Sunday 2/27/11
Is there such thing as a pre-baby "bucket list"? Well if there's not I think there should be! Not that I think having a baby is the END of your life, but it's hard to deny that life changes...for the better I'm told. :) So I have unintentionally put both my husband on two different "bucket-list" plans. Mine consists of lots of training, participating in races, taking the time to read books and magazines just for fun, and taking naps WHENEVER I want. The path I have decided my husband needs consists of going to concerts, having more nights out with the guys than usual, and basically not letting him say "no" to any of his friends invites for any reason other than he really doesn't want to go. I didn't realize I was actually doing this until recently, but I think it makes sense because in a short 12 weeks or less life as we know it will change drastically...at least while we try to figure out this baby thing. Maybe there should be an event like a bachelor/bachelorette party before a wedding when you are about to have a baby (besides a baby shower...that's like a bridal shower...I'm talking one more last hooray for the dad and mom to be). Something to think about all you party planners out there...this could be the next new thing!
Any way...So you may have noticed my blogs have started to have more and more time pass between entries. Time just seems to go by faster and faster these days. Since the half marathon I have tried to keep up with my training (running, biking, swimming, lifting) but have definitely noticed some changes in the past couple of weeks and had a few instances that I wondered if I was nearing the end of my running while pregnant days. My legs felt heavy, my muscles burned even on easy runs, and I think I had my first experience of Braxton-Hicks contractions. I skipped my long run this week and only did 6miles instead of 8-9. I kind of felt like a wimp for missing my run with my running partner (who let's not forget is 5.5mo pregnant with TWINS!) because it was raining and cold out. Of course she, being the stud that she is, powered through the weather to complete her 8mile run! It was the first time EVER I wimped out and did a treadmill run inside instead, but in the end I think it was the right thing for my body, which was just feeling a little beat up physically this week. This past week it it has become a little more uncomfortable to bend down and tie my shoes and anything around 10min/mile while running feels like I am SPRINTING...not necessarily that I am out of breath, but that my legs feel so heavy and I just can't seem to get my feet to move any faster! It's also taking my body a little longer to recover between workouts and I hit a major sleepiness wall at 8pm sharp. By the way my just to give you an update, my Doctor has given me the green light to continue with all my exercise as long as I don't have any intense cramping or bleeding, and I stay hydrated. I told her I almost feel guilty with how easy the pregnancy has been so far...she said don't feel guilty and that the more "boring" my pregnancy was the more she like me as a patient.
I still have had some good workouts the past couple weeks. I met my friend to swim and did a 3000m swim in a little over an hour, I've had a couple of brutally hard workouts on my new bike trainer (which luckily I found out that the trainer IS actually harder than biking outside because at first it was a little demotivating for it to feel so hard on my legs), and I had a great long outdoor bike ride today totalling 2hrs and made it up the big hills home by my house...guess the bike trainer does actually help! The other cool thing that has been happening the past couple of weeks is feeling her move and kick, and they are getting stronger by the day! I think feeling the movement has been both the weirdest and best feeling so far during the pregnancy.
....Well off to go check some more stuff off my pre-baby bucket list :)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Half Marathon 26 weeks pregnant!
2/15/2011 26 weeks pregnant
Sunday 2/13 I ran the San Dieguito Half Marathon (13.1 miles). For those who know the course it is pretty hilly, but a beautiful run. I debated back and forth until the very last second if I should do it or not, and it always comes down to asking myself the same question...would I have regretted it if I DIDN'T do it? The answer is always YES, so I sent in my registration on the last day and hoped for the best both with the weather and for me physically. I figured as a last resort I could walk it and still be happy I finished. The morning of the race the weather was pretty darn perfect. Cold, but not bitterly cold, and it warmed up without a cloud in the sky and luckily there was lots of shade on the roads too. I think this was my first half marathon since last February when I did this race. Going into it I knew it was hilly, but as I approached the first major hill I was reminded just HOW hilly it was...I am pretty sure we ran up hill for at least a mile. I instantly felt pretty horrible for having one of my clients run this race as her first half marathon...that was just cruel. Well, at least she has bragging rights for finishing one of the most challenging half marathons around. ;)
As I was warming up and stretching I did get a few people asking me if I was doing the half....pregnant (it is fairly obvious now that I am prego and not just a heavy beer drinker with a gut). Most were supportive and impressed and one or two were concerned and let me know it! I have to admit that I was a little nervous myself, but not because I was worried if I could do it fitness wise, but with the pregnancy thing you just never know what the day will bring you physically....will I get dehydrated? overheated? will she be sitting in an awkward spot making the run too uncomfortable? will I have an EMERGENCY bathroom break?! I just told myself I would start slow and walk whenever I felt that I needed to and fight the urge to push through the discomforts.
