In N Out
Hi friends <3 How was your day? Hope you’re enjoying your evening.
I had a bit of a temperature conundrum at the base gym this morning. I ventured in to do the indoor track and it was FREEZING. So after one lap, I went to the outdoor track and walked for a half hour there, until I was roasting hot, and then went back inside for the last half hour. Needless to say, I didn’t get bored with the scenery 😉
Snacked on some grapes while out and about
and lunch was repurposed salmon from last night’s dinner.
Usually I’m not a fan of leftover fish, but salmon is fantastic in an egg scramble. Omelets or egg scrambles are my go-to leftover meal, for the most part. Pasta or pizza is eaten cold- I don’t even mess around with adding eggs to stuff like that.
2 eggs, 1/2 grilled salmon fillet, wilted arugula, garlic, sea salt, pepper and Dijon, with brown rice toast.
SO good. And super filling from all of the healthy fat and protein.
It kept me from snacking on too much pumpkin chocolate chip bread batter
[actually the nasty gluten-free flour does a pretty good job of hindering my mid-baking snack attack. Why does it taste so great cooked, but horrendous when it’s raw?]
before:
after:
I enjoyed a piece later this afternoon with some melted butter on top. ‘Tis the season to swim in pumpkin!
The afternoon was spent picking up around the casa and choreographing a new Zumba dance for this week. It’s fast and furious- just the way I like it.
Off to birth class <3
New Focus On post in the am!
xoxo
Gina
Something to talk about: How are your fall goals going? Your October goals or “new leaf” goals? I love to hear what you guys are up to.
Something else to talk about: There has been a lot of controversy over the woman who ran the Chicago Marathon and gave birth immediately after [the article I posted this morning]. What do you think about it? Unsafe for her and the baby? Or, she knows her body best and had been running the entire time, so she and her baby were used to it? Personally, I’m not sure what I would have done in that situation, especially since I’ve never ran a marathon. I’ve ran a couple of halves, and they were painful, so I couldn’t imagine doing twice that in my current state (and I’m only 28 weeks along). She was full term, but I’m planning on teaching Zumba as long as it feels good, but Zumba is a little different from a marathon.
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that pumpkin bread looks delish! I definitely need to make that in the future!
looks delicious!! I need to put this on my list of recipes to make SOON!
ew, i haate raw GF flour too – it is so nasty. And beware undercooked treats! But the pumpkin bread looks great!
undercooked treats are just as horrible as raw dough!
I think what a lot of people have missed about that story is that she was honest about her intentions with her doctor and was okayed to run 13.1 miles. She then went on to walk the second half with her husband by her side. Is it more than most women would do at 38 weeks pregnant? Sure. But it sounds like she took appropriate precautions and made a decision that was right for her.
That lady who ran Chicago right before giving birth is AWESOME! If you’re an pregnant endurance athlete, there’s no need to limit your activity unless there are complications with your pregnancy. It’s easy for non-athletes to say “it’s too much” or “it isn’t safe” but athletes are extremely in tune with their bodies, and as long as they are willing to stop immediately if they feel something is wrong, they should keep at it! I ran, biked and swam every day during my pregnancy, and now I’m training for a marathon shortly after giving birth. Training keeps me calm and happy, and I believe it’s making me a better mother. As long as mommy’s spend plenty of time with their babies, training and racing should never be put aside. It’s part of who we are!
If her doctor okayed it, then who am I to judge? Deffinitly not a medical professional! LOL! Women used to plow fields and pick cotton, have the baby and get back to work.
She had talked with her doctor and been okayed to run half and walk half. That’s what she did! I think it’s great she was able to do it and ate that so many people are judging her.
There is no way I could have run when pregnant. I pretty much gave up running at about 6 weeks along due to being incredible morning (all-day!) sick…and never was able to pick running back up until after the birth.
I walked and did yoga, but running was off the table for me. If she felt safe, felt strong, had her doctor or health care practitioner’s blessing and all was well with her baby, then…good for her for running. I haven’t read the article yet. Will do that next…We are all so individual & different in everything in life; to each her own.
