Shut Up and Sign Up

in Pregnancy

Earlier, when I was on my draggy 5K run, I thought to myself, “Man, I really need a kick in the pants.”  The truth is that it’s just far too easy to make excuses and lay on the couch at this point in my pregnancy. While some rest is necessary and good, I’ll admit it – at least 25% of my couch time has been pure and utter laziness.  Not being hard on myself; just being honest.  I really want to stay in decent running shape as long as possible so it’s not incredibly difficult to get back to my beloved triathlons after the wee one is born.  Also, most importantly, staying active through pregnancy will help me bake a healthier baby.

And that’s when I realized:  I just need to sign up for a race!  After all, that’s how I’ve always kept myself motivated.  So why should things be different now?

 

However, I had some requirements:  It had to be a 5K (not in shape to do anything else), it had to be relatively soon (need instant kick in the pants), and – Lord help me – it could NOT have an early start time.   And guess what?  I found my perfect fit!

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Super excited for the Speed for Children 5K.  It’s in a week and a half (perfect!), doesn’t start until 3 PM (awesomesauce!), and features a 1.5 lap around the Charlotte Motor Speedway (cool!).  My goal for the race is not to take any walking breaks; this will definitely be a challenge.  And this will be BabyHTP’s first race!  (This Saturday’s Girls on the Run 5K is a ‘real race’ but it’s about the girls, not me, so I don’t truly count it for this purpose.)  I might have been pregnant for this Sprint Triathlon and this Super Sprint Triathlon but can’t be sure.  

 

Anyway – I feel instantly HAPPIER and more MOTIVATED since choosing a race.  Here’s to hoping it helps me stick with my goals… and encourages me to lace up my sneakers more.

 

Speaking of sneakers…

 

Girls on the Run was fun today.  We made ‘cheer cards’ for families staying at the local Ronald MacDonald House (families with sick children can stay for cheap or free at the House while their child is in the hospital).

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Before GOTR, I had a yogurt mess of Greek vanilla, raw oats, and a banana:

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And for dinner, we heated up a few bean and cheese taquitos from Trader Joe’s (SO AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS) with salsa and sour cream.  I went back for two more taquitos.

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My eyes are getting very heavy… It’s already time to crash.  But tomorrow – I’m waking up and tickin’ those workouts off my list!

 

Do races keep you motivated or do you find another way to stick to your goals?  I’ve really felt lost without a race on my calendar!

{ 62 comments }

 

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga November 29, 2011, 8:46 pm

    I’ve bought those cheese taquitos from Trader Joe’s years ago but not recently. Good call and reminder to pick those up again.

    Congrats on your race sign up; whatever makes YOU feel better about things…that’s all that matters.

    Cute cards, too. Love the glitter!

  • Laine November 29, 2011, 8:48 pm

    I’m signing up for my first triathlon in the morning! I’ll be doing a relay – I’m doing the swim & bike legs and my friend will run. You were totally a motivation to me. I’m scared and excited! It’s in June so I have plenty of time to train (and get over my fear of being run over by cars or other bikers or wiping out on the pavement.)

    • CaitlinHTP November 29, 2011, 8:51 pm

      @Laine: That is so fun, Laine! You will love it. The swim and the bike are some of the best parts 🙂 For the bike, my advice would be to remember that you aren’t trying to break any world records. You can go as slow or as fast as you feel comfortable with. Just be very alert on turns (as other cyclists aren’t always so alert!) and be sure to slow down as you turn! Every crash I’ve ever seen during a tri (um, or personally experienced!) was during a too far turn.

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb November 29, 2011, 8:51 pm

    races definitely keep me motivated, but i’m also a creature of habit and routine, so it’s not too hard to get in my workout (if i don’t give myself a chance to find an excuse!)

    i bought those taquitos for the hubby and his friends to munch on during football this weekend… they were positively DEVOURED.

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats November 29, 2011, 8:54 pm

    I don’t have another race (other than the Santa Hustle 5K this weekend) until March! It’s hard though here in Chicago because I don’t want to be running in sub-freezing temperatures and in snow! I’m not quite that tough…

  • Christina @ Just Running November 29, 2011, 9:04 pm

    What exactly is Awesomesauce? It sounds like flavored applesauce marketed to kids.

    • Caitlin November 30, 2011, 8:22 am

      Sorry your other comments got dropped in moderation – not sure why. It just randomly happens sometimes.

