Swelling and stuff

For the first time in my pregnancy, I noticed something that indicates that my body is now working in overdrive to handle the excess weight, hormones and pressure a growing baby creates: swelling.

As I was finishing up my 40-minute sweatfest on the elliptical and heading over to do weights yesterday, I saw that there was some swelling just above my ankle. The strange thing is that this swelling was only on one leg!

I was a bit worried, but since it didn't hurt and friends told me that I should expect some swelling, especially in the last few weeks, I soon relaxed. In fact, after my gym workout, I went to unwind at prenatal yoga. After that, I went home and put my feet up, finishing the knit baby blanket I started a few weeks ago. (I noticed that the swelled area seemed to get smaller when I put my feet up.)

I've now gained a total of 25 pounds since the start of this magnificent journey- that's about a quarter of my body weight. These days, sleeping - especially, changing positions in bed - has become somewhat uncomfortable. With the weight of my belly, I now put a small towel under it to prevent excess pull on my back. I've also found getting out of my car and rising quickly from the couch a bit challenging.

No doubt, I'm really in the home stretch. Mr. Braxton Hicks is now making regular appearances and some contractions have been so bad that I've wondered if I'm actually going into labour. However, when I have a glass of water or walk around for a bit, they tend to die down. So I know, it's just my body's way of "practicing" for the real thing.

People ask me whether I think I'm going to go into labour early. I really hope not. Since I'm not great with surprises or a sudden change of plans, I'm hopeful that Baby Max will come at his appointed day (though this is very highly unlikely). On average, I'm told the majority of first babies tend to arrive a few days after their due date. However, I'm hoping that Baby Maxity will come somewhat close to his November 11th due date. Since Baby Max is now just fattening up, I'm hoping he will be a size that I can push out!

38 Weeks

Well, after sleeping on it, not over-thinking things and going to the gym to sweat (like a pig) yesterday, I'm feeling much better today.

According to the calendar, I'm now 38 weeks preggo and Baby Max is fattening up like a little turkey in the oven. This perhaps explains my latest cravings for chocolate ice cream, Laughing Cow cheese, yogurt and sugary cereals. Since I discovered that Cap'n Crunch is one of the most unhealthiest breakfast cereals, (it's comprised mostly of sugar) I've found other things to satisfy my insane sweet tooth. (I swear Baby Maxity will come out smelling like sugar and perhaps will be the sweetest baby! Fingers crossed.)

I visited some colleagues at work yesterday and they wondered how I'm filling my time, waiting for Baby Max. Well, in all honesty, I'm really enjoying my mat leave so far- but that's because I don't have a bald, toothless stranger crying for food every two hours yet! I'm knitting up a storm and am also quilting.

In fact, I've already made the cutest little winter hat for Baby Max and am about to finish a baby blankie. I've also started a neck warmer and will begin a tiny, baby sweater I've been meaning to make sometime this week. And I REALLY should do my thank you cards from my baby shower which seems like ages ago now. (I made those cards a long time ago.)

On the fitness front, I'm still working out like a fiend. I workout five days per week with two rest days. I'm really enjoying my workouts and am still running, albeit now I've moved indoors to a treadmill. I had my last outdoor run a Sunday ago. Though I do love running outdoors this time of the year, I figure why chance a trip or a fall on a stick or pothole? Also, running on the treadmill allows me to be near a bathroom and is much, much easier on my joints. When I do run, I'll average about 30 minutes.

At this late stage of the game, the elliptical is my cardio machine of choice. Not only do I get an upper body workout, but also without the bounce, I feel less pressure on my bladder, which is nice. And I can really sweat up a storm on this machine. I aim for four miles and sometimes go as fast as I can. I'm watching my heart rate and exertion level, but it must be a funny site to see someone who looks like they're hiding a basketball under their workout top sweating like mad on the elliptical.

I continue to be visited by Mr. Braxton Hicks and today have my first headache in a long time. I think it calls for me to get the red blood cells going and head to the gym for another sweat and weight training session.

Here I go. Happy 38 Weeks Baby Maxity.

Bake away my friend, bake away.

A Bit Freaked Out!

I know this sounds dumb because at almost 38 weeks, I can expect Baby Max's arrival any day now...but I got a bit freaked out tonight.

