posted..Race Review: DeLeon Springs Half Marathon
You’re inspiring, Michelle! I bet it won’t be long after you have your sweet baby and you’ll be setting new PRs during races. I struggled through my run and felt frustrated this morning because I’m still battling a bit of a cough and congestion. Major props to you for running when you’re growing a HUMAN! You’re a rockstar!
Ashley@cupcakesncrunches recently posted..Cucumber Salad
One of my favorite phases during BBBC was the group of the tabatas. I think the bootcamp program is a great way to keep yourself accountable during pregnancy!
Stephanie recently posted..MIMM: New Year, New Me!
I think its amazing that you’re doing as much as you are doing right now! Even if it’s less than you are used to, it’s still a hell of a lot more than many other pregnant women and even non-pregnant women! You should be proud!
Theresa recently posted..Tuesday Truths
I think you’re AWESOME for keeping up your workouts! Right now running isn’t so easy for me, and that has been SO humbling because it used to come to me with no problem. I’m trying to accept that I’m just at a different point in my life and to focus on my strengths [<-- ha, pun intended. i'm doing BBB too.], but it's still been an interesting experience thus far
Rachael @ Happy Healthy Runner recently posted..The Truth About College Binge Drinking – Infographic Friday
I think you’re amazing! If you’re having a day when you feel slow next to someone on the treadmill, come run next to me! LOL You’ll feel very, very fast.
Nah – you are doing great!! I can run a lot faster on the treadmill for some reason (but it depends on WHAT KIND of treadmill).
I say keep it up! I’m convinced that working out really helped me during delivery and in the recovery phase of this past month. I got some weird looks on the treadmill too. Just tell those people to suck it!!!
Victoria recently posted..Today’s The Day
I wish I had signed up for a bootcamp or something similar during my last pregnancy, I just felt like everything was too hard, both mentally and physically, like getting dressed, etc, even walking I got stitches and was so out of breath. So I just did nothing! And I regret that a lot!
It’s so much easier to find the motivation when there is a plan, that’s for SURE!! You got stitches walking? UGH! That sounds horrible.
Haters gonna hate but who cares? As long as you’re not doing anything considered harmful for you or the baby you’re good to go! I think it’s important not to lose yourself in the midst of anything, including pregnancy. You’re a fit chic, you’re used to pushing yourself, I totally get why you’re still working out. If I ever get pregnant I’ll be right there with you girl. Keep it up!
Carolina @ Peas in a Blog recently posted..Rice Krispie Treats
“Haters gonna hate but who cares?” SOOOO true!! And thanks – I’m hoping to keep going as long as my body will let me
That’s a great attitude to have and a great mindset to be in to stay healthy and committed during and after your pregnancy. Way to go!
Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups recently posted..Ending the Holidays