Week 29: Counting Down

Photo from last weekends ortho graduation and a 28 week old bump. Sorry that the full effect of the bump is diminished by the collision with Tim's blazer. Don't worry, I'll redo the picture for week 29 by re-wearing the dress.

To those thinking of becoming pregnant, I'm share this secret, and you need to write this down. Until about month 5 you won't look that pregnant. I admit, on Easter Sunday, it was a real task finding something to wear that actually looked like it was for Sunday morning service, not left over from Saturday night and serving as the Sunday morning walk of shame outfit. I live in PB, I know how these things work. Your clothes might fit but you will probably feel that you don't look pregnant you just look funny and thick and funky. Stretchy fabrics will not look great. In fact, they'll probably look dumpy. Don't go out and spend all your hard earned money on maternity wear, save it for running shoes, running skirts, shorts and pedicures. You'll be more inclined to run with cute comfortable running clothes and they are practically free in the sizes you can find on clearance at Road Runner. How can you quit with all of those cute running clothes ~~in a size that should not fit post partum.~~ With the occassional pedicure as reward for running, you will likely be less bothered by the fact that you feel like you have to pee while running and things that chafe. True, everybody is different, but I bet I am not all that different than a lot of other females after all.

In 2-4 weeks, you will pop out in the middle and lose the "I ate too much spaghetti or drank to much beer belly look" and become obviously pregnant. At this point all things with stretch again will fit, as long as they are long enough. You'll loose some of the garments length up with your width. ~~That being said save a little bit of money for a new bra.~~ Anyway, clothes that didn't look wearable at week 20 may work at week 30. Who'd have thunk it? Unless you want a new wardrobe, than knock yourself out. You'll need a few things, but seriously things with stretch, stretch a long way.

Now that it's been a week I'm starting a countdown:

11 months (plus three weeks):
until Tim actually graduates from Ortho residency and we don't have to sit in the corner for graduation.

11 weeks: until Baby N is due

11 days: I've have this cold (from hell).

Actually it might be 12 now, but I've stopped counting. Which makes me realize that my 5th grade teacher was wrong about the common cold lasting 7 days, and believe me I tried the home remedies. My 4th grade teacher was correct, my biggest test in life would be having enough patience.

Week 28: Skinny Cow

Unfortunately, I'm starting week 28 with a cold. The common cold is no big deal. It's just annoying. I shouldn't complain as I don't get sick much. I'm not a patient patient though. Especially since I have a self imposed quota of weekly miles I won't be logging like this week. More importantly this stupid virus has interrupted my scheduled therapy/gossip/ catch up sessions otherwise known as bike rides. Annoying to me and my riding partners.

Despite all the good words for vitamin C, zinc, and fluids, ecchinesa, Netti pots, and what ever else. I confess I believe in what my 5th grade teacher told me, unless I have an important race within 3 days of the cold....then I believe in all of those things. The common cold takes one week. No matter what you do, it will be around for a week, then it will be no more.

Usually I try to train through a cold but since I have to carry one of my training partners I decided it might be too much and I would focus on treating the symptoms. I'll get back to running as soon as possible. I know, I know I said the chance of a comeback in running while pregnant are slim but I'll just have to give it my best shot.

I'm looking at this more like an athlete than a nurse. I'm viewing my throat as a sprain. In addition to Tylenol, which is safe during pregnancy and works wonders, there is the need to ice the injury. If I sprained my ankle I'd ice it, right? So I made it a point to ice my throat. I mean it would be negligent not to. May I recommend a "Skinny Cow's" Fudge-cicle

Only 100 calories in each and they taste delicious. They are actually big and contain no aspartame, which is ill advised during pregnancy based on the whole cancer in rats findings. No high fructose corn syrup, which make rats lazy amongst other things. Making rats lazy is enough to deter me, although sometimes I forget to check a label and accidentally buy something with HF CS. Some of the Skinny Cows other products do have high fructose corn syrup, but the fudgecicle is flawless. Tim even likes them ~~which prevents me from eating the entire box~~, which prevents me from icing too frequently. Much more effective than the Ricola cough drops I had been using.

