This morning...
I ran a mile with my husband. To catch a Metro train.
We combined "couple time" with commuting with a workout.
(Multitasking takes on a whole new meaning with a 6 month old at home.)
PS
Lifting a 20-pound baby overhead, repeatedly, is waaaaay better than any Jillian Michaels workout. My biceps have never been bigger, and JM doesn't giggle with glee after a few reps.
Showing posts with label training for two. Show all posts
Showing posts with label training for two. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 20
Thursday, January 16
Training for two: postpartum fitness
 |
| BB's little baby feet... |
I bounced back quickly from the cesarean operation, but I have a new appreciation for basic life skills like walking up and down stairs. For the record: It is one helluva knock to the ego to go from track workouts... to speed-walking at least 3 miles a day... to clawing your way through the 30 minutes it took to walk a single mile. Hello post-op body. What did you do with my stamina?
 |
| BB's favorite book, and my postpartum fitness motto |
At 4-6 weeks postpartum, my workouts looked like this:
Monday: Post-cesarean core workout from BabyWeightTVTuesday: 2-3 mile walk
Wednesday: Post-cesarean core workout
Thursday: 2-3 mile walk
Friday: Post-cesarean core workout
Saturday: 4 mile walk
Sunday: 4 mile walk to BRUNCH (some things never change)
Honestly, I thought the post-cesarean workout video was great for weeks 4-6 postpartum, but my Type-A, track-workout-loving self absolutely HATED how slow the workout was. I know the gentle exercises were a necessary transition between surgery and a good, ache-inducing, sweaty workout, but the whole process sort of made me feel like an invalid.
Admittedly, my core muscles are still woefully weak, but I credit good prenatal fitness with my speedy recovery. And with that in mind, I was back up and working(out) as soon as my doctor gave me the green light.
My first non-postnatal workout was Kelli's Favorite Bodyweight Workout from FitnessBlender. It kicked my butt! (Truth: I'm not kidding about the weak core. At 10 weeks postpartum, I still modify some of the ab-toning moves.) My workout weeks now look something like this:
Monday: bodyweight workout + 3 mile walk
Tuesday: 2-4 mile walk + energizing yoga (a sort-of antidote to sleepless nights)
Wednesday: bodyweight workout + 3 mile walk
Thursday: baby yoga + 2-4 mile walk
Friday: HIIT workout (this Bodyweight Cardio workout is a current favorite)
Saturday: 2 mile run
Sunday: 4 mile walk or 2 mile run
I'll keep posting my progress in coming weeks. Eventually I'd like to get back to running 4 days/week and then add speedwork back into my running routine, but the body has to finish healing (and ligaments need to firm back up) before that's a realistic goal.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week postpartum workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Sunday, December 29
Liquid sunshine
This morning the rain was pouring. Rivers of water threatened to overwhelm the storm drains in Alexandria.
Still, I laced up for a run.
Not just any run.
My FIRST run since August. My first run since my OB doc said the cesarean stitches were healed and I could resume "normal" exercise. My first run as a new mom without my baby at my side.
I pulled on my snuggest-fitting sports bra (a recommendation from the OB). I laced up my shoes. I left a bottle of milk with Hubby and Baby. I headed out into the deluge, fully expecting to have to run-walk this foray back into the world of "real" runners.
The first few blocks felt mysteriously easy. (I credit/blame euphoria.) The rain soaked through my sleeves, and I danced around puddles to try to keep my toes dry as long as possible. Within a quarter mile I was drenched, breathing hard, and... still running.
As I passed a car idling alongside the road, I heard the driver quip - with sarcasm - to the rain-soaked women she was picking up: "Beautiful weather we're having!" One of the passengers replied, as she shook water off of her umbrella and slid into the back seat:
Liquid sunshine...
... is the name of a fruity orange drink at The Dock bar on Pensacola Beach.
... is the way I felt about the rain, because I had the pavement all to myself for this first run in nearly five months.
The women may have been sarcastic in their interpretation of the weather, but to me the rain was liquid sunshine!
I laughed out loud.
Onlookers, if there had been any others out in the deluge, might have thought I was crazy.
I kept running.
I traded thumbs-ups with the one other rain-soaked runner I saw.
I kept running.
I reached the mile mark, still running, and welled up with tears of joy that my legs and lungs were still working. Maybe they weren't as strong or as fast as they once were. But they still worked.
I kept running.
After 20 minutes and two miles I stopped for a celebratory cup of coffee (that other liquid sunshine), and I headed for home.
My miles weren't beautiful. They weren't effortless. But they were mine.
By the time I was finished, I was soaked with rain, sweat, and salty tears.
Liquid sunshine, indeed.
Still, I laced up for a run.
Not just any run.
My FIRST run since August. My first run since my OB doc said the cesarean stitches were healed and I could resume "normal" exercise. My first run as a new mom without my baby at my side.
I pulled on my snuggest-fitting sports bra (a recommendation from the OB). I laced up my shoes. I left a bottle of milk with Hubby and Baby. I headed out into the deluge, fully expecting to have to run-walk this foray back into the world of "real" runners.
The first few blocks felt mysteriously easy. (I credit/blame euphoria.) The rain soaked through my sleeves, and I danced around puddles to try to keep my toes dry as long as possible. Within a quarter mile I was drenched, breathing hard, and... still running.
As I passed a car idling alongside the road, I heard the driver quip - with sarcasm - to the rain-soaked women she was picking up: "Beautiful weather we're having!" One of the passengers replied, as she shook water off of her umbrella and slid into the back seat:
"Yes. Beautiful weather, indeed. The sky is full of liquid sunshine."
 |
| Liquid sunshine view from The Dock bar in Pensacola |
... is the name of a fruity orange drink at The Dock bar on Pensacola Beach.
... is the way I felt about the rain, because I had the pavement all to myself for this first run in nearly five months.
The women may have been sarcastic in their interpretation of the weather, but to me the rain was liquid sunshine!
I laughed out loud.
Onlookers, if there had been any others out in the deluge, might have thought I was crazy.
I kept running.
I traded thumbs-ups with the one other rain-soaked runner I saw.
 |
| A sunset like more liquid sunshine |
I reached the mile mark, still running, and welled up with tears of joy that my legs and lungs were still working. Maybe they weren't as strong or as fast as they once were. But they still worked.
