Friday Flow: 17 weeks & Our Go-to Recipe

Happy FRIDAY y'all! Hope this week has flown by for you and you have some fun weekend plans! I'm sharing a few random things today...Pregnancy, my thoughts on the post baby #2 photo shoot (and some advice!), and an AWESOME recipe thats been a go-to this summer for us! Let's get to it!  

17 weeks Pregnant

No news is good news, right??! I don't have anything to report over here, except that I've had a great week of working out, moving and being active. I also had pizza twice. lol. hey, its called #balance.

Workouts: I'm still able to hover around 8:30 splits when I run, and am doing very low, low box jumps lifting wise ((those will probs end very very soon)). Everything is pretty much fair game in the weight room except I've started to put some of my upper body lifting exercises (benching, free weights) on an incline.

Sleeping has been hit or miss. Some nights I'm really restless and then I think it catches up to me and I sleep like a log after a few nights of average sleep. It's crazy how much bigger I am with this baby than the first 2, I feel like I was hardly showing with my first at this point in time!! I guess thats called muscle memory ha.  I've had some heartburn and I'm still squeezing into my "postpartum" regular jean shorts (a size or two bigger than I was when I got pregnant).

I am actually really looking forward to some cooler temps in September and LESS humidity. MY RINGS have been a serious issue! Its been so humid I feel like my fingers are already swollen! EEEK! Some days I have been going without which honestly makes me feel naked. Ugh. I'm kind of like..this is happening already? Really? I haven't even hit 20 weeks. ha. 

Also, last but not least, YES I have felt the baby move :) 

Names- we have no idea. Naming a third baby in the same sex is pretty difficult!!
Any suggestions??! 

Weight wise I'm still hovering around 11 or 12 lb weight gain! 

Photo Shoot

So..truth be told I'm gonna be blitzing your timeline on insta over the next month or so with my shoot that I did when I was about 6 weeks pregnant. Even though I was already pregnant...I am so dang PROUD of the photos (and thanks to my girl Kristy for her awesome work during the shoot). Its funny how in the moment you're always criticizing yourself and thinking "I'm not enough"...but I look back on the photos and I feel this overwhelming sense of pride- for achieving a goal, for getting a piece of me back ((even if it was for only a month or so lol)), for following through with something I wanted to so badly, for the sacrifice and discipline. For fighting through the moments of doubt, moments of hard, hard mommin'. Moments of looking at myself and not even recognizing who that was in the mirror, but believing if I persisted it would lead me to my goal. 

So...this is just a reminder to all of us-its HUMAN NATURE to always want more. Of course I could be more "fit" looking in those photos. And now, My baby bump could be smaller and so could my ass. But its OKAY. I am enough...and so are you. And if you have that yearning for more...go for it. But still respect the hell out of yourself and your body in your current state! 

 

Recipe: Ground Turkey Fajita Bowl

Okay..even though my nutrition has been not quite as disciplined as I normally would be, I am still loving some healthy meals and wanted to share this awesome meal that is not only healthy, but EASY and FAST!! This has been on our weekly meal plan every. single. dang. week. 

Things I love about this recipe- awesome flavor, quick and easy, no cutting of meat (ground turkey #ftw!!), you can buy most of these ingredients pre-cut if you don't have time to prepare (or lets be honest don't feel like it ha) , its lower carb, and you don't need to know how to cook to make this!! 

Ingredients:

Green, Orange, Yellow Pepper Sliced
1 small onion sliced
1 Poblano Pepper sliced
Mushrooms (optional)
Simply Organic Fajita Simmer Sauce
Lettuce (cut)
1 Avocado pitted and sliced
1 lb Ground Turkey
 

Directions: 
1. Slice Onion, Peppers. Cut mushrooms if already not sliced. Heat oil in pan. Warm onion, until starting to brown. Add mushrooms, brown. Add peppers. Sautee for 4-5 minutes until softened. 

2. Remove vegetables from skillet. Add oil if pan is dry. Cook turkey. While turkey is cooking, slice lettuce and prepare avocado as a garnish. 

Ground turkey cooking...above is the boys fajita that we made for them for dinner!

