It's Getting Colder...I'm Getting Slower

Tonight's run was a relatively easy one. I'm still recovering from Sunday's race. It was just a 5K, but these days, recovery time is a lot longer - even for such a short distance. I ran a short 3K recovery run and was joined by three, very friendly new runners.

The wind was crisp and the night was fast approaching, but we managed to finish in the waning hours of sunlight. As I celebrate 34 weeks today, I've noticed that things have changed, even since last week. I'm really starting to feel a lot heavier now and am really noticing the pressure, even after only a few kilometers. Still, I think I have a few more weeks of outdoor running in me before I have to hang up my running shoes until Baby Max arrives.

I was in the Running Room and was chatting with my friend, Sue. A few weeks ago she did a trail race. She told me a story of some other Runnermama she saw who ran the 15K race one week before she delivered her baby. Yes, that's ONE week!

Who was this woman? What did she do to train for that race? And how come she didn't seem to be affected by the pressure I now feel down there when I run? Don't get me wrong, I'm not beating myself up for not being able to do such a feat. But truly, I'm in awe. They say every woman is different and every woman experiences pregnancy differently. But come on...this woman was in a league of her own.

Go Away Mr. Hicks

Like most first time moms-to-be, I have a few fears and worries. When I was seven weeks, I thought I had miscarried. When an ultrasound found the Baby's heartbeat, I relaxed, but was still a bit anxious at getting to the 13-week mark. Then when I hit 13-weeks I worried when I felt some pressure and heaviness when I ran.

At 33.7 weeks along, I am literally anxious about getting to the 37-week mark. That's when I'll have a full-term baby. Until then, I've been on heightened alert for any slight pain, twinge or bodily discharge(!) I know babies born after 34 weeks (which I will be tomorrow) turn out just fine, but for my peace of mind, I'd like to get to 40 weeks if possible.

Part of my fretting has to do with my recent episodes of Braxton Hicks contractions. I've been feeling them since around seven months, but early Monday morning I was actually awakened by the intensity of one contraction. I felt a bit of pressure and tension in my abdominal area - almost like menstrual cramping. I've felt these before and my midwife knows about this, but this time was a bit more intense. The pressure went away soon enough, but my mind was still uneasy.

I decided to take the day off and rest. At least my bed would be close by if I needed to lie down quickly. That same night The B and I had prenatal class. I spoke to Nurse Melissa about my recent episodes and she reassured me that I have nothing to worry about.

"Just get to 35 weeks," she said. "Yes, technically he will be premature, but in the years that I've delivered babies, most born at 35 weeks tend to go home a day later."

"But what about the lungs and breathing," I asked.

"Typically, by 34 weeks the baby has developed the surfactant it needs in its lungs to be able to breath on its own outside the womb," said Melissa. "After 35 weeks, the baby just puts on weight."

I like these prenatal classes. Despite the fact that I'm a bit more frightened about labour and the possible medical interventions, I feel a lot more informed and prepared....though we still haven't packed our bags.

One Last Hurrah

When new runners tell me that they'll never run a marathon or a half marathon, I always tell them to watch the finish line of a major race. For it's truly inspiring.

A few years ago, after I finished the Mississauga Half Marathon, I stood at the finish line and watched the marathoners come in, waiting for my friend, Mombo. There, I saw a lot of raw emotion. Many of these people were first-timers and some, first-time Boston Qualifiers. On their faces, many wore the fatigue, the pain and the happiness of finishing 26.2 miles or 42.2 kilometres. I too remember feeling these emotions last year when I finished my first marathon. Emil Zatopek, once said, "If you want to run, run a mile. If you want to experience another life, run a marathon."

This morning, at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, I saw this sentiment in the eyes of one of my running friends, Jim. Over the last year, I've watched him work very hard to bring down his marathon time to Boston Qualify. He's one of those crazy runner dudes who can run a couple of marathons within weeks of each other and be fine. For the last eight or nine months, he's been teaching and leading many new marathoners to their goals. And today, he accomplished his: A Boston Marathon Bib. I was truly inspired.

