{Bumpdate} 40 Weeks

By now most of you know baby girl has arrived, but I did start this post before she arrived so I’m sharing it now. Her birth story is coming soon.

Baby Girl,

You definitely have mama wondering when you will arrive. I have been having quite a few contractions off and on over the past two weeks. On two occasions I had contractions that were quite regular in timing and more painful than Braxton Hicks for over an hour or two and I thought, THIS IS IT! Except it wasn’t. I no longer think of contractions as meaning anything…until they do. If I start having contractions, I just continue on with my regular day and don’t let myself get too excited. I know you will arrive when it is the right time for you. Good things come to those who wait.

These extra days of anticipation have you daddy going crazy, too. He may be worse than me. He is constantly asking how I am, if I feel anything, if anything is going on. I actually had to ask him to stop asking. I couldn’t handle the anticipation myself and his asking all the time. He did defend himself by saying that he has to ask so much because he knows I wouldn’t tell him anything until I’m sure it is the real deal as not to get him too excited for a false alarm. He’s right, but still.

We’ve been spending the extra time finishing up anything we can and trying to shower your brother with attention as we know soon we will have two children to love and give our attention to.

When you’re ready baby girl, we are too.

Love,

Mom

Feeling: Very uncomfortable and caught up in the magical excitement of seriously…ANY DAY NOW could be it!

There is something so magical and nerve-wracking about going past your due date. You know meeting your baby is just days (or maybe hours) away, but you are so anxious for their arrival it is hard to concentrate on anything else. There is also something so annoying about going past your due date with people constantly checking in on you because they care, feeling uncomfortable and starting to feel like you might actually be pregnant FOREVER. I know I won’t, but still.

I’m a firm believer in letting baby come when they are ready and not taking measures to rush their arrival unless truly medically necessary. I deny opportunities to be checked at appointments as it really means nothing, and I do not want to be induced unless medically necessary. Talks of induction in early November if nothing happens though feels like 8 million years from now. I can’t imagine being pregnant for 42 weeks.

Cravings: Some days nothing. Other days sweet stuff. Pumpkin spice lattes.

Weight Gain: At my 40 week appointment I had gained 25 pounds.

Symptoms: Baby girl is sitting so low. Our midwife even commented how very low you are. Uncomfortably, have-to-pee-all-the-time, it-hurts-when-I-walk low. I feel like it can’t be long until your arrival as some other signs of your arrival have started to happen, but I will spare the details.

Workouts/Running: Just walking feels like an effort. I’m still trying to get out for a few walks a week, but you are making things quite uncomfortable lately.

Week 38-Walking, prenatal sculpt DVD and yoga DVD. I shared the details of these DVD’s in my previous bumpdate post.

Week 39-I managed a couple short walks this week. We also went for a hike at a nearby state park.

Week 40-Running errands feels like a workout. Walked two miles on the afternoon before baby girl would be born.

Looking Forward To: Holding you in my arms. Soon baby girl. Soon.

Sarah

10Oct2016

{Bumpdate} 38 Weeks

Posted in Bumpdates {Baby #2} by sneaksandstilettos

Halfway through the 38th week and eek!! The real scary thing isn’t Halloween this October, rather it’s the unfinished things on our list. Despite having some things to do yet, we are excited to meet you! I’m hoping to share some photos from your room very soon.

Baby Girl,

I’ve been thinking about how raising a daughter will be different from raising a son. Teaching middle school has given me quite the insight into how big gender differences are in the teen years. Dealing with all those emotions and challenges could be interesting. I also think about the important things I hope to teach you and realize that they are not so different from your brother.

I want to teach you to be kind to yourself and others. To be confident, but not arrogant. To be happy, but always grateful. To achieve your hopes and dreams, but be willing to tackle a challenge to get there. To love yourself and others, but be humble. To make the world a better place than when you arrived. To be a friend to those in need even if they might be different from you. To embrace people’s differences while acknowledging your own. And of course so much more.

I look forward to seeing your sweet baby face and watching you grow into the person you are meant to be my little love.

Love,

Mom

Feeling: Completely overwhelmed by our last minute tasks, but so excited to meet you, too. This past month involved a husband gone for a weekend, a child who visited the doctor 4 times and has been sick on and off with two ear infections and an allergic reaction to antibiotic with full body hives, water in our basement resulting in the complete removal of our finished basement flooring, our washing machine basically quitting and my teaching partner colleague leaving the teaching profession so my long-term sub plans went from an outline and resources to 60 days of day-by-day lesson plans for two long term subs to follow. Now I know why I’ve been stressed. Soon you will be here and this will all be forgotten.

Relieved to cross items off our list like gifts for labor and delivery staff (Angie’s Kettle Corn, Kind bar, Chips Ahoy, Ghirardelli Chocolate and Tic Tacs), big brother gift (shirt-got for his bday, puzzle, flash cards, train set and snacks) and daddy’s hospital survival kit (soduko, beef jerky, chips, Mike and Ike’s, Snickers, mints, gum and one dollar bills for the vending machine. A card, too). I love making stuff like this, but it totally stresses me out, too.

Cravings: Some days nothing. Other days sweet stuff. Pumpkin spice lattes.

Weight Gain: At my 38 week appointment I had gained 25 pounds.

Symptoms: Nothing new other than feeling like you have moved downward. Not dropped completely, but on your way.

Workouts/Running:

36 Weeks & 37 Weeks-Walking, Prenatal Sculpt and Yoga as often as possible. I haven’t been tracking my walks as I just have been so rushed for time. I’m fitting in a prenatal sculpt workout and/or yoga at home whenever possible. I’m definitely not rocking the workouts like I’d hoped to be at the end of this pregnancy.

Freezer Meals-(Both are from Diary of a Fit Mommy’s Blog)

Southwest Chicken & Rice

Ingredients

2 cups cooked brown rice
15 ounces drain and rinse Black Beans, Canned
1 cup drain Whole Kernel Corn, Canned
½ cups Salsa
1 teaspoon Cumin
½ cups Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
2 cups chicken, shredded

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine rice, beans, corn, salsa, and cumin.
Divide among indicated number of baking pans and top with cheese.
Cover tightly with foil. Label and freeze.
Bake from frozen at 350 for 1 hour or until cheese is melted and rice is warmed through.

Pepperjack Chicken Taquitos-SO AMAZING. A must make!

