Guest review (from the hubs)

Tom's not really into blogging (like at all) so it's a treat when he gets to stop by and write a blog about something that he got to test out (which kind of makes me jealous too, but that's alright... I can let him have his test shoe glory every once in a while too).  So here it goes!

Hey all!  Colleen is involved with FitFluential and was given an opportunity to get me in on the action by trying out the Saucony Virrata. I'm always up to trying new things to help with my running so I was excited when these arrived (and yes, Colleen was a little jealous).

Right away I could tell that they were super light weight (only 6.5 ounces for a men's size 9) and I liked the colors, although they were a bit brighter than I usually go with.  Flashy is good, especially for a fast shoe!  They come in 6 different color combinations so I would probably go a different route next time, but then again, maybe not.  They grow on you fast! The box says "Flex the Laws of Nature" and these shoes do just that - you can practically fold them in half.

I didn't run long in them just because I'm used to maybe a less minimalist shoe, and this one has a zero drop, I didn't want to jump into anything without making sure it would work for me.  I did find the shoe comfortable - more cushioned than I had imagined with it being so light weight.  I liked that it seemed very breathable which is nice as the weather starts to heat up here in Georgia.  And I felt like it was a responsive shoe - definitely a trainer which is good as I'm focusing more on speed. Oh... and it ran true to size - maybe a little narrower than I'm used to but I attribute that to the trainer nature of it. 

A little about the Virrata from the Saucony website:

Stripped down to strong. The Virrata is our lightest and most flexible training shoe and allows your foot to move naturally. We removed everything that isn’t helping your run improve. What remains is a feather-light, ultra flexible shoe with advanced cushioning that promotes a powerful stride and allows your foot to move the way it was meant to. Built on a 0mm offset, this shoe lets your feet do the work while providing plenty of protection from the road. The breathable mesh upper makes the shoe incredible lightweight and quick-drying to run in wet weather conditions. Weight: 6.5oz. / 184 gm (size 9)

Simply put - this is a light weight, cushioned, flexible shoe that looks great and performs great!  I'm a fan...

Thank you Saucony and Fitfluential for the opportunity to let me try these out.  (*these shoes were sent to me free of charge and the opinions expressed in this post are my own)

A camera and a bump

We've been loving our new camera, although it's still a tad overwhelming.  I've definitely played with it much more than Tom, but I thought that it was important for him to get to know some of the settings on it besides the "auto" mode that he had been using.  And since my bump is growing and I don't have a ton of pictures of it, I thought that would be a great way for us to get used to the camera (on a side note - I am fairly opinionated about professional maternity pictures.  I won't share my opinions either way - to each is own, but I knew that at this time, we didn't really have the extra cash sitting around to have them taken anyway so this was a perfect "kill a bunch of birds with one stone" situation.)  

I'll be honest...I've been hesitant to share a ton of my belly pictures as it doesn't matter how big I am compared to someone else, or how I'm carrying (if I was paid $1 for every time someone said "you must be having a boy because you are all belly", then Abigail's college fund would be set), but I'm happy with how these turned out so enjoy.  Plus, I only have the belly for a few more weeks so I'm embracing the enormity of it. :)

Pregnancy Fitness Must Haves

I’ve been blessed with a fairly easy pregnancy.  I didn’t have much morning sickness (actually I had none.  Zero.  Zilch.  I only three up once and that was about 4 weeks ago when I choked on some corn. )  I had a few nights during my first trimester where dinner was less than appealing, but I always ended up eating something.  I’ve had no food aversions and really no cravings. I hadn’t been ungodly uncomfortable, with swelling and peeing and all that stuff.  My blood pressure stays around 100/62 every time I go to the doctor.  My weight gain is at the lower end of the range that the doctors want to see (I actually haven’t gained more than maybe 2 pounds since mid-March although baby and belly are growing).  I go into the doctor’s office for my weekly/biweekly and monthly check ups and the nurses and doctors always say “You are our easy patient today”.  I like that.  It took me 7 years of marriage to decide that I did in fact want to have a child so at least it hasn’t been a horrible experience. 

One of the most important factors in me having such a great pregnancy is my activity.  From day one, I’ve said that I’ll do everything in my power to stay active because I know that it’s good for me (mentally and physically), but more importantly it’s good for my baby girl.  I’m not going to lie… working out hasn’t always been a breeze as my belly grows, but I’ve adapted.  I try to get 45 minutes to an hour of some kind of movement each day.  I ran regularly until about 33 weeks, and now it’s more of a once a week kind of thing.  I biked on the bike trainer religiously through 29 weeks and still plop myself on the bike as much as possible.  And I walk.  A lot.  Walking in our neighborhood or town is a little different than just a leisurely walk.  It’s a workout.  I’m talking, heart pumping, sweat dripping workout.  If you question that walking can be hard, I invite you to come walk with Tom and I anytime!  