As it happens, I finished my 5K race around the same time Jim finished the marathon. (The 5K started almost 3 hours later.) By chance, I saw him in the finish line chute. I had never seen him like this before. Yes, he was hobbling, but he was in a different world. He was in a state of mind that suggested that anything was possible - for he accomplished what he thought he'd never do. We hugged for a moment. It was, for him, an extremely emotional moment.

Today's 5K race will be my last race as a Preggo. I ran around a 6:05 min/km pace and finished just under the 30-minute mark. At almost 8.5 months, it was a proud moment for me. (And it was a proud moment for The B who came to cheer me and Baby Max on.) Over the last 8.5 months, Baby Max and I have shared the highs, lows and discomfort (not too much) of running races. He's logged more miles in utero than many people do in their lives! It's been one great season with the best race partner and pacer (he would remind me not to push it by sitting on my bladder) around.

While I enjoy the crowds and the rush of a race start, I don't enjoy the pressure down there. It isn't so much painful, as it is uncomfortable. At about 4K I focused on my breathing rhythm to help take my mind away from the constant sensation to pee. I guess this technique will come in handy in a few weeks!

So for the next little, I'll just take it easy, running three times a week, keeping the distances short. The fall is the best time for runners and I still want to feel the crisp autumn air on my face and hear the leaves crunch underfoot. And I know there will come a time when I too will give my "Ode to Running" just like my online Runnermama friend, Runbuggy, did a few days ago. Each day that passes and I'm able to hit the pavement, I feel so blessed. For many other Runnermamas have had to hang up their shoes a lot earlier - some not even able to put on their race shoes at all.

It Just Popped!

Last night, I had a wonderful run with the 5K clinic folks I'm helping pace.I feel strong as I head into Scotiabank Marathon Weekend. As I blogged earlier, this year I'm running the 5K run. Which for me, at this time in my life, suits me and Baby Max just fine. Over the last few weeks I've been very busy at work and so haven't been able to run with my group. I guess my belly must have really sprouted in that short time because everyone was so surprised to see me still running with my now "large" belly!

David, a friend and instructor for the 10k clinic saw me and his eyes just popped.

"Wow...look at you! he said, "Your belly just popped! Baby Max has run a lot of miles...just barefoot!"

"Well, I did buy him some tiny, tiny running shoes," I said.

And other people smiled too as they looked at my swelled belly. I guess it really has grown. I'm now peeing a lot more often and find that standing up after prolong sitting (like at my desk) brings about a sudden urge to pee and slight pressure in my groin. Also, putting on socks and bending down can be quite a hilarious exercise. (Yesterday, I almost had to do a gymnastics manouver to put on my sport socks.)

I'm really excited about running the race this weekend simply because I still can and I feel good. As I ran last night, at some points, I felt that light feeling I felt pre-pregnancy and that sense of freedom that keeps me running, despite some discomfort. It's almost like an addiction...or to use a more positive example, running is sometimes like golf: despite some of the discomfort one feels during a run, that sense of freedom and lightness always brings you back - just like a great drive on the back nine, after a somewhat mediocre round.

My workout plan for the rest of the week:

Thursday - Short elliptical and weights

Friday - Sub for my friend's Learn to Run clinic

Saturday - Elliptical and light weights

Sunday - 5K race

50 Days and Counting

I can’t believe how time flies…seriously. In my case, I feel as though I’ve been going at warp speed these last few months. Can it really be true? Do I really only have 50 days to go? That’s like…only a month-and-a-half away! Am I ready? Are WE ready? All these questions.

At almost 33 weeks, I know Baby Maxity is not fully baked yet. So, he’s not ready to come out. He needs to put a little more meat on him first. Still, as each day passes, The B and I feel more and more confident and ready to take the plunge into parenthood.

Last night, we attended our second prenatal class. At first I thought these were going to be as cheesy as a bag of puffed Cheetos. But, actually, the classes have been really great so far. The first night we discussed labour. Yesterday, we addressed relaxation techniques.

