Faith Laces

Photo Credit - mconnors I hate to have come all the way to the end of the alphabet and fizzle out. It's like running 25.2 miles and walking the final mile! But this is all I've got for an essential beginning with the letter ' Z ': A z ip-up jacket is essential for pregnant runners (plop, fizz - oh how lame that is!). Non-pregnant runners also benefit from a zip-up jacket, preferably waterproof. It's essential to have protection against snow, rain and wind. For me, it was much easier to zip up my jacket in the fall than it is now. I had to wear my husband's jacket today as I ran through a steady spring rain. So that's it! The end of another A-Z Challenge. For all of those who dropped by and for those who stuck with me through the end, thanks for reading!

Yoga is an essential for runners and for pregnant women, so it's no surprise, I'm listing it is an essential for pregnant runners. Photo Credit - Microsoft Clip Art First of all, let me just say that yoga is so much more than sitting, breathing and meditating. I know that some people (my sister for one) have the misconception that yoga is a waste of time, which couldn't be further from the truth. Before I got pregnant, yoga was a regular part of my cross-training program. I liked doing yoga that moved quickly from one pose to the next and got my heart rate up. My preferred video was Jillian Michael's Yoga Meltdown . My goal for doing yoga was to strengthen my muscles and increase my stamina. During my first trimester, it was all I could do to run on a regular basis. I didn't do any other forms of exercise because I was too sick and too tired. Early in my second trimester, I realized that it had been a mistake to neglect my cross-training after an alarming ...

X-training (Cross-training) is essential to all runners, including pregnant runners. X-training is doing another form of exercise besides running. What? There's more to life than running? I know. But it's true. Doing other forms of exercise like swimming, cycling, Zumba, Pilates or strength training use muscles that running doesn't. Supplementing running with different forms of working-out makes us stronger, more flexible and most importantly, better runners. It also helps to prevent injury from over-training, which is crucial. My plan for x-training during pregnancy was to join a gym and take water aerobics classes. That never happened. I find that going to the gym is too much of an inconvenience. I like working out at home because I can more easily fit it into my schedule. I supplement my running with yoga and workout videos. The two videos I've used during this pregnancy are Pregnancy Fitness by Lindsay Brin and What To Expect When You're Expecting: The ...

A w atch is essential for all runners, pregnant women are no exception. W atches range from simple to elaborate. My current watch is the Timex Ironman . It's not very fashionable, but I never take it off - even, sadly to say, when I dress up. It's pretty comfortable. It has some useful features like a  100 hr. chronograph with lap or split option; 30-lap memory recall; 24-hr. countdown timer with stop and repeat capabilities and  i ncludes 99-lap counter, forward/backward setting and built-in setting reminders (taken from the website description). Of course, since I've been pregnant I've only ever used my watch to track how long I've run. All the 'features' have been neglected. Okay, honestly, I never really used the features before I was pregnant either, but I liked that they were there and always intended to use them. The two options lacking on my watch are a heart-rate monitor and GPS. After my daughter was born, five years ago, I had a watch ...

Photo Credit - Jeltovski Whether you are pregnant, running, doing both at the same time or doing nothing at all, v itamins and minerals are essential to our health. It's ideal that we get our vitamins and minerals from the food we eat, but in some cases, like pregnancy, a supplement is recommended (at least by my doctor). Essential vitamins and minerals for pregnant runners include: Vitamin B6 - Found in baked potatoes, banannas, chicken, tuna and fortified cereals. Vitamin D - Our bodies make it when we are exposed to sunlight, so running outdoors is a great way to get vitamin D. This is one vitamin that is difficult to get from food alone. Vitamin C - Found in oranges, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, green beans, and bell peppers. Vitamin B12 - Found in meat, dairy and eggs.  Calcium - Found in milk, yogurt, cheese, dark leafy vegetables and fortified cereals. Iron - Is found and absorbed most easily from red meat and dark poultry; however, as a vegetarian, I ge...

Okay, first off, this post is sort of a repeat of an earlier post. Partly because I feel it's an absolute essential worth repeating and partly because the letter 'U' was a bit difficult - okay, more so because I had a hard time thinking of a 'U' essential. A true expression of 'unwavering resolve'. Photo Credit - Microsoft Clip Art To run throughout pregnancy takes u nwavering resolve. Well, isn't that just another way of saying determination? Yes, and I warned you this was a a bit of a repeat. But that was 16 letters and 19 days ago! Surely a reminder is in order:) I resolved to run during pregnancy before it happened. When it finally did happen, my resolve was seriously tested by first, nausea and then later, lower back pain. To keep running, I had to unwaveringly focus on my goal. So far so good, but I still have one month and roughly 12 days to go. Knowing I've made it this far makes it easier to stay determined, but during pregnan...