Ingredients:

8oz. cream cheese
3 c. chicken, cooked & shredded
1.5 c. shredded pepperjack cheese
1 6oz. can green chilies or 1/2 cup salsa verde
20 small tortillas
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
2 tbsp. lime juice
1 tsp. cumin

Instructions:

Melt cream cheese in a bowl. Mix in the spices, lime juice, chilies (or salsa), chicken, and cheese.
Add 2 tbsp. of mixture to each tortillas and roll.
To freeze, place on wax paper on a cookie cheet and stick in the freezer for 30 minutes.
Remove from cookie sheet and place in a ziplocked gallon bag.
When ready to cook, bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Looking Forward To: Your arrival and holding you for the first time, AND you and your brother meeting for the first time.

Sarah

13Sep2016

{Bumpdate} 34 Weeks

Posted in Bumpdates {Baby #2} by sneaksandstilettos

Baby Girl,

Most of the time I now think of myself as having two kids. It is both exciting and scary. Not a vision goes by of our family’s future that you are not a part of. Dream vacations, family trips, and thoughts of everyday moments include you in it. When you think about how we don’t even know what you look like or who you will be, it is kind of crazy that you are such a part of our life already.

I’m also convinced that your brother knows you are in there even if he can’t understand what that means exactly. He has become even more obsessed with lifting up my shirt and poking my belly button, but he also seems to be feeling my belly more lately. Without any prompting he has also started laying his head on you. The other night when I was up with him all night because he’s been sick, his little head was laying on my belly and you were just a kicking away. Looks like you are picking on him already.

Of course, I hope you spend more time getting along than not.

Love,

Mom

Feeling: Nervous about your arrival and guilty for having another child.

I’m so caught up in what this change will be like for Pierce and worrying about how he will take it. I feel guilty for the time it will take away from him and the attention he will miss out on. I can’t imagine spending less time with him or not being involved in his every moment. At the same time, I’m nervous about your arrival. I feel like I’m not as prepared as the weeks keep flying by and I haven’t been preparing like I did last time. I feel like it was so long ago that we had a newborn even though it was only 16 months ago.

Cravings: Chocolate! Hershey kisses have only a 2.8g of carbs, so I find myself enjoying a few here and there. My blood sugar still remains great, and I have only had one high reading by 1 point on a unique day (after eating out and sitting).

Weight Gain: At my last appointment a week and a half ago I had gained 21.5 pounds.

Symptoms: Feeling good some days and very pregnant others. Very tired after school days. Like I can’t even think straight tired. Suffering battered feet. It appears my feet have grown a half size or more by the end of some days. I have almost no work shoes that I can get my feet into. The ones I can squeeze into leave my feet brutalized by the end of the day. Peeing all of the time. Seriously! Multiple times a night.

Workouts/Running: The struggle has been real.

I’m trying to not make excuses, but juggling the school day, picking up Pierce and getting dinner ready for a hungry little person earlier than I expected everyday (he eats lunch at 11:00) makes getting in a workout after school impossible. The husband is home too late to help start dinner or help in other ways. After Pierce goes to bed, forget about it. I am falling asleep in seconds if I sit down. Right now I feel I need the extra rest.

As for my weekend goals, well the struggle continues. Two weekends ago we were out of town the entire weekend. If you have a young kid or more, then you know this means your kid(s) will wake up extra early and probably not sleep that great. On top of this, they can terrorize a hotel room in seconds, so working out is super difficult if your also trying to get yourself, a husband and a child fed and ready to be places.

This weekend the husband was gone fishing and I am beyond my capacity to run and push a stroller. Pierce has also been pretty sick. We’ve been dealing with a high fever that showed up on at least 6 of the last 7 days. We’ve been to the doctor twice. We had planned to run the Labor Day Dash 5k in Madison this past Labor Day, but the little man woke up too sick to do that so we had to adjust our plans. I was bummed and hoped to run one last race. Oh, well. Sacrifice is part of parenthood. Sick babies need love and attention so workouts take a backseat.

Needless to say, you won’t find many miles ran. I’m not ready to say I’ve ran my last run yet. Most of my reasons for not running have little to do with how I feel and more just logistics of life. I am hoping to get in a few more runs, but if life has another plan for me then I’m also ok with that. I will have lots of time to run in the future. As for other types of workout, well logistics have made them a struggle, too.

32 Weeks-

Ran-4.5 miles (2.5, 2)

Walked, but haven’t been keeping track of miles.

33 Weeks-

Ran-0 miles

Walked, but haven’t been keeping track of miles. I should start.

Freezer Meals:

Baked Ziti-We like to use whole wheat noodles and up the spices. Season to your taste!

Cheesy Taco Bake and Tuscan Pasta

Looking Forward To: Making the most of our last moments as a family of three.

Sarah

27Aug2016

{Bumpdate} 32 Weeks

Posted in Bumpdates {Baby #2} by sneaksandstilettos

Two days from 33 weeks, I finally got this post together. I’m glad to be documenting along the way even if it often takes me longer to get a post organized than I’d like. Looking back on these memories is always special and worth it.

Baby Girl,

We are down to single digit weeks until we meet you. I’ve come to terms with giving up lattes and treats for our health, and it hasn’t really been all that hard. As the days dwindle down, I find myself daydreaming about what you will look like. Will you look like your brother or have your own features from birth? What kind of baby will you be? Will you show us your personality early on or save that for later? I look forward to snuggling you and the feeling of a new baby on my chest, those little legs all tucked in. I can’t wait to look at your fingers and toes and the shape of your nose.

At the same time some of that new mom anxiety is creeping in. Will you arrive healthy? Will I feel as great after delivery as last time? Will breastfeeding be as much of a success as last time? Will you sleep any better than your brother? How will I share the love between two? How will I get two kids ready and dropped off at daycare on my own?

When I start to worry I default back to the good things…new baby smell, those little newborn sounds, watching you sleep, memorizing your face and seeing your daddy and brother hold you for the first time. When I think about all the exciting and scary first moments to come, I know it will be crazy emotional, crazy overwhelming, crazy blissful, but mostly just crazy good.

Love,

Mom

Feeling: Whoa, we are actually having another baby! I have so much to do. Let’s do this, this and this. Wait, I’m so tired!

Ironically I felt this exact same way at this point in my pregnancy last time minus feeling so tired at times. A combination of where has the time gone and there is only/we still have 8 weeks to go is definitely taking place.

I also have an intense desire to get projects wrapped up. We’ve been working like crazy every moment we have to cross something else off the list. Everything in our garage was removed, organized, sorted and cleaned. It is currently in piles waiting to be put back on shelves, but it will be so great to have a clean and organized garage.

In the kitchen, a few cabinets have been touched up with paint, the coffee/beverage bar project underway, a new kitchen faucet installed and a hideous storage cabinet relocated to the garage that was also cleaned out and organized.

The house has been pressure washed, the deck swept and scrubbed, gutters cleaned and trees trimmed. To do is a new mailbox post.