You see, tonight was the last night of our prenatal classes. This six week crash course in parenting covered the basics of childbirth and newborn care. The classes were so informative and now I know the difference between a good latch and one that will create sore, cracked nipples(!)

Last week, we learned how to swaddle and diaper a baby and practiced on a doll. Tonight, I thought to bring this doll (which we call Maxity) in our infant car seat tonight to make sure we were buckling it up correctly. (It turns out we are.)

Anyway, we thought another couple had brought their doll in their car seat too. That is, until The B and I both realized that it was no doll in there -- it was the real deal! It turns out, one couple in our class happened to have their baby a week early. She went into labour on Friday night and Baby Rebecca was born Saturday morning. It all happened so fast. Naturally, this new mom was peppered with questions from all the other moms-to-be in the class. She was now in a league of her own, having gone through L&D, the first sleepless nights and now, applying the tricks we learned about calming a newborn. All the stuff that we had learned over the last six weeks, now suddenly, had REAL meaning.

For the first half hour of our class, as the couple took turns comforting a crying Baby Rebecca, I sat in my chair, a bit stunned. Like I said, I should expect a Baby Maxity any day now, but in all honesty, the reality of the sleepness nights; the crying; the cracked nipples etc., sank in tonight - like, REALLY sank in.

I'm a bit freaked. I mean, we are ready, but let's be honest, there is still so much I think I have to do...and so little time to do it. While I tell myself that I'm ready, I still don't feel READY, ready.

However, I guess no one ever really is, right?

On the Fence...Again

Like most parents-to-be, The B and I have made many decisions since we saw the positive sign on the pregnancy home test kit. Some of these decisions ranged from easy to hard:

Run? (Of course. The studies and science prove that moderate exercise during pregnancy benefits both mother and child.)

Stroller? (We went with a Bugaboo Chameleon)

Cloth vs. Disposable Diaper? (We're going with disposable for the first six weeks, then will switch to cloth.)

Care provider? (Midwife)

Homebirth? (No. Not in my comfort level.)

Circumcision? (Yes. But we're going with a doctor known for doing a quick and painless job.)

Cord Blood Banking? (No. At this point, the science is still very new and the service is quite expensive.)

H1N1 vaccine for me? (Still on the fence)

And apparently I'm not the only one, even as a member of the Priority Group. In Canada, the clinical trials are still ongoing and I'm told the results will be unavailable until next spring. I know medical experts advise preggos to get the vaccine, but like anything that has gone into my body since February, I now think twice, for I have precious cargo aboard.

Yes, experts say H1N1 has much more adverse on preggos and those with underlying medical conditions, but still....I'm leery. Perhaps it's my fear of the unknown. Whatever it is, the timing of D-Day and the vaccine availability may make my decision easier. My due date is fast approaching and the vaccine will be available starting next week...

We'll see.

Time to Indulge

Throughout this pregnancy, I've been told countless times: indulge.

Indulge yourself while you can.

Well, I'm going to do just that on Friday. I'm going for a, what's sure-to-be, a luxurious, 50-minute pregnancy massage at the Elmwood Spa- a very she-she spa in downtown Toronto. It's the sort of place where you'd find the Ladies who Lunch set.

And I don't feel one once of guilt because I'm not paying for it (I have a gift certificate I received from my best friend a year ago - Thanks Janice) and I need it now. I have purposely held off and saved this gift certificate for so long, waiting for the right time to use it. Now I have the perfect occasion - if there ever was one - to set foot in this glorious spa.

The brochure describes this pregnancy massage (that retails for $95) as one that:

"Minimizes the discomforts that occur during pregnancy with a massage that relieves fluid retention and pressure due to weight gain, while encouraging health circulation and promoting restful sleep patterns."

Well, at this stage of the game, 37 weeks, I can certainly use this healing massage.

I've decided to take a rest day today because though I feel fine and mobile, I'm still not fully recovered from Sunday's 5K...ah, such is the case when I'm now carrying almost 25 pounds of extra weight. The muscles in my pelvic region still feel a bit stressed and I can feel the small muscles deep within my groin that could use a day-off. Yesterday's light, no-pace, easy 30-minute session on the elliptical and a nice, gentle Hatha yoga class helped a bit, but I know my body will benefit from a day of rest.

