Spin Ride Announcement

I had a lot of fun teaching my spin ride this morning.  Since I'm 15 weeks, and definitely starting to ... grow... I felt it was time to announce my pregnancy to my spin class.  But I don't know, I just feel weird bursting out things like, "By the way, I'm pregnant!" so I wanted to have a little fun with it.

I decided to make a baby themed ride, by choosing songs that have the word baby in them.  Now, they definitely have nothing more to do with babies than the use of the word, but I thought that was better than trying to put together a ride of lullabies, Raffi and Laurie Berkner songs.  So I had songs like "Hit Me Baby One More Time," and "Baby Likes to Rock It," etc.

I do theme rides pretty often, so my riders are used to my quirks.  They come back, so they can't hate them too much!  I told them that this ride did have a theme, but this time they had to guess it.  So as the ride went on, I gave little reminders about listening for the theme.  One of the riders had it in like 3 songs.

At the end of the ride, I let them shout out what they thought the theme was and they said, "You're having a baby!"  It was a fun way to announce and took the weirdness (for me) out of just putting it out there.

I let them know that I didn't plan on being affected much as an instructor by the pregnancy.  Afterall, I went to a spin class when I was in labor with Gregory thinking it would move things along.  Spoiler: it didn't! However, I did mention that getting on the bike right after labor was definitely NOT going to happen.

Now I just have to figure out a fun way to tell my 8th graders...or should I let them just figure it out on their own?

Training for Two (for Boston)

Last May, when I finally qualified for Boston, I knew actually running Boston might not be an option.  My son was turning 3 in July and our family was ready to start expanding.  I told myself that, really all I wanted to do was qualify.  And don't get me wrong, that's still an accomplish that will NOT get old.

However, as our family tried to expand, we were initially unsuccessful, I used the idea of running Boston as my consolation prize.  If ti was going to take a while for this to happen, at least I could still run Boston... Well, just as I was starting to think this way, I got back a positive result on a pregnancy test.  I couldn't believe it, so I took another the next day.  And hooray!  There it was we were finally pregnant.  In my head, I had myself at a June due date, but when I calculated it, my due date was May 9th.  I could hardly believe it! The idea of Boston was still in my head as signs ups were only 3 weeks away, but I wasn't sure what I would do. I was just too excited.

Then the sign up date for Boston came. I still hadn't been to my OB, as it was about a week too early.  I honestly didn't think too hard about it.  I've tried to qualify for 10 marathons.  I ran my whole pregnancy with Gregory.  And I know I would feel no shame in not finishing.  So, I did it, I signed up for Boston at which I will be 8+ months pregnant.  It certainly will be an adventure.

So how's running been going?  Pretty good.  Very slow.  Since getting pregnant, I've run 3 half marathons, one of them pushing Gregory.  By the way, that was super hilly and I kind of hated myself at parts of the run.

I also used this picture for our announcement.  It captioned "Family Half Marathon Tally: Carlee 12, Gregory: 7, Our Newest Running Partner, (Due May 2016): 3, Eric: 0"

 I've had some low mileage weeks where I've stuck more to strength training than running, but I've been consistent about working out about 5 days a week.  Running is starting to get more regular this week and if today goes as planned, I'll be at my first 30+ mileage week since getting pregnant.  I've been trying to keep one 10 miler or more a week and that seems to be working out.

So what's my plan for training for Boston.  Honestly,  I don't have one.  I certainly don't plan on putting in 65 mile weeks like I did last year.   I also don't plan on multiple 20 milers or speed sessions.  I want to finish Boston.  I want to get us there safely.  I don't care if I walk most of it.  Therefore, I'd like to get in some 15 milers or so leading up to the race.  Teaching keeps me on my feet almost all day and I think that actually helps with being able to stay on my feet for long enough to finish the race.  I still haven't decided if I'll come up with an actual run/walk strategy or if I just want to play it by ear.

It's certainly going to be an adventure and I look forward to sharing it with you!

The BQ!

Good Afternoon!  I can't believe it's been a year since I last posted, but the last think I wrote to you all was about the almost BQ I had at the Vermont City Marathon in 2014.  Well a few weeks ago I ran the 2015 Vermont City Marathon.  And instead of missing my BQ time of 3:35 by 28 seconds as a I did in 2014, I qualified with a 3:27.46!

It's been almost a month and I still can't believe it!

So what did a do differently?  Honestly, you're not going to want to hear it.  But it was the treadmill and loads of yasso's on the treadmill.  I also changed my diet, added Shakeology and strength training.  I also lost about 10 pounds.  Finally, I found an awesome running partner for my after school runs.