People ask “how do you do it comfortably”.  Here are some things that have helped me:

     

      Gear: 

• Make sure that you are in comfortable clothes.  As my belly grew, I needed to change my workout clothes a little.  I switched from regular bike shorts to men’s bike bibs as they fit over my belly better.  Yep, I rocked them with a sport bra and they were dead sexy.  Just remember, I biked indoors in the privacy of my basement so I didn’t have to scar anyone by seeing that.  It’s a sight, trust me.

• I bought loose coolmax shirts that were a size or two bigger than I usually wear.  I didn’t invest in maternity specific bottoms, but again, went with shorts and capri’s that are a size or two bigger, with a big waist band (TJMaxx was great for both the pants and tops and they didn’t break the bank).  I made sure that the waist band could be worn over my belly or under it.  Roll down yoga pants became a lifesaver.  Runingskirts.com had a maternity line and I was lucky enough to get one of their maternity skirts to try out.  I love it – it has a high belly panel which I can wear up or fold down.  They also sent me a cute sleeveless maternity shirt that is flattering and functional.  

• I made sure that I had a great sports bra.  The first thing that grew were the girls (TMI?  It’s a fact people…) I really love these from Zensah (– it’s seamless and supportive).  I needed at least once size bigger.

• Unlike many women I haven’t been constantly hot during my pregnancy. Actually, I’m usually layered and Tom and I joke that we live in different climates because I have more clothing on than he does. I found that when it was cooler, I needed a coat that I would stretch around my belly and that I could shed easily when I got warm.  I got the Zensah Seamless Power running jacket in a size Medium and it's perfect.  It stretches about my belly because of the material, but I know that I will be able to wear it when I'm not pregnant and it'll fit fine.  The sleeves are long, there are great thumb holes, and there's a pocket in the back that fits my phone and keys.

•  Around 20 weeks, I invested in a maternity running belt.  I did some research because I found that my growing belly needed some support and that the Gabrialla Maternity Belt MS 96(i) was well liked with other runners.  I could only find it on amazon.com and it was probably the most clutch item that I purchased to stay active.  I was feeling more round ligament pain during running and also started getting Braxton hicks contractions when I ran (which just feels like my whole belly was tight).  I wear the belt religiously when I run and have actually put it on a few times in the last week or so when I walk.  It’s a weird sensation to have your big belly just hanging out, so the belt helps.

•  Compression is my friend.  I’ve always loved my Norma Tech boots which I use a lot (after getting the okay from my doctor).  I often times feel like I have a tad bit of swelling (many times on only one side, depending on how baby girl is laying which is weird but totally normal) so I have been wearing compression socks or sleeves a lot.  Zensah has an ultra compression sleeve which is super tight and I have really liked using those.  I also like a good full compression sock because they cover my ankles and don’t really have a favorite brand.

• Comfortable shoes – I am part of the Brooks ID program.  I love their shoes and gear.  I wish they had a maternity line because I only have a few shirts and shorts from them that fit right now.  But their shoes are awesome.  So maybe I’m a bit biased on their brand, but a comfortable, well supported shoe is key.  You are carrying extra weight and need to be supported.  

Accessories

• I always carry my phone with me if Tom isn’t around (although very rarely do we work out alone).  If something happens or I don’t feel right, I can call to have someone come get me (that hasn’t happened, but I want to be prepared)
• I wear my RoadID Slim every day. It has Tom’s phone number and my mom’s.  Again, better to be safe than sorry.

•  I carry water.  I drink a lot of water anyway, but when working out, I make sure that I have extra water to make sure that I don’t get dehydrated.  Dehydration can cause a lot of problems during pregnancy and I have found causes more contractions.  I also come home and immediately drink about 20 ounces of liquid… even after a nice slow stroll around the neighborhood with the dog.

• I always eat something before I workout and usually find that I eat during my workout (maybe a granola bar or something small).  I haven’t had any nausea during workouts, but I find that I feel really hungry sometimes and I’d rather not have my blood sugar drop or anything when I’m out.