3. When turkey is cooked, add Fajita sauce. Add vegetables. Stir an cook for 3-5 minutes. Let cool. Place in bowl with salad and avocado. Enjoy! 

Hope you guys all give this one a try! Have a great weekend! 

xo

Alex

4 Tips to Survive the 1st Trimester and Stay Active!

Hey hey everyone..

Happy August! I feel like stores every year push the "back to school" thing earlier and earlier and this year is no exception!! I'm super excited for August, another month of outdoor time with the family, and we have a vacation planned at the end of the month in Hawaii with all of my in-laws. We are SO so excited to really "getaway" and meet up with everyone. Anyone who has family that lives overseas knows the struggle and we are so looking forward to spending some time together in such a beautiful place! And yes, the boys are coming with us so I will be sure to keep you posted on how that travel goes Ha #RIPtous on that long flight. 

As I mentioned in my last post, the first trimester is finally over with and I've had a great first couple weeks of the second trimester! I've managed to stay active, and have more energy for sure! Unfortunately I have come down with a cold the last week so that's been a bit of a buzz kill. I swear that I can't have a pregnancy without getting sick at least once lol. The. WORST. 

Other than the breaking news that we are having another BOY (LOL!!), all my scans have come back great so far (which is amazing considering last pregnancy..what an emotional rollercoaster!) which is more important than anything else. 

Bumpdate

I won't bore you guys with the weekly "bumpdate" questions that sometimes you see, but I will give you the basics. I'm definitely closing in on maternity clothes (I'll be sharing my faves with all of you). Right now I can still fit into some of my "looser" clothes and shorts/pants that I bought during my "nursing and still losing weight phase" lol. Weight wise I've gained the same as the last two- I'm right around 10 or 11 lbs. I know to some people that might seem like a lot for 15 weeks but thats just how my body rolls! Cravings wise I always crave bad foods regardless of pregnancy haha. But some things I have been randomly loving more than usual are chicken sausage for breakfast, omelettes with tomatoes and cheese, parmesan cheese on pasta (I've definitely had more pasta than I normally do!), and I want cereal in the WORST way guys. I've only allowed myself to buy it once or twice because honestly I finish the whole dang box in about 2 days so...yeah those carbs are going straight to my thighs, not my baby!! 

Pregnant and working out

When I first got pregnant with my first I was so curious as to how other people felt working out: did they feel good? uncomfortable? Did their times/weights drop? Were they out out breath? I was coming off being a pro athlete and everything in my life was based around my workouts up until that point. Clearly...that all changed getting pregnant ha but I still wanted to stay active because it was such a big part of my life.

Basically, I wanted to know: Did they feel as bad as I did? Because I felt like total shit sometimes. Granted, that wasn't every day, but the bad days were tough. 

All of this was unchartered waters for me, so It was so reassuring to me to read articles where Olympians were being interviewed that they struggled at times with their mileage, times, and some didn't even run through their whole pregnancy. They had good days, and bad days...but staying active was so worth it was the overlying message!

I'll be sharing my workouts throughout my pregnancy (and hopefully some video as I continue on throughout the pregnancy) for those that are interested/curious and hopefully this helps someone who could be struggling with their workouts while pregnant! Remember, one day at a time and listen to your body! 

A lot of people are amazed at times how active I'm able to stay during pregnancy, and the first trimester is no exception! So many hormones and the fatigue is so fricking real.

I wanted to share some tips that helped me through my 3 pregnancies first trimesters in staying active!

4 tips to staying active and surviving!

1. Go to bed early: I would have to say this is my number 1 tip. Honestly, DVR the TV shows and catch them another time. Your body will thank you for it. I am always so tired by the end of the day and going to bed early always helped me be super productive a majority of the following day! I also have 2 boys that are early risers (like, 6 am wake up) so I *have* to bed in bed early!

2. Drink tons of water: I know this might seem super obvious, but a lot of times when I felt slightly nauseous or sick, water , fresh air and a little movement always helped me. Being on the go makes it hard to hydrate sometimes so remind yourself! Make sure you are drinking tons of water to help hydrate yourself! Lack of water can cause so many things including headaches and fatigue..