Baby girl’s room has been painted and needs a few touch ups, her curtain rod has been hung, some wall art ordered and her dresser ready to go. Still to do: hang wall art, put up shelves, new closet doors and put the finishing touches on her room.

Cravings: Chocolate occasionally, but not really anything. It helps knowing any treat I might crave I can’t really have so why even go there.

Weight Gain: 20 pounds. After my appointment with the dietician last week I had lost 2 pounds since my previous dietician and 29 week appointments. I guess giving up the lattes and the few times a week treats can add up even when pregnant.

Symptoms: Feeling good most of the time, but very pregnant and tired at other times. Frequent potty breaks, feeling very pregnant by the end of the day, fatigue and being emotional at times.

Workouts/Running:

I’m already struggling with balancing back to school, getting projects done and working out. In the past after bedtime was my go to workout time during the school year, but by evening I’m feeling too tired and uncomfortable to get in much of a workout. I am still excited that running is even something I still want to do at this point. Last time around I was done for and didn’t even really have an interest in running at this point in my pregnancy.

As for balancing time, I’ll be honest, I don’t have a solution in mind yet exactly. Getting up earlier really isn’t an option unless I get up at 4:30 am, and that is not going to happen. I already have to be up by 5:30 a.m. to get myself ready, my son ready and dropped off at daycare, and get myself to work.

I’m hoping to feel well enough to run a day or two a week after school and to get a run or two in on weekend mornings. I will plan to walk most nights. With less than eight weeks to go until baby girl, this might be the best I can muster knowing there will be after school meetings and more frequent doctor appointments, too.

30 Weeks-

Ran-7.5 miles (3, 3, 1.5)

Walked-10 miles

31 Weeks-

Ran-4.6 miles (2.5, 2.1)

Walked-8 miles

Freezer Meals-So far I’ve made two freezer meals-Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas (we like to add extra veggies to this recipe like different colored peppers) and Chicken Manicotti (it’s called Super Easy Chicken Manicotti, but I’ll be honest stuffing those shells is a pain in the butt.) When making freezer meals I simply make two pans of one dish for dinner one evening. One gets eaten that night and as leftovers, and the other frozen with a label for a later date.

This means that once baby girl arrives the meal has already been cooked and only needs to be defrosted in the refrigerator the night before and popped in the oven for dinner. I’ve linked both recipes above. By using low carb tortillas and eating only one manicotti shell with extra chicken, both dishes have met my GD diet requirements.

Looking Forward To: Meeting baby girl for the first time. I’m really starting to look forward to all those sweet new baby moments. I can’t wait to see what you look like, hold you and for you to meet your daddy and big brother.

Sarah

15Aug2016

{Bumpdate} 30 Weeks

Posted in Bumpdates {Baby #2} by sneaksandstilettos

Of course after taking this photo I realize I’ve already worn this dress for a bumpdate, but then I realize I don’t really care because soon I won’t be 30 weeks anymore (taken on 30 weeks, 4 days.) 😉 I also realized these stripes make me look significantly more pregnant than solids, but I’ve just got a thing for stripes!

Baby Girl,

I’ve been worrying so much about you since finding out I have gestational diabetes.* Of all people, I NEVER expected to get those results. The guilt I feel is immense. My one job as your mom so far has been to make the best choices I can to ensure your safety during your 40 week stay and delivery, and it seems I’m failing already.

I’ve always tried to live by the 80/20 rule. Eat healthy and make smart choices 80% of the time and live a little the other 20% of the time. It turns out that might work for some, but for this pregnancy it’s not enough. Giving up my lattes and the occasional ice cream treat has already been a challenge. If, however, following a stricter diet means you will grow to be a healthier weight and have a possibility of a safer entry into this world, then it is what I will do.

I thought all my regular worries were a lot, but now worries of birthing a big baby, induction, or worse, c-sections and you having low blood sugar after birth have me freaking out. I promise you though, little lady, I will do everything within my control to make sure you have a healthy arrival.

Love,

Mom

Feeling: Emotional about finding out I have gestational diabetes.

I never really gave much thought to that first 1 hour glucose test as I never even considered that I might actually fail it. Even when the results came back that I had failed by only 6-9 mg/dl depending on whose guidelines you follow, I was optimistic that I would not fail the 3 hour glucose test. I eat healthy most the time. Treats are occasional. I love my lattes, but I exercise everyday.

My other reasoning for not completely freaking out included: I’ve never been overweight, there is no history of diabetes in my family, I did not have a large baby last time around nor did I have gestational diabetes, I’ve been on target with my weight gain and baby girl measured on at my 29 week appointment. I rationalized that I have been maintaining running throughout this pregnancy. I ran two half marathons during my pregnancy (one training run in my first trimester and one race in my second trimester). I couldn’t possibly have gestational diabetes. Except that I do.

When I saw the missed call from the clinic the day after my 3 hour test, I knew I had failed. Two of my four tests had higher than allowed results. Despite one of the tests being over by only 6 mg/dl, two failed results is a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

I was devastated. I was shocked. I was ashamed. I was confused. I was upset. There was crying and worry. Even after having time to process this and hearing it’s not my fault, take the was out and insert AM, and that is pretty much where I am at with this diagnosis. There IS crying and worry.

After doing some research and meeting with a diabetic educator, I now have a diet plan to follow that restricts carbohydrates and increases my daily protein. Luckily so far, the only real changes I’ve made to my diet include eating more protein throughout the day, always eating carbs with protein, and eating less fruit and giving up the occasional treats and lattes. Making these changes and counting carbs has kept my blood sugar under control. Should more changes be needed, then I will make those.

Giving up the few lattes I enjoyed a week has been painful. It’s heart wrenching to think of a fall season without PSL and yummy pumpkin flavored carbs. If you don’t know what PSL is then you really won’t understand anyway. I’m being dramatic…sort of.

It sucks that I can’t have fruit or cereal for breakfast. Fruit is quite limited throughout the day actually. Sweets are out almost entirely. I’m not sure I can restrict myself to the half cup of frozen yogurt or the 2×2 piece of cake with no frosting allowed on occasion (I mean who really eats only 1 serving of frozen yogurt or ice cream? Seriously, who are you?), so I’m just avoiding it altogether so far. I was also told to be active after each time I eat a meal, but with a 15 month old and an already active lifestyle I have not found this to be an issue. Half the time I’m eating while standing and on the go already.

