When we first talked about getting pregnant I knew I wanted to keep running. And we have, but it has gotten a little harder recently and made me doubt whether or not I could keep up with it to my goal (Running the Jingle Bell Run at 21 weeks pregnant). Well? Today that goal was achieved! Nay- annihilated! Further, hillier and we ran it faster than we have any other run during this pregnancy.
post race with very legit sweat stains!
I won’t lie, I felt like crap for the first mile (or more) and wanted to start walking but Charlie pushed me to make it to the end of the stretch we were on and once we made it and I came to the 2 mile marker I knew I could do it (only 1.2 left!). The big hill at the end nearly took me down but as Charlie reminded me “this is just a contraction- then down hill and rest, you’ve GOT IT!” I had to just laugh and keep going. And it felt awesome to make it to the top and then pretty much sprint our way down the hill to the finish.
Charlie takes his job as an encourager seriously and is beyond gifted at being really encouraging without being fake in the least. When we made it to the end and he hugged me, kissed the belly and said “I am so proud of you.” I knew he meant it and wanted it to seep into me too. And it did. My knee-jerk is to downplay ” I didn’t go fast enough” “It isn’t very far” “I’m not that pregnant.” But the truth is… I am really proud. I set a goal and achieved it. So I am setting another one… 25 weeks and running for 35minutes. I think this is within reach. One month from now and we will hopefully still be going strong.
my running buddy!
Running is changing the bigger I get but it still feels relatively awesome and I want to keep it up as far into this pregnancy as I can. Also? achieving goals is addicting and exciting. Who needs the new year to start making changes!? Start today! Last pregnancy I bought into the idea that pregnancy was a handicap, a hindrance and and an affliction. For me? That is just so not true. Now that we are fully into the swing of the second trimester I am feeling more energetic and excited about this baby and being active, than ever. I am bigger and move more slowly, I rest more and eat (a lot)more but over all I am feeling so awesome and strong. Exercising during pregnancy is not dangerous (always chat with your doc/midwife about it though) and feels so great. Baby loves the bouncing of our runs and I love the time alone or with Charlie to think about just this baby and all the choices we are making for her. And the ways I can love her through my body starting now.
So we have made it past half way and are still going. Baby and I are a pretty awesome team.
21 weeks
Great job Autumn for seeing the goal & running toward it. Good job Charlie for spurring your wife & best friend on toward love & the prize. I love how husbands champion around us to bring out the best, when we want to immediately discredit or speak poorly of ourselves–they manage to speak as Jesus to us. Ya know, that whole laying down their lives in love. So so cheering for Team Meyer!
Kamille @ Redeeming the Table recently posted..Sharing the Love at Love Feast Table with Apricot Rosemary Bars
I am so stinking proud of you <3
And my girl says "yay Aw-mum!"
that is amazing!! good job!!
i was confined to a bed the majority of my pregnancy
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So proud of you! You look absolutely GREAT.
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Congratulations! That’s seriously awesome.
Vera recently posted..19 weeks!
Autumn, I am so, SO impressed! You are amazing! Charlie is amazing. Your family is inspiring. Way to define a healthy goal and stick with it!!! I know the hours of training and the actual race were hard but you were stronger!
You are amazing, running like that while pregnant, I am super impressed!
I ran in the Jingle Bell 5k with the flu, but stopped twice. That last hill nearly killed me! I will never run another race while I am sick ever again.