Week 11 | +5 lbs
Love and running have changed my life. Both in similar ways. Both forever.
My husband and I started dating in early November 2007, and, by New Year’s Eve of that year, I knew that I loved him. We leaped into a vacation to Jamaica the same month we got together, where I shared my excitement for scuba diving with him, and he decided to get certified too; spent Thanksgiving at both our parents’ homes, eating lobster in ginger and scallion sauce, stir fried noodles and other traditional Cantonese dishes at his parents’ for lunch, then standard American fare at my parents’ for dinner; and celebrated Christmas with both our families together under one roof. My husband helped me kick my smoking habit (through my love for him, and his zero tolerance for smoking), embraced and encouraged all of my growing active pursuits (he was always willing to travel with me to my races or for snowboarding trips), and taught me that one does not need to work hard at a relationship (because a great one simply works). Most notably, my husband has been at the finish line to shower me with hugs, kisses and food at all of my 14 marathons and seven triathlons. He’s my rock, my Sherpa for life.
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Scuba Diving in the Bahamas, 7/08
I started running long distances in 2006, a year after graduating from college. I finally came to terms that I was unhealthy, out of shape and spent most of my waking hours sitting at a desk at my finance job, snacking on cookies and other junk food. I signed up to run the Coogan’s Shamrock, Salsa & Blues 5K in March of that year without much training, and felt like my lungs were on fire halfway through the race. Despite my body’s response, I was hooked on the adrenaline rush—later that same month, I ran my first half marathon. By 2008, I mustered up the courage to sign up for the Potomac River Marathon in Alexandria, VA, my first full, and the passion for running only intensified from thereon. Running took the place of any vices (smoking being the most significant), imparted on me a great deal about how to plan and execute smaller tasks to achieve a greater long term goal (important to consider for both the 18 weeks of marathon training and the big race, itself), taught me that, through dedication and persistence, anything is possible.
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NYC Marathon, 11/2/08
In 2014, I resolve to continue to love my husband in the ways that he’s loved me. I resolve to continue to share interesting experiences with him, spend quality time with his family, particularly with his beloved grandmother, help him curb his video game addiction if ever it gets out of control again, express my love for him in the way that I treat him every day, and be at the finish line when he finishes his first marathon and then Ironman this year (likely virtually for the Ironman, as it will take place 3 weeks after our baby’s due date).
Volunteering at Elephant Nature Park, an organization that rescues abused elephants, during our belated honeymoon, 12/12
In 2014, I resolve to continue to run long distances, as running has been a fundamental part of every positive aspect of my life. That said, I also resolve to listen to my body, and, perhaps, walk when my body asks for it over the next few months, instead.
Mile 17 of the Chicago Marathon, 10/9/11
In 2014, I resolve love and feel passionately about our baby as much as I love my husband and feel passionately about running, if not more. I resolve to not feel overwhelmed if and when breastfeeding doesn’t go as smoothly as I’d like it to, read to him or her every single night, put our baby’s needs in front of my own, practice patience when I take care of him or her, and be present at every moment.
2014 is going to be an amazing year.
Second Ultrasound, 1/6/14
Week 8 (12/15-21) training: 5 miles
Sunday: Rest
Monday: Spin
Tuesday: Yoga
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Yoga
Saturday: 5 miles
Week 9 (12/22-28) training: 15 miles
Sunday: 3 miles
Monday: Spin
Tuesday: Yoga
Wednesday: 5 miles
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 7 miles
Week 10 (12/29-1/4) training: 10 miles
Sunday: 5 miles
Monday: Spin
Tuesday: Rest
Wednesday: Yoga
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Yoga
Saturday: 75miles
The Pregnant Athlete 