      • Christina @ Just Running November 30, 2011, 10:28 am

        @Caitlin: Why do everyone else’s comments appear while mine disappear?

        What is Awesomesauce?

        Reposting this – the first one disappeared.

  • Katie November 29, 2011, 9:08 pm

    I have never run a 5K but have been trying to find the motivation…thanks for the inspiration–and the tip to just sign up! 🙂

  • Jen in LA November 29, 2011, 9:13 pm

    Good for you! I was way too tired to do anything my first trimester. When I got my energy back, I started running again in my 2nd. I did a couple of 5ks (week 25 and 31) slowly but it made me feel better. I was lucky enough that my body let me run until my 33rd week. I’m at 38 now…looking forward to my baby, my recovery and then to get back to marathon training and running. Enjoy your pregnancy and listen to your body. OH and can I just say that I wish I’d done some strength training during my pregnancy? I really regret not doing that…if you can get yourself to do it, I would say to go for it!

  • Mindy November 29, 2011, 9:18 pm

    Races are a HUGE motivating factor for me! It gives me such a better focus to my workouts.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) November 29, 2011, 9:18 pm

    I have discovered I do better with goals too. I’ve been studying for my nutrition certification and that has really helped me focus on me and my career goals. I’m happy for you doing something that you love Caitlin. Sleep well tonight.

  • katie @ KatieDid November 29, 2011, 9:21 pm

    Yay, great idea to sign up for something. I can only imagine how exhausted you feel during the days and I admire you for really sticking with your healthy habits so far, it seems like it would be very difficult to do so throughout a pregnancy.

  • Army Amy* November 29, 2011, 9:23 pm

    I spent volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House a few times when I was in college. It’s a great cause!*

  • Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon November 29, 2011, 9:25 pm

    Good for you!! And good luck to both you and baby HTP hehe!
    I haven’t done a race since cross country senior year of high school (4 yrs ago WOW!) but I’ve been itching to sign up for something lately…I just can’t decide what!

  • kristen @ livinlifeinlouie November 29, 2011, 9:26 pm

    congrats on signing up for another race!!! that is awesome!!

  • Cindy November 29, 2011, 9:31 pm

    I’m in limbo right now but I’d love to sign up for a 5k for the spring. It all depends on my future plans and finances.

  • Heather November 29, 2011, 9:34 pm

    Hmm. Maybe this will give me the motivation to sign up for another race. There is one at the end of December I have been wanting to do but can’t find a friend to convince to do it with me.. But I guess I shouldn’t let that be an excuse.
    Also. I love that you made cards for Ronald MacDonald House. I stayed at one on many occasions, when I was going to the hospital in Montreal. We had to travel 12 hours on the train to get there (to see a specialst) but the Ronald Macdonald House always gave me and my mom somewhere to stay. <3

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing November 29, 2011, 9:36 pm

    I’ve never actually ran a race but I want to so badly! My body is just not quite up to handling that just yet.

  • Kerry November 29, 2011, 9:40 pm

    I’m a swim coach, so I use my kids practices as motivation!! Since I’m already at the pool six days a week, I haul all of my swim stuff there with me. I’m already at the pool with everything I need so I have no excuse not to do my workout. If I’m feeling particularly lazy I put on my suit before I head to coach so that it’s an annoying reminder I need to get in the water!

  • Julia H. @ The Petite Spiel November 29, 2011, 9:47 pm

    Good for you! Races are definitely a great way to motivate yourself. If I could afford to sign up for a lot, I’d do it all the time!

  • Jen November 29, 2011, 9:50 pm

    I love that you and the GOTR girls made cards for the Ronald McDonald families…very sweet, and a great way to help the girls be aware of their community. Good luck with your race!

  • Ali November 29, 2011, 10:14 pm

    This post completely convinced me to sign up to walk a 5K at the end of December! I walked a 5 mile on Thanksgiving morning and loved it so much. I can’t run due to medical issues but I finished the 5 mile in ~65 minutes. Having that “race” on my plate helped me stay on track with working out all fall. After the race, I have been slipping a bit. Time to sign up for a new one! I don’t care if I come in last (especially if it’s icy, the race is in WI), it’s more about the training leading up to it for me and being healthy. I hope to be looking at walking a 1/2 marathon in late spring/early summer! Now THAT will motivate me! 🙂

    • Caitlin November 30, 2011, 8:40 am

      @Ali: Walking races is TOUGH. Don’t minimize it! I honestly think its harder than running because it takes longer and thus you’re on your feet for more time. I walked a half once and it was super fun and challenging.