Yesterday I had my 37-week appointment. Baby Max is a wiggler and has a good, strong heartbeat. His head has started to descend down further into my nether regions, but Angel, one of my midwives said, he's still got some time to bake in there. At this juncture, Baby Max is probably about 5.5 pounds - still a little small. However, my midwives say that if I carry to full term then, he could be a seven-pounder at birth. That's fine by me.

Bake on Baby Max. Bake on.

The Young & the Restless

It's 5:25 a.m. do you know where your children are? Well, yes. Mine is in my belly. Wiggling. And where is his mom-to-be? Well, she should be resting, but instead she's staring at a computer screen, reading the morning headlines and unable to return to the Land of Sleep.

I'm restless.

Ever since I got on maternity leave, I've been (not so young) and restless. A lot of times my mind seems to be racing and thinking of what needs to be done. I know part of the reason for this seemingly "last minute" frenzy is the notion of nesting. It's kind of like preparing for a pop-quiz: you just don't know when "the moment" will be and so you do everything and study everything to make sure you're always prepared. That's how I feel these days.

And it's the same kind of frenzy that I've adopted in my workouts. I've realized that since D-Day could come at any moment, then I want to be in the best physical shape possible. As I've noted, I have energy to spare and am using the elliptical, weight machines and am still pounding the pavement with gusto. (Really, I know I should be in taper mode.)

We're still in the middle of prenatal classes and tonight I'm told that we will learn how to diaper and swaddle a baby. It should be fun. Right before bed last night, I got thinking, (part of the reason why I'm awake at this hour) since I have some time off now, why not practice on a doll until the real one is evicted from my uterus? I know it's not really the same thing, but I figure if I can at least understand the basics of the art of diapering and swaddling on a doll, doing so on a wriggly, screaming newborn will be somewhat easier(?)*

*Veteran parents cue to roll your eyes.

In my limited experience with children, I've realized that babies don't really come with an instruction manual and that when I take Baby Max home, nothing I do now will prepare me for what awaits: Screaming infant. Sleepless nights. Sensitive boobies. Oh boy. Being one that's not great with surprises (I hate pop quizzes), I like to prepare, plan and always be one step ahead of the game. However, I'm told, if I expect this with a baby, then I'm about to get rocked. I'm told, expect surprises; don't have any preconceived notions of what child rearing will be like because nothing we do now will prepare us for what we will likely experience.

Still, I would rather go in this prepared and informed rather than not. (Would I run a race with little or no preparation? No. Exactly.) So in between my frenzy to get my quilt and blanket finished, I'm reading as many child care books as possible. You could call it the "Childcare 101 Cram Jam."

The book I'm reading right now is called "The Happiest Baby on the Block." It's pretty good and if apparently, The B and I can master Dr. Karp's 5 S's, then we should have a baby that doesn't CRY cry. Since Baby Max is still baking away, I'm still skeptical - though in theory, Dr. Karp's method seems cogent. We'll see. And like my Born Fit shorts, I'll have to get back to you in a few weeks or months with the lowdown.

Okay. I'm hungry now and have decided to hit the gym early this morning. Honestly, I really should be in bed, sleeping.

Pregnancy is Beautiful

This morning I felt a bit envious that many of my friends did the Toronto Marathon, Half-Marathon or 5K. So after lunch, when it warmed up, I went for my own 5K run on the lake. It's so wonderful to run at this time of the year. It was a nice run. I settled in on about a comfortable pace of 7:38 min/km. I saw my shadow and had a bit of a chuckle. I look a bit like a torpedo! Haha.

Over the last nine months, I, like most other preggos have battled with my self-image and the prospect of changing shape. Now, it's almost like I'm a member of that famous shape-shifter family, the Barbapapas. Honestly, when I think about it, pregnancy has been beautiful on my body and I've welcomed the change. Running and staying fit has helped to keep weight gain to a manageable level. (No, I wasn't trying to lose weight, rather keep within the recommended healthy pregnancy weight gain guidelines.) And I know, postpartum, I will have some work to do to return to pre-pregnancy shape. But, I don't mind.

Before I became pregnant, I always vowed to do a professional pregnancy photo shoot. However, when the positive sign came back from the home test kit and The B and I sat down to discuss a baby budget, professional shots became a financial impracticality. Plus, The B and I have our own SLR camera and a few nice lenses...so we thought to do our own. It's been fun. We've taken photos from the 13 week mark and today, after my run and a shower, we did nine month photos.