As I was listening, I couldn’t help but relate it all to sport and running. Personally, I’m betting labour will be a lot like a marathon. You see, there are a lot of similarities: there’s a coach, fueling and breathing techniques to master. Becoming a master in all of this will help to increase my odds of a positive experience. (I’ve been assured there is such a thing in labour!) And then there’s the surprise factor: You can train and visualize all you want for a marathon, but sometimes things don’t always turn out the way you planned. For example, last year at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, it suddenly got warm, especially towards the end. I had to adapt and as a result, was forced to slow down. The lesson I learned: expect surprises.

The B will act as my coach and “Sherpa” during labour. We were told that once I move into active labour, he will time my contractions. He also learned some really comfortable massage techniques to help ease the tension and the pain. (And was told to practice them on a nightly basis…Woohoo!) But most importantly, he’ll help me concentrate on my breathing and coach me through the tough contractions. While I will be doing a lot of work, The B will also be very, very busy.

Since beginning running and yoga, I’ve come to realize the importance of breath. Through the practice of good breathing patterns, I can often endure the muscle burn of holding a yoga pose for a long period of time. And during the last few miles of any race, focus on my breath has helped me to finish strong. That’s the same strategy I’ll hopefully apply to labour.

When it comes to fueling, our instructor told us to keep snacking until we get to the hospital, then we have to stop. Oh well…so much for the late Big Mac snack attack! (Kidding).

After watching a video and seeing a woman going through labour, I kind of got freaked out. (I still can't imagine something so big coming out of my vajajay.) But the more and more I think about it- the more excited I get. The best part, I'm told, is that as soon as the baby comes out, the pain stops. But by then, (hopefully) I'll be on cloud nine holding my Baby Maxity.

365 Days of Love

One year ago today, I married my best friend in the whole world: The B. What a year it's been. I routinely reflect and am so grateful. I am so blessed. Life is good.

As I did my Sunday morning 5K run today, I couldn't help but think about that special day last year. To help me remember, I dug up my running log. I know it's strange that I have to look in my running log to recall things like my wedding, but I am very good about writing down my thoughts and feelings - many of which ooze out of me when I run.

Here's the entry:

September 20, 2008
Time: 8 a.m.
Temperature: 20C
Weather: Sunny and crisp
Feeling: Fantastic
Intensity: Hard
Workout: Race Pace (5:12 min/km)
Distance: 6.11 km
Notes: Yes, I ran the morning of my wedding- but it felt fantastic and I had light legs. I didn't have any trouble keeping pace.

Reading these notes also brings back memories of what I saw during that run. I recall that I ran down by the Humber River in Toronto and ran into a number of cyclists and other runners also out for their morning workouts. I recall seeing the leaves starting to change colour and I also recall over-dressing a bit that morning. Most of all, I recall the feelings of anticipation and nervousness I felt. I was about to walk down the aisle and marry my best friend. It was also was a week before the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon and I felt great.

A full year later, I am 32.4 weeks pregnant, averaging about 6:40 min/km and feel strong. This year, I'll be making an appearance during Scotiabank Marathon weekend next week, but this time, I'll be running the 5K race with my most favourite running partner: Baby Max. On beautiful, crisp fall days like this morning, I give thanks.

Indeed, life is good.

Changing Times

The last few days have been a bit of a whirlwind and I haven't been able to log any miles. And lately, I've needed this mileage - on the pavement or on the elliptical. In truth, I'm sometimes just not in the mood to workout. I know others go through this too. It's not that I'm in a funk. On some days I'm finding that my desire to run or lift weights swings to-and-fro, like a giant pendulum: one day I'll be super gung ho; the next, not so much.

Maybe it's hormonal.

And it's almost as wacky as my still-crazy food cravings. These days, I no longer have a penchant for the fried and fatty. Now, I lust after the sweets. Don't get me wrong, I've always had a sweet tooth, but these days its more pronounced. For example, a few days last week, I contemplated having a chocolate bar for breakfast. And just the other day, I bought a box of Cap'n Crunch cereal(!) I haven't touched this stuff since I was a kid- for good reason. The first few ingredients consist of white flour, cornmeal, sugar and palm oil- hardly the good food stuff needed to grow a bambino!

Trust me. I never buy or eat this junk.

