Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Wave the white flag....

Monday:

Went to the gym...jumped on the elliptical trainer and then did some weights.

Tuesday:

Went for a 30min run tonight and then headed to the gym. I have had some Sciatica problems over this last week, it was fine while running but later in the evening it started to ache again. I think it will be time to jump in the pool. I have always had issues with my pelvis and sciatica/lower back pain. It has not been a problem at all over the last 18months but I am not surprised given that the pregnancy hormones cause the joints and ligaments to loosen up. So I am sure the pelvis is not as stable....even with all the core exercises to keep it in place. So I think I will wave the white flag....I would rather jump in the pool than be in pain.

Wednesday:

I will head to the pool this afternoon....I have packed my bag to go there straight from work. Somehow I think it will be hard to convince my self to go swimming once I get home :-) The glute/lower back still feels achy this morning, so I think it is definately the right choice. Time to listen to my body.

We are 17 weeks today and the tummy is getting bigger! I had a wardrobe drama yesterday...not a lot left that feels comfy. I will try to hold out a while longer and then buy some maternity clothes. A friend has loaned me another gismo to extend the life of my clothes.

Monday, July 02, 2007

update

Friday:

Went to the gym this afternoon and did the fatburner class. Lots of leg exercises....just what I need, work the non-pregnant bits :-)

Saturday:

We arrived at the CR challenge a little later than planned. I was hoping to run before every one else and just plod to the finish, but ended up starting witht the 30min group. I was aiming at about 33mins so I decided to let them kust take off and I would plod at my own pace. I felt really good this morning and was surprised when I caught and passes a few people. I finished in 28 mins a bit quicker than planned. I then did plod back to the start which seemed to take forever....and a much needed loo stop! We spent the afternoon clearing out a heap of clutter and a trip to the dump...I love that feeling of getting rid of excess crap!

Sunday:

We again arrived a few minutes too late for the 6am start of the star!! We need to get up earlier! So Ray headed out with the 6:10 group for 26km and I made my way from Dee Why SLSC to Manly fairy beach (past the manly SLSC) and back. I ran the first 7km and walked back, arouind 13kmin total. I was so slow this morning!!! I know technically it is running if both feet are in the air, even if it is only mm off the ground. It really felt like a shuffle this morning and I have become aquainted with each toilet at all the SLSC between Dee Why and Manly...stupid pregnant bladder! It was a spectacular morning though....no clouds and the sunrise was pretty amazing over the water. It is also very nice to have some time to yourself to think. It was really cold so we had a drink and zipped home and got back under the doona.....after a hot shower and porridge of course :-)

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Full of bounce!

Wednesday:

Headed to the gym tonight....did my legs, upperbody and core/abs workout.

Thursday:

This morning we had our 4month visit and scan. I love getting to see the baby on the ultrasound...it is so reassuring and very exciting. It is so reassuring to see this little person bouncing aroud and seeing a healthy hearbeat. Dr Opperman said that bub had heaps of energy and was super active....I wonder where it gets that from :-) The bub was wriggling heaps and kicking its legs and had grown heaps! Dr Opperman said that in a few week I will be able to feel all the movements, I can't wait for that! He also announced that my uterus had grown heaps....yes I had noticed that courtesy of the expanding belly!

I had a day off today ad spent it relaxing...snoozing on the bed and reading. I headed out this afternoon for a 5km run and felt great. I then finished with some stretching and core excercises. I am hoping to be able to keep running for another month, but am just listening to the body.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

16 weeks

As promised more belly shots, me at 16 weeks.

A grumpy start...

Monday....nothing today!

Tuesday

I dragged myself out of bed this morning and headed to the park. Ray was doing a time trial around the lake and I plodded around the park for 5km. The rain held off and it was actually a lovely run. I was happy I made the effort despite the grumpy start! I hovered around the 6:30/km pace and felt really comfortable. The park was pretty empty this morning with only the Kookaburras for company :-) I am enjoying running on my own....I feel a little guilty running with others because I am so slow. At least on my own I feel relaxed and if I want to stop and walk I can.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Update...