I kept running.
After 20 minutes and two miles I stopped for a celebratory cup of coffee (that other liquid sunshine), and I headed for home.
My miles weren't beautiful. They weren't effortless. But they were mine.
By the time I was finished, I was soaked with rain, sweat, and salty tears.
Liquid sunshine, indeed.
Thursday, November 14
Training for two: How to lose 15 pounds the (not) easy way
Here's my advice on how to lose 15+ pounds the (not) easy way...
Swell up with edema in the last weeks of your pregnancy, then deliver a happy, healthy 8 pound baby. Between the new addition to your family and balloon-deflating reduction in swelling, voila! 15 pounds lost, and (much, much more importantly) a whole lot more gained.
This blog is on maternity leave until further notice so I can get to know the new man in my life.
Peace and love to you all,
Beth
Swell up with edema in the last weeks of your pregnancy, then deliver a happy, healthy 8 pound baby. Between the new addition to your family and balloon-deflating reduction in swelling, voila! 15 pounds lost, and (much, much more importantly) a whole lot more gained.
This blog is on maternity leave until further notice so I can get to know the new man in my life.
Peace and love to you all,
Beth
Thursday, November 7
Training for two: week 40 (are we there yet?)
Aaaannnnd we're overdue!
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: 2 mile walk + lots of yard work raking leaves and digging a swale for drainage in the back yard...
Yes... I've been told I should be "resting" but what's the worst that could happen? The yard work triggers labor? On my due date? That would've been a travesty... (sarcasm completely intended)
I did have contractions most of the day, which got my hopes up that baby was on his way... only to be disappointed to discover that it was "early" or "false" labor. *sigh*
Sunday: Rest day
False labor contractions kept me awake most of the night. So instead of exercising, I napped and read a book.
Monday: 3 mile walk + prenatal yoga
Have I mentioned that it's gorgeous outside in Virginia right now? Beautiful autumn leaves. Crisp weather. I'd rather have been in a hospital (first and only time I'll ever say that???), but my morning walk was pretty spectacular anyway.
Tuesday: 3 mile walk
And 3 days overdue...
Wednesday: 4 mile walk (2 in the morning, 2 in the evening, and my neighbors must be tired of watching me circle the block... I'm tired of circling the block!)
And 4 days overdue...
Thursday: 60 minute walk (3 miles? 4? It's hard to keep track when all you're doing is circling the blocks near your home for an hour...)
THE TALLY:
17 or 18 miles walked + 0 miles run + some yoga
and still no baby!
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
A million articles on how to get labor started.
None of which actually work.
But hope springs eternal!
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: 2 mile walk + lots of yard work raking leaves and digging a swale for drainage in the back yard...
Yes... I've been told I should be "resting" but what's the worst that could happen? The yard work triggers labor? On my due date? That would've been a travesty... (sarcasm completely intended)
I did have contractions most of the day, which got my hopes up that baby was on his way... only to be disappointed to discover that it was "early" or "false" labor. *sigh*
Sunday: Rest day
False labor contractions kept me awake most of the night. So instead of exercising, I napped and read a book.
Monday: 3 mile walk + prenatal yoga
Have I mentioned that it's gorgeous outside in Virginia right now? Beautiful autumn leaves. Crisp weather. I'd rather have been in a hospital (first and only time I'll ever say that???), but my morning walk was pretty spectacular anyway.
 |
| Autumn color at the historic Carlisle House in Old Town Alexandria |
And 3 days overdue...
Wednesday: 4 mile walk (2 in the morning, 2 in the evening, and my neighbors must be tired of watching me circle the block... I'm tired of circling the block!)
And 4 days overdue...
Thursday: 60 minute walk (3 miles? 4? It's hard to keep track when all you're doing is circling the blocks near your home for an hour...)
THE TALLY:
17 or 18 miles walked + 0 miles run + some yoga
and still no baby!
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
A million articles on how to get labor started.
None of which actually work.
But hope springs eternal!
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, October 31
Training for two: week 39
39 weeks down...
This weekend is baby's due-date. Keep your fingers crossed that my workout this weekend involves lots of ab exercise!
Friday: 1 mile walk
Saturday: 2.5 mile walk
Sunday: 2.5 mile walk + spectating at the Marine Corps Marathon
Despite my jumping up and down and cheering, I'm seriously glad this little runner baby didn't decide to make his debut at mile marker 22...
One marathoner joked that it looked like I was the one stealing something... A watermelon! (How she had the energy to crack jokes 4 hours into a marathon, I'll never know...)
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: prenatal yoga + 2 mile walk
Wednesday: rest day
No excuses. I just felt lazy.
I did spend all day working from home seated on my exercise/stability ball. That has to count for core exercise, no?
Thursday: Yet another prenatal appointment... there may or may not be a workout today.
THE TALLY:
10 miles walked + 0 miles run + and a bit of yoga
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
I'm working on crocheting a baby blanket, and I'm not on Metro so much these days, (no need to be that lady who gives birth at a metro station!) so there's not much to report in the new books department.
One of the articles I did enjoy reading was a Fit Pregnancy piece on birth preferences (rather than a birth plan). One paragraph, in particular, sums up my perspective on this issue (and what I've chosen to do):
I was first introduced to this preferences vs. plan philosophy while reading Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation by Pam England. I read (and loved) the book many months ago, but I apparently never posted a review.
Birthing From Within was recommended by my prenatal yoga teacher. Some bits of the book are a tad... new-agey? (Is that a word?) But aside from the birth-art monologues, the book is a very no-nonsense guide to labor and delivery options.
The book is intended to help each expectant mother figure out what she'd like to have happen during labor, but the guidance is blended with a solid dose of realism. The author is very clear that home births have advantages, but they will not be pain-free vacations with scented candles and sensual massage. England also is clear that, despite all best intentions, some complications require cesarean birth and 24 hours of back labor might make you rethink that epidural.
And as long as everyone is safe at the end of the process, it's all OK...
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
This weekend is baby's due-date. Keep your fingers crossed that my workout this weekend involves lots of ab exercise!
Friday: 1 mile walk
Saturday: 2.5 mile walk
Sunday: 2.5 mile walk + spectating at the Marine Corps Marathon
Despite my jumping up and down and cheering, I'm seriously glad this little runner baby didn't decide to make his debut at mile marker 22...
 |
| Run Like You Stole Something |
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: prenatal yoga + 2 mile walk
Wednesday: rest day
No excuses. I just felt lazy.