In fact, when The B saw the offensive product on our kitchen counter he said, "What is that evil cereal doing in our house?"

"I saw it and just wanted it," I said. "Don't worry, Cap'n Crunch is just stopping by for a visit. He won't be back again."

Good. I'll just finish the box and then it'll be good riddance. I swear.

The New Mommy Track

Apparently these days, the new “Mommy Track” for many elite athletes is simple: Have kid, win match. That’s what Kim Clijsters, U.S. Open tennis champ did the other day, coming off a two-year retirement from elite tennis.

And many other elite, female athletes are doing the same.

In running circles, who can forget the jubilant Paula Radcliffe, world-class marathoner and winner of the 2007 and 2008 New York City Marathons, hoisting Baby Isla at the finish line 10 months post partum.

In a recent article in The Toronto Star, a kinesiology professor at Michigan State University said that if ‘the desire to compete and the work ethic are still there, women will find having a baby does not rob them of their physical skills.’

In fact, a March 2008 article in Runner’s World stated that pregnancy helps to“hyper train a woman.” Okay, there's reality: if we’re not Paula Radcliffes now, chances are we won’t be postpartum. But knowing that these women can bounce back- often big time- gives me, and so many others, hope that running fast is still in the cards, postpartum, for even recreational folks like myself.

Elite or recreational, experts say a postpartum return to athletic endeavours requires support from family. In the case of elite athletes, it also requires support from coaches and others to help with motherhood duties.

The Star article also profiled the story of Candace Parker, the reigning MVP of the WNBA. Turns out she was playing b-ball less than two months postpartum. To this, experts say that physical preparation and staying fit before childbirth sped her return to the court. Apparently, this gal shot 150 jump shots and did 30 minutes of aerobic work everyday until three days before delivery.

For us “rec folks,” the experts say that athlete-mamas like Radcliffe show that motherhood can be a “pregnant pause to an active life, not a death knell.”

I leave you with parting words from that MSU Kin professor as quoted in The Toronto Star:

“The No.1 thing in (pregnancy) can be ‘Woe is me, I’ll never be as good at (one’s sport) as I was before.’ Well, forget that…As long as you have the motivation and the social support network, there’s certainly nothing physiological or anatomical that should stop you.”

Well said. Where are my running shoes?

Baby Room Revealed!

Well, we finished Baby Max's room. All that's left is the mobile to hang. We started with the Eames rocker and worked around it. The B designed the textured white wall with different-sized painted canvases. This is the finished product. We had such a fun time designing his room and we hope Baby Maxity likes it.

My favourite part of the room has to be the wall tree by Wall Juice. While it looks like it's painted on, it's actually a giant six foot by six foot wall tattoo. Trust me, it was a two-person job and it took us a few hours to put up. Those tiny branches are extremely finicky!

Here is the Arrington dresser and our owl bin that I picked up in a tiny shop in the West end.

Home Vs. Hospital

Last week, during prenatal yoga class, the other moms-to-be started chatting about their birth plans. I noticed a large number of the women have chosen to deliver their babies at home. I do recall my sister-in-law, Sandy, did the same thing.

I think giving birth at home is for some people, but it’s not in my comfort zone. When it comes to stuff that involves bodily functions, I prefer to be a bit more conservative and give birth in a hospital. What happens if something goes wrong- when minutes and seconds matter? Also, what about all that birth goo? What happens to it and who cleans it up? As you can see, I have a lot of issues.

A few weeks ago, a new study suggested that deliveries of infants in planned home births in the presence of a registered midwife are as safe as those done in hospitals. Researchers looked a nearly 2,900 home births in British Columbia and more than 4,700 planned hospital births also in the presence of midwives.

Again, this is reassuring, but not enough to sway my decision to give birth at home. I know this sounds strange, but sitting in that prenatal yoga class I almost felt guilty for choosing to deliver in a hospital. Some of the other veteran moms-to-be started to talk about what happens in hospital. Though I’m a bit partial, they almost painted a picture that hospitals are evil places to deliver a baby!

But I trust myself and The B and I stand by our decision.

