Team Rump 'N Roll

Rump 'N Roll

I ran a 5K this morning. It was so much fun! It was the first race that I have done in a couple of years. We put together a team called Rump 'N Roll. The race was called the Rumpshaker. It raised money for colon cancer research. There were eight of us on the team and everyone did great! It was a fun atmosphere. Jesse brought the boys along to cheer. There were a ton of people running so it was hard to meet up with everyone, but we did manage to get a picture with 5 of the 8 team members.

Places to Go

Baby Sean is rolling over!

The boys and I went for a run this morning. We ran for three miles around the neighborhood. I love our neighborhood. It's really pretty. The area is wooded and hilly and there's a creek that runs behind some of the homes. The people you meet are always friendly. Both boys really seem to enjoy the stroller most of the time. Plus, as I get faster, we are able to cover more distance in the same amount of time. Today we kept a 12 minute pace. The first two miles were at an 11 mile/min pace, but the climb up to our house is a rough one. On a treadmill, I've been doing about an 8.5 min/mile pace (if that gives you any indication as to the effects of what hills and pushing 50lbs of kiddos will do to your pace). We had fun though. Sean faces me so we smile at each other the whole time and Trent points out all our surroundings. When we got back to the house, I laid a blanket on the grass for Sean and I. Trent went in and got his toys. While Trent was drawing masterpieces on our driveway with sidewalk chalk, Sean rolled over from his back to his front. So fun to see! We were outside all morning. Sean was happy as could be to soak up the sun and Trent was all over the place. It really feels like spring is here!

Different Approach the Second Time

First, let me tell you about round 1: I ran on and (mostly) off during and after college. Then, in the fall of 2005, I decided I was going to do a triathlon. The first problem was I never had a swim lesson. I had no idea how to swim competitively. My idea of swimming back then could be defined as movement in water to avoid drowning. I did that well. But, that's not necessarily enough skill to compete in a race. I met some people at the YMCA and they taught me the correct form. My swim stroke and confidence in the water is so much better now, thanks to them. The next problem I encountered was I didn't own a bike. Easy enough, I went out and bought one. However, prior to 2005, I was probably 14 the last time I rode a bike. So, I started riding regularly after work. The running was the only thing I had semi been doing before I decided I was going to do a triathlon. I am competitive. Back then, I worked out before and after work. I would lift weights, swim, or run in the morning and bike, run or swim in the afternoon. Two-a-days were pretty common. I competed during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. I wanted to get better and better. I was decent. I never expected to win, but I was usually in the top part of my age bracket.

Fast forward four years and two babies later and we're starting round 2. During round 1, I discovered that running and biking are two of my favorite forms of exercise. I love how fast you can go on a road bike, but also enjoy being in the woods on a mountain bike. Same with running, I love to push myself on the pavement, but also love running the trails. My affection for swimming is more than it used to be, but I still wouldn't say, "I heart swimming." Some friends of mine convinced me to train for another race in June. With two little ones at home (one that is still breastfeeding), I obviously can't train to the same degree that I trained previously. Oddly enough, that has been really refreshing. I am enjoying each workout more this time because there aren't as many of them. I don't feel SO tied to the sport. Mountain biking is something Jesse and I love to do together. Unfortunately, there can be a good chance of getting hurt while doing it. I used to be afraid an injury would end a triathlon season. This time around, since I am racing for fun and nothing else, I am not worried about it. So I probably won't be winning any awards this summer, but it'll be great for shedding the baby weight, enjoying time with friends and exercising outdoors!

Kicking it Up A Notch

I've been toying with the idea of doing a few sprint triathlons again this summer. I did them regularly for a few years, but I haven't done one since 2007. In 2008, I was pregnant with Trent. In 2009, I had just had Trent. In 2010, I was pregnant with Sean. Now, I have several months to get back in shape before the season starts and I have no plans of being pregnant in 2011. So we'll see. If nothing else, it's motivation to work out and lose the last bit of baby weight. This week was my first week of tri training. I made it to body pump twice (weight training), ran and biked. I haven't squeezed in swimming yet, but hopefully that'll happen tomorrow. It's always the hardest for me because of the three areas (run/bike/swim), I enjoy it the least. So it takes more motivation than biking and running, which I really love doing. My hamstrings have been crying uncle but once they get over the shock of exercising them regularly, it will improve.

Back in the Gym

Today was my first official day back in the gym. I was so glad to be back! I've been running outside for several weeks now, but I had not yet made it to the gym. It's so easy to make excuses with a newborn as to why I can't go (lack of sleep being the major one, followed closely by two under two is tiring).

Maintaining good health is beneficial to both me and my family. Plus, it's really nice being able to focus on the workout and get some solo time. The best time frame for me to go during the day is early morning. There's nowhere else I have to be at that time of day so stuff doesn't get in the way. I find when I depend on my workouts being at other times during the day, so many things can pop up and get in the way of good intentions. The other reason is that we're still minimizing how much time Sean spends in nursery. This leaves me to either find someone to watch the boys for a little bit during the day (not always easy) or go during the times when Jesse is home at night. I've never been good at working out after a long day. Hence, the early morning workout slot.

