Here I Go Again!

I'm back! Finally, after what seems like forever, I'm ready to start really running again.

It turned out that having three babies in four years took it's toll on my body; not terribly surprising! When I started exercising again this past spring I had some very difficult hip pain and muscle imbalances to deal with. So, I tabled the running (mostly) and focused on improving my basic fitness.

I met with a personal trainer to help layout a weight lifting routine to get me back on track and correct the major muscle imbalances. I tried to lift three times a week, swim twice a week, and bike once a week. I didn't always hit these goals, but for the most part I've been very productive the last few months.

Now I am feeling great and I'm finally ready to dive back into running! To give myself a kick in the pants, and to help me stay motivated, I signed up for Run the Edge's 2,015 miles in 2015 challenge.

This is very ambitious for me, and perhaps a bit foolish. I've never run 1,000 miles in a year, let alone 2,015. I am, however, optimistic. Mentally, I'm at a place where I'd really like to focus on my fitness. *Fingers Crossed* that 2015 is the year!

Cleared for Exercise!

Today, 3.5 weeks post-delivery, the midwife cleared me for a return to exercise, yay!

I tried running a few times in the previous weeks, but clearly wasn't ready yet. Hopefully, when I try again tonight, everything well go (more) smoothly =)

Honestly, I find getting back into shape after pregnancy to be a fairly frustrating experience. It's quite depressing to start back at ground zero fitness-wise. This time, especially, I have a lot of ground to make up since I stopped exercising much earlier in pregnancy. At least my weight gain/loss is comparable to my previous pregnancies:

Pregnancy Weight Gain

Of the ~24lbs I gained this time around I still have ~9lbs left to lose. It could be worse. Fortunately, I know from experience that as slow as the process may seem, getting back into shape, even better shape, is possible. My marathon PR happened when my first was 10 months old =)

So, it's time to make a plan and get to work. I really want to sign up for a race (half or full marathon) to help motivate me. I made a pact with myself that I have to get up to at least a few 30+ mile weeks before I can do that, though. So, my first goal will be getting some base fitness back. Let the fun begin!

I had a baby!

Pregnancy is finally over, yay! Oh, and I have a new son to show for it; that's pretty great, too!

Dylan Alexander and big sisters Cora & Noelle

It's hard to believe that just over a week ago I was still pregnant.

Last pregnant selfie and first non-pregnant selfie

I'm so lucky and had a very smooth delivery. So, I'm itching to make my fitness recovery plan and get started!

Checking In

Yeah, running is a big fail this pregnancy. Oh well. I'm walking about 10 miles a week. Add that to taking care of my two girls and I feel like I'm training for a marathon still! I'm officially two months from my due date and I wish  it was closer!

Good Old Bathroom Selfie

Despite the lack of formal exercise, my weight gain has been more or less on track so far.

Marching Up the Curve

Either due to my lower overall fitness or just the fact that this is a third pregnancy, I definitely feel more pregnant this time around. My fingers are crossed that it'll be smooth sailing to the end and that I'll be able to get back to running ASAP. =)

Momentum lost, Pregnancy Week 21 Fail

Tricky thing, momentum. When you've got it, it keeps you going. Once lost, though, it's a terrible pain to get back!

Pregnancy Week 21 Workout Summary: ONE 3 mile walk - that's it! Ugh!

As hard as it is, I just HAVE to go back to my Every.Single.Day plan. I just don't get on the treadmill, otherwise! Starting today - GAME ON.

Pregnancy Weight Gain Check in: This is not my favorite part of pregnancy (is there a favorite part?), but it's necessary and going well:

Week 21 Weight Gain So Far

I'm not nearly as active this pregnancy as I was during my 2nd. I ran half marathons at 4.5 and 6 months that time! More or less, though, I'm right on track for my 'target' weight gain, so things are looking good!

Pregnancy Week 20 Workout Summary

So, I made it to day 21 of my Every.Single.Day challenge. Did a habit form?

No.

In fact, I took the next two days off. The problem? Argh, the return of evil pregnancy back pain. I posted about this in my last pregnancy. It was as awful then as it is now; only then I had one more month before it became an issue. I'm definitely on a negative learning curve with this one!

Week 20 Workout Summary

All of those miles were slow walking on the treadmill and all were uncomfortable. Most days last week I was hobbling just walking around the house.

I'm feeling better after two days of just resting and stretching (turns out the yoga pigeon pose is good for something!) so fingers crossed that I'll get in some actual runs this week =)

Pregnancy Week 19 Workout Summary

It wasn't exactly a banner week, but at least I got something in each day. Three days were the minimum one mile walking, but it's better than nothing!

Week 19 Summary

I found myself out of town unexpectedly, to attend a family funeral. All went as well as it could have on the family front and it was nice, at least, to have that unplanned time with extended family.

Thankfully, the hotel had a decent fitness center so I didn't have trouble getting in my daily run/walk. I also found a great source if inspiration: staring at my pasty out-of-shape legs while running, ick!

May go blind from the whiteness!

It has been a long time since I ran in front of a mirror. My treadmill at home faces a blank wall; awesome, I know! Watching myself run I came to two conclusions:

1. must do some strength training

2. cut hair! That pony tail is a lethal weapon flying around!

After work travel and family travel I'm looking forward to establishing a routine at home this week!