Which brings me to the "Skinny Cow". Skinny Cow cracks me up. It's sort of how I view myself . See, I'm realize my middle is quite protuberant yet I don't feel fat. A lot of people have asked how it feels to have a major body change. You might not believe it but, I feel like I'm ....carrying a small child. OK, an infant. Small child is actually an exaggeration, since the baby is only a little over 2 pounds now, but babies have accessories even in the womb, so it's like she's bigger. I just don't spend a lot of time fantasizing about the amniotic sac.

Still, the term Skinny Cow cracks me up. Not sure if that means I have a good self esteem or a good sense of humor. Pregnancy is probably a chance to test both. This week a lady I have seen in passing for years but never exchanged more than a few words said the funniest thing to me. She has a Caribbean type accent. She saw me sitting down and said with her accent "Oh my girl! Are you fat or are you for real? " I cracked up not sure how to answer that question. I was trying not too laugh to hard. It seemed almost impolite as I indeed was laughing at her. I couldn't help imagining the "what if I wasn't pregnant scenarios." I am assuming the "are you for real" meant are you pregnant. Clearly we see things differently, to me if one just up and gained that much girth it would be for real, where as the girth of pregnancy is temporary ~~or should be.~~

I have a big imagination and like to be entertained.This causes pregnancy to suit me. I'm finding pregnancy quite fun. The things people have said, I couldn't make up if I tried. Also, pregnancy is quite fun because it brings out the kindness in people. It's amazing how nice people are to the pregnant lady. I think it's like going back in time. People slow their pace to get a door for you or have a conversation with you when otherwise they would be in too much of a hurry. Total awsomeness indeed.

The other fun part of being pregnant is you can fantasize about what kind of bike your little one might like to ride. Some say she might not want to ride a bike. True, but I believe there is a bike for everyone. Time may prove me wrong but I'm not so sure.

This Is The Life!

Tim took this picture in an attempt to get back at me for all the embarrassing ones I have posted of him on facebook.

Every family has a classic line they remember. This picture reminds me of when we were camping as kids and my brother Tom exclaimed from the top bunk of the camper "This is the life! A can of soda in one hand and an ice cream bar in the other."

People are always telling me to make sure and take time for myself. It's really sweet of them.Sometimes they even look concerned. It's really sweet, but honestly they should probably put a hand on my shoulder and give it a tight squeeze and say in a stern voice "Honey, have you even thought about what's for dinner and don't you have some laundry to do?" Believe me I do take time for myself and I enjoy life. Honestly what is better that a post run PB&J, while soaking your feet in Epsom salt and surfing the Internet? Total heaven, I tell you.

Not a lot new to report from week 27. Unless you are interested in the story of me scaling a waist high fence by Torrey Pines Golf and Country Club in an emergent search for a rest room. There must have been one hundred eyes on me. Golfers in their pressed polo's and khakis so refined. Quite a sight, pregnant women with run skirt swishing, sprinting past the putting green. I'd say that will be the last time I will eat an entire Powerbar between Masters swim and starting my run but honestly I was hungry and it actually tasted good, so at least now I know where the restroom is.

Pin Board Blog

This is going to be a very, very boring post but I needed to do some convincing of myself that my lifestyle really is ok. See the doctors encourage you to exercise when your pregnant because it's good for the baby. I feel a little guilty though, because my motivation to exercise is because it makes me feel good. I'm not really sure how the little one feels when I am running and rocking out to Lady Ga Ga. Ok, I've slowed....Gordon Lightfoot's "The Edmund Fitzgerald" is more my pace these days. I imagine she loves it and is excited for me to go swim/bike/run, but that is just my imagination. Also, I am a social creature. I'm fairly certain the best times I've shared with my friends have been on bikes and runs. Even though it's in a limited capacity, I still am able to do these activities with my friends. I read isolation can lead to peri or post partum depression. I don't want to invite that sadness into my life. I left swimming off because you can't talk while you are swimming. Think it's a coincidence that swimming is my weak link? I really do enjoy the locker room and poolside socialization at Master's swim though. I'm trying to take full advantage of the convenient carrying case I have, better known as the bump, because I know post partum swims, bikes, and runs, will be a test in logistics.

