26.2

For 5 months, I have been banned from running. This may not seem like a big deal to some of you, but for me, it has felt like something in my life has been missing. There is nothing better, than waking in the morning and starting the day off with a nice long run.

My favorite runs were those when I was by myself, without headphones, with drizzle soaking me, and the repetitive sound of my sneakers hitting the pavement consuming me. My love/hate runs were those during marathon training seasons...squeezing in 22 miles along the Hudson was a long, straight, and boring run. Starting in Harlem, I would follow the Hudson along the west side of New York City, past Chelsea Piers, past Canal, as far as I could go. Turning around, I would retrace my steps and head all the way up to the Cloisters and home. Those runs mentally killed me but always left me feeling like superwoman after.

Running is my Zoloft. It keeps my head relaxed and makes me feel invincible. It is my therapy and keeps me sane.

Because I am a high risk pregnancy, running is a no-no. In fact, yoga and walking are my only escape. Anything that breaks a sweat is out.

After months of feeling sad about this 'ban', I realized this week why banning high impact activities during pregnancy may be a good thing. Thanks to the Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy.

1. Let's face it, no matter how much you exercise, you are still going to get HUGE.

2. Even though you may love showing off that baby bump, you will look absolutely ridiculous in your spandex to others.

3. The old expression goes like this, '9 months up, and 9 months down, NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO'. Hopefully that holds true.

4. You might endanger the pregnancy. In fact, I remember a friend of mine bragging about how she was 8 months pregnant and still took spin classes. Biting my tongue, I held back the word 'Idiot' that kept running through my head.

5. If something terrible happened to the baby after an aggressive workout, you will forever wonder if your desire to exercise caused it. This to me, is reason enough, to slow down and relax.

6. 9 months is not a long time to nurture this beautiful growing baby. You can give up anything for 9 months. So lets curb those addictions and think of that sweet little baby we are responsible for.

Last night, I dreamt of being a long run in Central Park.

Tomorrow, my Bob Jogger Stroller will arrive. Rich has 4 months to put it together.