Becoming Superhuman

http://www.fourhourbody.com/
After reading hundreds of diet/fitness books over the years, I finally found the BEST book. I feel almost euphoric, it's like it was written for ME.  I just told Mike, "I feel like I've been released from my prison."  He was like, "I didn't know you were in a prison." LOL  I laughed and said, "you know.. my FOOD prison.."

What I meant, is that for YEARS, I have felt out of control with regard to my body/weight. There were good and bad days/periods, times of success and failure, loss and gain... many different eating and exercise plans.  Through it all... even when I DID lose weight, I would feel like I wasn't going to hold onto it.  Like the next binge was going to pack on 5 pounds and result in a downward spiral toward fatsville.  Because of this fear, I NEVER had cheat days... well, maybe once or twice a year... and when I did I felt awful and guilty and didn't enjoy it.  Not a way to live!

The last time (prior to Christmas, 2010) I REALLY overate was 5-15-10! I almost passed out from a food/salt overdose.  I told myself  "never again."

After Emmy was born, as most of you would expect, I went back to my obsessive regimen of food preparation, restriction and exercise. Round and round the running track at school, like a hamster on a wheel.  Don't get me wrong, you all know how much I love running - but a big part of me was wondering, "What's the point."  I mean, I know running and exercise is important and essential for cardiovascular and mental health (and I would continue to do it for those reasons alone) but I am beginning to learn that the weight loss effect is negligible - and when you do "chronic cardio" you actually may be sabotaging your own body.  "The 4-Hour Body" takes a less-is-more approach with respect to exercise.  Doing simple, effective exercises and high-intensity interval training can have an effect as beneficial as endurance training, according to many studies! Isn't that amazing???

Leaving the hospital after having Emmy last August, I was already down to 135 pounds.  6 weeks later, I had dropped another 13 pounds.  After that, the weight loss stopped... despite miles of running, plyometrics and a very strict diet.  What was the problem?

Too much exercise, not enough calories, not enough water, not the RIGHT kinds of nutrients, essentially.

For the past six weeks, I did not lose an ounce.  Mind you, I was running about 25 miles a week, doing plyometrics 2 days, and eating around 1400 calories a day.  Many of you may be saying "What the hell, you're 122 lbs...why do you want to lose more WEIGHT..." Well, I don't necessarily want to lose "weight."
I want to lose fat. My bodyfat scale tells me I am 20%...I have heard the scales aren't very accurate, but at least it's a rough estimate.

What I want, is a SUPERHUMAN body. A body that makes people say, "what the hell have you been doing?"  And this is exactly what Timothy Ferriss talks about in his book "The 4-Hour Body."  I want ripped abs.  I don't want to be a competitive bodybuilder or anything - but I would like to make my body the best functioning machine it can possibly be - and this book is telling me how to do just that... in specific steps.  AND...I don't want to spend hours and hours working out. I want to engineer the best functioning body I can.

The book has shown me how to eat more, do less exercise and spike calories once a week to boost fat loss. I have only been following the diet for 4 days - and have already dropped 2 pounds... and that is including a HUGE Christmas Day binge food-fest!

Here's how it works. Throughout the week, I eat  protein and slow-burning carbs (vegetables, black beans, lentils, spinach). I don't eat fruit or dairy. On the "free day," anything goes!!! I have also reduced my exercise... running only about 3 miles every other day and doing other exercises such as kettlebells, pushups, lunges and core work on the in-between days. My workouts rarely exceed 30 mins/day.  I will be monitoring my progress with the tape measure as well.

Having a weekly cheat day makes it easy to stick to the diet all other days of the week - and I don't feel guilty about it, either, because I know it is helping to reset my metabolism to ensure it converts T4 cells to T3 cells in the thyroid! Who would've guessed a weekly caloric spike would actually boost fat burning?

Also, I am no longer a slave to exercise. I have long heard that short bursts of intense exercise can be as effective (or even more effective) as long distance training. I plan to put this to the test for myself as I am training for Grandma's this spring. 

I am so excited about this.  I feel like it's a plan I can live with for a lifetime.  Much more to come!

The Finale!

Well, it has taken me three weeks to tell you about the birth of the baby! Bad me!!!  I meant to come in here sooner and update, but well ya know how life gets away from you when a newborn comes on the scene!

Okay, so it was August 12th...one of the hottest days this summer - probably close to 90 and just as hot in my house.  I lamented to Mike that night after watching the weather, "I think she barometric pressure is going to drop tomorrow and I am going to go into labor."

The morning of August 13th, I went to the gym and ran my three miles in roughly 32 minutes.  I went home and showered - and when I got out of the shower - it seemed that something was "dripping," if you know what I mean. I couldn't tell if it was just water from the shower or what. LOL Anyway, I had a doctor appointment in about another hour, so I figured she could check me out then.