Photo Credit - Faith Laces T ime is perhaps one of the toughest essentials of running during pregnancy to come by, especially if you already have children and a job. The keys to making time are determination, organization, routine and flexibility. The bottom line is that if something is important to us, we will make time to do it. During pregnancy a multitude of other things will seem more important than running, but remember that running is important for mommy and for baby. For mommy, running reduces nausea, fatigue, constipation and lower back pain. It also elevates her mood and energy level. For baby, running (or any regular cardio fitness regimen) increases blood circulation and placental efficiency, as well as helps to reduce baby fat without negatively affecting normal body weight. During pregnancy, there are plenty of important reasons to make t ime to run. For more benefits to running during pregnancy check out these posts from Onlymyhealth.com and Completerun...

Saucony Cohesion 6 The great thing about running is that it doesn't require a lot of equipment. All you need are a pair of shoes, and some runners don't even bother with those! Although for me, s hoes are a running essential! Since I started running in junior high school, I've worn many different brands including, Nike, Addidas, and Brooks. I ran my first marathon in Brooks and loved them, but my preferred brand of shoe is Saucony. While the proper shoe for your foot type is always important, it's even more important during pregnancy when ligaments and joints are looser and more prone to injury. To determine what type of running shoe is right for your foot, take this test to determine whether you have medium, flat, or high arches. Medium Arches = normal pronation - can wear any shoe Flat Arches = over pronation - should wear motion- control or stability shoes High Arches = under pronation - should wear neutral-cushioned shoes without added stability or su...

A regular running R outine is essential to continuing to run during pregnancy. Photo Credit - kconnors Before I got pregnant the first time with my daughter, I was running sporadically. When morning sickness struck, I wasn't prepared for the severity and since I hadn't been running regularly, I didn't give it a second thought when I stopped running all together. Before this pregnancy, I was following a regular running routine- 5-6 days a week - so when morning sickness struck, I was too used to running to give it up and kept at it despite the nausea. I admit I'm a bit OCD and when I get into a routine, I tend to stick with it no matter what. Sometimes that can be a bad thing - like when the family wants to go hiking during my scheduled 'cleaning' time. But at other times, I can use it to my advantage - like with running during pregnancy.

Brooks Arch Tab Running Socks @ Dicks Sporting Goods I admit I've struggled with essentials beginning with the letter ' Q '. This one came to me a few weeks ago in the middle of my third trimester when I realized that all socks are not created equal. Q uality socks are essential to running during pregnancy. I splurge and spend a bit more money on socks specifically designed for running like Thor-Lo, Brooks, or Under Armour because I like the way they feel - thin but cushioned in the ball and heel, lightweight, but thick enough to prevent chafing and breathable to keep my feet dry. Experia Powered by Thor-Lo Running Socks @ Dicks Sporting Goods However, sometime around the beginning of my trimester, blame it on pregnancy brain, or just plain absentmindedness, I found myself running in plain old Hanes socks, which is why I believe I developed major blisters on the balls of both my feet during an 8 mile run. I might not have put two and two together if not for ...

I have a p lethora of ' P 's in today's post! Photo Credit - Walgreens.com It's essential to be p repared while running during pregnancy! P repare to fight morning sickness with P reggie P ops or p eppermints! Photo Credit - Google Images P repare for frequent p otty stops! P ublic restrooms and p orta p otties are essential along your running route. P repare to modify your normal running p rogram as p regnancy p rogresses.

Photo Credit - Microsoft Clip Art For me, o rganization is essential to running during pregnancy. Actually, for me, being organized is always essential to running. Planning runs into my daily schedule helps keep me on track . As I've written in other posts, pregnancy provides many excuses (some good and some bad) not to run. By planning to run and organizing your schedule around running, it's harder to put it off. Tips To 'Organize' Your Run Plan ahead - look at your weekly schedule and pick the most likely days and times when running is possible. Mark it on your calendar, 'to-do' list or in your daily planner. Track your completed runs - times, distance, feelings, ect. - on a calendar or running journal. Share your runs online through a blog or on dailymile . Track your runs through Apps, like  these listed on dailymile . Lay out your running clothes the night before. Keep your running shoes by the door. Be flexible - if you planned a 5 mile...

I interrupt my regularly scheduled A-Z post to bring you this special message. Today N is for No words. I have no words to describe the horrible tragedy that occurred at the Boston Marathon . My prayers are with the victims and their families. **** Good N utrition is always essential for everyone all the time. During pregnancy, it becomes doubly important because we are nurturing our bodies and another life inside us. And if we are running during pregnancy, nutrition becomes even more vital to not only nurture our baby, but to keep up our energy and health so that we have the strength to run. Photo Credit - Microsoft Clip Art Nutritional guidelines abound. A simple 'Google' search yields a ton of helpful articles with tips and meal plans. In the interest of keeping it short and simple, here are the tips I've tried to follow during my pregnancy: Eat foods that provide natural energy . Eat whole grains/high fiber. Drink plenty of water. Eat fresh fruit a...