3. Stay the course: Try to stay as disciplined as you can with working out. I know its tough, especially when you don't feel good, but honestly getting moving is the BEST medicine. Sometimes it was like pulling teeth getting myself downstairs in my gym, or on a run, or having the discipline to workout at the fitness gym I go to, but I ALWAYS felt better after. You better bet I was taking longer rest breaks, lifting a lot less/running a lot slower, but I WAS THERE. Moving. Sweating. Endorphins. All the good stuff. And if you can't get yourself to do the "hard things", just walk. I walked soooo much this first trimester. 

4. Listen to your body: Nobody knows your body like you. I know myself and when I really need a "rest day" and when I'm just being lazy! If you need the rest, take it! But listen to you heart- it will tell you what you really "need." Take that nap or rest day if your body is asking for it! Being honest with yourself is so important to living a healthy and active lifestyle whether you are pregnant or not. 

I was actually about 9 weeks pregnant in these photos!

First trimester Workouts:

Week 8: No weight gain, horribly tired. 

Sun: 3 miles: 7:58, 7:36, 7:20- felt awesome! Monday: Lower Lift. Tuesday: Off. Wednesday: Upper and HIIT with sled. Thursday: Home workout. Friday: Lower Lift. Saturday: off

Week 9: 1 pound weight gain, feeling more bloated. Tired AFFFFF!!!!!

Sunday: Run @ soccer tournmaent I coached- 7:55, 8:26, 8:10 (was literally 90 degrees...so hot!). Monday: LOwer Lift. Tuesday 2.75 miles 8:18, 8:28. Wednesday: Sled HIIT and upper lift. Thursday: Lower Lift. Friday: off. Saturday 3 miles with stroller: 8:40, 8:03, 8:00. 

Week 10: +2 pound weight gain. Starting to show a little especially at night! 

Sunday: home workout. Monday: lower Lift. Tuesday: off. Wednesday: 3 mile run, very very slow. Thursday: Upper lift and sleds. Friday: lower lift. Saturday 5 400's with strength in between: squats, pushups, lunges)

Week 11: +3 pounds 

Sunday: home lift, Monday: off (glute was bothering me). Tuesday 2 mile run. Wednesday: Home lift. Thursday: 3 miles- 8:08, 7:53, 7:50, Saturday: Off. 

Week 12: +3 lbs

Sunday: 3.25 miles, 8:19, 8:04, 8:29. Monday: Lower Lift. Tuesday: 1 800, 2 400s, 4 200s, 6 100s @ track. Wednesday: soccer workout. Thursday: Upper lift and HIIT sleds. Friday: Lower Lift and soccer workout. Saturday off. 

Week 13: +5 lbs 

Sunday: home workout. Monday: lower lift. Tuesday: 3 miles: 8:17, 8:13, 8:37 (died at end!). Wednesday off. Thursday Upper Lift and HIIT sleds. Friday: lower Lift. Saturday 3 miles 8:20, 7:48, 7:49

Week 14: +7 lbs

Sunday: off. Monday: 4 800s, 400 m job inbetween. Tuesday Home lift. Wednesday Lower Lift. Thursday Soccer workout. Friday: upper and HIIT workout. Saturday: off. 

Have a great weekend loves!

xo

Alex

36 weeks..

Happy Saturday everyone...!! 

Oh boy..36 week update. So much to do, so little time..! The last 4 weeks have really been a whirlwind trying to get the house, nursery, work, and let's be honest..MYSELF ready. Ha! 

Here's a few updates:

Safety first: 

I swear that we are cursed when it comes to vacations! We were supposed to head to Florida at the end of July/early August and literally the day or two before we were set to leave news came out of Florida that local ZIKA transmissions had been found in Miami dating back all the way to June. For us, there was no risking heading down there. How did they know that it hadn't moved up the coast? Big gamble. Unfortunately, as you can imagine, flights were crazy expensive to change the trip to go anywhere else, so we ended up driving up to Toronto for a few days and had some down time up there. It was a nice time, but it was no Florida! 

