The Pregnant Exercise Checklist

So many women have said to me, "I had no idea there was maternity workout wear!"

In all honesty, I didn't either until I became pregnant.  It's one of those things you don't go looking for unless you need it, I suppose.  However, I've said it before and I'll say it again: maternity is expensive!  Seriously, puts a hurting on the wallet.  So, I thought I would come up with some items maternity and otherwise that would help a pregnant woman throughout pregnancy.  After all, why spend all that money if it really isn't necessary?

pregnancy exercise checklist by coachgaines featuring blue running shoes

1. Water Bottle: This is essential throughout pregnancy whether you are exercising or not.  You must drink tons of water.  I love this one because it keeps cold longer and has a convenient hook on top for carrying in and out of the gym.  
2. Dry-fit, loose fitting tops: Now, more than ever, is a great time to throw away the old tee-shirts and invest in some loose, dry-fit material.  You sweat so much more carrying around an extra 15-30 pounds and you need fabric that is going to allow you to breath.  Not to mention if they are loose-fitting, they might last your whole pregnancy.  I'm still wearing my favorite (non-maternity) Under Armour shirts at 6 months.
3. High Impact sports bra: If I'm being honest, you're going to want high impact even if you're just walking.  Also, don't be afraid to invest in a size bigger - after baby, you'll thank me.
4. Maternity running capris: I didn't believe these were necessary until I got this pair from For Two Fitness.  Trust me when I say, they are worth every single penny!  The band helps to support your belly so that it isn't a big ball of weight bouncing up and down as you run.  And I think I could wear them after by folding down the band like yoga pants.
5. Cushioned running socks: The extra support these socks provide my feet is heavenly after a day's work.  
6. Good shoes: Whether you are walking, running, or doing aerobics, make sure you have the right shoe.  Get fitted.  Try them on and wear them around the store.  Do not settle.  You should never be wearing worn out shoes to work out in, but especially not now that you are pregnant.  If need be, invest in a nice pair of insoles.  I love Dr. Scholl's new active series insoles.  

The most important thing to remember is to equip yourself with the necessary gear to keep yourself and baby safe.  Pregnancy is not a time to throw your routine out the window, but definitely adapt it, talk to your doctor, and protect your joints.

Running for 2

The first week of school really kicked my butt and depleted my energy.  I'm so glad that with the second week and some cooler weather I was able to get back into my regular routine.

Running was one of the things I was missing that week and, boy, could I tell.  I'm just a better person when I get out and run.  You too?

I'm so grateful that I've been physically able to maintain my workout and exercise regimen while pregnant.  It has helped with so many aspects of pregnancy from weight gain to sleep patterns to digestive issues.  Exercise was really important to me before baby and will continue to be very important to me up until Baby G arrives and after.  As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I started looking into workout gear that would enable me to exercise as far into my pregnancy as possible. 

I found For Two Fitness almost immediately due to their extremely cute tops for mommas.  I have to tell you that as soon as I received their product I said, "This is the nicest workout gear I've ever owned!"  I mean, I have Under Armour and Nike and all that, but this is such great quality made especially for expecting mommas.  

The running capris I received have a built in belly panel providing extra support while running.  They are breathable and comfortable.  Bonus: they are not see-through!  I have the hardest time finding workout capris that aren't see-through.  

The tank top is my favorite part.  I mean, just look at the sweet little feet on my belly.  Adorable.  This tank top is also very breathable, wicking, and comfortable while exercising.  I love the fact that I'm not constantly pulling it down while I run because it is meant to be worn with a belly.

One piece of advice I would give is definitely purchase the size you normally buy.  I debated between a small and medium because now that I'm pregnant, I'm wearing a medium size capri (in regular women's gear) instead of a small.  I decided to go with a small since the site recommended getting what you typically wear and I'm so glad I did.  I have plenty of room in the pants as well as the tank and they should last me the rest of my pregnancy!  