Amazing Run

This morning, I had an amazing run - perhaps the best run during this third trimester. I felt light and free...a feeling I haven't had in a while. Baby Max seemed to be in the right position so I didn't have any pressure on my bladder. I did a nice, quick (for me right now) 5K and then went off and opened my hips at yoga. It was a great morning and I felt fantastic!

I bit the bullet and ordered a pair of maternity shorts online at an American site. I was quite happy that it didn't cost me my first born in shipping! I purchased the Born Fit Challenger Short. The shorts look totally comfortable and will allow me to work out until my due date (hopefully.) In my quest to find affordable maternity fitness wear, one of my friends sent me a link to Running Skirts. The company was founded by twin gals, Cindy and Christy. Though I didn't end up buying a running skirt, (still a little strange for me) I was inspired by the fact that one of the twins ran right up to her delivery. In fact, she ran a 5K three days before she delivered her son and had a quick labour.

I saw my family yesterday for lunch. They haven't seen me in a while and were amazed at the size of my "bump" which is really more of a mountain now! My mom's reaction was,"Wow, you're really all belly! You look great!" While they tried to talk me out of running at the beginning of my pregnancy, they've now realized that there's no stopping me and Baby Max as we continue to run, hopefully to the very end of this pregnancy. And as I continue to turn heads while I run with quite the bump, I am reminded by the gals from Running Skirts and Runbuggy that running is great for mom and baby. I've cut out a portion of the benefits of a fit pregnancy from their website and posted it here:

Healthier Moms

• Regular exercise during pregancy builds stamina and prepares and strengthens muscles and body for delivery
• Running during pregnancy reduces fatigue, nausea and constipation
• Maternity exercise has been proven to help prevent gestational diabetes
• Maternity fitness contributes to shorter labour and less delivery complications
• Fit mommies have fewer C-sections
• Running moms also experience less lower back pain
• Moms to be who exercise also have less swelling of extremities

Happier Moms

• Regular exercise and/or running promotes well being and less postpartum depression
• Pregnancy fitness regimens lead to quick recovers and return to pre-pregnancy weight
• A fit mom has let anxiety and stress related to pregnancy - better sleep, less insomnia
  

Yummy Mummies

• Running during pregnancy prevents excessive weight gain
• Cardio exercise increased blood flow to skin=healthy glow
• Pregnant running improves posture and appearance
• It just makes you look and feel better!
• A regular moderate running program leads to increased energy and in first and second trimesters
  
• Maintaining fitness during pregnancy helps mom regain pre-pregnancy body quicker
• Running and other moderate impact exercise leads to less development of varicose veins

Happier Babies

• A regular pregnancy fitness regimen better prepares baby for transition from womb
• Pregnancy running increases blood circulation and placental efficiency
• Running whilst pregnant also increases a newborn's capacity to self calm and self quiet

Healthier Babies

• Regular exercise decreases baby fat without decreasing normal growth
• Cardio fitness leads to increased blood flow from placenta which supports nutrition and oxygen to the fetus
  

Smarter Babies

• Mommies who run have increased fetal movements, which studies have shown leads to quicker development of oral language skills
  

I have read most of these points before, but now, as I near the home stretch and continue with my fitness regimen, I have to sometimes remind myself that despite the weird looks and craned necks, I am doing a good thing for myself and Baby Max.

A Challenge

One thing I've been challenged by during my entire pregnancy is finding great workout wear in Canada. (Perhaps there is a potential business opportunity here!) My American friends have shops they can go to that sell fashionable, yet functional maternity workout wear. And yes, with the exchange rate, I could shop online and have found many American retailers peddling their maternity fitness clothing. Trouble is, when you add in shipping and duties, a nice preggo exercise top can get pricey.

I've shopped the traditional maternity stores and unfortunately have only come across cotton blend T-shirts that are super soft and comfy, but not exactly ideal to run in. I asked one lady why it is so hard to find maternity fitness clothing and my conversation went like this.

"Excuse me, do you sell any exercise wear...something that I could run and sweat in?" I asked.

"Well, we do have these," said the kindly saleslady, pointing to a display of casual cotton blend t-shirts.

"Those are nice and soft, but do you have anything a bit more technical, something that wicks away the moisture and sweat?" I pressed.

