Body After Baby // Week 3

You guys said you wanted to hear more about the postpartum period, both with adjusting to life with two kids and with regard to recovery. So, today I'm going to write about my recovery so far (Eloise is 3 weeks old as of yesterday), as well as some of the differences from the first time around.

You always hear that all pregnancies are different. And I've learned that this statement totally applies to recoveries as well. When I had Ada, I felt so much pain after birth. My tailbone hurt. My tear stung. I had issues with urine leakage. I generally felt blah and spent a great deal of time on the couch. I did start running (too) soon after giving birth (within a couple weeks), and I know I shouldn't have because I was still bleeding (which increased and turned bright red with activity), having a lot of pelvic pain and, yeah, leaking. Still, the exercise gave me something normal to grasp onto, so I kept it up.

This time around, I don't feel like I just have a baby. I feel, well, surprisingly normal despite carrying a little extra weight. I am thanking my lucky stars for it, too. I think two pushes versus two plus hours of pushing may be to credit for some of it. I did have tearing just as significant as I did with Ada, but it didn't/doesn't hurt and is healing well. I also stopped bleeding during week two. Instead of wanting to spend days on the couch, I've been itching to get out and about thanks to the summer weather. Movement feels good and even therapeutic.

As far as stats go, I gained a total of 24 pounds in my pregnancy, topping off at 162. Here are a couple photos from two weeks postpartum.

I lost 16 in the week or so after giving birth. I have only lost another one since. I am at 145 pounds right now. My goal is to eventually get back to 135 pounds, which is where I seem to stick after kids. Before kids I was more like 125, but I find this weight takes a ton of diet and exercise, more than I'm willing to do at this stage of life. I know it could take a while to get back to a goal weight, especially since nursing isn't some magic weight loss cure for me. I held on to 8 pounds while nursing Ada for 17 months.

I don't have any diet plans right now. I am loosely tracking what I eat, mostly to keep a log of how much protein I'm getting in each day. (I'm trying to consume at least 65 grams per day.) I struggle getting enough, so I write down what I ate and -- next to it -- I write the grams of protein. I am also trying to keep an eye on my sugar intake. I'm not limiting myself, but I have a sweet tooth that can go easily out of control. Eloise also tends to nurse right during my meals, which makes me want to grab a quick cookie instead of waiting to make a good lunch with eggs, greens, and whole grains.

I am also back exercising with no pain or incontinence issues. I know it's like TMI to keep writing that -- yes -- I leaked after Ada's birth. But it's just a reality of the postpartum period that few people talk about. This time around I haven't had any urine mishaps. My bleeding has stopped and hasn't increased with activity. And I don't have any pelvic pain. It's kind of incredible.

I know very well that my body is still healing, though, so here's a rundown of what I've been doing.

• I am sticking to slow two to three mile jogs about every other day. After Ada, despite all the issues I was having, I pushed myself to go farther and farther and didn't rest between sessions. I also wanted to get back to my paces ASAP. This time around, I don't even take a watch, but I estimate I'm running 10 minute miles. I go slow and walk whenever I feel like I just don't want to push. I also make sure to do a little walking before/after the jogging to warm up and cool down.
• I have done some Barre workouts. These feel amazing to stretch and strengthen my body. Again, I don't do anything that's over 30 minutes, and I don't do more than one type of workout per day. 
• I am also thinking of starting a yoga challenge (on YouTube) and trying to get in at least 10 minutes of stretching and relaxation each day.
• Other days, like today, I just do gentle walking. I have no races on the calendar or other reason to be in any kind of mode where I NEED to do exercise all the time.
• If at any point, I do get pain or other signs I need to step back, I will. But my midwife said to go ahead and do what feels good as it feels good.

That's how recovery is going. At least at week three. I won't be updating every single week like I did the last time around. So, maybe look for another one of these posts around week 6. I would like to run a 5K in late August. Not for time, obviously, but it's a Women's Distance Festival that I try to participate in every year. I suppose that's my current fitness goal. I look forward to updating you on how it's going!

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How I’m Moving These Days

A couple notes on fitness today. I’ve started a loose 10K training plan. I don’t have a race in mind, but after months of not running on any sort of plan, I was craving some structure. I’m still trying to balance TTC with running and exercise. Though I ran a 12-miler the day before getting my positive pregnancy test with Ada, the trouble we’ve having this time around has me set on a more conservative approach.