So first, the part you didn't want to hear...the treadmill and why.  Well, this winter was NASTY in New England.  Now, normally that wouldn't throw me.  One of my best training cycles was for the Hyannis Marathon which is held in February.  However, my runs revolve around my toddler now and I couldn't take him with me for my long runs as the sidewalks couldn't handle the stroller.  I also had to have them done before my husband went to the gym to coach and in the winter that would have meant dark runs on icey roads.  Again, not what I felt was right.  So I was left with the treadmill before my husband left for the gym.  This meant 4:14 a.m. wake ups on Saturdays to get in as many miles as possible before my son woke up.  I did 3 20+ milers on the treadmill this cycle.  I also did many 18, 16 and 14 milers on the beast.  The thing is...I hate the treadmill, so I ran them fast.  I averaged under an 8 minute pace for ALL of my long runs.  Yes, this goes against everything you read, but it sure worked for me.  What got me through this?  Netflix on my tablet.  First it was Orange is the New Black and then Breaking Bad (which I've already seen, but actually that made it easier to run hard).  Also, I used the closed caption feature because our treadmill is not of the quiet variety.

OK, so on to the eating and cross training.  I started drinking Shakeology and following the 21 Day fix program in November.  I loved my results, continued to run and became a Beachbody Coach.  I went on to do Insanity Max 30 and 21 Day Fix Extreme.  I've been following the diet and incorporating the workout and shakes daily ever since.

Finally, my running partner is another teacher at school.  She's a bit faster than I am (though she will say she's not) and one of us always wants to run after school.  She totally kept me from skipping runs and certainly helped me to get my pace up!

How to Almost Qualify for Boston

This past Sunday was the Vermont City Marathon.  I am very pleased to start this report by saying I dropped 10 minutes off my personal best.  A time I had been stuck at for 3 straight marathons despite trying different training methods, different eating habits, etc.

I am a little less pleased to report that I missed qualifying for Boston by 28 seconds.  And no, I'm not upset, because honestly, I never thought I could be close this year, I barely even looked at my watch.

However, I guess what was missing from my training was the jogging stroller because that is all I changed.  My training this cycle was focused around my son.  My 22 month old running partner that loves running and racing almost as much as I do is most definitely the reason I was able to improve my time.

I never took much time off of running to have Gregory.  I ran right up until 2 days before he was born and returned to running the minute I was told I could (at 5 weeks and 6 days).  I slowly built up my mileage but never had a real goal race in mind.  Eventually each weekend I was running at least a 15 miler and sometimes up  to 20.  I decided that it was time to sign up for a marathon again.

Vermont City is my favorite marathon.  I went to school in Burlington and fell in love with running while I was there.  Most of the race takes place on my old stomping grounds.  We still have friends in the area and Burlington just rocks.  I knew Vermont City was where I wanted to make a marathon comeback.  However, I really didn't care about time.  Every long run was with Gregory (he made it up to 22 miles) and I only used my watch to calculate distance. He's the boss on our runs.  He says "dis way" and we go dat way.  He wants to stop at the "animal park" and usually we stop at the animal park. And don't worry, if he's not in the mood for a run, he either stays with my mom (or husband, but he's usually at work) or we don't go.  Some runs he'll do half and then I'll finish the other half without him.  Usually though, if we make sure to stop to watch or follow some trucks and make a pit stop to blow bubbles and play in the sand and he's thrilled to be outside running.  So what I'm getting at, is that though I put the miles in this cycle, I really didn't work on speed, intervals, tempo runs, or track work.  I ran to share it with my son and to keep us both outside through a crummy winter.  I didn't track my splits or worry about my pace.  And yet, I dropped 10 minutes and ran a 3:35.28 marathon.  When the BAA changed it's standards from 3:40 to 3:35, my heart sank.  I thought 3:3? would be out of my reach and yet...all it took was pushing a jogging stroller.

My overall training looked something like this: 12 weeks, 480.6 miles, 393.1 pushing Gregory

I think the biggest advantage was endurance.  Every marathon I've done in the past, the pace for my last 6 miles fell dramatically.  This time, I negative split it -- again, something I never thought I could do!

Next up?  Well now I have to see if I really can qualify for Boston, so I've got my eye on Hartford for the fall.  I don't know how having the pressure of being so close will effect me, but I do know that I'm in for a fun summer of long runs, park pit stops, and singing "Ba Ba Black sheep" down the bike path with my favorite running partner.