I started near the back of the pack, which is fairly usual for me. But I did notice something different about this race...either I was in the exact right section for my pace or EVERYONE was starting off slower because they knew that had some big hills to conquer and 13.1 miles to complete. In the past few races I have done both the triathlons and the 15ks it seemed like everyone started out SO fast! I was instantly reminded of how much I like the longer endurance events for this reason...slow and steady is the way to go! I did have to go the the bathroom about mile 6, but there were only porta-pottys, which is not horrible...but there were always at least 3 or more people waiting. I didn't want to have to stop and wait so I kept going hoping I didn't have any issues along the way. When I made it to mile 8 and 9 I started to really hit a good stride...I felt pretty great. I had actually kept a fairly steady pace of about 11min/miles or less even with some walking up the steepest parts of the runs. I finally saw a bathroom opportunity with NO LINE and jumped at the chance to go quickly. After that it was all down hill...literally...the GIANT hill we went up for over a mile was a nice steady decline near the end of the race. Although, the last 1/2 mile or so was a cruel joke of an uphill climb to the finish, but with all the energy conserving I did throughout the race I actually felt pretty good and was able to keep a good pace through the finish! I looked up my time last year (2:07:45)...this year I think I did about 2:15 or so...I should get my official chip time soon. My goal was just to make it under 3 hours and hopefully more like 2:30 to 2:45, so I was pretty stoked and surprised to get fairly close to my time last year!
Yesterday I was a little sore and walked the dogs (no running), did a little circuit training workout, and went to bed at 8pm! Today I am realizing how important it is to me to have another event on the horizon...because I NEED that to keep me motivated and on track with my workouts. Someone told me that I wouldn't know what do to with myself if I was told to just sit still and do NOTHING....that's not entirely true. I actually ENJOY doing nothing, but I think I am more intrigued to see what ELSE I can actually do. I think too many women look at pregnancy as a pass to DO NOTHING, when it is probably one of the most important times in your life to focus on being fit and healthy. I'm pretty sure labor is NO JOKE and if you're more fit you can at least give yourself a fighting chance at making it slightly easier, and I am ALL about that!
On a side note...yesterday I attempted to start registering for baby stuff thinking that with all the great tips and advice I have been getting from Moms that would have a little less anxiety about actually going down the baby section at Target. I think I still broke out into a sweat and got completely overwhelmed....I gave up after about 30min and decided I needed to come back with a better plan of attack, and one of these days get the courage to actually go into a BABYSRUS...but that's a whole other ball game that I need to work up to.
Besides my semi-panic attack in the baby section of Target...here's what else I learned this weekend:
Two things that are AWESOME and make you feel SOOOO good, but you really don't want anyone to catch you doing are:
1) Using a NediPot to clear your sinuses and 2) Taking off your prego pants with the big stretchy band that pulls up way over your belly! Both are not what you might consider very attractive...oh well.
Sunday 2/13 I ran the San Dieguito Half Marathon (13.1 miles). For those who know the course it is pretty hilly, but a beautiful run. I debated back and forth until the very last second if I should do it or not, and it always comes down to asking myself the same question...would I have regretted it if I DIDN'T do it? The answer is always YES, so I sent in my registration on the last day and hoped for the best both with the weather and for me physically. I figured as a last resort I could walk it and still be happy I finished. The morning of the race the weather was pretty darn perfect. Cold, but not bitterly cold, and it warmed up without a cloud in the sky and luckily there was lots of shade on the roads too. I think this was my first half marathon since last February when I did this race. Going into it I knew it was hilly, but as I approached the first major hill I was reminded just HOW hilly it was...I am pretty sure we ran up hill for at least a mile. I instantly felt pretty horrible for having one of my clients run this race as her first half marathon...that was just cruel. Well, at least she has bragging rights for finishing one of the most challenging half marathons around. ;)
As I was warming up and stretching I did get a few people asking me if I was doing the half....pregnant (it is fairly obvious now that I am prego and not just a heavy beer drinker with a gut). Most were supportive and impressed and one or two were concerned and let me know it! I have to admit that I was a little nervous myself, but not because I was worried if I could do it fitness wise, but with the pregnancy thing you just never know what the day will bring you physically....will I get dehydrated? overheated? will she be sitting in an awkward spot making the run too uncomfortable? will I have an EMERGENCY bathroom break?! I just told myself I would start slow and walk whenever I felt that I needed to and fight the urge to push through the discomforts.
I started near the back of the pack, which is fairly usual for me. But I did notice something different about this race...either I was in the exact right section for my pace or EVERYONE was starting off slower because they knew that had some big hills to conquer and 13.1 miles to complete. In the past few races I have done both the triathlons and the 15ks it seemed like everyone started out SO fast! I was instantly reminded of how much I like the longer endurance events for this reason...slow and steady is the way to go! I did have to go the the bathroom about mile 6, but there were only porta-pottys, which is not horrible...but there were always at least 3 or more people waiting. I didn't want to have to stop and wait so I kept going hoping I didn't have any issues along the way. When I made it to mile 8 and 9 I started to really hit a good stride...I felt pretty great. I had actually kept a fairly steady pace of about 11min/miles or less even with some walking up the steepest parts of the runs. I finally saw a bathroom opportunity with NO LINE and jumped at the chance to go quickly. After that it was all down hill...literally...the GIANT hill we went up for over a mile was a nice steady decline near the end of the race. Although, the last 1/2 mile or so was a cruel joke of an uphill climb to the finish, but with all the energy conserving I did throughout the race I actually felt pretty good and was able to keep a good pace through the finish! I looked up my time last year (2:07:45)...this year I think I did about 2:15 or so...I should get my official chip time soon. My goal was just to make it under 3 hours and hopefully more like 2:30 to 2:45, so I was pretty stoked and surprised to get fairly close to my time last year!
