Pregnancy, Exercise and Go SportID GIVEAWAY

One of the things I get asked most through the blog is about my experiences with fitness during my pregnancy.  What did I do?  What didn't I do?  How did I feel?  I've always provided my take as I'm sure many of my fellow fitness bloggers have as well.  So we thought we'd share a few different views of pregnancy and fitness so you can get a few different perspectives in one place, sort of a one stop shop approach.  So I'd like to introduce you if you don't already know them to a few other excellent bloggers and their take but before I do, I should  mention, we're also hosting a GoSportID $25 gift certificate to three lucky readers. 

If you don't know Go SportID, it provides an awesome way to keep your essential information on you without having to carry an id or wallet and motivates you by putting your motivational mantra right there at your fingertips.  To be eligible for the give aways:

 1.  Leave a comment telling us what mantra you'd put on your GoSportID

 2. Follow me, RunningRachel,or GoSportID on Twitter.  Leave a comment letting us know you followed.

Winners will be announced on Tuesday evening  (11/1/11).

Without any further ado, here's a short look into the experiences 4 different women had with trying to stay fit while pregnant.   First up...

RunningRachel
I too was overwhelmed by all the 'advice' that was out there when I was pregnant for the first time. You have doctors who tell you to stop all exercise, not to get your heart rate above 140 bpm and more. It can be very confusing. I found that when I listened to 'those' doctors and stopped my exercise (per their expert advice) I was cranky, miserable, and gained 70+ pounds of "pregnancy weight".

My biggest advice to you is to trust your body. If you were running before you were pregnant, you CAN continue running WHILE you are pregnant. Trust your body. If it starts to hurt. Stop. If you are winded or tired. Slow down or stop. Trust your body.

With my second and third pregnancies I ran up till my 5th month of pregnancy (both boys). After that for me the added weight of the baby caused discomfort and unpleasant urges to use the restroom mid run. :)

When I stopped running, I continued power walking. I kept moving and exercising because I knew that is what I needed to keep my sanity.

As my family continued to grow, (I have three little boys), I kept moving. My last pregnancy I ended up pushing my two older boys in the double jogger all the way to the day before I gave birth. Granted, the walk was slower and a bit more labored... but the fresh air and movement helped everyone.

My biggest bit of wisdom is simply, TRUST YOUR BODY. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. YOU know what is best for you.

Next...RunningDivaMom
I didn't stick with my training as much as I should have. I decreased my mileage, but didn't quit totally. I just wasn't comfortable. But if women are -- I say go for it! I wasn't a runner with Little Diva, only when I was PG with Little Dude.

I would say it depends on your comfort level.  If you are feeling ill or weak from a lack of dehydration (i.e. dreaded morning sickness) … take it easy … run slow … and there is nothing wrong with walking.  If you are feeling energized and motivated … just go with it.  But, never exhaust yourself during pregnancy.  You should never increase your current mileage/distance from your pre-pregnancy routine.  Always wear a Road ID or some sort of identification device, in case something happens to you out on the road (and your baby).  And, always carry a bottle of water with you when you are exercising … to keep you and your little one hydrated and fueled.

Finally...Me

I went back and fourth with what I did.  My doctor's advice was to listen to my body and not to push it but I was ok to do whatever I was doing before until it became to uncomfortable.  So I listened to my body and kept trucking along. 

I ended up doing a 10k at about 2 months pregnant and had planned to run a half marathon at 3 months pregnant if it weren't for a stupid cold.

I conitnued to run till about the 5 month too and then it was just to dang uncomfortable for me but I did do everything else.  I did weights (minus ab work), elyptical, stair machine, spinning, everything.  At 32 weeks I was still trying to be active.  Doing what I can. 

That's my bottomline advice.  Don't get frustrated.  Do what you can.  Even walking provides so many healthy benefits that it's so worth it.  Pregnancy may seem like a chore to some but remember what you're doing.  It's one of the most gratifing things we as women do and when you see the finish line and hold that little guy (or girl) you'll be so happy and thankful that it will all make sense. 