Friday:
Headed to the gym after work and did the fat burner class. Well they all did the fat burner class and I did a pretty good impression I thought :-) Seriously there was a lot of legs tonight so it felt great! Then I did the groceries *goran* but arrived home to the most amazing smell....my ledgend of a husband had cooked dinner!

Saturday:

After a lazy day with lots of napping I convinced Ray to come for a walk with me. We headed out at my cracking pace and there was a lot of teasing about my "power walking" style. We walked 7km and then came home for some well deserved food!

Sunday:

Ray met some other runners for a long 25km run starting from the bay, so I took advantage and did a run walk. I ran for 11km ancd walked 3km...twice around the bay. Because of the rain and the cold it was dead around the bay which was lovely...except of course for a few other crazy runners (JD). It was so relaxing cruising around and watching the sun come up behind the clouds. Ray and I finished off at Bowen Island with a hot chocolate and fruit toast! Mmmmmm! I felt great today again but crashed on the lounge by 7:30pm.

I spent the rest of my sunday with my family, watching my little neice play. She is so cute and is learning to say our names. I won't put down what she calls Uncle Ray ;-)

Friday, June 22, 2007

Shortest day....

Last night I arrived home and sat on the bed and thought I would just close my eyes for a miniute....20 mins later I woke up a little confused at why the clock was saying 5:20pm. I felt better and decided to head out for a plod in case the rain reappears on the weekend. I layered up, it is getting so cold in the evening and went for a slow 5km run around Kingsgrove. I finished up at the gym and did some stretching and core stuff. I felt a little uncomfortable today and for some reason had to keep pulling my skins up. I have found that the skins are the most comfy thing to run in...feels like it is all held in place.

Woo Hoo its friday!!!!

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Some blue sky....

Tuesday I headed off to the gym...I know it is politically incorrect to say but I was getting a bit sick of the constant rain. It always makes me feel a bit cagey. So I jumped on the bike and did some upper body and legs.

Yesterday I watched the clouds move away and the lovely blue sky appear! I went straight home and put my running stuff on and headed out for a run. It was such a good feeling to be out in the fresh air. I plodded around home for 5kms averaging 6:20/km. I felt great and finished back at the gym with some eights and core stuff....before heading out for dinner after a horrible day at work.

This morning we both slept through the alarm....or I forgot to turn it on?? Either way it was a rush to get up and ready for work. Ray will do his session at lunch and if it is still nice this afternoon I will go for another plod.

Next week I will put some more photos up...then it will be the 4 month mark :-)

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Nerves and a growing belly!

I decided to make Monday a rest day and not do any exercise! I felt really tired after Sundays effort and felt like the body needed to recover. I had my violin lesson and I am pleased to say that I am practicing for my graduation from level one! I have to learn a peice for graduation and then tape it and send it off to be judged. I have to perform in front of my teacher, which is not too bad.....BUT she informed me last week I have to perform without my music!!! It is abnout 3 minutes in length and quite technical so it will be a challenge! So this past week I have been learning the first half by memory and had to play it from memory last night. It was hilarious because I got really nervous for some reason and my bow arm would not stop shaking and I could barley play let alone play from memory. But after lots of big breaths and telling myself to stop being riduiculous I managed to get it out...phew! I am going to have to practice playing in front of people to learn to cope with nerves! I am still loving the violin...it is a real challenge and feels so good when you're playing and it all comes together. I find it really relaxing...except when having to play in front of people!

This morning the rain was bucketing at home when the alarm went off for training. Ray flatly refused to let me run in the rain... "I need to look after myself". He is already being a brilliant Dad! So he will do his session in his lunch hour. The exciting thing is we worked out he should have his hours completed in about 4 weeks and can go for his test. That means he will be able to drive himself to training and I will either walk to work or catch the bus....very exciting! So I will head to the gym tonight and do a run on the treadmil...or a walk or whatever!

My tummy seems to be popping out a bit more this last few days. Most of my clothes now need buttons undone or zips at half mast. I even caught a glimpse of my reflection at work and thought I looked pregnant! Woo Hoo! Tommorow is 15 weeks...time is ticking by!