*I was compensated for this post, but all opinions are my own.*

Solutions to Excuses

I recently read this great post on 25 reasons why people should run.  I agree with so many of them.
Some of my favorites:

• because you will build muscles you didn't know you had
• you will go farther than you ever thought possible
• because crossing the finish line for the first time will be a memory you will never forget
• because it's time your sports bra was actually used for sports
• because no other sport gives you bling at the end

I can think of a plethora of reasons why you should run.  And it's interesting to me how many people can come up with an equal amount of reasons why they shouldn't/can't run.  I've told you before, running isn't the only form of exercise I do.  I switch things up consistently, but just for the fun of it, I thought I would share some excuses reasons why people have told me they can't run and my solution to those excuses reasons.

• I just can't. (What about this seems legit even coming out of your mouth?)
• I tried once.  I just can't breath after the first few minutes so I have to stop. (Why don't you try slowing down as opposed to stopping?  Or traveling less distance?  How about training yourself to breath correctly and building your way up?)
• I'm just not built for that. (Have you ever been to a race?!  There are people of all sizes, colors, shapes, and weights running.  I used to think there was a "runner's body" - there isn't.)
• I don't like to sweat. (You know something, sweating isn't my favorite either, but it beats dying or having a gut any day so I'll take it.)
• I just don't enjoy it. (Your parents said this and you hated them for it.  Now you can hate me.  Nothing worth doing is going to come easy and not everything in life is going to be pleasurable.)
• I don't have time.  (This excuse holds no warrant with me.  I have SO many solutions to this one: 1. Make time. 2.  Wake up early in the morning.  3.  Go to bed an hour later at night.  4.  Give up a tv show.  5.  Run around the field while your child is at baseball practice/ballet/swimming.)
• I don't know how you do it.  I'm so tired; I just don't have the energy at the end of the day. (Want to know why I'm not tired and I have the energy?  Because I run!  It gives you the energy you need.  Try it!)

I could go on forever.  I will spare you.  Just remember, being a runner doesn't mean you win races or even compete in them.  It means, you hit the pavement a few times a week and you do it.  It's not about how fast your pace is, how long you go, how far you go, or how often...just do it.

Sweat Happens.

**You know those pills that are easier to swallow because they have sugar coating?

Yeah, this is me minus the sugar coating.**

Something that drives me insane, a pet peeve if you will, is when people complain about their circumstances and do nothing to change them.  I understand there are certain things in life that are unavoidable, unchangeable, or out of our control.  I'm not talking about those things.  I'm talking about the things that we do have control over that we choose not to do anything about.

For example: the weight I gained after getting married.  I gained almost 20 pounds!  I've heard that's normal; you get comfortable, eat more because you're feeding your hubby, blah blah.  However, I wasn't okay with it.  It took me a while to realize that I couldn't just sit around and gripe about it and wish it away...

Miracles don't happen, sweat happens.

It takes work and a lot of it to lose weight.  It doesn't happen over night.  There is no miracle pill or shake that you can drink to make it go away.  Fad diets don't stick and whining doesn't do anything.

Don't sit around making excuses.  Stop ordering the same food in the drive-thru.  Instead of going home and sitting on the couch watching tv, go for a walk.  Keep your fruit bowl out so its the first thing you reach to when wanting a snack.  Do something you "can't" do.  

People say to me all the time: "I don't know how you do it."  "I could never do that."

Yes, you can!  Those words might irritate me most.  Even more than someone complaining about being fat all the time and not doing anything about it.  You don't know how I do it?  Well, let me explain:

Some days it's hard.  Really hard.  Some days I don't want to put on my running shoes and some days it hurts.  Some days I need to run and its easy, but a lot of times its not.  Some days I run fast; other days I run really slow.  Sometimes I go far and some days a mile is all I can muster.  When I first started I couldn't run more than 1 mile and even that was hard.  When I first started eating healthy, I had headaches, cravings, and wanted to give up.  When I first started doing strength training and core I couldn't use more than three pound weights.  So, to you that can't do it, I say....yes, you can!  You maybe not be able to run a marathon right now, but you can run even a half mile.  You may not be able to do reps with 15 pound weights, but you can use lighter weights.  Stop saying you can't and start challenging yourself mentally and physically because you can.