A Long Overdue Update

Well,  it's been over 14 months since I last posted.  Since then Gregory was born, enriched our lives, became a person, turned a year, and continues to amaze us and fill every moment with joy.  (trying not to sound cliche here)  I'm not sure why I stopped posting (running is still happening and I have so much to share about Gregory).  I guess when he was born, every moment became sacred and special.  I just didn't want to commit to blogging (not that I was ever very committed).  However, now he's taking a nap, I've got diapers in the laundry, and don't really want to do any housework.  So I'll see how much I can update you with before naptime is over (or I decide I need to get some chores done).

Gregory Lee was born on July 14, 2012.  I had a fairly long labor (38 hours), but everything went very smoothly.  He was perfect from the get go and was born happy.  The nurses had to make him cry, because really he was content to be here the minute he arrived.  For the most part, he has stayed that happy!

He was 7lbs 10 oz and 19.5 inches














Fast forward to now... and he's 20lbs 2 oz and 28.5 inches!

He really is great!  We're still working on things like sleeping through the night and eating solid foods!  I think he might have wanted to continue nursing until he was 4, but we've gotten him down to 3 sessions a day. Once when he wakes up, once around 3:30 and then once before bed.  The doctor wanted us to get him down to the three because he was eating so little food.  He's still a very picky eater, but it's started to improve some. 

He is super close to walking.  He's taken about 5 steps, but just gets himself too nervous.  However, the fact that he isn't walking doesn't mean he's sitting around much either.  He's always on the go.  He has some toys that interest him, but he'd much rather spend his time going to different rooms, opening cabinets, climbing stairs, etc.  The only time he sits still is for a story or in the stroller for a run!

He doesn't have any real words yet, but says "I love you," in the right context in a way that only my mom, husband and I can decipher.  He does do sign language and has the following signs: More, All done, Yes, Up, Cracker, Milk (which I taught him wrong so I don't think it would actually pass ASL), wind, rain, wash hands, soap, (I think that's it).  He gives these awesome kisses that melt my heart every time.  He likes to make sure you're even, so he'll turn your head to the other side after he kisses one cheek.  

He loves busses and the garbage truck.  He loves to point out stop signs, trees, mailboxes, dogs, and bikes when we run.  

As for running, I'm still running often, but shorter.  My longest run with Gregory has been a half marathon (on my own).  We finished just under 2 hours.  I'm thinking of running a real one with him next weekend.  

There's obviously so much more I could say about him, but I'll leave it up to you guys.  Ask away and I'll post again to answer questions.  In the meantime I'll put a few more of my favorite pics!  

28 weeks (and 13.1 miles) later

 The night before the Cheshire Half, I packed up my bag like any other race.  I was so surprised to be as nervous as I was because I wasn't really racing this; I didn't care about my time; and for the first time in a long time, I just wanted to finish.  Even finishing wasn't something I was all that worried about because I'd run the 13 mile distance 5 times during my pregnancy.  However, I think that there is just no beating the pre-race jitters!

Race morning I woke up at around 6:30.  So crazy to have a race literally 5 minutes down the road (with traffic).  I had my typical toast with almond butter and an apple and hit the bathroom the typical 18 million times.  Eric dropped me off at the start of the race and then drove back home.  Our condo was practically on the course (and we passed that point twice!)  So really being at home was a better spectator spot than the start/finish.  My mom joined him later to take the photos.

I knew so many people running this race, either the half or the 5K, so it was fun trying to find as many people as I could before the start.  I was there about an hour before the start, which was perfect.  They had baggage check that was well organized and I was able to stay warmly dressed up until very close to the start. 

This was the first year of this race and it actually set a record.  It was the largest (in terms of participants) inaugural race in the history of CT.  I was super impressed by everything about this race, especially since they were only expecting 1000 runners and got over 2000!  We walked on over to the start, and though it was a little late, the start went off without a hitch.

During my pregnancy, my times have gotten slower and slower.  My fastest half marathon time is at an 8:15 pace, but about 1 week into pregnancy I was already at a 9 minute pace.  Then it crept up to 9:30 then to 10:00 and lately, I've been hovering around 11.  My latest half marathon training run was a little over a 2:30 something, so that's what I was expecting to do. 

I started off faster than I had run in a long time...ooops.  I guess adrenaline happens to pregnant people too!

Mile 1: 9:30.5
Mile 2: 9:40.3
Mile 3: 9:49.2
Mile 4: 9:57.8

At about this time, I did start to notice that I was feeling my heart rate get higher than I'd felt in a while.  My doctors have never said I needed to keep my heart rate at any certain number, but instead have said I should be able to pass the talk test during any exercise.  At this point, I felt that I was getting closer to not being able to have a conversation, so I began to back down a little bit.

Mile 5: 10:04.2

Eric and my mom were waiting around mile 5.5.  I was so excited to see them, especially since I hadn't taken one walking break yet and was still feeling great. 