Labor/Delivery Decisions:

After my 32/33 week appointment and speaking with the Dr., doing some thinking, research, and also speaking with my doula from my first pregnancy I've decided to do a scheduled C-section. The closer I have gotten to the end of this pregnancy the more I started to get cold feet about a VBAC. I know that there are so many successful VBACs out there but a number of things concerned me: the time between births (only 2 years, higher risk), my failure to dilate after 20 hours last pregnancy, and issues I've already had with my incision with my last pregnancy. Of course all of this plays into my thought process in the risk of a uterine rupture where the baby could potentially die or have serious birth defects. I would love more than anything to give birth vaginally or naturally but sometimes life just doesn't work that way. I'm definitely not looking forward to the recovery or the surgery but I just have to remind myself its just temporary. At the end of the day I would never forgive myself if something ended up happening to my little man {{even if the chances are small}}. I'm scheduling in for the first week of October so a little bit less than 3 weeks to go!! 

Nursery:

FINALLY the closet and the room are DONE. Let me tell you how horrible the closet was before we gutted it. I guess for those of you that know old houses or have old houses can relate!! Crib, mattress, Bookshelf, changing table/dresser, and night stand are all in. I went with white from Pottery Barn while they had their "Friends and Family" promotion in July so that was bomb...saved over $700. I also ordered the rocking chair during friends and family and that will be delivered this upcoming week. I'm really excited to share the nursery with you guys in the next week or two! It's really starting to come together. I feel like everything else I have already with regard to baby gear- car seats, rock and play, bassinete, and the LIFE SAVING swing that Max used for a whole year we already have. Once the rocker comes I'll feel a lot better about where I'm at. I've organized all of Max's old clothes. Unfortunately the seasons will be a little bit off (June vs October) but I'm sure I'll be able to use some of the same onesies and just have stocked up on more pants/long sleeves for Baby 2. 

Workouts:

Still hitting the streets 2-3 times a week with running. Some days are better than others and some days I get out there and have to try again later in the day or the next day due to pelvic pressure or pressure on the bladder {{the worst}}! Definitely slowed down substantially over the last 4 weeks but the most important thing is I'm moving, sweating, and have more energy after I work out afterwards!. Swimming was so nice through the month of August {{the hottest month ever recorded ..smh}} so I definitely took advantage of it! I'm still aqua jogging 2-3 times a week on my off days and I like that because it adds a little resistance into my workouts. I've all but given up on my strength training and lifting once I hit 31 or 32 weeks (see below for workout log). I honestly just feel so much pressure in different movements that I've really just stuck with the cardio. Also...I have sooo much less time now that I have Max. I feel like first pregnancy was sooo much easier to fit in a light lift because you have all the time in the world. Now, I have to pick and choose and due to the discomfort I've stuck with the swimming and slow running :) I've also been doing quite a bit of coaching and of course walking with Max so that keeps my step count close to 15,000/day, even at almost 37 weeks pregnant. 

Hospital Bag:

..Is still not packed. Oops. I'll get on that this weekend! When I do finish it, I'll be sure to list out my essentials from my experience the first time for any of you mommas that need guidance. 

Super Fun stock up time: I have had some fun stocking up some cute baby clothes, but now that its almost "time" I've had to face the music so to say and stock up on some really fun stuff...such as : maxi pads for the never ending period, a new belly bandit (I used it with Max and totally think it helped compress my stomach), nursing pads, and some new pumping parts. Not exactly the packages you are excited to receive in the mall but hey, they're necessities! 

THIS SUMMER.... has been absolutely brutal. Who's with me on this? I mean honestly I coulden't have picked a worse summer to be pregnant. From being drenched with sweat just taking Max for a walk, to completely zapping my energy coaching, its been tough. Add in swollen legs and ankles and no central air and you have an unhappy momma! So, so happy the nights are getting cooler and its making being active a little bit easier! 