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Is that it???

Is that it??? Is that the end of the weekend?? It goes way to quickly!!!

Friday and Saturday I headed to the gym to avoid the cold, wet and rain. This morning we went to the striders star which started at the bay. The rain held off and it was not windy at all...definately cold but that was over quickly once moving. The others ran all over the place but I chose to just run around the bay....flat and no need for a map. I ran with a lovely man who is coming back to running after a long time off and typically the 6am group took off like stunned rabbits so he was happy to run at my pace and the company was much appreciated! I felt really great today and had more energy than the past few weeks. I crused around the bay and covered 12km at 6:20/km pace and then finished with a 2km walk to finish off while I waited for Ray. I was feeling really great until this afternoon I felt suddenly exhausted and needed a sleep! Amazing what an hours nap will do to recharge the batteries! Someone asked me this morning how long I plan to keep running?? I answered as long as I feel comfortable and I am enjoying it. I can imagine in a few more weeks I might start to feel uncomfortable as the belly gets bigger. I am not too fussed...once it feels too hard I plan to walk. At the moment I am enjoying my runs and will just listen to the body....haha like when it demands sleep!

Friday, June 15, 2007

Not so squeezy.....

It is amazing what a night out with frineds can do for your mood! Thanks to Helen for having a birthday, we had a great night out last night which helped me to pull my head in! My pants are a bit tight...Boo Hoo and move on :-) Now I am sure to revist this subject again very soon, but for the time being who cares! So this morning when the button on my favourite black work pants would not do up- instead of getting distressed I though "woo hoo, I can try out my new little belly band thingy". So I have this comfy little band of material that covers the undone button and looks like I have a shirt under my shirt....layers! All good. They fit everywhere else just where my tummy is starting to pop out a bit and get a nice little round shape! Which means I can get more time out of my clothes...it would annoy me to buy more clothes becuase the top button does not do up! So the belly band gets a thumbs up :-)

I headed to the gym last night....the rain had well and truely set in and a run in the rain and cold seemed stupid! So I did 40mins cardio on the bike and eliptical trainer and then some legs, upper body and core stuff. I am working my abs and pelvic floor like a demon...all baby safe, I found this great Australian book that goes through safe pregnancy exercises for each trimester.

So it is Friday....Yeah Ha!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Update....

This week has whizzed by...time for an update.
Monday I went for a 7km walk after work. I did not set out to walk for so long, but I keep forgetting it takes me longer to walk the way I usually run!!

Tuesday- Ray and I both ignored the alarm and stayed in bed!! I went for a 5km run after work. It was really cold but very relaxing! I then went to the gym and did some core stuff and stretched.

Last night I went to the gym and did a fat burner class. This week she used the boxing gloves and we worked with a partner. It was a fantastic upper body work out and helped with the bad day at work :-)

I am having a struggle this week....I am feeling like a blob! I know I am pregnant Blah Blah but at the moment I do not look pregnant just podgy! For me this is petrifying! I made a promise to myself after loosing all the weight that I would NEVER go there again!! So now putting on weight and watching my clothes get tight and the scales go up....it is a hard one to get my head around. It is such a weird feeling...to be ecstatic one minute and then feeling teary and fat the next! Haha I think the hormones are not helping either!!

On an exciting note we were 14 weeks yesterday!!! Only 2 more weeks until another scan and 5 weeks until the exciting 19 weeks scan! I love seeing the little one growing inside....absolutely mind blowing!!!

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Wild weekend....

Well the rain well nd truely set in on Thursday night and has been truely wild ever since! I thought the windows in our bedroom might blow in on Friday night!!! I had a relaxing Friday and had dinner at my in laws which is aways YUMMY!! I felt tired today so no exercise...just lovely rest :-) The nausea is still hanging around, but seems to be worse before I go to bed.

