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Pushed Play!

Well, I finally pushed play on a workout DVD today. I've been telling myself that my walks are good... but there's something about the Baby on the Way DVD that energizes me.

Walks have sadly become walk... I'm getting my morning mile outside but haven't been able to bring myself to head to the basement in the hot afternoons. Reading at my desk with my fan just sounds nicer. I did get myself a large balance ball and have been using that as a chair at work. The directions specify that it's not a chair... and that pregnant women shouldn't use it. Guess I'm living on the edge... But since using the ball and lightening my work bag my hip pain has almost totally vanished.

Unfortunately I came down with a head cold last week. That was the most challenging thing about the DVD today. I had thought that the sinus pressure part was over... but anytime my head was lower than the rest of my body I rediscovered the pressure. So, I modified. Shame, I like the downward dog in all other parts of my body...

Well, Shakeology is gone and it's time for bed. I've discovered that drinking that right before bed keeps the protein levels up overnight and I sleep really good. Odd, since when I'm not pregnant I use Shakeology more to boost energy and stay awake. I guess my body knows what it needs...

Been a While

Wow, it's been a while since I've blogged. The hubby was nice enough to fix my technical difficulties. I don't feel so bad though, because of the blogs I follow none have been updated for like 2 months. Apparently it's just not blogging season...
So, I'm still not doing my Baby on the Way DVD as much as I'd like. With the lighter evenings our boy hasn't been going to sleep until 8 or so and that makes it harder. But, this week the hubby and I have committed to getting back to pushing play. He's going back to Insanity and I'm going to do the Baby on the Way.

Funny how you can be totally used to working out 5-6 days per week... then when you let it slip it seems so hard to restart. At least I'm continuing to walk at least two miles per day on my breaks at work. And I got a balance ball to use at my desk. It should be good for posture, as well as the baby's position. I plan on starting it tomorrow. Actually brought a ball in today... but I think the box was mislabeled as 65cm. That was one tiny ball. So, it is being returned. Have a 75cm ball for tomorrow.

Where I Need to Be

Well, I've seen where I need to be and I like it. I've done a few days of the Yoga Booty Ballet Baby on the Way and feel great when I get it done. I'd forgotten what a great preggo workout that is. Not overwhelming, but still feels like a workout.

I really love how the ladies are good at stretching out all those areas that pregnancy has a tendency to wear out. The perfect example being the hip area. This area has been giving me more trouble this pregnancy. It's not a constant thing, but there are more sore days that I would like. Even on days when I know my gait is off it still feels great to get a stretch here. Generally eases the pain too.

This time around I've also appreciated the 'connect with your baby' dialog more. Last time it was an interesting thought for me but I don't know that I fully connected the pregnancy with the wonderful little baby until I held Isaiah in my arms. This time I think I'm more aware of the connection I currently share with Willow and how that will develop into a relationship once she's born.

So, the motivation is there to pop in the dvd and push play. I need to follow through this next week, as traveling the next week will again throw a loop into any routine.

Establishing a Routine

Well, it's been over a week since the 1/2 marathon. The stomach issues were totally gone my Monday and I was feeling great by Tuesday. As the weather was beautiful during the week I again found myself longing for a run. So, I was able to get out for several short walks.

And now it's in the 90s and walking outside no longer sounds appealing. I plan on the Baby on the Way DVD tonight. Maybe next week spring will return and I can get outside sometimes.

Now to figure out a consistent workout routine...

Marathon day!

Well, the Lincoln ½ marathon is in the books. What a journey this week has been. Most people will say that their training culminated on race day. My story feels a little different.

Last week my son was ill. He threw up for like three days and when we brought him to the doctor we were told that he also had an ear infection. He was given an antibiotic for the ear infection. So, when the throwing up ceased he had the unpleasant side effects of gas and diarrhea.

On Tuesday, as my son’s symptoms were diminishing, I began to notice the stomach symptoms. Having had two months of morning sickness, I can’t say the throwing up was too out of the ordinary for me; though I was pretty glad to be done with that portion of pregnancy. And anytime food isn’t staying down it’s pretty hard to keep up energy levels. So, the week of the race I was doing a lot of sleeping and going for very minimal 1 mile walks.

