A Dream and a Goal...

Lately I have really been missing exercise. And by that I mean, exercise at a higher level then my hourly sessions at the gym while pregnant. I still get there to get a sweat going, and it really does make me feel better...but I am talking about a workout that consists of my heartrate not sky-rocketing to high levels by barely doing anything and ligaments that don't throb from stretching with every run step I take.

I am currently dreaming of long runs, bike rides and future races.
What will 2012 have in store for me? I am leaning towards packing my schedule with Marathons...and maybe a 70.3 Ironman or two. I am excited just thinking about it!

Wouldn't today be the PERFECT day for a long run! The sun is shining, the temperatures are warming...our city is beautiful. For now, I will be heading across the street for an elliptical workout, dreaming of the run I will be doing in another handful of months.

I had to stop running a few weeks ago. The weight of my stomach was beginning to make every stride more uncomfortable: the feeling of ligaments stretching really isn't a nice feeling. I have also been experiencing sciatic pain this time around...which doesn't bode all too well with running. And so, the elliptical has become a close friend...and the occasional bike.

My husband is out for a long bike ride right now. Jealous! When he gets back we are trading off... bike outdoors or elliptical inside. Which one would you choose: i know, the answer would normally be a given!
I have to admit, when physical fitness is such a big part of your life, it's hard to loose the ability to do something so quickly. Especially when the desire is still there. Pregnancy is an AMAZING thing. It is amazing what a women's body goes through and produces, it truly is. But "you" are still in there. And for me, the "you" is missing the things that were taken for granted prior. Walking upstairs without being out of breathe. Standing up without getting light-headed. Running and biking with my husband.
I think what adds to the "missing" feeling, is watching the people around me continue to do it all. It's me wishing and missing, and them not really understanding how hard it is to suddenly S-T-O-P doing something that makes me a part of who I am.

Anyways...enough feeling down on myself, as that is not my intention here. I am excited to get out to move, period...and then enjoy this day with our family.

Maybe a picnic at the beach is in order!


 Just Click on It!!

The unsightly side effects...

I am experiencing a side effect of pregnancy that I did not experience with my first two. A symptom that occurs in some, and a symptom I am not in any way a fan of. Venous pooling / varicose veins.
"Veins are the blood vessels that return blood from your extremities to your heart, so the blood in your leg veins is already working against gravity. When you're pregnant, the amount of blood in your body increases, adding to the burden on your veins. And your progesterone levels rise, causing the walls of your blood vessels to relax." ~babycenter.com

I find for me, they are the worst in the morning, after a night of lying still and sleeping. They progressively fade through the day as I am moving more...but never fully go away. I have done some reading, and for many they do disappear after pregnancy. And for some, they don't. I am hoping I am a lucky one!

Not only are the a bit unsightly, through the night or first thing in the morning, they can actually throb and hurt a bit. And throughout the day, my legs are definitely "heavy".

Apparently some ways to help prevent them are to exercise and refrain from being sedentary, sleep on your left side, and stay within the healthy weight range through pregnancy...all of which I do and am doing. I think if exercise and movement actually had a part in preventing them, I would have the most attractive vein-free legs you have ever seen, lol. I move daily. Through work, two kids and a gym workout I have no excuse not to! So, I am chalking it up to possibly " they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you get older."
Sure, why not!
Who knows, maybe its the way the baby is lying: the way I am carrying: or, just because!

Anyone had or have them through pregnancy? What was your secret? Did you find something that made them less or more prominent?

I am off to the store to make an investment...compression stockings for bedtime. Sexy I know. My husband is going to love me...