So quick question…….

…..are you cyclists/tri-athletes really getting your biking workouts in like this lady I was STUCK behind in rush hour traffic???

If so, I may have to call your bluff and say – not a true cycling workout lol

The above cyclists was quite the spectacle. Literally weaving in and out of cars and riding in the centre lane only to stop suddenly like she was a car. I have seen some entitled cyclers in my day but NEVER have a seen one dressed in bum padded bike shorts, an arrow-dynamic helmet and all the gear to boot literally riding as if she was a car.

*FYI it should be noted I ride on the streets on my bike too – I’m not a mean driver; I’ve been on the biking side of things. However, this chick was asking for me to run her over

In other news….I’ve been walking a lot more.

I actually even ran last night!!! YAY me it was super hard. I am still kind of sick in my nose and chest, so maybe that added to it. I haven’t done ANY running since Around the Bay! ahhhh. So I hope to walk and run and get some of my cardio back up during this pregnancy so I can resume normal running in the fall.

I’ve been eating pretty well. I made egg salad sandwiches two days this week but used 0% greek yogurt instead of mayo. It actually worked out perfectly

….and yes, I’m still obsessed with pickles

I’m done my training and I am now working 25hrs/week (though that is likely to increase) Plus my one shift per week at my old job. I’m traveling around from branch-to-branch now and it should prove interesting.

I’ve really got to work on NOT including my name tag in my blog selfies oops.!

Rex is loving summer life. He hasn’t been going on the tready in the mornings in the last 6 weeks that’s something I’d like to change. Since we’re preparing that extra workout/office room for Logan’s new room the treadmill is now downstairs in the basement. Not yet easily accessible. But at least he is loving his outdoor walks now that it’s warm out

Anyway nothing else has really been happening. Life is pretty boring here and I’m just hoping and praying that once this sickness leaves me for good I don’t get anything else this summer!

Only ONE more week till we find out if Little Lo gets a brother or a sister I can hardly contain myself!!!!!!

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who’s racing this weekend???

what kinds of things do you swap out for greek yogurt ??

any tri-athletes/cyclists care to comment on how they road cycle?? why was that girl in the middle of traffic with her clipless pedals!?!??!

Blogging seemed a lot less time consuming and even easier when I did it all the time.

Explain that one to me

I apologize for my lack-o-presence here in the blog-o-sphere. I’ve been really sick this entire pregnancy. Both prego reasons and actual illnesses. I highly doubt you guys want to hear about me coming home from work and falling asleep right after dinner, only to wake up and do it all over again however, I’ve been wrong before. lol

Some highlights…as I attempt to slowly blaze back into this awesome community…

I’ve been eating well….well enough for 4 people that is!

When I get pregnant, I don’t kid around. I immediately give up on body image and eat whatever the heck I want, when I want and sacrifice my vain ways in order to enjoy all foods amazing!

I have been LOVING olives and pickles but my main squeeze as of late are SWEETS! Of any kind. I have been drinking fruit juice (something I never do) eating fruits like their in season

and also indulging daily in bad sugar snacks….

Whatever! this is the last time I’ll ever been pregnant again. I know I’ll regret it when dear baby is out and I’m left wonder how I still have 40lbs to lose but for right now, I’m OK with this

At least I’ve been walking….that is when I’m not puking, or dying because I can’t take cough or cold medication or when I just plain pass out from exhaustion.

and I’ve been really looking forward to running again. I don’t know how pregnant people run. I really wanted to be one of them but it doesn’t look like that’s happening. EVERY time I decide I’m going to try and run, something puts me back on the bench I’m taking this as a sign. WALK instead

My mother’s day was great! So I hope you all got spoiled too xo

Logan made me a beautiful plate with both of us on it and a lovely card, which he explained is an airplane flying

Then Colin took us all out for brunch buffet!!!! SCORE we were there before the rush. I wish I had eaten more in hind sight. I really need to utilize this pregnancy for bigger portions.