According to my blood sugar test results, which I take four times a day, I’ve never even been close to being over the target numbers I was given. My hope is that this continues for the remainder of my pregnancy and that my controlled blood sugar will result in a healthy (and not huge) baby girl and vaginal delivery. I’m also aware that for some pregnant women with gestational diabetes that as their pregnancies progress their blood sugar gets harder and harder to manage. If anyone has experience with this, I’d love to hear more. I don’t know of anyone who has had it.

All happy pre-gestational diabetes diagnosis. No I dont ever make my bed.

Cravings: I guess it doesn’t really matter what I’m craving since my diagnosis, but oddly enough fruit has become the new thing I wish I could have more of. I totally didn’t realize how often I would grab a pear or apple, cut up a bowl of berries or enjoy a delicious kiwi for a snack or when I was hungry. It actually tastes so sweet now when I eat it.

Weight Gain: At my 29 week prenatal appointment and when meeting with the dietician at 30 weeks, both scales said I’d gained 22 pounds. I’ve gained six pounds less than where I was at this point with my first pregnancy.

Symptoms: Many of the same symptoms remain, but I’m just feeling more pregnant. More uncomfortable. Bigger. Heavier. Less able to reach things. Lots of movement from baby girl. Much more emotional this pregnancy.

Exercise/Workouts: At 30 weeks I’m starting to feel not as good running.

I think we are officially in the take each day at a time phase of running pregnant. Each day when I dress to run I won’t know if I’m running, running and walking or just walking until I get out the door.

I’ve had a couple of great runs lately, but a lot of days I’m not feeling as good as I was before. I’m likely going to be adding in more walks and taking a few more rest days from running to help with this. The timing is also unfortunate that as I’m growing more uncomfortable our days got busier. During week 29 we were out of town four days doing fun things and I had three doctors appointments (one required fasting for 16 hours when all was said and done). This made it really hard to workout. My details are below.

28 Weeks-

Ran-8.65 miles (4.3, 1.65, 2.7)

Walked-5 miles

Hiked-4 miles in Door County

Kayaked-3.6 miles on Lake Michigan

Yoga Class-60 minute class

29 Weeks-

Ran-1.6 miles

Walked-7 miles

Looking Forward To: Celebrating your healthy arrival with you in my arms and a PSL nearby. 🙂

Sarah

*Update: I realized I didn’t explain what gestational diabetes is. It is not known why GD occurs in some pregnant women. GD occurs when the same hormones from the placenta that help the baby develop also interfere with the mother’s insulin in her body. This creates insulin resistance in the mother where her body struggles to use the insulin and that extra insulin in the blood becomes glucose and is passed to baby. Since baby doesn’t need the glucose, it becomes fat and results in bigger babies if not controlled.

Having GD does not mean the mother was or will be diabetic, but it does raise chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life for both mom and baby. Bigger babies can also lead to delivery complications like induction, csections, and low blood sugar in babies after birth requiring formula supplements and monitoring. Many women who have GD and control their blood sugar go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.

21Jul2016

{Maternity Running/Workout Clothing Favorites}

Posted in Products I love!, Running Pregnant by sneaksandstilettos

Working out during pregnancy has always been a priority for me. While working out with a bump can come with its own challenges, perhaps the biggest challenge has been dressing the growing belly for working out. If you are like me at all, then your belly won’t be the only thing doing some growing. This means that for many of us wearing our old gear that we spent so much cash on won’t work for the entire 40 weeks.

During my last pregnancy I didn’t do a ton of running after 27 weeks since I was so uncomfortable while running. I felt like baby boy was permanently parked on my bladder during every run and had lots of ligament discomfort. I mostly opted to keep my workouts to yoga, walking, using the elliptical machine and hiking as I entered my third trimester. Because I wasn’t running hardly at all in the third trimester I was able to get by with sizing up in a few items, but it was not enjoyable. This time around I’m still very much running and sizing up is quickly not working.

If sizing up works for you then feel lucky. You will save so much money. Put the word maternity on a clothing item and the price increases dramatically. At Old Navy, for example, they recently had a shirt for the whole family deal. All shirts for baby, toddler, kid, teen, mom and dad were $5. The maternity style of the same shirt was $15. They’ve got us pregnant mommas trapped. We know we can stuff ourselves into a bigger size, but we likely won’t look good or feel good doing it. They know we will (likely) spend the money to buy the shirt in maternity. Trapped!

When I feel uncomfortable with what I’m wearing or don’t like how I look in something I’m wearing, not only am I more likely to not do whatever it is that is making me wear this gear, but I’m much less likely to enjoy or want to do that activity again. If my shorts are constantly riding up or I look ridiculous on the run or my belly is hanging out, I’m much less likely to want to run again in general. This pregnancy I knew I needed to try something other than just size up in a shirt or shorts.

Several people have asked me what I wear during pregnancy workouts, so I’ve decided to share with you all what has worked for me this pregnancy. Everything I’m sharing with you has been wear tested. I’ve run in it, walked in it, yogaed in it, barre classed in it, 21 day fixed in it. You get my point, and I’ve went into detail. If you don’t have time for that see my to the point comment under each link. If you are not pregnant, but might be someday and want to workout during, file this post away until you see that positive sign.

I will be honest that some of my ideas involve spending some extra money, but in my experience with maternity active wear you pay for what you get. There just isn’t a way around this all the time. I have also been successful in finding a few ways to save money, too. Please keep in mind every pregnant body is different. While something might have worked for me, it may not for you. I do feel my recommendations will work for most women.

Get ready for lots of selfie photos as I feel this is the best way to “show” how these pieces wear. You’ll also notice some things that don’t fit my life’s priorities right now like making my bed, putting away laundry in a timely fashion or washing mirrors. So what do I recommend in order of my favorites?

#1-For Two Fitness

You pay for what you get-cute, extremely flattering and excellent fit. You won’t regret your purchases and will find yourself wanting to wear these pieces all the time.

After running a half marathon at 16 weeks. Shorts-Lululemon Speed Shorts

During my last pregnancy I looked at this company’s website so many times. I was torn between the prices and if I was a dork to wear a shirt that said running for two. This time around I realized I don’t care if I’m a dork and there is a reason they can charge $45 for a tank top and stay in business. Their workout gear is a bit pricey, but is AMAZING! I bought a running for two tank to start off with using a 20% off coupon code I got for signing up for their emails in April. At this point I barely had a bump, but despite this it still fit comfortably. The material was so soft and didn’t ride up in an annoying way despite my nearly bumpless physique. They also make solid color tanks if the writing and feet are not your style.

After running a 5 mile race at 24 weeks pregnant. Shorts-Oiselle Distance Shorts

Now that I am 27 weeks I can say I love the tank equally if not more. It continues to fit comfortably (no tight stretching across the belly) and does not ever ride up. It is super soft and has held up with repeated washings. I also can’t believe how flattering the fit is. I’m confident this tank will still fit me during the remainder of my pregnancy. I was so confident in their fit and style that I bought another tank (in the same size-small) that says sweating for two and two different bottoms.

