Adjusting Your Expectations
By: Amber Tebeau NASM CPT, Manager and Trainer CoachMeFit West Bloomfield
Sometimes life throws you a curveball and you must adjust accordingly. In the blog posted on July 9, 2010, I talked about my 10k race goal. I explained that I wanted to run a race in 8 minute splits at the end of August. I researched running plans and picked the one that fit me best. My training was going well and my runs were improving. As I was nearing the race, my runs were getting longer and my pace was getting faster. I was well on my way to achieving my 8 minute splits. The goal I had set for myself was a great motivator and I was determined to reach it. However, my plans were about to change. In the beginning of August I found out that I was expecting a baby. Though it was completely safe for me to continue running, it was not safe for me to continue training at the level I was training.  I was ecstatic about being pregnant; however the athlete in me was a little bummed that I would have to put off my goal for a year.  During pregnancy it is important to exercise, but one must be careful to not become overheated or overexerted. Though I continued running, I am careful to listen to my body and to follow what it is telling me. If I am too tired or I am having trouble breathing, I slow my pace to a walk or take a break. The biggest hindrance to my running has been my first trimester fatigue. Though I was tired through those first weeks, I made sure to still exercise an hour a day, 5-6 days a week.  I did run a race on August 27th, however I decided to run the 5k instread of the 10k.   Even though I did not accomplish my goal, I was proud to have finished the race and to have finished well. I came in 2nd place in my age group.
It is very important that we set goals for ourselves; however, it is just as important that we listen to our bodies and act accordingly.  Though I was disappointed that I could no longer train towards my race goal, I was wise enough to recognize that my priorities had changed. The most important thing in my life is now the health and safety of my baby.