I received a beautiful carnation and slept the rest of the day and watched some more Veronica Mars. = GREAT

Oh and because some of you were asking for it…..here is my baby “bump” or in this case we will call it my food belly plus 18 weeks of baby development

I’m much bigger, quicker, this time around but I blame that on memory. My body looked so much tighter last time…….oops. Food. Why must you be so good. I am gaining the normal amount of weight, so I won’t worry about it

….for now anyway.

PS: we are going to find out the gender of the baby in 2 weeks!!!!

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how was your mother’s day??

someone tell me about their running. I miss is more than words can express!

favourite sweet snack to indulge in?? or current craving in the mix??

My new favourite tv series is Veronica Mars. Colin suggested I start watching it and all I can say is – LOVE. I wish I was a private eye

My training period at work is almost over. I only have 1 week left and then I’m all over and working all by myself. There’s so much to remember at the bank but I’m confident that I’ll be able to figure it out and succeed. ….at least I hope I can. In the mean time, know that I’ve been enjoying my spring lunch periods purchasing wonderfully delicious treats at the neighbouring ice cream shack

Seriously….it’s like every pregnant woman’s dream to have ice cream within walking distance and yes, that IS one of my top picks: Moosetracks! YUM

Colin started to finish the back patio that we started last year and I’ve been cleaning out my gardens. This year I’m behind but I’ve got some big plans. Since our front yard gets the most sunlight we’re planning on expanding the garden there and mixing flowers with edible foods Can’t wait!!!

* yes, we use our garden hose to map out where we will remove the grass for the garden it’s going to be big! 

Unfortunately my Grandmother passed away on Monday evening so that’s why I didn’t get around to blogging. I am really upset about it, as she was one cool woman I am just happy that she died peacefully and that she had a great life. I will definitely miss her and her beautiful energy

* the above pic was a selfie taken at the performance of Aladdin. I took my grandmother to this thinking it would be an awesome play and it in fact turned out to be aimed at children Logan’s age. LOL 

Last night my brother and I headed into Toronto to go watch Colin play a show. After a quick stop at the record store we headed down to the Central to cheer Colin on. I asked Colin to make sure we were on the guest list….

….when we got there and told the ladies at the door our names she said “Oh ya, it’s cool, your dad already paid for you guys” …….OMG!!! LOL Colin is apparently our dad. He’s never living that one down.

I spent the entire day outside today but I’m still not running. I hope I will soon. Now that I have benefits I’ve been thinking about going in for some ART but first I have to get over yet ANOTHER sickness. I really can’t seem to catch a break this year.

Anyway….I guess you guys would like to know who the lucky winner of the Tommie Copper long sleeve shirt is……

it’s STACEY H!!! CONGRATS!!!! email me lady and we’ll hook you up alimc[at]runningwithspatulas[dot]com

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do you like ice cream?? or do you have another summer treat that you can’t resist???

anyone know about gardening?? I’m really interested in learning about mixing vegetables in with ornamental flowers. Colin likes curb-appeal, I like living off my own land. 

what’s the weirdest thing a stranger has assumed about you??? maybe you’re pregnant when you weren’t?? maybe that you’re older/younger than you are??? spill the stories….

I once had someone SWEAR I was a twin to a person they knew. It was extremely awkward. They didn’t just think I looked like them, they actually believed i was lying about my identity and that I was either this girl whom they knew or I MUST be her twin. ……ummm no. 

do you still have your grandparents??

nope. That was my last living one  

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION. If you would like more information on Tommie Copper and their other products please visit their website. 

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Kristin offered to send me a long sleeve compression shirt in one of TC’s new exciting colours….I was very happy with the teal one that came in the mail. It has been no secret how much I love Tommie Copper and all their great compression gear. Add this long sleeve to my list of TC favs

I am not only excited that TC has more options than just black but also that there is a long-sleeve option. I only had the short sleeve compression shirt before but when I run my arms tend to bother me. I’m pretty sure this is just a sign I’m weak and need to build up some upper body strength, as swinging your arms while running shouldn’t really bother you, but mine do

I only got to go on one run with this shirt because, as most of you know – I’m not running. So most of my time spent in this awesome teal baby was spent relaxing…..I mean recovering

After I started my new job I noticed an on-going pain running along one side of my back. I assume this must be caused by poor posture and standing/sitting around all day. A few hours lounging around in my TC long sleeve and BAM! I felt great relief.