"We used to have shirts made in those materials, but we found that they didn't sell, maybe it's just this location, but we haven't carried them in years," she answered.

"Oh, I said, don't you find other preggos who run and sweat asking for the same thing?" I asked.

"Oh sure, they just go to the Sports Chek and buy bigger-sized exercise tops," she said.

I have done that, the trouble is, while they may fit in girth, the shirts are either way too long or have too much room in the boobs department. I often look like I'm wearing a tarp - something just thrown over me to cover my boobs and belly. It's not the most flattering thing. And since I've joined a gym, I'd like to find affordable preggo fit wear that will take me to the end of my pregnancy and into a few months post partum. Needless to say, it's been a challenge to find such apparel in Canada.

Before now, I did find one great technical shirt by a company called, Moving Comfort. I bought it at the Running Room. It has lasted me from my the time I sprouted a tiny bump to now, full blown whaleness. I've also found myself wearing the ugly and too-big race shirts that I've gathered over the years. Still, even those shirts are almost too small. So, I did end up buying two of those cotton blend shirts at that maternity store. After all, they were two for $40.

We'll give them a test drive this weekend. Today I'm cross training on the elliptical and doing weights. Tomorrow, I'm running.

Musings on a Medicine Ball

Over the last few workouts at the gym, I've started to do light weights again and have experimented with using a medicine ball. It's quite the workout: I stand on the Bosu trainer for balance and usually use a six-pound medicine ball for resistance training. Six pounds doesn't sound like much, but trust me, I do feel the muscle burn after only a few minutes.

I found that doing gentle movements, while perched on top of the Bosu trainer with the medicine ball not only helps to maintain my core strength, but also the exercises fine tune some of the tiny leg muscles I never really use. Postpartum, I'll continue to do these exercises because having a strong core is great for all runners.

A few days ago, as I was doing my exercises, I couldn't help but notice that should I carry Baby Maxity to full term, this six pound medicine ball will be smaller and lighter than the child that comes out of my vagina! I shuddered at this realization! Granted Baby Max won't be a round mass (hopefully!) when he comes out (actually I'm hoping for something torpedo-like), it still stuns me that when the time comes, I will push forth such a large entity from my tiny vagajay.

Yes, I'm aware that the skin and surrounding woman's vagajay does stretch during labour, but having never gone through the process, it's hard for me to imagine. However, over the last day, I was reminded of this impending exercise when I visited the labour and delivery wards of two hospitals. (Sometimes my job takes me to exotic places.)

I've been to the labour and delivery ward in my past life as a reporter and most recently to visit friends after they've had their bundles of joy. I never really gave the place much thought until now. As I watched very pregnant women mill about I thought, "This could be me in a few months." As I heard the tiny cries of the newborns I thought, "Wow, that could be Baby Max." For me, being in the labour and delivery ward brings strange sensations and feelings I've never experienced before.

I also had a chance to tour the neo-natal intensive care unit. Wow, those babies are just little wisps. What surprised me most was seeing a couple of babies who were about as old as Baby Maxity is now: 31.5 weeks. These little wee babies resembled full-sized newborns only they were "half-pints." Their tiny feet were so...tiny - perhaps the size of my pinky finger. It's hard to imagine that Baby Max already resembles a newborn in appearance.

He's still growing in his aqueous abode and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he'll grow heavier than the medicine ball at my gym.

All Shapes and Sizes

Today, I went for what I hoped would have been a really quick, easy 5K run - just like yesterday morning's workout. However, my group was set to meet at 4 p.m. and unlike recent days, it was quite humid and hot outside. Perfect for sunbathing on this last "official" day of summer, but wretched weather for running.

The first 10 minutes was actually uncomfortable with Baby Max sitting on my bladder. The pressure seemed to ease a bit after that, but by then, the sun was really beating down on me. It was quite unpleasant to say the least. I did finish that run all hot and sweaty, but otherwise okay. I have noticed that it now takes my body a few minutes to get into a run and "adjust." Once I pass this initial discomfort, I'm usually good to go.

