Unexpected Setbacks

33 weeks

A race can go exactly as expected, sometimes better, and sometimes you stumble upon an obstacle in the road. Some obstacles are predictable and foreseen while you're training. But the unexpected ones can really mess with your head and plans. 

My April (second trimester) race was great! Besides the heavy rain and slippery ground in Central Park...I was exactly on pace at 11 minutes, finishing the 4 miles at 44:37. My May (third trimester) race was even better. With the nicer weather and shorter distance, I was able to pickup the pace closer to 10 minutes, finishing the 5k at 31:21 (only a minute shy of my previous non-pregnant time last year). 

Since then I've been keeping busy with work travel and layering in a mix of hotel gym workouts, some light running, and CrossFit when I'm home in Boston. I *had* planned on another race in mid-June...but that is no longer a possibility. We were hiking at the Delaware River Gap in late May and I twisted my ankle by stepping funny. It wasn't even a difficult part of the hike, it was the flat part. Then I twisted it another two times on the descent down as it was already weakened. Luckily no fracture or break, but a bad sprain. 

Disappointment doesn't begin to express how I feel about this setback. The doctor says at least 4-6 weeks "off". No running for sure. And other activities are proving difficult because of the now double modifications needed (pregnant + sprained ankle). These last three weeks I've only worked-out a handful of times (I tried swimming and some scaled workouts with a stationary biking). I already feel the amplified pregnancy symptoms (weight gain, lack of mobility, back pain). And mental health being the biggest issue coming off such a high of accomplishments, to not feeling anything like myself as my body continues to grow and grow.

Moving past the pity party...I'm trying to set new expectations. I was told I'll be tempted to run as the ankle feels better but should resist as chance of re-injury is high, especially with looser joints from pregnancy. 

One highlight during this "dark" period was doing the CF Murph workout on Memorial Day at a local Box (not my Box!) I was able to modify enough to make it work for both of my "disabilities" and had a blast working out in a large group again. 

April 20 - Central Park NYC - 4 miler

May 4 - Long Island NY - 5k

Large & In-Charge

Little P chasing me

Lots of pics to share (by chance and luck of having them)! Currently at the 25 week mark and feeling particularly large. I'm not having the same energy burst in the second trimester I had last pregnancy (though I didn't have a toddler at home last time either). Some days are to really hard to get moving and there's not much rhyme or reason to when I'll feel better or worse. Stress and lack of sleep definitely play a role in how my workouts will go. But most of the time it's just pregnancy woes. 

I have my "second trimester race" next week. 4 miles. Central Park. So I've been making sure to get some miles back into the routine. It's been difficult to balance strength training with running goals when my energy and time are so limited. Luckily recent trips allowed for more running outside in the warmer weather (though Boston is still chilly). I'm also not sure which is more important right now: strength or cardio. And neither is particularly easier than the other. Going with the flow in terms of what my schedule allows seems to be the best policy right now.

Writing my plan out on a calendar for the whole week in advance has been a great way to be consistent and leave room for forgiveness. Similar to Half training, plan for rest days, and move them as needed. When the opportunity arises, always choose the workout over rest. Rest will come when you don't plan for it, embrace it then. 

20 weeks

21 weeks

Squat Cleans

Toes to Bar...but more like knees to chest

22 weeks

24 weeks

The 20 week mark

Half way through a pregnancy feels like half way through a race. Crossing the big hill, the finish line is more tangible now. But still out of reach. You may feel more certain that you'll actually complete the race with half already behind you. But you're definitely tired.

The last few weeks have been filled with some positive moments for me. Specifically thinking about some heavier lifts (well relatively heavy...heavier than I expected). I was able to do 55lb power cleans and 65lb deadlifts. And some running sprints on treadmill (while on work travel) that left me feeling energized. While visiting friends in Alexandria, I was "pushed" (friendly push) on a 4 mile run. 

I haven't gained any weight since my last post, but my output level (as it relates to fitness) could be better. I would say I'm operating around 60% of what I could be doing. Last pregnancy, this dramatically improved further along into the second trimester and with the change of season. I'm hoping the spring/summer months get me closer to 80%. And more consistency. The nicer weather should also allow for more alternatives to traditional exercise, outside of a gym or class setting, to the outdoors.

