Toughest Event on the Planet...

Last Friday, we loaded up and headed to Augusta for Slade to run the "toughest event on the planet"...aka the Tough Mudder!  This is the second year for Mr. S to join this awesome group of men to take on the 12 mile course & 21 obstacles along the way.

The event started off much better than last year---the weather was BEAUTIFUL :)  Much different from the coldest, most windy weekend of the year in 2012 when we both ran the race.  I will admit, once we got there, I was bummed I decided to sit this year out (I was still preggers when Slade registered & just wasn't sure if I'd be up for it).  But it was really fun to run around taking pictures & cheering for this sweet guy!

And then this made me glad I was on the spectator side....the Artic Enema

The team ran the whole course together & pushed each other to do his best...a true example of camaraderie! 

And they had a little fun along the way :)

Finally conquered Mt. Everest!

So fun to watch & cheer for our men together :)

The best & biggest fan club of the day :)

My muddy Tough Mudder! 

So proud of him.  Even with a demanding work schedule right now, studying & trying to get in as much family time as possible, he finished all the obstacles & wasn't completely dead at the end :)  

After the race, we headed to eat some Mexican (because we ALL worked so hard that morning!), then rushed back to pick up all the kiddos!  

Lily spent the night & day with the Gays (the Masseys's friends & neighbors).  While it was hard & sad to leave her, it was the smart decision!  She had a great time with her new friends :)

The rest of the weekend was spent enjoying time with the Masseys and the Links.  It was so nice to have some down time to play with the kids, relax & have adult catch up time over some Catan playing (in case anyone is wondering, I lost BIG time...probably should play more than once or twice a year!).

Already looking forward to Tough Mudder weekend 2014! 

Burpee's While Pregnant!?!??!

When I found out I was pregnant, one of the first things I started researching was exercise while carry a baby.  For the past 5 years, daily exercise has been extremely important to me---it is something I have grown to love and appreciate.  There is something about giving myself an hour or so a day to focus solely on ME!  Call it selfish, but that time allows me to clear my head, de-stress and re-focus on what is truly important in life.   

11 Weeks Preggo! 

SO when I found out we were expecting our bundle of joy, I knew exercise was going to still be a part of my daily routine, however, I wasn’t sure how.  You see, my main exercise is running, Crossfit & yoga.  After running 4 half marathons, a full marathon & numerous shorter races, I couldn’t imagine not running for 9 months.  Lucky for me, running is a safe way to stay active while pregnant!  Really any activity is, as long as you were doing the activity prior to getting pregnant…music to my ears! J 

 Disney Half Marathon- 2011

 RNR New Orleans Full Marathon- 2012

CFM Endurance Team

Although I have had to modify some moves in Crossfit & during yoga, I’m still able to get in great workouts.  For example, if there are burpees in a WOD, I will set up a station with two 45# plates & an abmat so there is a little room for the growing bump!   Or sometimes I’ll scale down weight…all of which is ok (this was a mental struggle in itself to get over!). 

Crossfit Family

You see, in my opinion, pregnancy isn’t an excuse to let yourself go.  It is common to hear people say that “pregnancy is as excuse to eat anything you want” or “this is the only time you can gain weight and it is ok because you’re pregnant”, but I think it is best for both baby and mom to stay as healthy as possible during this incredible time.  Now don’t get me wrong, this mama is a sucker for pizza, cake & chips, but all in moderation.  Overall, my goal is to continue to stay active, 5 days a week, until we meet Lily in December...for myself and for our sweet baby girl! J

 *Note- I am not a doctor- these are my opinions, solely meant for entertainment purposes.  Consult a doctor before any exercise, as all people and pregnancies are different.*

17 Weeks- Baby S's First Race

WOW it has been a hot summer so far!  Thank goodness for air conditioning & the pool.  Mr. S & I stayed in town for the 4th of July this year, which happened to fall on my 17th week of pregnancy.  It is an annual tradition that the Mr. & I run the Peachtree Road Race 10K on the 4th & this year was no different.  Although I haven't been running as much recently (mainly due to the hot weather), I decided that since we had an early start & have been staying pretty active, I would give it a go!  While it wasn't my fastest 10K time, I'm proud I finished in 1:05....it was also Baby S's first race too!  He/She did very good job at helping Mommy remember the race was just for fun & to take it easy :)  Here we are after the race-the sweaty look is good on us- right!??!?!

We had a great time running together & celebrating the 4th after w/ a day of grilling and pool time.  So thankful to the men & women who fight for our freedoms and serve our country!

As for this week of pregnancy, here is the bump shot :)

How far along? 17 weeks, 1 Day
Size of the baby? Onion
Maternity Clothes? Wearing a lot of dresses!
Weight Gain: 6 lbs
Stretch Marks? Not yet- praying those stay far away J
Gender? We are getting closer and closer to finding out- July 20th will be the big reveal!
Movement? Little butterfly feelings a couple of times a day.  Can't wait for Slade to be able to feel out little one move too. 
Sleep? Good, except for the need to use the restroom 2-3 times a night.
Food Cravings? Still a really random variety- Mexican, pasta, pickles, olives, fruit, yogurt.
What I Miss: Sushi---I really have wanted it a couple of times recently.

Symptoms? Still feeling really good!
Best Moment of the Week? Getting the butterfly feelings while at work- makes the day that much better :)

Hope everyone has a great week!