Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Baby T: The Details

So, now the secret's out! All the skipping of workouts, bleah moods, lack of posts (due most of the time to being just too tired to type and/or having a hard time explaining things without... well, explaining things!), and races dropped to a lower distance hopefully now make sense!

While I promise this blog won't turn into ALL BABIES ALL THE TIME, I can't not talk baby SOMEtimes. So, bare with me and another baby post.

Here's the basic details on Baby T:

How far along are you?
I'm almost 15 weeks along now, which puts us at the beginning of the 2nd trimester.
Really bad, i-Phone 14-week pics. I've JUST started noticing a little bump, especially at night.

Were you trying? When did you find out?
Yes! We started "trying" just after the marathon, so since October-- about 6 months. We had been married for a year at that point, and both knew it was time to start trying to expand our family.

I found out on Wednesday, April 10. I knew I COULD start testing a few days earlier, as my period was expected to start that Saturday. But, I also knew that every month before that I drove myself totally bat-shit crazy by starting to test too soon and constantly getting negative after negative. In fact, I was CONVINCED this month would be negative too, so I didn't take one. Wednesday morning I didn't go to the gym that morning and something got into me and I decided to just test then and get the negative over with. So, I peed in a cup and then used a Dollar Tree pregnancy test. I walked away and finished blow drying my hair. I was 100% sure it would be negative so I didn't even watch the test or set a timer or anything. After my hair was dry I went back into the bathroom to get something and looked down at the test sitting on the counter, just to confirm the negative. A SMALL, FAINT 2nd line was there. Or was it? I wasn't sure. It was SO faint, I thought I was hallucinating it. So, I did what any logical woman would do. I started chugging water and took another test, this time still a cheapy test, but a little nicer than the Dollar Tree one. Another line, less faint, but still not super strong. I started FREAKING OUT. Could this REALLY be happening?? NO WAY. So, I took ANOTHER test. A pricey + or - sign test. (Yes, we did have 3 different types of tests in our house... yes, I am crazy.) . A CLEAR and distinct + sign. WOOOOAH. I started crying and looking down at my belly. It's just the craziest feeling to KNOW something is growing inside of you for the the first time.  

What was your first reaction?
Absolute disbelief. Like, in my head we'd been trying for so long (in reality, it was REALLY not that long and I know that... now) and I'd gotten so used to NOT seeing a second line, I honestly couldn't believe it. I SWORE I was hallucinating. Which lead to the above explained OCD re-testing frenzy. When I finally believed it... I cried. It's just SUCH a surreal feeling to know, for the very first time, something-- a BABY, a PERSON-- is growing inside of you RIGHT AT THAT MOMENT. Totally an un-explainable, amazing feeling.

How did you tell the Hubs?
I knew I didn't want to tell the Hubs via text or phone and he was already gone for work, so I decided to wait til I got home that night to tell him.

Ok, so we've determined I'm crazy right? Well, the rest of the day I convinced myself the tests all showed false positives because I peed in a cup, then tested, instead of peeing right on the stick.  So, I bought another test (a REALLY nice one this time... one that would read "PREGNANT" or "NOT PREGNANT") on my way home from work. CRAZY. I know.


When I got home, I immediately raced upstairs "to change", as I told the Hubs. Yeah, really I was in the bathroom peeing on a stick. Directly on the stick. (When I later told the Hubs my worry about me taking the test by peeing in a cup first and being worried that messed it up he said "What-- did you think the CUP was pregnant?!?!") PREGNANT. Again. Still.

MONTHS earlier I ordered a Purdue onesie, wrapped it, and hid it in hopes of giving it to the Hubs when I found out. So, I went and grabbed that and then called the Hubs. He replied "yes, dear?" obviously annoyed that I was yelling at him from across the house. Love. I yelled at him to come here and when he came into the Den I handed him the wrapped gift and told him I found it when I was in the closet this morning and totally forgot I had gotten him it for valentines day and forgot to give it to him. He was mad because we agreed not to do valentines day gifts. Goof. So, he unwrapped it... and kinda stared at it. He said "awww!" but clearly didn't get it. I then handed him the test that read "pregnant" and he screamed "REALLY?!?!?" and gave me a HUGE hug. Lots of hugs and excitement filled the rest of our night. :)


When are you due?
December 17, 2013. Christmas time baby!

