A runner asked me yesterday why I wasn't running the Rock n Roll Chicago Half marathon on Sunday. I lied and told him I was injured. I made up something about wrecking my feet with stupid shoes. I'm not good at lying. He looked confused.
The real reason I'm not running is because the acupuncturist has made it clear that my weekly runs are a big part of why we can't have another baby. It all has to do with overheating and drawing chi (energy) into my legs and pulling it away from the rest of my body. On bad days, that all sounds really stupid. On good days I remember that Sawyer has been an only child for almost 4 years. And... I feel really selfish continuing to run when I could potentially give Stephan another child, and Sawyer the chance to have to share. And... babies are awesome. I would have 6 if I could. But I can't. I turn 35 in a few months and that closes the window to safely having babies.
(I said safely. I've talked to a lot of doctors who have explained the risks to the baby of having children when you're "older".)
Guys, I have no idea how long I'm going to be able to keep this up. Not running is seriously starting to mess with me. I haven't gained any weight yet, but I feel like it's imminent. Without the release I get from running, my moods are starting to wing around again. Every day I don't lace up I remember that there's something I "can't" do. And that just pisses me off.
Here is a picture of boats:
4 comments:
Wow. I know that people sacrifice in order to have kids, and I understand how hard it is to give up running. Are you allowed do to other forms of exercise?
I also wonder if you've spoken to your OBGYN about the theory that running is interfering with your ability to get pregnant. I love acupuncture and believe it works, but I also think conventional doctors have a lot to offer...and may have another possible solution that doesn't require you to stop running.
Hey Ali-
Yeah, the 30 minutes of walking is what I'm limited to.
In the last 3 years we've been to three different doctors, had every test our insurance will pay for (twice!), and gotten third opinions on our second opinions. The closest we've come to a 'reason' is just "unknown", so that's when we bailed on medicine and went to acupuncture.
IVF was the only alternative treatment all three doctors came up with, and even if we had the time and $$ to do that, I'd still be off of high intensity exercise.
Huh. Well, I'm a big believer in acupuncture, especially for addressing those things that can't otherwise be explained. I wish you luck.
The only thing I will address is the whole "35 is the age at which the reproductive system falls apart" idea... I know doctors will tell you that sort of stuff... and I'm sorry I can't find the link to the article I read recently debating some of the studies around that (maybe on Slate?)... but as someone who didn't get pregnant with her first until I was 36 and now has a second (and is thinking about #3)... and living as I am in an urban setting where it seems most the moms I know didn't start until after 35... not so sure about notion. Just saying.
There are certainly plenty of other reasons to try to have your children while younger, but safety to the mom is really about the least of them, assuming you have access to good medical care and are in good shape. Check and check, I believe.
Have fun trying in that beautiful scenery! (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.)
Annie- you are so fun!! We do have amazing medical care, and I'm super-healthy. I'll definitely look for that Slate article. It's really encouraging to hear your story. Good luck with #3!!!!
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