The Most Perfect Memory

E,

In 16 years when you're acting like a total teenager, I want to be able to go back and read this post about a moment we had when he was just one. 

Last night, as we always do, we got ready for bed, we brushed our teeth, read our book and had a little milk.  Then, like I have gotten to do recently, I let you cuddle up on me and we rocked for a little bit.  After a few seconds, you started talking.  I'm not quite sure what you were saying because it still sounds like gibberish to me but I'm going to tell my self that it was "mommy I love you". 

After the talking you raised your head and even though it was dark in the room, you still managed to find my eyes and look directly into them and smile the most perfect little smile.  It made my heart melt.  You again told me you loved me and leaned in for the biggest sloppiest kiss ever, right on my nose.  I couldn't help but giggle and that kicked off the next few moments.  In that time, we just looked at each other and laughed quietly.  I pretended to be asleep, you giggled and I couldn't hold it in and broke.  You laughed some more.  You cuddled up on my chest, I pretended to be asleep again, you checked on my status, laughed and I broke again.  It was the sweetest laughter because you knew you should be asleep or getting there so it was very mellow quiet laugh.  It was a moment of pure enjoyment and bonding which I'll never forget. 

It was definitely not a time to try to take a picture or record a video.  It was a moment just between you and me which we'll always have. 

I can only hope as you grow you continue to have that sense of humor and sweet loving way you have.  It makes being your mom so enjoyable.

I love you Baby Mac
Mom

Crap..I AM Human

I know I've got a great pictures to share with you from E's party but before that, I have to post about the other big thing that happened. 

First off, just like anyone, I wanted E's party to be perfect so it became the focus of my efforts the past week which meant that everything else took a backseat including running and exercise even though I was mentally committed to running in the Rock n Roll Marathon on Sunday.

I worked and worked on the party and luckily on Saturday, it showed.  I was so proud to welcome my friends and family and enjoyed watching them enjoy themselves.  E was a great host, walking around greeting everyone.  I promise pictures in the next post.

What I didn't count on was the sheer exhaustion I felt on Saturday night after everyone left.  I really couldn't believe it.  I felt the same way I did after my wedding just spent in a great way.  But still I felt like running the next morning was an option.  Then it happened.  I set my alarm and went to bed.  The next morning I woke up, looked at my phone and realized I had slept right through it.  I should've been halfway through the race by the time I woke up. 

My first emotion was frustration.  I had let myself down.  Why didn't I hear the alarm?  Why didn't I get up?  I could've muscled through the race but I didn't.  Instead I slept.  Frustration led to some thoughts that I'm not sure I want to admit to even thinking because it forces me to think about the possibility that my limits might be something different than what I thought. 

I, just like every other mother I know, pushes myself every day because we have to.  I have a lot going on and in my mind I should be able to juggle it all.  Work, grad school, fitness, family and all the other stuff that comes up.  Well, it turns out I have limits and my body has let me know that if I choose to dismiss them, my body will remind me.  I realize now I needed that sleep and I guess I have to accept it.  I still get that sinking pit in my stomach to think I didn't do it.  My goal had been to do two halfs before E's first birthday.  Well, I didn't make it.  So it's time to accept it, set a new goal  and move on. 

Ok, couldn't resist...One picture.  He looks like such a little boy.  My baby is growing up.

Future Heart Breaker

For E's first birthday, I took the day off to spend with him.  We had intended to do tons of fun things but with the weather being as bad as it was, we didn't get to half the stuff.  We did get to take our First Birthday Pictures at JCPenny and they were great with him. 

I did make the executive decision to run into Dicks Sporting good and get something to distract him.  So we found a cardinal baseball. Anyway, here are a few shots from the photo session.  I know I'm the momma and I'm going to say this, but I'm pretty sure he's one of the cutest kids EVER. 

