Recently, reading a blog post from Roller Koester Run made me think about my own running. At 18 weeks pregnant I had to stop running due to ligament pain in my pelvic area. It’s been almost 10 weeks since I went for my last run and I can’t say I’ve been loving that. It’s been a struggle not being able to run; something that I crave in my life. It’s taken me almost 10 weeks to be okay with not running during this pregnancy.

The other day I spoke with a co-worker who talked about her pregnancies and running (she’s a recent Ironman/Woman) and after that conversation, it just clicked for me. I’m now okay with not running, knowing I will get back to it after baby #2 arrives and I am physically ready to do so. For now I walk at a brisk pace for 30 minutes a few times a week, do a Fit Mom DVD, prenatal yoga and exercises on a stability ball for my ligament pain.

Back to the reason behind this post. Roller Koester Run answered the below questions regarding her running. I thought it would be a good time to reflect on my running in the past and my running plans for the future.

10 Running Questions:

1.  Best Run Ever: This would be my first (and only, so far) 1/2 Marathon. In 2006, I ran in the Bluenose Marathon in Halifax, Nova Scotia: 1/2 Marathon on May 21st, 2006 (before I was married). My goal was 2:30 minutes and I managed 2:33:56!

1250

ANNA GRANTHAM

HALIBURTON

1965

2:35:45.0

2:33:56.0

7:23

436/474

679/814

I was living in Ontario at the time and planned on flying home for the long weekend to run in this race. I trained all winter, January to May, pounding the pavement snow covered roads. While working at an Outdoor Centre, I worked long hours: starting at roughly 8am and sometimes through to the evening 6pm/8pm. I would fit in runs when I could; before dinner, after dinner.

On the evening I was supposed to run 19k – my longest distance ever – I left a little late and my friends/staff started to get a little worried about me. It was “bear season” which means that I could come across one as I ran down the only road to camp – that sure motivated me to kick up the pace on the way back.

My family was there to “watch” me run. The weather was cool and overcast – perfect. My father out along the route to take pictures as I ran by and my mother volunteering at the finish line so I could finally get my “foil blanket” from her. (In another run, a 10k, she wouldn’t give one to me because I didn’t run the 1/2, ha!). It was such a great challenge and many months of pushing my limits.

2. Three Words That Describe My Running:

Determined, Planned, Priority.

3. My Go-To Outfit Is:

Summer – shorts and tank top (no brand specific – at this point)

Winter – Running pants from MEC, long sleeved Helly Hansen breathable shirt, Running Room Jacket.

4. Quirky Habit While Running:

I tend to run with my thumbs tucked into my hands. Doesn’t matter if I am cold or not, I find my thumbs just end up there.

5. Morning, Mid-day or Evening:

I love to run at night, cooler temperatures, the stress of the day to lose and then recovering over night.

Don’t get me wrong, if I can fit in a run mid-day while at work, I will do that to free up my evening.

6. I Won’t Run Outside If It’s:

Torrential downpour or snow blizzard – 20C or below.

7. Worst Injury and How I Got Over It:

I was training for my first 10k and playing in an outdoor soccer game one April. Somehow I managed to kick the ball in the air (volley on the inside of my foot) and then when I went to plant my foot on the ground I landed on the outside of my ankle! I totally thought I broke it and went straight to the hospital with the help of my friend’s mother. No break, just a bad, bad ligament tear…okay multiple tears. I couldn’t run for 2 weeks and was into physio right away. This was about 4 weeks before my 10k. I ended up running and doing just fine but to this day my ankle has never been the same. I wear an ankle brace when playing soccer because it’s so weak.

8. I Felt Most Like A Badass Mother Runner When:

I ran my first 10k, 4 months after having Lilly. It was my way of getting active again and felt like a million bucks after my race. My time was terrible but I accomplished my goals.

9. My Next Race Is:

In 2013! As I mentioned above, I haven’t run in about 9-10 weeks.

10. Potential Running Goal(s) For 2013:  

At 27 weeks pregnant, I’ve decided to focus on my 2013 running goals as 5k’s in the spring and 10k’s in the fall. I am aiming for a 5k under 29:16 and 10k under 60 minutes.

Answer the questions below in the comments, I’d love to hear how you’d answer these 🙂

If you answer these on your blog, leave me a link in the comment section so I can check it out.

Happy Running.