  • Rachel @ EatMoreMeatLess November 29, 2011, 10:25 pm

    Too funny that you posted about this tonight…I have spent all day looking at registering for a marathon at the end of July. Problem is…I am not an advanced runner. I did a 5k run last week and I work out about 5-6 days a week now. I’ve looked up all sorts of training schedules and while it seems I have plenty of time to prepare for the full marathon, wanted to get your thoughts on it. What do you think is the appropriate amount of time to train for a full? Thanks in advance 🙂

    • Caitlin November 30, 2011, 8:41 am

      @Rachel @ EatMoreMeatLess: I would give yourself 4 – 5 months to do a full. 🙂 Good luck!

  • Luv What You Do November 29, 2011, 10:48 pm

    There is a hole on my frige when I don’t have a race calendar posted. I have nothing until next year and I feel lost. Hence, the push up challenge to stay motivated. Already planning the 2012 calendar in my head!

  • K November 29, 2011, 11:21 pm

    Good for you, lady! Just keep doing whatever you need to do to retain your feeling of being yourself amidst all of these changes! I am surprised at how well I have been able to maintain my strength and conditioning throughout pregnancy, and I have no doubt that you will do even better. I think the critical thing is just to wake up every morning and move in the way that feels good (including not moving some days). Have fun!

  • Deva @ Deva by Definition November 29, 2011, 11:26 pm

    I find results to be very motivating, but since I started signing up for races, I’ve found that having an end goal is incredibly motivating!

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife November 29, 2011, 11:27 pm

    That IS a great way to stay motivated! Go YOU 🙂

    I need to get to TJs and get some of those bean/cheese thingies-they look good! Any excuse to eat more salsa counts in my book! hah.

  • Khushboo November 29, 2011, 11:42 pm

    Wow that race couldn’t sound more ideal for you! Having a goal to work towards always boosts my motivation!

  • Laughter-Loving Stacy November 30, 2011, 12:06 am

    After reading this post, I decided to just sign up for another half marathon. I am goal-oriented too, so as long as I have something to look forward to I will work my ass off! 🙂 Congrats on the pregnancy!

  • Kate November 30, 2011, 12:37 am

    I like having races to keep me motivated to run. I’ve raced a lot this year so I pretty much have no funds for next year’s races though!

  • Candice November 30, 2011, 1:59 am

    Way to go!! first trimester was the hardest for me to.. I was always ALWAYS tired and would sleep ALL the time! Signing up for a race is a great way to stay motivated!
    I even put some good motivational mantras up around my house! They usually helped get me out the door;)

  • Jen November 30, 2011, 2:17 am

    Good for you, girl! Best of luck with the race! Wow…if (I mean when) I get into racing shape, an afternoon start would be right up my alley. I’m not pregnant or anything – just NOT a morning person at all. 🙂

    By the way, have you ever had CHOCOLATE Greek yogurt? I just bought some tonight (total impulse buy…had never even seen it before), but haven’t tried it yet…

    • Caitlin November 30, 2011, 8:41 am

      @Jen: I’ve tried it, I think! It was pretty yummy 🙂

      • Jen November 30, 2011, 11:30 pm

        @Caitlin: I wonder what it would be like with Panda Puffs mixed in! Hmmm…might have to try that. 🙂

  • Heather @ Bake, Run, Live November 30, 2011, 3:31 am

    This time of year I really need races to keep me motivated. Work gets busier, I have a lot of baking projects, and social activities get more abundant. Sadly, exercise is one of the first things I will set aside in order to find time to…sleep (I get up at 3am to workout)! Having a race on the schedule, reminds me that I can’t blow off the running (and to get better with my time management).

  • Charlie (therunnerbeans) November 30, 2011, 6:25 am

    Am so with you on the races to keep you motivated. I am signing up for a 10k in Jan, half marathon in Feb, another half marathon in March and a 16 miler in April to try and keep me on track for my marathon at the end of April. So much easier to complete good long training runs when there’s a medal at the end!!

  • Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous November 30, 2011, 6:47 am

    Anything from TJ…yum!

