Skirt Sports Blog

Kicking & Slowing Down

August 11, 2011 · 7 Comments

Two things happened recently.

  1. I felt the baby kick.
  2. I'm getting really slow.

I've decided that these two things must go hand in hand.

When I first got pregnant, everyone said that the kicking would be an incredible experience. Most people suggested it would feel like little flutters. Here's how it happened to me. I woke up one morning and while I was lying in bed (trying to decide if I should get up) my stomach muscle on my left side started to twitch. Twitch twitch twitch. As I gained a little more consciousness, I realized that I've never had a muscle twitch in my stomach. I've had my fair share in my legs, shoulders, even my eyelids, but not my stomach. Then it dawned on me - Baby was kicking!

I immediately sat up and called out to Tim, only to realize that sitting up and calling out to Tim was exactly the signal the baby needed to stop kicking. I think the baby is already purposely misbehaving! We're in big trouble.

Around the same time that I started to feel the kicking, I noticed something interesting about my workouts. It is taking a lot longer to go the same distance. In other words, I'm getting slow. I would estimate that I'm 20-30% slower now than pre-pregnancy. In every activity. My running went from 7-8 minute miles to 10 minute miles. Bike rides that previously took an hour are now 20 minutes longer. In the pool, I can usually hit the wall at 1:10 for a 100 in my sleep. Now I'm working really hard to go 1:25. My hikes are slower and the breathing is heavier. Lifting light weights has become a cardio workout!

My philosophy is that the bigger the baby grows, it funnels more of my energy into its daily routine of twitching, kicking and swimming around. It's science! Duh! Baby kicks. I get more tired.

I guess this is where it really all begins. My life as I knew it is already over. My selfish activities, my alone time, and my "old body" are all things of the past. Someday I may feel the urge to write about "my old life" and possibly mourn a few of the things that are going to change forever. And I know I'll dedicate some time toward getting back in shape and appreciating my "new body" when it appears.

But for now, bring on those kicks! I've been training for something or other for 30 years. Now it's time for me to sit back a little bit and enjoy the sweet little kicks before they turn into punches!

NOTE: This information is not intended to be a medical guideline for pregnant women. If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you consult your physician to determine a prenatal exercise program that is right for you.

Tags: Pregnancy

7 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Christine // Aug 11, 2011 at 11:33 AM

    Great update! Yes, everything is changing and life as you know it is a thing of the past, but running life treadmill style is boring. Gotta have a change of scenery. Oh, and sorry to Tim, but for a while the baby will likely refuse to kick for him. Baby will kick up a storm until Daddy lays a hand on your belly and then baby will stop. Happens to everyone. Eventually, he'll get to feel it too. For now, it's your priveledge as the person who is sacrificing her body - you should get some extra perks right? :)

  • 2 nicki // Aug 11, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    I wish I could swim 1:25 with my normal body :)
    I love reading your updates. You are such a great story teller. Don't forget this is the best time to rest, so don't fret about getting slower. When that baby arrives, you going to wish you had the luxury of doing things slower!

  • 3 Sarah // Aug 11, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    I've noticed the slowing down thing too. For me, it came earlier in running than cycling. Maybe because of that, cycling has become my exercise of choice (and as much as I don't want to admit it, I'm better on a bike).
    On a different note, I'm really glad I found your blog. It's been kind of difficult finding info on riding while pregnant. I appreciate your point of view!

  • 4 Frenchie // Aug 11, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    I can't wait for the day that we can go for a run and I kick your butt (finally!), can we please do that soon!! ; )

  • 5 Shweta // Aug 11, 2011 at 6:17 PM

    I also did triathlons before, and I call it my "past life" :)

  • 6 Andrea Bloom // Aug 24, 2011 at 11:41 AM

    Firstly, I really enjoy your blog. I'm trudging along behind you; due in late Mar/ early Apr.

    Thank you for giving voice to "mourning things that will change forever." I'm excited and my pregnancy was VERY planned, but I still have a little feeling of loss, knowing that the old me is evaporating and I won't be taking all of it with me into motherhood.

    Thanks again.

  • 7 Julie Bailey // Sep 2, 2011 at 11:41 PM

    I'm 22 weeks now and feeling the baby kick all the time. My former 7-8 min pace has also turned into a 10-11 min pace usually with some walk breaks.

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