Shorts-Oiselle Distance Shorts

The bottoms I purchased are meant to last through both summer and fall. I purchased both the Inspiration Maternity Running Shorts and the Distance Maternity Capri. The Inspiration Maternity shorts are comfortable (they ride up occasionally when I wear my maternity belt and I don’t have it positioned right) and offer a full panel that can be folded under the belly, worn mid-belly or full panel. Despite the panel, it is soft and flattering and even seems to offer some support.

Bottoms-For Two Fitness Inspiration Maternity Running Short Top-Lululemon Back on Track Tank

The Distance Maternity Capri is super flattering, doesn’t ride up or move while working out and also offers a full panel that can be folded down as you like. I purchased both bottoms in a small. I think I may have been able to buy XS, but having an entire trimester left I feel buying the small was the right way to go.

Bottom-For Two Fitness Distance Maternity Capri

Top-Lululemon Back on Track Tank

After wearing all of these items I can honestly say they are all super flattering, comfortable and bring nearly zero annoyance while working out. On a run the last thing I want to think about is what my workout clothes are doing. For Two Fitness is an example of you get what you pay for-quality, good fit and flattering. If you watch their facebook page and Instagram feeds you should be able to find coupon codes ranging from 20-30% off from time to time. New orders from customers can also receive 20% off their first purchase when you sign up for their emails. I never paid full price for my items.

#2-Buying used and in a size up on Ebay

Such a cute and affordable way to dress the bump while working out…if you know your size.

Top-Lululemon Tame Me Tank Bottom-C9 Champion Running Skirt from Target

I know I said no to sizing up, but hear me out. To balance out the more expensive purchases I made from For Two Fitness I took a chance that has really worked for me during this pregnancy. I have a few styles of Lululemon tanks that I just love and that are more flowy, yet flattering. These tanks have a sports bra top for extra support you’ll need as the ladies grow along with your belly and an elastic adjuster that can be tightened at the waist that I felt would really grow and flatter a pregnant bump without looking like I was working out in a small tent top. I figured if I went up a size or two these tanks would both allow for more room in the chest and the belly.

Because I had no idea if this would work or not, I did not want to shop Lululemon’s-We Made Too Much section (not returnable) or spend full price on Lulu that might not fit. Then it dawned on me…Ebay. I had not used my Ebay account in some time, but I logged in and searched for a couple of styles that I knew I loved because I own them already and are there fit is flowy (specifically Back on Track Tank and Tame Me Tank), but flattering (sports bra and elastic adjuster at waist). Having two different sizes of the tanks already at home I knew that both tanks allow some flexibility in sizing, but decided to go up two sizes from the largest size I had to make sure these tanks would still fit me in the final days of my pregnancy.

After doing a search on Ebay I found dozens of the tanks I was thinking would work available to bid on. I placed a few bids and won a couple of tank tops. With shipping I paid $21 and $27 for the tanks I won compared to paying $50 some from the clearance Lululemon section or $60+ for new. Since pregnancy lasts a short time I just could not justify buying brand new Lululemon that I hope to never need to wear long-term. Both the Tame Me and Back on Track Tanks (see For Two Fitness section for photo) will work awesome for hiding the postpartum belly, too.

The best part is, my plan worked out perfectly. I love the fit and how flattering both tanks are. I might have been able to just go up one size, but I wanted to make sure these would fit comfortably in the final days of pregnancy and when the breasts are extremely large postpartum. If you’ve never shopped Lululemon before, then buying these tanks used might be a gamble when guessing your size, but I feel they run true to size normally. You might also consider looking up your favorite loose workout brand on eBay and buying up a size or two. I may or may not have a few more bids going right now for more Lululemon in a size or two bigger. Their workout gear is just so adorable and flattering that it is almost impossible not to love.

#3-Abundant Heart (Tops)

Fun, comfy and cute tanks you will look forward to wearing during pregnancy and postpartum. Not likely to fit during the third trimester.

I couldn’t find a full bump photo in one of their tops, but the above photos show me postpartum after my last pregnancy and how the fit changed as I got back to my pre-baby shape.

I have loved, loved, loved Abundant Heart tanks since I learned about them from other bloggers and the fit ladies I follow on Instagram. Their tanks are not maternity, but the burnout tanks run a little big/long and are stretchy. This little bit big allows them to fit comfortably when you are not expecting and gives you the first two trimesters worth of expanding belly to still wear them.

Postpartum these are so soft, the sayings motivating and the fit flattering. These tanks would be a great addition to your maternity workout wardrobe early on and something to look forward to wearing after baby, too. Make sure you select a burnout fit style if you are looking at wearing these during pregnancy or postpartum. The other styles are not as forgiving or as stretchy. This is another great company to follow on social media for coupon codes! I’ve never paid full price for their shirts.

#4-C9 Champion Running Skirts

Add some fun to your pregnancy workout wardrobe. Great fit and flattering. Awesome for after baby, too.

Bottom-C9 Champion from Target Top-Forever 21

I love running skirts for the fit and cuteness factor. They are one of my favorite gear choices to run in AND they look great running errands or chasing a toddler. They made it on to my maternity running gear list because I feel they can be more flattering and forgiving than shorts to the growing pregnant body. Since they come with shorts underneath you have the coverage of shorts, but a skirt to smooth out your shape and it allows for hips and thighs to expand without the tight waist bands that can cut in and the restriction of leg holes.

Bottom-C9 Champion from Target Top-Old Navy Activewear

Most of my regular sized running skirts still fit at 27 weeks pregnant and a couple I went up a size in last summer when I was searching for running clothes to wear postpartum are working great during pregnancy, too. Most of my favorite skirts are from the Target C9 Champion line which makes them affordable, too. Two styles similar to the running skirts I own include the C9 Champion Women’s Skort and the C9 Champion Women’s Woven Skort. If you’ve not considered yourself a running skirt person, don’t count these out until you try them. You might surprise yourself.

#5-Forever 21 (Tops)

Inexpensive tops that you might have to try on in multiple sizes to get the fit and comfort you want. Be prepared for a few to work and a lot to not, but what you do find you have a good chance of loving.

Top-Forever 21 Bottom-Nike Tempo Short

No, you did not read this wrong. Yes, Forever 21 is an often cheaply made teen store. I have not lost my mind. When you are looking for workout clothes that will last a short time, sometimes you look in unusual places. Last summer I was postpartum and trying to fit my ever-changing body with anything that looked flattering, was comfortable on the run and didn’t cause any wardrobe malfunctions. Oh, and the price couldn’t cut into my diaper budget. Somewhere, somehow I found Forever 21. I was quickly shocked at the quality and how their workout gear has held up over the past year.

