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Staying Fit through Pregnancy
Check out Coach Kel's journey of her 1st pregnancy. She'll share stories of staying fit and healthy with little Wissolik on the way!
Well, my last post concluded with discovering we were 3cm dilated already. Upon getting home and getting through a run clinic, I really started to feel the need to stop working and hit Babies R Us for the essentials. Rob had a one on one run video analysis with an athlete who came in town, so I called my mom and we met up at the store for priority shopping.  After a focused shopping session, I began feeling a little more ready but at 6 p.m. when Rob was finished and I had gone through the purchases, I felt there was much more yet we needed. So back out to Babies R Us we went.  I’m so glad we listened to our instincts and got as much done as we could yesterday, because at 2 a.m. I awoke with contractions. I started timing them and noticed there regularity so I woke up Rob and I said… “I’m pretty sure this is it!” 
He then started timing the contractions and we noticed the pattern. They were about 5 to 7 minutes apart and between 45 and 60 seconds each. We called the doctor at 4:15 a.m. She recommended that I shower, eat a little something and rest as much as possible now and then come into the Hospital when the contractions got closer and/or more powerful, or if my water broke.
So we got up, showered, ate a little cereal, continued doing laundry of the new clothes and sheets we just bought and prepped for the baby. 
I was feeling good, so we decided to still go to the kid’s triathlon. What a blast that was! Our kids did amazing!!! It was pure joy to watch them compete and accomplish such an amazing feet at such a young age!
During the race, the contractions started to increase in intensity and get closer together. I knew we would need to get to the hospital right after the race. Upon our last kid crossing the line, we skipped out of the park and right to the car. At 9 a.m. we arrived at Toledo Hospital and I had progressed to 4cm dilated. We were moved to our room and we brought in our birthing ball, pillow and suitcase. My parents arrived and we were all feeling good and full of joy! 
Rob and I were going over our birth plan, discussing our desire not to use medication and explaining our prep for a natural labor and delivery utilizing breathing and relaxation techniques along with various positions to help progress labor. Our two nurses were great and very supportive and all was looking good. However, the mood started to change. The doctor on call wanted me to be constantly hooked up to a monitor and she wanted to put in the IV, just in case. She also wanted to give me a shot of penicillin to protect against the Group B Strep since we just had the test done yesterday at the doctor’s office but the results were not back yet. Well, first, I really pushed back. Rob and I had done a ton of research, attended classes, asked the right questions and had thorough discussions with our O.B. and we knew that if all was going well, there was not a need for continuous monitoring and an IV. Also, because labor wasn’t progressing rapidly, we didn’t see the need to give me the shot of penicillin right now, considering I was likely allergic to it and it made more sense to get the rapid test done first.
Fortunately, I won out on holding off on the penicillin and had the rapid test done instead. And the test confirmed no penicillin was needed. Unfortunately, the doctor insisted on the continuous monitoring and the IV. This meant we were now limited in our movements and ability to walk around and use our labor positions. I stayed calm but surely was a bit disappointed.
I felt good overall. The contractions were mild and even seemed to get further apart rather than closer together at times. Every now and then I would feel a much stronger one, but by and large, it was a walk in the park. My mom noted that her labors were similar. She had very mild contractions and didn’t even realize she was in labor until my brother was crowning! 
My excitement for Baby Brecken helped keep me positive and focused, but my attitude continued to be challenged. At noon, the doctor came back in and said she didn’t think I was really in labor. She said instead of checking me now, she would wait until 3 p.m. and if contractions stayed mild and I was not dilating further, she would send me home. We were a bit confused given that we noticed the more intense contractions and since my mom’s labors were similar to what I was experiencing now. But, heck, if Baby Brecken wasn’t ready to come out, we’d take more time for her to grow inside and for us to get the house ready! So, we started thinking about where we would go to eat once we were discharged and I said I even wanted to go for a bike ride since it was absolutely beautiful out!
Well, at 3 p.m. the nurse came in to check my cervix. Suddenly her face went pale, her eyes opened wide and her mouth dropped at the same time I felt a kick. I quickly asked, “What’s wrong?”
She said, “I think she’s breech. I think she just kicked my hand.”
I was in shock. What happened? Yesterday the doc said she was head down and all seemed to be going well. I didn’t want to have a C-section. I didn’t want her safety to be in jeopardy. Sure, I knew something could always happen that would lead to the need for a C-section and I read about it and prepared for it, but I was very upset. I started to cry but worked to stay calm and relaxed. The doctor quickly came in, checked my cervix, and confirmed the baby was footling breach and that I was now 5cm dilated. She said that it was time to prepare for an emergency C-section.
I pushed back once again, and said, “Wait a second, what about version? I know there are ways to move the baby in the womb. I know there are positions I can do to help get her head down. Can’t we just pause a moment and try?”
She said no. My mom pressed in and told me to calm down and to get the c-section. She was very distraught and serious in her tone. I continued to ask questions and I wanted to understand why there was such a rush all of a sudden and why the version and positions couldn’t be tried. My mom then stepped in again and said she lost her first due to a similar situation. She wanted me to listen to the doctor and get Brecken out safely.
In tears, I prayed for Brecken’s safety while Rob and my mom hugged me tightly. Rob was then able to speak with the doctor outside. He explained our interest in just understanding more of the details and our desire to want to know the “whats and whys” of the situation. He asked her to understand our newness to all of this, but our quest to learn and be informed. She then came into the room with a softer tone and provided more details on the situation. She clarified the need for quick action. With Brecken footling breach, she was in a delicate situation. If my water suddenly broke, her foot would be swept down the birth canal and perhaps her cord as well. Things could get very dangerous very quickly. There was no time to try various positions to shift the baby and version would not be safe at this stage.
As tears continued to pour down my cheeks, Rob and my mom were able to also explain my fear of the Epidural to the doctor. Since my spinal tap in September of 08 went very wrong, I had apprehension about getting another injection into my spine. Now receiving compassion and having better communication, the doctor sent in the anesthesiologist to ease my anxiety. He was amazing. He took his time to explain the Epidural and reassured me of his extra precautions. I was feeling as good as I could at that point and then Rob was whisked away to prep for the surgery room.
Shaken but focused, I stayed as calm as possible so that my fear would not elevate the situation. Rob came back in the room dressed in scrubs and gave me the biggest hug. I asked him to call his mom and his sister, Laura and get the prayer chain started. Our nurse Rochelle leaned in for a hug and said the most beautiful prayer and that’s when I knew Brecken would be okay. Immediately I was wheeled to the operating room and placed on the operating table.
The room was freezing cold. I was shivering while still working to stay calm. The anesthesiologist was remarkable once again. He talked through everything and even tried to talk about running and running shoes to distract me. Once the needle went into my spine, I immediately felt a warm, tingling rush pour down my legs. Rob was then allowed in. There were about 15 people in the room. The NICU staff was in place in their area waiting to assess the baby and all the doctors and nurses were in position with tools, towels and more. They laid me back flat, put the curtain up and went to work cutting me open.