In all reality, you can do it.  Or you can at least do something.  If you can't run (for real reasons) then bike or swim or take a cardio class.  If you can't live on fruits and veggies (for allergy reasons), then limit your sugar and dairy intake.  Even a small step is a step.  No more excuses.

The Right Reasons

Whether it be to lose weight, fit into a certain pair of pants, or cinch my belt tighter, there has always been some form of motive for my health and fitness regimen.  Doing Whole 30 has really opened my eyes as to how to consider my fitness and my health.  I can honestly say that for the first time, I'm doing this for the right reasons.

There is a reason diets don't work - because we do them for a given amount of time and then we get sick of them.  We throw in the towel and we gorge on everything we've been denying ourselves for so long.  They are not meant to last forever.  They are not lifestyle changes.

Whole 30 is a lifestyle change.  It has opened my eyes to things that I can control within my body. There are foods I can avoid so that I have more energy, rest more easily, and feel better about myself.  I can stop eating whatever I want whenever I want and start thinking about what I'm putting in my mouth.  I'm looking at food as fuel as opposed to reward.  I can't wait to share all the things I've learned when my 30 days are up.  I'm already on day 18 and I can feel differences in so many areas of my life - not just the waistband.

Exercise and diet are just part of a healthy lifestyle.

Focus on mental, emotional, and physical health.

This process is giving me insight into the areas of my life I need to tend to more.  I think so often we get caught up in crazy schedules, saying yes to too many things, and lack of sleep that we don't realize the toll these things take on our body and our mental/emotional stability.  The past 19 days I've been able to focus on me more and I don't feel the least bit selfish about it.  Neither should you!  People always say in order to love someone else we must love ourselves first.  It's the same way with our health!  We can't be expected to take care of others or nurture others if we aren't first doing that for ourselves.

Make sure to stop back by on Monday to see my 3rd week recap of Whole 30; I can't wait to share with you the details of this last week!

I believe in peace, therefore I run for Boston.

As for my miles for the challenge, I've added quite a few:
Sunday: 3 mile Walk for Ray
Monday: 1 mile with the dogs
Tuesday: 1 mile with the dogs
Wednesday: 1 mile with the dogs, 5k run
Thursday: 1 mile with the dogs
Friday: Basketball (at least 2 miles)

Linking up with Nikki for her 30milesinApril challenge as well!

Total: 12 for 31/50milesinapril

How are you doing this week?

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Part of Something Bigger

I'm a runner.

I still remember the first half-marathon I ran.  I was so nervous.  I was worried people would look at me and question my abilities.  I was scared I wouldn't finish or I would finish dead last.  It was foreign to me - this running long distances with others thing.  It was out of my comfort zone.

My husband walked me up to the corral and kissed me goodbye.  I reminded him to take pictures.  I asked him to follow me along the route.  I was worried that if I didn't see him I would lose motivation.

After he left and I was standing there all alone, I realized I wasn't alone at all.  In fact, I couldn't have been more surrounded by people just like me.

Standing in that corral I had an emotional, spiritual experience.  Looking around me I saw all these other people dressed in their running attire, all with the same goal in mind.  All with the same desire in their hearts, drive in their souls.  It was amazing to realize that I was part of something so much bigger, so much more grand than anything I had ever been part of before.  Much bigger than anything I had realized I was signing up for.  All these people running for loved ones, for charities, for sport.  In that moment, I realized what a community running is.  

This community, albeit a little crazy, is full of the most gracious, sensitive, hard working, considerate, loyal, diligent, strong, supportive, and uplifting people I have ever met.  That's why when I see the news right now I focus on the people running to help those in need after the explosions.  The people holding each other and carrying one another out of the wreckage are the people I choose to pay homage to.  Running is a community.

I'm praying for the victims of the Boston Marathon explosions, the families, the spectators, the emergency responders, and the people who did this.  I have faith that justice will prevail.