I have to admit when anybody questions me on whether I should be doing what I am doing I think twice. I know have selectively surveyed other women who trained while pregnant to hear what I want to her (thanks Julie, Elizabeth, Liz) However, to be more objective and justify things to myself. I'm not going to lie. I'd like to just say it is overweight paunchy men, who brag about how many watts they pull while cycling that hassle me and that I'd drop them if not prego....and some do. Truth is, on a daily basis I question myself. To find answers beyond magical thinking, I went to the National Institute of Health's Public Library better known as Pub Med. No, I didn't do it of Scripp's dime...I did during my recovery periods between workouts. My feet might have even been up, all for the baby's health of course. Pre partum, this kind of Internet surfing was know as wasting time. So here are a few of my favorite studies. I know they are boring to most, but I know of a few cool gals who in due time will be in my running shoes and invite them to reference these. On the converse, if you have trained really hard and want/need a break, that is just fine too.

I made a pin board of studies that support, encourage, and inspire me. Basically it shows exercise is not so much safe as being sedintary is dangerous. Sorry the spacing of the abstracts copied so funny, but it's the best I could do I have allotted so much time on this research I am becoming sedentary.

Building healthier babies & adults for tomorrow.

May L.

Source

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, USA. lmay@kcumb.edu

Abstract

Current studies intimate the fetal cardiovascular and respiratory systems benefit from exercise throughout pregnancy. These changes persist after birth suggesting that exercise exposure has long-term health benefits lasting into adulthood. Individuals exposed to exercise in utero show no signs of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as adults. Considering the pandemic of CVD in the U.S., these findings suggest further research is warranted concerning the effects of exercise during pregnancy on childhood and adult health outcomes.

PMID:: 21462613; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Knowing is believing: information and attitudes towards physical activity during pregnancy.

Cannella D, Lobel M, Monheit A.

Source

Department of General Dentistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8706, USA. dolores.cannella@stonybrook.edu

Abstract

Physical activity is safe for most pregnant women and improves maternal fitness and birth outcomes. Yet, despite evidence of benefit, prevalence rates are low. Research in other populations suggests that attitudes and information are associated with physical activity. We examined the sources and types of information that women receive about physical activity during pregnancy and their association with attitudes towards prenatal physical activity. We also investigated whether particular groups of women are more likely to receive physical activity information. Questionnaires were completed by 179 ethnically and socio-economically diverse pregnant women. Women who were younger, unpartnered, less educated and had less income were less likely to report receiving information about prenatal physical activity. Receipt of information concerning benefits and risks of activity, risks of inactivity and specific techniques was associated with more favourable attitudes towards physical activity. Women who perceived low risk of birth complications also held more favourable attitudes. Some viewed all forms of physical activity as dangerous. Results suggest that providing information about benefits and risks of prenatal physical activity may motivate pregnant women to practice better health behaviours.

PMID:: 20969538; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Physical activity and pregnancy: cardiovascular adaptations, recommendations and pregnancy outcomes.

Melzer K, Schutz Y, Boulvain M, Kayser B.

Source

Institute of Movement Sciences and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.

