Just keep moving?

I have tried hard to workout and stay in shape during this pregnancy. It isn't always easy and there are many times that I am tired, achy, and uncomfortable and make excuses as to why I shouldn't go for a jog or do some stretching. However, for the most part I have been pretty dedicated to running/jogging. I don't go everyday, but I try to go every other day, and I am lifting some light weights as well to maintain strength in my back, because picking up a toddler while six months pregnant? Ho boy.

The other evening I left for my run/waddle-walk after Buddance was in bed. It was a nice evening and there were countless people outside, sitting on porches, enjoying the weather. I had not even made it to the end of my block when I ran past a house with a front porch full of people. I clearly heard a woman on the porch cry out: "She is running again! Look at that! Look at THAT!"

Um, yes. I am running. I am not deaf.

I have a feeling that people think I am harming the baby, or that I am a total nincompoop should not be exercising at all now that I am pregnant. I felt like shouting out: "My doctor says it's fine. Stop staring."

Many people give me a once over as I run by, and you know? A few years ago I probably would have wondered what was up with a pregnant woman running, besides the obvious; that she is crazy. So, I have come expect a few stares but that was the first time I heard someone make a comment. However, it was not the last.

I continued my run on a pretty popular walking/biking trail near our house, and there were tons of people out, taking advantage of the lack of humidity (why oh why can't it stay that way all summer?). On the trail I jogged by a young couple who were sitting on a bench people watching all the bikers, walkers and runners. As I made my way past the couple I heard the guy exclaim: "That is messed up."

There was no one else running near me at the time, so I knew the comment was directed at me and the "condition" in which I was running. I ignored the dude, and continued on my way, made my way to my turn around spot and then started on my loop back home. It took me about ten minutes to loop around and pass by the couple's bench again and I was praying that they would be gone, because I was sure I would hear something else spew forth and by this time I was really not in the mood to hear another pithy comment. As I approached the bench I saw my wish was not granted, there the couple sat, eyeing everyone that went by. Again, as I ran by there was no one immediately near me, so I knew for certain the guy's comment "My eyes! My eyes!" was meant for me.

Five years ago I would have cried the rest of the way home and then spent the evening crying about how hurt my feelings were by such callous remarks and then I would have cried a little more because I would have been mad at myself for not defending myself. However, I am bigger person now, for which I am thankful and didn't let the comments affect me in such a way. I realize that this person was trying to impress the girl he was sitting with and making fun a pregnant woman running is a good way for him to try and do this. Yes, he is rude. Yes, he hurt my feelings. And yes, I realize he is narrow minded and probably more insecure than myself.

I wouldn't say that all the remarks I heard in one night didn't make me self-conscious, they certainly did. I am six months pregnant, so that alone will call attention to my body. The fact that I am six months pregnant and running is CERTAINLY going to call attention to my body. So I took matters into my own hands and have started running at the butt crack of dawn, between 5:30 and 5:45 am I am out the door and on the trail, and I have to say, it makes a world of difference. I only see one or two people at the most and they barely give me a first glance, much less a second or third.

So to sum it all up: I will try and keep running as long as my hips will tolerate me, just not at peak hours when people treat me like a freak show and hurl snarky comments my way.