Diabetes Results

Well, I had quite a scare yesterday. A pretty big one. After my third pregnancy with gestational diabetes, I had to do some follow-up testing at the clinic this week. Just to make sure it went away again this time. On Friday morning, I received my electronic lab results. I checked my results and they stated that my fasting results were NORMAL. And they stated that my two hour glucose tolerance results were ABNORMAL. I started shedding tears immediately as my husband consoled me over our morning coffee. As much as I have changed my lifestyle, apparently things were out of my control. And I was going to have to deal with the diabetic diet and finger pricking for the rest of my life?! My doctor had said that after having one pregnancy with gestational diabetes that my chances of being diagnosed with diabetes later in life would be about fifty percent. Now having had three pregnancies with diabetes, my chances were even higher. I felt at a complete loss.

 

Not seeing complete results online, I sent a message to my doctor's office for more information. It turns out that my second numbers were actually lower than normal versus higher than normal (as they were during my pregnancies). So, my doctor concluded that my "abnormal results" were actually normal and within a healthy range.

Thank goodness. What an emotional roller coaster.

After receiving the results, I decided that I definitely need to continue to work on cleaning up my diet and supplement all of the exercise and running that I do. I also need to continue to push myself and challenge my body. This was a wake-up call that I need to be the healthiest version of me.

 

 

Today at 5 1/2 weeks post-partum, I logged my longest run yet this month - eight friggin miles. Eight miles with 11 additional pounds of baby weight. Eight miles of determination while wearing my new Her Half Marathon & 5K Ambassador jacket. Eight miles with three kids at home that got 100% of my time during the rest of the day. Eight miles for me.

 

A sign.

This sign is my current motivation to where I want to be physically. I was approximately 20-25 lbs lighter than where I am at the current moment. The photo was taken in the summer of 2010. Little Diva was six. Little Dude was two. And I was running more than ever and in the best shape of my life. I felt really good in my skin, my passion for running grew as I had just completed my first full marathon the year prior, and I loved being a mommy of two. Unfortunately, I was about to go through the roughest patch of my life in the months ahead. But, running got me through that with a smile on my face in the end. 

 

 

This sign has been motivated me recently, as I stare it while running on the treadmill. It really makes me reflect on where I've been, how my life has changed and transformed and where I still want to go.

Supplementing my Running Routine

So, I run and I run ... and I run.  This momma loves to log the miles on the pavement or the treadmill.  I know that with my body type that I will never been long and lean.  But, I would like to be leaner.  And after delivering baby number three recently, I would like to work on my problem areas more than ever.  I never want to replace my runs with other workouts.  But, I would like to supplement my daily miles. 

 

 

I have never been much for participating in fitness classes at our local gym.  With my busy life, coaching schedule and the kids' schedules I never can seem to commit to yet another set class time on our family's schedule.  And I never have been much for fitness DVDs at home.  I had invested in DVD workouts in the past, only to waste my money. 

 

Our family visits the library weekly, so I decided to check out some videos from Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper as well as a Skinny B**** DVD.  I figured I might as well try to work on my midsection and my arms with some of these workouts.  Lord knows that I won't have the discipline to do it "on my own".  With the library, I wouldn't be out any money.  And, I could make a fool of myself from the comfort of my living room.

 

While the baby was sleeping this afternoon, I completed my thirty minutes on the treadmill and logged three miles.  I then rolled out my yoga mat in the living room and a few free weights and tried the beginner thirty minute killer abs workout with Jillian Michaels.  The series of workouts were difficult for me and I felt uncoordinated - but I was also sweating my a** off.  I'm hoping I feel it tomorrow.  And that I feel motivated again in a couple of days to do it again.  Here's to stepping outside of MY comfort zone ... just like I tell my clients.

 

Do you have any fitness DVDs that you swear by?

Pausing to be thankful

 

At my post-partum appointment on Friday, I received the go ahead to resume my long-distance running. The weather was great for running this afternoon and the paths and sidewalks were clear. I took this knucklehead outside for a "short run" - which turned into SIX blissful miles. It felt great to run with the fresh air in my lungs. The pup stopped frequently to eat snow because he was thirsty. I paused and smiled frequently because I continue to be thankful. I am thankful that I have found something to be this passionate about and enjoy how it makes me feel - inside and out.