When I got to the doc, I had to provide a urine sample as per the usual - and while I was in the bathroom I noticed another gush of fluid and was pretty sure my water had broken.

Shortly after that I was up on the exam table and the doctor confirmed that, yes, my water had broken. I was kind of in shock, I haven't had that happen with my other two kids.  I just sat there on the table thinking, "is this IT?"  Thirteen days early???

I texted Mike and told him it was confirmed, my water HAD broken. The doctor told me I should get over to the hospital.  I asked her if I could just go home until I started having contractions (I was feeling no pain) but she said they like to monitor you once your water breaks.

Then I asked if it was okay if I went home to get my stuff and she said yes. I did go home - but before I did I went to Arby's (LOL) knowing they would not let me eat once I was admitted to the hospital!

Then I went home, showered, packed my bag, cleaned the house, did a few other things and then Mike brought Macy to the sitter. I didn't end up making it to the hospital til 4 p.m.  hahaha.. The nurses were like, "Oh, there you are - we were wondering if you were coming!"

Still no serious contractions.

They decided to just let me labor for a while and see what happened... apparently my cervix was not totally ripe so they gave me something to help it ripen. I started to contract some but not too intense. I had contractions through the night and dozed off and on until 6 a.m. when they started me on pitocin and gave me an epidural.

Once I was on the pitocin, it took about an hour and a half for me to fully dialate - then ONE PUSH and baby girl was here!!!

I couldn't believe it.  It was so fast, and I had no tearing or stitches. Unbelievable! 

Baby girl (who didn't have a name yet) was 6 lbs. 11.5 ounces and 19 inches long.  She is totally gorgeous and the most wonderful baby.

It took Mike and I another full day after she was born to finally name her. Her name is Emilyn Danielle - Danielle is after my dad who passed away in 2002.

She will be 3 weeks old tomorrow and is a really good sleeper.  I feel very fortunate that she sleeps well as I have to start school in a few days!

As for my body, I am getting it back :)  I gained a total of 18 lbs after losing a couple the week before delivery, and lost 12 in the birth.  I have since lost a few more leaving me with only about 3 lbs and some ab work and I will be back where I was!  I also went back to the gym three days after delivery, I had NO pain or complications... I couldn't have asked for a better experience!!!

I feel happy and thrilled, almost euphoric.. and have had NO depressed feelings like I did after Macy. I feel on top of the world. I am truly blessed!!!

37 Weeks

37 weeks

Wow...3 weeks or less to go...can you believe it?!?! I thought this time would never come...

I finished work last week and I'm now officially "on leave." It's nice. We did a lot of work in the girls' room last weekend and we're all ready should the lil girl decide to arrive early!

 I was really proud of myself yesterday - went to the gym and ran 5 miles on the treadmill! I think I am a lot more wimpy when I'm by myself. LOL  It is a lot more motivating working out when you have a couple of "cardio queens" on each side of you busting their butts.  I ran at about a 5.8 mile pace and it felt good. Very surprised I can still do that at 37 weeks!

I went to the doc last Friday - she checked me and said my cervix is "very soft" but still not dialated and pretty long. She has limited availability this week, so I will be seeing the nurse practitioner.  I'll see my reg. doc at 38.5 weeks. She ventured to guess I would "still be pregnant then."

I got a terrible leg cramp a few nights ago! I woke up screaming in agony and tried to get out of bed as fast as I could, knowing I could alleviate the pain if I stood up.  I got all tangled up in the sheets and tumbled out of bed!  We have a very high bed, too... but I had a bunch of pillows on the floor so thankfully I didn't hurt myself.  Mike woke up in a panic shouting, "What's wrong?!"  He had terror in his voice! I guess he thought I was going into labor.  As soon as I stood up on my foot, the cramp went away.  However, my calf ached for the entire rest of the day! What a way to wake up!

7-21-10

35 weeks pregnant

About a month to go!!!

I've been having some tremendous pelvic pressure. When I stand up from a sitting position or exert any effort, I feel intense pressure bearing down. Makes me nervous... wondering if the baby is going to stay in there!  People close to me say I've grown a lot in the last month.

It's been unusually warm around here lately.  As you may know, I don't have air conditioning or a house that is conducive to getting a breeze blowing through it, which really sucks.  It's bearable most of the time... but some days in the late afternoon the sun just comes beating in the dining room windows and cranks up the temp in here.  My sleeping has been really poor, so being in a hot house makes it much worse.  Today looks to be in the 80's.  Missing my old friend, the lake breeze.