// RUNNING

Yes. I’m frustrated with it. And many of you have told me I don’t need to worry about mileage while TTC. I’m doing what I feel is right for me and my body. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size approach. What works for one person (or one pregnancy) isn’t necessarily the best choice for another.

Here’s the plan I’m currently following. I’m hoping to find some type of 10K to do in the fall just for fun. Though I am trying to do some speed one day a week, that’s not really my goal with this adventure. It’s more about getting myself on a plan and gaining motivation.

Onto week two!


I ran my first speed workout in what felt like years last week. I did a one mile warmup, then two timed miles -- the first at 7:32, the next at 7:25 -- and then a cool down. I’m not in peak shape, but I was incredibly surprised that I’ve retained any speed at all! Definitely encouraging. Just goes to show that consistent training over the years pays off, even if you have a lapse in serious training.

For the cross-training, I’ve been doing Barre3 workouts online.

// YOGA

I’ve also committed myself to yoga. I used to practice quite regularly. I’d take two classes a week and spend time on my mat at home. I fell (way!) out of this habit years ago. I was writing an article on yoga the other day, and I came across Yoga with Adriene on YouTube. I’ve been hooked on her classes ever since.

I even started the 30-Day Yoga Challenge.


I also took my first studio yoga class in years yesterday. It was an easy flow, and I think I’ll be returning to take at least one class per week once Ada starts preschool. I used to treat yoga like a major athletic event. I always wanted to feel the burn. These days? I’m enjoying the stress-relieving aspect and the stretching.

Feels gooooooooooooooooood!

How are you moving these days?

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Food, Fitness, Family

FOOD

Ada’s follow-up went well on Friday, which I’ll delve into in a moment. One reason we sometimes like going to her specialist? We get to go to Syracuse, which is like major civilization to us. We always head to the mall and some other special spots on our way home, though this time around we had a time constraint so I could get back home for a doctor appointment of my own.

Anyway, this time our special stop was Trader Joe’s! Would you believe we’ve never actually shopped there? I’ve gone in a few times to buy a couple treats, but we haven’t live anywhere near one until they put one in up north. I guess it’s a good thing, too, since I spent well over $100 in a matter of 20 minutes.

Here’s our haul:

FITNESS

Permit me to complain a bit about the weather again. I’m not one of those winter wimps, but this is getting more than ridiculous and, well, painfully awful. I actually got tears in my eyes the other day when thinking about spring -- thanks, SAD. As you can imagine, exercise has been spotty lately without a gym membership (and dwindling motivation). This is the current weather I woke up to this morning -- along with another 2-hour delay for Stephen.

RIGHT?!


Week 1: 12 miles total -- sick at end of week after this day-in-the-life post!

M: 5 mile run, 10 minutes Barre
T: 3 mile run, 30 minutes Barre
W: 4 mile run
R: OFF
F: OFF
S: OFF
S: OFF

Week 2: 15.25 miles total -- frigid, snowy, and sucky!

M: 30 minutes spin bike, 10 minutes Barre
T: 4 mile run
W: 4.6 mile run
R: OFF
F: 30 minutes spinning bike
S: 3.25 mile run
S: 45 min x-country ski, 3.5 mile run

So, yeah. Not exactly impressive mileage. But I’m staying active using what I have to do indoors. You might not notice a lot of Barre stuff in the last two weeks. I took a little time off because my monthly subscription lapsed. But we signed back up for the whole year, so I’ll be doing a lot more of that soon. Especially since it’s still so awful to run outdoors.

FAMILY

We did get a nice “break” from the cold temperatures on Sunday, when it was like 30 degrees out. It felt like spring. I was singing in the streets. So, we piled into the car and headed to a local park where people run their dogs, sled, and cross-country ski. I couldn’t find my cold weather tights, so I’m wearing two layers of pants in this photo!


And are a few photos from our trip to Syracuse.