Should I Still be Doing That?

With less than 25 days to go to Baby Max's due date, I'm sure the thought has crossed other peoples' minds: Should that preggo be doing that?

Yesterday was my typical rest Friday. But the day before, I went to the gym where I sweat my face off for 40 minutes on the elliptical machine and then did another half an hour of weights. After, I went to prenatal yoga for some cool down and stretching. Some would say I'm over doing it, but I felt fantastic.

In the gym, while cooling down from the elliptical before my weight training session, I got stares from a few women who were lined up to get into a class. (Luckily, I didn't go into the class, though did contemplate it for a few minutes!) Some smiled. A few others looked on, concern on their faces.

Honestly ladies, it's all good.

My team of midwives is extremely supportive and encourages me to keep up with my fitness regime as long as I don't overheat, feel exhausted or feel faint. In fact, Carol said that all this exercise is good for Baby Max. She says that it helps to keep the blood circulating.

And, again, I still feel good. Last week, I must confess. I did think about running tomorrow's 5K event at the Toronto Marathon. But you know what? I've decided to sleep in instead and run later in the day, when it warms up. I can still run that distance now, but at nine months, it's no longer comfortable nor much fun, so now I keep things to 4K or less and walk breaks are now mandatory.

This morning, we got our car seat installed. Ah...another device/gadget we have to practice using. Since I've been off, I've started to practice folding and unfolding the stroller and figuring out how to carry a baby in a sling. I know all of this may sound a bit strange sans enfant, but when I chatted with the very friendly gal at Moms To Be...and More, she said it's important to start practicing now. Apparently, all this practice will come in handy when I have my hands full with a screaming newborn.

The other advice this lady gave me - and another expectant mom who happened to be there too - is to get out every day. She says that I should make a point of going for a walk every morning. Hopefully I'll be able to do that.

Gosh, there is a lot to think about and still do...and so little time left. I can't believe I could be a mother in 25 days or less. Exciting, yet scary at the same time!

One Month to Go

Today marks the beginning of week 36 for Baby Max. As he continues to grow each day, the simplest of tasks, like getting in and out of the car are becoming increasingly difficult for me. However, on a scale of 1 to 10, I'd say my comfort level is still about an 8.5 to 9. For there are times when I'm visited by Mr. Braxton Hicks - or as The B says, "Mr. Jackson Triggs." Still, at nine months, I'm feeling great (touch wood) and have continued my workouts and runs. I've also noticed that I have yet to be awakened by frequent bathroom breaks in the middle of the night.

Yesterday, while eating lunch, I happened to chance upon a TLC program called "A Baby Story." This show chronicles the adventures of veteran and newbie parents-to-be as they go from the last few weeks of pregnancy to a few weeks postpartum. The concept seems delightful and magical enough. At first, I was curious. Then I was put off. Perhaps it was the episode I happen to catch.

In this episode, the mom-to-be was a first-timer- just like me. Now I know pregnancy is not a magical or joyous experience for everyone, but this mother was downright miserable. She complained about everything. She admitted that she gained about 55 pounds and that the weight gain even caused her legs to develop fat rolls! She said gave into every single food craving. Hers, unfortunately, was fast food and akin to Morgan Spurlock in Supersize Me, this woman ate fast food daily! No wonder she gained so much weight and felt miserable.

Also -and a big difference between our experiences - this newbie preggo was out of shape to begin with. I'm not saying every woman should be athletic or super fit before conceiving, but in my personal experience, I've noticed that doing even mild exercise, like walking daily, is extremely helpful to enhancing mood and to preventing excessive weight gain.

Being a first-timer, I've been quite surprised at just how physical pregnancy is. In nine months, my body has changed so rapidly: I've gained just over 20 pounds in such a short period of time; grown boobs and have to now manage with a 38-inch waist line. This quick weight gain has caused my back to ache at times and my feet to hurt. Internally, my body is also undergoing a lot of stress as my blood volume increases and organs stretch to accommodate a growing Baby Max.

With all this happening in and outside, wouldn't it make sense to incorporate even a little exercise, like walking, daily? Granted, I know things are different if one is carrying multiples or has underlying conditions or complications, but for the vast majority of women who are in "normal" or "low risk" pregnancies, I think doing something even slightly physical is good for both mom-to-be and baby.

Then again, that's just me.