Saturday afternoon it dawned on me that perhaps my son hadn’t really had side effects from the antibiotics; perhaps the intestinal issues were part of the stomach bug. My body continued to mirror what my poor little son had endured. I really came to understand and sympathize with his fussing, crying, and sleeping. Saturday night was the worst. I slept little and spent much time in the bathroom. At one point I thought maybe some Pepto Bismal would help. I generally avoid this drug as it tends to have the reverse affect and make me throw up; this expectation did not disappoint. Every time I stumbled back to bed I looked at the clock and thought ‘if I can sleep until the alarm, I can have 3 solid hours…. 2 ½ solid hours… 2 solid hours…’

As expected the alarm clock went off far too early. I initially laid in bed sobbing. My mind rushing. Was it wise to attempt to walk the ½ marathon? How many port-a-potties were along the route and could I make it from one set to the next? The race was filled to capacity at 10,000 and I had taken one of those spots… a spot that could have gone to an actual runner who wanted to be up and active this morning. I had asked someone to walk her first ½ marathon with me and I didn’t want to leave her. But, aside from dignity, would I also be risking my health? Or worse yet, my daughter’s health? If I wasn’t pregnant would I be comfortable going out the way I was feeling? I stumbled out of bed and located some anti-diarrhea medication; turned on the computer and verified that they were okay to take while pregnant.

The husband and I decided that I could eat some oatmeal and take it from there. While sitting on the couch, in a robe, with oatmeal, our ride showed up. We decided that I could get dressed and head down to the start since my mind wasn’t yet made up. Maybe the fresh, cool morning air would do me some good. Or, worst case scenario, I wouldn’t start and could hang out in the stadium where the restrooms are huge and medical personal are around. I got dressed and we got in the car. Our friends reminded me that the race wasn’t mandatory and I said that my mind wasn’t made up, but this was better than lying in bed feeling sad and upset.

We got to the start, checked bags, used the restroom, and wandered over to the start area. My intestines seemed to be feeling better; or at least not worse. I would start the race and take it from there. Worst case scenario the Sag Wagon could drive me back to the stadium.

The marathon had a wave start and we were at the back of the pack. It took us nearly 40 minutes after gun time to cross the start line (hooray for chip timing!). Having done several races before, it was an odd sensation to continue walking, albeit faster, when crossing the start. My mind still wants to run.

It turns out that in the walking section of a marathon there is much more conversation. There are also fewer fans along the route. We were very appreciative for those who were still out there cheering by the time we passed. Some signs were left posted along the route. I especially liked one that said, ‘You have started the race. You will finish.’

Amazingly I only made one port-a-potty stop and we found a bank where we became the line when we stopped. This pregnant lady figured that she’d have to at least pee more than once, but that wasn’t the case. The biggest annoyance during the race came along 48^th Street when they were moving us to the sidewalk so that they could reopen the road to traffic. That made me feel slow! And there were still too many of us in the area to comfortably fit on the sidewalk. Happily that was about a quarter of a mile from the bike path, so the annoyance didn’t last long. We didn’t have any other trouble with using the designated route.

It was great walking with a friend. Without her there were a few times when I would have been tempted to run; notably the start and when the finish line was in sight. But, without her I don’t know that I would have made it to the finish line. (Or, for that matter, the start). There were many times when she would be a pace or two ahead of me and I would will myself to catch up. I’m sure she could have gotten a better time without me dragging her down. Uphills were especially tough for me. Many times I could have let myself slow down; and that could have led to the slippery slope of stopping.

The finish of the marathon was very cool. It was the first time I’ve done the Lincoln since they moved the finish into Memorial Stadium. It was a little sad to have to pass the stadium and then circle back to enter it, but it made for an end with a little slope down and an amazing visual. Had I not been focused on just crossing the line I could have seen myself on the jumbotron. The clock said 4:12 when we crossed. Our chip time was 3:36.

I don’t know that I really had a time goal in mind. I knew that I wanted to be done in under 4 hours. Goals of 3:15 or 3:30 floated across my mind during training. But on Sunday, with a plethora of challenges spread before me, I just wanted to finish without losing my health or my dignity. Success!!

I got my chocolate milk and other snacks and made my way to the shower. I was tired but felt happy. While walking back to reconnect with friends, there was a lady wearing a little baby who did a double take at my belly and my medal and told me, ‘wow! Congratulations!’ I thanked her and it brought a tear to my eye. Of my challenges to make it to the start and finish lines the pregnancy felt like the least.