How are you feeling?
Meh... so-so. Definitely comes in waves. I had a TON of intense cramps at the beginning. Enough to make me call the doctor because I was worried. Doc said it was nothing to worry about and that cramps were normal, especially at beginning while body is adjusting and making room for the baby. Have had lots of gas too. HOT, I tell you. I haven't had TOO much morning sickness (I threw up twice in the first trimester) and my energy, while less, hasn't been TOO bad lately (though during the first trimester it was AWFUL. I was SO tired all. the. time.). Morning workouts are getting fewer in favor of extra sleep, but it's not like that didn't happen all too often before too. My biggest complaint has been lack of sleep. I wake up most nights at about 2am and have a hard time falling back asleep. And yes-- I know... great practice!

Will you find out the gender?
Abso-freaking-lutely. I legit do not understand how anyone can not find out.

Are you still working out? Have workouts changed?
Yup! I talked to the doctor and she gave me the all-clear to keep doing what I normally do, but just less intense. Basically, she said do what feels good and don't do something that feels bad or off. She said a general guideline is to keep the level at more of a comfortable level where I can easily carry on conversations. So, that's what I've done. I've been running, spinning, ellipticalling, and going to signature strength (though not doing the ab work). I'll keep running til it doesn't feel good and keep doing other things for as long as I can. I really want to stay active during pregnancy. I've read SO much about how great it is for the baby and labor and and definitely for recovery post-labor. But, if my body just isn't having it at some point, that's OK too. I'll listen to my body (and my doctor) first and foremost.
Thanks for the "Congrats on getting knocked up" gift, K!!

Any names picked out?
Nope, not yet! I don't think we'll really start talking names til we know gender. Even then, I don't think we'll pick-PICK til we see the lil' bean.

Have you heard a heartbeat?
Yep! Twice. Most amazing sound ever.

Any cravings?
Not really. One day in the first trimester all I could think about was a bagel and cream cheese. Another a cheeseburger. And, more recently cereal (think fruit loops, not some healthy Kashi brand or something). None of them have been SO STRONG I needed it RIGHT THEN or anything. But, I definitely did fulfill each of those cravings at some point. :)

Aversions?
Not really. Bacon (the smell, the idea, the look, anything) kinda grossed me out, but not to the point where I couldn't be around it without puking or anything. Hot coffee is more of a miss than a hit right now too.

What foods/drinks have you given up?
I'm not drinking any alcohol (obviously), cold deli meat, sushi (ew! no loss!) or soft un-pasteurized cheese. I've drastically limited my soda intake and will now only occasionally have a sprite or diet sprite. I also basically gave up caffeine. I'll steal sips from the Hubs diet pepsi every now and then, but those are few and far between, and that's it (ok, other than chocolate. Let's not go crazy.). I think that's about it! Thank goodness ice cream is still allowed...



So, that's that for now! Stay tuned for more updates and this lil' peanut keeps growing!

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Did you pick up on the clues?

I have a confession.

I've been keeping a secret. Though, I'm sure I wasn't nearly as good at keeping the secret as I may have thought I was.

Have you picked up on the clues (note: not in chronological order, even a little... I'm way too lazy for that.)

Clue 1: Dropping down to the 10K from the 25K and the Grand Rapids Fifth Third Race in May.


Clue 2: Working out a little less.

Clue 3: Slowing down and suddenly not doing any speed workouts after being ALL about them for a while.

Before:
 
After:


Clue 4: Disappearing for a bit.



Ok... maybe there weren't a TON of clues... but, I think there may have been enough. So, without further ado... let's officially let the cat out of the bag...

 
 
Yep-- I've been...




