Pregnancy Fitness

I guess I really fell off the wagon with weekly updates...I'm not exactly sure why, but I will say that my "bump" never really looked the way I thought it should back when I last posted and taking the weekly shot was doing more harm to my self esteem than any good.  Stupid, yes, but true.

However, I have not stopped being pregnant nor have I stopped working out.  I wanted to take a few moments to update my workout and running progress as a pregnant runner. 

Basically my week looks like this (workout wise):
Monday Evening Spin
Tuesday Evening Spin and 20-30 minutes of strength training
Wednesday A.M Spin and afternoon 3-6 mile run
Thursday Evening Spin and 20-30 minutes of strength training
Friday A.M. Spin and sometimes and afternoon 2-3 mile run
Saturday A.M. Longish run These runs have ranged from 7-13 miles depending on the week. 
Sunday either rest or spin class

Over the course of the last 24 weeks I have wavered from this schedule very little.  I've taken an extra day off because my back was bothering me once and I think one day when I had a cold, I took a day off. 

I don't feel like I'm ever overdoing it and I know that it's the right thing for me and the baby.  My runs have gotten much slower, but they are still enjoyable (in a different kind of way).  Spin has changed very little; I'm just drinking a little more often, which I probably should have been doing anyway.  I also have been drinking more throughout the day.  The one other difference I see is that after a longish run I really do need to eat something or I will feel nauseous.  This wasn't always the case for me, but with the pregnancy it's something I've noticed.

I've so far run the half marathon distance twice since being pregnant and plan on running around 13 this Saturday. My hometown is hosting it's first half marathon on the 29th and I would like to do that.  Based on how this Saturday's run goes, I will decide for sure if I am signing up.  Besides the speed in running, I notice that I sometimes get some round ligament pain, but if I walk through it for a minute or two, it goes away.  My OB said it's typical and nothing to worry about.  I have checked in with her at each appointment just to make sure my level of activity is OK.

I have been very lucky to have an easy pregnancy so far.  I think a great deal of this has to do with sticking to a semi-normal workout routine.  What's your experience with fitness during pregnancy? 

Surprise It's a ...

On Sunday we went out to a late pizza lunch with friends.  We were back in town around 4 o clock and I said to Eric, Let's go do something... So being the exciting pregnant couple that we are, we decided to go to Babies R Us.  When we went to take a left into the parking lot (with our blinker on and in a left turn only lane...) we were hit by a swerving man, who proceeded to drive away.  Long story short we had to wait over an hour for the cops to arrive, the guy's license plate was void, but we were all FINE (minus Eric's bumper). 

My mom convinced me that I should get checked out, just to be sure.  I was pretty convinced the OB would say not to worry about it, but they were surprised it took me so long to call and wanted me to come in at the next available appointment, which was Valentine's morning. Tuesday morning I went in for this "emergency" ultra sound and lo and behold, the ultrasound tech was able to tell the gender of baby PR. 

I asked her to write it down and seal it up in an envelope since Eric was at work.  She did so and when I got back to school, the other teachers wrote out a note from baby PR that surprise...the gender was revealed.  Eric and I already had dinner plans for Valentine's Day so when we arrived at the restaurant, I gave the hostess the envelope and letter to give to our waitress to give to us.  When she came by with the envelope that said "special delivery to Mommy and Daddy,"  Eric was very surprised!  We opened it together and found out that Baby PR is a BOY! 

We are so excited and now have to think of a name.  We had both agreed on a girl's name, but our list of boys' names is getting longer rather than shorter.  I know some people choose not to find out, but suddenly everything seems more real to me, so I am so glad we decided to find out! 

Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day!

Bumpdate: Week 17

I can't believe another week has already gone by. Another relatively boring week, hence the lack of posts.  It's been busy too as the kids are working on some big writing projects that require a lot of mid-project checking in and revising.  We have one more week and then break, which I just can't be more excited for.  I keep thinking about how next year these breaks will be even more meaningful because I'll have baby PR waiting to hang out with me!

 And here's the bump pic. Still more of a roly poly mound...