I'm getting super antsy.  Is it the nesting instinct??? I have to work today and tomorrow... then 4 days next week and I am DONE.  I cannot believe next week is my LAST week.  No one really knows what will become of me in the future, as far as work is concerned.  I have reduced my status officially to "part-time," but it's unclear whether there will be anything PT for me once my FMLA expires in late October.  I am not stressing about it too much.  I am SUPER excited about going back to school in September, and with the demands of that along with a new baby - I will have my plate full :-)

A lot of people are surprised I am going to school full-time this fall - and tell me I am going to be exhausted and overwhelmed. That may be true... but I have a couple of important things going for me!  For one, the exercise piece helps me tremendously.  It gives me energy, motivation and combats sleepiness.  I cannot WAIT to get back to my regular program - and for running to be fun again!  There's an awesome wellness center on campus and I will be spending most of my time there for my classes in Exercise Physiology.  If I am not able to work out prior to school in the morning, I will have breaks throughout the day where I can utilize the facilities.  Plus, there's my awesome husband. He is so helpful and is totally supporting me in my goals. We will take turns getting up in the night like we did before - plus he is working from home for the month of September so I can attend school until the baby is old enough to go to daycare. Annnnnd.... of course I am tremendously excited to study my passion and to charter a new path for myself.  So many wonderful things to look forward to!

I continue running...but it is much more difficult. I was proud of myself for getting a 6-miler in last Sunday.  I can still do the first mile in about 9:15, then I usually slow down to 11 minute miles. That is ok with me.  At least it feels like a workout! (even bending over to pick something up off the floor feels like a workout to me at this point...LOL)  I also take walking breaks when needed and don't feel bad about it.  Sometimes I get those round ligament pains when running, they sorta feel like a sharp stitch in your lower belly and make running almost impossible - so I need to stop and walk until the feeling passes.  In addition to running I do my plyometrics workout on Tuesdays (super modified) and pushups.  While I'm at work I try to take a lot of walking breaks.  I will just get up and walk around... it also gives me an excuse to go outside, hike up the hill and get a cold beverage. LOL  I am going to miss working downtown, it's fun having easy access to all the local businesses and being down where all the action is!

I have a doctor appointment this Friday.  I hope she will check my cervix this time to see if anything is "happening."  I feel like it just MUST be...with all this pressure and weird pains I have been experiencing, but you never know - could just be my own wishful thinking! We will see.  I will keep you updated!

Into the Home Stretch (almost 34 weeks!)

According to my estimated due date, I have 46 days to go.

46 days, that's it!!!  Wonder if she will come early???  My due date is 8-25-10.  Everyone I see tells me how small I am. A lady at work the other day actually said to me, "I sure hope you get a lot bigger before you deliver!"  I thought that was a strange comment. Not sure what she meant by it... maybe that it looks like the baby has a lot of growing to do? I responded, "Well I don't!"  LOL  Who wants to get huge and be more miserable??? At my last dr. appt, the baby was estimated at 4.5 pounds, right on track for growth.  My uterus also measured exactly at the number of weeks it was supposed to.  My other two pregnancies were very similar...I carried sort of "compactly" and my babies were 8 pounds, 1 ounce and 7 pounds, 2 ounces.  I am not worried.

I am pleased with my weight gain, 18 pounds so far.  I checked my weight card from my pregnancy with Macy and right now I weigh 17 pounds less than I did with Macy at this time in the pregnancy. Of course I started out lighter this time also, but I think it makes it a lot easier, especially in the hot summer months - to not weigh so much.  It's been very hot around here this past week - and we don't have air conditioning since we rarely need it. There have been a few VERY uncomfortable sleeping nights.  It won't last, though. Today looks to be a gorgeous beach day!  We're planning to take Macy to build some sand castles. She will love it!

I've kept up my running, although it gets more and more difficult.  I'm proud that I can still run a mile in around 9:15 even at almost 34 weeks pregnant!  I haven't been doing any long runs since the marathon - I usually do them on Saturdays and the weather has been hot the past two weeks so I've skipped it.  I refuse to run more than 5 miles on the treadmill...lol  My runs are usually 3-4 miles on the treadmill in the basement where it's cool, with the fan blowing on me.  I gotta do what I can to keep myself cool and comfortable! I also do plyometrics and pushups throughout the week.

I haven't had too many pregnancy symptoms to speak of, although I have a very nasty vericose vein in the back of my leg, just below where my knee bends. I hate it... it looks gross and when I run my hand over it, it feels bumpy. YUCK. I am going to see about having it removed after the baby is born.  Mike says he can't notice it, but I think he's just being nice... No new stretch marks, though...YAY! I have a few old ones from Hailey - but that was 16 years ago and they are very faded and not very conspicuous.  I am fortunate that way : )

Well, time to get ready to hit the beach!

Marathon Recap

It has taken me a week to post my summary of the marathon, which was last Saturday. I am sure all of my dedicated readers have been suffering through sleepless nights wondering if I made it...LOL

Well, I did!  We finished in 2:33. The time is nothing to brag about, but I guess running a 13.1 race at 31 weeks pregnant was/is!!! 