After about 20 minutes, before the commercial break where they previewed this woman's difficult delivery, I turned off the TV. Then I hastily changed into my workout wear and headed to the gym. With her in mind, I kicked-ass on the elliptical and did a nice core, weight workout.

Giving Thanks

Ah...Thanksgiving Weekend in Canada. This typically signals the countdown to Christmas and the coming of the cooler weather. Leaves are in the midst of changing colours and in my neck of the woods, frosty mornings are becoming the norm. For me, now 30 days until L&D (labour and delivery), the countdown officially begins.

Yesterday, as I ran a short 4K run on the waterfront during the late afternoon, I was struck by the intense beauty of the scene: at one point I was enveloped in a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, greens and oranges and then crossed over a wooden bridge where I saw a marsh to my left and the gently rolling waves of Lake Ontario to my right. The sun was at such an angle that the water just sparkled. As I plodded along, now at 7:28 min/km, I felt a sense of calm. I'm grateful for this day- for this Thanksgiving weekend.

And I took in a few breaths to describe the scene to my slumbering passenger.

"The leaves are now changing colour," I told Baby Max. "There are Canada Geese getting ready for their sojourn south and the wind is blowing a crisp, yet comfortable breeze on us. It's so inviting...but don't worry, I'll take you here again!"

I've had a wonderful pregnancy. I'm continually reminded of this every time I workout or go for a run. Since I discovered I was carrying a little passenger, we've run 10 races together and have continued to forge ahead with physical activity now heading into my ninth month. According to my midwife, my weight gain is healthy; my glucose levels are fine; and my blood pressure and blood work have all come back normal. I have no stretch marks - yet. And so far, no varicose veins- though I'm told that they can still raise their ugly heads in the last weeks. I haven't swelled and still don't have the "Shrek" feet most other women have...yet.

To be honest, despite the worries and slight discomforts, I've really enjoyed pregnancy thus far- especially connecting and listening to my body in ways I've never done before. My most favourite part of being a preggo is feeling Baby Max move. It's perhaps the most wonderful feeling in the world. It's made me realize the true meaning of "The Miracle of Life." To this, I'm thankful and yet, humbled. I still can't get over how such an energetic, sometimes restive little person inside of me was created by two tiny cells.

I'm surrounded by a network of supportive people, including family and friends. They say, "It takes a village to raise a child." I'm fortunate enough to have a metropolis. And perhaps, most importantly, I have a loving B. Together, as we embark on this great adventure, we'll have the support of each other.

Much to be grateful and thankful for indeed.

Could this be Nesting?

I've been on maternity leave for all of three days. And it's still about a month until Baby Max is due. For the last three days, I've been swept up by a sudden surge to clean and organize the baby's room. In fact, yesterday - Day 2 - I washed almost all of the baby's items, including clothing, bedding, blankets etc. I think I was in the laundry room washing and drying for ummm...three hours! And, I didn't even realize the time flying. After, I folded all the stuff on my dining room table. There, I realized that we have a lot of stuff for this little guy! In fact, as I organized Baby Max's closet, the B came in to look at my work.

"Wow," he said. "Baby Max has more closet space than I have. That's a lot of clothes...and stuff, for Baby Maxity."

"I know," I said. "It does look like a lot, but remember, this is stuff he'll wear over the next year."

"I don't know," said The B. "I don't think he needs all this stuff."

We'll see.

And then, I still had enough energy to go to the gym. I was on overdrive! I did 40 minutes on the elliptical and even bumped up the intensity. I was sweating like a pig and felt so good. I followed up this cardio workout with some core work and weights. I still felt fantastic. I wish every workout was like this.

Trouble is, I really should pace myself. After all, this was only Day 2 of my maternity leave.

Day 3 - today - was much of the same.

This morning, I started the knitted baby blanket that I've been dying to start. (I already have a very modern quilt in the works!) I didn't even need a nap. I ended up heading to the gym again. (I've now become a fair weather runner and didn't even consider running outside in the rain!) I did 50 minutes on the treadmill. This was my first treadmill workout since I've been preggers. And now I see why. By about 30 minutes, I was ready to poke my eyes out! At least each machine had its own personal TV and all I had to do was plug my iPod into the outlet for sound.