There workout clothes run small as they are a juniors store (mostly their bottoms which I’m not a huge fan of in general). When shopping here forget about the size and go with fit. While some of their gear is hit or miss, I found some pieces last summer that worked great and are still in my running clothes rotation even as I’m about to enter my third trimester. I went with looser tank tops to hide the belly which has helped them work during pregnancy. Similar tanks include the Active 2-in-1 Space Dye Tank and the Active Shadow Stripe Muscle Tank (you might want to layer under this one). Because the clothing is so, so affordable you could even consider buying a style in more than one size if needed to last you your entire pregnancy.

#6-Old Navy Active Wear

Appearances can be deceiving. What looks cute and comfy on may perform differently. An extremely affordable, but hit or miss brand of active wear. Some pieces you will love and others you will hate.

Bottom-Old Navy Activewear Top-Basic tank from Target

I mentioned Old Navy for their maternity clothes in a post I did about my Summer Maternity Clothing Favorites earlier this month. My biggest issue with Old Navy is the fit is inconsistent. I did not like the fit of their maternity shorts, but the capris were ok. I believe some people may love them both though.

One of the best features of their clothes is they are cute and affordable. The price on these is hard to ignore, but I’ve learned the hard way if it doesn’t really fit, then no deal is worth it because you will never feel comfortable or confident in what you are wearing. I also feel their active wear has the look of being active, but not the quality or wearability to hold up to intense exercise. If you are looking for cute athletic wear without actually working out much, it might be great for those comfy days or going for a walk. The shorts above are one of my favorites to wear around the house or running errands.

So after that why would I recommend Old Navy Activewear? Two reasons:

1) You will likely need postpartum workout clothes. After having baby number one I found that the clothing items I sized up in surely didn’t last me my entire pregnancy, but were the only things I found to fit in the early weeks after baby. Having something that fit got me out walking and running with some confidence when I would not have had the time or energy to shop for myself.

Top-Old Navy Activewear Bottom-Nike Tempo Short

I also put Old Navy as #5 because I did size up one size from my regular top and short size in their regular Active Wear collection and have found some success. The shorts tend to ride up, but the tanks are working ok for now. Both are cute which buys them some credit in my book. In another month I believe I will have phased out both the tops and bottoms, but again I know they will be used postpartum.

Top and Bottom-Old Navy Activewear

2) What kind of exercise you do determines what kind of gear you need. If you are not a runner and prefer walking or elliptical or lifting or hiking or 21 Day Fixing then this workout gear is likely perfect. You don’t have a need (as much) for items to not ride up or stay in place during workouts because your activity of choice will not move clothing around like running does. If you don’t need to spend the money on specific gear, then I would for sure recommend trying their Old Navy Maternity Activewear and/or sizing up in their women’s activewear. I currently save what I do have from Old Navy for short run days as it is not comfortable for my pregnant runs more than 3 miles. My shorts work great for a walk and ride up constantly on a run.

#7-Sizing up in your favorite gear.

Good luck! Some brands and styles this will work and others will not. Sometimes you will try this route to save money and it will be less than flattering, but nonetheless still an option.

Sizing up in my first pregnancy. Can you tell it was winter?!

Again, I don’t recommend this idea overall. I always want it to work, but as I mentioned already this is a temporary fix. During trimester two going up a size in my Nike Tempos and Old Navy Activewear helped me out this time around, but these are quickly losing their comfort and fit.

Top-Abundant Heart Bottom-Oiselle Distance Short

I do have some lower rise shorts (Oiselle Distance Shorts and Lululemon Speed Shorts and Run Times) that I have been able to continue wearing in my prepregnancy size. I know this is likely temporary as my hips and thighs seem to expand and grow along with the bump. I don’t mind buying up a size in a few items I like because anything you size up in will probably be your go to gear in those first postpartum weeks and months so it is not a total waste.

If sizing up stops working for you, then don’t be afraid to buy some real maternity workout gear. I’m so glad I did and really regret not doing so last time around. My suffering was not necessary. By mix and matching new and used along with maternity wear and sizing up you can find a comfortable, cute and affordable workout wardrobe to last you through all the pregnant miles, workouts and postpartum.

Any maternity workout clothes you love? Let me know! I’m sure I missed some great brands and styles.

Sarah

15Jul2016

Bumpdate {26 Weeks}

Posted in Bumpdates {Baby #2} by sneaksandstilettos

Baby Girl,

Lately you are making me have the weirdest dreams and waking me up during the night. I would love to have a dream with you in it. When I wake up in the night, I immediately start thinking about all we have to get ready before you arrive. This of course causes me to kind of freak out a bit. The good news is this is helping me overcome some fatigue during the evening to get projects done around the house that I imagine will be near impossible after your arrival and two kids.

When I wake up during the night, I also start worrying about how we will juggle two littles so young and close in age while making sure both of your needs are met and that you both feel so loved AND also stay sane. When I think about all the joy your brother has brought us, I just know that you will do the same and the struggle with be so rewarding and full of love, too.

We are getting so excited to meet you.

Love,

Mom

Feeling: Productive and Nesty (That’s a word now!)

My summer to do list has very few things crossed off of it largely in part to the fact that the husband has been gone a lot. Making progress on household projects with a 14 month old is near impossible. If I do manage to accomplish much of anything it means I either stayed up way too late or I have another large mess to clean up. Now that the husband is home more I’m on a daily mission to get things done. This week our office got a much needed refiling and reorganization. I just love walking by and seeing it all neat and clean. I’ve got some finishing touches to put on it and then it will be complete. This project is going to save us time and energy this fall when we are back to work full time with two kids 18 months and under.

Cravings: Same as the last bumpdate-Cereal (Kellogg’s Special K with Red Berries and Chocolate Chex)

Weight Gain: Not sure. At my 25 week appointment last week I was up 15.75 pounds. I have not been weighing myself at home, so I have nothing else to go by.

Symptoms: The same symptoms as before remain: tired in the evening, heart burn, sore lower back at times. New this week is insomnia when I wake up during the night. If/when I wake up I am having a really hard time falling back asleep. My to do lists and worries immediately pop into my head and keep me up. Baby girl is usually busy kicking away, too. I am almost always getting up to pee once a night, but that isn’t really new. I’m also having the weirdest dreams, but never about her. During my last pregnancy I never dreamed of Pierce, which I thought was strange. I’m curious if this will be true with baby girl.