In the pic you can see the shirts Mike designed for us. Isn't he a sweetie? We got a lot of comments on them which was fun. They say "Run Like a Mother" in case you can't tell.

Mike was actually very fun to run with too...which surprised me considering how competitive he is.  I thought he would be going nuts running at my 11 minute pace, but he was actually quite pleasant! He kept asking if I felt ok, if we were going too fast, if I needed water.

We left the house at 4 a.m. Saturday, made it to the shuttle busses and were bussed to the start by 5 a.m. That left us with an hour and a half to stand around and do nothing - suck!! The waiting before a race is the WORST for me. I get so anxious and I just want to get GOING. Mike and I sat around and talked and then ran into a few people we knew and hung out with them. Finally it was 6:30 and time to start. The gun fired and we were off and running!

Weather at the start was slightly overcast and in the mid 60's. Beautiful sunrise with some stratus clouds. It was hard to tell if it was going to stay cloudy or if the sun would burn right through, in which case it would probably get quite hot - well, hot for me, anyway. 

The first four miles of the race were a bit of a struggle and I tried to settle into my pace. It was a slow, uphill grade for 4-5 miles and I was REALLY feeling it. I had some pain in my quads but not horrible. I was very thankful I was not having the shin or calf pain I've had in recent months as my pregnancy has progressed. Once we hit mile 5, we finally got a downhill break and I started to feel really good.  The sun came out but there was a gusty headwind that cooled us off nicely.

I was shocked - but I only had to pee TWICE, at miles 4 & 8!  Mike thought it would be a lot more, and so did I. The lines for the port-a-potties were so long that I just went into the woods. Running makes all modesty go out the window sometimes...lol

Time passed rather quickly and before I knew it we were on our last mile. Things started to get really exciting then - the course was packed with bands, DJs and people cheering.  The last quarter-mile of the race is a corral of people sitting on bleachers cheering.  Oftentimes people ask me to explain the appeal of running and/or racing - well, this is it.  The home stretch. The final push.  The crowd cheering for you. Even though I was a 31-weeks-pregnant woman, I could pretend in my mind I was an Olympic athlete if just for a little while.

Once in that corral, I couldn't stop myself from "turning on the afterburners" as Mike calls it. LOL I started sprinting and was probably doing an 8-minute mile for the last part of the race. The crowd was deafening... were they cheering for me? Hell, I doubt it, but at least I could pretend. I did hear someone read my shirt who said, "Run like a mother! And she's pregnant!"

Mike and I held hands as we crossed the finish... and the moment I stepped over the sensor I was so overcome with emotion I started to cry. It doesn't matter if I'd done the race 50 times. The euphoria was unbelievable. People who wonder what "all the hype is about" probably have never experienced that.

So, all in all it was a fabulous day - and didn't kick my arse too bad! Of course my pelvis was the sorest but as long as I kept moving it was manageable. We had a busy rest of the day (of course) and could not relax, nap or any of that good stuff...although we did go to bed early that night. For once in MONTHS, I slept a FULL eight hours without getting up to pee!  I think my body just shut down...lol  Another thing I was proud of was that I ran the WHOLE way! Except for when I needed water and walked a few steps while downing my cup, I was constantly jogging.

No more races for me til after the baby is born, although I will keep running my 3-5 milers. Completing this race while pregnant was an amazing accomplishment for me and gave me an entirely new sense of what I'm capable of.

Running like a Mother...almost 31 weeks pregnant on Marathon Day!!

30.5 weeks

I am sooo tired this morning. I slept like crap last night! I am already getting too excited for the race. I can't believe it's tomorrow.  In 24 hours, I will be out on the course with 5,000 other runners doing the half.

At least I will be very tired tonight...we have to get up at 3 a.m. tomorrow morning (or should I say this morning?) We have to catch the shuttle to the race start between 4:15 and 4:45. Don't want to be stressed and rushing. Today after I get out of court we will head downtown to pick up our race packets.

There are tons of people in town.  I heard an estimate that about 30,000 people come here for the marathon.  All week, I've seen folks running around downtown.  There's electricity in the air! I look forward to this every year.

The weather looks decent. Not exactly what I would have wanted, but it could be a lot worse. It won't be TOO terribly hot (looks like around 67 for finish time, 50's at the start), but we will have a 20 mph headwind. Why, oh why, after two weeks of wind off the lake and fog, couldn't we just get a little tailwind to help us out??? It may also sprinkle on us at the start...that won't be so bad as long as it's not pouring.

I've had so many people say to me recently, "I can't believe you're running this race at almost 31 weeks pregnant." I have a sense that I don't want to let anyone down. I will listen to my body, but I know when I get out on the course I will want to be somewhat competitive. I won't want to bring in some sucky time...LOL

I better get going...I have a million things to do today!!! I will be back sometime tomorrow with a race recap! It will all be over before I know it.