The lowdown for weeks 30-36: 

How have you been feeling? Uncomfortable, tired, massive. Haha. It's about that time where you're just getting to that "done" stage! 
Do you have morning sickness? No
Do you have any cravings? I actually feel like I'v eaten less this pregnancy than with Max. I swear I'm not as hungry (could've been the heat as well!) Add in the heartburn too...yikes.
Do you have any food aversions? Nope
Weight gain so far? At the end of  36 weeks I'm up 36 pounds. With Max I gained around 36-38 so looks like I'll be in and around the same! Sometimes it worries me when I hear about others that only gain 20-25 but I just need to remember everything is temporary and its all about the growing little bub in there! Everyone is different, and start out at different body fat levels. #YOUvsYOU, amirite? 
Any mood swings? No
Sleep: Is definitely a struggle. I'm up 3-5 times a night to go to the bathroom and nights are tough. I feel like I can't even relax on the couch after dinner because I have restless legs. Thankfully I haven't had many nights in the last week or two where I've been up for an hour or two at a time. I've added extra pillows to my huge pregnancy pillow and that has definitely helped! I went through a rough patch as this guy has been growing!!
Stretch marks: I got a few small ones around my belly button with M's pregnancy ...this time I definitely have gotten more {sad face}. The last 3 weeks he's grown so much and I'm trying to do my best with the creams, eating right and staying active but I think his growth rate is just killing my skin right now. All of them seem to be around the belly button so hoping they fade and aren't too noticeable. 
Clothing: I just don't even want to wear anything anymore! ha! Right now wardrobe is about 3-4 maternity tops that still fit and most of my leggings aren't even comfortable anymore. I have capris from Nike that are fold over at the waist and cotton- super comfy so living in those!! My birkenstocks have been a life saver...shoes/sneakers are just not happening right now. 
Rings: ON...suprisingly. I know I'm swollen but I do see pics from my first pregnancy and feel I'm a little less swollen...I can actually get my rings on and off! Hard to believe. 
Movement: Tons of movement!  
Boy or girl: Its a boy!
Things I miss: Oh god. Where to start...for starters being able to relax at night. The restless legs is horrible..and I miss my daily Advocare spark more than ever now that I'm getting more tired {{I do try and stay away from the caffeine while preggo}}. and clothing! My gosh, none of my maternity stuff even fits. Yikes. I just keep telling myself I am almost there. 
 

Week 30: 
 

Monday: 3 miles, 8:46, 8:49, 9:12
Tuesday: 40 min swim
Wednesday: Stroller run: 10:19, 10:13, 10:16--> was soooo hot! 88 degrees.
Thurs-Saturday Off-travelled to Toronto
Sunday: 3 mile run, 9:14, 9:24, 10:12. Had to slow up at the end. 

Week 31: 

Monday: 40 min swim
Tuesday: 8:50 splits- 3 miles
Wednesday: Stroller run with Max, so hot AGAIN. 10:01, 10:24. 2 miles.
Thursday: lower lift
Friday/Saturday: Off
Sunday: 3 miles in Central Park: 

Week 32:

Monday: 2 miles after no sleep- 9:40, 10:11 on gravel surface
Tuesday: 40 min swim
Wednesday: 20 minute run, lower lift
Thursday: off
Friday: 45 min swim
Sat: off
Sunday: Stroller run with Max- was very cool and felt amazing!! 9:47, 9:44, 9:57!! wow! 

Week 33:

Monday: 40 min swim
Tuesday: Trail run-- slow 2.42 miles. 10:45, 10:25, 10:28
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 2 mile run stroller--hot and slow! 10:29, 10:50
Friday/Saturday off
Sunday: Ran 2.62 miles.  9:23, 9:37, 10:15 splits

Week 34:

Monday: 40 min swim
Tuesday: off
Wednesday: 40 min swim
Thursday: off
Friday: 2 mile run- no time listed
Saturday: 2 miles: 10:09, 10:39
Sunday: off

Week 35: 

Monday: 3 miles, 10:13, 10:24, 10:23
Tuesday: off
Wednesday: 40 min swim
Thursday: 40 min swim
Friday: 3 miles, negative splits. 10:56, 11:01, 10:31. Felt horrible to start, but ended well :) 
Sat/Sun off

Until next time...xoxox

Alex

Bye Bye Second Tri...