Ada’s appointment went well, but they didn’t really examine anything. We have an MRI scheduled for six months from now, and I think that’s the one I’m most anxious for. Apparently if things were bad again, we’d be seeing symptoms. However, her issue is one that could return. If all looks good -- we will graduate to yearly checkups for a while. We are hopeful that we’ll be able to move forward since Ada seems to be doing so well.

While we were at the office, we asked to get a copy of Ada’s initial MRI report, and -- though we’ve always had all the information -- we were shocked. I hadn’t dug right into the diagnosis and all its gory details, but Ada was so close to having some major, life-altering issues. I feel very fortunate we were able to get the diagnosis and surgery when we did before irreparable damage happened. We’ll still never know why, but at this point that feels irrelevant. I’m just thankful.

Hope you guys have a great Tuesday.

Don’t forget to enter the Udi’s Pizza Hut sweeps to win a $100 gift card!

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Food, Fitness, Family

FOOD

I get a lot of requests for portable + packable meal and snack options. I used to write a lot more about this kind of stuff when I worked my desk job. Eating well on the go is tough business. So, I thought I might try to bring some of that bake into the blog. This week, I’ll start by simply sharing what Stephen brings for snacks and lunch on a typical work day.

Like this:


I try to make grab-and-go stuff that we can all enjoy, which is why you see a variation of the Nut Butter Energy Chunks. I also always boil a dozen eggs each week because they’re super healthy and easy to eat on the run. And we’ve been making a lot of Avocado Egg Salad lately. Last, every Sunday I made a slow cooker soup. This week it was one of our favorites: Miso Split Pea Soup . . . with lentils in place of the split peas.

I’ll dedicate a whole post to Stephen’s lunches sometime soon.

FITNESS

Running has been tough in the last week due to snow and cold. I’m happy I’ve been sticking close to my 20 mile a week goal regardless. I’ve been leaning heavily into the cross-training I can do from home, which has meant bringing out the spinning bike, skis, and Barre workouts more than hitting the pavement.

(PS: Some of you are wondering what equipment is needed to do Barre workouts at home. I use a standard yoga mat, a set of 2 pound weights, a waist-high surface -- which is Ada’s trampoline, and occasionally a yoga strap. I’m considering purchasing a ball like the Barre3 ball.)


I love that I can workout indoors, but I am also getting sick of working out indoors. I’m at the point where I’d OK with running in the cold and snow, but I’d sure love just ONE 50+ degree sunny day a week. Or a treadmill so I could feel what it’s like to run in shorts again. I know I’ll be complaining about the summer heat soon enough, though!

Week 1: 21 miles

M: 5 mile run, 30 minutes Barre
T: 4 mile run, 30 minutes Barre
W: 60 minutes Barre
T: 4 mile run, 30 minutes Barre
F: 3 mile run
S: OFF
S: 5 mile run, X-Country Ski 30 minutes, 40 minutes Barre

Week 2: 15.5 miles

M: X-County Ski 45 minutes, 40 minutes Barre
T: OFF
W: 30 minutes spinning bike, 30 minutes Barre
T: 4.5 mile run
F: 10 minutes Barre, 2 mile run
S: 5 mile run, 30 minutes Barre
S: 4 mile run

FAMILY

I’m so excited for this week to be over.

No, really!


We had a great snow day yesterday, but Stephen actually has the first of his spring breaks coming up next week. A whole week off! We had planned to try and go somewhere on a mini-vacation, but due to some unexpected changes in our finances, we decided to wait a few months. Regardless, there’s a lot we need to cram in, like Ada’s 6 month neuro follow-up in Syracuse. We’ll turn that into something fun because we learned she won’t need a sedation MRI -- YAHOO! -- when I found out, I basically threw a party. We’ll probably check out Trader Joe’s, hit up the mall (Ada loves the ropes course), and go somewhere to eat. Simple pleasures.

Next week will also be the end of my two week wait, and regardless -- I just want it to be over. In a silly way, I’m hoping I might be pregnant before all this infertility testing starts. I mean, a girl can dream, right? Some of you have asked if I plan on sharing the news when I get a positive sign. I’m not sure yet. We could still have a long time to go, so how I handle it isn’t as important to me right now as just living day by day and keeping positive that it will happen.

Peace out, Tuesday!