Mile 6: 10:18

Mile 7: 10:26

I used my handheld up until this point.  I took a gel at mile 6, but when I started to feel a bit queasy, I started taken Gatorade at every water stop, starting a mile 7.  One of the greatest parts of this race for me was that I knew the course by heart.  The entire course was made up of my regular routes.  Though I don't think this is always the best, I really appreciated it on Sunday.  I had been training so much less than I normally had, so I wasn't bored of these trails.  

Mile 8: 10:40.6

Mile 9: 10:45.8

Eric and my mom were waiting at around mile 9.5.  It was great to see them again and get a cheer for Baby PR!

Mile 10 was one of my favorite miles of the course even though I was really hoping for a porta potty.  They had them at mile 3, 4 and 5 so I kind of assumed there would be more.  However, there wasn't another until mile 11ish.  Normally I wouldn't care about this, but being pregnant and trying really hard to stay hydrated, definitely had me wishing for another bathroom.   However, I loved these miles because the cheering sections were great.  There were groups from the high school and I ran by teachers I used to have!

Mile 10: 11:04.6
Mile 11: 10:52.5
Mile 12: 11:13.6 (might have been the bathroom stop mile...can't remember for sure)

The end of the race was great, as I got to finish on my high school track.  As I was rounding the course, I saw my friends from Team in Training, plus friends from my gym and some of my current students.  It was such a great way to finish a great race!

Mile 13: 10:50.2
.1: 10:07

According to my watch, I finished with a 2:17.03, my gun and official time was more like 2:18.40.  Sure this wasn't a best time by any means.  In fact is was more than 30 minutes off my best split in a full marathon.  However, I can't be more proud.  I didn't have to walk at all; my baby and I are both healthy and I can't wait to tell him about this experience and hopefully convince him how great this sport is. 

The rest of the day I was definitely sore, especially my hips. This is not a surprise, as they are loosening up so they can do what they are supposed to do.  I also was recovering from a cold, so I spent most of the afternoon hacking away.  All worth it though!

Now I'm feeling great.  I took a day off from working out, but was back to spinning by Tuesday.  I still haven't run, but it's more about feeling like spinning rather than running than it is about feeling sore.

So now what's next?  Maybe a 10K, also in our town.  Maybe nothing, but just running when I feel like it.  All I know is that when this race was first announced, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do it.  So glad this pregnancy has allowed me to do so!

Cheshire Half Marathon

The race report is coming (just waiting for pictures) but just wanted to let you all know that Baby PR and I crossed the finish line of the awesome inaugural Cheshire Half Marathon.  I have lots to say about how well this race was organized and how impressed I am, but I'll save it for the race report. 

Here's a couple pics pre-race while I get my act together! Baby PR's first bib! 

We finished in a 2:18ish, had only one bathroom stop, and I didn't have to walk once.  Not too shabby for 28 weeks! (However it was a way different experience than "racing" a half marathon and certainly a different pace!)

Still Running

It's been a while since I've posted a long run report, but this weekend I had a pretty good one, so I figured it was due.

As I've mentioned, I'm still training for a local 1/2 marathon in about 3 weeks.  When I first found out that this race would be offered in our town and I calculated that I would be about 28 weeks pregnant on race day, I knew I still wanted to do it.  I'd read stories about how people run through their whole pregnancy and also about how some people's body's don't let them.  I didn't know what I would be, but I was sure hoping it would be possible.

My training plan was very loose.  I didn't even really have a plan.  I'd run when I could during the week, but it was way more demanding on my body, so this was never more than twice during the week.  These runs were short, usually between 3-6 miles.  Then I would try to get in a longer run on Saturday.  Longer to me (at this time) meant 11-13 miles.  The following weekend, I would cut down to something between 7-10.  Basically that was my pattern.  I've kept that up for about 9 or so weeks, meaning this plan will eventually be about 12 weeks long. 

This past weekend, I ended up doing my longest run of the cycle at 13.6.  I've slowed way down; my pace was over 11 miles and pre-pregnancy  I'd be running these at about 8:20-8:40.  I'm not at all upset about this, but I do wonder why some women slow way down like this (and still feel good) and others don't slow down as much.  My body started slowing down almost immediately like before we even knew I was in fact pregnant.  I have continued to slow way down each week, but have been hovering between 10:30s and 11:30s for a few weeks now.  I finished this 13.6 mile run at about 2:35.  The half I'm doing has a time limit of 3:15, so I should be good. 