I did spend all day working from home seated on my exercise/stability ball. That has to count for core exercise, no?
Thursday: Yet another prenatal appointment... there may or may not be a workout today.
THE TALLY:
10 miles walked + 0 miles run + and a bit of yoga
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
I'm working on crocheting a baby blanket, and I'm not on Metro so much these days, (no need to be that lady who gives birth at a metro station!) so there's not much to report in the new books department.
One of the articles I did enjoy reading was a Fit Pregnancy piece on birth preferences (rather than a birth plan). One paragraph, in particular, sums up my perspective on this issue (and what I've chosen to do):
By writing your preferences instead of a plan, you maintain the understanding that circumstances beyond your control may change and you’ll need to adapt your preferences accordingly. Women who end up with an epidural when they hoped to go without or a cesarean when they wanted to avoid it often report feeling like they failed. Women, hear me out: You CANNOT FAIL at birth. You can only do what you can with the circumstances you are given – that is the best you can do for yourself and your baby.
I was first introduced to this preferences vs. plan philosophy while reading Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation by Pam England. I read (and loved) the book many months ago, but I apparently never posted a review.Birthing From Within was recommended by my prenatal yoga teacher. Some bits of the book are a tad... new-agey? (Is that a word?) But aside from the birth-art monologues, the book is a very no-nonsense guide to labor and delivery options.
The book is intended to help each expectant mother figure out what she'd like to have happen during labor, but the guidance is blended with a solid dose of realism. The author is very clear that home births have advantages, but they will not be pain-free vacations with scented candles and sensual massage. England also is clear that, despite all best intentions, some complications require cesarean birth and 24 hours of back labor might make you rethink that epidural.
And as long as everyone is safe at the end of the process, it's all OK...
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, October 24
Training for two: week 38
38 weeks down...
And apparently the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has moved the goal posts on "full term" pregnancy. Not that it matters now that we're a few hours away from the new definition of full term, but the new pregnancy term classification system has five major categories:
And in other weird news, parts that hurt a few weeks ago (read: achy hip joints!) feel brand new now. I have no idea why. But I'm not complaining. I'll be sore again soon enough...
And apparently the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has moved the goal posts on "full term" pregnancy. Not that it matters now that we're a few hours away from the new definition of full term, but the new pregnancy term classification system has five major categories:
- preterm (before 37 weeks)
- early term (37 to 38 weeks)
- full term (39 to 40 weeks)
- late term (41 weeks)
- postterm (42 weeks and more).
And in other weird news, parts that hurt a few weeks ago (read: achy hip joints!) feel brand new now. I have no idea why. But I'm not complaining. I'll be sore again soon enough...
Friday: 3 mile walk
Saturday: REST
Sunday: 2 mile walk + yard work
I planted dozens of daffodils for the spring! Now if I can just keep the squirrels from eating all of those bulbs...
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 2 mile walk
Wednesday: 1 mile walk
Thursday: REST
This week's prentatal appointment took the place of my morning workout...
And my doc, husband, and I set an induction date for the 41 week mark. Juuuuuust in case Baby decides to hang out longer than he's supposed to.
 |
| Taper madness... but at least the finish line is in sight! |
THE END IS IN SIGHT!!!
So... With my wonky doc-then-work schedule, I may or may not get in some real exercise today.
If not, we'll think of this as the beginning of "tapering for the big day."
Hell, I even carb-loaded by stopping to pick up bagels on the way in to my office this morning. Taper it is!
THE TALLY:
10 miles walked + 0 miles run + no yoga???
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
A few days ago I received a preview copy of a new travel memoir, The Blind Masseuse: A Traveler's Memoir from Costa Rica to Cambodia, by Alden Jones...It's FANTASTIC. (And I'm not just saying that because the book was free. I've received many free books over the years, and if they're horrible, I either don't post a review or I tell it straight that the book sucked.)
But more on the book later... it deserves its own post for a detailed review.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, October 17
Training for two: week 37
37 weeks down... and now that we're entering week 38, baby could show up tomorrow or three weeks from now. (Fun facts: Did you know that 37 weeks and up is "full term" and that "due date" is just the midpoint between week 38 and 42 - the weeks when most babies are born?)
Friday: 1 mile walk + squats, lunges, and upper-body strength training
Saturday: REST
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| The swing is awesome, but literally takes up half the living room... |
Sunday: 2 mile walk + 2-hour nap!
Thanks to nighttime kicks, I'm not sleeping more than 2 or 3 hours at a time anymore. Napping seems much more productive than exercise.
Monday: 3 mile walk
Tuesday: 1 mile walk + prenatal yoga
Wednesday: 2 mile walk
Thursday: Morning workout was swapped for a prenatal checkup
THE TALLY:
9 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 yoga video and some strength training
(Yeah... last week I thought I'd pick up the pace and get in more mileage this week. Instead I napped more. And I don't regret it at all.)
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
The Runner Dad's post "The First Four Weeks" is the kind of prepare-for-the-worst parenting essay I love best. Here's what I wrote to him in response...
"With baby #1 due any day now, I have to admit that I love reading these stories.
I'd rather hear how HARD it's going to be than have some false sense of security that the first month of baby care is supposed to be all sunshine and roses... only to be blindsided that it IS hard. (Better to be pleasantly surprised than knocked for a loop, right?)
It's sort of like standing at mile 24 of a marathon and watching runners' faces... Seeing the pain, you get a sense of what you're in for when you run your own race. That's MUCH better training than hearing stories from runners, 6 months later - when their muscles are no longer cramping and they can walk up and down stairs without wincing - that it's the "best thing they ever did in life."
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, October 10
Training for two: week 36
Here are the workout details from week 36...
With the close of week 36, baby will officially be "full term." Now the question is: will he arrive sooner? Or later? Based on the size of the "bump" I'm hoping for sooner...
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: Prenatal yoga
Sunday: REST
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 2 mile walk
Wednesday: 2 mile walk
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
10 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 yoga class
(Is this really my lowest mileage week so far? Yikes!)
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
I finally read The Happiest Baby on the Block
.
Is the book worth reading?
Absolutely!
I think the baby calming techniques (swaddling, side or stomach lying, shushing, swinging, and sucking) are brilliant.