A friend of mine is expecting and his baby's due only a few days before me. However, his wife is much, much bigger than I am. This is also her first child. I know that every preggo body and experience is bit unique, but wow...there really is a difference. Perhaps the best person to describe my shape has been my running friend Dave. A while ago, while pacing his clinic, he introduced me to the group as "The Girl with a Beach Ball Under Her Shirt." I laughed.

But that's really what I look like these days. Over the weekend, The B took a nice silhouette shot of me against a doorway. And when I look at my shape, it truly does look like I am cradling a beach or basketball in my arm! One of my other runner friends, Jamie, says that from behind, it doesn't even look like I'm preggo - even though now, I'm starting to waddle like a duck.

Quack.

Labour Day Weekend: End of Summer

Another Labour Day weekend is here, typically signaling the end of summer. But I, and so many others would probably argue, that the Summer of 2009 never really arrived. Honestly, though I do like sunshine and warmth (a lot of the time), it was perfect for me as a preggo runner. Now I'm looking forward to my favourite time of the year: fall. I love crispy, colourful leaves, fresh-baked apple pie and cool mornings where I can see my breath.

For the first time in a couple of years, I won't be running a long race. Two years ago, I was prepping for my first half marathon, the Scotiabank Half Marathon, and last year- the full Enchilada. This upcoming season, the most I will "race"* is a 5K. And I've officially registered for the Scotiabank 5K race on September 27. However, this race, I've registered under the bib name, "Baby Max." We'll see if organizers actually put that name on the bib!

(* I put quotes around "race" because nowadays, I think I actually waddle. Surely, now an ambitious Emperor Penguin could out waddle me. I'm now averaging about 6:40-7:00 min/km which results in about a 32 minute 5K. But I'm still game and am good with that at 30.4 weeks preggo.)

For me, the fall has always brought with it a feeling of new beginnings. Last year it was my marriage to The B. This fall is no different and perhaps more special than any autumnal equinox that I- or The B- have ever known. For this season, we will surely welcome a new life into our lives. It's an experience that will profoundly change our lives forever.

Yesterday, I had the honour of attending my friend, Mombo's, wedding. It was a fantastic affair and a reunion of sorts. You see, I got to reconnect with some of my old Western cheerleading friends. Many of them are young moms and dads.

One of my more excitable former teammates, a.k.a "Puck," was so happy to know that in a while The B and I will have a baby. He said it's the best thing he's ever done. He also said that when he was in the delivery room he was at his wife Rebecca's legs. And when his son, Mason, came out, he was so overjoyed that he cried and started screaming (to everyone) that he and his wife just had a boy. He and his wife are now trying for Number 2 and are doing everything they can to conceive a sister for their son. His excitement was certainly infectious.

I can hardly wait to meet Baby Max.

Track Workout at 7.5 Months...

I spent Friday evening with some of the folks of the 5K clinic. We weren't partying or sitting on a patio somewhere. No, we were going round and round on a track. It was actually one of the best workouts I've had in a while...and with a beautiful setting sun and relatively low humidity, it was a wonderful evening.

We started out with a light warm up that consisted of four laps around the track where we ran the straights and walked ends. Then we did some stretches and short accelerations before our workout: 4 X 150m reps at around 5K pace followed by a walking rest. It wasn't overly tough, but it was perfect for a 7.5 month preggo like me and a nice way to spend a Friday night.

I also did have a chat with one of the ladies during the rest intervals. She raised four kids who are now between 15 and 23 years old. She's a new runner who is looking to complete her first 5K race this fall. She became a runner after years of "putting it off."

"Is this your first?" she asked, looking down at my belly.

"Yes, this is Baby Max," I said.

"Can I give you some advice - from a mom to a mom-to-be?" she asked.

"Sure," I said.

"Whatever you do, when your baby comes, please make sure that you take a slice out of life for yourself," she said. "I didn't do that. For the last 20 years, it's been only about my family and my kids. And if I was to do it all over again, I would make sure I had some time for myself - to do my own thing, even for a few minutes. That's so important."

"Wow," I said.

"No, really, it will keep you...sane," she replied.