Scared and distraught, Rob held my hand, leaned in cheek to cheek and sang our Baby Brecken lullabies we made up this spring. That was the best! I kept asking him to keep singing as I didn’t want to hear what the doctors and nurses were saying. I just wanted to hear her cry when they pulled her out. It seemed like an eternity. I felt all the pulling and tugging and focused on Rob’s voice. Finally, they called for Rob to stand up and watch if he wanted. He was able to see my skin pulled back, my abs spread apart and Brecken’s legs, then waist, then shoulder and head! She was out and let out a cry! They quickly showed her to me from a distance and rushed her to the NICU team. Rob was able to go there and watch them handle her. Methodically they ran through their procedures and did all the checks and I was able to watch from afar. Within a couple minutes they bundled her up and handed her to daddy! She was okay! She was healthy and she would be fine! 
Baby Brecken was born on Sunday, August 7, 2010 at 4:42p.m. She weighed 5lbs and 6ozs. She was perfect!
Watching Rob hold her for the first time was the most amazing experience. It was so natural and she melted in his arms. He was able to bring her over to me while I lie on the operating table. He placed her head next to mine and all I could see was one eye, her little nose, her lips and her cheek. I was full of joy and gratefulness. I was able to put my hand on her little hat and hold my cheek to her neck. Rob started singing again as he held her next to my face and the team worked to stitch me back up.
Once again I felt a lot of tugging and pulling. The doctor informed me that my uterus was shaped like a heart. At first I thought, that’s because we have so much love for this baby. Then I started thinking, that’s probably my bicornuate uterus. After my bike crash October 25th in Austin, TX during the Longhorn 70.3 ½ Ironman Triathlon, I had an MRI which confirmed 3 pelvic fractures and suggested that I likely had a bicornuate uterus and could explain reasons of infertility. This test is what led Rob and I to let go of the idea of having kids and ironically within a couple weeks is when we conceived Baby Brecken!
When we found out we were pregnant at the beginning of January, we obviously informed the doctor about my broken pelvis and the MRI results. She said not to worry about the pubic fractures as they should have healed by now and she was not concerned about my uterus either. She said they likely wouldn’t really know until the baby was born anyway! We felt relieved and didn’t think much of it - until now… Well, thank goodnews it all worked out.
While being stitched up, I also overheard them talking about my abdominals. Apparently, all the nurses and doctors came over to check out my abs. Rob said it was pretty cool to see the abdominal striation and a real life view of the abdominal wall.
All the while, I just laid there staring at my perfect little baby girl and couldn’t wait to hold her!
-Kel
   
 
Posted by Coach Kelly on 08/07/10 at 11:54 AM
Staying Fit through Pregnancy •
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Friday, August 06, 2010
In my last post, I left off saying that we were keeping our fingers crossed that Baby Brecken didn’t come while Daddy was fishing in Alaska… As noted in the last blog, just before Rob flew to British Columbia and went out on a boat in the middle of the ocean for a week, we met with our O.B. At the visit, our doctor said all was looking good and she thought we had about a month to go! So, she gave Rob the go ahead on the fishing trip with his dad, brother and uncle in Alaska. We still were a little nervous about him being gone this late in the game, especially since timing and luck have never really been on our side. So we increased the prayers and kept our fingers crossed for that week apart!
Well, good news…Daddy made it back and Brecken is still inside! But, I don’t think for long!!!
It’s been a busy 2 weeks! Just before Rob left, we went down to meet up with Bob Duncan in Cincinnati and picked up the new mountain bike he customized for me. I was getting too big to keep riding the tri bike and I needed something we could use for pulling Brecken in the bike trailer this fall. The bike was great to have while Rob was gone. I felt comfortable riding it ever day he was away. The weather was perfect and I really enjoyed the break from working on the computer all day inside the house. I was very thankful to be able to keep up my biking and ice cream stops on the bike path on my new bike!
The days were good and the busyness made them fly by. But, I could really feel my body preparing for labor and delivery. The baby is engaging (“dropping”) and I have to use the ladies room even more frequently! She feels “heavy” and I’m noticing other things with my GI system and lower back too. I was really concerned the week Rob was gone. Each night when I would lie in bed, I’d feel more “stuff” and I’d frantically search the baby books and wonder if I should call the OB. I’m sure most of it was extra worry I brought upon myself due to being alone. But, I finally gave in on Thursday before Rob returned and called. The doctor said if I felt worse or more powerful “stuff,” I should surely go in. Thankfully I started feeling better on Friday when I finally heard from Rob. I was so relieved to pick him up at the airport on Saturday, July 31st! Not only did we not want him to miss his daughter’s birth, but it was the longest we’ve ever been apart! Next time, Brecken and I will just have to go with him and hang out on the island!
We had our baby shower the day after Rob returned home. It was small and nice and we were able to enjoy friends and family. We planned one more busy week with EFC camps and races, August 2nd through August 9th and then we planned the following week to be all about getting ready for the baby!
This week we had our Energy Fit Kids youth camp to prepare 7 to 14 year olds for the Sylvania Super Kids Triathlon this Saturday, August 7. The kids did amazingly well and we all had a ton of fun! Although, yesterday during camp, I really felt like I was nearing labor and delivery. After camp I called our O.B. and she instructed me to lie down on my left side for a couple of hours and rest. After another evening nap, I really started thinking she was coming sooner than later. 
Well, we had our 35 going on 36 week appointment today. And good thing with the changes I’ve been feeling! I even had my show this morning before the appointment. Our O.B. confirmed all signs are pointing to labor and before we left she checked my cervix and discovered we are 3cms dilated already!!  She said Brecken could come as early as this weekend, but she thought I had about 1 more week to go. She was not worried about her being early. She said all was going well and she was head down, so things should continue smoothly.
Upon checking out and scheduling my 1 week follow up, the receptionist hinted that it was very likely we would have her this weekend! Now, I really started getting excited. As I type this, I really feel like she will be here soon too! We are not ready at all as we still have so much to buy, closets and cabinets to clean out and organize and we have the kids triathlon tomorrow and the adult triathlon and duathlon on Sunday! Well, all is in God’s hands and we just want her to be safe and healthy!
-Kel
 
   
  
Posted by Coach Kelly on 08/06/10 at 11:01 AM
Staying Fit through Pregnancy •
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Saturday, July 24, 2010
So I left off on my last post, July 7th when we were on our way to Chicago for Brecken’s first Rush concert at Northerly Island. Well, unfortunately after standing in the rain for about 1.5 hours, the concert was canceled and Rob was deeply saddened.  Thankfully, we did have a nice walk through the city as it actually cleared up and ended up being a beautiful night. After a stroll through our old stomping grounds downtown and a busy Thursday in Chicago we headed up to Madison to get ready for our Ironman Wisconsin Training Camp.
The camp was a huge success! With Baby Brecken in my belly, we spent all day driving the Ironman Wisconsin bike course and sagging as Rob lead the group on the ride. The day was hot and sunny and the ride was epic – over 120 miles in their saddles! Unfortunately, during Friday night’s group dinner, I must have ingested some soy or something. I had a very rough night and a major itching attack. After sleeping in while the crew went out for another ride and transition run, I finally felt a bit better and caught up with everyone on the run. I did enjoy a nice long run/walk through my favorite trail system in Middleton and then we had fun shopping at Endurance House and hitting the pool for a swim session. Sunday Rob and I road our bikes alongside the athletes while they ran one full loop of the Ironman Run course. After-wards, it was time for Ian’s Pizza on State Street! Our athletes did amazing! They are Ironman ready! To read more about the amazing weekend in WI, please click here: Success in Madison.