Details coming soon... :)

Monday, June 24, 2013

Weekly Workout Recap (6/17-6/23)




Weekly Workout Recap (6/17-6/23):
Monday, 6.17.13: 4 miles and 30 minutes elliptical & 2 mile walk
Tuesday, 6.18.13: 8-minute arms & 3 mile walk
Wednesday, 6.19.13: 8-minute arms / Rest Day

Thursday, 6.20.13: 2 miles & Signature Strength & 30 minutes elliptical
Friday, 6.21.13: 3 mile walk & 4 miles on TM & 30 minutes elliptical
Saturday, 6.22.13: Spinning & 30 minutes elliptical & 3 mile walk
Sunday, 6.23.13: 8.5 mile walk (split into 3 parts, 1 of which was hiking)



Totals for Week (6/17-6/23):
10 miles run

1 Spinning class
1 Signature Strength class
21.5 miles walked
120 minutes elliptical
2 8-Minute Arms session


Friday, June 21, 2013

A Few Things Friday

I was totally gonna do 15 Thing Friday today, but I can't come up with 15 things. Seriously. I'm so lamesauce today. So, here's a Few Things Friday... hey, just go with it...

1. It's FRIDAY!!!!!! Seriously. This has been a LONG week and I am beyond glad it's over. Why do I feel like I say that every week?? #danger


2. Favorite celebrity look of the week:
I kinda fell in love with Sophia Bush during my One Tree Hill Netflix instant love affair earlier this year and I was SO happy when I saw this pic! Girl is alive! I had no idea! No, but seriously-- love the red shoes and bag and lips and think it perfectly compliments this kinda masculine, yet super feminine suit. Love.


3. I'm so over Paula Deen. She just needs to shut up and step out of the public eye. Forever. And, ps-- being "exhausted" is no excuse to bail on a live TV interview minutes before you are supposed to go on air.


4. Danger: I know how to cook NONE of these. I mean, ok- I can cook beef tacos, but not the way they have listed.


5. I did 4 miles on the treadmill today. Yep, I ran. WOAH. Shocker, I know.


6. I've been OBSESSED with this lunch the last 2 weeks.


7. Speaking of food, all I can think about tonight is a grilled cheese. GET IN MY BELLY.


8. Ok, ok-- while we're talking food.... can someone please make this and deliver it to my door. Like, now. Thanks.


9. That's all I got. Happy Friday!!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Hello. I'm Back.

 
 
 
I'm back. I have nothing important to say today (ok, any day, really), but I'm feeling like I'm back to the world of the living a bit so hope to get back to posting. We'll see. I make no big promises. But, for today-- I'm back!
 
I even got up this morning and hit up the gym for a 5:30am Signature Strength class.
 
Trust me, I was as shocked as you that I actually got up and went. 5am just comes SO EARLY!! But, I did! The instructor tried to break my arms off by focusing almost solely on arms. WOWZA... hurt to lift my arms above my head after. Ouch!
 
After class I did a quick 2 miles on the TM. Then, while showering I realized we didn't do any legs. So, I decided to do some squats. While in the shower. That's TOTALLY normal, right?!?!? So, I did a set of 15 between each shower activity. Shampoo, 15 squats, conditioner, 15 squats, body wash, 15 squats, shave underarms, 15 squats, turn water off, 15 squats, etc. You get it. And, yes-- I get that I am WEIRD. Some how I got 7 sets of 15 in! Not too shabby for a last minute in-shower leg workout.
 
Anyway-- during my lunch hour I got over to the gym and did 30 minutes on the elliptical while watching Pretty Little Liars. Yes, I watch this show. No, I am not even a little shamed. It's just good, bad TV. Love it.

So, that's that. Haven't missed anything really. Business as usual-ish. Ok, maybe not really. But, we'll get into all that at a later time... :)
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Pardon the Interruption

Pardon this unplanned interruption from the normal ramblings about my life...
 
 
life is just a smidge busy and hectic right now, so I'm taking a break.
 
 
 
 
May last til tomorrow, may last til next week.
 
Sometimes, you just can't plan life out the way you (err... I...) want to. Drat!
 
Hope everyone's having a great week!

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Sunburst Half Marathon - Race Recap

Warning: This isn't going to be some crazy long, here's how I felt at each mile kinda race recap. I've done that for this exact race before.

This was my third year running the Suburst. In fact, it was my 3 year run-aversary. 3 years ago, the Sunburst was my first ever 5K. But, that story's been told. Last year, I ran the half. This year, I was registered for the half, but for some reason, kinda debating between doing the half and the 10K.