Abstract

Regular physical activity is associated with improved physiological, metabolic and psychological parameters, and with reduced risk of morbidity and mortality. Current recommendations aimed at improving the health and well-being of nonpregnant subjects advise that an accumulation of > or =30 minutes of moderate physical activity should occur on most, if not all, days of the week. Regardless of the specific physiological changes induced by pregnancy, which are primarily developed to meet the increased metabolic demands of mother and fetus, pregnant women benefit from regular physical activity the same way as nonpregnant subjects. Changes in submaximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)) during pregnancy depend on the type of exercise performed. During maternal rest or submaximal weight-bearing exercise (e.g. walking, stepping, treadmill exercise), absolute maternal VO(2) is significantly increased compared with the nonpregnant state. The magnitude of change is approximately proportional to maternal weight gain. When pregnant women perform submaximal weight-supported exercise on land (e.g. level cycling), the findings are contradictory. Some studies reported significantly increased absolute VO(2), while many others reported unchanged or only slightly increased absolute VO(2) compared with the nonpregnant state. The latter findings may be explained by the fact that the metabolic demand of cycle exercise is largely independent of the maternal body mass, resulting in no absolute VO(2) alteration. Few studies that directly measured changes in maternal maximal VO(2) (VO(2max)) showed no difference in the absolute VO(2max) between pregnant and nonpregnant subjects in cycling, swimming or weight-bearing exercise. Efficiency of work during exercise appears to be unchanged during pregnancy in non-weight-bearing exercise. During weight-bearing exercise, the work efficiency was shown to be improved in athletic women who continue exercising and those who stop exercising during pregnancy. When adjusted for weight gain, the increased efficiency is maintained throughout the pregnancy, with the improvement being greater in exercising women. Regular physical activity has been proven to result in marked benefits for mother and fetus. Maternal benefits include improved cardiovascular function, limited pregnancy weight gain, decreased musculoskeletal discomfort, reduced incidence of muscle cramps and lower limb oedema, mood stability, attenuation of gestational diabetes mellitus and gestational hypertension. Fetal benefits include decreased fat mass, improved stress tolerance, and advanced neurobehavioural maturation. In addition, few studies that have directly examined the effects of physical activity on labour and delivery indicate that, for women with normal pregnancies, physical activity is accompanied with shorter labour and decreased incidence of operative delivery. However, a substantial proportion of women stop exercising after they discover they are pregnant, and only few begin participating in exercise activities during pregnancy. The adoption or continuation of a sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy may contribute to the development of certain disorders such as hypertension, maternal and childhood obesity, gestational diabetes, dyspnoea, and pre-eclampsia. In view of the global epidemic of sedentary behaviour and obesity-related pathology, prenatal physical activity was shown to be useful for the prevention and treatment of these conditions. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the association between physical activity and outcomes of labour and delivery.

PMID:: 20524714; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Intensive training during a twin pregnancy. A case report.

Davies B, Bailey DM, Budgett R, Sanderson DC, Griffin D.

Source

School of Applied Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, S. Wales, UK.

Abstract

This case study reports the clinical and physiological changes of a 33 year old elite marathoner undertaking intensive endurance training during and following a twin pregnancy. Prior to conception, the subject ran 155 km x week(-1) at an intensity equivalent to 140-180 b x min(-1) which following consultation decreased to 107 +/- 19 km x week(-1) at an intensity equivalent to 130-140 b x min(-1) during pregnancy. Physical exercise ceased 3 days prior to an elective Caesarean section following a 36 week gestation period and recommenced 8 days following the birth of healthy twins. Medical assessments conducted ante/post partum indicated that both the twins and mother were healthy. A field based test demonstrated that running velocity at a steady state HR of 140 b x min(-1), 150 b x min(-1) and 160 b x min(-1) decreased by 20%, 15% and 13% respectively between weeks 1 and 32 antepartum. Whole blood lactate ([La-]B), oxygen uptake (VO2), ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (V(E)/VO2), HR and Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) increased during a laboratory-based submaximal treadmill test at 29 weeks antepartum in comparison to a test conducted 10 weeks post partum. These data clearly demonstrate that it is possible for an elite endurance athlete to maintain a high level of cardiovascular fitness during pregnancy with no apparent adverse effects on maternal or foetal health. This will facilitate an earlier return to international competition.

PMID:

10496124

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Exercise training can attenuate preeclampsia-like features in an animal model.

Falcao S, Bisotto S, Michel C, Lacasse AA, Vaillancourt C, Gutkowska J, Lavoie JL.

Source

Research Centre, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal - Technopôle Angus, Montreal, Canada.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Exercise training benefits have been widely investigated and used as alternative treatment for different pathological conditions. Since preeclampsia is a severe pregnancy-associated disease for which no treatment is available, our aim was to investigate the protective role of exercise training on pregnancy outcome using a mouse model of the disease.

