As I've mentioned before, I do some pregnant runner blog stalking. (Investigating is a word I prefer.) So if I know anything about this whole business, it's that everyone's business is different. And comparing pregnancies is impossible. There's a lot I've been surprised by. And some I've been fairly warned about by bloggers and friends.  Adding my experience to the mix, here's my jumbled 'second trimester observations' so far.

My pregnant running life

• Running pregnant is harder than I thought it would be. I'm eating a lot of humble pie (and real pie) and doing a lot less running than I'd envisioned. 
• Round ligament pains aren't really painful... more surprising. Like a little electric shock when you touch a lightswitch. I'll be breathing normal, then one big inhale and step at the same time will send off this ZING at the top of my belly. 
• Belly bras aren't comfortable. Okay that one is not *that* surprising. 

• Finding a mental focus has been challenging. My running is not really training, it's more for sanity and fresh air. And that message only makes it securely to my brain once in awhile. As the weeks go by though, I'm appreciating it for what it is.
• I've slowed down a lot. A lot more than a minute per mile. More like 3 minutes per mile. I feel heavy and awkward and out of sync with my body. 
• I don't enjoy being passed. But now that I'm much more noticeably pregnant, I don't feel the urge to yell out my PRs when some dude shuffles past me. 
• I miss running with my buddies. I get dropped and left behind. I get stressed out and it's hard to find a talking rhythm with how out of breath I am. Then I get nervous I'm pushing it too hard. So... I'm a lone wolf, on the prowl for a 10 -11 minute mile buddy. 
• Every day is different. One day I might not make it 2 miles, the next I'm cruising for 8. 

• I still love it. In the midst of all this change, even just 3 minutes of smooth running (within a 30 minute plod) makes me feel like myself. And once in awhile I still do warm up after a couple miles and settle into some good meditation time, or baby talking/thinking time.

My pregnant life, in general:

• I'm out of breath all the time. Even just talking, suddenly I'll find myself gasping for air.
• Headaches are a constant part of my life. 
• I miss caffeine more than any of the other no-nos. I still have a Nespresso shot every AM or a half caff short at Starbucks. But I miss getting my 2-3 Grandes every morning. 
• Parts of my body touch other parts. I'll just leave it at that.  
• I had to buy actual bras, yes, they are A. But they aren't AA training bras. So ... win!(?)
• Public crying is more of a threat. I hate crying publicly. It's humiliating. And yes, I count 'crying in front of my husband' as public crying. And I don't mean sniff, sniff, tilt my head back and pat the eyes... no I'm talking choking on my own snot, ugly crying. 
• I'm not 'all belly'. There is a good chance I'm showing more in my butt than my belly. This was especially apparent last week when I left for a run in my Lesley Knickers and Owen couldn't hold back a WOAH! in reference to my booty. Umm.. thanks?
• Every day is different. For three days I'll be sleeping 11 hours and functioning at a low level followed by a few days where I barely feel pregnant.
• I have serious acne, and I can't use any of the good chemicals to fight it. 
• Feeling a baby kicking around... easily the craziest feeling I've ever had. I was unprepared for how completely amazing, bizarre, unnerving, indescribable it is. And it's barely started.

We have our big ultrasound appointment on Wednesday. Where they measure everything and we find out 'she' or 'him'. I'm eager to have that appointment behind us, and hoping to hear good things about our bean's development.

Would love any spoilers from moms ahead of me. What's up next? What were your surprises?