Yesterday I was a little sore and walked the dogs (no running), did a little circuit training workout, and went to bed at 8pm! Today I am realizing how important it is to me to have another event on the horizon...because I NEED that to keep me motivated and on track with my workouts. Someone told me that I wouldn't know what do to with myself if I was told to just sit still and do NOTHING....that's not entirely true. I actually ENJOY doing nothing, but I think I am more intrigued to see what ELSE I can actually do. I think too many women look at pregnancy as a pass to DO NOTHING, when it is probably one of the most important times in your life to focus on being fit and healthy. I'm pretty sure labor is NO JOKE and if you're more fit you can at least give yourself a fighting chance at making it slightly easier, and I am ALL about that!
On a side note...yesterday I attempted to start registering for baby stuff thinking that with all the great tips and advice I have been getting from Moms that would have a little less anxiety about actually going down the baby section at Target. I think I still broke out into a sweat and got completely overwhelmed....I gave up after about 30min and decided I needed to come back with a better plan of attack, and one of these days get the courage to actually go into a BABYSRUS...but that's a whole other ball game that I need to work up to.
Besides my semi-panic attack in the baby section of Target...here's what else I learned this weekend:
Two things that are AWESOME and make you feel SOOOO good, but you really don't want anyone to catch you doing are:
1) Using a NediPot to clear your sinuses and 2) Taking off your prego pants with the big stretchy band that pulls up way over your belly! Both are not what you might consider very attractive...oh well.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Less than 4 months to go?!
2/2/11 A little over 24 weeks
The time is just flying by now and reality has started to set in! I am almost to the end of my second trimester...scary. It has been a little harder to get going with my exercise routine, and believe it or not I am even slower (basically my jog is now the pace of a semi-fast walk), but physically I still feel pretty good. No back problems and no weird feelings that would make me feel like I can't run anymore. I guess I keep waiting for that day that I go out for my run and I realize that I am done...but I'm happy it hasn't happened quite yet. Last week I was able to do a 9mile run with my running partner, then took the weekend off to go to Palm Desert with my husband. We took bikes and rode a little, but didn't really do a workout. I did notice that changing the position of my handle bars made a huge difference and makes me feel like I'll be able to ride my bike a while longer. Getting away was nice so we could have a little time without distractions to think about things like...a name, what baby stuff we need, and discuss a little more what life will be like after the baby. I have to say that being pregnant doesn't freak me out nearly as much as the drastic change in lifestyle and schedule that is inevitable post baby. I know it will all be "good changes" but I am nervous about how I am going to fit it all in.
This week so far I have run 5.5 miles on Monday and did a short workout after the run. Later on Monday I did my AB class, which is getting a little more tricky for me to participate in...I don't do any of the core exercises completely on my back, but was able to at least demonstrate them. This time, I could definitely FEEL the heaviness of the "basketball" size uterus! Yes, I have read in one of my many prego books that my uterus is now the size of a basketball!! Holy cow! Yesterday I was pretty tired and just ran/walked the dogs for 2miles, then went to the gym and did the spin bike for 30min and a quick 30min circuit training workout. Today I ran/walk 3miles with the dogs and hope it get in another running workout for me later this afternoon. Tomorrow the plan is an outside bike ride, Friday I hope to swim, and Saturday will be my big test for the half marathon decision....I will do a longer run, but probably only about 8miles or so. If that run goes well I will FOR sure sign up for that half marathon race that is FEB 13th!
I wore my first maternity clothes over the weekend...it was a little sad going through my closet and realizing I officially don't fit in any of my shorts, nearly all my pants don't button (even my big baggy jeans and shorts that I thought for sure would carry me through the whole pregnancy!), and most of my shirts are now "half belly shirts"...I am EXTREMELY grateful to have a couple of friends, who unlike me actually have some fashion sense, let me borrow their super cute maternity clothes and it's nice to actually be comfortable when I sit! While I am determined to try to stay fit...I have definitely had ZERO problems putting on the weight!! I don't go to my doctor for another week and half and I am pretty confident that I will be at the 20lb mark by then for sure!