Exercise/Workouts: At 26 weeks I’m still feeling good on the run. There are of course difficult runs on some days, but that is to be expected.

Week 24-Ran 13.4 miles (3, 1, 5, 1.25, 3.15)

Week 25-Ran 11.8 miles (2.1, 4.5, 1, 1, 3.15), walked 3 miles, 1 hour yoga class, 2.5 mile hike

Looking Forward To: Getting baby girl’s room complete (same as last time).

I’m not sure how many weeks I can keep using this, but since we have continued to make zero progress on this one big project, I’m keeping it as one of the top things I’m looking forward to before baby gets here.

Sarah

7Jul2016

{Why you should consider streaking!} #rwrunstreak 2016

Posted in Running Pregnant, Uncategorized by sneaksandstilettos

I can’t say enough about my #rwrunstreak experience this summer. In the past streaks have been hit or miss, and I’d never been as successful with streaking as I was with this streak. I’m super proud of running 34 out of 36 days during the streak.

What was unexpected about this streak is all the benefits I gained from maintaining my streak. I share them with you in hopes that you might try your own streak or join in the fall/winter streak from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day later this year and benefit, too.

{Benefit #1-Build on or maintain your fitness level.}

Even more rewarding than the number of days I ran was the way streaking helped me maintain and even build my fitness. I attribute streaking with being the main reason why my recent 5 mile race at 24 weeks pregnant felt so great. Running a mile feels like nothing most days now. I also feel much stronger during runs of several miles than when I started out even though I’ve gained more weight and bump as my pregnancy has progressed.

This makes streaking a perfect way for runners to get back into running and to build fitness without overwhelming the body. Because you get to pick the distance you run each day (as long as it is at least one mile) you can listen to your body. Legs tired from your run the day before? Run one easy active recovery mile. Legs feeling great and strong? Go for a longer run. You can always run just one mile tomorrow. Maybe you just ran a marathon? A streak where you determine the miles not a training plan can be a perfect way to recover and find joy in running again.

{Benefit #2-Find you love of running.}

I know, I know streaking requires running everyday. How can this make you love running? You get to control your run everyday. You get to pick where, how far, how long, etc. You can get creative with your route or run the same route each day. You can determine your miles before you leave or run by feel and turn around whenever you want. There is no training plan telling you what you must do. Just you and your running shoes out for a run. Whether a newbie runner or an experienced runner getting back into running, you can find enjoyment in pounding the pavement. Starting is always hard, but it will get easier! Just don’t expect to love it right away.

I found that being able to run what I want, when I want made me find a lot more joy in running. Yes, some days I dreaded getting out there, but I got to have that I-just-ran accomplished and awesomeness feeling, you guessed it, EVERY SINGLE DAY (well, except two.) Talk about loving your run!

{Benefit #3-Lose the I’m busy excuse.}

I get it. We are all busy. I find myself using this word so much that I actually annoy myself. But, guess what? We all have time for streaking. One of my biggest barriers to working out is feeling busy and like I don’t have time. Make time for at least that mile and you will find making time for running gets easier and more important. What is important to us we do. I started planning ahead and over the course of the streak have gotten much better about making time in my life for running than I was prior to starting the streak.

Because you get to run what you choose each day it allows for the craziness of life to happen. Have an unexpected event come up? Run just one mile when you get home. Have a crazy day ahead? Run just one mile in the morning before your day begins. Find yourself with some extra time? I know me neither, but go longer. It is the perfect plan for the busy person.

{Benefit #4-Lose the other excuses, too}

It is so easy to make excuses. I’m pregnant so don’t even get me started on this. If I wanted I could come up with an excuse every SINGLE day. I’m tired. My bump feels heavy. I’m nauseous. I didn’t have a chance to eat yet. I’m dehydrated. My feet hurt. My arches hurt. It’s too late. It’s too hot. We have somewhere to be soon. My back hurts. I have a headache. It’s raining. I have heartburn. I’m bored with my running route. My Garmin is dead. My phone is dead. I’m sick of my running playlist. The list goes on. I’m pretty sure all of these excuses crossed my mind at least once during my streak time. We all make them at times, but overcoming them can be so good for us.

Streaking helped me realize that I do have time to run that one mile before my packed day. It helped me see that running a mile at 9:30 p.m. is both doable and rewarding. Streaking helped me see that no matter how hot, wet or dreadful the conditions a mile or two is definitely possible. Overcoming excuses everyday has helped me make less of them.

{Benefit #5-Find your me time again.}

We all have demands in life. Some days we feel like someone always needs us for something. Our to do list is longer than the time in our schedule. We just want some time for ourselves once and while. Even just 10-15 minutes would have a rejuvenating impact.

Hello, #rwrunstreak! Without intending for streaking to give me time to myself, it ended up giving me time to myself multiple days a week. Some days were stroller runs. Some days were family runs. A lot of days though were just me and my music and my running shoes hitting the pavement. It became a chance for me to clear my head, breathe the fresh air or catch up on some guilty pleasure TV while running on the treadmill. It was time I would have struggled to give myself otherwise and I felt happier all around because of it.

{Benefit #6-Make running a habit.}

On the last day of my streak I mentioned to my husband feeling a sense of loss that the streak was ending. What would I do when I didn’t have to run? How would I organize my day if a run wasn’t in it? Without forcing it to or trying to running had become a need and something I wanted to be a part of each day. Not running seemed, well, weird.

A few days post-streak with a few days off and I’m itching to run. I feel grouchy having missed a couple of days. I like that I have a need and desire to run each day again. It makes it so much easier to keep at it and enjoy all these benefits when I want to run.

{Benefit #7-Get over a distance requirement.}

In the past if I didn’t “have time” to run more than two miles I wasn’t going. I always thought what was the point? I wouldn’t feel like I worked out. It would be a waste of time when I could get something else done. There is no fitness benefit to such a short distance.

Post-streak I know this is absolutely not true. If you are not training for a long distance race, then running even just a mile a day can feel like a workout and build fitness. It can relieve stress and make you feel more relaxed. A mile IS enough to change a bad mood or negative attitude. A mile can make you feel accomplished. And all those one mile runs add up over 36 days. Even running one mile each day is 36 miles at the end of this streak.

Of the 66.6 miles I ran during my streak, 21.5 of those miles were from runs of less than two miles. 21.5 miles I would have skipped in the past because they wouldn’t have been enough or really counted for an experienced runner like me.* I’ve had a change of heart and now see the benefit in running “just one mile.” There is no mileage requirement to be a runner after all and this helped remind me of this.

*Keep in mind for a beginner or someone getting back into running this is great mileage.