Firstly I can't believe its been about 10+ weeks since I've done a pregnancy update! Hard to believe another 10 and this little nugget will be here to meet the world! Life has been so crazy but I will tell you I am SO Happy I am out of the second trimester, but unfortunately there is no immediate relief in sight. Case in point: its 3 am. No, I'm not coming back from a great night out. #pregnancyinsomnia. Gross. 

I guess I am so happy that the second trimester is over is due to the fact that I was sick for basically 2-3 whole weeks (I feel like the only time I get sick is when I'm pregnant?!!), and also had some serious issues with my glute which inhibited my activity level for about 2 weeks. I also had to put my sweet dog down during this time which was really tough....I miss her :( Thinking about my little man never getting to meet her makes me so sad. 

Oh, and I can't forget heat. This heat can't possibly keep up into September, am I right? Relief HAS to be in sight. Week 19 finished off great for me, but weeks 20-22 were such a struggle. I think this was a combination of all the coaching I was doing and the fact that I spent a good 20+ hours driving (myself) in a car to tournaments. I had radiating pain whenever I bent over and at times when I walked. This was so hard for me and I was really scared that my days were over of running, lifting, and even walking! Amazing how you take things for granted. I ended up getting 2-3 massages from my massage therapist who kept me on the field during my career and I actually hit up a chiropractor who told me my SI joint was out of place. Viola- 2 days later and I was back on track. I was never so grateful! Let me tell you, it was a long two weeks of aqua jogging and dealing with pain.

Once I got over the glute pain, on came the sickness from week 23-25. I managed to do what I could depending on how I felt. I only did cardio during these times as I felt that taxing my Central Nervous system with weights while sick (and pregnant) would not be the best idea. This basically meant that I went 4-5 weeks without lifting. Yikes. What had become my main source of exercise pre-pregnancy had gone to the wayside. Temporary is the word I kept repeating to myself...

26 weeks I found myself back in the gym, but week 27 was difficult with probably one of the worst weeks of my life in the workplace and no time for the gym- only cardio. Better than nothing right? Its funny because during my first pregnancy nothing got in the way of getting my workouts in- but with this second pregnancy I've had to be very disciplined with my time and at times make a decision choosing one over the other. Time is of the essence when you already have one little tyke at home waiting for you! 

Even though I know the third trimester comes with new challenges (read: sleeping!) I welcomed a fresh start and week 28 & 29 have been consistent with both cardio and weights. I'm feeling pretty good other than the lack of sleep and my running has actually been great other than a day here or there to this point. Grateful for the ability to stay active throughout pregnancy. 

Everything has been going smoothly in terms of the pregnancy -- no issues with any blood work and glucose testing came back negative which was awesome. I had a pretty horrible first labor experience {{still have PTSD thinking about it}} but here I am again. Ha. I've made the tentative decision to try and give birth naturally (VBAC) and see where it takes me. The C-section experience was pretty horrible for me and I don't want to have to rely on other people to take care of things, especially now that I have a toddler that needs me. At my next appointment they will schedule a C-Section for 41 weeks so this little guy doesn't come naturally before then, a C-section it will be as I can't be induced. I'm at peace with that I suppose, but I do want to give myself and my family the opportunity to have this little boy naturally. There are so many reasons why, but mostly due to recovery! 

This week we head to Florida (a trip that was postponed a couple of weeks due to work) and I'm looking forward to lots of down time with my boys and some Olympic watching!! 

I'm going to recap all of my workouts here but only do one "update." 