Photo Credit - Microsoft Clip Art M otivation is essential for every runner. We have to be motivated to lace up our shoes and head out the door on a regular basis. But like with some of the other essentials I've mentioned, m otivation plays an even bigger role for pregnant runners. During the first trimester, morning sickness can kill the desire to do anything, much less run or workout. As pregnancy progresses, added weight and fatigue can drain the desire to be active in any way. The key to running through these obstacles is motivation. What inspires your running? What encourages you to hit the roads every day? For some, it's to lose weight. For others, it's to train for a race. For many, it's the rush of endorphins or 'runner's high'. For me, it varies. I've run for all of the above reasons at one time or another. Mostly I run because I enjoy the time alone to pray, to listen for God's whispers, and to honor Him for the gift He has given ...

It is essential to have  L ots of support when you run during pregnancy. First, I couldn't do it without the support of my husband. He's not my cheerleader. He doesn't come home from work every day and say, "Did you run today? Way to go, Babe!" But he never complains, admonishes or worries over me either, which after knowing him for 18 years, I now know is the equivalent of  him saying, "YOU ROCK, BABE!" Photo Credit - Morguefile.com So to my wonderfully supportive husband, I say, "Thank you!" My daughter, Makayla, (who will be 5 on Monday) also quietly supports me. She accepts that my running is just a regular part of life and only ever encourages me to keep at it. On Wednesday of this week it was 80 degrees so I had to shed my fleece jacket and run in just a tank top and running skirt. I was a bit nervous about everyone in the neighborhood seeing my 8-month pregnant belly so prominently displayed so I asked Makayla: "Do you t...

When I first considered options for the letter ' J ', j ogging stroller immediately came to mind. For four years, the j ogging stroller was my faithful running companion 2-3 days a week, sometimes even more. However, this past summer, my daughter was getting a bit too big for the stroller and by the time fall came around, she was out of the stroller and running 1 mile races on her own! BOB Revolution SE Jogging Stroller Even though I haven't run with the j ogging stroller during my pregnancy, it's still an essential for pregnant running moms with infants or toddlers. I can only imagine it's an even tougher workout, but well worth the extra work to enjoy time outside running with your little one. A j ogging stroller also makes it easier to fit a run into a busy day. Photo Credit - Google Images For me personally, the ' J items   I found to be absolutely essential during this pregnancy were  J olly Ranchers. During the first trimester when I was a...

Photo Credit -  roadid.com An essential for every runner, not just pregnant runners, is I dentification. I D is a runner's most valuable training partner. No one wants to think of being in an accident, but it could happen, and if it does, having identification means family will be notified and doctors will be able to access medical records. I dentification Options: Road ID offers convenient wristbands with identifying information. As far as I can tell, this is the most recommended option for runners. Even my mom texted me the link to Road ID because she thought it was a good idea.  Road ID also offers ankle IDs and shoe IDs. I prefer the shoe ID because it is the least intrusive.  Road ID Shoe ID While Road ID is popular,  IdmeBand  also offers similar products. IDmeBand - Shoe ID Dog tag necklaces are another option. In desperate times, I've simply used a laminated 'business card' with my name, address, phone number and husband's name tuck...

Photo Credit - Morguefile.com Without question,  H 2O is an essential for every runner, but especially during pregnancy when dehydration can lead to serious consequences, not only for the runner, but also for the baby.  The standard recommendation that everyone should drink eight  eight- ounce  glasses of water (or H 2O) a day has come into question.  This article at Runner's World suggests using the following formula to determine how much water we should consume: Male Drinking Requirement, in fluid ounces: Body Weight x .35 Female Drinking Requirement, in fluid ounces: Body Weight x .31 In this article , The American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women consume "10-12 cups of fluids each day".  I just try to drink as much water as I can. On a normal day, I drink about 60 ounces of water throughout the day. On running days, in addition to my regular 60 ounces I drink : 16 ounces an hour before I run  8 ounc...

I actually have two essentials starting with the letter ' G '. My first ' G ' essential is g ratitude! It is absolutely essential to be grateful to G od for the ability to run, for the peace running brings, for the air I breathe, for time alone with my baby, for time outside, and for the beauty of nature that surrounds me. I've learned to never take a run for granted. After being injured and not able to run, all runs, even runs that don't go as planned, are still good. Not running is miserable. So when I run I'm showing God how grateful  I am for the gift He has given me - a healthy, capable, moving body and especially for the life growing inside me! Pinterest Pinterest Pinterest Pinterest  The second ' g ' essential is  G atorade. I know Gatorade is an essential for a lot of athletes, for me, it was a necessity during the first trimester when drinking water was like swallowing vomit. Ewww! I know. Sorry to be so g...

Photo Credit - Faith Laces For me, running during pregnancy takes a lot of F aith - F aith that I am doing what God made me to do. F aith that God will watch over and protect me and my unborn baby. F aith that I am honoring God through the movement of my body. F aith that I'm doing what's best for me and my baby. F aith that no matter how different running is now than it was when I wasn't pregnant, it's still good for me. F aith that when my baby is born, I'll be able to run more than 8 miles at one time again. F aith that although people seem to be doing double-takes when they pass me, it's all in my head. (It is isn't it?) F aith that I don't look as much like an ice cream cone as my shadow seems to.