Your pumpkin chocolate chip bread turned out awesome 🙂
Mmmmm. The bread looks good. I will definitely need to try that out!
Re:pregnant marathon lady. I agree with others. I’m not a doctor so it’s not my place to question something approved by the woman’s OB. When I first heard it I thought “Really?!?!” because I had to adjust my workouts so much due to exhaustion and the whole change in my center of gravity that comes with pregnancy, but I’m not an athlete like this woman. I would only have a problem with it if a doctor specifically told her not to and she ignored that advice.
That pumpkin bread looks sooooo delicious!
As for the Chicago woman, I agree with what many others have said. Everyone’s bodies are different. If she got clearance from her doctor and felt good, then I say power to her! I saw an interview with her on TV and she mentioned how she alternated between walking and running too, so she wasn’t going balls to the wall.
I need that pumpkin bread! It looks amazing!
Having just had a baby a mere 7 months ago, I can totally feel for this woman and the scrutiny she is facing. I ran and did crossfit until I was 8 months and swelling from pre-eclampsia made it unbearable to wear shoes, much less lift weights. Being pregnant is not a disease nor is it totally life altering. I think it’s funny how quickly people put pregnant women into this “you sit there and grow a baby category” instead of realizing that it’s healthy and encouraged to exercise. I say bravo zulu to her and I wish I had the ability to run a marathon NOT pregnant 🙂 she’s a rock star in my book!
I love salmon in eggs – especially salmon benedict or smoked salmon omelet.
I don’t really agree with the pregnant woman to ran the marathon. Regardless of what you think your body may be capable of or what your doctor approves, it just seems ridiculous to run a marathon while pregnant. Your baby is your primary focus and you should be doing everything possible to have a smooth and healthy pregnancy – and straining your body enough to run 26.2 miles is absurd. She has her whole life to run races – why not just take a break for 9 months?
Oh and I think there’s a HUGE difference between light exercise during your pregnancy to keep you and your baby healthy, and running 26.2 miles. That’s a lot of strain for a non-pregnant person in tip top shape, let alone a woman carrying a baby.
She didn’t run 26.2 miles; she ran half and walked half with her husband. And her doctor approved her to do so.
It doesn’t matter. She still moved 26.2 miles, and ran for 13. That’s absurd to me.
i walked 4 today and was exhausted afterwards. just goes to show that everyone is different, haha
I agree whole-heartedly. You don’t have to choose between lying in bed 24/7 and running 26.2 miles. There is plenty of reasonable middle ground. There’s no way she was at her mental and physical best going into delivery immediately after a 6-7 hour road race either.
I believe she had already ran two marathons during her pregnancy so it’s not like it was uncommon for her to be running that much. In fact, Kara Goucher maintained 80 miles of running per week when she was pregnant with her son( That was de-intensifying her workouts) and she gave birth to a healthy baby. If you continue to do what your body is use to before you’re pregnant and then make proper adjustments once you become pregnant, then who are we to judge? She was smart about her running, her doctor okayed it and she did a run-walk method finishing over 6 hours. What works for some people doesn’t work for others and clearly this worked for her.
I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m “judging” her. I agree that she is a fit, healthy woman who took the precautions that she deemed necessary. I know she got the ‘okay’ from her doctor, and that’s great, but there can’t possibly be much research on the effects of a 26.2 miler (at any pace) on a 38 weeks pregnant woman in 80+ degree weather. I am no expert, but I assume the fact that she went into immediate and rapid early labor as she finished the race is a sign that it was *somewhat* strenuous on her body.
In order to do a marathon, my guess is she had been training for a long time. If her body handled the training, I dont see the difference in the actual race. It would have been different if she was 30 weeks and threw herself into preterm labor, but 39 weeks? Eh. Good for her.
My October goal is to continue counting calories and Insanity. Day 3 done today and feeling great!
Your pumpkin bread looks awesome. I try not to even make banana, pumpkin, or zucchini bread because I end up eating the whole loaf myself in like 2 days.
I just posted about Amber Miller, too. At first I thought she was crazy, but the more I read about it… good for her. She knows her body and completed the race safely- in 6 hours 25 minutes. She clearly wasn’t racing and stayed safe. Obviously pregnancy isn’t a time to start up a new routine- like running and training for a marathon, but I think, if your body is used to it- why not?