METHODS:

We used transgenic female mice overexpressing human angiotensinogen, which develop preeclampsia when mated with human renin-overexpressing males. Females were placed in exercise cages 4 weeks prior to mating, and remained in these throughout gestation. Blood pressure was measured by telemetry, and proteinuria was quantified by ELISA. Placentas were assessed by histology and immunohistochemistry, whereas vascular endothelial growth factor was measured by real-time PCR and immunoblot. Endothelial function was assessed in isolated mesenteric arteries.

RESULTS:

Conversely to sedentary transgenic females (131.20 ± 4.08 mmHg), trained dam's mean arterial pressure was no longer different from normal mice at the end of gestation (117.5 ± 10.6 vs. 112.3 ± 5.5 mmHg). Proteinuria observed in transgenic dams (3.364 ± 1.62 μg/mg) was absent in trained mice (0.894 ± 0.43 μg/mg). Placental disease and cardiac hypertrophy were also normalized, whereas vascular reactivity was significantly ameliorated. Furthermore, placental vascular endothelial growth factor was normalized in trained transgenic mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

To our knowledge, we are the first to clearly demonstrate that exercise training both before and during gestation can reduce preeclampsia features in a mouse model. Consequently, women at risk for this disease could benefit from exercise training to protect themselves and their future fetuses.

Comment in

J Hypertens. 2010 Dec;28(12):2384-5.

From parturition to marathon: a 16-wk study of an elite runner.

Potteiger JA, Welch JC, Byrne JC.

Source

Department of Physical Education, Indiana State University, Terre Haute 47809.

Abstract

This study monitored a 34-yr-old distance runner for 16 wk immediately postparturition, as she trained for the 1992 United States Olympic Marathon Trials. Weight (WT), percent fat (%FAT), aerobic power (VO2max), and energy intake/expenditure were evaluated 4, 8, 12, and 16 wk post-parturition. WT declined steadily throughout the investigation, while %FAT decreased through the first 12 wk. Minimal changes in VO2max (4 wk; 52.2 ml.kg-1.min-1 to 16 wk: 55.3 ml.kg-1.min-1) occurred; however, there were substantial changes in oxygen uptake at the lactate threshold (VO2-LT) and at the onset of blood lactate accumulation (VO2-OBLA). VO2-LT increased from 35.6 ml.kg-1.min-1 at 4 wk to 43.5 ml.kg-1.min-1 at 8 wk. VO2-OBLA increased from 40.1 ml.kg-1.min-1 at 4 wk to 51.2 ml.kg-1.min-1 at 8 wk. VO2-LT and VO2-OBLA did not change during the final 8 wk of training. Energy intake was consistently below energy expenditure. No physical or medical complications were encountered during training. This subject was able to improve VO2-LT and VO2-OBLA through high-intensity training without compromising her health. The evidence indicates that well-trained female athletes, while under physician care, may participate in rigorous physical activity soon after pregnancy.

PMID:: 8321103; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Effects of intense training during and after pregnancy in top-level athletes.

Kardel KR.

Source

Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1046, Blindern, N-0316 Oslo, Norway. k.r.kardel@medisin.uio.no

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of vigorous exercise during and after pregnancy in top competitive athletes. The hypothesis tested here is that training of sufficiently high volume during pregnancy can maintain initial fitness levels. A second hypothesis, that high-volume training during pregnancy in initially fit women does not pose a health risk for the mother or the fetus, was tested and found to hold in a prior report. The overall aim of the study was to define a safe training regime for the maintenance of fitness in top-level female athletes during pregnancy. Forty-one healthy athletes who had performed exercise regularly prior to conception were followed from gestational week 17 until 12 weeks postpartum while they performed standardized exercise programs. The subjects participated either in a high-volume exercise group (HEG, n=20, 8.4 h week(-1)) or in a medium-volume exercise group (MEG, n=21, 6 h week(-1)). The results show that well-trained women can benefit substantially from training at high volumes during an uncomplicated pregnancy. This can facilitate a rapid return to competitive athletics and physically active life after pregnancy. Guidelines for safe exercise by sufficiently fit women during pregnancy could be modeled on the high-volume exercise regime used here by the HEG.