How have you been feeling? Feeling good for the most part! 
Do you have morning sickness? No
Do you have any cravings? Nope..this time has been so different as its been so HOT that I actually have had a lot less carbs than last pregnancy. 
Do you have any food aversions? Nope
Weight gain so far? At 30 weeks I'm at a total of 29 pounds. Weight gain in weeks: 
Week 19: +1 (18 total), Week 22: +2 (20), Week 25: +2 (22), Week 26: +2 (24), Week 27: +2 (26), Week 29: +2 (28). If I didn't list a week, there was no weight gain that week. Looks like I'm on track to a similar weight gain as last pregnancy. Would I love to gain less? Yeah, of course. But I know I eat healthy, am super active and at the end of the day its temporary and necessary in building this guys little life :)  I know that I generally gain a lot of fluid so I'm just trying to embrace it! 
Any mood swings? No
Sleep: Not so great-- between 2-4 am have been horrible for me most nights (I'm up and can't sleep). Sometimes falling asleep has been tough. I've felt sooo much pressure in my stomach area I'm basically falling asleep sitting up. Naps have been a god send once a week when I can fit them in. 
Stretch marks: I got a few small ones around my belly button with M's pregnancy and they are becoming more noticeable as the skin is stretching but I'm not seeing any new ones...yet. 
Clothing: The heat has been a challenge for sure. I have been living off two great pairs of size large athleta shorts and maternity capris from target. I snagged some great Gap tank tops for under $10 to finish my summer off. The search for a pair of jean shorts that actually fit right was completed at target, believe it or not after ordering about 4-5 pairs from pea in the pod...
Rings: ON
Movement: All time time and its getting stronger! 
Boy or girl: Its a boy!

Week 29: Super impressed with my stroller runs this week you guys...

Sunday: Run 3 miles: 8:33, 8:31, 8:32 splits
Monday: 40 min swim, lower lift
Tuesday: Stroller run-- 3 miles,  9:13, 9:25, 9:08 splits
Wednesday: upper Lift
Thursday: Stroller run-- 3 miles,  9:17, 9:29, 9:28 splits
Friday: Lower lift
Saturday: off
Sunday: 35 min swim

Week 28: 

Sunday: 40 min swim
Monday: 3 miles: 25:54 w/ 8:35 average splits
Tuesday: lower lift, 40 min swim
Wednesday: Stroller run: 9:32, 9:22, 9:21 splits
Thursday: Upper Lift
Friday/Saturday: Off

Week 27: this weeks was really for the birds...stress combined with being so tired made for not great runs

Monday: off
Tuesday: Run- 3 miles..25:42, 8:31 splits
Wednesday:off
Thursday: Stroller run-- 3 miles,  10:04, 9:50, 9:40 splits
Friday: off
Saturday: 2.6 miles: 9:14, 9:17, 10:07- started to feel uncomfrtable so stopped short of 3 miles. Some days are just like that...

Week 26: 

Sunday: Run 3 miles  8:44, 9:01, 9:16
Monday: Run 2.56 miles. Had to stop, felt uncomfortable
Tuesday: 40 min swim
Wednesday: Starting to feel better! 3 miles, 25:26: 8:26 average splits
Thursday: Got a lift in! Lower..
Friday: Upper lift and 3 mile run, 25:52 w/ 8:35 average splits
Saturday/Sunday: off

Week 25: This was a weird phase where for about 10 days my runs were really hit or miss. Those of you who have run through pregnancy will know what I mean..some days its just not there whether its positioning of the baby or just the day! You just gotta roll with the punches. 

Sun: 2 miles: 8:22, 8:21- felt great
Mon/tues: Off
Wed: 3 miles in central park 8:35, 9:10 and 8:52 splits
Thursday: 35 min swim
Friday: 40 min swim
Sat/Sun: Tried to run a stroller run on Saturday with M but just felt horrible. Stopped after 1 mile. Managed 3 miles on Sunday but stopped every mile to rest and stretch: 8:44, 9:01, 9:16

Week 24: 

Monday: 35 min swim
Tuesday: Stroller run-- 3 miles,  9:06, 9:25, 9:12
Wednesday:off
Thursday: Soccer workout, 30 min swim
Friday:Run 3 miles, 8:19, 8:08, 8:21
Saturday: off

Week 23: Pretty sick this week- took 3 days off

Monday: 45 min swim
Tuesday: Stroller run-- 3 miles,  8:34, 8:44, 8:56 (started feeling sick this day)
Wednesday: off-worst feeling day
Thursday: 2.5 miles to get body going. 8:35 average splits
Friday: 3 miles. Still not feeling great but got a sweat. 9:01, 9:14, 9:28
Saturday/Sunday:off

Week 22: This was the tail end of my issues with my glute :) Felt awesome at the end of this week

Monday: 45 min swim
Tuesday:off. massage/ chiropractor
Wednesday: 3 miles: 8:12, 8:19, 8:17
Thursday: 5 miles, 9 min increments. 7:50 average miles
Friday/Sat off
Sunday: 3 miles: 8:21, 8:11, 8:15