Ohhh.mmmyyy. I need to make some Pumpkin Bread RIGHT NOW!! AHHH! <3 loveee! (:
I see running the marathon at 38+ weeks pregnant similarly to the way I see having a glass of wine at 38+ weeks pregnant. It probably won’t hurt the baby, but it definitely won’t HELP the baby, so why not just wait until you’re “bun free”?
She says “I’ve run 7 marathons. My body is used to it.” I say, “You’ve run 7 marathons. Why not sit this one out?” You can still be healthy and active and exercising right up to delivery day, but 26.2 miles seems a bit excessive – even for a seasoned marathon runner. I’m sure it’s not coincidence that she started having contractions as she crossed the finish line and delivered almost 2 weeks early within hours of completing it.
i like where you say the latter.. “you’ve run 7, why not sit this one out”… smart words!! 🙂 Agree 100%!
i recognize those mini pumpkins from trader joe’s!
as i commented on another blog this morning, this story is ALL OVER chicago (and sounds like the nation at this point). i have actually heard more negative comments about miller than positive. my mom and sister were talking about it last night commenting what a fool she was. i’m torn on what i think. on one hand, we all preach “listen to your body”. if she felt good, why not? the other part of me, though, knows that marathons are risky to ANYONE (even a trained, in-shape athlete as evidenced by the 35 year old firefighter who died during the race last sunday) and how could a pregnant woman, responsible not only for herself, but of her unborn child, take the risk? to each her own, but personally i would never do it.
I was out supporting the runners in the Chicago Marathon this weekend and it was killer hot! Runners were drenched, the sun was blaring, and it was nearing 80 degrees by noon! All in all, she’s a crazy girl!
oh goodness that bread looks fantastic!!
as for that extremely pregnant lady running half and walking half that marathon, i think its crazy and awesome. Since she was a very experienced runner i think she really knew what she was doing, i wouldn’t recommend it for anyone that doesn’t have lots of experience. Its still risky, but hey it turned out OK! but doesn’t mean everyone should do that when pregnant. Everyone is different. its hard to say if it was “right” or “wrong”.
That pumpkin bread looks delicious! I’m in the baking mood, I saw an almond butter cookie recipe with apple butter on top I have my eye on and I think this was just the motivation I needed to have me bake it! Thanks!
I’m planning on making a chocolate chip pumpkin loaf this weekend 🙂 My fall goal was to start running in preparation for a half marathon I’m doing in May, and I’ve stuck to my schedule, which is a big deal for me.
Along the lines of running, I’ve never been pregnant, so I can’t say what it would be like to complete a marathon at full-term. I do think she and her doctor knew what was best for her, and it’s not like she ran the whole thing, just half. I consider her pretty badass.
My spring goal is to increase strength in my upper body…i think im getting there i uped my weights in pump today!
the lady who ran the marathon pregnant is amazing.. there is no reason why she shouldnt, if she was just as active before becoming pregnant, her body would be able to cope with it. People are too quick to judge, she is the one who is best intune with her body and her baby and if she sensed anything was wrong she would have stopped…the fact that she gave birth to a healthy baby is proof of this.. SHE IS A SUPER MUM!! in every sence
That pumpkin bread does look awesome! Tis the season, you are totally right. As for the marathoner, I think we gotta live and let live. I don’t really care for people having a comment on everything I do, and I think it is the same for her. We don’t know her body, but she does. And I think that should be good enough!
I think the Chicago woman knew what she was doing. Completing a marathon in the time she did (6:25), she obviously wasn’t out there killing herself, sprinting or anything; sounds like she was smart and took it easy. If her body didn’t agree with her mind’s decision to do the race, she really would not have been able to complete it! Good for her!
I’ve never thought of putting salmon in an egg scramble – that sounds delish!
As for the pregnant Chicago marathon runner… I have mixed feelings. I personally feel like it sounds pretty risky, but at the same time, I’m sure she knew what she was doing if she’s ran several marathons in the past. I’m just glad to hear she and the baby are healthy!