I admit, I was pretty tired after the camp but very happy that I was able to do as much as I did being 8 months pregnant. From Wisconsin, we went back to Chicago for some one on one coaching sessions and finally ended up back home late Monday night/early Tuesday morning. It’s always good to be back in our own bed and cooking healthy meals.
My 32 second week went well. We caught up from the travel and were able to get back into my biking riding on the path. I felt a lot of big movements this week. She really seems to favor lying sideways and slightly head down, across my belly. Her bottom really pushes outward at times on my right side all the way to my side obliques. Then her head seems to push just below and to the left of my belly button. I seem to feel little knees and elbows or feet and hands just under my stomach, just below my ribcage. I feel like she rolls internally a lot and then when she gets kicking, it feels like she is playing the harp with my bladder! She cracks me up!
Well, back from the Chicago/Madison/Chicago, we prepared for upcoming camps and clinics. With 80 to 90 degree, hot and sunny days in Ohio, we enjoyed various clinics and one on one session on top of bike rides and even a family evening on the boat. But soon after we settled in at home, it was off to Toronto for the make-up Rush Concert. On Saturday, July 17th we drove to Toronto and Brecken finally got to experience her first Rush Concert! She did great! Daddy had a blast air guitaring and air drumming while Brecken and I enjoyed the talent and the musicianship but I did have to work not to fall asleep at times. Once back at the Westin, tired from the long day, we quickly fell asleep but were awoken at 4a.m. in morning to the hotel fire alarm. After suspense and drama, it was confirmed a false alarm and finally by 5a.m. we were back to sleep. Upon awaking we had a quick breakfast and enjoyed a fun run/walk along the lakefront, pizza and even a trip up the CN Tower. It was a fun day. We drove home later in the afternoon and I enjoyed feeling Brecken’s big movements the whole way home.
The 33rd week went well. I am up to 129lbs and at almost 38 inches around my belly. She is moving a lot, more like shifting a lot as she is running out of room to really move too much. We have been riding religiously on the bike path and it’s really been the best thing through this pregnancy. I believe it’s preventing swelling, various veins and a lot of other unpleasant side effects that pregnancy can bring. I’m really having a great pregnancy and I believe it’s the exercise and good nutrition. Although due to all the travel, we haven’t been able to keep up with the functional strength training, core work or pull-ups, I am very grateful for all the bike rides and the run/walks now and then too. Sleep continues to get more challenging. Not only with the numerous bathroom trips throughout the night, but just the big belly in the way and inability to really move easily. Rob has been great with his frequent back massages. I’m so lucky! The only bad thing that has happened lately is a food allergy that did have me throw up one night and break out in hives. So, I’m still not sure what we are missing, but it maybe Safflower and Sunflower oil?? And I think the itching may just be outdoor related – the grass, trees and soybeans in the air? 
I had my OB appointment on Friday, July 23rd so we could make sure all was going well before Rob rolled out to Alaska. Well, the good news is, all is good! Brecken’s heart beat is strong and steady, my cervix is solid, uterus is the right size and the baby is shifted in the head down position. Dr. Confer-Seeley thinks we have about a month to go! So, she gave Rob the go ahead on the fishing trip with his dad, brother and uncle in Alaska. He leaves Sunday and returns the following Saturday. I must admit, we still both are a little nervous about him being gone this late in the game. Timing and luck have never really been on our side, so we are praying and keeping our fingers crossed for the next week!
-Kel
 
 
Posted by Coach Kelly on 07/24/10 at 11:25 AM
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Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Yesterday we went for our 31 week appointment and all is good! My weight is about 128lbs and my waist is about 37.5 inches. So my waist doesn’t seem to be getting much bigger but the lower part, under my belly button is! I’m getting so big and she is sitting so low that I have to spread my legs to sit! It’s rather funny. So I seem to be carrying really low, which in many respects seems to be good because I haven’t had any kicks to the ribs or shortness of breath which often accompany the 8th and 9th month of pregnancies.
Overall I am feeling great! Although sleeping continues to get more and more uncomfortable due to my ear polyps and my big belly, I’m hanging in there. It’s recommend to sleep on your left side as much as possible during pregnancy. I have always been a back sleeper, so I have been transitioning to the side position gradually over the past couple of months. I am getting more used to it, but due to my ear polyps I often wake up in excruciating pain due to the pressure of laying on my ear. It feels like a knife is being jammed into my ear. I then have to roll over to the other side and bear through the pain for another minute or so until it subsides. Rolling over is an event in itself! I physically have to lift my whole body to roll over. I really feel like there is a huge watermelon in my stomach and I have to get creative to carefully maneuver my 6 pillows that I have carefully configured, the sheets that Rob has usually stollen and my body, specifically my belly! I’m sure it’s a spectacle. Thankfully Rob is a pretty heavy sleeper and usually sleeps through my bedtime debacles. However, when my back is aching, arms are itching or legs are twitching, he is just awesome and patiently gives me a back massage until I finally fall asleep.
Since our last OB appointment in June, I continue to remain active, eat well and feel new things in my belly. It’s been a wonderful experience and I thank God every day!
In the 29th week, we enjoyed several bike rides on the path, some light jogging, pull-ups, strength and core work and nutritious meals. We are enjoying the great weather this summer, frequently grilling chicken, lean ground beef or turkey burgers with sweet corn, asparagus and portabella mushrooms as well as making frequent Ice Cream stops! We started off the 29th week with the Maumee Bay Triathlon and I had so much fun spectating and cheering everyone on. Although Rob isn’t training this season since we have been busy building EFC and EFK (Energy Fit Kids) while getting ready for the baby, he did go out there and put in a good effort. My dad came and we both cheered on Rob, Kyle and all our Team Toledo Friends. I did really miss being able to race, but did enjoy the smiles of everyone out on the course! Brecken was very active this week. I felt really big movements and huge kicks. Her kicks were so powerful we would just watch my whole belly shift!
During the 30th week and after our birthing class, we began working on our baby registry and researching all the things we need. It’s a little overwhelming but worth the research! The weather was absolutely perfect and this week we kicked off our bike riding streak. On Sunday, June 27th the weather was perfect and we road our 40 miles on the bike path with our ice cream stop. We did this for 11 days straight although the way to Wednesday, July 7th! Upon our early morning ride on July 7th, we quickly showered, loaded the trailer and hoped in the car for Chicago.
The bike rides have been absolutely wonderful! I am so thankful for them! My favorite activity in the whole world is honestly riding my bike in the sun outside with Rob. This bike path we are riding on has been a gift! It wraps around our house and is free of traffic, perfectly flat and pretty well protected from wind. It has been more than ideal for my pregnancy. I’m only riding 16 to 18 mph but it feels so good to be out there! Although Rob has raised my aerobars as high as they will go, it’s continuing to get more uncomfortable so we did place our order with Bob Duncan to create a mountain bike for me that will allow me to maintain a similar pedal stroke to my tri bike so that I can easily transition back to my CEEPOS after the baby! Plus the mountain bikes will be great for pulling Brecken in the bike trailer once she is ready!
