Establishing taste buds

According to my weekly e-mail, the babies are now the size of cantaloupes. Whoa.

(Hee hee, it's Heidi Montag!)

*Emerging from the gutter*

Among the frequent kicks and little heads I can feel sticking out the side of my stomach when I lay just right, the update included an interesting tidbit:

The taste buds actually work [this week]! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid.

Which means I'm helping decide right now what foods my kids will and won't like in the future. Talk about pressure! For the most part, I eat very healthy, and if they grow up with exactly my diet and lifestyle, I'd be satisfied with that. But I know I can do better, and really, this is an opportunity for a bit of a do-over in life.

Growing up, we didn't eat many vegetables besides potatoes and ketchup (mmmm, glorious, glorious ketchup) or whole grains. We very rarely ate junk food, but we didn't exactly eat super healthy either. As I started reading more of your blogs, needing quality fuel for running, and wanting to be a superwife to my farm-raised husband, I knew I needed to really improve my diet.

Most of my 2009 New Year's Resolutions involved the foods I wanted to eat more frequently: fish, veggies, beans, and almonds. With the exception of fish in the winter (grilled salmon is about all I can do), I am proud to say I've improved in each area.

But I still know I can do better. It's not my natural instinct to eat vegetables, and while I've expanded my list from zero to over 10 acceptable foods in the last couple years, I just wished I liked them more.

So here is where you come in: I'm motivated right now by these little guys to eat whatever it takes so they don't wait until they are 30 enjoy healthy food. Yes, we'll eat some of the 10 vegetables and other foods I've incorporated into our diet as a family every night, but I want them to think it's all tasty and not just choke it down because it's good for them like I do. I suspect that will be a challenge with toddlers. They probably won't care about the benefits of yams in endurance training and regulating blood sugar levels. Just a guess. Soooo...

What's a super healthy food you wished you liked more? If you could be programed to seek out a food for life, what would it be?

(And don't say peas. I wouldn't eat peas with a gun to my head, sorry.)

Does this tank top make me look fat?

As I mentioned, the running shirt situation is approaching critical. I suppose I have an entire drawer of Husband t-shirts, but those are XXL, and I'm not that desperate. Yet. In the mean time, I think I've found a solution:

We spent last weekend at the alumni basketball tournament back in central Nebraska in The Husband's small home town. This is my 11th year going back, and I always enjoy it. This year was extra special since they were throwing a retirement party for the long time football coach.

Among the pork sandwiches, potato salad, heartfelt speeches, and plenty of video from back in the day, they were raffling off sports items for the booster club from his many years of coaching . I was thrilled to hear my number called and dashed up to the prize table to take my pick. I had no real need for the hats, polos, or old football jerseys, but I got really excited when I saw the pile of vintage track jerseys that no one seemed to want. Score!

I decided tonight after 4 great miles at run group that it was fashion show time. Pleased that it fit over the tummy, I emerged from the bedroom with a giant TA-DA!

I asked The Husband if he thought I should wear it this weekend to run. I was told, "No. That fabric is over 20 years old and not meant to work that hard."

Personally, I was wildly amused by the thought of running around the neighborhood like a sporty version of the knocked up high school cheerleader, but The Husband failed to see the humor. Whatever, he'll be mesmerized by basketball this weekend, and I may take it for a spin at some point.

I think the moral of the story here is never underestimate the lifetime of seriousness with which small town people take their high school sports. Us city folk will never understand, I guess.

(Almost 20 weeks/5 months)

Boy crazy

I've always been called boy crazy in life. You know that test in elementary school where you'd rub a dandelion on your leg, and if it left yellow pigment behind that meant you were boy crazy? (Is that just a dorky Nebraska thing? Probably.) Anyway, yep, passed that every time.

Life comes full circle since...

We're having 2 little boys!

Woo hoo! Everything checked out fantastic at the ultrasound today, and we are so unbelievably excited! (I've honestly never seen The Husband's face light up like that.) Thankfully everyone is healthy and growing perfect.

Baby A is already a punching, kicking, bully, measuring bigger than average. (Which is super funny now, but probably less so in a few months when I'm huge and hate my giant husband's guts.) Baby B is much more shy, and a touch smaller, but he throws a mean punch back.

The best part was when the ultrasound lady was measuring something super tiny and technical on B's brain and the room was silent. She's moving slowly, trying to get a good shot, everyone squinting, and..... BOOM! In comes A's foot from out of no where with a swift kick to the face and sends everyone into a laughing fit. Yep, those are my boys.