Feeling: Feeling great. 

Appointments:  Wednesday this week we got to hear the heartbeat again.  Eric hasn't been able to come to these apointments, so my mom has been coming with me.  However, since we have break coming up, I was able to schedule the next ultrasound appointment (the anatomy scan) before he goes into work, so he'll be able to come to that one.

Cravings: None, but after the appointment this week, the doctor thought it might be a good idea if I start adding some lean meat and fish into my diet.  I've been a vegetarian for about 3 years, but I've always said if it was best for the baby, I would change my ways.  She wasn't worried that the baby was getting the nutrition he/she needed, but I am gaining weight a little more quickly than I would like to.  After looking at what I eat and noticing I'm not overdoing it at all, she suggested that adding other types of protein could help.  I'm trying it out and we'll see what happens.  It is weird though!

Aversions: None that I'm noticing, just occasionally the idea of certain foods turns my stomach.

How Big is Baby PR?:  According to Baby Center, "Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop."

I read somewhere that Baby PR is the size of my hand, that's crazy!  

Exercise: Continues to be pretty normal.  Just running is sloowwwww, but steady.

Still planning on running/walking the Cheshire Half if at all possible

Totals:

Runs: Took it easy this week, because of last week's 10 miler.  Just 2 runs one treadmill 2.2 and one outside 4.2

Spin: 6 classes

Strength Training: 3 sessions (20-30 minutes)

 

Maternity clothing: Picked my pants up from the tailor, so I should be wearing them soon.  As in maybe today.  Also, picked up a few more items:  some highly attractive, humungous bras (sports and nursing), some underwear (that I know I'll need someday and was on sale) and 2 more pairs of springy pants (also on sale).  Macys was having a good sale on their maternity, but they wouldn't accept my coupons!

And that's about it for week 17! 

Bumpdate Week 16

Haven't had too much to update on this week!  Sorry for the lack of excitement, but I'll take it as a good thing!  One things for sure, Baby PR is a good luck charm for the Giants.  Definitely a future fan :)

 And here's the bump pic.  It really doesn't look like much in running clothes...again just like I'm gaining weight, but in real clothes, it looks more like a bump!

Feeling: Feeling great.  Even got in some days of double workouts this week!  More on that later.

Appointments:  None this week.  I have another one on Feb 8.

Cravings: None

Aversions: None that I'm noticing, just occasionally the idea of certain foods turns my stomach.

How Big is Baby PR?:  According to Baby Center, "Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, he's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, his heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop."

Exercise: Continues to be pretty normal.  Just running is sloowwwww, but steady.

Still planning on running/walking the Cheshire Half if at all possible

Totals:

Runs: 5.2, 3.5, 10.2; total: 18.9

Spin: 5 classes

Oh, and one of these runs was in SHORTS on the last day of January in CT!  Crazy!

So excited about the 10 miler.  It was pretty slow, but I felt great.  I'm definitely feeling like the 1/2 in April is still a possibility 

 

Maternity clothing: Just dropped my pants off to be hemmed yesterday, because apparently short girls don't get pregnant... I probably should be wearing them this week, but since they're not available, the bella band continues to do the trick. 

And I think that's a wrap for week 16, plus I should be getting to work.  

Oh and in other news, just got the kindle fire.  I'm looking for any advice on apps that you recommend, or other cool things my new toy does! 

Bumpdate: Week 15

This week has been pretty non-eventful, and I think you'll see from the photo that there doesn't seem to be much bump growing action.  I guess this is the case in running clothes in the a.m., but I swear there seems to be more of a bump when I'm trying to fit in my normal wardrobe...

 I still like my rib cage is just extending and THIS I don't understand, pretty sure that's not where the baby is!

Other tidbits:

Feeling: I'm still feeling very good.  I would say almost all signs of nausea are gone.  I'm still a little tired, but nothing too significant.  I think I even made it through most of our 9 o'clock programs this week.  And I was even able to grade after work.  (Literally the same as last week)  I can't wait to feel the baby move!

Appointments:  None this week.  I have another one on Feb 8.