Base gym = serious eye candy during your workout. The only downfall is having a bunch of troops ask you 5000 times if you need any help with the weights… maybe they should have pick up line class at bootcamp 😉
As for the marathon lady – I am training for one now and at age 25 with a healthy body it is an extreme challenge. I don’t know how she did that at full terms. I wouldn’t do it, but she is the only one who can make that decision for herself; and since she delivered a healthy baby I guess no one can really say much to her. It’s a toughie for sure.
I commented on someone else’s post on the topic. My only concerns are that the conditions were too warm for marathoning for most people, and there is evidence that marathoning temporarily weakens your heart. So to go through labor with a weakened heart sounds very scary to me. Of course, everyone is different, and you never know, I could end up considering the same thing too someday.
It’s really interesting to me to see some people’s comments on this post. I feel like bloggers often post about doing unconventional things that might not be supported by traditional MDs and seem to garner a lot of support and comments like, “Good for you for listening to your body!” And here we’re talking about a woman who got approval from her MD and did something she herself, given the experience of 7 previous marathons, felt comfortable doing, and a good handful of people feel it’s their place to judge. My guess is that it has a lot to do with our society’s beliefs about women and pregnancy and that we all somehow know what’s best for a pregnant woman.
Gina asked for opinions on the subject, which were presumably going to be a mixed bag of differing views. I don’t think that any of the comments are cruel, hateful or overly judgemental. You are entitled to believe that Amber Miller’s decision was 100% thought out, researched and responsible, and I’m entitled to believe that it carried moderate risks. I’m entitled to voice that belief 🙂
I don’t believe I said that you weren’t entitled to your opinion or that anyone was being cruel or hateful, but I do believe that your comments are making a judgment call on her decision. I don’t agree with the judgmental nature our society uses when it views pregnant women, and I do believe that’s where some of the comments on this post are coming from. Again, that doesn’t mean I think people are not allowed to have those opinions, but I do think it’s important to consider why we have certain beliefs or values.
that’s a really interesting point. a lot of people have come up to me after teaching zumba and said “are you sure you should be doing that? are you hurting your baby?” – it’s funny for outsiders to think they know what’s best when really, everyone is different. that being said, there’s no way i could run a marathon right now. buuuuut, i’ve never done one before
I’m going to have to do a lit search, but there’s interesting multicultural social psych research out there about what people believe is “okay” for women who are pregnant and just how far they’re willing to go to express those views. Anecdotally, I’ll never forget the time I was at Starbucks with one of my friends, who was about 6 months pregnant at the time, and someone came up to her–completely out of the blue–and said, “Are you sure you should be consuming caffeine right now?!” Again, that’s just an anecdote, but I think it and the experience you’ve had when teaching Zumba speak to the point.
Thanks for opening this space up for discussion on the topic 🙂
If I had been at the Chicago Marathon and had seen Amber Miller running, I would have smiled, waved and wished her well. Privately, I would have thought to myself, “I hope she’s okay. That’s probably not wise.”
When I was waitressing in college and a very pregnant woman ordered her third glass of wine, I served it to her with a smile on my face. Privately, I felt terrible about it.
When I pull up to a red light and see a 2 year old in their carseat and dad chain smoking in the front seat with the windows rolled up, I don’t give him the finger. I look away.
Children (born and unborn) are a hot-button issue for many people, because they are so defenseless. To question or berate a mother is judgemental. To be concerned is just human. I know we like to say that women are 100% in touch with our own bodies, but even the healthiest body can deceive you. I just personally think that tackling such a long race (when she had only ever done it 6 times previously in tip-top shape) was an unnecessary risk.
I think you make some great points, & I couldn’t agree more!
Agree. A lot of other doctors voiced their opinion on it saying that Amber’s doctor is insane for giving her the go-ahead. Granted they aren’t HER doctors, but still. I think it was ridiculous of her to run the race; it’s such a huge risk for the baby. Part of me feels like if she would ignore the risks and run the marathon anyway, then the baby probably won’t be the top priority now that she’s born either–it’s unfair to say that, but that’s just how I feel. When she ran the marathon, I don’t think Amber was being a responsible parent. Why not just WAIT and train for a marathon after the baby is born?