Eating chips turned out to be a bad idea and the throwing up resumed. When I returned home I crawled back into bed.

 
But, someday I’ll be able to tell Willow that she did her first ½ marathon when I was 24 weeks pregnant with her. It was harder than the one I did with Isaiah at 14 weeks, but for a whole different set of reasons.

Less than 1 week

Haven't been keeping up super well with the blog. Can't say I'm doing super great with the walking either, but the walking is at least going better than the blogging. I'm still just having a hard time thinking of walking as a workout.

But, less than one week until the 1/2 marathon. I bet walking 13.1 miles will feel like a workout...

Wonderful walk

What a beautiful weekend! A wee bit hot on Saturday... but so nice to be enjoying spring!!

Saturday was the day that I got to walk 9 miles with my friend. Well, 8.75 according to the Nike +. It was actually a lot easier to walk with someone. Good conversation made the time go by. Plus I wasn't listening to my music... perhaps listening to my running playlist is part of my urge to run. It was still a little hard to see others out running... especially one young petite thing that appeared more pregnant than me. But then I'm not as petite or young as her so I would guess her body can take more than mine.

The distance was almost easy. Our pace was a little slower than I'm hoping for the 1/2 marathon, but that hope may change when another month adds more preggo weight to me. If not I think pushing the pace will be easier on race day. My feet felt fine, even where the blisters are healing. Legs were a little tired by the end. And today my left calf is pretty tight. I'd say it was a very successful walk.

Today I just got in a mile walk. Hardly a workout, but something. Most workdays I'm doing two miles now. And trying to do another 2 in the evenings. Building those base miles in seems to help.

Now if I could just find some motivation to work my arms a little...

11 or 12 miles

I've allowed myself to be lazy thus far this week: going to bed shortly after the boy and only walking during breaks at work... So today I decided to do a longer walk.

I believe my walk was 5 miles each way, though the Nike+ puts it between 4.25 and 4.5. I took a little break at my destination before heading home. But, the walk was 9 or 10 miles. Adding in my work walks I got 11 or 12 miles today... which makes me feel a whole lot better about the 1/2 marathon being a little over a month away. 13 miles in one stretch will be a challenge, but one I now believe I can succeed at.

As has been the case, walking was a challenge. My mind still wants to go faster. The walk home was easier in that regard. And my legs/body really only hurt during the last mile. My main challenge ended up being blisters on my feet! I haven't had that problem since when I started running 5 miles... like 8 or so years ago. I wore socks with a lot of padding and I'm hypothesizing that my preggo feet were a little swollen since it was the end of the day. Need to find a remedy though.

I'm planning on walking 9 miles on Saturday; hopefully with the lady that I'm walking the 1/2 marathon with. Will try a different pair of  socks... and hopefully go earlier in the day.

Frustrations with myself

Wow, so I've been horrible lately at the whole working out thing. Been walking more during breaks at work, but other than that, ugh!

The work walks have been nice. One of the perks to not pumping as much. On a side note, I'm down to pumping once per day... so my body is (soon) only going to be supplying nutrition to the baby within me... seems like that should probably effect my food intake. Anyhow, it's been nice to be getting out for walks on my breaks.

My most recent walk/run attempt was a lowly two miles. I've discovered the delima with running makes the baby bounce... and that makes me have to pee. But, running then gets me to my destination (and a bathroom) quicker. Maybe this is the motivation I need to just learn to walk. The urge to run probably won't go away, but if I can mentally tell myself that my bladder will be happier.... I'll have to try that next time.

So, it's like 5 weeks until I'll be walking 13 miles... sure wish the weather would stick with the 70s so I could get out there. This weekend is supposed to be pretty icky cold. I'm really ready for that to be done with!

Sorry to be a downer this blog. I waved to my boy the other day and didn't like the arm jiggle I saw... so maybe that'll push me in the right direction too...

Highs and lows

It's been a long time since I've blogged. Happily not that long since I've worked out. That being said, I'm not the happiest with how much I've been working out. I'd really like to up my game. I'm feeling good now and I generally have energy. The motivation is what I'm lacking. I'm working out enough to feel like I'm not getting huge, but not enough to feel like I'm staying toned. I'm not happy with my current progress, but I'm not really dissatisfied... comlacently is a scary place to be.