So, this morning I ran 5 miles on the treadmill. Tomorrow is body pump. Hopefully, I'll be able to reestablish the habit/routine of early morning workouts pretty quick.

Running With a Jog Stroller

I have a BOB Revolution Duallie stroller. I had a BOB Revolution Single stroller when I had just Trent. I love it. I highly recommend it. It handles great whether you're in a department store or running in the park. It has accessories so that I can have Trent sitting in it on one side and the car seat clicked in on the other side for Sean.

Running with kids in a jog stroller can be comical though. It can take just as long to get the stroller out of the car and the kids situated as the actual run itself. Loop routes are the easiest because you're never really far from the car (should the run go south), but they can get pretty monotonous for all involved because you're running in circles. However, running longer routes can have their own potential disasters. At any moment, one or both kids could:

- start screaming or crying

- be in need of a sippy cup, snack, diaper change, etc.

- disrobe (something about stroller rides makes children want to lose their shoes)

- throw items (such as that sippy cup, snack, shoe) OUT of the stroller

- talk incessantly (so much for that tempo run)

- kick their feet (causing that smooth riding stroller to bounce along the way)

Regardless - I try to embrace the run, no matter how it ends up. The time isn't wasted if I'm exercising and spending time with my kids. It's a win-win.

Why I Run

I just recently received the go ahead to start running again post pregnancy. I'm excited. I've already been planning the races I want to do this winter. I have my training schedule saved on my computer and have been diligent to get my miles in. So far, I've ran in the dark, in the rain, with a screaming baby, in beautiful weather, with happy (or sleeping) kids... but nonetheless, I'm running!

Here's why:

1. The Challenge

Running always gives you a chance to push yourself. You can always increase distance, improve your speed, change your terrain, etc. Pushing kiddos in a double jog stroller is a challenge in itself. The last quarter mile up to my house is an elevation change of 109 feet. I feel like I've conquered Everest by the time I push a heavy stroller with 50 pounds worth of kid in it! Believe me, there's a definite sense of accomplishment when we arrive on top!

2. "Me Time"

With two kids under two, and two affectionate little dogs that still believe they're our children, someone or something is always demanding my attention. Running with the kids is an activity we enjoy doing together and yet gives me a little space. Plus, an added bonus of setting an example of living a healthy lifestyle.

3. Stress Relief

There are few things better than running shoes, an IPod and a great running route. It provides plenty of opportunities to focus on the run, plan the day, pray... Very therapeutic!

4. Just Plain Fun

Running is an easy way to enjoy a beautiful day, spend some time with the hubby (run date!), or the kids (daily exercise), and an excuse to buy cute clothes. ;)

5. Great Workout

Have I mentioned I love cardio? Really though, it works your entire body! Great way to get back in prepregnancy shape.

Free Running App

For all my friends with Androids and IPhones - RunKeeper Pro is a free download through the end of January. Normally, this app costs $9.99 to download. I have used several running apps and this is my favorite so far. It consistently works the way it's supposed to work. You can manually input your runs or start the app when you take off and it'll track your course, pace, time, etc. for you. It tracks your activities so you can be encouraged to see all the runs you've done. I have been anxious to get back to running since I had Sean. However, the doctors always make you wait the six weeks postpartum before you can start exercising again. I had my visit today and got the okay to start working out again so my runkeeper will be seeing some activity soon!

Shoe Dilemma Solved and a Pregnancy Rant

Some of you may remember my running shoe dilemma. Basically the quality of my favorite shoe had gone down and the price had gone up. After thinking I would not go with a New Balance shoe because of my past experience, I decided to give them another shot. New Balance has 5 factories in the US. All of their runners are manufactured here, though some of the parts are foreign. (The 993 is entirely American Made) I went and tried on a pair and asked which model was comparable to the Asics 2150 that I had been wearing. They recommended the WR760. So I tried it on. It was too wide. So I tried on the narrow and it was perfectly snug without being too tight. New Balance has a policy where you can try out the shoe for 30 days and if you're not satisfied, you can come in and exchange it. So yesterday, I wore them on a 3.5 mile run. No blisters. That's right, not one! They were light weight and really comfortable. My only complaint was that they made my feet really hot when I first starting running. I don't know if that's the shoes fault or simply that it's August in Alabama. So far I have been impressed with them and like them much better than the Asics they replaced. I'm taking them out for another run tomorrow. Hopefully, they won't let me down!

And for my pregnancy rant...On Monday, while I was running, a stranger came up behind me and stood probably four feet away from the treadmill and stared. If you're that interested in what I'm doing, ask or at least try to be discreet when you're looking. Ogling my treadmill from behind me is rude and a little weird (especially when the cardio room is basically empty.)

I know there's a lot of misinformation about exercising while pregnant. A while back, the rule of thumb was to prop your legs up for 9 months and not do anything while pregnant. Now, doctors encourage exercise. However, there are still some people that give you the crazy eye when they see a pregnant woman exercising. I do not overexert myself when I'm pregnant. I'm not out to break any personal records. My goal is to stay fit and healthy, and to have the stamina and strength to have a quick, healthy delivery.