The time is just flying by now and reality has started to set in! I am almost to the end of my second trimester...scary. It has been a little harder to get going with my exercise routine, and believe it or not I am even slower (basically my jog is now the pace of a semi-fast walk), but physically I still feel pretty good. No back problems and no weird feelings that would make me feel like I can't run anymore. I guess I keep waiting for that day that I go out for my run and I realize that I am done...but I'm happy it hasn't happened quite yet. Last week I was able to do a 9mile run with my running partner, then took the weekend off to go to Palm Desert with my husband. We took bikes and rode a little, but didn't really do a workout. I did notice that changing the position of my handle bars made a huge difference and makes me feel like I'll be able to ride my bike a while longer. Getting away was nice so we could have a little time without distractions to think about things like...a name, what baby stuff we need, and discuss a little more what life will be like after the baby. I have to say that being pregnant doesn't freak me out nearly as much as the drastic change in lifestyle and schedule that is inevitable post baby. I know it will all be "good changes" but I am nervous about how I am going to fit it all in.
This week so far I have run 5.5 miles on Monday and did a short workout after the run. Later on Monday I did my AB class, which is getting a little more tricky for me to participate in...I don't do any of the core exercises completely on my back, but was able to at least demonstrate them. This time, I could definitely FEEL the heaviness of the "basketball" size uterus! Yes, I have read in one of my many prego books that my uterus is now the size of a basketball!! Holy cow! Yesterday I was pretty tired and just ran/walked the dogs for 2miles, then went to the gym and did the spin bike for 30min and a quick 30min circuit training workout. Today I ran/walk 3miles with the dogs and hope it get in another running workout for me later this afternoon. Tomorrow the plan is an outside bike ride, Friday I hope to swim, and Saturday will be my big test for the half marathon decision....I will do a longer run, but probably only about 8miles or so. If that run goes well I will FOR sure sign up for that half marathon race that is FEB 13th!
I wore my first maternity clothes over the weekend...it was a little sad going through my closet and realizing I officially don't fit in any of my shorts, nearly all my pants don't button (even my big baggy jeans and shorts that I thought for sure would carry me through the whole pregnancy!), and most of my shirts are now "half belly shirts"...I am EXTREMELY grateful to have a couple of friends, who unlike me actually have some fashion sense, let me borrow their super cute maternity clothes and it's nice to actually be comfortable when I sit! While I am determined to try to stay fit...I have definitely had ZERO problems putting on the weight!! I don't go to my doctor for another week and half and I am pretty confident that I will be at the 20lb mark by then for sure!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Still on for the Half Marathon....for now anyway :)
Jan 22, 2011 23 weeks pregnant.
Today was a successful 11mile run! If I keep feeling like I did today I know for sure I can do the half marathon in 3 weeks. But I am also realistic...I know every week brings a whole new bag of prego symptoms to figure out and deal with. I have to admit that this week I can finally say I feel pregnant...my belly has definitely decided to make it's grand entrance known to the world.
Yesterday (1/21/11) was a great workout day...Although I did have a moment where I questioned if I was nearing the end of my running while pregnant days. I had to stop and walk quite a bit due to some pressure in my lower right ab. It wasn't really painful, just a little uncomfortable. I think it was the little one pound baby nestled in that corner though, because today's run was awesome. Yesterday's workout was a little weird...but I really loved being outside so much. I trained an early client, ran Thor (my 90lb endurance running pit bull) 2miles, trained another client, then walked both dogs for about 30minutes during a cancellation, then trained a few more clients, then decided to run to the pool. I estimated it was about 1.5miles away from my house...I was only off by about A MILE! But it was so nice out it was ok. I did about 2000m swim then ran/walked the 2.5miles home. I was a little worried that maybe I overdid it and was expecting to be completely wiped out the rest of the night and the next day, but I ate a good dinner, drank lots of fluids, went to bed at a reasonable hour, then woke up at and felt pretty great from yesterday's smorgasbord workout I rolled over and saw the clock...5AM and I was WIDE AWAKE ! WHAT?! I forced myself to lay there for another hour then decided to just get up. I had about a half a cup of coffee...I don't drink coffee often anymore, but every once in awhile it sounds really good! And it's completely fine to have a small amount of caffeine daily. It was pretty awesome...I do kind of miss having LARGE amounts of caffeine...maybe a little bit.
Thursday (1/20/11)...I can't remember what I did Thursday. I think I just walk/ran the dogs. This intermittent memory loss is happening more and more often...
Wednesday (1/19/11) I was stoked to get in a bike ride, but I woke up and it cold and foggy ALL DAY. What's up with that? San Diego has been on this perfect weather trend and the day I want to ride my bike it's cold and windy out? I really wanted to try out my bike since I just got it back from being serviced. Ummm....for the record the tune-up did NOT make me any faster. BOOO. Oh well, at least the new brakes work great and I don't have to use my death grip as I am going down the steep hills around my house.
Today was a successful 11mile run! If I keep feeling like I did today I know for sure I can do the half marathon in 3 weeks. But I am also realistic...I know every week brings a whole new bag of prego symptoms to figure out and deal with. I have to admit that this week I can finally say I feel pregnant...my belly has definitely decided to make it's grand entrance known to the world.