During the 30th and 31st week, Brecken seemed to ease up on the kicking and instead I felt softer but bigger movements. She seems to push her bottom into my right obliques and a cute little ball appears. I swear you can feel her buttocks and the bend in her legs. While she presses out my right side, it seems her head presses low and to the left of my belly button. A little round spot forms there and then above my belly button, but below my ribs, I seem to feel little hands and feet or elbows and knees move now and then. That seems to be here favorite position. She does seem to roll inward more now as well and then I feel tickles more internally. It’s truly amazing!
We ended the 30th week with a wonderful 4th of July weekend. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday were filled with family and friends, cooking out and enjoying the beautiful weather even though the heat and humidity were increasing. 
Well, now into the 31st week, we are looking forward to a very busy week with travel to Chicago and Madison. Rob is looking forward to Brecken’s first Rush concert tonight in Chicago!
Posted by Coach Kelly on 07/07/10 at 11:55 AM
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Tuesday, June 29, 2010
We recently had our 2 day express birthing class. It was jam packed with information and we had a great time! I’m very thankful for all the reading I have been doing as I felt like the class was a refresher for all that I have been learning. On top of reinforcing my knowledge on labor and delivery, we actually got practical experience as well as numerous questions answered. Our instructor was wonderful. Rob and I are really feeling prepared and continue to get more and more excited as our due date draws near!
With little Baby Brecken’s arrival slated for September 6th, Rob and I have been busily preparing our birthing plan along with researching all the things we need. We really enjoyed learning the various birthing positions and practicing breathing and relaxation techniques. Our plan is to do this naturally and not use medication. At class we practiced positions using the birthing ball, lunges, squats and more. Although you can never be 100% ready and you’ll never know what to completely expect, I do feel like we are emotionally, physically and mentally prepared for the big day!
We still have much to do in terms of picking out all the baby gear and getting the house ready. Our big focus has been on researching and selecting a few key items. First, we want the best jogging stroller since we plan on using it all the time. There are numerous brands, options and bells and whistles. It’s a little overwhelming, but we continue to ask others who have kids and read online. So, if anyone has some experience and advice here, please do share! Our next focus is the bike tow behind. Here again, there are numerous brands, models and features and we are in the midst of finding the best children’s bicycle trailer. So again, if anyone has experience, kindly share! We also are looking into the car seat, bassinet, booster/feeding chair, types of bottles and the list goes on and on. We have selected the baby furniture and a really cool high chair, but there is much more to do!
I keep thinking, “Oh, I’ll do this when I slow down.” But I haven’t really been slowing down! I really have been feeling good. The bike riding on the bike path has been pure delight and we are in the busiest time of year for EFC, so I am just going to have to put our “to dos” for Baby Brecken right into the calendar or she’ll be here and we won’t be ready!
A little over 2 more months and we can’t wait!
Posted by Coach Kelly on 06/29/10 at 12:41 AM
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Friday, June 18, 2010
We are now in the third trimester and doing great! We had our 28 week OB appointment this week and a sugar test. Everything continues to be on track and Brecken and I are doing well! I’m up to 127lbs and my waist has expanded to 37.5 inches! Just in the last week I grew one full inch around! I can tell a huge difference in how big baby Brecken is getting. It’s absolutely amazing to feel her head and bottom press up against my belly. She is about 11 to 12 inches long and she seems to have fun in my belly. Her movements seem to vary every couple of days and the kicks progressively have grown stronger over the past 4 weeks. She is much more active during the day now too. Some nights and days she moves and kicks a ton and other nights and days she gives the impression of moving more softly and with fewer kicks. She also seems to "ball" up more and she appears to like to hang out in the lower part of my belly which puts a lot of pressure on my bladder, so I’m still frequently making bathroom breaks. I look to be carrying "low" but I surely am getting rounder.
In the 25th week, I felt a lot of little "tickles" as she would move and I could feel a little knee and foot or elbow and arm. In the 26th week the tickles were a little stronger and the kicks a little more powerful. I started calling the kicks wallops and Rob couldn’t believe how much he could feel when he placed his hand on my belly. In the 27th week, one night I swear Brecken was doing running Intervals in my belly. About 4 inches right of my belly button I could feel hands and elbows or feet and knees and then about 4 inches to the left of my belly button, I could feel the other set of limbs. It would be quick, quick, quick, rapid little thumps and then it would slow to softer and more leisurely little beats. This lasted several minutes and made me laugh.
What I’m feeling now seems to be a lot different than the last couple of weeks. She seems so much bigger and heavier this week. I can feel her whole body moving and much less kicking. Now and then I’ll get a little tickle or flutter and sometimes it even feels bubbly or like she is moving in a lot of "water" but mostly I feel her head and bottom ball up or even a leg or an arm kind of protrude on one of my sides. She really shifts around when I ride the bike and sometimes she moves a lot during the night while other days and nights she doesn’t seem to be as active. It’s really neat to see the movements and feel all the differences. I’ve made up two lullabies and Rob and I sing them to Brecken often. It’s really cool because when we sign and rub my belly, she really seems to like it and moves or squirms inside. I’m glad she can’t tell I have no musical ability yet, but thankfully daddy is a good singer.
I’m feeling really good. My back pain is nearly nonexistent and I’m back up to running 30 minutes. I’m only running every other day or even every third day and I’m talking power walk breaks in-between run segments. The breaks and the belt really help. I’m running about 9 minute mile pace and feeling really good. I’m spending most of my workout time riding the bike on the bike path after our OB said that it would be okay. We are super cautious and I’m obviously much slower, but it’s so nice to be outside! We have an amazing bike path that surrounds our house and we can ride 19 miles on the north branch or 21 miles on the south branch or 40 miles if we ride north to south and back. The best part is when we do the south branch we get ice cream at the Little Generals Ice Cream shop. I admit, I must look really funny riding my super fast and aerodynamic CEEPO with a big belly and sitting straight up toddling along. But that’s okay, I’m so happy to be healthy and able to ride outside. I think we need to invest in the mountain bike next though because if I keep growing at this rate, which I expect I will, I won’t even be able to sit up on my tri bike next month as my legs will hit my belly. I’m still doing a lot of reading on the Elliptical and we are doing Pull-ups and core work on the ball about twice a week. I think my metabolism is kicking up again as Brecken is growing rapidly because I am eating all the time! We literally have ice cream every single day, either on the bike path, at Mr. Freeze when we are out and about or a walk over to our new neighborhood Ice Cream Shop – Freeze Daddy - that our neighbor just opened.
Overall, we couldn’t be happier. We are very thankful for Brecken’s health and my health and are looking forward to all that is ahead. Although my pregnancy seems to be going very well, we did have a little scare on May 27th while working in Chicago. We had an incredibly busy 2 weeks with the EFC Spring Training Clinics May 22nd and 23rd and several athletes staying with us and then off to Chicago to work with our video and podcast producer. Sleep was limited and I was on my feet a lot in the sound booth recording running podcasts and a voice over for our new swim video coming out. Well, on Thursday morning during an early drive from our hotel to Glenn’s office in Oakbrook, IL I felt a little wetness and saw a small puddle. We called to OB while in the car and they wanted to see me right away. When I explained I was in Chicago they sent me immediately to the ER in fear that I could be leaking ammonic fluid. Thankfully Glenn’s wife is a nurse and we were not far from her hospital so into the ER we went. They immediately put me in a wheelchair and rushed me off to a room while I frantically flipped through my baby book trying to understand what could be wrong. After testing and examination, thankfully all was okay, just discharge and no leak. Wow, what a scare though.
