Post Workout Snacks

Post workout refueling is crucial and just because the options are fewer doesn't mean they are boring for us vegans!  Any foods will work for a snack so dont feel limited to traditional "snack" foods.  The key points to remember are pairing a carb and protein together.  Ideally within the first 15-20 min after a workout, consume an easily digestible meal (not anything heavy or overloaded with tons of fiber..some is fine just not tons).  Dont forget to rehydrate with water and you can use electrolytes (such as a sports drink) if you have been exercising outdoors, in the heat, or for more than an hour. 

Vegan Ideas:

Trail Mix--see my recipe here!

Peanut Butter & Jelly 1/2 sandwich--you can also try on 1/2 a bagel, pita bread, etc to mix it up. 

Peanut Butter and an Apple (or banana)-chill in the fridge ahead of time for a cool treat in the summer!

Lacto-Vegetarian Ideas:

Chocolate Milk!! My favorite and my go too when Im not eliminating dairy.  Chocolate milk has the perfect ratio of protein to carbs for optimal recovery

Greek yogurt with berries

Cheese stick with apple

Protein bar--I like the Builder's 20g Protein Bar

Pre-natal Running: 10 must haves!

Heres a list of my absolute must haves for prenatal runs (and work outs)! One of the things I've loved about the sport since I started running at 14 is the simplicity.  You really just need shoes and a sports bra and you are good to go! Since becoming pregnant, though, there are a number of additional items I have found make it much more enjoyable and safer.

1. A supportive sports bra

Prior to becoming an expectant mama, I loved my Nike sports bras.  I have a bunch of them and I do still wear them but they are much tighter now.  My least favorite before becoming pregnant, however, is now my definite favorite!!

The Incredible by Victoria's Secret is now my go-to for everything from workouts to trips around town running errands.  I have found it to be the most supportive and it doesn't smoosh me the way the Nike ones do due my increased cup size.

2. Initially I loved having my Garmin heart rate monitor for running when it was summer and still accurate. I used that to gauge my effort level and make sure I was staying in a safe range (not higher than 80% of my max).  

3. Supportive shoes

There's no more important time to make sure you have proper shoes than when you are pregnant! I always, always recommend getting your stride and shoes evaluated to make sure you have the best fit and its even more critical for a pregnant mama.  The effects of changing hormones, such as relaxin, on biomechanics from joint laxity, changes in weight and center of gravity, shifts in skeletal structure and other physiological changes result in an increased work load for the body.  Because of all of this, making sure you have the best shoes is very important! 

4. A water bottle

I admit, I wasn't consistent at all about my hydration before I was pregnant. Thanks to the constant reminders, especially from my husband, I was able to get into a habit of not leaving my house without a water bottle.  I always keep one with me now.  This one is my current favorite! 

5. A running buddy! 

My running buddy was one of the first people I told about my pregnancy outside of my family and best friend. Because it was summer and we were training for my half marathon, I felt it was imperative that she know in case something should happen.  Luckily she was also very supportive of my endeavors and didn't mind at all when it got to the point where I'd have to stop to pee half way through our run :) 

6.  Running routes with loops

I'm probably too concerned about safety.  I owe most of that to my time living near Washington D.C. and being freaked out about someone stealing me.  I've never liked to run by myself when its not perfect conditions.  One of the reasons I got my dog (aka best running buddy ever) was not only to motivate me and for the awesome companionship but also for safety.  There are some great loops near our house and in the city that are shorter and allow for a quick exit in case I get injured, don't feel well, or need something from my car.  I usually keep another water bottle, snacks, etc in my car just in case. I don't think I've run without my phone since becoming pregnant either.  This is also helpful with the loop near my house so I can stop to pee every few miles. 

SIDE NOTE: in case you aren't aware on iphones about the medical information you can put on there---I updated this with my due date so first responders would be able to find that info in addition to my emergency contacts.   Just google it or click here for a tutorial. 

I love my Road ID, however I didn't want to pay for another ID piece with that info on it but you totally could.  Click here to get more info on those! 

7. Layers

I have always hated the cold.  In fact, my matron of honor at our wedding even worked into her speech about how one of the ways she new I really loved my husband was that I would willing go to his ice hockey games and sit in the cold just to watch him play.  Thankfully, one of the benefits to being pregnant in the winter is that I am significantly more warm!!!   That being said, having a variety of layers is super helpful for temperature regulation.

8. A stretching routine

Post run its very important to cool down gradually and let your heart rate return to normal more slowly.  Doing some walking around, stretching, etc can help with that so there isnt a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure. I've been using some of the routines on the Pop Sugar Active app and Runner's World for post run stretching or post run yoga.

9. A snack

I was very sensitive to blood sugar drops in my first and second trimesters.  I got into the routine of having a banana or protein bar in the car for a post run refuel, or having yogurt with granola or something similar at home.

10.  Kinesio taping

I had asked a friend of mine who ran through some of her pregnancy about a belly support band.  I am such a cheapskate though I didn't want to spend lots of money on a band I wouldn't use for a really long time.  I also just wasn't sure what kind to get.  I checked the Kid-to-Kid store in our town and would've purchased one from there if they had had one I thought would work.
A couple of times that I felt like I needed a bit more support I used kinesio tape.  I would only recommend this after having a physical therapist apply it for you or showing you how to do it.