He seems to be such a ham in front of the camera.  He never seems to have trouble smiling.  I seriously could just squeeze this kid all day. 

This weekend is the big birthday bash.  I am so excited to be able for him to celebrate with everyone who has been apart of his life.  He seems to have touched so many people.  It will also be a special day because the World Series will be played that evening.  I mean really?!  Could I have planned it any better.  I'll have so many pictures to share when this weekend is over including party pics, the bathroom remodel is almost done and I'm running the Rock n' Roll Half in St. Louis and will hopefully take some pictures along the way.  And to top it all off, sounds like the weather might cooperate. 

To put a capper on the birthday, we gave him some strawberry shortcake. Needless to say, just like everything else he does, he just dove right in. No fear! Here's a short clip of him enjoying.

Enjoy the pics!

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Dear Baby

Baby E,

So here we are, 14 lbs, 7 teeth, 2 trips to the ER, 1 house and a pair of extra wide shoes, one year later and loving every minute of it.

I figure it's appropriate to title this post "Happy Birthday Dear Baby" since that seems to be your favorite book at the moment.  You love everything Dr. Seuss and it's awesome to watch you learn and explore every page.

Now that you've been in my life a full year now, it's amazing to me how I ever lived without you.  You've changed me and my life in some many great ways and I love you so much.

Before you arrived, I was scared of so many things that looking back at it now seemed sort of frivolous.  It all works out just like it's supposed to.

Here are a couple highlights from the past year:

1. The first few months were tough.  You seemed to have some trouble acclimating to your new surroundings.  I can't complain though.  I got LOTS of cuddle time then.
2. You had your first ER visit in this winter when you were diagnosed with RSV.  Talk about scary.  I've never felt so helpless in my life.  You recovered just fine although an inhaler does seem to help now and then.
3. You got your first tooth at around 4 Months old
4. You started crawling about that same time
5. You slept through the night for about 7 solid weeks around 2 months old but not so much since.
6. We bought a new house when you were about 9 months.  I was so sad to leave the first house you lived in but you seem perfectly content to have all this new room to play in.
7. You started walking at about 10 1/2 months.  Why you felt the need to start so early I'll never know but I haven't sat down since.
8. Our favorite thing to do together is cuddle (and the occasional run).  You really seem to love the wind in your face.
9. Your smile and laughter are contagious.  You've been doing both since about 4 months.  You rarely stop.
10. You seem to love balls already.  Somehow you've managed to learn how to kick a ball.  Your daddy is so proud.  He's already talking about taking you in the back yard to kick it around a little bit.

Looking ahead, I hope and pray that you will continue to develop a personality that encompasses love and compassion for others.  That you learn to respect others early and never forget it.  I hope that you continue to be inquisitive and curious.  Don't get frustrated when I tell you "No".  There's a reason and I promise it's for your own good.

And lastly, thank you.  I've been complaining for the past few months that your need to cuddle seems to be gone.  At bedtime, it's been strictly business for you.  Book, Bottle, Brush (your teeth) and Bed.  No cuddle time for mommy until tonight.  I don't know how or why but tonight after your bottle, you decided to curl up and fall asleep on me which made me happier than I can tell you.  It reminded me so much of the first time that happened.  It was the best moment.  Thank you!

So good night, sleep tight.  Know that I'll love you forever and like you for always as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be.

-Mom

Weekend Recap - Baseball, Projects and Races

 We have had another wonderful weekend here in the STL.  If you've been keep up with my my STL Cardinals, you know they are still pushing in the playoffs.  I think they're doing it because they know E's birthday party is next weekend and how appropriate would it be if we were rooting on our Cardinals during the party celebrating E's "Rookie Season".  Talk about amazing timing.  Even if we aren't, it has still been an amazing run.  S and I had a little date night Friday night and went to the game.  It was a win which made it so much fun to watch.