Since I usually pound the pavement, I forgot how much easier it is to run on a treadmill. There's no wind and the machine gives you a little momentum. I did have a great workout, but it was not the same effort as running outside. However, for a preggo like me, with looser joints, the treadmill is my best friend. Still, I miss the wind at my back and the crisp air in my face.

And FINALLY, I've started to pack my bags. Ever since Lena told me that she delivered her son Ryder about a month early, packing my bags has been a priority. And I did buy those super absorbent pads and newborn diapers that I was told to pack. Tomorrow, I'm planning to go cross border shopping with some friends. I'm looking forward to hitting Target or Tarjay as Katie Couric is wont to say! I'm on the hunt for some granny underwear to wear postpartum. (Sorry folks if that's TMI!)

I'm on a roll. Next week, I plan to start cooking and freezing meals. (That is, after we host Thanksgiving at our place this year.)

The B laughs and says that I've already begun to nest. Perhaps he's right. But then again, with a month to go (hopefully) pacing is important. Ah...another lesson I've learned from running.

A New Day

I woke up this morning, the first day of my maternity leave. I have about a month to go and though it's a little earlier than I would have liked, at least I have (hopefully) a month to relax, rest and do some last minute stuff...like keep up my fitness, quilt and knit before Baby Max arrives. I'm sure I'll find a lot to do as I count down the days to Mommyhood and I'm determined to go into the delivery room fit as a fiddle and ready to push, push and push!

I'll miss my colleagues at work. We were a family and a great team. We did great work and I'm a bit sad that I won't be able to join them in the coming year. I leave knowing that when I come back, the landscape will have changed and the people that I sat and worked with over the last two years may no longer be there. That's the nature of where I work, but I love the excitement and the fact that we really make a difference.

Today marks the beginning of 35 weeks. Baby Max continues to grow. And I continue to run and exercise with gusto. Despite the fact there's less amniotic fluid and space, he continues to move around. My midwife has confirmed that he's head down now, but he still hasn't "dropped." So at least labour won't (hopefully) happen for a few more weeks, when Baby Maxity has baked a little more.

As for packing my bags, well, I've started. I bought some diapers the other day and actually brought my diaper bag out! (I must say it's a nice looking Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag that The B bought me for my first Mother's Day.) At the grocery store I even looked at super, absorbent maxi pads, but couldn't actually bring myself to buy them...yet. Perhaps, subconsciously, I don't want to "jinx" things and go into preterm labour. I know, it's kinda dumb.

The B is getting excited. I visited his work today and the gals are so nice. They said that The B talks about Baby Maxity all the time and continues to show off the baby room he designed. Oh B! He's so cute. He also bought a new Apple iTouch a few weeks ago. One of the new programs he bought was one that times my contractions and another that helps to record my future breastfeeding adventures.

Oh Good

So I had my Week 35 appointment and two things:

1. I've graduated to the point where I now have to see the midwife every week. And apparently, labour can happen at any point so they've given me my binder with all my medical information.

2. Baby Max is probably going to be a seven-pounder if I can get to full term, or 37 weeks.

A this point, I feel:
a. Scared
b. Reassured

I know, how can I still feel both? Well, I feel scared because "D-Day" (Delivery Day) can happen at any time and reassured because if it does, Baby Maxity will be okay. I also felt a sense of comfort when my midwife massaged my belly, feeling for Baby Max, and said that I'll have a baby that I most likely will be able to push out.

As I wrote last week, one of my fears is having a preterm baby. I've seen the pictures. I've toured the neonatal intensive care units. I've read about the complications that preemies can have. All of it has scared me just a little. However, knowing that by 35 weeks things are more or less intact - and reaching that milestone - help me to rest a little bit better at night.

Also, at our recent prenatal class we continued to talk about C-sections and the extended recovery. Now, if I have to have a C-section, then I will cross that bridge when I come to it. However, listening to the possible complications got me wondering, why oh why celebrities and others choose to have a C-section. Having never gone through it, I can still see how a vag delivery can be painful, but too posh to push?

Perhaps my tune will be a little different when I'm actually in the throes of labour, but speaking to my midwife yesterday, I'd like to try to have as natural a birth as possible. I'm not against pain management, but I'm going to try my very best to deal with it. I kind of see labour like the last 10K of a marathon...it bloody hurts and my legs are screaming. She even said that perhaps I'll surprise myself and be a bit more tolerant of the pain.

Oh good.

Rave Run...Rave Weekend

I had a fantastic weekend.