Before Saturday, I hadn't run anything over 8-miles at a time since the Kalamazoo Half, which was 3 weeks before. I wasn't, by any definition of the word, training or ready. Even worse, the weather forecast was not looking so hot.
 


Lucky for me, the 10K and Half started within 15 minutes of each other, so I went to bed Friday night with a belly full of carbs (hey-- had to prepare just in case, right?!?!) and decided I'd get up early enough to do either and decide in the morning. Either way, I was just going to RUN FOR FUN (WOAH! What a concept!), not push pace, and just ENJOY the race that made me fall in love with running. It was really quite refreshing to go to be the night before a race NOT worrying. I was 100% chill about the race. I KNEW I wasn't in PR shape, so that wasn't even in the realm of possibility. It was going to be a relaxed, FUN run, regardless of length. Talk about no pressure. I LOVED IT.

Anyway, I woke up Saturday morning and felt great. I was going to do the half! Then, I pulled up my phone's forecast and saw the above and immediately decided to do the 10K.

That's pretty much how the next 20 minutes of getting dressed and eating 1/2 an English muffin with PB went. Back and forth. Half, 10K, Half, 10K. The Hubs was gonna drop me off and pick me up, since the race was SUPER close to our house. He was less than thrilled at the idea of me running ANYTHING in thunderstorms.... but, that kinda helped me decide. I mean, if I was gonna stop mid-race no matter what, why not go big and do the half? If it rained, I'd stop either way. Then, suddenly the forecast changed to only 10% chance of light rain. Just like that. Done. Half it was.

The Hubs dropped me off and less than 10 minutes I was off.

Mile 1: 9:48 (FINALLY! A race I didn't start off too fast for!!!)
Mile 2: 9:42
Mile 3: 9:30
Mile 4: 9:52 (not sure what happened here... apparently I was REALLY enjoying the race!)
Mile 5: 9:45
Mile 6: 9:23


Just like that, the race was half over. I was literally enjoying every second. It was HOT and HUMID... but, my legs felt fresh. I wasn't dying. I was just RUNNING to run. CRAAAAAZY concept. I had a HUGE goofy grin on my face the whole time (except in the pic above where I look like I'm kinda sleeping). This whole race with no pressure thing was AMAZING. I just kept plugging away. One foot in front of the other. Nice and easy.
 
Mile 7: 9:26
Mile 8: 9:40
Mile 9: 9:30
Mile 10: 9:20
Mile 11: 9:19
Mile 12: 9:59 (HUUUUUUGE, beast of a hill)
Mile 13: 9:26
Mile .33 (according to Garmin): 3:27 (forgot to stop the stupid sucker for a while, as always)
 
 
 
Garmin Results--
Total: 13.33 miles, 2:08:XX
Average Pace: 9:37
 
Official Results--
Time: 2:06:52
Place: 589/1392
 
 
Funny story... I finished faster (only by a few seconds, but still) this year than last year, when I WAS training and WAS ready for it. Turns out, taking the pressure off kinda works.
 
I LOVED this race. I had FUN. I enjoyed myself. Sure, it was still running over 13 miles and that was tough and I was tired and everything, but it was different than any race I've done. I ran JUST TO RUN. Confession: I might be hooked. Sure, I love pushing myself to get better and to strive for my best. But, it's also BEYOND words amazing to just run with NO pressure or expectations.
 
 
 
Sadly, my body was little mad at me for the whole lets-run-13-miles-even-though-we're-not-trained thing. Whoops. My knee (the other one, of course) was NOT happy. I gave it 3 solid non-running rest days and LOOOOTS of icing and now it feels better. Not 100% yet, but better. WHOOPS. Lesson learned. Next time, maybe do a FEW longer runs before a half, even if it is a for-fun half. Got it. :)
 
So, that was that. 3 year runaverary, done. And I loved every step.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Happy National Running Day!



Today is National Running Day! What a FABULOUS holiday!! Now... who can I talk to so we all get the day off work next year? I feel like it's legit federal holiday material. You?