  • Shannon November 30, 2011, 7:02 am

    The progesterone-induced exhaustion of pregnancy (particularly the first trimester) is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before or since. You cannot fight it sometimes. I recall wanting to crawl under my desk at work and take a nap a la George Costanza! 🙂

  • Nikki November 30, 2011, 7:18 am

    I wanted to mention how much I appreciated your new exercise plan of “three days per week”. I used to have a spreadsheet where I’d plan all my workouts ahead of time, but it would be incredibly aversive when I had a bad week. I wouldn’t want to create a new week because I’d have to look at the “failure” of last week! I’ve been trying your plan out and it works so much better mentally 🙂

    • Caitlin November 30, 2011, 8:47 am

      @Nikki: It’s working out pretty good for me too! Two weeks ago I did 4 days and last week I did 2 🙂 Averages to 3 🙂 Hehhe. I’m glad its helping you!

  • Emily November 30, 2011, 8:10 am

    Honestly, I need a race or something. Right now I am just kind of lollygagging along until marathon training “officially” starts on 1/2/2012, and although that is only a month away, I am feelinga little lost!

    • Caitlin November 30, 2011, 11:25 am

      @Emily: DO a push up challenge!

  • Carolina John November 30, 2011, 8:45 am

    I’m trying to pick a 5k right now too. So many to choose from this time of year.

  • Katy @ HaveYouHurd November 30, 2011, 9:18 am

    Races absolutely keep me motivated! I can track my improvements (mileage/time) and I have a goal. I have a hard time losing weight and get discouraged a lot so having a race to train for keeps me positive and typically I end up losing a few LBs in the process!

  • Alett November 30, 2011, 9:36 am

    Agreed! Races totally keep me motivated.

    🙂

  • Corrie Anne November 30, 2011, 10:35 am

    Great race. It’s funny. I don’t do very man races, but I always say I’m training. Maybe because I know a marathon is in my sort of near future and I need to keep a good base!

  • Jamie @ FoodinRealLife November 30, 2011, 10:37 am

    I know you may think that your tiredness is really laziness, but don’t discredit what could be pregnancy related. Your body is doing SOOOO much right now! I felt this way during my 1st tri and I didn’t realize how zapped my energy was from the baby until it came back in the 2nd tri. I am sure the race will be a great motivator and help you feel good, but don’t be so hard on yourself! 🙂

  • Hillary November 30, 2011, 2:00 pm

    Having a race definitely keeps me motivated! Without a goal in mind, I find my workouts starting to slip into “phoning it in” territory; if I know I have a race to train for, it pretty much sets my workout schedule out for me, in plain English, so there are no excuses. I kind of love it.

  • Amber K November 30, 2011, 2:19 pm

    I would actually do a race if it had a good start time like 3pm! The early morning call time is the thing that turns me off the most.

  • Carina November 30, 2011, 3:01 pm

    If you haven’t read it, check out Kara Goucher’s book and blog on staying in shape and getting back to it re pregnancy. I know she’s crazy fit and in that way wholly unlike a normal mortal, but interesting reading!

  • Irina G (Fit Flexitarian) November 30, 2011, 4:24 pm

    YAY! Congrats. I’m just starting to run now and a few friends recommended that I sign up for 5Ks as a way to get myself to keep training for running. Your post just gave me even more motivation to sign up for one. Now I just have to find the perfect one!

  • Meshell November 30, 2011, 4:44 pm

    First time commenting — I love your blogs. It’s my absolute favorite each day and keeps me motivated and positive.

    It’s great to stay in shape while pregnant. I would suggest checking out Never (home) Maker’s blog as she did a half marathon in her 12th week and kept (treadmill) running until a couple weeks before her baby was born. It was very insightful on how and what to do. She reminds me of you in that facet.

    http://babynhm.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-pregnancy-one-post.html

    Above is a link to all her posts as she works through her pregnancy and stays motivated to keep up her favorite sport.

    Anywho, you can do it! What a great goal to reach for. No matter what, staying healthy and active during a pregnancy is what our bodies are wanting, so go out and do what BabyHTP wants! 🙂

  • Elissa November 30, 2011, 8:20 pm

    Thanks Caitlin! You just motivated me to sign up a New Years Day 5k! I’ve been lacking in the motivation department since my first half in October and I’ve been thinking about focusing on speed instead of distance – your post was just the push I needed!

  • Cassie @ Back to Her Roots December 2, 2011, 8:14 am

    Catching up on posts!

    I ran the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini Marathon and it had a lap (2 1/2 miles) around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which was VERY cool, BUT speedways are banked. So you are running on a slope for a very long time. Be prepared to stop and stretch out the knees and hips. My right leg (the one that was “higher” on the bank) was so messed up once we got out of the track. It didn’t help that the track hit at miles 7, 8 and 9 of the 13.1. 😛

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