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Thoughts on Barre (So Far)

On Monday we had around 10 inches of snow. A couple days later another 3 inches. And last night another 2 or 3 more. I hear another storm is in the forecast for early next week. We’ve also had more negative windchill days. None of this is surprising. Still, (good) running without a gym membership has been elusive, and not for lack of trying.

Our new neighborhood is great, but people don’t love shoveling their sidewalks. Many streets don’t even have sidewalks, really, which leaves running in the street often as the sun is setting. I do try to make it to a local path a few times a week, but with Ada’s preschool often closed due to the weather, well, you see the excuses piling up. Running in the winter is hard. Some years I trudge through better than others. This year, I think I get a B+.

Along with cycling at home and doing some cross-country skiing, I’ve been doing Barre -- and I thought I’d give you a quick update on how I’m liking it so far. No. Loving it. My trial with Barre 3 Online ended earlier this week, and I decided to keep it up at least over the next month or two. I’m majorly on the bandwagon right now. We’ll see how long it lasts, but since I’m seeing some results, I’d like to keep the good stuff going.

// I don’t know if I’ve lost any weight doing Barre. My instincts are telling me no, but I’ll find out today at my fertility appointment. At the same time, I’m noticeably slimmer even after a couple weeks. My jeans are slightly loose. My butt is lifted -- no joke -- and my thighs are leaner. It’s not too dramatic from an outward view -- but I can tell a huge difference.

// My flexibility is back again. With so many yoga and stretching movies incorporated into the workouts, I’ve been taking the time to get limber again. I used to do lots of yoga and sort of took my natural flexibility for granted. Now I want to keep it up because it feels so good.

// My strength is, like, whoa. I haven’t done any major strength training consistently -- bodyweight or otherwise -- in a long while. Accordingly, I’ve been a little weak compared to previous years. I can already see some gains in this area by being able to hold certain poses much longer. And generally feeling toned. Even using 2 pound weights has my arms feeling it the next day, but without extreme soreness.

// After completing the workouts, I feel energized, and I can’t always say that for running. I think it has something to do with impact. I like having something in my routine that challenges me without jarring me. Not that my running form is bad, but sometimes it’s just rough on the body to do 5 or 6 days a week. The tiny motions in Barre are surprisingly difficult . . . but at the same time restorative, if that makes any sense. In the middle of a “class” I feel like I want to curse, yet at the end, I want to give someone a hug.

// I’ve also been happy to find a workout I think I could keep up when I’m lucky enough to get pregnant again. I’ve already written in numerous posts how I’ll cool it on the running the next time around. No half marathon races for me. But keeping fit and active is a huge priority, as I think it helped me a lot mentally and physically during my last pregnancy. Some of the moves in Barre remind me a lot of my favorite prenatal workout by Summer Sanders.

// I do wish we had a Barre studio or class in the area. I’m getting slightly tired of doing the same workouts again and again (though I’m excited to try a new runner workout that was posted recently). I also have enjoyed group fitness classes in the past for the social aspect, and I’m more alone than ever talking to my TV during nap time. But online workouts are undeniably convenient. No excuses, right?

So, at this point I’d highly recommend at least trying Barre if you’re interested. I have no affiliation with the studio or incentive to share my feelings. It’s just something that’s helping me get through winter this year.

If you have questions, I’d be happy to answer!

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Food, Fitness, Family

FOOD

I made this awesome Roasted Cauliflower Gnocchi recipe for dinner last week.

Not so awesome? My photos. So much darkness.


I modified the recipe by using whole wheat flour. Then instead of homemade sauce, I used some store bought. I tossed in a good bunch of baby kale for good measure. We all loved the meal, and I can’t wait to make it again sometime.

FITNESS

I added Barre to my routine last week, and I definitely feel it in a great way. However, I’ve had some trouble balancing it with my running mileage. So, I think after this initial #OMGILOVEBARRE phase, I’d like to do three 30-minute workouts each week with another couple 10-minute ones sprinkled in. I tried a full hour Saturday but just couldn’t make it through after running.

So much core work. Ouch.