I know it's still early, but I can already tell they are adorable.

Baby A

Baby B


On the running front, I'm loving spring and still going strong. The shirt situation is getting a little dire with only a few options that still fit, but I'm ignoring the smell and making it work. Guess there's a use for those old, over-sized, race shirts after all.

Thank you race directors for your unisex shirt selection and not ordering enough extra smalls back in the day!

Making new (old) friends at run group

I started running with my work run group last year and really enjoyed it. It was a different route, with different people, and I learned a great deal about training tips and tricks. Our group naturally broke into little sub-groups based on pace, and I usually ran up front with the boys. We passed the time talking about races, equipment, and other neurotic runner topics.

Tonight was the first run group outing of 2010, and I knew I didn't stand a chance of keeping up with my usual buddies. Everyone greeted each other in the parking lot to stretch, and we all excitedly took off. (Did I mention spring is finally here? What a beautiful evening!) In a couple minutes we'd separated into our usual sub-groups.

My normal guys took off, and I hung with a group of women in the middle of the pack. Women I'd known and worked with for years but never really talked to beyond the small talk in the parking lot. Women who are motivated and driven and reminded me why I love women who run. It's just a bond you don't appreciate until you remember to share it. All three of them are training for a spring marathon or half, and their excitement was truly contagious.

It was the perfect pace and the perfect conversation on a perfect early spring evening.

Girl Power forevah!

GW,MA!6.66MR Virtual Race Report

Winter has been rough around here, and Razz was taking it personally. In an attempt to turn his frown upside down (and troll for comments), he's hosting the Global Warming, My Ass! 6.66 Mile Run. I love me a virtual race. Especially when there's stuff involved.

I opted to do the race in two parts because the rules said I could. Well, technically, I told Razz I was doing it in two parts. (It's amazing how quickly guys acquiesce to whatever you want just so a conversation involving your growing uterus will end. )

Part I- 3/9/10

This wasn't a very eventful run. It was cold, it was wet, and I kept it pretty short so I didn't get too crabby that winter won't ever leave. I'm still thankful for low 40s but desperate for some sunny spring days. The first mile was warm up, so I didn't count that.

2.4 miles- 22:26
(9:21 pace)

Part II- 3/14/10

This part was much better. The logistics of the St. Patrick's Day race I thought about doing this weekend didn't work, so I figured I'd combine the spirit of both races into one:

I know it's a 100% cotton shirt, but a.) it fit, and b.) it was green. Pretty much all I required. The weather was probably a little chilly for a short-sleeved shirt, but since I'm an Easy Bake Oven up front right now, my torso couldn't get cold if I tried.

You may also be wondering, "are those the badass arm warmers that you shamelessly blogged about before Christmas so someone would buy them for you?"

Yes, yes, they are. They rock. Don't I look tough?

I was ready to run. Even drug Garmie out of hibernation to charge it up and take it for a spin. (Took me a while to remember how to even use it.) Made sure to stretch, eat, hydrate, and do all the right things in anticipation of pushing it a little harder than I'd done recently.

My Shuffle seemed to be in high spirits since it was pumping out all the right tunes. I can only assume it was because my Shuffle is green too. I still took a few rest breaks, but by and large, it felt great to let my legs go a little and fly. Even hit 7:54 going down a big hill where I've been holding on the breaks for weeks. Weeee!

Assuming my math is correct, here's my final numbers for Part II.

4.26 miles- 38:49 + 30 seconds rest
(9:06 pace)

Total

6.66 miles- 1:01:35
(9:15 pace)

I'm so glad I did this. It was great to get up this morning and know I was "racing". The atmosphere obviously wasn't the same, but the anxiousness and excitement of race day most certainly was there. And I miss that. I had a vague idea of my current pace, but I'm pretty satisfied with these numbers too. I'll get back to my previous pace eventually.

Post run was plenty of water, peaut butter and jelly toast, and a short nap while feeling both ninos squirming around happily. I think they enjoyed this virtual race as much as I did.

Have a great week everyone!

Hello, sidewalk. I missed you.

Hopefully you all had as wonderful of a weekend as I did. It was full of family, friends, pizza, wedding cake and a couple great runs. Took me awhile to figure out what made the miles so easy and enjoyable though.

The weather was better than it's been but certainly not great. (What's a girl gotta do to get mid-40 and sun on the same day? Sheesh.) It was a little windy, a little wet, a lot cloudy, and still cool, but I felt great and loved it.