Expectations (and this is a big one)

• I let go of all reliance on pace and distance.  As an endurance athlete, I always find that I get fixated on how far I’ve gone or how fast I’m going.  My pre-pregnancy pace has gone from 8:30’s to, well, I don’t know.  Maybe 12:30’s, although I don’t know that for a fact.  I run until I feel like I want to be done.   Or I’ll say “I would like to run 7 laps around the pond”.  Sometimes I make it 9.  Sometimes I stop at 3.  I run for time (only because I’m always going to be type A).  I bike for time and actually took my magnet off my back wheel.  I don’t care what my pace is.  
• If I’m feeling off, I’m totally okay with saying that I’m off and switching things up – cutting a bike short, walking the rest of my run, etc.  It’s happened a lot.  I learned to listen to my body.  I don’t push through being uncomfortable.  I used to do that and I will again.  It’s part of being an athlete and I know that.  There are times when things are hard, and things ache and that’s all part of getting better.  Not during pregnancy.  If something hurts or feels off, it’s not right.  You can’t push yourself with a baby growing inside of you. :) 
• Although many people suggest keeping your heart rate under 140 when pregnant, it wasn’t realistic for me as an athlete prior to getting pregnant.  Yes, I talked to my doctor about it.  Instead I use the talk test.  If I can talk, I’m going a good pace.  If I become winded or short of breath, I slow down or take a break.  If I can’t breathe, my baby can’t breathe.  Simple as that.
• I don’t care what people think when they see me (and this is easier said than done).  When my belly was just starting to grow, I was super self conscious about it because I looked pudgy. Now I’m rocking a basketball belly and I’m proud of it. I don’t care if I’m waddling when I walk.  My “running” has become wogging (waddle+jogging) and I’m proud of it.  Luckily I’ve not had anyone tell me that I’m doing something wrong by staying active (quite the opposite actually).  Most days I get a “you go girl” when someone sees me working up a hill or shuffling along a trail.  I’m proud of my body for what it’s capable of in terms of carrying a baby AND being fit.

Check with your doctor

This is the most important thing you can do to stay active.  If there are any complications, let the professionals tell you what you can and can’t do.  I was very active prior to getting pregnant (hello, I was training for Ironman Florida) so I knew that it wasn’t realistic to go from swimming, biking and running every day to leisurely walking or nothing.  But for some people, that’s all they can do.  I know my body better than a lot of people and my doctor gave me a lot of freedom to create a plan that works for me based on how I feel.  My number one priority right now is Abigail.  I would never do anything that would harm her or put her at risk of being harmed.  And with less than 5 weeks until she’s here, I feel like I’ve helped her by staying active.  I know that it’ll help me with delivery and recovery.  I’m hoping I bounce back fast from everything.  But we’ll just take one day at a time.

Do you have any questions about working out while pregnant or what worked for me?

If you are pregnant, what are you doing to keep active?

If you see a pregnant woman with a full on basketball belly working out, would you be proud of her and yell “You go girl”?  (you should!!!)

TevaSphere Review

This post is long overdue.  Welcome to my pregnancy brain world, right?

About a month and a half ago, a representative from Onlineshoes.com contacted me and asked if I would be interested in trying out a new Teva shoe, the Women's TevaSphere.  I'm a fan of Onlineshoes.com (what's not to love about a shoe store that has a million different options, free shipping, and free returns for up to 365 days - that's customer service!). And I'm already a fan of Teva - see this tan line beauty? 

I live in my Teva Mush sandals from the time it gets warm enough until my piggies are freezing. So this seemed to be a perfect fit.

I was told that I could chose between the TevaSphere Trail or the TevaSphere Speeds, and then pick the color.  The options were pretty awesome.  I went with the Speeds, simply because they were a little lighter (and I'm a girl and liked the look just a little better).  From the Onlinshoes.com website, this is what I learned about the gems before receiving them:

"Be prepared for any terrain in the Teva TevaSphere Speed athletic shoe. Streamlined for high performance and a sleek look, this women's trail shoe boasts a synthetic and mesh upper for lightweight, breathable comfort from start to finish. The TevaSphere outsole, featuring Spider Original rubber for grip, has a spherical heel with a support pod for stability that doesn't add too much weight. Next time you hit the trail for a run, tackle an obstacle course or just head out for an afternoon stroll, bring along your new favorite workout partner, the Teva TevaSphere Speed hiking shoe.

• Cushioned footbed
• Lightly padded tongue and collar
• Nylon shank
• Six-eye lace closure
• Spider Original Rubber Outsole

• Synthetic and mesh upper
• TevaSphere
• Textile lining
• Weight: 7.7 oz

I ended up going with the Lunar Rock color.  Good choice!  The shoes came about a week later (they didn't have my size at first, but that was quickly resolved), only to find out that these shoes run a little big.  I ended up needing a half size smaller than I usually go with.  Got my exchange and was off.

This is pretty cool.  If you can't read it, it says, " Congratulations... you just helped Teva clean a river or beach somewhere in the world.  Confused? Don't be. For every pair of footwear we sell, we work with non-profits to clean a foot of shoreline.  We call it A PAIR FOR A FOOT."

