Thursday, April 15, 2010

Noticed.

So, yesterday when I was out for my run, I had just slowed down to walk up the biggest hill in the neighborhood when I crossed paths with a neighbor. It was Flash's owner (you may recall my concern over Flash's disappearance a while back).

We both stopped to say hello and I gave Flash a little pet. He's looking good these days, so I'm happy.

But that's not the point. After we said our hellos, Flash's owner said something along the lines of, "Haven't seen you out much lately. And now you're walking up the hill. Coming back from an injury?"

Nope, I told him. Just pregnant.

And then we chatted about pregnancy (yikes, I know . . . ) and kids and then went our separate ways.

As I ran on, I couldn't help thinking about how people are seeing me right now. They think I'm wimping out. Or that I'm injured. Or that I'm just packing on the pounds. Yeah, that little conversation with Flash's owner made me want to go out and get a running shirt that announces my pregnancy. Something that gets my point across: Nope, this is not my normal running weight and, uh-uh, this is not my normal running pace. Blame the little bun in the oven for sucking up all my oxygen and whatnot.

But, then, I don't know . . . really? Am I really going to worry if my neighbors think I'm getting plump? Well, maybe a little. Especially those neighbors who will look at me and say to themselves, "Ah-ha! I knew that running was a silly thing. That girl runs all the time and look at her! Fatter than ever!"

Yeah, I don't want people thinking running is making me fat, that's for sure. But should I care?

No, I shouldn't care. I should listen to my own advice and run my own race. Even if it involves walking up the hills.

I'll work on that tonight.

~ Felice

PS: Have you entered to win a sports bra?

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yeah, it's frustrating now, but in a few short months (weeks?) they're going to see that round belly of yours, obviously preggers, and think to themselves, "DAMN, that chick is motivated!!". They're going to watch through their picture windows as they lounge on their couches poppin' potato chips while you stay slim and healthy and they're going to WISH they were you. :)

H Love said...

dude you are a superstar. No worrie. you are doing more pregnant than many do when they aren't growing and packing a baby!

Allie said...

I'm sure they'll figure it out when your stomach takes on a basketball-like shape, then they'll be like 'wow, she's pregnant and still more active than me, she's hardcore!' :)

Heather said...

I have those same thoughts if I slow down to walk - but what will the neighbors think! :) It's natural. But you are doing awesome and kicking some serious prego lady ass!

Marlene said...

Aw, don't sweat it Felice! Soon enough they'll be watching in awe as you run by with your big ol' round baby hump!

Heidi said...

Nope you shouldn't care. One day they're going to realize and go "Ah-ha!". Then they'll be all impressed (and maybe motivated) that you have kept up with running while being pregnant.

I did fitness classes all through my first pregancy. Around 6 months the instructor finally got up the nerve to ask me about my pregnancy. She said she'd wondered for a while, but wasn't sure. It was kind of funny.

Ewa said...

Soon everyone will notice that your are bulging in a way that does not mean weight gain. Then you will be getting concerned looks and questions about wisdom of running when pregnant.
Just enjoy your pregnancy, your fitness and life. I am sure all those people mean well.

Sara Elizabeth said...

I love your motto "run your own race" so true that you should just do whatever is right for you no matter what anyone else things or does!

xx Sara

Anonymous said...

Yeah, well let's see what they say when you are doing that trek at 8 months pregnant.

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

Ha. This is hilarious! I love the sarcastic tone of this. Well, I imagine most people will wonder for a month or so what's going on when you start to show and then they'll finally get it and the walking will all make sense.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Haha, I'm not pregnant, and I wimp out on the hills ;) I agree with the others, worry about you, don't care about the others!

Amy said...

Any neighbour who is thinking you're wimping out is gonna feel mighty silly once it becomes more obvious that you're pregnant!

You're right! Listen to your own advice and run your own race!!

Aileen said...

They're just jealous. Seriously. I saw a pregnant woman running yesterday and couldn't help but stare out of pure jealousy.

She was probably running faster than me anyway!

Diana said...

I agree with what's been said. Soon enough they (um, the one person?) will know that you are preggers and be in total awe :)

Unknown said...

Yep, it's true. Soon they will realize you are pregnant and be like WHOA MAMA she's awesome! She's been running all along! That's the kind of reaction you'll get, and if you get negativity from others? Screw 'em! I spent my whole first pregnancy worried about that, and I know next time around I'll flaunt it and workout and feel great no matter what people say!

Unknown said...

This is a wonderful message for us all...thanks for that and for taking such great care of yourself! We need you to stay happy and healthy; baby too!

Abby said...

It's an interesting question. I've not had the pregnancy experience (though I LOVE seeing pregnant women out running), but I have had the urge to tell certain people toward the end of a 20-mile run that I'm only running that slowly because I'm finishing a 20 miler... Totally unnecessary and pretty silly, but it feels like the kind of thing that needs explanation.

X-Country2 said...

Thankfully I flew past the chubby phase and entered "fully pregnant" very quickly, but I know EXACTLY what you mean. I never walk when I see cars. :o)

Keep up the good work mama! You're doing great!

Goddess Librarian said...

A. Even while pregnant you're still faster/better than me.
B. Have you actually looked in a mirror? If I didn't know there is NO WAY I would tell that you are pregnant. You look PHENOMENAL! I know you've said you've gained weight, but really, I don't see it.
C. I do think a t-shirt saying "Running for 2" would be cute. :-)

J said...

I would feel the same way! I always wonder what the neighbors are thinking and wouldn't want them to think I was getting fat! It would be funny if you could find a shirt that said "iM pregnant!!" lol

Anonymous said...

No joke- for my 10-miler, I am pinning a pic of me on crutches to my shirt that says: this was me 10 weeks ago. Cause I feel lame and slow.

You rule!

Anonymous said...

No joke- for my 10-miler, I am pinning a pic of me on crutches to my shirt that says: this was me 10 weeks ago. Cause I feel lame and slow.

You rule!

Suzy said...

Well, the others have said it all. Personally, I think you look amazing!

The Laminator said...

You probably look so phenomenal even when preggo that no one else can tell except you, so keep it as your little secret and smile as they run by =)

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