Anyway-- hope you get some miles in today. I got 5 miles on the treadmill this morning, which is the first time I've run since the half marathon this weekend (I know I still owe a recap on it... it's coming, I promise!). I tweaked my knee (the other one this time! argh!!) so I took 3 non-run "rest" days. Today's run felt great! I kinda love that haven't-run-in-a-few-days-so-now-weeeeee-isn't-this-so-fun-and-easy feeling you get after some rest. LOVE.

So, in honor of National Running Day, I thought I'd share a few reasons I Run...
-because I can
-to remind myself I'm capable of more than I think I am
-for pure joy
-to get a solid workout in with minimal time required
-to sweat
-because it reminds me how much my body is capable of
-because running helped me learn how I am (OMG- trust me, I know how cheeseball that sounds, but it is true)
-because it's hard
-so I can eat that 2nd piece of cake and not feel guilty (I admit it!)
-because I can 100% do it on my own with no one's help
-because I can think when I run
-because I love it... even when I hate it

WIAW: 6/4

Before we get to WIAW-- GUESS WHO GOT UP AND WENT TO THE GYM THIS MORNING?!?!?
 
 
That's right! ME!!!!!
 
{pats self on back}
 
5 miles on the treadmill while watching Scandal on Netflix (OMG!! SO good!!) and then 10 minutes on the elliptical. Done and done!
 
 
Ok, now onto our previous scheduled programming...
 
 
After last weeks no egg fiasco, you'd think this week would be ALL about the eggs... welp... that didn't exactly happen. Here's what did:
 
 
Breakfast, 8:15am:
I had to eat bfast a little earlier than I usually do because I had a 8:30am meeting.
SHOCKER, I know. Greek yogurt, a handful (or 3) of cereal, and water.
 
 
Lunch, 2pm:
Then, of course, I had to eat lunch later than usually because of another meeting. Drat! I was STARVING!
Busted. No eggs. After I went on and on last week. Oh well. We STILL have left over pulled pork from the baby shower I went to on 5/26, so that's what I had for lunch again. Still delicious! Paired with an apple and carrots. Devoured this in about 10 seconds flat.
 
 
Dinner, 7pm:
Good thing about doing such a late lunch was that I wasn't hungry for dinner til after the Hubs and I took Sadie for a walk. After we got back I made my "quick" fried rice and eggs finally made their appearance! To make-- scramble 1 egg and 1 egg white. Put aside. Saute peppers and onions-- I use a TON-- in Siracha, TJ's peanut dressing and soy sauce. We happened to have some raw shrimp in the fridge this week so I added that too. When cooked enough for you, re-add eggs and day-old(ish) cooked brown rice. Continue to cook/stir for a couple minutes. EAT and ENJOY. And, yes-- I had brown rice twice in one day.
 
 
Dessert, 8:30pm:
Unpictured (whoops!)
Handful (or 2 or 3) of animal crackers w/ spoonful of PB and some chocolate chips. SOOOOO good.
 
Another WIAW in the books. Thanks to Jen for hosting.
 

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Weekly Workout Recap (5/27-6/2)

 


Weekly Workout Recap (5/27-6/2):
Monday, 5.27.13: 3 miles, Spinning and 15 minutes elliptical
Tuesday, 5.28.13: Signature Strength & 2 miles & 30 minutes elliptical
Wednesday, 5.29.13: 60 minutes run/walk intervals & 3 mile walk

Thursday, 5.30.13: 3.5 miles & 45 minutes elliptical & 8-minute arms
Friday, 5.31.13: 3.5 miles & 30 minutes elliptical
Saturday, 6.1.13: 13.25 miles (Sunburst Half Marathon)
Sunday, 6.2.13: Rest Day



Totals for Week (6/3-6/9):
24.75 miles run

1 Spinning class
1 Signature Strength class
60 minutes run/walk intervals
3 miles walked
120 minutes elliptical
1 8-Minute Arms session

 

This was a pretty decent week. Several solid workouts... even 2 gym classes, which lately is pretty good. I ran the half on Saturday... more on that to come... spoiler: I didn't die, but it wasn't my greatest race either... but, it wasn't meant to be, so I'm pretty happy with it. Turns out when you don't have expectations, it's easy to not be disappointed.