As I cruised along my street on the way home, I finally figured out why those weekend runs had been so great:

See that? It's a clean sidewalk! No ice! No snow! Spring! Is! Here!

Since we've had snow and arctic temps since mid-December, most people couldn't be bothered to shovel their sidewalk. Fairly annoying for someone being forced to run in the street. For the first time in months, I didn't have to dodge puddles, gravel, mud, and minivans. Far too much thinking for me. All I had to do was hop on the sidewalk and go. Loved every step of it.

In retrospect, I really should have charged Garmie up and used it as my official entry into the "Global Warming, My Ass!* 6.66 Mile Run" virtual race at ROATM. I hear the prizes are going to be fantastic, and since I'm contributing one of them, I need a good showing.

Fingers crossed for another great week.

*Comma required, of course.

Running while pregnant with twins

**DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional. This is my opinion that has been discussed and approved by my doctors. Speak with your own doctor before starting any pregnancy workout program.**

This blogging business has been amazing for millions of reasons. The biggest however, has probably been the amount of inspiring women who run and live and do it all. I've read so many who have been pregnant, are pregnant, have babies, and raise all kinds of cute kids while still kicking butt at races all over the place. You are amazing, and I thank you. Feel free to read just a few on my blog roll over there. (After you're done here, of course.) Onto my current running plan!

Listening to My Body

My doctor says that pregnancy is a 9 month workout and any exercise you do beyond that is like double credit. Score! I shall consider twins triple the workout!

But I've fully embraced the fact that I don't run as far and I don't run as fast. There's no specific goal, but I'd estimate my weekly mileage has been at least cut in half (from 30-40 to 15-20 tops), and my pace can be summed up like this:

I haven't worn Garmie since before I found out I was pregnant. It died weeks ago. They say you slow down 2 seconds per pound gained, so that means... well... let's just say, I'm that slower and much more. But now is not the time to push. Pre-pregnancy running was all, "push through the pain" and "go when the mind says stop". Now, that's totally not the case. When my body says slow down, I slow down. When my body says not today, I don't run that day.

Some days I'm just too tired. I take that to mean the ninos grew something important that day (like brains or guts) and I needed the rest. Some days my stomach feels yuck and I don't eat much. I figure the ninos need the calories more than I need to burn them. Rest days are just fine.

The Gear

The first, and one of the only, books I purchased when I found out I was pregnant was Exercising Through Your Pregnancy. Horrible cover picture aside (come on, denim capris?!), it's fantastic. Jess at 21 Days and Mama Simmons did a way better recap than I could ever do, but here's the basics:

-Women in history have done physical activity all throughout pregnancy. Viewing it as a "disability" is a new attitude.

-The heart rate max some doctors prescribe is fairly outdated and arbitrary.

-Working out will lead to healthier babies.

-Loads of interesting research and data to back it all up.

The other key piece of gear is my modified Road ID.

I put tape over the top and wrote PREGNANT on it. As kind as you all were about my last post, it's getting pretty obvious I'm pregnant. Just in case, I don't want anyone who may find me in a ditch not knowing. I also always take my phone and make sure The Husband knows exactly where I'm going. Safety is so unbelievably important right now. It's not just about me.

Last piece of gear is my running clothes. I have one shirt that still fits, and let me tell you, I'm working that stinky purple Under Armour top like it's my job. I only do laundry on Sundays, people.

It's Safer to Walk Through Intersections

Okay, that's a lie. Here's the real reason:

Walking Through Intersections Allows You to Catch Your Breath

I've embraced the walk break with no shame. My route is pretty hilly, and when I need to, I take a walk break at the top. I also stretch my back, calves, and other stuff that stiffens up at stop signs. (But that just may be another excuse to catch my breath.)

My Plan B

The biggest issue with growing multiples is letting them cook as long as possible. Unfortunately, running kind of shakes them out. Medical opinions differ on when this is a problem. For some doctors, it's day one. I won't be able to, or won't want to, run at some point. This is a given, and I'll stop the instant that happen.

So long as I'm not on bedrest and exercise is still okay, I have a plan. Sumi!

And no, I won't be riding it on the street. You think I trust the crazyass drivers in this town? I can set up a trainer on my back deck and ride away while the neighbors stare at the giant tummy balanced on such a little seat. Either that or do bicep curls with soup cans as I lounge on my couch and be big.

So that's my pregnancy workout plan. I know it'll change. I know it won't go perfect, but I want to do everything that's still safe and comfortable. Running is just as much for my sanity as anything else, and from what I hear, I need to store up all the sanity I can at this point.