BUT, to be completely honest, I thought the book was poorly written.
The text is chopped up with quotes, anecdotes, and illustrations thrown in, seemingly, at random. It would benefit from some serious editing help.*
That said, I have been practicing my swaddling technique, and I'm all for swinging my baby if it will help him stop crying.
Fortunately, there's a Happiest Baby video that goes into detail on how to swaddle, shush, and swing properly... and skips over all of the silly anecdotes.
So... the bottom line here is: if you have to pick one, skip the book and buy The Happiest Baby On The Block video
instead.
*Note: The "research" on traditional cultures, like the !Kung, gives the merest lip-service to a unique method of child-rearing, while providing almost no anthropological detail (or source notes!) about the cultural norms and values at play. (To be fair... I'm a demographer/sociologist. If I see a culture held up as a "great example" of "how to do things right," I expect more detail. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on a baby book... but then again, if you're going to tell me that there is a "right" way to calm a baby, it seems reasonable expect more than "this other group does this thing, and it seems to work for them.")
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
With the close of week 36, baby will officially be "full term." Now the question is: will he arrive sooner? Or later? Based on the size of the "bump" I'm hoping for sooner...
 |
| The bump at 36 weeks |
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: Prenatal yoga
Sunday: REST
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 2 mile walk
Wednesday: 2 mile walk
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
10 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 yoga class
(Is this really my lowest mileage week so far? Yikes!)
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:I finally read The Happiest Baby on the Block
.
Is the book worth reading?
Absolutely!
I think the baby calming techniques (swaddling, side or stomach lying, shushing, swinging, and sucking) are brilliant.
BUT, to be completely honest, I thought the book was poorly written.
The text is chopped up with quotes, anecdotes, and illustrations thrown in, seemingly, at random. It would benefit from some serious editing help.*
That said, I have been practicing my swaddling technique, and I'm all for swinging my baby if it will help him stop crying.
Fortunately, there's a Happiest Baby video that goes into detail on how to swaddle, shush, and swing properly... and skips over all of the silly anecdotes.
So... the bottom line here is: if you have to pick one, skip the book and buy The Happiest Baby On The Block video
instead.*Note: The "research" on traditional cultures, like the !Kung, gives the merest lip-service to a unique method of child-rearing, while providing almost no anthropological detail (or source notes!) about the cultural norms and values at play. (To be fair... I'm a demographer/sociologist. If I see a culture held up as a "great example" of "how to do things right," I expect more detail. Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on a baby book... but then again, if you're going to tell me that there is a "right" way to calm a baby, it seems reasonable expect more than "this other group does this thing, and it seems to work for them.")
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, October 3
Training for two: week 35
Here are the workout details from week 35...
My energy levels are inversely proportional to the number of times I wake up each night.
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: REST
(Full disclosure: I napped for two hours after taking a 4 hour infant care and CPR class.)
Sunday: 2 mile walk + another 2 hour nap...
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 2 mile walk
Wednesday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga + "keep ups"
My yoga teacher introduced me to keep ups a couple of weeks ago. The exercises are designed to induce discomfort and muscle fatigue (think small, repetitive movements for 3 full minutes) so pregnant mamas can get used to discomfort without panic.
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
12 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 yoga session
...and no more weight loss due to nausea! Hooray!
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
I finally finished The Longest Road: Overland in Search of America, from Key West to the Arctic Ocean
by Phillip Caputo
And after last week's infant care class I'm starting The Happiest Baby on the Block next.
I don't expect to become an infant-calming expert, but what the heck, I might learn a few helpful tricks!
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
My energy levels are inversely proportional to the number of times I wake up each night.
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: REST
(Full disclosure: I napped for two hours after taking a 4 hour infant care and CPR class.)
Sunday: 2 mile walk + another 2 hour nap...
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 2 mile walk
Wednesday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga + "keep ups"
My yoga teacher introduced me to keep ups a couple of weeks ago. The exercises are designed to induce discomfort and muscle fatigue (think small, repetitive movements for 3 full minutes) so pregnant mamas can get used to discomfort without panic.
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
12 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 yoga session
...and no more weight loss due to nausea! Hooray!
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:I finally finished The Longest Road: Overland in Search of America, from Key West to the Arctic Ocean
by Phillip CaputoAnd after last week's infant care class I'm starting The Happiest Baby on the Block
next.
I don't expect to become an infant-calming expert, but what the heck, I might learn a few helpful tricks!Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, September 26
Training for two: week 34
Here are the workout details from week 34...
Goodbye third trimester nausea...
Hello frequent restroom breaks!
Baby has "dropped" a bit, which has eased my nausea but also increased my sprints to the restroom. I guess this is where being a runner comes in handy?
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: 4 mile walk
Sunday: 3 mile walk + yard work
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: Rest day!
Wednesday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
15 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 yoga session
...and no more weight loss due to nausea! Hooray!
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
I'm still reading The Longest Road: Overland in Search of America, from Key West to the Arctic Ocean by Phillip Caputo. It's compelling, but I spent my weekend hanging out with family, so I haven't finished this book as quickly as I thougth I would.
And after this, I might go back to baby book reading for awhile... After all, baby could show up next week or next month. At this point it's anyone's guess...
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Goodbye third trimester nausea...
Hello frequent restroom breaks!
Baby has "dropped" a bit, which has eased my nausea but also increased my sprints to the restroom. I guess this is where being a runner comes in handy?
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: 4 mile walk
Sunday: 3 mile walk + yard work
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: Rest day!
Wednesday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
15 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 yoga session
...and no more weight loss due to nausea! Hooray!
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
I'm still reading The Longest Road: Overland in Search of America, from Key West to the Arctic Ocean
by Phillip Caputo. It's compelling, but I spent my weekend hanging out with family, so I haven't finished this book as quickly as I thougth I would.And after this, I might go back to baby book reading for awhile... After all, baby could show up next week or next month. At this point it's anyone's guess...
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, September 19
Training for two: week 33
Here are the workout details from week 33...
Goodbye appetite...
Hello third trimester morning sickness?
Bleck.
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: 5 mile walk
Sunday: Why didn't anyone tell me that morning sickness can return in the third trimester?