While we were at the ballpark, E was hanging out with my mom and sister.  During their play session, E showed them how versatile his skills are.  He can build great towers (and tear them down) and then balance his budget using the computer.  On Saturday,  we ran a bunch of errands, got a small workout it and S replaced the light fixture in the Master bathroom.  

My sister and I made some more yarn balls.  2 of which didn't make it through the drying process.  We're learning that certain types of yarn are better suited for this project.  I'm planning on putting them on the wreath for the front door but we need more.

On Sunday, E ran his 3rd race this year.  This one was even more awesome because we got to do it with some great friends (The "Novies").  We had a great day and I'm so glad we got to help raise money for pancreatic cancer and it was a great warm up before the big inaugural Rock n' Roll Half Marathon next weekend.

After the race, S's parents came over and helped us do some of our projects.  S and his dad put in a new faucet in our Master bathroom (another project down) and I sanded and stained E's picnic table that I found on Craig's list for $35.  It's awesome.  I'll reveal both when they're done. 

The Bathroom is getting painted tomorrow along with many rooms of the house and the picnic table still needs to get a coat of sealant. 

Everyday I'm amazed by how much E changes.  He's constantly making me smile.  I'll have to try to get a video of it but he does the cutest thing.  When we're playing, I act like I'm sleeping and he comes over and plants a HUGE kiss on me and it wakes me up.  :)  I swear he's never seen "Sleeping Beauty" in fact, to this day, he still doesn't sit still long enough to watch TV.  He barely even knows it's there. 

Here's another one of those moments that just make S and I scratch our heads.  The one time he does decide to sit down and take a load off, it's in our fridge.  I don't really thing that's what it's meant for but for the moment I'll let it go.   In two days, that little monster will be 1 year old.  I can hardly believe it.  Time flies.

Bathroom Makeover In Progress

S and I are redoing our bathroom the old fashioned way...Ourselves. 

What we started with was a standard builders bathroom with a tub, shower vanity and toilet. 

We have a list of projects that make up the remodel:

1. Painted the Cabinets - DONE

2. Convert the tub into a bench - DONE (I was really excited about finishing this.) 

3. Paint the Walls - MONDAY!

4. Create a valence for the window - DONE

5. Paint the Vanity Bench and reupholster seat

6. Replace the light fixture

7. Hang new towel bars

8. Pick/Hang Art

9. Other Fun Art Projects:

His/Hers Monogram Towel Racks

Source: somewhatsimple.com via Katie on Pinterest

Frame the Mirror

Source: impatientlyprayingforpatience.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Wordless Wednesday: Twitter and All Things Running

Do you Tweet?  If so, let me know.  I LOVE following other moms, runners, fitness minded people.  I'm at @momslrb (which is short for Moms Little Running Buddy).  Check me out!!



So now, the runner in me melts when I see this picture.  Look at those little shoes!!

Here's the view I had on my run Monday night.  Relaxing!



My Son, The Aspiring Soccer Star and Professor

E exemplified some traits this weekend that I can only explain as astounding to a mom (at least me) and dad (S).

First, I bought E a kid sized basketball and Target the other day and as we were watching the baseball series (Go Cards!), we looked just in time to watch E do this.  Now, I've got to tell you.  I thought it was pretty cool but S was elated.  He use to be a soccer player in college.

I've always said, I'll support E in whatever he wants to do but I have to say, it's SOO much fun to watch him kicking the ball around.

Additionally, he continues to hone his reading skills.  Saturday, as I was getting ready to go somewhere, I let him investigate my bedroom.  When I couldn't hear him anymore, I got REALLY nervous that he was pulling down my clothes in the closet, or riping the blinds off the window.  Instead, I found him doing this.

I don't know if it's just me, but I'm about as happy as I can be watching these moments and thanks to my iPhone, I'm able to capture them in real time.  I LOVE technology.