Comment in

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2005 Apr;15(2):67-8.

PMID:: 15773861; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1991 Oct;23(10):1128-33.

The VO2max of recreational athletes before and after pregnancy.

Clapp JF 3rd, Capeless E.

Source

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington 05405.

Abstract

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that pregnancy has an added training effect (increases "absolute" VO2max) in well-conditioned, recreational athletes. VO2max was measured serially in 20 nonpregnant recreational athletes who maintained their exercise within +/- 10% of initial levels over a 15-month period and 20 similar women who conceived and continued exercise at a reduced level during pregnancy with a return to within 20% of initial levels by 12 wk postpartum. Initially the two groups were similar in terms of age (30 +/- 1 vs 30 +/- 2 yr), weight 57.6 +/- 7.2 vs 59.7 +/- 7.5 kg), max pulse rate (189 +/- 8 vs 187 +/- 10 bpm), and absolute (3083 +/- 469 vs 3138 +/- 464 ml.min-1) VO2max. In the nonpregnant group the values obtained 15 months later were unchanged (weight = 57.8 +/- 6.6 kg, max pulse = 191 +/- 7 bpm, VO2max = 2977 +/- 397 ml.min-1) while those who conceived had a significant increase in absolute VO2max that was evident 12-20 wk postpartum and was maintained at the time of final testing 36-44 wk postpartum (3368 +/- 435 ml.min-1). Both weight (60.1 +/- 8.1 kg) and maximum pulse rate (185 +/- 12 bpm) were unchanged. These data indicate that pregnancy is followed by a small but significant increase in VO2max in recreational athletes who maintain a moderate to high level of exercise performance during and after pregnancy.

PMID:: 1758289; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Can J Appl Physiol. 2001 Feb;26(1):55-75.

Exercise and lactation: are they compatible?

[Article in English, French]

Cary GB, Quinn TJ.

Source

Department of Animal & Nutritional Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA.

Abstract

Lactation is an energy-demanding physiological process for the maternal organism and life-giving for the offspring. Likewise, exercise is an energy-demanding process. This review addresses the compatibility of exercise during lactation. Human studies suggest no detrimental effect of exercise during lactation on milk composition and volume, infant growth and development, or maternal health. Studies also demonstrate improved cardiovascular fitness in lactating, exercising women and suggest a quicker return to pre-pregnancy body weight and a more positive sense of well-being, compared to sedentary controls. Findings from rodent studies, although of questionable value for humans, have generally shown no detrimental influence of exercise during pregnancy and lactation on pup growth and development. To date, findings suggest that exercise and lactation are compatible activities.

PMID:: 11173670; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1985 May 1;152(1):91-7.

Exercise dynamics in late gestation: effects of physical training.

Morton MJ, Paul MS, Campos GR, Hart MV, Metcalfe J.

Abstract

Heart rate and stroke volume were measured serially in subjects at rest in the sitting position and at the onset and end of a 6-minute period of upright bicycle exercise. Twenty-three subjects with normal pregnancy were studied in late gestation and again post partum. Rest and exercise cardiac outputs in late gestation were not different from those in the postpartum period. Heart rate was higher at rest and stroke volume lower during exercise in late gestation than post partum. At the end of exercise, stroke volume fell dramatically in late gestation but not post partum. Ten women prospectively identified as physically fit had responses that were not different from those of the nonfit cohort in late gestation. Post partum, the physically fit women had exercise responses typical of trained persons and different from those of the nonfit cohort. In late gestation, rest and exercise hemodynamics in subjects in the sitting position appeared to be dominated by factors influencing venous return, independent of physical fitness.

