Pregnancy Update: Working out and the second trimester

This is a summary of where I am at and what I experienced in my second trimester. I am really noticing a different in my body and energy level going into the third. I am so happy I am so close to the finish. I will try to do a recap on the third before the baby comes so I remember to do it.

My Body - For some reason in the second trimester I had a lot more trouble keeping food down than in the first. I think with me it is the inability of my stomach to make room for food and the baby in my belly causing me to spit up my food. I got put on anti nausea medicine and everything seems to be fine with the exception of maybe one or two incidents a month. My energy level went up and I have not had any crazy mood swings. My pregnancy so far seems to be contained to my belly, which I am very grateful for. My current weight gain is 15 points, so I think I am on track to gain 25 to 30 total. I feel pretty good about that.

Work outs - I stopped running at 20 weeks. It was hard, but I was just too uncomfortable. I still lift twice a week. My cardio is done on the elliptical, in the pool, or walking on an incline on the treadmill. This past sixth month work outs were getting a lot harder so I have dialed it down a notch by just pushing myself a little less. The thought of having to carry a 5 to 10 pound baby all the time plus a heavy car seat all the time keeps me motivated to continue to lift. Just doing a little now is going to make labor and getting back in shape a lot easier.

Food - My intense craving for hard boiled eggs and pickles have subsided, although I still enjoy them :) ... Work has been crazy so my new favorite snack is chocolate milk. It's a quick boost of calcium and protein. It tastes good and I can consume it at my desk while I am helping customers.

Well my daughter is currently kicking me in the side. She is probably trying to tell me it is time for dinner, so I am going to go eat. Happy week end!

Time of Running Death 20 Weeks Pregnant

This week marks the end of running during my pregnancy. Some girls can go farther; I am just not one of them. It became uncomfortable with the baby bouncing around. I enjoyed the running, but I was not feeling well at the same time. I have decided there are other things I can do both the baby and I will enjoy more.

I am still working out four days a week. I have more energy now than in my first trimester, so on my days off I am trying to incorporate a walk on those days. I sit at a desk all day for work, so getting some fresh air really helps. I am lifting three days a week, instead of the two I was doing before when I was running more miles. For cardio I am doing the elliptical at the gym and stairs. I also hope to start swimming again. I need to go get a new suit though. I fit in my racing suit two weeks ago, but I do not thing I will any more.

The stairs to Crestwood's Park

Meet my new best friend and worst enemy are the stairs to Crestwood's Park in Kirkland. Just a brisk walk from our home the stairs are the perfect work out spot. It is also popular with many of my neighbors. On memorial day I counted 30 people on the stairs at one point. With 211 stairs to climb, it would be a good training spot for The Big Climb in Seattle.

My nutrition is going pretty well. As the baby gets bigger I am having a really hard time eating any full size meals, with out losing it a half an hour later. My snack times are still at 11 am and 4pm. On occasion I have split my lunch between one and my four pm snack. The same goes with dinner at seven and nine pm. I cannot have my coffee with my breakfast any more. I have to slowly sip it over an hour or two. My cravings continue to be pickles and hard boiled eggs. I have also added Swedish Fish and tartar sauce to the mix. I don't combine the Swedish fish with the tartar sauce, though :)