Workout attire

As the body goes through changes as does my wardrobe. Ironman weight and pregnancy weight seem to distribute things very differently...duh!  My biggest issue is finding bottoms that don't put too much pressure on the abdomen. It's uncomfortable and she seems to kick a little more because it's putting pressure on her already cramped space. But my abdomen has been the most sensitive to pressure since the very beginning.  It now makes sense because that's where the little peanut has situated herself very comfortably.

I refuse to buy new bike shorts since they cost a fortune in the first place, so I've been figuring out which pairs feel the best. My most favorite pair are my Coeur Trishorts (http://www.coeursports.com/collections/triathlon/products/sea-glass-triathlon-shorts).  Not only is the chamois super comfortable, but the waist band doesn't put any added pressure and seems to keep feeling great as the baby bump gets more pronounced.  Also, the band isn't too low that I don't feel like I'm sticking out and covers the belly nicely (not maternity style, but just right)  Thanks to a teammate (Amy Farrell) who is on the Coeur Team I was able to get the shorts at a very reasonable price when I was in Kona.  I never wore them before being pregnant, but I can assume they feel just as great during Ironman weight.  Kebby (the owner) seems to really understand women and always has a smile!

My other favorite shorts are the Zoot Performance Trishort (http://zootsports.com/womens/apparel/w-performance-tri-4-short-s14).  The waistband and legs feel fantastic. Sometimes the chamois seems hurt a little with my growing hips, but overall very comfortable.  The waist band seems to roll down slightly as my bump gets bigger, not sure how much I like that.  I wore these through Ironman training, and they were one of my favorites, not a surprise I still like them a lot.

The worst shorts from the very beginning have been the Betty Designs Trishorts (http://www.bettydesigns.com/collections/triathlon-1/products/garden-party-womens-tri-short)...these aren't the exact shorts I have, mine are the HPT custom design, but similar style.  The waistband digs in and doesn't give myself or the baby any room to breathe!  I didn't like them much at Ironman weight, always lots of chaffing. I was shocked at how uncomfortable they were in the first 6 weeks!

I have an older pair of Pearl Izumi shorts that were fine for the first 4.5 months, but the waistband is too low and just doesn't feel right anymore!

I write this as I'm getting an easy ride on the trainer :)

(Not wearing bike shorts for tonight's 30min ride...ouch!)

Training During 5th Month

Energy levels are way up, the weather is getting a little bit nicer and it seems I'm in better shape.

In the last 2 weeks (weeks 19.5-21.5), my heart rate during workouts seems to stay below 150bpm much easier, my running pace has dropped about 30 seconds per mile and she has started moving around (such a cool feeling).

Saw the doctor for the Anatomy Scan at week 20 to make sure all organs and limbs were developing properly, and everything is right on target!  She's also super flexible. She was showing off with her feet over her head. And yes, it's "probably a girl".  I don't think doctors like to give a definite diagnosis on anything in fear of being sued!  My weight has also been increasing appropriately. I've gained about 21 pounds since the Ironman.

With the baby's measurements on target, my steady weight gain, and her jabbing at me when I'm sitting around being lazy are all signs to me that the training I'm doing is just right!

I'm averaging 2 bike rides per week (on the trainer of course), 3-4 days of running totaling 18-22miles (my long run is 8.5 miles, I'm hoping to work to 10 miles), 2-3 days of swimming 3000yds/session, and lifting 1.5hrs/week (I'm going to try to work that up to 2.5hrs/week, I want to stay strong).  All for about 9-11hrs/week of "training".

Almost a bump!

Can still see my feet (week 21).