{Benefit #8-Run further.}

Some days your run a mile and you are ready or have to be done. On occasion though everything clicks and a planned one mile run turns into two and then three miles or more. You got yourself out the door, the hardest part, by saying “just one mile.” Then running took over and you ran further than you thought you would. Streaking allows you this opportunity everyday. If you give yourself a chance, you might surprise yourself. I know I did on a multiple occasions.

Before you think streaking is not your thing or say you can’t, consider the benefits! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Now go run just that one mile!

Sarah

7Jul2016

Bumpdate {24 Weeks}

Posted in Bumpdates {Baby #2} by sneaksandstilettos

Today I am 25 weeks and the photo below was taken yesterday. So much for keeping up with these updates! With the 4th of July holiday we were on the go and did not have time to take a bumpdate photo. Oh, well!

Baby Girl,

We may have found a name for you! Just like last time we casually came across a name without looking in a baby book that both your dad and I like. It is way too early to say if it will be your name or not as lots could change, but we’ve started calling you it on a regular basis. Of course your dad still calls you Mildred quite often, our nickname for you. I do not use this name as I just can’t. You are not a Mildred.

This past week we bought your brother a baby doll to get ready for your arrival along with some big brother books. He could not wait to get his doll out of the box and immediately gave her kisses. It was so sweet. We could be wrong, but we think he will be such a sweet big brother.

We can’t wait to give you kisses for real in a few months!

Love,

Mom

Feeling: More like myself

Last Thursday marked 24 Weeks for baby girl and I. The past few weeks I have been feeling much more like myself. I have not been so emotional and have been getting my drive back to get stuff done full force. This is so exciting for me. I love being productive.

Cravings: Cereal (Kellogg’s Special K with Red Berries and Chocolate Chex)

Weight Gain: At my 25 week appointment today I was up 15.75 total pounds. This brought on a panic initially because that means I gained just over 8 pounds in the last month. Eeekkkk!! I did look back at my last pregnancy weight gain and this exact same month I gained 7.5 pounds and then my weight gain leveled off again until the end. Here’s to hoping that’s the case this time, too.

Or maybe it had something to do with wearing jeans and long sleeves to this appointment compared to a sundress last time. We will find out. I try not to stress too much as I believe if you are eating right and exercising your body does what it needs when you are pregnant, but seeing an increase like I did is never easy. I remain about 3 pounds lighter than my last pregnancy at this point even with the big jump this month. A healthy baby girl is all that matters, but let’s be real. We would all prefer a healthy child without unnecessary weight gain.

Symptoms: I’m still feeling tired at the end of the day and I’m thinking this may be here to stay. New with this bumpdate are that lower back aches are becoming a regular along with some sciatic nerve pain. Nightly heartburn after I go to bed showed up a week or two ago just like during my first pregnancy.

Exercise/Workouts: I maintained my #rwrunstreak during the past few weeks logging the following miles during each week along with the following workouts:

Week 22-Ran 10 miles (2.05, 3, 1.1, 1.2, 2.64) Both of my missed runs during my #rwrunstreak from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July were during this week. It was a tough week.

Week 23-Ran 12.8 miles (1, 1, 1.07, 2.04, 1.5, 5, 1.2), 1 strength training session, 1 short hike (.8 miles) and 1 hour outdoor yoga class.

Looking Forward To:

Getting baby girl’s room complete (same as last time). I purchased most of the items we are going to be putting in her room. Now it is time to tape, paint and decorate. Hopefully we will have some time to get to this soon.

Sarah

3Jul2016

{Remembering Jesse Parker Race Report-5 Mile}

Posted in Race Reports, Running Pregnant by sneaksandstilettos

Saturday I ran the Remembering Jesse Parker 5 Mile Race. Because of the races proximity to one of my favorite holidays, the Fourth of July, I just had to take the opportunity to dress in Merica related attire (Tank-For Two Fitness, Shorts-Oiselle, Socks-Procompression, Headband-Bic Bands). If you follow me on Instagram @sneaksandstilettos or on Facebook, then you know I did not wake up feeling like I wanted to run this race…at all.

Running this race though was such a powerful reminder to myself that sometimes we don’t even know what is best for ourselves. I wanted to run the race, but didn’t feel like it that morning. Had I given in to those negative thoughts, I know I’d be regretting it now. Instead I got myself ready, out the door and to the start line despite not wanting to.

Once that gun fired I was surprised by how good it felt to be out there amongst others running. The race atmosphere is so inspiring and uplifting. Seeing other runners go for it also makes me love running races. Everything just clicked Saturday morning, and I felt strong and great the entire race. I was able to maintain a slightly faster pace than what I likely would have running on my own. Just another benefit of racing!

While running pregnant I never focus on my pace too much. Lately though I have been liking using my Garmin more than my Runkeeper app so I can keep a close eye on my pace. This helps me make sure I’m not going too hard when that uplifting song comes pumping through the headphones. Going too fast just makes the rest of the run harder these days, and I try to maintain a conversation pace a majority of the time when running.

Saturday the miles felt easy and my pace reflected that. Despite one bathroom stop just before mile 3 being included in my time, I managed a 9:57 pace overall according to my Garmin. Some days I run this pace, some days a bit faster and other days slower for sure. Each day is different when pregnant running. At 24 weeks pregnant I will definitely take it! Going by feel is the best advice I’d give to women looking to run while pregnant. Use the watch as a reference not an expectation and you’ll be much less disappointed or frustrated as your pregnancy progresses.

I kept having to tell myself to not get caught up in the race and slow down. I had the whole race to go!! Racing (or running) pregnant is all about listening to your body, running appropriate paces and accepting that your performance will not be what it would be if you were not pregnant. Race times will slower, your place higher and your pace not what you are used to. So why race when pregnant? Racing is a great way to keep elements of the sport you love and can be incredibly motivating to keep running as the weeks creep towards 40!

My mile splits are included below as this is a race report, but is only for my reference.

Mile 1-9:21

Mile 2-10:02

Mile 3-10:58 (Bathroom break)

Mile 4-9:55

Mile 5-9:28

Overall I’m feeling really good while running and am so excited that running 5 miles still feels great and fairly easy on most days. Again each day is different, but I was already getting very uncomfortable on most of my runs at this point in my first pregnancy. Here’s to hoping this feeling good continues. I’m attributing a lot of how I’m feeling to the consistency of my running with completing the Runner’s World Run Streak from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July. Stay tuned for a post on my #rwrunstreak this week!

Here’s to more pregnant miles!

Remembering Jesse Parker 5 Mile Race
Time-49:50
Pace-9:58
Overall-47/58
Gender-18/25
Age Group-7/11

Sarah