The weather is warming and outside is calling to me. I got out for a 5 mile run/walk over the weekend and was able to run most of it. In fact, I was back to my problem of needing to make myself walk since that's what I should be training for. I've discovered that one of the things that is complicating my training is that walking takes longer and it's hard to find the time for that.

On the plus side I can get out for 2-3 mile walks with my boy in the stroller. And I'm able to walk a mile each day on my break at work. Bring on spring!!

Twofold happy day

Another beautiful day. Temps near 60 and the sun shining. I decided to take advantage of it by running outside. After all, the roads have those stupid wet lines on them that tell me the road crews feel another storm is coming. Gotta enjoy the awesome days between. Went for 3 miles through the neighborhood. On Tues I did the same route and felt great. Today I felt sluggish, plus I feel like a cold may be coming on. I figured that I would run what I could and walk the rest. Surprisingly, the iPod told me that my pace was only half a minute off from Tues. And my legs are feeling much better. I really need to have more of these weeks when I get outside more than once.

Another positive today was the appointment we had with the midwife. We learned that our little baby is about the size of my cupped hand. They had a funny little jelly baby to show us the size. Heard the heartbeat again and set up the appointment for our ultrasound next month. With any luck we'll know what we're having on 4/4. As of today, we know that the baby is very active and has a strong heartbeat. I'd been thinking that I have felt movement the past couple of days and the midwife confirmed that what I've been feeling likely is the baby moving around.

Plus I was told that my weight gain is where it should be and my blood pressure is very good. And I was encouraged to keep running.

Working out together

So, I meant to blog the other day about working out with the hubby. It was so wonderful. He did his main Insanity workout before I got home, but then had to do the ab part. It was only 20 mins long, so I thought that it made more sense to join him than try to fit in something of my own.

Going in I knew that I wouldn't be able to do all. I mean, an ab workout in my 15th week of pregnancy? I figured that it was Shaun T, so it wasn't like we were going to be doing crunches. I was right, it was more of a cardio standing workout. It also involved more jumping than I had planned on. I modified. I don't know that I got much from the workout. But it was more than nothing.

The nice part for me was that I was working out with the hubby again. That was my favorite part of when we started P90X. Accountability is easier with someone else. Once I push 'play' and get into the workout I'm generally having a good time, regardless of who I'm with. But being with someone makes that first step so much easier.

Another great day for a run

Another beautiful day outside. The perfect day for a run through the neighborhood. What I really wanted to do was run to Ted's for a cigar, but that didn't seem realistic tonight. So, the neighborhood it was. I went out for the three mile loop and it was so fabulous. I ran most of the time, walking briefly at miles 1 and 2 while I drank some water. Then I hit the giant hill on Pioneers Blvd and thought, "I'm supposed to be training for a walk, so I think I'll walk now." I power walked and that reminded me that in some ways walking is harder; it definitely works different muscles.

And now that I'm done, my body has been alternating between "ah, that felt good" and "ah, what did I do?" A hot shower has relaxed my muscles and I'm feeling good until I stand up and my hip flexors start to scream at me. As early as I am in my pregnancy (just starting the second trimester) my lower back, hips, and round ligaments tend to wear me down. I think I'll have to incorporate a lot of stretching.

In other news, I've noticed that I'm back to drinking the amount of water I used to drink. When morning sickness was wearing on me I had a really hard time making it through two (40oz) bottles at work. I think my water intake decreased to 60-70oz at work plus whatever in the evening. These last two days I've flown through 3 bottles, for 120oz at work, plus evening water at home. I realize that I drink more water than most people, but other than water I probably have a glass or two of milk per day... and that's it. Drinking soda pop is extremely rare. Juice is nice, but I'm picky about the purity of the juice so it's more of a treat. Anyhow, it's made me happy to see my water intake back to where I feel it should be.

Here's hoping for another run or two this week!

Ponderings

My main thought as of late is 'why am I not feeling all better yet?' I mean, most days I feel fine... tired, but like me. Then there are the other days when I'm still puking. Still! This so needs to be over already. Due to this I still haven't established a workout schedule or routine. I know that I really need to but some nights it's all I can do to not go to bed when Isaiah goes down. And that's always before 7pm!