Yesterday (1/21/11) was a great workout day...Although I did have a moment where I questioned if I was nearing the end of my running while pregnant days. I had to stop and walk quite a bit due to some pressure in my lower right ab. It wasn't really painful, just a little uncomfortable. I think it was the little one pound baby nestled in that corner though, because today's run was awesome. Yesterday's workout was a little weird...but I really loved being outside so much. I trained an early client, ran Thor (my 90lb endurance running pit bull) 2miles, trained another client, then walked both dogs for about 30minutes during a cancellation, then trained a few more clients, then decided to run to the pool. I estimated it was about 1.5miles away from my house...I was only off by about A MILE! But it was so nice out it was ok. I did about 2000m swim then ran/walked the 2.5miles home. I was a little worried that maybe I overdid it and was expecting to be completely wiped out the rest of the night and the next day, but I ate a good dinner, drank lots of fluids, went to bed at a reasonable hour, then woke up at and felt pretty great from yesterday's smorgasbord workout I rolled over and saw the clock...5AM and I was WIDE AWAKE ! WHAT?! I forced myself to lay there for another hour then decided to just get up. I had about a half a cup of coffee...I don't drink coffee often anymore, but every once in awhile it sounds really good! And it's completely fine to have a small amount of caffeine daily. It was pretty awesome...I do kind of miss having LARGE amounts of caffeine...maybe a little bit.
Thursday (1/20/11)...I can't remember what I did Thursday. I think I just walk/ran the dogs. This intermittent memory loss is happening more and more often...
Wednesday (1/19/11) I was stoked to get in a bike ride, but I woke up and it cold and foggy ALL DAY. What's up with that? San Diego has been on this perfect weather trend and the day I want to ride my bike it's cold and windy out? I really wanted to try out my bike since I just got it back from being serviced. Ummm....for the record the tune-up did NOT make me any faster. BOOO. Oh well, at least the new brakes work great and I don't have to use my death grip as I am going down the steep hills around my house.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
I'm officially running out clothes that still fit!
1/18/2011 22weeks
Today was the ultrasound day...and we got confirmation that its a GIRL. I've gained about 16lbs since I found out I was pregnant. hmmmm...I don't think there is any chance I am carrying a 16lb baby at 22 weeks. My doctor hasn't told me it's too much weight gain (yet), but it is definitely a strange feeling. I just focus on trying to eat pretty healthy and exercise. I am thankful I still feel pretty comfortable running and doing all my normal workouts. Today at my appointment I was given the "ok" to continue with all my workouts as long as I feel good. Half marathon HERE I COME!
Workout recap for this week so far:
Today I got the dogs out for a 3mile run/walk then dropped them off so I could get my run workout in. I did a little over 5miles after I dropped off the dogs. Today was definitely not a fast pace run like last weeks 10k, but it's pretty hilly around my house so slow is good. I finally got my heart rate monitor to work too! My average heart rate was about 145 to 150bpm. It occasionally goes up when I run up the hills but it's never there too long and my perceived exertion is still moderate and I never feel totally out of breath. My schedule actually allowed me to get to the gym this morning too! So I did about a 45min total body weight training workout. I don't like to rest a lot, so I pick 3-4 big muscle group exercises (For example: Rows, push-ups, deadlifts, burpees) and do them back to back without resting and repeat 3x, then pick another group of exercises, and so on. I do about 3-4 big circuits like that 2-3 x a week.
Yesterday 1/17/2011 was a rest day in the exercise department....mentally I wanted to do something, but my body was telling me to rest. Sunday 1/16/2011 I taught bootcamp, and we had a blast! I have the best group of people that come to bootcamp. We always have so much fun...even while they're sweating their butts off! It was such a beautiful day I decided to the pool for a swim. I didn't really have a goal for distance, but went about 2200m and just enjoyed being in the water. I really need to learn to kick properly and maybe another stroke would be useful too. Saturday 1/15/2011 I met my running partner (who is having a BOY and a GIRL!) for our long run. Again the weather was just amazing...we did 10miles! And we both decided that if our doctors allow us and we still feel good we want to do a half marathon Feb 13th! She'll be about 5.5mo and Ill be about 6.5mo. So far we are both have the green light to continue with our workouts as long as our bodies feel good. Friday I went for a short bike ride and realized it was time to raise the handle bars on my bike. So I took it in that afternoon and dropped if off for the weekend so I could get it all tuned up! I also invested in a bike trainer so when I can't be outside anymore I can still get my training in towards the end of the pregnancy and when the little on arrives. I can't forget I've already signed up for two triathlons this year! :) I had a great morning training clients and got to meet an awesome potential client (who also just found out she's pregnant...very exciting!)
It has been sunny, warm, and pretty much perfect weather here in San Diego for the past week or so and I suddenly realized that I DON'T FIT IN ANY OF MY CLOTHES! When it was cold and rainy sweats were easy! But I don't fit in any of my shorts anymore, and I'm pretty sure I have about one more week left in my favorite old jeans. So I went maternity clothes shopping for the very first time. It was a little overwhelming, both because I have no sense of fashion not pregnant and I had no idea what kind of maternity clothes to look for...let alone what brand I liked! The woman at the store must have seen my "deer in headlight" look and immediately sent me to the dressing room and just kept bringing me things to try on. I have one thing to say...amazing! Jeans with the big stretchy band thing are so much more comfortable than trying to squeeze my button closed.
