Exercising Through Pregnancy (Weeks 19-23)

Going for a bike ride at 18 weeks pregnant.

Now that I'm firmly into the second trimester, slow has definitely become the name of the game recently. Even a casual bike ride seems to take a lot of effort for me. During one of our late Autumn bike rides Bobby told me that I was riding at 6 mile per hour. "Great!" I told him, "That's how fast I usually run!"

Sure enough, not too much further down the trail, a runner passed me while I was pedaling along. I guess there is a first time for everything and having someone on foot pass me while on wheels was just a reminder of how much I've slowed down.

Even though in my mind I realize that I am pregnant, it still is surprising to me just how much I've slowed down and how tired I become after doing significantly less activity than I am use to doing! . I keep reminding myself that this is only temporary and I can get back to my weightlifting and running self next year.

For now, I'm just going by what my body tells me to do. If that's only to  work out two days a week than so be it. If that's to only takes naps on the weekend without a workout then so be it. For someone who has always looked for a way to challenge themselves physically it's kind of nice to be on a reprieve from goal setting. Although I must admit that I do miss it.

Particpating in Wod for Warriors with my friend, Christina Lee, at 21 weeks pregnant.

I also had the opportunity to participate in a charity event called WOD for Warriors on November 12th at T2 CrossFit. My coaches were kind enough to modify the movements for me so that I could participate in the event. I sorely miss participating in races and CrossFit events so it was great to participate in this event for a great cause!

So far pregnancy has been pretty smooth sailing with only minor complaints of discomfort; swelling in the hands and feet and finding myself quite tired after simple household chores. Fortunately some of my old marathon training rituals have come back to save me including KT Tape, compression socks and Epsom salts.

It seems hard to believe that I'll be entering the third trimester next month! There were many days when I wondered if I would ever get to this point and sometimes I have to pinch myself. In some ways the pregnancy experience has seemed a bit surreal to me after experiencing much disappointment in the past two years.

I anticipate that working out won't get any easier in the third trimester, but that's okay. My body is doing exactly what it should do - growing a baby boy and that's my main focus right now! Next year we can start thinking about goals again! :)

Till next time!

​-Sarah