Saturday we headed to the cross country run that Sean put on for Randwick Botany. Ray was keen to run and as there was a break in the weather we rugged up and headed over....only to find just as we arrived the heavans opened again. My plan was to plod at the back and do the 5km while the rest did 7.5km....and hopefully not be dead last! I ran with Rays waterproof jacket which looked ridiculous and slightly billy idolish ;-) It was so windy and wet....but what fun! I felt lieka 5 year old running through mud puddles! I had a ball and let me just say nothing beats a hot shower after being soaked!! I finished the 5km in 31mins and was not last :-)

This morning we headed over to Willoughby for the Star. After last week I decided to do the same thing...head out at 6:30am when the sun was up a little and take the 15km map and run until I was tired and walk the rest. Again it was raining...but I was so layered and rugged up I was warm as toast. I had a long sleeve running top, waterproof vest and wind jacket on top and my hat.....So I kept pretty dry. I had such an enjoyable run. I just plodded along at my own pace and because of the weather there were hardley any cars or people out. I ran through Willouby and Cremorne and cameray and back to Willouby. it was misty and quite spectacular running over the stone bridge. I really enjoyed the time on my own and felt really peaceful....excpet for the pregnant bladder which seems to need 20min loo breaks....not so good when all the toilets are locked! I managed a 10km run and a 3km walk to finish. I felt really good today althought I needed a nana nap when I got home!! No aches in the pelvis, although I will be begging my lovely sister for a massage tommorow....the lower back glutes could do with some TLC :-)

Also very excited to say we have laybyed some baby things- makes it all seem very real :-) We could not ressit a big sale at baby kingdom....got to love a bargin!

Thursday, June 07, 2007

Hang your shame at the door.....

Last night I went to the gym and did a "fat burner" class which I really love doing. It is one of those classes where they do lots of leg and arm work combined with high energy stuff. The good thing is that all the moves are easily done without any impact or jumping around. So it is a great way to do an hour work out with some of the girls with great music....and of course once I pull the "13 weeks pregnant" card I can just plod along at my own pace. The main thing is to not get too hot and drink lots...which is easy done. I am also really intune with how am feeling ohysically and just stop if I feel too tired. I am happy to report that my engy levels are getting better.

This morning we went to the park again and the rest of them had hills and I had a lovely run 6km run with Deanne. I am amazed at the committment of my friends to get themselves injured at various times so they can run with me really slowly as they are on the mend ;-) Seriously I am so thankful for some company! It was not as cold this morning because of the clouds and juast as we finished all the lighteing started and the heavens opened up and it BUCKETED!!!! I hope all this lovely rain is going where it is needed!

Now in the theme of leaving your shame at the door with the whole pregnancy thing I have decided to put some photos of the expanding belly and update them monthly. I figured if I am keeping this as a bit of a record of the next 27 weeks, I would swallow my pride and put them on show. So apologies for my obscene shots :-)

Me at 13 weeks


Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Fartlek

After a great sleep last night I practically bounded out of bed this morning **slight exageration** and we headed into Centenial Park for training. Well Ray was there to train and I was there to cruise around. Most of the guys had 6km fartlek on the program which meant I could just sit at the back and plod at my own pace. so I was the self appointed sweeper :-) I felt great again this morning and enjoyed just running watching all the other guys whizz by. So I covered 5km in 30 mins and a 1km warm up/cool down. I feel so much better after the run and despite waking up with nausea it has gone for a while....a definate positve of doing some exercise!

Monday, June 04, 2007

Time flies....

Back to work this morning....Boo Hoo! How quickly does the weekend go??? Friday evening I went for a lovely 5km run from home. It was nice and cold and the full moon was up. It was such a nice feeling to be out about in the air and running. I kept the pace really slow (6:30/km) but enjoyed every step!

Saturday morning we were up super early for the Striders 10km. I was on volunteer duties and Ray was flying the flag for the Rowells. He did a great job running for the two of us with a 1 min pb...43:08! It was so nice to see him grinning from ear to ear!!!

Sunday I met Bernie at the Striders Star....we were a little late as I got a little navagationally challenged :-) Ray got there in time to chase the 6:10 group as they ran off into the dark. Bernie and I had a lovely 7km run and then finished with a 6km walk. I am so grateful for the company and happy she ran on the spot to keep with me :-) The walk through the bush was spectacular!