So thats my list of 10 things I have found

Total Body Toning

Kettlebell class today couldn't have gone any better.  We focused on total body toning and complementary muscle groups (not all the exercises we did are listed, but these are some good ones!). I put together a great class with lots of fun elements that we don't do all the time and that are safe for my pregnant self to teach :)

While its most likely the last class for me before baby girl arrives, I cant help but already be sad that I'll be taking a break from teaching.  Im also nervous about getting out of shape before I come back to teach later in the spring! I love this class and all of my regulars have been so very supportive, I couldn't be more thankful for them!

Last night I was quite unmotivated to work out.  Yes, it even happens to us fitness professionals.  I had to do the 15 min trick, which worked like a charm. I told myself that I could do just 15 minutes and then be done.  I put on a tv show to distract myself, and brought a Runner's World magazine and my ipad just to try to keep me going! I told myself the benefits of what I was doing and how I was helping keep myself in shape for upcoming labor (just a couple weeks left!).  I was able to keep on going for 45 minutes thankfully! Once I finished my workout I stretched out while I finished my tv show.  I've really found stretching so much more rewarding during my pregnancy.

I redeemed a ton of points on my Fabletics account to snag some free gear that I love! I got this great headband and water bottle as well as a few pieces of clothing for post baby. I LOVE the headband and water bottle so much!

Now to relax and get some nesting done for the rest of the day!

Women's in Sports Day!

National Girls and Women in Sports Day!!!

"For 30 years, NGWSD has empowered women and girls to get moving, embrace physical activity and push past their limits both in sports and in life. We know that when girls participate in sports, they develop the leadership skills to excel in school, at home and in their communities. The courage, confidence and character gained through physical activity are the very tools girls need to become the strong leaders of tomorrow." -NGWS Website

A few throwbacks to my college athletics---this day means even more to me now that we are expecting our own little girl.  We will support her and her endeavors and interests as much as we possibly can and are so thankful for all of the women (and men) who have allowed women's sports to come so far.  

@ Georgia Tech

@ University of Virginia

@ Radford University

Volleyball @ Lynchburg

Track @Roanoke

Lacrosse @ Roanoke

Track @ Duke University

Track @ Duke University

Lacrosse @ Roanoke

Beginner cardio week 2!

Congrats on finishing week one!! I'd love to hear from you so email me at kclaireticeatgmaildotcom and let me know how it's going for you!!

Reminders:

Warm up with about 3-5 min of marching in place, walking up and down a couple of stairs, modified jumping jacks, etc. 

Try taking a sip of water or giving yourself a compliment during each rest period. 

Play good music to keep you going!

Try to think of your posture throughout your exercise. Not only is it Important for your muskuloskeletal system but it's essential for proper breathing. Your lungs can't fully expand if you are slumping forward. 

Do a few min of stretching after you finish your cardio. 

Prenatal Upper Body Workout

There are videos listed below, someday I am going to get my own videos done but these will work for now if you aren't familiar with the exercises.

Lat Pulldown
Lateral Raises

Tricep Kickbacks
Bicep Curls

Resistance Band Row
Push Ups

Side Plank
Plank
Bridge
Cat/Cow

MAKE SURE YOU CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE DOING ANY OF THESE EXERCISES.  

Pool running and baby prep

It still super snowy so I've been going pool running in the deep end of the pool. It feels so nice to let the bump float! :) With only about a month left I'm glad to still be keeping up with workouts!! Pool running is a great workout and great to incorporate for cross training with your running. I usually don't use a foam jogging belt but now that I am further along in my pregnancy I have been. You can also use a pool noodle to add a bit of buoyancy.

Over 8 months!!!! Woohoo! 

I had a quick dinner of a Steam fresh protein blend that was pretty good- ingredients included edamame, carrots, whole grains and red peppers. Not my favorite thing but it was fast so it worked in a pinch. 

With this while nesting thing and all the snow I did a lot of cleaning and organizing this weekend. I also poked our hospital bag and diaper bag. Georgia approved all of the diaper bag contents. We actually have two diaper bags, a back pack style and a shoulder style. I'll try both out and see how they do! 

I relied heavily on Pinterst pins for the diaper bag and hospital bag contents. There were so many different opinions on what to include I tried to average them out to get everything I think we will need at first. I've stockpiled household products and have just a few details left in her nursery. 

Diaper bag blog posts I used to help create my list:

Life WIth My LIttles 0-6 month list

Newborn Diaper Bag Essentials

Hospital Bag Checklist:

Hospital Bag Checklist for the Minimalist Mom

Home supplies stockpile list I used: 

Getting Ready for Baby Stockpile LIst

We are almost all set and as "ready" as we could be for little girl's arrival. I can't believe we will be meeting our daughter soon!! This little blessing who is constantly on the move kicking me and rolling around has been my constant companion for the past 8 months and I'm so excited to see her sweet face and kiss her little cheeks.