I know we have to work and sometimes things get busier every couple of weeks, but I know I really need to pull back and make sure I take care of me and Brecken. So, unfortunately that means ending emails at 10pm so I can get to bed or not scheduling early morning appointments so I can sleep in or trying not to work on weekends when we are not putting on camps or clinics or have athletes racing. It also means less time for family and that’s been the biggest struggle. We surely feel bad that we can not make every cookout or skip out of the office on sunny days and take the girls to the park or sneak away for quick trips to Colorado. But as triathlon coaches, this is our busy time with all our athletes training picking up and racing frequently. I hope in the long run, my family will understand.
Well, less than 3 months to go and Baby Brecken will be here! We can’t wait!
-Kel
Posted by Coach Kelly on 06/18/10 at 09:17 AM
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Monday, May 31, 2010
With my interest on staying active and fit through pregnancy, I’ve been easing back into water running and finally getting back in the pool since our pool is open for the summer! I discovered water running years ago and have become a big believer in it. I often implement it into my athletes training plans and I know that it works both personally and professionally as an athlete and as a coach who has been able to help athletes finish marathons and Ironmans with water running.
Although there are disputes among the experts and many athletes don’t consider it real training, water running may not only allow you to maintain fitness while injured, it might help improve your running performance when healthy. The truth is, water running in a shallow pool or deep water running with an aqua belt offers numerous benefits. Water running enables athletes to train harder without the limitations of injury risk and to train while injured. This is especially true for older runners whose training hours and intensity may be limited by a less durable skeletal system as well as busy working professionals that don’t always have the most effective recovery. Quality training can be done in the pool, allowing training benefits to accrue without the impact of land running.
Water running doesn’t just have to be slogging it out at a steady, tedious pace. All types of quality training can be employed in the water. I set up water running workouts for myself and my athletes that includes intervals, fartleks, sprints, long runs, tempo runs and more. Whatever you might do on the trails or track can be implemented in the water. The key is the right form and the right gear. If running in a shallow pool, you will need to dedicate a pair of older running shoes to the pool or purchase aqua jogging shoes. Once you use them in the pool, never use them outside again. You need to really lean into the run and skim the bottom of the pool with the ball of your foot. But, be sure you come all the way down to the heels frequently, such as when rounding the corners in each lap. If you don’t use the whole foot, you’ll do a number on your calves. Limit the vertical oscillation and utilize a strong core as well. If you are running in deep water, get an aqua belt or Aqua Jogger to aid in flotation and enable you to run with good form in the deep water.
Water running is an excellent exercise during pregnancy. In the later stages of pregnancy, women runners can reap the benefits of strenuous training without worry of the extra mechanical burden of third trimester weight. In addition to the training benefits, the hydrostatic pressure of the water reduces lower extremity swelling.
So if you haven’t tried water running, give it a try! It’s an excellent cross training method that offers many advantages. The training is directly transferable to ground running. For a runner, that is an important consideration. You can reduce the wear and tear of running extra miles while still gleaning all the training specificity of running. A day off from running can be substituted for a day in the pool without anything lost in the translation. Water running shouldn’t give you an excuse to overtrain or skip rest and recovery, but it can certainly reduce the burden of hard training on your musculoskeletal system.
Posted by Coach Kelly on 05/31/10 at 04:57 PM
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Saturday, May 22, 2010
May 21st was our 24 week follow up OB appointment. Sunday, May 23rd we’ll be 25 weeks along! I’m happy to report I am back running again and Brecken is doing great! Her heart beat is strong and my measurements seem to be on track.
In my last post, I mentioned my setback with my sacroiliac joint. Well, after 4 weeks off from running, I stayed active but heeled the sacroiliac joint and I’m feeling great again! As mentioned in the last post, my OB and my Primary Care Doc encouraged me to stay active, just back off the running for awhile. So that is what I did.
My first investment was in a pregnancy belt. That extra support seemed to do wonders when on the Elliptical. I also felt really good riding on the trainer with absolutely no pain so I kept that up. With my love for riding outdoors, we started moving the trainers outside to our deck and logging some stationary miles in on the deck in the sun! I continued with light core work, pull-ups and other functional strength. Things have been going very well!
I weighed in at 125lbs and my waist is now 35.5 inches. I’m still eating a ton. We continue to focus on high quality food - lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains and ice cream too! We make frequent stops at our favorite Ice Cream Place- Mr. Freeze! Hey- if Brecken wants ice cream, she get’s ice cream.
We are having so much fun feeling her move inside. She is so funny and very active! She is kicking a lot and even kicked daddy in the face the other day when he placed his head on my belly. Her movements and squirms are increasing and Rob can feel them when he places his hand on my stomach. She seems to be more active when it’s quiet, during the day when I’m working at the computer and at night when we lie down to sleep.
Rob is trying to “break” her into RUSH since we are going to the concert in Chicago in July. The first couple of tries she didn’t seem to care for it, but now I think she likes it! We are so excited to see her at the end of summer and thank God every day that all is going well.
Well, hope you are enjoying the posts and Brecken is looking forward to meeting you soon!
-Coach Kel
Posted by Coach Kelly on 05/22/10 at 04:51 PM
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Thursday, April 22, 2010
So today we went for our 20 week OB appointment to find out if we were having a boy or a girl. Well, we are proud and excited to announce we are having a little girl! Her name will be Brecken Taylor Wissolik! We are absolutely thrilled!
It was absolutely amazing to see our little Brecken during the ultrasound. She is so cute! She is very long and lean with slightly smaller features than many at this age, but she does have really long feet! I think she is going to take after Rob and be long, lean and a great runner!
She is so active and fun! She seems to sleep during the day and “plays” at night. So after a workout this morning, she was sleeping in my belly at the start of the ultrasound. The technician pushed around on my belly to get all the measurements and take all the needed pictures. Well, she has an attitude for sure all ready. She was relaxing and it looked as if she was sleeping on a hammock. She didn’t seem to appreciate the disruption. So she pushed back at times and even turned her butt to us! It was too funny!
It was very neat to share that time with my Mom as she came along. We are all eagerly awaiting Brecken’s arrival at the end of summer!
Before heading to our appointment we took some measurements and checked my weight. I am now 123.5 lbs and my waist is 35 inches! I have been feeling great overall and enjoying the spring! It was nice to get home after our long trip to and from the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and it was so nice to be home, working out every day and cooking all of our own meals.
I’m still managing consistent workouts and good sleep for the most part. Unfortunately I did hit a setback on this week. With my belly growing and the weight I’m gaining, it’s putting strain on my lower back and joints.