I just switched over to maternity athletic tights. The photo below is probably one of the last times in regular workout clothes, and as you can see, I'm bursting at the seams! While my weight hasn't changed, my belly is becoming more and more pronounced. I've also noticed more fatty tissue collecting in other areas of my body (cool).

I have 3 different races to look forward to. All 5ks (easy?). April 20, May 4, and June 16. I will start "worrying" and ramping up my running in the coming weeks once I can get outside again.

18 weeks, from 2 weeks ago

18 week sonogram - Baby "Q"

I Am the Tortoise

17 weeks - 3 mile run

I was curious how I was doing fitness wise vs. my past self. Looking back to this same month in 2016, I was doing a mix of CrossFit and dance. It seems like my normal was around 5x weekly. Fast-forward this pregnancy and my mix looks a little different. With a toddler at home, I have less free time. Hitting the 4x mark consistently has been challenging (I'm doing it, but I couldn't imagine making time for more). And I don't really dance anymore because of scheduling changes. CrossFit has been my constant. And surprisingly, running during pregnancy is a new addition. 

Last time around, I was an extremely novice runner before pregnancy. I only ran a little in the first trimester and a little at the end of the third trimester (to relieve pressure). Really short distances. Most of the time it turned into walking.

My first work-out after giving birth was running. It was 3 weeks postpartum. 1 mile run in my neighborhood. Since then, I've relied heavily on running as part of my "come back" journey. 

This pregnancy, I've been running and racing, and hope to do so through the end, as long as I'm feeling good. I'm capped at around 3-4 miles because of fatigue, and my mile time went from a peak of 8:30 (hare) to 10:30 (tortoise)...but the turtle wins the race in the end, right?

In CrossFit, I never really got back to the weights I was lifting before. My body never quite felt the same in the regard. I've made progress, but it's been smaller increments. So my goal here is to just show-up. Listen to my body. When I feel good, push a little. When I don't, just keep moving and be grateful to be around others who support my health. 

16 weeks - Clean 45lbs

16 weeks - Push Press 45lbs

Safe modification to box jumps (step-ups). Just as hard!

Carrying Extra Weight 2.0

How did I gain 10lbs since my last post!? Easy. I'm pregnant! Baby whale 2.0 is growing and will arrive in late July, same as Little P. At least I'm consistent (about something). We're so excited and have been eager to tell people, but wanted to wait until a few doctor appointments. We also had a lot going on during the holidays this year that a big announcement honestly felt exhausting.

How am I feeling? Pretty good. All of my symptoms have been exactly the same as last time around (I can't believe that was 3 years ago already). Very tired, nausea, and headaches. But it feels more manageable because I've done it before. I'm hoping the same light at the end of the tunnel as I turn into the second trimester. 

I'm currently 15 weeks and 160lbs. I'm still going to CrossFit and doing short runs regularly, though starting to scale appropriately (mostly when I'm not feeling great). My goal is keep at 4x weekly workouts (hopefully more as I start to feel better and the weather gets warm again).

I'd also like to do one race per trimester. I already have my first trimester race under my belt from late November. And ones planned for April and June already.

I would like to say I don't want to gain any more weight than my first pregnancy, but I'm not sure if that's realistic (or if it matters). I'm growing a lot faster this time around (mostly visibly, like a weight shift vs. actual numbers). And clothes already don't fit.

I'm very eager for the winter to be over so I can get outside again!

January 3 @10 weeks

January 31 @14 weeks

Come back warmth, come back

It's been difficult to stay as active with the colder weather and work travel months (I just came back inside from an icy outdoor run and was inspired to write). It takes a different kind of motivation to get outside when it's warm out and the sun is shining vs. not being able to feel your fingers or face. I'm trying to get better at being an all-year runner because I don't want to lose ability in-between the seasons. Better gear definitely helped today's run (1/4 zip thermal pull-over with thumb holes), but I need to invest in some running gloves ASAP.