Great idea with the leftovers! My aunt does something similar, after a party she’ll save random veggies, meat, cheese, etc. and make an egg bake for breakfast the next morning. I really should try this myself!
I was recently diagnosed with celiac disease (at least wine is still safe!) and was wondering what brand of flour you think is best. I’m really so new to this way of eating and I’m trying to figure it all out! Pre-made GF bread products are SO expensive, and I know I should really start experimenting with baking myself. Perhaps I’ll start with this pumpkin bread? 😉
have a glass for me 🙂
try the bob’s red mill mix. it’s very easy to use, just don’t try it raw 😉
Will do! I’m volunteering at a wine festival this weekend (paid in wine!) so I’ll sample a few for you. 😉
Thanks for the recommendation! I have some Bob’s Red Mill pancake mix I’m hoping to try this weekend. I noticed that Bob’s Red Mill is MUCH cheaper than a lot of the other gluten-free stuff out there. Glad to hear it’s good!
OhMyGoodness… Tonight I made roasted asparagus topped with goat gouda! It was so good! I have to go to the store tomorrow for more asparagus! Had I not seen your post I would have never thought to top asparagus with cheese!
I have also never seen adding salmon to eggs but that sounds really good.
Your pumpkin bread looks great too!
i’m so glad you liked it! life-changer, right there 🙂
From an anthropological perspective, there is nothing wrong with her doing it. Our ancestors were constantly on the go, nomadic, and very, very active. Or else you were lunch for a predator, so it was normal for females to run, even after giving birth. It has only been since the advent of civilisation that the way that females do physical exercise during pregnancy has changed, and to be very frank, it is altering the way the body handles pregnancy and childbirth (along with poor nutrition).
When I was pregnant, I still walked 10km a day, even up steep hills, and still went to the gym and pushed myself. If your body is conditioned to a certain level of exercise, then it is fine to continue when pregnant, as your heart will be use to it, so no risk of causing harm to the foetus. It is important to maintain strength in both the skeletal and muscle tissue, as it allows for a easier birth and faster recuperation. Our ancestors didn’t have the luxury of staying in bed for 2 or 3 days recovering, they were on the go (exercise can also help shorten the length of post partum bleeding) to ensure their offspring surprised.
We, as a species, really need to re-examine how we look after ourselves, in terms of nutrition and exercise, as the amount of malnourished women I came across as a student midwife was an eye opener. The correlation between poor nutrition and exercise to birth outcomes is pretty grim.
Very Very good point!
Ditto… very good point!
Well.. what to do / not do while pregnant is prone to cultural interpretation. I think it’s quite Western to ‘take it easy’. My mum was an aid worker for two years in rural Zambia and woman there do not rest up. It is real, those stories about the women that literally stop working for 20 minutes to have a baby, strap that baby in a sling and get right back to work. I’m not saying it’s a better way… I was kind of horrified when my sister continued to smoke and drink during her pregnancy, but that is the way in the country she lives in and, as far as I could see, the people are normal, and healthy. As for the marathoner, if her baby has been experiencing the internal environment associated with endurance sport since the moment of conception, then that baby should have been fine with it. I’m sure that to someone that does this regularly, and loves it, 26 miles is not the bogey that it is to lazy people like me. 😀 I think she was taking it easy ‘for her’ anyway, doing only the half, walking with hubby.
Agreed. I think it’s easy to forget how much of what we believe about pregnancy and child birth is socioculturally conditioned.
That pumpkin bread looks delish! I love anything pumpkin!!!
Since she gave birth 7 hours after she finished it’s safe to assume the running starte or heightened the labor maybe? The little persons head bouncing up and down on her cervix? I don’t doubt she is in love with her child. But it did appear a little selfish to me to HAVE to complete this at 38 weeks. Sure she knows her own body and way, way too many women use pregnancy (any female, ahem,states) to act lazy and bitchy. She didn’t, so kudos I guess. I just right away start doing the math. Preg-50% more blood volume, plus being in shape before makes her heart extra efficient, WILL it compensate for the added activity. The placenta? Is is getting enough O2 and waste carried away, will it abruptio, good lord. I understand it all went well and she worked out plan with her Doc, but who called the media anyway? I think it was maybe more for attention than personal accomplishment. Glad everyone came out safe!