I have the yucky nausea back again....it is just a constant car sickness feeling. I am looking forward to when this goes away! The exercies seems to hlep which is good!

Friday, June 01, 2007

Friday on my mind!

Woo Hoo!! Thanks goodness its Friday...what a releif! Yesterday was really exfiting....we had another scan and got to see baby again. It is has grow heaps and looks like a little baby now. It was rolling and kicking and waving its hands. It is amazing to see all that happening inside, but not feel a thing! So we got the thumbs up :-) I was very relieved....it is amazing how protective you feel already and I was ecstatic to see the baby looking so energetic- know I know why I feel so tired!!!

I went to the gym Wed and Thursday and did some cardio and all my core exercises. I am quite enjoying riding the bike as there is no impact or discomfort. Mind you I was green with envy as Ray went for his long run on Wednesday morning! So for everyone feeling a little unmotivated and grumpy about getting up....appreciate it! You certainly miss it when your not running as much! I will go for a run this evening and then hopefully on the weekend if I am not too tired.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Laps of the lake.....

I met Pete and Bernie this morning at the park for a plod. The rest had a 4 lap time trial and I was thankful to be able to cruise around. I went for a walk last night and surprisingly felt a bit stiff in the hips this morning. It was such a perfect morning and we finished with one lap of the lake as evryone whizzed by. The nausea from yesterday has settled thankfully. It seems to go away after I either run or walk....so I need to keep reminding myself to keep active. Once I clocked up my 5km I stopped and stood with Sean and yelled at Ray each time he ran past....quite fun!!

Monday, May 28, 2007

Botany Bolt....or crawl

I have decided to blog my experiences over the next 28 weeks on the road to becoming a mum. Initially I was not keen and then I thought it was a great way to record how I am feeling and what I have been up too. It might be incredibly boring for anyone poping in, but I am sure this will all feel like blur to me come December so it will be fun to look back on the whole thing.

Yesterday was the Botany Bolt.... a 4km cross country run put on by Randwick Botany Harriers. Ray and I headed out to support Sean. I have been running 5kms 4 times week over the past 8 weeks but I was feeling a little self concious about running in a timed event. Thankfully Bernie agreed to escort me and the little one around the course. Now I will admit to completely avoiding anything that resembles a hill over the last 8 weeks....well because I can :-) So the mountain in the middle of Mutch park was a bit of a shock! Once the gun went off Bernie and I were left at the back of the pack to do the Sweeping duties. We chatted the whole way....to make sure I did not over do it and the winning male came in just as we had done our first lap. On the second lap Cindy yelled out to smile as she took a photo.... great just what you want!! We finished in about 25 mins and it felt great!

Two more days until the end of the first trimester...yeah! One down...three to go! I am hanging out for the energy levels to return and I can say good bye to the exhaustion!

Friday, May 25, 2007

A new goal........

I thought I would dust off the old blog and drop by and give a bit of an update. The question every one keeps asking me is what is my next goal after 6ft? I managed to bask in 6ft recovery for a while, then claim a few niggles were holding me back well then I think it became plainly obvious. I have a goal picked out and have approximately 28 more weeks to get my self organised and ready to toe the line. Ray and I are pregnant and are due to extend our little family on about the 12th December 2007. So for obvious reasons have cut down on the running and have refocused on a new and exciting adventure. I have been running 4 or 5 days a week and am keepin my runs to no longer than 5kms. I am also running at snail pace....because I can :-) It is actually quite refreshing to just run for the feeling rather than times/paces/distances. I am planning to run while I feel comfortable and I will stop when my body gives me the nod. It has been a good time to explore other interests and spend some time supporting Ray as he has done for me for the past 4 years! So I am going to be support staff for the next little while.....but I will be back :-)

So there you go....questions answered! I will by no means bore you all by blogging for the next 28 weeks. Although with all the cazy hormones it may make for an interesting read :-) I do believe Ray can add "lion tamer" to his resume :-)

So see you all out on there....cheering for the next little while and then hopefully whizzing by with a pram.