PMID:: 3993718; [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Fussy Feet and Magical Thinking

There seems to be an outbreak of "Fussy Feet". It is highly contagious and striking my athletic friends and spouse in one way or another. "Fussy Feet" is a generic term I use with no disrespect to the injury, it's just a generic term I use to cover the gamut of injuries that could be plaguing my people.

Recently I had a case of 'Fussy Feet" not a true injury but my feet just got angry from me stepping on them all the time. Can't say that I blame them. I am very thankful it resolved after soaking during my birthday pedicure. That was a relief. Game on for running. Early in the second trimester I brought my running up to 30 miles/week. Since I did so I have maintained it.

I have decided running while pregnant is a good preparation for dealing with the fussiness of an infant or a small child. The frequent bathroom stops and chafing I have learned to manage. Sometimes my feet cramp or fall asleep. I think the relaxin that is present in my body to allow a baby to fit in the womb and pass through the canal is in my feet too. They have been allowed to spread. I see the glass as half full. Better my feet than my a**. Oh wait, I think that is where the relaxin targets.

Anyway it takes sometime and patience to deal with these small things, but I enjoy running and none of these things to me are worth quitting over. Also, since exercise has been proven to be good for the baby I can deal.

Earlier this week the "Foot Fussiness" deviated north to my calves. Mad calf disease, I call it. I think I was....say it ain't so.... jogging. I'm not in shape to be jogging and I strained both of my calves. I know the difference between a sore muscle and a strain. It was a strain. grade one calf strains take 7 days to heal.

I wasn't willing to wait 7 days without a fight. Let me ask this. If a 26.5 week pregnant lady takes a week off from running, does she get a comeback? Probably postpartum. I don't have the patience to wait that long and I don't give up without a fight. So I took matters into my hands....or rather my feet.

Oh No You Didn't!

60 minute foot Chinese foot massage. $20. No appointment needed. After the appointment I wasn't convinced so I went home and applied compression sleeves with compression socks on top. Your probably wondering why not just two pairs of compression sock? Well two thick socks are not going to fit inside one pair of my shoes. Why not just the sleeves....I'm pregnant and in the event my baby is sitting on my vena cava combined with the effects of gravity the blood is going to go down to my toes and not come back up = Minnie Mouse Feet.

Because running while pregnant doesn't cause enough jaws to drop.

I had to lean forward a bit to see my feet.

A run skirt and compression socks I must be playing the pregnancy card for all it's worth.

With my calves fully compressed in got busy in the kitchen.

Tri Tip ( for some extra iron) underneath the roasted veggies.

Yorkshire pudding, because it looks cool and tastes yummy.

It's actually really easy but don't tell anybody.

After dinner I went to bed and miraculously today my calves were all better. I know this could be considered magical thinking but perhaps my interventions were successful. My other thought is that I have super healing powers brought to me by the hormones present during pregnancy. I'm wondering if all the HcG doesn't act like HGH (human growth hormone). Hmmm. I'll have to research that!

Unfortunately life was not a bowl of cherries for Tim today. His plantar facia got angry at track this morning. I think it's all the long distance ~~jogging~~ running he has been doing with me. He mentioned his feet were hurting and that even though we only ran 10 miles it was still 90 minutes of running. The Minutes vs Miles theory. I didn't mention that 10 miles actually takes 100 minutes these days.

Everybody has there priorities. Judge me, but here is the truth. I'd rather my husband say the Subaru got totaled but he was fine, then to see him come limping home. That's just how we roll. I'm hoping his plantar fascia gets better quick, but I don't know that a Chinese Foot massage is going to do the trick.

The Runners Survival Kit:

I've been putting together a mini survival guide for pregnant runners based on my experiences. It would probably help all runners. When I spoke with my OB/GYN she recommended to carry a water bottle. Over heating is the main concern. It comes with dehydration.

Hand held water bottle. Don't even think of wearing a Fuel Belt around your waist.

Please! You'll have enough around the middle.

On another note, many have expressed frustration of trying to run pregnant and always needing or feeling like you need to pea. Magical thinking once again but breaks in the bushes or the porta potties just might be Mama Natures way of getting your heart rate down and giving you a break, thus preventing the evil overheating.