It was Amber’s father, the baby’s grandfather, who tipped off the media according to Amber’s brother (brocklucas) in the comments on this thread: http://rwdaily.runnersworld.com/2011/10/pregnant-woman-runs-chicago-delivers-uproar.html
From what he said, this was not a publicty stunt and no one expected that it would garner this kind of attention.
That looks great! Why have I not had any pumpkin yet??
As to the woman who gave birth to her baby right after running a marathon, I can’t really offer much, I’m not any kind of expert. I have to say, it does strike me as a bit risky! I’m just glad it all went ok!
I think it’s amazing that she ran a marathon before giving birth. I bet that baby popped right out, too! 🙂
I actually think the amount people are talking about it is kind of crazy and suprising. She had her doctor’s okay and her husband was at her side the whole time. I feel like (at least in my life) the same pregnant women who hated strangers talking about them and their bumps are outraged at this. Denna Kastor and Kara Goucher maintained high milage up until the day they gave birth. (I know this wasn’t an elite athlete but it’s an example that it could be done.)
I know the doctor okayed it, which technically makes it ok. But I just don’t think I would do it. I don’t think our bodies are really built to run marathons anyway (not that I don’t want to do one—I do), but especially carrying a child! I would be too worried about the baby to risk putting my body through all that stress that far along with a baby.
Mmm that pumpkin bread looks good! I’m in baking withdrawal right now because my oven is broken and my landlord hasn’t fixed it yet! 🙁
aww!
I guarantee you she wasn’t the only pregnant woman running/walking that day. I know of at least two women who have done it. I think you’re your own best judge of what your body can do.
You know what, I would love to take a Zumba class taught by you! But unfortunately, I live too far away 🙁
that would be so fun! i’m putting up a video next week, so that way, anyone who would like to can play along at home
I made that pumpkin bread over the weekend and it was yummy!! Thanks for sharing the recipe!!
so glad you liked it!
Just a quick question: if I’m not GF, can I follow the pumpkin bread recipe and just sub out the flour?
yep!
That salmon/egg scramble looks delicious!
Hi! I’m finally teaching my first Zumba class on Thursday. I’ve been certified for about 2 months, but I’m just super nervous I’ll direct the class wrong. Any suggestions? I know it’s a fun workout, but I’m afraid I’ll forget some choreography! eeK!
just have fun and make sure you practice like crazy until then! know your music and you’ll be fine!
I think she’s amazing! I gained almost 100 pounds while I was pregnant. Sure there is some middle ground between being lazy and running a marathon, but maybe the marathon is her middle ground. It sounds like she’s in great shape. 13 miles really isn’t that far to run, so I definitely don’t think what she did is over the top. I thinking walking the last half of the marathon would have been the hardest part because it took so much longer.
what gf flour do you use? im just getting into it, i would love some suggestions
i use the bob’s red mill baking mix- it’s great stuff
I think the preggo marathoner took all of the proper precautions to be able to run the marathon safely. We should applaud her for actually talking to her MD, because so many women don’t. I also think there are MUCH worse things that a woman can do during her pregnancy to put her child at risk, and it might be beneficial for people to think about THAT before they judge her.
And don’t get offended that I’m comparing people to animals, but I’d just like to point out that animals don’t get bed rest before they give birth. In fact, I know of a mare that was pregnant and the owners didn’t know and just thought she was getting fat. They were exercising her hard for hours a day, and cutting her feed, until the day the baby popped out. All they could say was “Oops! I’m SO sorry we were running you and starving you!” (It also didn’t influence her due date in the slightest, the baby was full term. 38 weeks is not a premie).
yum pumpkin bread looks so good… pumpkin doesn’t really exist at all here in france! im awaiting my return and some pumpkin spice lattes pumpkin pie pumpkin ice cream pumpkin protein hahahah :)D