As the baby grows, the abdominal wall stretches to accommodate the expanding womb and the extra room needed for the baby has to come from somewhere. So, because the abdominal muscles can stretch, they become stretched far beyond their normal state during pregnancy. Unfortunately, they lose their ability to perform their normal role in maintaining body posture and as a result the lower back takes on an abnormal amount of weight from the torso. I’m still doing core work and I’m focusing on activating my core when walking, but I surely feel some strain.
Along with the weight, the hormone relaxin is showing its “force.” The hormone relaxin is 10 times its normal concentration in the female body during pregnancy. Relaxin’s function is to relax the joints, specifically in the pelvis so the baby has room to pass through the birth canal. Unfortunately, relaxin also causes abnormal motion in many other joints in the body, causing inflammation and pain. Fortunately, there are a couple of simple strategies to minimize the pain:
Reduction in physical activities, maximizing body ergonomics and strengthen the back muscles all can help. So, although reducing physical activities is not top on my list, I am listening to my body and continuing to slow down. I’m also working to take breaks while working on the computer, keeping active and propping myself up with a mountain of pillows when I sleep. I continue to strengthen my back through pull-ups and ball work.
But my setback this week was major back pain after a run with Rob. With the extra weight, I really like running in the grass or gravel instead of the payment or concrete. It seems to help my knees and back, however, on a wonderful evening run Tuesday, I must have hit too much uneven terrain and ended up hurting my sacroiliac joint. After my run I immediately felt significant pain. I stretched, iced and went to bed. Upon a trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I thought I was going to crash to the floor. The pain was so intense. I went to the doctor 1st thing in the morning and learned I had developed sacroiliac joint dysfunction. This joint lies next to the spine and connects the sacrum with the pelvis. The joint is small but very strong. It transmits forces of the upper body to the pelvis and legs and acts as a shock-absorbing structure. It doesn’t have much motion, but too much movement can cause it to separate. Well, the uneven terrain must have put me over the edge and wow did it hurt. I was pretty much in bed for 48 hours but interestingly after the second day, sitting and laying in bed hurt it worse. My primary care doc and my OB both encouraged me to get back to being active but to lay off the running for a while. So, I’m taking a break from the running but it feels good to be back on the bike!
Coach Kel with Mom - look at my belly!!!
Coach Rob is looking lean!
Posted by Coach Kelly on 04/22/10 at 05:48 PM
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Thursday, April 15, 2010
Well, I continue to find that exercising every day, supplying my body with high quality nutrition including tons of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, along with sleeping 7 to 9 hours a night, is key to feeling good and growing a healthy baby! The lovely spring weather has been a big help too!
So, March 1st was the start of my 2nd trimester. Everyone suggested it would be better than the first. So far, it has been! I was excited to move past the nausea, constipation and frequent urination. Well, at least I got through the first 2, but I still have to go to the bathroom all of the time! I won’t complain as I understand the importance of staying hydrated and I know that exercises increases the kidney to produce more, so as long as I’m able to keep exercising and feeling good, it’s worth it!
So, at the begining of my 2nd trimester, I was about 117lbs. That is up 6 pounds from my first visit in January and up 10 to 12lbs from race weight. I didn’t seem to be gaining fat, just all baby weight. Although many friends said I wouldn’t show until well into my second trimester, I did prove them wrong. I began “popping out” in February! By March, you surely could see a nice, little baby bump.
 
My focus has been to read on the Elliptical every morning while Rob makes us a healthy breakfast. That seems to really help my GI system and my energy. After a yummy, fiber rich breakfast, we work all day and then usually ride and/or run in the afternoon or early evening, make a healthy dinner and then work some more. Midway through March, I could no longer ride in the aero position as the baby is now in the way. I still was feeling great on the bike for all of March but I am now needing to ease up on the watts. We have stuck to the CompuTrainer indoors but I’m maintaining about 6 to 10 hours of easy, aerobic riding each week. Throughout the past 25 weeks, I have been building very gradually on the run since coming back from the bike crash. Starting the 2nd trimester, I was running 30 to 35 minutes most days of the week and now I am up to 45 to 55 minutes 5 to 6 days a week. All of March, I surely noticed the baby bump, but still was only about 1 minute slower than my normal pace. I was really happy to know running 7:45 to 8:15s felt easy and still enabled me to keep my heart rate low. Although, this week, as I’m really getting a lot bigger, I’m noticing 8:15s are about all I can do. Plus, I cannot make it through a run without stopping to pee several times! All-in-all, I’m very happy to still be able to jog! On top of the cardio, I’m also still doing Pull-Ups with Rob, core work and some light functional strength work 2 to 3 times a week. I’m pretty impressed with my pull-ups…although assisted…I’m now pulling up about 15 more pounds than normal! Rob and the neighbors, including my OBs husband, are pretty impressed.
So, with daily exercise, good food, sleep and spring weather, things seem to be going very well! I did suffer a couple of allergic reactions over the past 6 weeks, but we continue to work very diligently to avoid. My seasonal allergies seem a bit worse than normal, but overall, I’m feeling really good!
During the 14th week, I really started to feel some tiny movement. When I would finally relax at night and lay in bed to fall asleep, I felt little flutters in my belly – it was amazing! At about 16 weeks, I actually felt and saw a little kick one day while riding my bike on the trainer.
On March 25th we had another big OB appointment. All the tests so far have been good and I was 120lbs at 16 weeks and 4 days. We were able to listen to the heart beat! Wow are we creating a future champion! I think our baby is going to have a VO2 Max higher than Lance Armstrong! The doctor was very impressed with the strength and sound of our baby’s heart and we were just thrilled! We go back next week, April 22nd to find out if we are having a boy or a girl!
The weekend of March 27th, I really felt I “popped” again. My belly seems so big to me! It’s too funny! The whole week of March 28th, I really could feel my uterus growing. It’s absolutely amazing!
I do notice I do not like to travel anymore. Our trip to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs at the start of April did take a lot out of me. The long, long drive to and from Colorado as well as the lack of sleep, and hardly any exercise really sets me back. Thankfully, once home, I got back on track and feel so much better. So, although my run pace is slowing and my belly is really growing, I’m so happy and so excited for all that is ahead. Rob continues to be absolutely amazing and we are looking forward to our next OB appointment coming up!
-Coach Kel
Posted by Coach Kelly on 04/15/10 at 03:42 PM
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Thursday, March 18, 2010
Continuing on where I left off on my last post…I continue to work with my doctor and I keep reading everything I can on exercise and pregnancy. I have to say, there is so much miss information out there and so many myths! I know for me, being an Elite Athlete with an Endurance Base extending for 14 years, I am surely the rare pregnant lady, but I do know that daily exercise and high fiber, quality nutrition are helping me have a great pregnancy!
My 6th and 7th weeks of pregnancy were spent traveling. We just found out we were pregnant, met the OB on Friday, Jan 8th and literally jumped in the car and drove 20 hours out to Beaver Creek for a family ski trip in Colorado. I drove the first leg and into the night and Rob pushed on for a couple of hours in darkness until we arrived ½ way and stayed in a hotel for a quick 6 hours of sleep. Early in the morning we were on the road again driving straight up into the mountains. Although we were careful to stay hydrated and travel with frozen whole wheat pasta, kidney beans and fresh Mozzarella cheese (for the recipe click here… for Kelly’s Kitchen http://www.energyfitnesscoaching) as well as fresh fruits and cut up veggies, it is tough to eat well on the road.