On the plus side I did get out for a mile run today. And my Nike+ actually kept info. So, I know that it took me 11 mins, which isn't great but it's something. I ran the whole time and felt good. Small victories.

Something that's been on my mind lately... 'diet and exercise.' People always say that these two things go hand in hand... and that is partially true. But, I hate that phrase. People think of a 'diet' as denying themselves; they think of it as a temporary thing. People think of exercise as something they should do, have to do, or used to do. The whole connotation brings negative things to mind. Why can't we just focus on living a healthy lifestyle? A healthy lifestyle involves proper nutrition and eating habits. It also involves physical activity. But, it is a lifetime endeavor, a series of little choices made daily.

Along those lines, I'm super excited for Saturday. Beachbody has Dr Wheeler coming to Lincoln to speak about nutrition and suppliments. It should be a great learning opportunity.

Lessons learned

Today was my 5 ish mile walk/run home from work. Weather was nearly 70 degrees and there was a nice breeze. Couldn't ask for a better day... especially in February. That being said, it was a day of learning.

I learned that it's hard to walk when my mind is screaming at me to run.

I learned that I should have used my waterbelt, not the hubby's. When I tried his on yesterday I thought it was nice that it wasn't as tight as mine. But, once the water bottles were full it became really loose. I was able to modify how it latched so that it would stay on but it wasn't as comfortable as mine would have been, and I didn't end up needing it for the extra two bottles that it could hold.

I learned that walking is harder on the shins than running. But easier on the knees.

I learned that once I quieted my mind, walking was quite pleasent and I was able to keep a pretty good pace.

I learned that I still hate my Nike+. I love the idea of it but it seems like half, if not more, of the time it has some glitch. I checked time and pace 2-3 times and got validation that I was keeping a good pace. I was really looking forward to pluging it in and finding out my overall time, pace, etc. So, about 1/2 mile from home my song stopped, I hit skip, and the Ipod went to the playlist section. Totally ignoring the fact that I had been doing a workout. Ugh!

And now, as I sit, I'm learning that my legs aren't used to 5 miles. Walking should be interesting tomorrow. Like 10 weeks until I need to walk 13 miles.

the GREAT outdoors

For those of you not in Nebraska, the weather has been beautiful here. Those of you who are here know what I'm talking about. It's been so nice to get out and enjoy. I've taken the opportunity to exercise outside and it's been fabulous. Much better than the time I'd been putting on the treadmill.

On Sunday the temp was near 70, so the hubby and I took our beautiful boy out in his stroller for a 2 mile walk. The sun was wonderful and my legs enjoyed being worked again. I'm pretty sad that a two mile walk felt like work, but now I know where I'm starting from.

Today my drive home made me really want to go for a run... darn all those runners I passed, out there enjoying Lincoln's trails! I was pressed for time but figured I could get out for a 'quick' mile with the time I had. When I left the house I could tell I was pushing it and sure enough, my pace caught up to me. But I ran the mile and probably had a goofy smile on my face the whole time. I did learn that the shirt I chose wasn't quite long enough to cover the forming belly. It did when I left home, but by the time I was done I had an awesome 1-2 inches of belly showing... nothing says cool like that!

I can tell it's been a long time since I've worked out and even longer since I ran. But it feels great to get back into it. And really, I just need to be able to walk 13.1 miles.

Tomorrow I plan on dropping my car off at the shop and walking/running home from work. It's about 5 miles and almost all of it is along trails. I'm really looking forward to it! Excited to try to run some. But, then part of my 'training' is getting used to the idea of walking for such a long time. Either way, I'll be on the trails enjoying what is supposed to be another day near 70 degrees.

A Firm Goal

Well, I'm signed up for the Lincoln 1/2 marathon on 5/1. I've found someone to walk with me, so I'm set to go. I really deliberated over this, but I think a walking partner is my best bet. I was worried that I would run too much and/or push myself more than I should. It'll be much nicer to be walking with a friend. I hope we're still able to push ourselves.

I want to do some running during my 'training' but will be focused on walking distance and getting back into my DVD workouts. I haven't been doing as much as I'd like in this area. But now I have a goal of 13.1 miles on 5/1...