Today was the ultrasound day...and we got confirmation that its a GIRL. I've gained about 16lbs since I found out I was pregnant. hmmmm...I don't think there is any chance I am carrying a 16lb baby at 22 weeks. My doctor hasn't told me it's too much weight gain (yet), but it is definitely a strange feeling. I just focus on trying to eat pretty healthy and exercise. I am thankful I still feel pretty comfortable running and doing all my normal workouts. Today at my appointment I was given the "ok" to continue with all my workouts as long as I feel good. Half marathon HERE I COME!
Workout recap for this week so far:
Today I got the dogs out for a 3mile run/walk then dropped them off so I could get my run workout in. I did a little over 5miles after I dropped off the dogs. Today was definitely not a fast pace run like last weeks 10k, but it's pretty hilly around my house so slow is good. I finally got my heart rate monitor to work too! My average heart rate was about 145 to 150bpm. It occasionally goes up when I run up the hills but it's never there too long and my perceived exertion is still moderate and I never feel totally out of breath. My schedule actually allowed me to get to the gym this morning too! So I did about a 45min total body weight training workout. I don't like to rest a lot, so I pick 3-4 big muscle group exercises (For example: Rows, push-ups, deadlifts, burpees) and do them back to back without resting and repeat 3x, then pick another group of exercises, and so on. I do about 3-4 big circuits like that 2-3 x a week.
Yesterday 1/17/2011 was a rest day in the exercise department....mentally I wanted to do something, but my body was telling me to rest. Sunday 1/16/2011 I taught bootcamp, and we had a blast! I have the best group of people that come to bootcamp. We always have so much fun...even while they're sweating their butts off! It was such a beautiful day I decided to the pool for a swim. I didn't really have a goal for distance, but went about 2200m and just enjoyed being in the water. I really need to learn to kick properly and maybe another stroke would be useful too. Saturday 1/15/2011 I met my running partner (who is having a BOY and a GIRL!) for our long run. Again the weather was just amazing...we did 10miles! And we both decided that if our doctors allow us and we still feel good we want to do a half marathon Feb 13th! She'll be about 5.5mo and Ill be about 6.5mo. So far we are both have the green light to continue with our workouts as long as our bodies feel good. Friday I went for a short bike ride and realized it was time to raise the handle bars on my bike. So I took it in that afternoon and dropped if off for the weekend so I could get it all tuned up! I also invested in a bike trainer so when I can't be outside anymore I can still get my training in towards the end of the pregnancy and when the little on arrives. I can't forget I've already signed up for two triathlons this year! :) I had a great morning training clients and got to meet an awesome potential client (who also just found out she's pregnant...very exciting!)
It has been sunny, warm, and pretty much perfect weather here in San Diego for the past week or so and I suddenly realized that I DON'T FIT IN ANY OF MY CLOTHES! When it was cold and rainy sweats were easy! But I don't fit in any of my shorts anymore, and I'm pretty sure I have about one more week left in my favorite old jeans. So I went maternity clothes shopping for the very first time. It was a little overwhelming, both because I have no sense of fashion not pregnant and I had no idea what kind of maternity clothes to look for...let alone what brand I liked! The woman at the store must have seen my "deer in headlight" look and immediately sent me to the dressing room and just kept bringing me things to try on. I have one thing to say...amazing! Jeans with the big stretchy band thing are so much more comfortable than trying to squeeze my button closed.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
"Hey if she can do it...So can I!'
1/12/11 No Bad Days....at least when the sun is shining and it's 68 degrees at the beach...in January!
OK I was a little sore from the run Sunday. I took Monday off from working out and rested. I have noticed that at 20weeks I started to get more tired, similar to the 1st trimester fatigue but not quite as bad or frequent. I also noticed I am more hungry the last couple of weeks. I haven't really had weird pregnancy cravings, but I have wanted more protein. I never had any nausea or food aversion either, in fact food just taste even better. Which can be a little dangerous with the sweets and portion control because EVERYTHING tastes like the best thing I've ever eaten (Weird I know). I don't count my calories but I eat about every 2-3 hours and try focus on getting lots of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and water throughout the day. I know it's important for health, not gaining too much excess weight, digestive system, and energy! I don't restrict myself from anything, I just try to eat smaller amounts of the not so good for me stuff.
Yesterday (1/1/11) I was still a little sore and tired so I tried to seek out a partner to run with because I needed the extra motivation for a workout. In the end I decided to skip the run and go for a swim. I ended up doing 3000m (all freestyle...since that's the only stroke I really know) in about 65min. I don't really know if that's good/average/or snail pace, but it felt good when I was done and I got a little vitamin D from the SUN! I felt so great I went straight to the gym for a resistance training workout. I definitely dropped the amount of weight I used to do, but am actually pretty happy with the strength I've been able to maintain and how fit I feel (at times). I can still do box jumps, burpees, and squat jumps without any discomfort, but the pull-ups are down to sets of 4-5.