So please, instead of staring, get on the treadmill and set the personal record that I currently can't attempt. We'll encourage each other and it will be far less awkward.

More Walking in My Future

I came across this article the other day and found it really interesting. It talks about naturally preparing your body for childbirth by doing squats and walking. It explains the hunter/gatherer mentality of years ago and how today's lifestyle can keep us so sedentary that are bodies are not as physically in shape to deliver babies. The lady who wrote the article is all for natural, drug free, non-hospitalized births. I think it's great that women can choose how they want to birth their baby. However, in Alabama, midwives are legally not an option. I would have to cross state lines and give birth on a "birthing farm" in order to make this happen. That makes me uncomfortable. I want to deliver close to home and I love the doctors and hospital where I delivered Trent. While I may still consider drug free this time around, pending any major surprises, it will be another hospital birth.

Each time I get pregnant, I think about whether I want to use pain medication. Last time around, I had planned to go without pain medication, but ended up having an epidural. My water broke but contractions did not start so I was put on a pitocin drip to start the labor. Pitocin does its job to start contractions, but it gives you supersized, painful contractions (from what I've read/heard since I have only had pitocin induced contractions - hopefully after this next one, I'll have a comparison!). They are awful! I suffered through them for several hours, until the contractions made me sick. At that point, I decided to go for an epidural. Overall, my labor was fairly quick. From the time my water broke to the time I was holding Trent in my arms, was about 7 hours.

This pregnancy has been much different from my last pregnancy. I have had more morning sickness, my cravings are different, my belly is shaping up different. No two pregnancies are exactly the same. Only about 10% of women have their water break, so there is a good chance that this labor will start in an entirely different way than the last time.

I like the suggestions in the article for being physically fit for the pregnancy. I will be walking and squatting. I do body pump a couple of times a week and squats is one of the areas of focus. On the other days, I'll walk. This morning, Trent and I walked 5.2 miles. It was great - good weather, nice exercise, and we even had the chance to stop and play in the park for a while. :)

Exercising While Pregnant

Exercise has been important to me for years. Prior to Trent's arrival, I spent my days training for triathlons and half marathons. While I haven't done any of these events since he came along, I still maintain a regular workout routine.

Years ago, doctors told pregnant women to basically take it easy for 9 months. This is no longer the advice given. Now, doctors agree that maintaining an exercise program while pregnant is good for both Mom and baby. I'm not saying to go out and tackle the Ironman right now. It's about maintaining the level of fitness you had pre-pregnancy and listening to your body. When I was pregnant with Trent, I did body pump right up until a few weeks before he was born. The only reason I stopped early was all the funny looks I received like he was about to drop on the floor at any moment! I ran until it became uncomfortable, which was right around 5 months. Then I switched to walking. The big thing for cardio is not to get out of breath or overheated so in my case, I have to run slower than I do when I'm not pregnant. Run at a pace where you could have a conversation with someone. I also do a lot of treadmill running indoors since I live in the deep south and it gets HOT in the summer. I'm hoping that I'll be able to continue the same habits with my current pregnancy. So far so good.

Some of the perks given for maintaining an exercise program while pregnant:

1. Feel Better: it relieves some of the aches and pains of pregnancy and helps you sleep better

2. Prepare your body for childbirth: endurance and stronger muscles could lead to an easier delivery

3. Get your body back sooner post delivery: Sure, your belly will grow and grow but you can still maintain toned arms and legs throughout the pregnancy and having an established routine will help jump-start the weight loss post pregnancy.

Running is My Therapy

I love to run. I'll never be the fastest, but I simply enjoy it. Sometimes I pray during running, sometimes I jam to Rocky theme music and the Black Eyed Peas. Sometimes I run on a treadmill, sometimes I run in the woods. Three to five miles is my favorite distance. Long enough to feel like you got a workout in, but short enough that it doesn't take all day. I've done a lot of running - trail running, half marathon training, training for triathlons and so every six months or so, I would normally buy a new pair of running shoes. I fell in love with Asics a long time ago. They are so comfortable and keep my feet from getting blisters. Dicks Sporting Goods used to have a sale every winter and my favorite running shoes that would normally cost around $75 would go on sale for $50. Sadly, that did not happen this year. Most running shoes are made in China and China has to decided to start charging the US more for its labor. Then an export tariff law was not renewed by congress so now it's costing retailers more to bring the shoes back to the US. What does this mean for me? My $75 shoes that I used to get for $50 now do not go on sale and are selling for $100. This frustrates me because in one year, the cost of my favorite running shoe has doubled! So I am looking for an American made shoe. If I'm going to pay top dollar for my next running shoe, I'd rather it be for American parts and labor. I think New Balance has some high end shoes that are made here, but my feet don't get along with New Balances. I have bone spurs on the back of my ankles and they can tear up the back of a New Balance shoe in no time! So I am on the lookout for a new pair of shoes. The pair I'm in is going on a year of use because of the price increase, but eventually I just have to give in and buy a new pair. If you have any suggestions for a good shoe or you know of a brand that is 'Made in America', I would love to hear from you!