Winter Workouts

The last two mornings my workouts have been shoveling snow. Turns out it takes about 1/2 hour to shovel the driveway. It is pretty nice to do something in the morning and then feel like I've been active. Less nice to get up at 5:30 and end up with a sore back. Hopefully we're done with snow for a while... at least until Todd has the okay from his doctor to shovel again.

One plus is that my arms are sore today. So apparently shoveling actually is somewhat of a workout.

I plan on doing a 'real' workout tomorrow. After my 4 puke-free days I had 4 pukey days. But now I'm on day #2 of feeling pretty good again. I'd think this whole thing would be over soon.

First workout

So, I made it 4 days without puking. The streak ended tonight, but I'm still feeling pretty good. So, I decided to do a workout. I chose One on One: Stretch & Recovery since it came in the mail recently and sounded pretty promising. Course, I had it in my head that it was titled Stretch & Relaxation... so the lack of relaxation was a little sad.

The workout was 70 minutes long. I was initially dreading the length, since it's been over a month since I've done a real workout (something more intense than walking). But, with stretching 70 minutes goes pretty quickly.

One thing that the workout reminded me of is that I tend to forget that I'm a pretty flexible person. At least half of the stretches in this workout are related to the hip area and many times I found the stretches easier than I thought I should. On a couple of different ones Tony would say something about 'if you're more flexible than me you can...' and I was able to switch to the modification. Flexibility is kind of funny to me... because I'm not as flexible as I used to be, but apparently I'm still more flexible than most. It always makes me think I'm doing something wrong when a move is easy for me. Now, that's not to say that there aren't some moves that are hard. My hamstrings and calves tend to be pretty tight.

It felt so great to do something! Course, as I type this I'm watching the fit test for Insanity! The hubby plans on this being his next fitness program... and I'm thinking 'good luck!' The name seems pretty well suited to what I'm seeing. And this is just the fit test.

A step closer

So, today is day 3 without puking! Haven't been able to say that since before Christmas. I'm still tired, but I plan on starting some working out this weekend... if not before.

Setting Goals

Okay, so the first step is to set my goals. Obviously first and foremost is to come away from this pregnancy with a healthy baby, preferably born naturally (no drugs). That will be an easier task for a healthy and fit mommy.

But, what else do I want? Last time I gained over 60 lbs; I don't want to do that again. I know that my body will gain what it needs to... so my goal is to eat healthy. What does that look like? Well, I want to get all the nutrition my body requires to grow this baby, nurse my current baby, and have some energy left over for me. I want to stop eatting when I'm full. Last time I grazed throughout the day and I think that is a good way to go, but I need to watch the type of foods I'm grazing on. Fruit, not chocolate. Whole grains, not chips.

I've managed to start seeing some muscle definition in my arms. I'd love if I could keep that. Or at least keep the muscles present so they're ready to re-emerge later. I want to stay strong in general.

My workout goal is to get at least 30 mins in 5-6 days per week. I plan on using Power 90, the Shakeology workouts, a couple of the P90X workouts that I really like, and eventually the Yoga Booty Ballet Baby on Board.

Once nice weather hits I want to take Isaiah for walks. It will be a balance, as I'm already warm a lot of the time. Summer may kill me with the heat. I'm currently deciding if I want to sign up for the Lincoln 1/2 marathon in May. I'll be about 6 months along. I think I'll still be able to walk 13 miles, if nothing else. And people will probably let me cut in the portapotty lines. My hubby is doing the full marathon... so I'm thinking that if I can finish the 1/2 in the time it takes him to do the full I'd be doing pretty good.

A New Quest

Well, it's been some time since I ended P90X. I'd like to say that I jumped right into another workout, but my nausea and exhaustion have kept me from pushing play. My evenings have been spent puking and sleeping ... not quite ideal working out conditions. Last pregnancy my 'morning sickness' lasted about a month. This time it set in on Christmas. So, I'm hoping that I only have a week or so left.

I have been trying to keep up with nutrition. A little tricky since not much is staying down. Vitamins have been important: Prenatal, Cal-Mag, Vitamin C, and Folic Acid. I've also been having my Shakeology daily. That is definitely the best nutrition I'm getting and it's been staying down. I love that it gets me through my afternoon slump.

The most activity I'm doing is walking from my car to work and back again. I park about 4-5 blocks away and it makes me sad that that's my current activity level. Hopefully soon I'll be talking about something more active!