The other thing I've had to do is make sure that I have places to take a pit stop.  Though I'm lucky and haven't noticed a HUGE issue with this as some women do.  It is important.  Eric and I have a favorite breakfast spot on Saturdays, so I head there for a pee break and then we end up back there after my run. 

Also, normally during a half, especially during a training run, I wouldn't fuel up.  However, I noticed on Saturday, that his is going to have to change.  I really felt like I needed some fuel and I didn't have any.  I'm not sure if this has to do more with the run taking me a longer time or if it's because of the pregnancy, but there will be no more running without shot blocks! 

Hope you all had great long runs this weekend.  What's your experience with having to change your running style, plan, etc. whether it has to do with pregnancy or something else? 

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!

Bumpdate Week 14

So I've been doing a lot of lurking on pregnant runner boards and I've noticed a trend in weekly updates.  I'm going to try to keep that up, but just don't expect any weight updates...it's just not my style :).

To give you a before, here is 6 weeks:

And then 8 weeks:

And now 14:

 To me, this doesn't look so much like a bump as it does too little running...but I'm putting it out there.  People have said someday Baby PR will want to see what he/she was doing for 40 weeks.  However, most people have told me it's a definite bump.  I figure, at 4'11," I'm going to show early and I don't really know where the baby will go!

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.  

Appoinments:  We had an appointment with one of the midwives with week.  It ended up great, but was a little scary for a while.  She couldn't find Baby PR's heartbeat, so we ended up with an extra ultrasound.  In the end this was awesome, because we got to see Baby PR again and the tech was GREAT so she got a fun shot of Baby PR waving at us.  It was fun to see him/her flipping around in there, because at the NT scan, he/she was kind of sleepy.  Heart rate of 149 this time.

Cravings: I'm not really having any cravings.  I'm pretty thirsty and fruit is a godsend, but that's nothing new for me.  I think I  have convinced myself that cherry hearts and dark chocolate are Baby PR's favorite things, but really I've always loved them.  I even found a small pack of the mini-eggs that I usually won't let myself buy until at least March, and convinced myself it was for the baby...but really...who am I kidding!?

Aversions: I'm still not a big fan of cooked veggies and other foods I'm used to eating.  I'm still sticking with pretty bland meals and am getting my protein through grains like farro and quinoa and then adding things like edamame or chick peas to them. Normally when I make meals like these, they'd be loaded with butternut squash or cauliflower or broccoli, but I'm having trouble getting anything like that down, so salads are my main veggie source. 

How Big is Baby PR?:  According to Baby Center, we're in the 2nd trimester and  "Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active."

Exercise: Just got home from a spin and treadmill run (snow has kept me off the roads today).  Other than that I have done spinning 4 days this week, but no other runs :(.  I've been doing push ups and planks almost nightly and plan to keep that up.  We have plans tomorrow and I'm coaching with TNT so it doesn't look like I'll get a long run in, unless I can fit in another treadmill run before the Giants game tomorrow night. 

Still planning on running/walking the Cheshire Half if at all possible so I'd like to get up to an 8 miler next week.  So far longest run since pregnancy has been 7, and it was no problem except for wanting more water than I had (know that for next time)

Totals:

Run: 3.2 miles

Spin: 5 classes

 

Maternity clothing has not quite made it out yet, except for some leggings that I figured I purchased pre bump because I wanted leggings and it made sense to just buy them maternity style since they would be needed soon.  However, this week I had to transition to using the be band Eric got me for Christmas, because buttoning normal pants would have been painful by the end of the day.

(not me, courtesy of Amazon)

Anatomy Scan will be on February 24th.  Our last day of February break, it will be the first ultrasound that Eric will actually be able to come to.  Our work schedules will work great for a baby, but don't work great for doctor's appointments.  As of right now, we are planning on finding out what we are having.  I have no real guess; one day I'm sure it's a girl the next I'm sure it's a boy.  Most people around me say girl, and I haven't really attempted any of those "tests" or old wives tales.

Telling the students:  I told my students last Friday, as I was pretty sure they were going to figure it out soon.  I asked them to write about their favorite tradition and told them at the end I would share mine.  In my tradition I told them about a set of red dishes we received at our wedding shower.  These dishes are meant to be used for someone when they have a "red letter day."  I told them that we used them when Eric got a new job, when I got my dream job, on birthdays and most recently when we found out that we were having a baby.  The kids were so excited.  (though most of them had figured it out)  I then told them that I would now have 98 new traditions to share with Baby PR (I have 98 students).  They all want to know what Baby PR is and are trying to think of names.  So cute! 

Well, I think that's all I have for this update.  If I think of more factoid or categories to add for next time, I'll add them.  If you're an avid bump update reader/writer and you think I'm missing something, let me know!