This and That

I've sat down and attempted to write on the blog a few times over the past month. Each time I get about a paragraph in, and realize that I'm not sure I have anything to say. I think this happens because I originally created this blog to chronicle my training and life as I worked toward different athletic pursuits and the goals attached to them. This year, there aren't really any athletic pursuits on the horizon.

Anyway, while I'm not really training, I am definitely on a pretty huge journey to a pretty big adventure, so figured I might as well start jotting down a bit of what is happening in life these days... even if it does involve far less swim-bike-run than in years past. 

So yeah, keep reading if you want to hear about things like 30' easy runs where I have to walk up almost every hill, or the fact that popsicles and ice cream have taken up permanent residence in our freezer, or random hormone surges that cause me to cry over dog food commercials. Of course, if that's not your thing and you're only interested in my swim, bike, run adventures, well, check back in about a year.

Ok, with all that said, let's get to it. Apologies in advance if this gets a bit rambly, but well, lists and rambles seem to be what I do best. 

So, here goes... Let the brain dump commence!!!

I'm definitely missing triathlon a bit this summer. For the past 8 years or so, it has been a staple in my life. This year, obviously I've taken a step back (what with this whole baby growing thing).  

Anyway, my Facebook feed seems to be filled with status updates about long rides or runs, group swims at the lake, people crushing their local races, and well, this week... the dreaded taper! I have quite a few friends and acquaintances racing Ironman Canada this year, and I so wish I could be there to cheer them on (but unfortunately it's not going to work out). I will however, be glued to my computer checking updates like crazy throughout the day. I'm pretty sure they are all going to crush it. 

As far as my life and exercise are concerned as of late, I'm running 2-3 times per week, for about 30' or so each time. Honestly, I'm not loving running as much as I would like to right now. I find I worry about every little ache and pain, and so it's just not always quite as fun as it should be. That said, I did have a great run the other morning, so all hope is not lost, and physically, I am still a-okay to keep doing it. I'm slower and breathe a little heavier than I'm used to, but it's all good. 

I also just found out my Mom is going to do the 8k on Victoria Marathon race weekend, so if things are still going well for me, and I'm still able, I think I will run it with her. It will give me that little motivation I need to keep lacing up and getting out the door. 

Otherwise, when I'm not running, I'm walking. A LOT! And with the amount of hills in this town, I still get a pretty good workout doing it. I try to get out for at least an hour in the morning on every non-run day, and then most afternoons (regardless of my morning activity) I get out for an easier 30-45' stroll through town. 

I've also started attending a group fitness class once a week. It's a low impact strength conditioning and core activation class. It's pretty good, and the instructor is nice enough to modify exercises to accommodate me. I also try to do a bit of range of motion and strength work on my own once or twice a week, so you know, there's that. 

So yeah, I'm definitely still moving, just in very different ways compared to what used to be normal, haha. 

On the non-exercise front, well, I'm settling into small town life. I'm attending a group at the community centre once a week for moms-to-be/new-moms and am really enjoying it. It's been great for just getting out of the house and meeting people, but I'm also learning a lot and am starting to feel a little bit more welcomed and comfortable within the community. The resources and support offered here for pregnant women are really amazing considering it is such a small community. I feel very lucky to have it all at my disposal. 

Some other things I've learned/noticed over the last little while...

1) I'm pretty good at spending time alone and I don't actually mind it. I'm often surprised at how good I am at finding stuff to do. That said, alone time has also made me realize how much I do enjoy a good conversation and just being around other people. Evenings and weekends when Shane is home, or times when people come to visit, are a real treat! 

2) I really like the feel of the baby moving. I always thought it would be uber creepy, but I find it so reassuring. She's moving a lot these days, which is awesome. You can even see and feel some of her bigger kicks and jabs from the outside now. 

Yep, I'm officially now that person.

3) I have a tendency to worry. I worry I'm not getting enough protein, I worry I need more iron, I worry if I do this, or that, I might hurt little JB (side note: Shane and I call the baby JB. The way that nickname came about is a story for another post, but if you hear me reference JB, now you know what I'm talking about). So yeah, I worry about a lot of really silly things that I actually know are totally fine. But hey, it's just good practice for the rest of my life as a parent, right? 

4) I used to be skinny. I mean, dang, when I look at photos we took at the beginning of this pregnancy, compared to the ones we took last night, well how on earth did I ever worry about my body? It looked pretty good if you ask me. You could kind of even see my abs! Shockingly, I don't really care though. I know my body is doing something pretty amazing, and while it may not ever be exactly the same as it was before, I know my strength and my endurance will be back, and I'm cool with that. 

5) I get to look at scenery like this everyday... I'm pretty lucky I get to live here. 

Rocky bluffs and ocean swells. Just your typical daily walk.

A big ol' rainforest drenched in sun.

This is what Saturday and Sunday often look like.

Okay, I'm sure there is way more I could ramble on about, but this post has gotten pretty long already.  If you've made it this far, congratulations and thank you for reading! 

Until next time.