4 Weeks Post-Partum: I'm not just MOM ... I'm ME!

I can't express how AWESOME it feels to be running again! Even thirty minutes on the treadmill makes me feel like a whole new person! Not just mom ... ME! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I've been trying to time my quick workouts while the baby is napping. I nurse/feed her and then take my crew downstairs for thirty minutes on the treadmill. Then I squeeze in a shower and nurse/feed again. Ocassionally she will wake up, but I think she is use to the the rhythm of my footwork and my running tunes ... they put her back to sleep!

I'm four weeks post-partum today. Not where I want to be, but I'm on my way. I've been eating cleaner and already feeling a little leaner - and much less bloated.

Week #1 Back to Running

Week #1 back to running:
- Ran 5 of 7 days
- Logged 15 miles on the treadmill
- 0 Regrets

Observations:
- 6.0 - 6.5 MPH pace
- No aches/pains thus far
- Thankful that the pressure on my bladder is gone post-partum!
- With nursing I am going to need a tighter sports bra or to double-up
- I freshened up my playlist, but need some new additions

Goals for next week:
- the past couple of days I have been working on cleaning up my diet
- drink even more water.

 

 

First post-partum workout on 1/10/2016 .... 3 mile run .... 2 mile walk .... 10 mins stretching .... one big sweaty smile!!  18 days post-partum.

 

 

 

 

My running buddies on Thursday!  They both fell asleep.
Three mile run; followed by a one mile walk.

 

 

Baby's First Marathon

This baby girl may only be three weeks old, but she has already completed her first marathon.  Although I have crossed the finish line of dozens of half marathons and ten full marathons - I couldn't be prouder of my finishing time at Grandma's Marathon this past year.  I had started my second trimester in June and crossed the finish line in under five hours with this little peanut in my tummy.  This was my slowest 26.2 mile journey to date.  But I finished with my husband at my side and our peanut in my tummy.

 

 

I actually carried her with me for many of my 900+ miles logged in 2015.  She was my motivation to keep moving during my pregnancy and continue being "me" as my waistline expanded and my body changed.  With my other two pregnancies I didn't run or workout, even after I discovered running.  I gained twice as much weight, felt frumpy in my maternity clothes and felt sluggish and unmotivated.  This time, I wanted to feel like myself.  And, I did.  I wanted to experience a healthy pregnancy not just for me, but for both of us.  I wanted to fight the gestational diabetes that I was confronted with again.  I pushed myself and my body as smart and safely as I could.  I ran until I was 34 weeks and no longer felt comfortable to do so.  When it no longer became fun or enjoyable, I switched to walking the dog.

 

 

I believe that running made my delivery easier and that my body has recovered faster because of my dedication the past nine months.  I was able to return to running shortly after she was two weeks old.  And now I not only have this memorable finisher's medal hanging among the others ... I also have our beautiful baby girl.

 

Ready for a Run

I'm ready with three bright new pairs of running shoes! It has been almost eight weeks since my last run. I'm going to take one lucky pair for a spin next week on the treadmill (three weeks post-partum). I received different opinions in the hospital about running since I had a quick and easy delivery and recovery has been easy-peasy, too. Everything from "do what you feel comfortable with" to waiting til my post-partum appointment. I will be taking things slow - but working up a good sweat - something that I have missed desperately.

 

Future GOTR Girl

Yesterday, Baby Brooke received this wonderful surprise package from Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin. I love having such a supportive running community in the Madison-area - especially for women and young girls! Girls on the Run teaches young girls to pursue their dreams, train for a 5K and have fun in the process - while teaching a curriculum around goal-setting, self-esteem, body image, avoiding bullying and so much more. We are raising a generation of confident young women!!

Introducing Baby Brooke ...

Brooke Olivia arrived healthy and perfect on December 23 at 4:20pm after a quick three hour labor and medication free birth. Our bundle weighed 7 lb 13oz and was 20.5 in long. She has lots of dark hair and long eyelashes like daddy. We brought her home on Christmas morning.  We feel so blessed to share her arrival.

Brooke's birth story coming soon.

 

 

 

Today's agenda.

This morning's agenda includes doing the following in our jammies:

- Holding baby

- Drinking coffee

- Holding baby

- Writing thank you notes

- Holding baby

- Filling out baby book

- Holding baby

- Blogging

- Holding baby

 

My heart is full.  She is two weeks old today.  Time needs to slow down.  Seriously.