Today (1/12/11) I was SOOOO excited to see the sun and noticing that I think it's coming up a little earlier and setting a little later every day! I got up ate my normal breakfast and took the dogs for a quick walk, trained clients, finally started taking some Christmas decorations down (yeah I know it's almost mid Jan...hopefully I'll have them all down and put away by the end of the month!), then took the doggies out for a 3mile run/walk. This was more for them because I never really get much of a workout when I take them. They have to stop a lot to sniff and do dog stuff. Later I went for MY workout...I did a 10k at the beach! The weather is just awesome right now...it was mid 60s at the beach and clear. I've been lucky to live in San Diego my entire life, and I don't think I could EVER get sick of perfect weather and being at the beach. I'm wondering if my NIKE RUN chip is off or I was just faster today...but my average pace was 8:48! That's fast for me. I definitely have days when I feel better than others...I think today was one of those days. I'll take it! I can feel that my prego belly is growing, and I am definitely showing, but it seems to be OK running especially when I contract my abs and engage my core muscles which kind of works as a natural girdle to keep things in tight. I still do abdominal and core exercises about 3xweek. Having strong abs and core can help a lot with not getting back pain or discomfort as the belly grows, help maintain my posture more easily as my body changes, I'm hoping it will help me physically feel comfortable running as long as possible, and it will for sure help with the labor (I hope anyway...)!
Although I know how important exercise is before and during pregnancy every once in awhile I have to validate that I am not totally crazy for wanting to race while pregnant (I am thinking of doing a half marathon in February...I'll be almost 26weeks). So I search the web for other moms-to-be...I am always impressed and inspired by the amount of very active pregnant women out there who were able to maintain their fitness throughout their pregnancies and better yet had totally healthy babies and pretty fast recovery times after the baby was born! I know every woman is different and I plan on listening to my own body (and my doctor of course), but it is definitely motivating to hear about women running and even competing in half marathons, marathons, and even ultra marathons into their 3rd trimesters! I know pregnancy is not a time to become a super athlete, but it's definitely not a ticket to slack off either (unless your doctor tells you). I hope my little blog does for others what these women have done for me...Inspire, motivate, and make you feel like..."Hey if she can do it, so can I. The best time to start is RIGHT NOW!"
OK I was a little sore from the run Sunday. I took Monday off from working out and rested. I have noticed that at 20weeks I started to get more tired, similar to the 1st trimester fatigue but not quite as bad or frequent. I also noticed I am more hungry the last couple of weeks. I haven't really had weird pregnancy cravings, but I have wanted more protein. I never had any nausea or food aversion either, in fact food just taste even better. Which can be a little dangerous with the sweets and portion control because EVERYTHING tastes like the best thing I've ever eaten (Weird I know). I don't count my calories but I eat about every 2-3 hours and try focus on getting lots of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and water throughout the day. I know it's important for health, not gaining too much excess weight, digestive system, and energy! I don't restrict myself from anything, I just try to eat smaller amounts of the not so good for me stuff.
Yesterday (1/1/11) I was still a little sore and tired so I tried to seek out a partner to run with because I needed the extra motivation for a workout. In the end I decided to skip the run and go for a swim. I ended up doing 3000m (all freestyle...since that's the only stroke I really know) in about 65min. I don't really know if that's good/average/or snail pace, but it felt good when I was done and I got a little vitamin D from the SUN! I felt so great I went straight to the gym for a resistance training workout. I definitely dropped the amount of weight I used to do, but am actually pretty happy with the strength I've been able to maintain and how fit I feel (at times). I can still do box jumps, burpees, and squat jumps without any discomfort, but the pull-ups are down to sets of 4-5.
Today (1/12/11) I was SOOOO excited to see the sun and noticing that I think it's coming up a little earlier and setting a little later every day! I got up ate my normal breakfast and took the dogs for a quick walk, trained clients, finally started taking some Christmas decorations down (yeah I know it's almost mid Jan...hopefully I'll have them all down and put away by the end of the month!), then took the doggies out for a 3mile run/walk. This was more for them because I never really get much of a workout when I take them. They have to stop a lot to sniff and do dog stuff. Later I went for MY workout...I did a 10k at the beach! The weather is just awesome right now...it was mid 60s at the beach and clear. I've been lucky to live in San Diego my entire life, and I don't think I could EVER get sick of perfect weather and being at the beach. I'm wondering if my NIKE RUN chip is off or I was just faster today...but my average pace was 8:48! That's fast for me. I definitely have days when I feel better than others...I think today was one of those days. I'll take it! I can feel that my prego belly is growing, and I am definitely showing, but it seems to be OK running especially when I contract my abs and engage my core muscles which kind of works as a natural girdle to keep things in tight. I still do abdominal and core exercises about 3xweek. Having strong abs and core can help a lot with not getting back pain or discomfort as the belly grows, help maintain my posture more easily as my body changes, I'm hoping it will help me physically feel comfortable running as long as possible, and it will for sure help with the labor (I hope anyway...)!