Ok. So it's not really hormone-induced morning sickness this late in the game... The cause of third trimester issues is often that when the baby starts taking up all the room in your body, digestion becomes particularly difficult. (I found this out, the hard way, on Sunday morning.) I called my doctor, who sounded somewhat less than worried, so on her instructions I spent the rest of the day nursing Gatorade and a bowl of chicken soup. Bleck.
Monday: Rest and recovery
... and much too much time watching the news of the Navy Yard shootings. Suddenly nausea seemed small trouble compared to 27 families devastated by that tragedy.
Tuesday: 4 mile walk
Hubs and I met up with friends for a walk after work. I was feeling better physically, and needed the break emotionally.
Wednesday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
17 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 yoga session
(Honestly, considering how badly I was feeling on Sunday, my total mileage this week is a bit shocking. I had to check the math twice.)
...and 4 pounds lost. Bleck.
I was quite happy with my pound-a-week progress thankyouverymuch. Given that my meals are now about half their normal size, I'm hoping to stop the backslide on weight gain. Baby is still healthy and kicking, but mama doesn't need (or want!) to lose any muscle mass from this nausea!
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
Last week I...
...finished City of Thieves
which was fantastic! though graphic... but what World War II book isn't?
... polished off 46 Days: Keeping Up With Jennifer Pharr Davis on the Appalachian Trail
which, sadly, was not nearly as good as Becoming Odyssa - in fact, it was sort of a boring read despite the amazing accomplishment of setting the Appalachian trail speed record
...and started The Longest Road: Overland in Search of America, from Key West to the Arctic Ocean by Phillip Caputo, which looks to be another book - like City of Thieves - I won't be able to put down.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Goodbye appetite...
Hello third trimester morning sickness?
Bleck.
Saturday: 5 mile walk
Sunday: Why didn't anyone tell me that morning sickness can return in the third trimester?
Ok. So it's not really hormone-induced morning sickness this late in the game... The cause of third trimester issues is often that when the baby starts taking up all the room in your body, digestion becomes particularly difficult. (I found this out, the hard way, on Sunday morning.) I called my doctor, who sounded somewhat less than worried, so on her instructions I spent the rest of the day nursing Gatorade and a bowl of chicken soup. Bleck.
Monday: Rest and recovery
... and much too much time watching the news of the Navy Yard shootings. Suddenly nausea seemed small trouble compared to 27 families devastated by that tragedy.
Tuesday: 4 mile walk
Hubs and I met up with friends for a walk after work. I was feeling better physically, and needed the break emotionally.
Wednesday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
17 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 yoga session
(Honestly, considering how badly I was feeling on Sunday, my total mileage this week is a bit shocking. I had to check the math twice.)
...and 4 pounds lost. Bleck.
I was quite happy with my pound-a-week progress thankyouverymuch. Given that my meals are now about half their normal size, I'm hoping to stop the backslide on weight gain. Baby is still healthy and kicking, but mama doesn't need (or want!) to lose any muscle mass from this nausea!
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
Last week I...
...finished City of Thieves
which was fantastic! though graphic... but what World War II book isn't?... polished off 46 Days: Keeping Up With Jennifer Pharr Davis on the Appalachian Trail
which, sadly, was not nearly as good as Becoming Odyssa - in fact, it was sort of a boring read despite the amazing accomplishment of setting the Appalachian trail speed record...and started The Longest Road: Overland in Search of America, from Key West to the Arctic Ocean
by Phillip Caputo, which looks to be another book - like City of Thieves - I won't be able to put down.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, September 12
Training for two: week 32
Here are the workout details from week 32...
Goodbye ankles!
Hello compression stockings!
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: 3 mile walk.
I met up with runners in a real running group!
As a newbie in town, I still need to find running buddies, so when I learned about a moms run group, I hoped it would be a good fit. I'm not a full-fledged mom yet, but I think belonging to a moms running group will get me back up and running after baby is born. The ladies seem super nice, and didn't mind that I waddled along behind while they ran.
Sunday: working in the garden... planting fall flowers and spreading mulch.
It really sucks that I'm not allowed to move bags of mulch, and had to call my husband to help, but at least I can still play in the dirt! (With gloves, of course. No need to be getting toxoplasmosis...)
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 2 mile walk + lunch-break yoga
Wednesday: 3 mile walk
Thursday: 1 mile walk
Today I had my 32 week prenatal appointment. The doctor gave me a nice pat on the back for keeping up with daily workouts, and she didn't give me any trouble about how much weight I've gained. (33 pounds and counting!) Phew!
We did, however, talk about the fact that my ankles have disappeared. The good news is that the swelling is not preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure which can be dangerous, and - as you know if you watch Downton Abbey - sometimes fatal).
My blood pressure remains at the lovely, low level of a lifelong runner. So the edema is "just" a normal side effect of pregnancy. *Cue sigh of relief*
But when doc handed over a pair of medical compression socks, I had a moment of sadness: I've officially become my grandmother.
If the socks were black and neon, like fancy runner compression sleeves, I could convince myself that they're for "training" and "fitness." But they're not. These socks are a hideous, industrial tan. They look like old lady socks. They ARE old lady socks. I have clear memories of my grandmother wearing the exact same type of socks on a daily basis.
But my legs feel soooooo much better with them on...
So style be damned. I want my ankles back!
THE TALLY:
12 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 yoga session + 2 new compression socks
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
I'm in the middle City of Thieves
of by David Benioff.
So please pardon me while I stop typing and return to my reading.
Yes... the book is THAT good.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Goodbye ankles!
Hello compression stockings!
Saturday: 3 mile walk.
I met up with runners in a real running group!
As a newbie in town, I still need to find running buddies, so when I learned about a moms run group, I hoped it would be a good fit. I'm not a full-fledged mom yet, but I think belonging to a moms running group will get me back up and running after baby is born. The ladies seem super nice, and didn't mind that I waddled along behind while they ran.
It really sucks that I'm not allowed to move bags of mulch, and had to call my husband to help, but at least I can still play in the dirt! (With gloves, of course. No need to be getting toxoplasmosis...)
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 2 mile walk + lunch-break yoga
Wednesday: 3 mile walk
Thursday: 1 mile walk
Today I had my 32 week prenatal appointment. The doctor gave me a nice pat on the back for keeping up with daily workouts, and she didn't give me any trouble about how much weight I've gained. (33 pounds and counting!) Phew!