The long drive surely beats you up, especially when pregnant! Add the hours in the car to a huge gain in altitude and it’s even more challenging. We went from Sea Level to 12,000 feet in less than 24 hours! Well, the excitement of the family ski trip, masked our tiredness and we were so happy to be with Rob’s parents, brother, sister, brother-n-law and our nieces and nephew!
Sunday through Wednesday, I maintained easy aerobic rides on the trainer (on my bike and trainer I brought as it goes wherever I go) and then met the family for light skiing. It’s only my 2nd time ever really skiing, plus being pregnant, I took it very easy. Although, I think Amber- 4, Aiden- 4 and Ashlyn- 3 are going to quickly pass me by next year…I still had a blast on the greens and some blues this year! Rob and I even managed a light swim, some pull-ups, 1 run and a snow shoe. We also were in a nice condo and were able to cook are healthy breakfast, lunches and dinners. So…things were going well.
Except for Tuesday…I didn’t ride in the morning and just got up and hit the slopes with the family. I didn’t feel well and got really weak and light headed right after leaving the condo. Rob was great and obviously very concerned so we just sat in Starbucks and I drank a bunch of water and sipped a coffee. We decided to head back early. I took a nap and felt better. Then we hit the outdoor heated pool with the kids and I seemed okay, until we rushed in from the cold and I started having blurred vision and again felt very week. Back to the room, I slept and rested after drinking a bunch of water. I took it very easy on Wednesday, but it was a tough day as we were awoken in the middle of the night with the unfortunate news that Rob’s Grandmother passed away. The whole family was devastated.
We traveled down from the mountains and back to Rob’s parent’s home just outside of Boulder. We had several business meetings set up for Thursday and Friday and we pushed everything back and tried to help set up the memorial service for Grandma and get the house ready for family to travel in from across the country. Exhausted Thursday, we didn’t work out and busy Friday getting the home ready, we again didn’t work out. Instead, we shifted to a hotel as the family members flew in. There was no time for workouts, our diet drastically changed to Abo’s New York Style Pizza and Great Harvest bread and my nausea and fatigue really set in. All of a sudden I was so sick. I could barely stand the site of most foods, I had trouble sitting let alone standing. All I wanted to do was lie around. So we did, as much as we could, while still spending as much time as possible with family. After the memorial service on Sunday, January 17th we knew we had a busy Monday as usual with athlete logs and phone calls but we hoped to ease back into some light runs and rides. Well, with business meetings, work piling up, my insane nausea and my wild food aversions and cravings…instead we worked in our hotel, traveled to meetings around Boulder, Denver and Littleton and ate a lot of Turkey, avocado, Abo’s Pizza and Great Harvest Bread.
Our diet was terrible, with only small amounts of fresh fruits and veggies and no whole grains, our workouts were nonexistent and we grew tired and bloated. This “set up” created a downward spiral. Now, normally we eat tons of whole grains morning and evening, fresh fruits throughout the day, veggies with lunch and dinner and lean proteins too. So I go to the bathroom very well and very often. Not this week. Combine this terrible “set up” with my first trimester of pregnancy and suddenly, I looked as if I was 4 months pregnant because I was so bound up!
Well, finally all was done in CO and we needed to rush back to Ohio to make the Team Toledo Triathlon Club Winter Expo. So, we drove 20 hours straight through! Thursday afternoon through Friday…arriving Friday morning in Ohio for a quick stop for groceries, shower and to bed! But sleeping long was not possible as we had to pack up for the expo, empty the car and load the trailer and be ready to go at 8a.m. Saturday morning.
Although exhausted from the trip, we fired up for the Expo and truly had a wonderful time! We met so many wonderful people and caught up with many good tri friends. It was a long but awesome day! Getting home in the evening we were supposed to rush back out to my brother’s fiancé’s surprise b-day party. I just couldn’t do it. My belly was so bloated and my body felt like I got hit by a truck. So Rob went in support of Leighan and I did what was best for the baby…REST!
Well, after 9 days off from working out, a poor diet (compared to normal), long drives and busy days…we focused on sleep, daily workouts and super high quality, homemade nutrition…steel cut oats, wheat germ, low fat milk and yogurt or eggs loaded with veggies, whole wheat bagels, yogurt and fresh squeezed OJ for breakfast, turkey sandwiches and fruit for lunch and whole wheat pasta, beans, mozzarella or rice crust pizza with spinach, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella or soup made of brown rice noodles, tons of fresh chopped up veggies, chicken broth and navy beans for dinner. (For some of our favorites - check out Kelly’s Kitchen!)
Finally I was feeling great again! No more nausea, no more constipation, no more fatigue! We went to the OB and all was going great with our baby! Thank goodness!
So my key learning this January…travel is very tough on the body, especially when pregnant. I need to sleep a little more, workout a little every day and eat very well and then everything is so much better!
-Coach Kel
Posted by Coach Kelly on 03/18/10 at 10:02 PM
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Tuesday, March 16, 2010
As mentioned in my first post, “In an MRI administered on November 13, 2009 the results noted “an incidental” finding that something was wrong with my uterus which would explain our infertility. After this last discovery, Rob and I pretty much gave up and believed we were not meant to have children. We discussed the possibility of seeing a fertility specialist with our primary care doctor after the MRI report, but soon decided we’d help children in other ways such as starting Energy Fit Kids and continuing to be very involved with our nieces and nephew here in Ohio and our nieces and nephew in Colorado…”
So, we left our home in Ohio on Friday morning, November 20, 2009 pulling the EFC Trailer filled with our bikes, workout gear and gifts for our nieces and nephew in Colorado. We had a quick stop outside of Chicago for a dentist appointment and on to Iowa for a short stay in a hotel. A quick Elliptical workout and yummy breakfast and on our way we drove across the middle of the country on a gorgeous, sunny day. We arrived at Rob’s parents in Colorado Saturday evening and had a wonderful and busy 2 weeks with family, friends and business partners. Still recovering from my pelvic fracture, I was limited to trainer rides indoors but built my way up to 2 to 3 hour aerobic rides. We cooked healthy meals, juiced in our juicer, and enjoyed our favorite New York Style Pizza in Colorado as well as Great Harvest Bread. Both Rob and I were feeling good and actually losing some fall weight gain.
We left Colorado on Friday, December 2, 2009. A day later than planned but we had a late business meeting Thursday afternoon and we didn’t want to start the drive back to Chicago late at night. Another gorgeous, sunny day God gave us to make our trek back across the middle of the country. Even though we were feeling good, that drive is tough! We stayed near the Illinois border at a Hotel arriving well after midnight, slept for a couple of hours and rushed on to make it to the Santa Sleigh 5K with EFC Athletes, Coaches and their families. It was again another beautiful, sunny day, cold and crisp but a perfect day for my first 5K run/walk since the bike crash. After a very busy weekend working in Chicago all day Sunday hosting a Youth Coaching Clinic, we finally made it home to our house in Monclova, OH at 4 a.m. Monday morning, December 5, 2009.