Great advice. One of the other Runner Mamas I've met online, RunFasterMommy, said that when you have kids, a job, school and a hobby, like running, new Mamas - somehow - almost magically, become the best time managers.

I'm really keeping my fingers crossed...for my sanity.

(Baby) Shoe Obsession

As a runner, I'm very particular about what I put on my feet. I am a big fan of my Asics DS-trainers. I just love'em. They're light, flexible and, okay, help me to run like the wind (sometimes). I bought my first pair last year during marathon training and bought another pair a month before the race.

Lately, though, I really haven't paid particular attention to the fall running shoe reviews, though I did spy a pair of extremely light trainers in the September issue of Canadian Running. For some reason, the brand name escapes me at this moment. But, trust me, they really were cool!(Must be the infamous Baby Brain syndrome I hear I have.)

Lately, I've become obsessed - okay that's a bit strong - more like very interested in baby shoes. Actually, come to think of it, even before I was pregnant and shopped for my preggo friends, I always seemed to drift to the baby shoe department.

Now that I have a Baby Max growing inside of me, my attraction to baby shoes is even stronger - perhaps like a moth to a flame! I don't know what it is. Baby shoes are just so...cute. And these days companies like Pediped, Jack & Lily, See Kai Run and Robeez make the most stylish shoes for little boys and girls.

They're a splurge no doubt about it and one that many would argue a waste of money - but I can't help it. They're like eye candy for me. One of my girlfriends is obsessed with diaper bags, especially with anything Petunia Pickle Bottom. (Actually, who can blame her, I also have a PPB diaper bag The B bought me for my first Mother's Day last May.) Other women love their strollers (I do too). Am I obsessed with baby shoes? Am I a baby shoe addict? Hey, do I need help?! hahah!

I have bought some shoes for Baby Maxity: a tiny pair of Robeez on sale, a very cute Jack & Lily soft shoe with a felt giraffe and I did open my wallet to get the oh-so-stylish Andrew Boot from Pediped. Since Baby Max is not even here yet, I now just look at stuff. And while I would love to dress Baby Maxity like a little, stylish man, The B is very quick to bring me to reality.

"Okay, you can buy those little boots, but no more. I don't want you to treat him like a little dress up doll," he said.

He's right. He's a little person, not a doll. But I still can't help window shopping.

When Life Gets in the Way

As hard as I've wanted to work out over the last couple of days, I was forced to take a few days off. Simply, life has gotten in the way!

On Tuesday, I had to stay later at work and then the next night, I went to see a preview of the new Cirque du Soleil show, Ova - which, by the way, is fabulous and a tremendous show of athletic and artistic feats.

I know I'm trying not to worry and think too far ahead, but during busy weeks like this, I wonder how I'll ever be able to take care of Baby Max, work full time and continue with my running and fitness pursuits. I'm not saying that these hobbies necessarily define me, but they certainly make my life enjoyable, balanced and sane. And I need them. I haven't been running for too long, but in that time, I've always wondered why I didn't pick it up any sooner. Oh well. No regrets right?

But I digress.

It may be a bit early to put my postpartum goals out there, but November 2010, a full year after Baby Max (hopefully) enters the world, I'd like to run my first marathon postpartum. This one will be either the New York City Marathon or the Road2Hope Marathon in my home town. If I do New York, it will be mostly for site seeing; if I do Road2Hope, I will be pushing for a sub 4-hour marathon time.

However, as any new mother will tell me, this goal all depends on how my body recovers from the stress of labour and delivery and how my baby is. I hear some people bounce back right away while others take much more time. And I also am aware that some babies are "easier" than others.

I'm always inspired and impressed by moms who can balance life, child-rearing, work and working out. During my university days, I was able to manage a job, school and being on a highly competitive, athletic team. It wasn't easy, but still I was able to pull of good marks and get into programs and the jobs that I wanted. This time around, like those Cirque du Soleil acrobats, finding this balance may be a bit more challenging. However, I'm very, very lucky and have a supportive B for a hubby.

We've chatted about this and we both understand there will be days when he'll want to do his yoga and I will want to pound the pavement. So, we'll just make things work...and take one day at a time.