We did, however, talk about the fact that my ankles have disappeared. The good news is that the swelling is not preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure which can be dangerous, and - as you know if you watch Downton Abbey - sometimes fatal).
My blood pressure remains at the lovely, low level of a lifelong runner. So the edema is "just" a normal side effect of pregnancy. *Cue sigh of relief*
But when doc handed over a pair of medical compression socks, I had a moment of sadness: I've officially become my grandmother.
If the socks were black and neon, like fancy runner compression sleeves, I could convince myself that they're for "training" and "fitness." But they're not. These socks are a hideous, industrial tan. They look like old lady socks. They ARE old lady socks. I have clear memories of my grandmother wearing the exact same type of socks on a daily basis.
But my legs feel soooooo much better with them on...
So style be damned. I want my ankles back!
THE TALLY:
12 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 yoga session + 2 new compression socks
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
I'm in the middle City of Thieves
of by David Benioff.So please pardon me while I stop typing and return to my reading.
Yes... the book is THAT good.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, September 5
Training for two: week 31
Here are the workout details from week 31...
The themes this week: flier miles, fitness miles, and parenting advice
Congratulations to my blog buddy Alma, who had her baby last week!
Friday: I'm leaving... on a jet plane!
I flew out of DCA, met friends in Boston, lunched on pizza and ice cream in the South End, hopped on a commuter train to Providence, and spent the evening catching up with family.
Total miles traveled: 490+
Total miles run: 0
Saturday: Baby shower!
It was wonderful to see family and friends but the marathon festival (12 hours and counting) of catching up didn't exactly count as a workout for anything other than my vocal chords...
Sunday: 4 mile walk
Monday: 60 minutes on the stationary bike
Tuesday: 2 mile walk
Wednesday: 3 mile walk
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
11 miles walked + 0 miles run + 60 minutes on the bike and... NO yoga! *sniff / sob *
...but lots of (and probably my last) frequent flier miles for many months!
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
Over breakfast on Saturday morning, a good friend of mine recommended Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman.
For the first time in many months, I'm starting to believe it's possible to have a child who's not a total train wreck of tantrums and sleepless nights. Don't misunderstand -- I'm not delusional. ALL children have an occasional meltdown. But in this era of competitive American parenting, Bringing Up Bebe is a refreshing counterpoint.
By imposing some limits, allowing considerable freedom in many things, and by not making infants the ONLY thing that matters, French parents seem to have achieved an excellent balance between great parenting (read: excellent education and health among their children -- far better than in the U.S.) AND household/family sanity.
What surprises me is that, given the U.S. reputation for rugged individualism and self-reliance, we need to study French social norms to give our children some independence.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
The themes this week: flier miles, fitness miles, and parenting advice
Congratulations to my blog buddy Alma, who had her baby last week!
I flew out of DCA, met friends in Boston, lunched on pizza and ice cream in the South End, hopped on a commuter train to Providence, and spent the evening catching up with family.
Total miles traveled: 490+
Total miles run: 0
Saturday: Baby shower!
Monday: 60 minutes on the stationary bike
Tuesday: 2 mile walk
Wednesday: 3 mile walk
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
11 miles walked + 0 miles run + 60 minutes on the bike and... NO yoga! *sniff / sob *
...but lots of (and probably my last) frequent flier miles for many months!
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
Over breakfast on Saturday morning, a good friend of mine recommended Bringing Up Bebe: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting by Pamela Druckerman.For the first time in many months, I'm starting to believe it's possible to have a child who's not a total train wreck of tantrums and sleepless nights. Don't misunderstand -- I'm not delusional. ALL children have an occasional meltdown. But in this era of competitive American parenting, Bringing Up Bebe is a refreshing counterpoint.
By imposing some limits, allowing considerable freedom in many things, and by not making infants the ONLY thing that matters, French parents seem to have achieved an excellent balance between great parenting (read: excellent education and health among their children -- far better than in the U.S.) AND household/family sanity.
What surprises me is that, given the U.S. reputation for rugged individualism and self-reliance, we need to study French social norms to give our children some independence.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Friday, August 30
Am I still a runner?
Last Sunday, I went for a 5 mile walk along the Mount Vernon bike path. The weather was gorgeous, but when Hubby and I pulled into the parking lot and I saw runner after runner glide by, I was suddenly hit by a wave of sadness.
I haven't run in weeks. I won't be able to run until Christmas.
The reason, of course, is an excellent one.
I'm training for a baby, not a race.
But still.
I miss running.
Terribly.
Some days I wonder if I can even still call myself a runner?
But sulking wouldn't solve anything, and walking is better than not moving forward at all. So I started walking.
And then, halfway through my walk, two women ran up to me and asked if I could take their picture. One handed over her phone while the other explained that they had just finished their first 10-miler.
High fives all around!
I asked what race they were training for. They told me they were going to run the Divas Half Marathon. I congratulated them both and wished them good luck on their race.
Just before they turned away to finish their cool-down, one of the women said: "And congratulations to you, too! Good for you for still run... er... walking."
"Thank you. I ran until 26 weeks, but my hips just can't take it anymore. I miss it!"
(What I didn't say was "And thank you for noticing that I am/was/am a runner, too! Even though I'm waddling... and I don't feel much like a runner these days...")
She congratulated me on getting that far.
And, for the first time in weeks...
I felt like a runner.
Even as I waddled.
I felt like a runner.
So. To the ladies who just finished their first 10-miler.
Congrats. Again.
And THANK YOU.
I haven't run in weeks. I won't be able to run until Christmas.
The reason, of course, is an excellent one.
I'm training for a baby, not a race.
But still.
I miss running.
Terribly.
Some days I wonder if I can even still call myself a runner?
But sulking wouldn't solve anything, and walking is better than not moving forward at all. So I started walking.
And then, halfway through my walk, two women ran up to me and asked if I could take their picture. One handed over her phone while the other explained that they had just finished their first 10-miler.
High fives all around!
I asked what race they were training for. They told me they were going to run the Divas Half Marathon. I congratulated them both and wished them good luck on their race.
Just before they turned away to finish their cool-down, one of the women said: "And congratulations to you, too! Good for you for still run... er... walking."
"Thank you. I ran until 26 weeks, but my hips just can't take it anymore. I miss it!"