Now I'm not really running much these days, but we've been walking trails like it's my business so I've gotten a lot of use out of the shoes.  Let me tell you, they are comfy.  They seem to be a little more narrow than I'm used to, but it's nothing uncomfortable and actually just feel good and snug.  The half size down is a perfect fit for me.  I love the color of the lunar rock - it's kind of a grayish color with accents in yellow and green.  They are cute kick around shoes, as well as trail shoes.   I feel like they offer good support throughout my foot and the gripping on the bottom definitely makes it a trail shoe. Once this baby comes, I'm hoping to get some good trail runs in them as they seem very light weight and breathable.

I couldn't be happier with the shoe.  Teva has done things right with the Women's TevaSphere line and as always, OnlineShoes.com came through for me!

(Please note that these shoes were sent to me free of charge and that the opinions expressed in this post are solely my opinion.)

Baby shower (and crazy amounts of photos and pink)

So this past weekend, my mom and sister came to Georgia to throw us a baby shower.  Amazing, right?  They knew that at 34 weeks I wouldn't be able to travel to Ohio, but I never expected the support that we had.  We had family and friends come in from SEVEN states!  Holy love, right?  I was so overwhelmed with every one's support and generosity.  Baby girl is so set for when she enters the world (if her daddy and I are, is another question!)

Mom, dad and Kristen came in on Thursday night.  Friday we did some running around and just hung out until my cousins came in from Pennsylvania.  My mom's best friend's (and neighbors in Ohio) drove in as well and they stopped by to see the house on Friday too.

Then Saturday, Tom and I got up, enjoyed a nice long walk with Charlie, knowing that at 1:00, our house was going to be taken over with shower stuff.  It was awesome!

I will say, as apprehensive as I've been about having a little girl and all the pink that goes along with it, I couldn't help but smile at everything.  How can you not?  Okay, so ready for picture overload??? :)

My adorable mom and dad with some of the balloons

My sister and my mom made these chocolate lollipops

Tom surprised me with my favorite craving - iced sugar cookies and Chick-Fil-A lemonade

The awesome Costco cake.  Anyone else in love with these?

Nana-to-be and I

The bassinet and nursing pillow that one of my sister's friends gave us to borrow!

My sister and brother in law bought us a pack-n-play!

This should keep her occupied during floor time!

A portable swing

The homemade gifts from my family - my Aunt Jean made the blanket, my cousin Carolyn made her a stocking, my cousin Laurie made her the "A" and my mom actually cross stitched that picture for my cousin Anna when she was born, who gifted it to me now that she's grown.

Bath Stuff

Girl's clothes - too cute

Personalized gifts. And I'll quote "every Southern girl needs a personalized diaper cover". :)

This is the baby of a triathlete for sure

My mom and sister asked that people give us a book instead of a card which we loved... she has a good collection started on her bookcase!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I sobbed when I got this.  My grandma bought this for Abigail 5 days before she passed away.  I will give it to her when she is older. :)

My friends Jenn and Matt made us a diaper bike.  Seriously.  It's awesome.

Okay, and then something awesome happened.  I haven't' talked much about the bombings in Boston and everything that went down with that.  It was horrifying and still makes me sick to think about.  I can't tell you how many times I've been at the finish line, waiting for my friends and loved ones.  It hit really close to home.  We had a lot of friends and family running that day and thankfully all were safe.  Tom's mom had finished about 10 minutes before everything went down and was close enough to the finish to see and hear it all.  To say it shook us up is an understatement.  Tom and I were very emotional that day, questioning society and wondering what kind of world we are bringing a little girl into.  I know that we can't shield her from all the bad in the world and that there is way more good than bad, but it's still hard.  So right around 3:30 as the news was breaking, UPS came with a big box addressed to Tom.  I had been putting packages aside knowing that they were probably shower gifts for the weekend, but since this was to Tom, I had him open it.    I couldn't see what it was when he opened it, but he looked at me with tears in his eyes.  It turns out that his old teammates got together and bought us a BOB Revolution jogging stroller, the handlebar console and a hippo toy from our registry as a congrats gift.  We were so incredibly touched by this for so many reasons - Tom is no longer with TNN, but his former athletes were so generous that that didn't phase them.  They are all crazy runners and triathletes so this couldn't be a better reminder of all of them. These are lifelong friends, and we know that.  So Tom now has a way to run with Abigail up the hills of Suwanee (because I will be totally making him do the hard work while we run together!)  It's way awesome!

I'm still, three days later, trying to wrap my hear around people's generosity.  If I every questioned whether or not Tom and I had a lot of love in our lives, Saturday confirmed that.  And what's even more amazing is that this little unborn child has so much love as well.  That's a very very amazing feeling.