Feels good to post a comment on my forum today!

Today I posted a comment on my forum because I felt like I actually had something to say about running.  I was able to run for the past two days: 4 miles each, with substantial hills and it felt so good.  On this forum each pregnant runner comments on RR-running related ideas, PGR- pregnancy related, and NPGR- not pregnant related.  So for the first time, I was actually able to comment on running related ideas because I got outside to run.  For pregnancy related I asked the women what to do for tailbone pain.  I have been experiencing pain in my tailbone area and I notice it more after I run and when lie down on my back- ouch.  For non-pregnancy related, I was able to comment on the fact that after the end of this week, I only have one more week of class and my credential will be cleared- yay!

Sad news this week

This week I read a post from about a gal who seemed to be fairly new to the post and she talked about her miscarriage.  She was actually very encouraging to the women on the forum because she didn't want to scare anyone.  It was amazing how strong she was- I know if I was in that position, God forbid, I don't even think I could bring myself to post a comment about it.  Of course, the other women on the forum were very supportive towards her and offered wonderful words of encouragement.  I never got a chance to comment with this gal but she seemed to have established a few friends.  It is amazing to me how these forums can become such a support system. It really feels like you have established true friendships with people you have never met in person.

Need Caffeine Tuesday

This week I posted comments and questions on my forum that was titled need Caffeine!  This caught my attention because I too have been feeling very tired lately so I will drink a soda.  When I read some of the posts that other pregnant women wrote, I started to feel a little guilty.  Some women were mentioning that they wish they could have coffee or a soda too, but they have one more month or so to go.  I was always told that it was ok to have a cup of coffee or a soda a day so that has been my absolute max.  I asked the women about their feelings about caffeine intake and after they replied to me, I felt much better.  Like I thought, it is ok to have caffeine in moderation.  Sometimes in the middle of the day, period 4, I feel like I can't go on and could really use a little caffeine!
I also posted a question/comment about my weight gain thus far.  I have gained 8 pounds during my first trimester and this is a lot compared to my first pregnancy, so I was concerned.  My doctor wasn't concerned but I was.  I explained this in my forum and several women commented back that they don't think it is too much and one woman said that she is also 14 weeks pregnant and has gained 8 pounds as well.  They all tried to encourage me by saying it's not too much and to just make sure to try and eat healthier options.  They also said that they have been having trouble with eating certain foods like chocolate and sweets so again; this made me feel a little better. 

Recieved Feedback

This week, I have posted two different comments on the forum that I chose and I was very happy to get positive feedback.  Since I am new to the blog, I was brief and to the point, unlike the other ladies who seem to know each other very well.  The first comment was actually a question and thankfully it was answered because I have been trying to figure out certain abbreviations that these ladies use in every post.  My second comment I was able to use the abbreviations to create conversation as well as let these ladies know a little bit about myself.  When I checked a few hours after I posted my comment, several ladies responded and gave me such encouragement.  I look forward to posting my next comment or question and it has been really neat to read what other pregnant runners, run on a daily basis.

Motivated

After reading through the preggos forum this week, I have become a little more motivated to get out there and run.  I am having a hard time getting out to run because I either feel sick, I'm tired, or I have a lot of work-grading and planning to do.  I know I just need to make the time to run- it will probably give me more energy and confidence, which are two things I have been lacking. 
There was a new pregnant runner to the forum and she asked a couple of valid questions about how the forum is run.  I actually had the same questions so I was excited to see the answers.  However, to my surprise, none of the women responded to her questions/comments.  I am hoping that when I get on there and post my own responses, I will get feedback and will feel accepted.  On a good note, I am just glad to read about women who are in my same situation.

Told not to run

Today as I was reading through the pregnant runners forum and there was a runner who wrote about how an acupuncturist told her to stop running until after she delivers her baby.  This runner received an injury which was not from running and had to see an acupuncturist.  She posted on the forum to try to get advice on what to do.  Many women advised to get the final word from her OB doctor. I really respect the advice that the women gave because they didn't bash the acupuncturist and they didn't tell her to just go ahead and run.

I have had many people tell me that it really isn't necessary to run while pregnant.  My response to them is that my doctor knows my background and history and he actually encourages me to continue running.  He did tell me to listen to my body and to not let my heart rate get too high.  It's just great to know that many of these women are offering safe advice.

Running while pregnant forum

This week I have been following the forum at Runnersworld.com which is specific to women and even more specific towards pregnant women.  There are a couple different topics regarding running while pregnant and the one that caught my eye was on training for a half marathon.  There are several different opinions but the women all seem to be supportive towards each other.  They offer sound advice and give praise appropriately. 
When I found out I was pregnant I was already signed up for a half marathon, Surf City- Huntington Beach.  I have been training for it for some time now but I was not able to run in it because I caught the horrible flu, that has been going around my school, which was combined with all day morning sickness.  I read a post from a runner that was going through the same situation and other women responded with such support and enthusiasm, it was refreshing.  They offered advice such as: you did the right thing by listening to your body, you can pick up your running when you feel better, and you will be able to run in several events after the baby is born.
I have heard many different opinions about running while pregnant and even though my doctor has given me the green light on continuing with my running, it is so nice to read about women having a similar passion.

About me

Hello, my name is Lisa Tjan and I have been teaching 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade math, at Western Christian Schools, for 7 years.  I have been married for 10 years to a wonderful man. My husband and I have a 3 year old son and another little Blessing on the way. I received my teaching credential from APU and this is my last class required to clear my credential.  I am looking forward to learning new ways to incorporate technology into my class so maybe I can reach those students who struggle. 

In my free time, I enjoy long distance running, in which I have completed 8 marathons.  I try to run 4-5 days a week ranging from 4-10 miles.  I completed my fastest race in October 2010 at the Long Beach Marathon with a 3:41 (missed the Boston Qualification by 1 minute).  Recently my husband has joined me with running long distances and it has been a lot of fun.  I also enjoy mountain and road biking but since I am pregnant, I am a little nervous to ride.