First on Saturday, I had a great ellipitcal and weights workout. I did 5 miles on the elliptical followed by weights and core work. Baby Max was wiggly during the weight training! Then on Sunday morning, I had a wonderful, fall run. At first, I was even debating going out and found myself trying to talk myself out of a run. Well, I'm glad I went.

The air was crisp and I could see my breath, but within a few minutes I was invigorated. I wore my BornFit shorts (which are working like a dream I might add), a once-loosefitting long sleeved race top and my gloves. I ended up running along the waterfront and really enjoyed telling Baby Maxity about the leaves changing colours; the snails leaving their wet trails; and the gently rolling waves along the water's edge. It was, to say the least, a "Rave Run." And I felt better during that run than I did last Sunday. Sure, I had a little pressure at some points, but keeping my pace very slow (I'm now at 7:28 min/km) and adding in the speedwalk breaks every 10 minutes, I was able to run comfortably for almost 6K. I could have actually run more, but had to dash off and get ready for a baby shower that my friend, Jess, was throwing me that afternoon.

And speaking of which...

To be honest, I don't love showers. I do enjoy attending other peoples' shower, but don't like being the centre of attention and feeling like I'm on display. I felt the same way last year, during my bridal shower. One of my best and oldest girlfriends, Jess, actually threw it and so many others, helped out by bringing food. My brothers and uncles-to-be also organized the best baby shower games ever! They had one called "Feed the Baby" where we were all divided into teams or "families" and raced to stuff these cardboard boxes with a screaming baby drawn on with light foam balls. Then...we played, "Name that Poo!" For this game, my brothers melted 15 different kinds of chocolate in newborn diapers. Guests had to guess which chocolate they were. It was a good laugh.

Apart from the good times and very generous gifts I received, the biggest thing I will remember most from Baby Max's Shower is feeling the love. As I sat back and soaked it all in, post-party, I realized how truly blessed I am. The B and I are bringing a baby into this world that will be surrounded - almost bathed - in love. I have a great support network of family and friends. I'm truly, truly grateful. And yes, there will be moments when I'm sure I'll question why we decided to become parents, but I know these times will be overshadowed by the joy that comes with parenting and bringing up a baby. I'm very excited...and scared at the same time. This next month and a half will be certainly life-changing, but I know there will always be someone at my back, ready to help out and step in if we need it.

Runner's High

A few days ago, I ran into a group of women that I helped pace for their first 5K. Incidentally, they ran the same race I did last Sunday, the Scotiabank 5K. I just didn't see them, after all there was quite a large crowd.

Most of these ladies entered the 5K clinic with a few goals - most of them wanted to lose weight. Now 10 weeks later, I think many of them accomplished this goal and did something else they never thought possible with running: they had fun. In fact, chatting with them post-race was quite motivating.

As I described a few posts ago, all races during Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon weekend finished in the same place. So you had 5k finishers mingling with full and half marathoners. For this group of women, this 5K race - their first - was like their marathon. They described the feelings of euphoria and spoke about that "runner's high" as they crossed the finish.

They were so pumped and super excited about how they did and how they felt. It was like I was chatting with a bunch of school girls talking about their first dance! Their energy was so infectious that I almost committed to running another 5K race. Then I remembered the pressure at 4K. And then my little friend, Baby Max, kicked me.

Part of the reason I choose to teach and pace new runners is to help them develop an interest for running- beyond the clinic. For me, running has become a part of my life. It's become something I do to unwind and be with my own thoughts. I also love racing and love the runner's high I get from crossing the finish line. This group of ladies felt the magic. They are hooked, just like I was a few years ago. It truly is a beautiful thing.

Well, today I could have used their motivation and energy. In my neck of the woods, the day was dreary, cold and miserable. As I walked to my car on the way home, a steady rain fell, soaking my jacket. I had planned to do a short run with some other new runners, but ended up staying at work later than usual. So I tried to convince myself to do a elliptical workout. However, no amount of convincing worked tonight. And I ended up just going home, eating left over Chow Mien for dinner while The B played on his new iPod.

Some Friday night.

Tomorrow I vow to go to the gym. Here's my workout plan for the next few days:

Saturday - Elliptical and weights

Sunday - Short run, weights in the evening

Monday - Rest

Tuesday - Elliptical and weights

Wednesday - Short run