The peak of my fitness journey (both ability, weight, and overall well-being) was this past August. This was right after my half marathon and Tough Mudder events. I was at my lowest weight (even lower than pre-pregnancy), and feeling generally great. I was exercising consistently about 5x-6x weekly (combination of running and CrossFit).

In October, I broke my 10k record from the previous year from 1:00:04 to 00:53:02. It was refreshing to be able to make a specific speed goal and run the streets of Boston (actually ran side by side with a friend). 

Then things got busy (and cold). My exercise frequency has been closer to 3x weekly and usually lighter runs. I've also been eating for a small village which caused my weight to go up. Really, just getting ready for the hibernation months. Like a bear.

Despite the setback, I was able to collect two more bibs before the end of the year (though I suppose there's time to run one more race if I can find a Christmas one!)

On November 3rd, I was privileged enough to do the pre-race to the NYC marathon (5k) with a time of 29:37. Not a record for me, but not bad considering how much eating and drinking we had done the night before! Rob and I crossed the finish line together. On November 4th, we "ran" many miles chasing cousins Fred and Kara while they ran the actual marathon (no big deal) through Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Manhattan. Of course, I was super inspired and started scheming to run my own marathon (but now I'm not so sure...that's a lot of time running). 

The day after Thanksgiving, I did a post turkey 5k called "Conquer the Hills" where both Rob and another friend joined in absolutely frigid weather (13°F).  As the name implies, it was super hilly (completely in the woods) giving me a time of 00:35:40.

So now what? Not stress about it. Keep moving, keep active through the winter. The spring will bring more opportunities. Though I would like to have a big goal in mind to set for 2019. Maybe another half marathon!

Mud Part 3 + Summer Ends

As the summer comes to an end (long live the sunshine!), I find myself reflecting on all the activities, goals, and moments I've had during my favorite season of the year.

My summer kicked off with finishing up my Half Marathon training leading right into the race itself in early June. Then I took a break from the heavy running (my toenails are still bruised and cracked by the way...), and shifting my focus slightly more back to CrossFit and having a healthier balance of activities. The longest run I did all summer was 5-6 miles (that makes me smile now...with the added perspective of 13). 

At the end of July, I completed my third Tough Mudder with my team Ridin' Dirty. Earning those different color headbands each year has become addicting, and I can't imagine ever stopping! The course was 10 miles and 20 obstacles. At the same location as previous years, with some different adjustments to the course. Nonetheless a good benchmark to compare back year over year. What a difference! I ran most of the 10 miles (love the trail running parts) and only skipped a few obstacles. I attempted a few difficult obstacles and while I still failed (monkey bars!), I got further along this year. In the past I was broken and sore for days after. This time wasn't as bad besides the normal cuts and bruises. The teamwork within my team and those we encountered along the course reminded me of all those along the journey. Those who run ahead of me, those who run next to me, and those who run behind me. And how I'll continue to be at different stages throughout my life as well. It's not a straight line, but lots of twists and turns, some intentional and some unexpected. 

With fall around the corner, I began to pickup my running again with some new goals in September. I'll be running a 10k in early October. I'm currently doing a training plan to get me in better shape to run 6.2 miles again.

• 2x weekly short runs (3 miles)
• 1x weekly non-running, cross-training (CrossFit)
• 1x weekly "long run" (4, 5, progressing to 6 miles)
  

My last 10k (and my first) was last October with a time of 1:00:04. Originally my goal for this upcoming one was to beat the old time, but the more I thought about it, the courses are not comparable enough. Last year was a night run with headlamps, different terrains and elevations (pavement, grass, dirt), and plenty of space. The upcoming 10k is city streets, very crowded, and I have no idea about elevation levels. I may or may not beat my time. 

Lastly, before winter truly sets in. Rob and I are running the official 5k "practice" run the weekend of the NYC Marathon in early November. Actually on our 5th wedding anniversary day (5k + 5 years!) We'll be attending the full marathon the next day to cheer cousins Fred and Kara on! Likely while consuming obscene amounts of alcohol and food (definitely not running 26.2 anytime soon).