Although I know how important exercise is before and during pregnancy every once in awhile I have to validate that I am not totally crazy for wanting to race while pregnant (I am thinking of doing a half marathon in February...I'll be almost 26weeks). So I search the web for other moms-to-be...I am always impressed and inspired by the amount of very active pregnant women out there who were able to maintain their fitness throughout their pregnancies and better yet had totally healthy babies and pretty fast recovery times after the baby was born! I know every woman is different and I plan on listening to my own body (and my doctor of course), but it is definitely motivating to hear about women running and even competing in half marathons, marathons, and even ultra marathons into their 3rd trimesters! I know pregnancy is not a time to become a super athlete, but it's definitely not a ticket to slack off either (unless your doctor tells you). I hope my little blog does for others what these women have done for me...Inspire, motivate, and make you feel like..."Hey if she can do it, so can I. The best time to start is RIGHT NOW!"
Sunday, January 9, 2011
What an amazing day!
1/9/2011 Day of the 15k
I have been on such a high today...so many great things. Today started bright and early at 4:45am to get the Bay Park Fitness booth setup at the 15k/5k race. When I got there our table had disappeared...I was already a little nervous about setting up, making sure all my clients/Bay Park Fitness Team found it before the race, physically running the 15k myself, and if I was prepared for the warm-up I was invited to lead for ALL the race participants! Luckily the race director was able to find where my table went and find me a replacement. Our original spot was now taken over by the main stage but we ended up getting an EVEN better spot! All my clients/Bay Park Fitness Team runners found the booth, and were all decked out in their Bay Park Fitness gear! The race emcee announced that Bay Park Fitness would be leading the warm up over by our booth! While not a lot of people besides our 11 teammates participated in the warm-up we got a quite a few shout outs over the intercom! And it was the only Personal Training business at the event! Then the race started....my prego running partner had to use the restroom before the race and I was nervous she wouldn't be able to get back to the start line in time, but with just 2 minutes to spare I spotted her. We started at our usual slow pace and took a bathroom break at about 2.5 miles into the race. After that she had to stop at every porta potty...the babies must have not been in a good spot to run that day. She told me to go ahead and she'd catch up. I figured when I needed to make my second pit stop we'd meet up. I felt a little pressure towards the last three miles...but EVERY bathroom was closed! Luckily the bladder issue was manageable. About halfway through the race I ran into what I usually do...a lot of the super fast start folks start to run out of steam and my slow-poke steady pace starts to pay off as I pass several of them. I'm not totally sure if anyone actually realized they were getting passed by a 5month pregnant runner or if they just thought I was a runner with a beer gut. I wore my "running for two" tank, but I don't know if anyone really noticed. I felt great during the run, especially when I hit my stride about halfway through. I think I finished around 1 hour 30 min which is about what I did at the 15k I did in Chicago when I was 12weeks. The weather was definitely better than it was in Chicago though! I had 3 clients run their first ever 5k, one of them got second place in her age group, everyone else had a great time racing and rekindled their love for endurance running, and after the race our team got interviewed on channel 6 news! Talk about an exciting day!
I have been on such a high today...so many great things. Today started bright and early at 4:45am to get the Bay Park Fitness booth setup at the 15k/5k race. When I got there our table had disappeared...I was already a little nervous about setting up, making sure all my clients/Bay Park Fitness Team found it before the race, physically running the 15k myself, and if I was prepared for the warm-up I was invited to lead for ALL the race participants! Luckily the race director was able to find where my table went and find me a replacement. Our original spot was now taken over by the main stage but we ended up getting an EVEN better spot! All my clients/Bay Park Fitness Team runners found the booth, and were all decked out in their Bay Park Fitness gear! The race emcee announced that Bay Park Fitness would be leading the warm up over by our booth! While not a lot of people besides our 11 teammates participated in the warm-up we got a quite a few shout outs over the intercom! And it was the only Personal Training business at the event! Then the race started....my prego running partner had to use the restroom before the race and I was nervous she wouldn't be able to get back to the start line in time, but with just 2 minutes to spare I spotted her. We started at our usual slow pace and took a bathroom break at about 2.5 miles into the race. After that she had to stop at every porta potty...the babies must have not been in a good spot to run that day. She told me to go ahead and she'd catch up. I figured when I needed to make my second pit stop we'd meet up. I felt a little pressure towards the last three miles...but EVERY bathroom was closed! Luckily the bladder issue was manageable. About halfway through the race I ran into what I usually do...a lot of the super fast start folks start to run out of steam and my slow-poke steady pace starts to pay off as I pass several of them. I'm not totally sure if anyone actually realized they were getting passed by a 5month pregnant runner or if they just thought I was a runner with a beer gut. I wore my "running for two" tank, but I don't know if anyone really noticed. I felt great during the run, especially when I hit my stride about halfway through. I think I finished around 1 hour 30 min which is about what I did at the 15k I did in Chicago when I was 12weeks. The weather was definitely better than it was in Chicago though! I had 3 clients run their first ever 5k, one of them got second place in her age group, everyone else had a great time racing and rekindled their love for endurance running, and after the race our team got interviewed on channel 6 news! Talk about an exciting day!
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