Week 1: 20.5 miles

M: OFF
T: 1 hour walk
W: 4 miles + 1 mile walk
R: 5 miles
F: 3.5 miles, 15-minute Body Weight, 2 mile walk
S: OFF
S: 8 miles

Week 2: 14 miles

M: 2 miles + 1 mile walk
T: Barre 30 minute + 10 minute workouts
W: 4 miles, Barre 30 minute + 10 minute workouts
R: 4 miles, Barre 30 minute workout
F: 1 hour walk
S: 4 miles, Barre 45 minute workout
S: OFF*

* I had planned to run my long run yesterday, but as I’ll write about in a minute -- sleep was elusive Saturday night. I took a nap instead and decided I’d wait to run around 8 miles today if possible. Let’s do this.

FAMILY

What a weekend. Those of you who have preschoolers know the whole nighttime struggle. The excuses, the stalling, and even the lies. Ada’s become quite creative with her techniques over the last six months or so. So, when she all of a sudden complained that her ear hurt Saturday night, we thought it was a farce. The fit ensued and we tried for over and hour to figure out fact from fiction.

Then I saw her wince.
It was almost imperceptible . . . but then it happened again.

We packed up the car a little before 10 to drive to the ER across town. Checked in with an overly tired kid in pain. That’s the quickest way get the VIP treatment. We tried everything we could to ease Ada’s discomfort, but she was crying and screaming, so they put us in a private waiting area. After several hours we saw the nurse and PA to find out she has an ear infection. Her first. I won’t go into all the gory details of trying to get her to take a huge dose of antibiotics at 1AM on an empty stomach, etc.

Eventually we drove home, got Ada settled, and all went to bed. My internal clock woke me up around 6:30. Yuck. I need to remember this when I pine away for baby #2. I’m just happy this girl is on the mend!


Those of you in the blizzard zone -- stay safe and warm. However, I can’t lie. I’m incredibly jealous! We haven’t had much snow at all up here the last two years, and I’m so ready for a crazy storm.

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Trying Barre Classes Online

I’ve been searching for something new and different to do fitness-wise besides running. We looked at some gyms over the weekend, but the only ones I would want to join are the ones with pools. My favorite cross-training is my slow, sad breaststroke -- by far. Too bad those gyms are expensive. And most of them are booked up with aqua classes for the older crowd during the hours when I could typically go (or when childcare is offered, preschool is happening, etc.).

Anyway, I do random workouts on Fitness Blender from time to time. Mostly yoga, body weight stuff, and barre. After mulling over whether or not I should delve into studio yoga classes (which are also expensive, though definitely worth it), I decided I’d try doing something online for a change. When I get a chance to workout besides my usual running, it’s either in the early morning, nap time, or after Ada’s gone to bed for the night. I don’t necessarily feel like dragging myself across town by that point.

So, today I signed up for a Free 15-Day Trial of Barre3 (check it out -- I’m not affiliated with this group -- they don’t even have studios in my area). I just completed a total body 30 minute workout during Ada’s nap and got a needed boost of energy. Since I’ve tried several rogue barre workouts in the past, I knew a bit of what to expect. Lots of tiny movements with tons of burn. I like how the workout incorporates some yoga, ballet, and Pilates movements, too. All the stuff I usually ignore.

There are several offerings of this type that you can find online for free and subscription prices. Here’s a comprehensive comparison I found with Bar Method and Barre3, if you’re interested in more specifics (because I’m still super new to it all). Of the two, I chose Barre3 because I’ve read reviews from bloggers like Emily or heard about it from friends + family who live near studios and regularly take classes. Oh, yeah. And also because it’s $15/month versus $35.

Right now my goal is to do 3-5 barre workouts a week (they have ones from 10 minutes to 60 minutes) along with 20 miles of running. I’m informally doing the 28-day challenge, too, since I like the idea of checking boxes to feel some accomplishment in my day. Plus, being prompted to do certain workouts is helpful when you’re trying to guide yourself from home. I am also looking forward to checking out a few new recipes to shake me out of this carb-craziness + funk I’ve been in.

Have you tried online workout subscriptions? 

I wrote a fun article about them for Wise Bread a couple months back, so you should certainly read it if you’re interested. They're a nice, flexible option if you don’t love driving to the gym or perhaps don’t have time during traditional hours to get your sweat on. I know a lot of people really like Daily Burn and even Gaiam TV, so I’d love to hear more about those if you subscribe!

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