(What I didn't say was "And thank you for noticing that I am/was/am a runner, too! Even though I'm waddling... and I don't feel much like a runner these days...")
She congratulated me on getting that far.
And, for the first time in weeks...
I felt like a runner.
Even as I waddled.
I felt like a runner.
So. To the ladies who just finished their first 10-miler.
Congrats. Again.
And THANK YOU.
Thursday, August 29
Training for two: week 30
Here are the workout details from week 30...
The theme this week: back in the saddle again!
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: prenatal yoga
Sunday: 5 mile walk
Monday: 2 mile walk + push ups, squats, and leg lifts
Tuesday: 2 mile walk + 30 minutes on the stationary bike
Wednesday: 45 minutes on the stationary bike + push ups and squats
Thursday: 3 mile walk
THE TALLY:
14 miles walked + 0 miles run + 75 minutes on the bike + some stretching and strengthening
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
My boarding pass...
One last flight before baby!
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
The theme this week: back in the saddle again!
 |
| Image source |
Saturday: prenatal yoga
Sunday: 5 mile walk
Monday: 2 mile walk + push ups, squats, and leg lifts
Tuesday: 2 mile walk + 30 minutes on the stationary bike
Wednesday: 45 minutes on the stationary bike + push ups and squats
Thursday: 3 mile walk
THE TALLY:
14 miles walked + 0 miles run + 75 minutes on the bike + some stretching and strengthening
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
My boarding pass...
One last flight before baby!
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, August 22
Training for two: week 29
Here are the workout details from week 29...
The theme this week: slow and steady.
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: prenatal yoga
Sunday: 4 mile walk
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 3 mile walk + prenatal yoga
Wednesday: 2 mile walk + push ups, squats, and leg lifts
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
15 miles walked + 0 miles run + some stretching and strengthening
There was supposed to be a "track workout" on Wednesday. (Walking laps in lane 6! Woo hoo!) But I was exhausted at the end of the day and substituted strength training instead.
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
Honestly, this week I've been reading the news on my morning commute and I finished Sedaris' new book Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls on the way home
. (Loved it!)
Otherwise my time has been spent working, walking, and nesting.
There's a baby due in 8 weeks... or 12...! But who's counting?
(Oh right... I am... because I'm a numbers geek when I'm not running. And sometimes when I am.)
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
The theme this week: slow and steady.
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: prenatal yoga
Sunday: 4 mile walk
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 3 mile walk + prenatal yoga
Wednesday: 2 mile walk + push ups, squats, and leg lifts
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
15 miles walked + 0 miles run + some stretching and strengthening
There was supposed to be a "track workout" on Wednesday. (Walking laps in lane 6! Woo hoo!) But I was exhausted at the end of the day and substituted strength training instead.
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
Honestly, this week I've been reading the news on my morning commute and I finished Sedaris' new book Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls on the way home
. (Loved it!)Otherwise my time has been spent working, walking, and nesting.
There's a baby due in 8 weeks... or 12...! But who's counting?
(Oh right... I am... because I'm a numbers geek when I'm not running. And sometimes when I am.)
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, August 15
Training for two: week 28
Here are the workout details from week 28...
Hello third trimester!!!
Goodbye energy and speed!
Friday: 3 mile walk
Saturday: 3 mile (tourist-y) walk along the National Mall and Tidal Basin
Sunday: 3 mile walk along the Mount Vernon Trail
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga video
Wednesday: 2 mile walk
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
17 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 prenatal yoga session
My only observations this week: Holy hell have I slowed down in the past two weeks. Carrying around 25 extra pounds is getting exhausing...
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
YES! Emily Oster's article "Take Back Your Pregnancy" in the Wall Street Journal summarizes exactly what I found (and what I've felt about) pregnancy "wisdom" vs. old wives' tales. (In case you missed it, you can see my full rant about misguided and mis-informed "helpful" advice from June... and my rave about the book Exercising Through Your Pregnancy -- a book full of fact-based advice for fit moms.)
I cannot wait to read Oster's new book "Expecting Better," when it comes out later this year. If the book is anywhere near as well-written as the essay, it will be a much-needed addition to the prenatal literature. (Note: Had it gone to print sooner, Oster's book would've saved me many hours surfing the academic journal databases during my office hours last semester...)
My only regret is that, given my day job as a statistician and the hours/days/weeks I put into researching my own prenatal decisions, I didn't write a similar book sooner.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Hello third trimester!!!
Goodbye energy and speed!
Friday: 3 mile walk
Saturday: 3 mile (tourist-y) walk along the National Mall and Tidal Basin
 |
| View of the Jefferson Memorial across the Tidal Basin |
Sunday: 3 mile walk along the Mount Vernon Trail
Monday: 2 mile walk
Tuesday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga video
Wednesday: 2 mile walk
Thursday: 2 mile walk
THE TALLY:
17 miles walked + 0 miles run + 1 prenatal yoga session
My only observations this week: Holy hell have I slowed down in the past two weeks. Carrying around 25 extra pounds is getting exhausing...
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
YES! Emily Oster's article "Take Back Your Pregnancy" in the Wall Street Journal summarizes exactly what I found (and what I've felt about) pregnancy "wisdom" vs. old wives' tales. (In case you missed it, you can see my full rant about misguided and mis-informed "helpful" advice from June... and my rave about the book Exercising Through Your Pregnancy -- a book full of fact-based advice for fit moms.)I cannot wait to read Oster's new book "Expecting Better," when it comes out later this year. If the book is anywhere near as well-written as the essay, it will be a much-needed addition to the prenatal literature. (Note: Had it gone to print sooner, Oster's book would've saved me many hours surfing the academic journal databases during my office hours last semester...)
My only regret is that, given my day job as a statistician and the hours/days/weeks I put into researching my own prenatal decisions, I didn't write a similar book sooner.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, August 8
Training for two: week 27
Here are the workout details from week 27...
Can you say... slacker? This week's workout stats are as dismal as last week's return to the track was a highlight of this training cycle.
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: prenatal yoga class
Sunday: 4 mile walk along the Mount Vernon Trail
Monday: 2 mile walk + strength training
Tuesday: 2 mile walk
Wednesday: 2 mile walk
Thursday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga video
THE TALLY:
14 miles walked + 0 miles run + 2 prenatal yoga sessions + 1 strength training session
Not horrible, but nothing to write home about...