Week 21: This whole week glute issues hindered me. Did 5 days of aqua jogging (35-45 min/day)

Week 20: 

Monday: 6 400's under 1:35, lower lift
Tuesday: off
Wednesday: 4 miles in Central park. No times
Thursday: off- glute issues begin
Friday: 45 min swim
Saturday/Sunday:off

Week 19: 

Sunday: 35 min swim
Monday: 3 mile run, no times
Tuesday: Stroller run-- 3 miles, 8:43, 8:14, 8:13
Wednesday: lower lift
Thursday: soccer workout
Friday: upper lift
Saturday: lower lift (on my own), 30 min swimming
Sunday: 40 min swimming

Thats all for now....

Have a great Monday everyone!! xo

Alex

On the Road

Wow! What a crazy 4 weeks its been. Let's just say that I've been "on the road." 3 soccer tournaments and one trip to NYC with Max in the last 4 weeks. I think I am all travelled out for now. On top of that we celebrated Max's 2nd birthday which was super fun...but really exhausting preparing for. 

At the end of May, Aaran and I decided to bring Max to Manhattan. It was a quick trip but honestly I would totally recommend it to any parent. There is SO much to do in the city, especially in the summer. We hit up central park, the Central Park zoo, and walked around a lot taking in all the sights and sounds. We didn't make it to the Museum of Natural History or any of the other kids museums due to lack of time, but we will definitely make a trip there next time. It was so cool to watch him experience all the different people, sounds, animals, and LIFE in the city. Location is key if you have little ones- being able to walk to destinations is super important as taking the subway can be a pain depending on how many little ones you have (and especially if you don't know where you are going). We did take him on it but having two people vs one kid made it easy, plus I am there so often I know my way around easily. I am sure that the Bronx zoo is a far better zoo than the Central Park zoo, but we were only there for about 36 hours and needed something close so we could work around our tight schedule (and Max's nap!).

 The hardest part for us was being in the same room. M is in bed at about 7:30 pm. We managed to push this back to 8 pm but I think next time we will definitely stay in a one bedroom as we were sitting in the dark at about 8:15 pm. Ha! So much for a romantic evening! haha!  He loved it though and we will be bringing him back for sure! 

Little Max in Central Park (Upper West Side) 

Family Photo woulden't be complete without GA, Max's elephant that goes everywhere with him!

     Some ice cream to cool off in the 90 degree heat by the American Museum of Natural History

                                    Max and his Dad checking out the seal at the Central park zoo

I Kicked off (literally..) memorial day weekend with a soccer tournament in Hershey, PA with temperatures soaring into the 90s. As some of you may know-this is clearly NOT ideal pregnancy weather to function in much less COACH in all day. On my way to the tournament, I had to drop Max over for his first overnight trip with my parents as both my husband and I were coaching. I was nervous but he seemed to do great! He didn't stay at my parents house though-he stayed in their RV at Watkins Glen, a local racetrack where my dad's team was racing. He was in h e a v e n. Max is a huge car lover and soaked up every moment. My team narrowly missed out on the championship game but I honestly think the god's may have been looking out for me. After all the coaching in the heat and driving about 12+ hours for the weekend, my body was a wreck. The following weekend we had State Cup in Cortland, NY (another 3 hours of driving each way!). By the time I got back from the third trip in 2 weeks I was struggling to walk. My alignment or SOMETHING was completely off. More on this in my preggo post coming soon. 

                                                              Max at the races!

Next up was Max's birthday celebrations. We decided to do a farm theme. The party was complete with a hay ride, pony rides, time to milk the goats and pet the animals. All of the kids had a blast.  I'll be doing a completely separate post on his birthday party at the end of the week! 

After another tournament in 90+ degree weather this past weekend, its safe to say I am SO ready for a break from the grind of coaching. Its been a lot with the heat and pregnancy. I know I'll miss my kids when we finish in a week, but I'll be welcoming the extra down time! 

Hope you all have a great week and stay cool in this heat! 

xo

Alex