Exhausted from the travel and being gone for 16 days, it took a bit of time to catch back up. We focused on 9 hours of sleep every night and got back into our home cooked, high quality meals again after a weekend of Chicago Style Pizza. We eased back into light workouts and managed lots of EFC work and began building the Energy Fit Kids website. Well, somewhere during our first week back home, we unknowingly conceived!
In looking back, I remember the month of December being busy with work and enjoying being able to run again. I was getting excited to build back into Ironman Training and really have a great race at IM CDA June 2010. But, around Christmas time, I started not feeling so well. I was having a lot of “GI distress” and Rob and I began to worry if perhaps I was developing a new food allergy or if we missed one from the extensive testing this fall. We worked even harder on my diet, cut the workouts way down and slept more. Not until Rob’s sister really pushed us to get a pregnancy test, did we even think my symptoms could be related to pregnancy!
Well, as I mentioned in my first post, “Tuesday morning, Jan 4th- the test had 2 double lines and Rob spilled tears of joy while I starred stunned!! I must admit, at first, I was like “oh my…now what??? I have a huge triathlon season planned, 2 Ironman races, several 70.3 ½ Ironman races, a need to set bike course records and support my sponsors, and the fuel to get back to Kona after my inability to race the World Championships in 08. Plus the DVD shoot we put off due to the pelvic fractures…” My mind raced, but Rob’s thrill of pure excitement, gratefulness and love was over powering and I knew all that “stuff” could wait. So, I began to shift my focus on God’s plan.
So this is where I will begin my journey of Staying Fit through Pregnancy. It begins with an OB visit and forming a true partnership with our doctor. It continues with regular medical check-ups, all the reading and researching I can possibly do about exercise and pregnancy, and constant monitoring of my body and how I am feeling.
I have my Healthy Moms Perinatal Fitness Certifcation, my AFFA Pre and Postnatal Fitness Instructor Certification and my ACE Pre and Postnatal Fitness Instructor Certification. I began working on these a little while in college attending workshops and ceminars and then obtained the certifications back in 2005 in hopes of having a baby in 2006. But, after moving from Chicago and not being able to conceive, I didn’t keep up with teaching Pre and Post Natal Classes. So the first thing I did this January was get out all of my material and re-read everything! I also searched for the latest updates and new research.
I continue to work with my doctor and I keep reading everything I can. I have to say, there is so much miss information out there and so many myths! I know for me, being an Elite Athlete with an Endurance Base extending for 14 years, I am surely the rare pregnant lady, but I do know that daily exercise and high fiber, quality nutrition are helping me have a great pregnancy!
Please follow along as I share my journey
-Coach Kel
Posted by Coach Kelly on 03/16/10 at 12:22 PM
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Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Dear Friends, Family EFC Partners and EFC Sponsors
We have some very exciting news to share with you…
After 4 years of “trying” to get pregnant, a scary 2008 with medical complications and even a miss-diagnosis of MS (which we later attributed to food allergies/sensitivities) and then another setback on Oct 25th with a life flight helicopter ride to the ER when an athlete rode into me during Longhorn 70.3 Triathlon in Austin, TX resulting in (3) pelvic fractures discovered in an MRI administered on November 13, 2009. Noted in the MRI result was “an incidental” finding that something was wrong with my uterus which would explain our infertility. After this last discovery, Rob and I pretty much gave up and believed we were not meant to have children. We discussed the possibility of seeing a fertility specialist with our primary care doctor after the MRI report, but soon decided we’d help children in other ways such as starting Energy Fit Kids and continuing to be very involved with our nieces and nephew here in Ohio and our nieces and nephew in Colorado…
Well, less than a month after the MRI findings and our shift of focus… Conception!!! Yup it’s true- we are having a baby!!! Oh Boy! Or girl!
Here is a bit of our story
Just after New Years, we were speaking with Rob’s sister, Laura, who was telling us her exciting but unexpected news. Laura, mother of twins and an Irish twin, just found out she was pregnant and was sharing her symptoms. We both paused and said, hmm- I’m feeling like that. After further discussion, Laura insisted we head out and get a pregnancy test. Well, at first, Rob and I resisted. We had pretty much bought EPTs in bulk at Sam’s club for the past 4 years and we were starting to grow tired of the negative test results, but with Laura pushing us on, we gave in and purchased a new test. Well, Tuesday morning, Jan 4th- the test had 2 double lines and Rob spilled tears of joy while I starred stunned!!
I must admit, at first, I was like “oh my…now what??? I have a huge triathlon season planned, 2 Ironman races, several 70.3 ½ Ironman races, a need to set bike course records and support my sponsors, and the fuel to get back to Kona after my inability to race the World Championships in 08. Plus the DVD shoot we put off due to the pelvic fractures…” My mind raced, but Rob’s thrill of pure excitement, gratefulness and love was over powering and I knew all that “stuff” could wait. So, I began to shift my focus on God’s plan.
Well, as you know, we are always on the go, so after our “discovery” we began our quest for an OB. Our original plan was to leave for Colorado on Wednesday, but with the snow storm and finding out we were pregnant, we decided to post pone our departure and find an OB. With the complications we expected on my uterus and still healing from 3 pelvic fractures, we felt it was very important to see the OB before heading off to ski in Rockies and be in Colorado for 2 weeks.
Luckily our good friend and neighbor is an All-Star OB and she got us in right away. Friday, Jan 8th we saw the doctor and our baby! It was amazing. It seems there is nothing wrong with my uterus and our “little sac” was looking good at 5 weeks and 4 days along!
Well, last Thursday, February 25th we went in for our “big” appointment and things are looking great! We are now 13 weeks along and our baby’s heart beat is excellent, the spinal structure looks good and he/she is just chillin’ like he/she owns the place. It was absolutely amazing to see the pictures of the little webbed hands, the little legs sprawled out and even my ski-tip nose on the baby.
Over the last month, I have grown so excited and so attached to our little baby. I have totally let go of “my triathlon season” and have committed myself 100% to this baby, our EFC athletes, supporting our sponsors and partners and Rob getting to Kona this year! We are very excited to help our athletes achieve their goals this season and support our athletes and all our Partners and Sponsors services and offerings to our athletes at clinics, camps and races! While we are not 100% sure of our travel and race plans now, I do hope to be “running” around and taking pictures as often as possible and cheering Rob and our athletes on! I will be writing to Ironman to see if I can roll my Ironman CDA, Ironman WI and Eagleman 70.3 spots to next year and we are going to focus solely on Rob qualifying for the World Championships at Eagleman 70.3 this June.
Our due date is September 6th! We are having fun with the journey so far and really excited for Little Wissolik’s arrival!
Well, thanks for hearing our joy! Have a great week and a wonderful weekend!
Oh, and we are very excited about our 2nd busy weekend with several EFC Athletes and Tri Friends in Chicagoland this weekend. We are hosting bike fits, one on one sessions, Strength Assessments and more! So to all our Chicago friends…
Pizza Party Get-together will be this Friday, March 5th – downtown Chicago!
If you are able to catch up- please write back so I can firm up a head count for reservations!
Lou Malnati’s on Wells Street- Downtown Chicago around 7pm – Friday March 5th!
Much love and hugs to everyone!
Love
-Kel and Rob
Posted by Coach Kelly on 03/03/10 at 04:29 PM
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