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
I'm juggling a handful of books right now. (Talented, I know!)
On my reading list:
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Can you say... slacker? This week's workout stats are as dismal as last week's return to the track was a highlight of this training cycle.
Friday: 2 mile walk
Saturday: prenatal yoga class
 |
| Walking the Mount Vernon Trail |
Sunday: 4 mile walk along the Mount Vernon Trail
Monday: 2 mile walk + strength training
Tuesday: 2 mile walk
Wednesday: 2 mile walk
Thursday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga video
THE TALLY:
14 miles walked + 0 miles run + 2 prenatal yoga sessions + 1 strength training session
Not horrible, but nothing to write home about...
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
I'm juggling a handful of books right now. (Talented, I know!)
On my reading list:
- Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls
- The Sh!t No One Tells You: A Guide to Surviving Your Baby's First Year
- Where'd You Go, Bernadette
- Not Your Ordinary Parenting Book (side note: Yep. Not ordinary. Much, much worse. These ladies have a few helpful hints, but for credibility sake they would've done better to write a blog and not try to call it a book. Total waste of money.)
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
Thursday, August 1
Training for two: week 26
Here are the workout details from week 26...
The good. The bad. The track... and a huge break from baby-book reading.
Friday: 3 mile walk + prenatal yoga video
Saturday: stroll around Annapolis
(Not exactly exercise, but not exactly slouching either... Just ignore the supersized ice cream and bucket of crustaceans I ate...)
Sunday: REST
Monday: 3 mile walk
Tuesday: 3 mile walk + prenatal yoga video + strength training
Wednesday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga video + TRACK WORKOUT!
This week I re-discovered the track.
The soft surface is easier on my joints. I can run 200 meters and then walk a lap. No matter how slow I go, I don't have to worry about being left in the dust by my running buddies - they're never more than a few hundred yards away! And restrooms are always within sight!
Thursday: 3 mile walk + prenatal yoga
THE TALLY:
14 miles walked + 1.75 mile track workout + 4 prenatal yoga sessions + 1 strength training session
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
It's time for another break from baby-book reading. In fact, I've been in need of some grand adventure reading, so I picked up two non-fiction / memoir books:
Both books were quite different but shared the theme: dive-in-and-do-something-scary. They also both rang true, as both authors admit to moments of happiness, anger, frustration, fear, and disgust on their journeys.
(That both books cost less, on Kindle, than a grande mocha at Starbucks didn't hurt, either...)
Davis' book is one of the better thru-hike books I've read (maybe better... nay definitely better than Cheryl Strayed's Wild). Davis doesn't sugar coat the rough patches of trail, nor does she hide her enthusiasm on the good days. She also doesn't document every step taken on every rainy day. The book is a brilliant balance between trail memoir, coming-of-age story, and action/adventure tale. The book is frank and (frankly) funny at the same time that it's inspiring.
On the other hand, it took me awhile to get wrapped up in Adams' book about her year of teaching English in China. Early on Adams admits to a level of culture shock that I found off-putting. (In the first few pages, I found myself wondering "Really, did you know anything about China before you got on the airplane?") But within a few chapters, those early pages seem like a jet-lag induced bout of crankiness. Adams is refreshingly open to immersing herself in a new culture while also acknowledging her own cultural bias and the difficulties she faces trying to fit in. As someone who has moved around quite often in my own life, I empathize wholeheartedly.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
The good. The bad. The track... and a huge break from baby-book reading.
Friday: 3 mile walk + prenatal yoga video
 |
| Brick sidewalks in downtown Annapolis, MD |
(Not exactly exercise, but not exactly slouching either... Just ignore the supersized ice cream and bucket of crustaceans I ate...)
Sunday: REST
Monday: 3 mile walk
Tuesday: 3 mile walk + prenatal yoga video + strength training
Wednesday: 2 mile walk + prenatal yoga video + TRACK WORKOUT!
400 warm up (walk) + 400m run + 4 x 200m with equal rest intervals + 400m cool down (walk) = 1.75 milesLast week I was worried about whether or not it was time to quit running for the rest of this pregnancy.
This week I re-discovered the track.
The soft surface is easier on my joints. I can run 200 meters and then walk a lap. No matter how slow I go, I don't have to worry about being left in the dust by my running buddies - they're never more than a few hundred yards away! And restrooms are always within sight!
Thursday: 3 mile walk + prenatal yoga
THE TALLY:
14 miles walked + 1.75 mile track workout + 4 prenatal yoga sessions + 1 strength training session
WHAT I LOVED READING THIS WEEK:
It's time for another break from baby-book reading. In fact, I've been in need of some grand adventure reading, so I picked up two non-fiction / memoir books:
- Becoming Odyssa: Epic Adventures on the Appalachian Trail
by Jennifer Pharr Davis (holder of the women's record for fastest thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail)
- Pretty Woman Spitting: An American's Travels in China
Both books were quite different but shared the theme: dive-in-and-do-something-scary. They also both rang true, as both authors admit to moments of happiness, anger, frustration, fear, and disgust on their journeys.(That both books cost less, on Kindle, than a grande mocha at Starbucks didn't hurt, either...)
Davis' book is one of the better thru-hike books I've read (maybe better... nay definitely better than Cheryl Strayed's Wild). Davis doesn't sugar coat the rough patches of trail, nor does she hide her enthusiasm on the good days. She also doesn't document every step taken on every rainy day. The book is a brilliant balance between trail memoir, coming-of-age story, and action/adventure tale. The book is frank and (frankly) funny at the same time that it's inspiring.
On the other hand, it took me awhile to get wrapped up in Adams' book about her year of teaching English in China. Early on Adams admits to a level of culture shock that I found off-putting. (In the first few pages, I found myself wondering "Really, did you know anything about China before you got on the airplane?") But within a few chapters, those early pages seem like a jet-lag induced bout of crankiness. Adams is refreshingly open to immersing herself in a new culture while also acknowledging her own cultural bias and the difficulties she faces trying to fit in. As someone who has moved around quite often in my own life, I empathize wholeheartedly.
Public Service Message from Captain Obvious: These posts are not intended to be a set of week-by-week pregnancy workout guidelines. Every woman needs to do what's right for her and her baby, with a doctor's guidance, of course. I'd just like to keep y'all up to date on how things are going in my little world.
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