Parenting..The Out Of Body Experience

I'm not one to preach about religion but I think it's worth noting that I am who I am today partially because of my faith.  It's always been there.  Sometimes I haven't been as good about making it a priority every Sunday but ever since E came around, I've started to depend on it.  I understand the religion can be loosely defined but for me, it's the belief in God and something bigger than myself and all the love and compassionate traits that come with it. 

E and I were at church this past Sunday and he was actually being relatively good so I got a chance to sit and reflect, I realized just how humbling it feels to be a parent.  The idea that this little guy sitting on my lap looks to me for comfort, for support, for love, for discipline, for EVERYTHING was just mind boggling.

I sat there and thought about what type of person I would love to see him become and then I realized there's probably no better place to be than in church to ensure that E is grounded in true values.  I guess that's an ode to my mom who instilled in us so many valuable qualities that are based in faith.

I can only hope that E, one day, sees my devotion to bringing him up in faith as a crucial part of his development.  He will be a better, son, brother (at some point.  I'M NOT PREGNANT), husband and dare I say..Father someday.

I love you E!  Good Night Dear Baby!

Confessions from a Bloggaholic - Part 1: Dear Diary

I have a confession to make...I've been blogging for longer than you've been reading.  A LOT longer.  In fact I wrote my first "post" in 5th grade in what they use to call a "Diary" and I've been documenting life ever since.  Sometimes more diligently than other times but I have books and books of old memories that I just couldn't part with. 

It all started when we went to my uncle's wedding in Iowa City.  I was obsessed with all things paper.  So when I had a chance to buy something at the Hallmark store in exchange for babysitting time, I was thrilled.  That started it all.  So, in an effort to bring a smile or two to your face, I'm baring my 5th grade soul to you.  Here is my first post EVER. 

So, a couple follow ups...
1. My Uncle and his wife are still happily married.  I was a smart kid.
2. I was right about not needing the boquet.  In fact, I didn't need it for another 18 years.  I was a smart kid.

Aren't you just dying for more?  I'll make this a series and let you in to my past as I went from my Tween to Teen to Adult years.  It's all there. 

Such Sweet Moments Courtesy of TJ Maxx

I have a self proclaimed TJ Maxx addiction which I say can be attributed to my Nana taking us there as kids.  Prior to Baby E coming into my life, I'd spend most of my time with the purses and shoes.  However, since he's been around my focus has changed.  While I do enjoy the thrill I get when I find a great pair of shoes and a great price, I love even more, when a TJ Maxx purchase leads me to sweet moments like this.  (In case you're curious, I didn't add the music to the video.  That's what he requires to listen to. It's spa music all the time or classical piano.)

Come to think of it, that mat he's sitting on also came from TJ Maxx. I seriously need help.  I should probably note that TJ Maxx didn't pay me to write this post, although if they wanted to in the form of Gift Cards, I wouldn't be upset.  :)  What are your greatest finds at the Maxx?

Can't get enough E?  How bout this awesome video of E checking out the frozen food isle.

How Running Has Changed Since Becoming A Mom

I had the opportunity to go for a long run without E and as much as I love running with my little man, I enjoyed the opportunity to just go.  It was the best 6 mile run I have ever had.  The weather was perfect, my mindset was dead on.  In fact, I should have kept going.  I think I could have done about 8 in hindsight.  Oh well. 

As I was running I found myself enjoying my surroundings, watching people pass me and just being in the moment.  I think this shift has happened as a result of having a baby.  In the past, I've been known to use my running time as a way of taking an inventory of my thoughts and my "to do" list.  I'll still do that on occasion but I've also started to learn the value of just being. 

It was the kind of run that made me remember why I do it.  Too many times recently I've found myself just ticking it off my list and moving on.  I need to remember (and you do too) that running is one of the few moments when you get to do something for you.  So every now and then, push the to do lists out of your mind and just enjoy the solitude of the run.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

In the meantime, enjoy a couple pics from E's trip to the park.  He loves the swings.