This feels like a good time to start a little “pregnancy taper”, or just gradually cutting back on my running as I progress further into my pregnancy. I hit 30 weeks yesterday and have been noticing that my paces are slower and running just seems to be feeling a little harder overall. Now, the first 4 runs of the week were in ridiculous humidity so that is probably partly to blame. Even still, it’s probably not a bad idea to cut back a bit.
Due to my slower paces, running just takes longer in general. I used to be able to plan 45ish minutes for a 5 mile run. Now I need to plan about 55 minutes. That may not seem like a big difference, but when you also factor in possible bathroom stops, a picture, and potential walking breaks, it really adds up.
I actually haven’t been doing walking intervals yet, but I could see them being really useful in the weeks to come. Right now I just have the urge to walk when I run up a hill. I’m trying to just slow down instead of walking them because hills are such a challenge for me in general. I usually tell myself to run up half the hill and then I realize I can keep going.
In other news, fall finally arrived at the end of last week! I think everyone was happy to see the cooler temps. Although Sunday afternoon was cloudy, rainy, and dreary and there was such a chill in the air that I questioned if I was really ready for fall. It’s those sunny but cooler days that are nice!
Here’s a recap of last week’s workouts:
Monday: 6 miles + mobility
Tuesday: 4 miles + Strength training
Wednesday: 6 miles
Thursday: 3 miles + Strength training
Friday: 7 miles
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 4 miles
Total: 30 miles
Friday was my 35th birthday and I wanted to incorporate my age into my run somehow, so I decided to run 3.5 miles twice. We had lots of rain on Thursday and then strong winds Thursday night into Friday morning. I almost skipped my Friday run but I was glad I didn’t because the weather wasn’t too bad. In some directions the wind was annoying, but manageable.
I wasn’t planning to do a long weekend run because of another busy weekend. We went to the Navy-Temple football game on Saturday which involved leaving by 12:30 and spending the whole day at the stadium. We got home around 9pm that night. I was planning to do a short run in the morning but decided to put it off until Sunday due to some rain.
I was exhausted on Sunday but still wanted to get in a few miles. Rather than running in the dark, I waited until after going to church do to my run. A later start always throws me off plus I was hungry from being awake for longer than usual and not having much to eat. Luckily, the cooler weather was invigorating and once I got going to felt much better.
It was a good week of workouts overall. I really struggled with the humidity Monday through Thursday so it will be interesting to see how running goes now that it seems to be cooling off for good.
[Tweet “Hitting week 30 of pregnancy seems like a good time to start a little “pregnancy taper!” @milebymilerun #weeklywrap”]
Did fall weather arrive where you live?
Do you feel thrown off when you run at a different time than usual?
How were your workouts last week?
Linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap!
Fall finally arrived here as well. It’s been a game changer for runs! Running 30 miles at 30 weeks is so impressive.
The cooler weather has made such a difference over the past few days!
I am impressed still at your mileage right now – it’s awesome how active you are staying! I love the cold, so the crisp fall temperatures felt so good this week. Happy belated birthday!
Thanks! It’s been a nice change to run in the cooler temps lately.
I totally get what you mean about slowing down and planning extra time for workouts! Back in the day (old people speak), I could get 4 miles done in 32 minutes. Now it takes me almost 40. Sigh…
Glad to see you’re still moving!
It’s hard to schedule runs when they take so much longer than what you’re used to!
Happy belated birthday! What a great way to celebrate it
I do not like getting out of routine, running or otherwise
I <3 Fall, and I think the entire Wrap does
Thanks! It seems like all runners are ready for fall at this point.
I can get thrown off if I run later, or on a different day. Sometimes though I have a few things scheduled on my normal run day, I move the run so I’m not crammed for time. Usually I feel crunched for time if I move my run to the afternoon. It’s almost like I”m running out of time to get the run done that day.
I also don’t like feeling like I need to rush through my run.
Happy belated birthday!! You are doing awesome with your pregnancy runs and I’m so glad you’re feeling good and are able to do it. I had twins and couldn’t run after about three months. It was insanity!
Thanks! That must have been really hard to go so long without running.
Great week as always! All the best with the “taper”. Baby will be here before you know it! Fall arrived here with a vengeance. We had an almost 60 degree temperature drop over the course of less than 12 hours. Mama N is crazy.
Wow, that’s a big change in temps! It’s definitely nice to have some cooler weather for running.
Fabulous and impressive work – well done, you. What a great example and what a good role model for your children, too. I’m glad you’ve been able to do this and have been well throughout.
Thank you!
I’m still super impressed by your weekly mileage! If you end up adding in some run/walk intervals I think you will end up liking them. I’ve been doing that off and on for the past few weeks and it’s been really helpful.
Happy belated birthday!
Thank you! I definitely think the run/walk intervals will be useful during the last few weeks.
Fall hasn’t really arrived here yet, no, but we had some nice, breezy days 🙂
I think it’s great to listen to your body and “taper” a bit before the baby comes… only a few more weeks!
I bet the breezy days feel nice after a long, hot summer!
Happy Birthday! It definitely takes me longer to cover the miles during the summer heat/humidity. I constantly check my watch to make sure I’m back to my house by a certain time so I can shower and get ready for work! Your mileage has been very impressive during your pregnancy. I thinking going to run/walk intervals is a smart move for your final weeks. Thanks for linking!
I am always checking my watch to make sure I will be back home in time! It’s kind of frustrating how much longer it takes me to do a run now, only because I always feel like I’m rushed in the mornings.
I’m so impressed with your mileage! Yes, your body definitely lets you know when it’s ready to taper down a bit. Enjoy this final stretch of pregnancy!
It’s weird- some days I feel like I’m slowing down so much and running is more of a struggle, and other days I feel fine. But I think as the weeks go on I’m going to have more and more of those slow days.