Cravings: Still not really noticing any cravings.  Really wanted pasta one night this week, but I think that's more because people at week kept bringing pasta. 

Aversions: I'd say most of my normal foods are back.  There are a few things that continue to not sound good, but for the most part, I'm eating normally again.  

How Big is Baby PR?:  According to Baby Center, "Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")"

We won't find out the gender until our appointment on the 24th of Feb.

Exercise: Still very close to what I was doing pre-pregnancy but not in marathon mode.  Spinning every night and running 3 days a week. 

Still planning on running/walking the Cheshire Half if at all possible

Totals:

Runs: 6.5, 3.7, 8.6; total: 18.8

Spin: 4 classes

Continuing with pushups and planks

 

Maternity clothing: Had to break out the maternity jeans for jeans day at work yesterday.  I could still get away with my old jeans and the bella band....but I have to admit, even though I didn't want to, they are far more comfortable!

My mom and I are going shopping today, because it seems maternity clothes are in my near future... and the "what will fit today" game I play in my closet each morning is getting a little old. 

I think that's all I have for this week.  Apparently 15 weeks is not filled with too many changes.  It's a little unnerving because the lack of symptoms seems like a bad thing.  I think I've said it before, but the worrying part of pregnancy was not something I really anticipated!

Getting my Energy Back

I've heard that during the 2nd trimester, you start to get your energy back.  To be honest, though I knew I was tired for the past few months, I didn't realize how tired until this week.  Suddenly, I feel like working out again and I feel like even doing 2 workouts in a day.  I won't say I'm completely back to normal, but it sure has felt good.

You see, because I started a new job in September and then got pregnant in October, I didn't quite realize that it was pregnancy that was making me so tired.  It seemed like I was just having a harder time adjusting to a new job than I had thought I would.  However, at almost 15 weeks, I'm starting to feel like my old self again.

Hence today's workout.  First a 3.7 treadmill run, followed by an hour long spin class.  Yes, I felt tired, but not overly so!   And yes, I have been making myself go to the gym at least 5 days a week the entire pregnancy, but this week I haven't felt like I was making myself.  It is a nice change.

Now, I clearly even have the energy to type a blog and then I'll do some lesson planning.  I hope this sticks around, but it's almost scary, like where are my symptoms??  I guess the constant worrying doesn't go away just because you are past the first trimester!

Anyway, despite the energy, I'm sure I'll still fall asleep during Criminal Minds tonight...probably just as they are figuring it out.  Then I'll beg Eric to tell me what I missed...and lie about when I actually fell asleep.  Guess things haven't completely changed...

Great Treadmill Run

No, you did not read that wrong.  I really did just use great and treadmill in the same sentence!  As a result of Saturday's winter storm, the roads today were not great for running.  Typically, this would not stop me; I love winter running.  However, since I now am running two, I'm choosing not to run in slippery conditions. 

Therefore today's run was destined to be a treadmill one.  I timed it so it would end perfectly before the Giants game and didn't go into it with any high expectations.  I didn't even have a mileage in mind.  I do know that I tend to ramp it up on the t-mill, as I dread it.  So, lately, I've been making sure to add walk breaks into my t-mill runs.  The doctor said I don't have to worry about running, but I should be cautious and not get to a point where I can't have a conversation.  The walk breaks are my way of making sure this happens. 

Here's the workout I ended up doing:
14 min run
2 min walk
12 min run
2 min walk
10 min run
1 min walk
8 min run
1 min walk
6 min run
1 min walk
4 min run
1min walk
2 min run
cooldown

I played with run paces between 6.3 mph and 6.5 mph (9:40-9:15 pace).  And ended up with 6.7 miles.  It was a fun way to break it up and though I feel like I got a good work out in, I don't feel like I overdid it.

I think that incorporating more treadmill into my weeks is going to be a good way to get my running back where I want it.  Afterall, today's mileage is already higher than all of what I ran last week!

Hope everyone had a nice weekend.  Now it's time for me to settle in and watch the g-men kick some booty while I dig into my favorite vegetarian chili recipe!