The material is super comfortable and isn’t restricting like traditional compression gear. I can’t imagine napping in some of my other compression gear but Tommie Copper’s is easy to pass out in It should also speak volumes that I’m pregnant and wear this! As normally I want to be in the most baggy stuff possible, but this shirt doesn’t chafe me at all. It’s smooth, light and very comfy.

It wicks away sweat like the rest of their gear and relieves aches and pains in my shoulders, arms and back – I’m in love

From their website: 

Tommie Copper’s women’s long sleeve compression shirt uses compression to provide support for the muscles and joints in the neck, shoulders, torso and back.

• Comfortable enough to be worn all day under your work clothes.
• Wear while working out in cooler climates
• Wickable fabric keeps skin dry
• Helps provide support for shoulder and back strains and sprains 
• Gentle, effective compression allows for 24 hour use, even while asleep
• Machine washable. Do not use fabric softeners.
• Long sleeves provide full upper-body compression
• Provides warmth
• $59.50
• sizes S-XXL

What I loved:

• Loved the colour! I think it’s very flattering and looks good on most complexions
• I am impressed with TC’s comfort-factor. It seems like a lot of thought goes into the fact that they want you to be able to wear this all day.
• Aides in relieving back pain, shoulder pain and general aches.
• Comfortable enough to sleep in.
• Wicks away sweat and leaves me feeling cool on a run.
• Nice as a base layer in the cooler running months and nice by itself in the fall and spring.
• doesn’t feel tight at the joints (as some compression gear digs in when you bend your arms)
• Fits around my pregnant belly
• logo placement is at the bottom so you can wear the shirt under a blazer or sweater and no one is the wiser

What I didn’t love:

• sometimes rides up when you run (their short sleeve one used to do that to me sometimes)…I think it’s just the material or perhaps my body? but I have to pull it down or tuck it in.
  

The Bottom Line:  

Once again I’m impressed with the overall quality and performance of TC’s compression gear. I don’t know many people who don’t get some kind of ache or pain in their backs – this shirt is great for providing temporary relief and is super comfortable while doing so. I’d recommend this to anyone that needs the longer sleeves for warmth and/or suffers from any shoulder, arm or back pain.

I dare you to tell me how big I look…….

Want one for yourself???

TC is offering one lucky winner a long-sleeve compression shirt of their own (guys, don’t worry there’s a men’s version) I believe it’ll be in teal, but go have a look at all their new colour options!

to enter:

• Tell me why you want to try this product and leave it in the comments below 

additional entries:

• what’s your favourite colour for sports gear?? (it doesn’t have to be one that they offer)
• SHARE THIS GIVEAWAY!!! 

Giveaway closes Saturday May 3rd @ 10pm EST and One lucky winner will be chosen using random generator and posted here on Sunday. GOOD LUCK!!!

It’s warm out

I wore a dress to work today and even went for a nature stroll along the lake front during my lunch. sigh….I love spring!

Work is going really well. I actually throughly enjoy working at the bank. It’s very challenging and keeps my mind guessing. I still have 3 more weeks working full time until my training is done and then I’ll be back down to 25hrs/week. We’ll see how much I like it then

Logan is kicking butt at daycare! He’s loving it and seeing all the happy pictures of him as well as hearing all his stories makes me feel like I’ve made a great decision.

On the running front….well I’m out of commission. I want to run more than anything but my groin is the WORST!!!! I haven’t run since ATB I miss it a lot. I hope to get out there but really worry about making my groin/hip worse. It feels like a deep, deep tear.

Unfortunately, when you’re pregnant you can’t have xrays or an MRI….so I won’t be able to  get a proper diagnosis until after the baby gets here…..

….speaking of which. I have been working on a full disclosure/update post for you all filling you in on all the babe deets. BUT for now I’ll answer your immediate questions you left in the comments on my last post…..

How far along are you?

• I’ll be 15 weeks on Saturday. 

when are you due?

• October 16th 

how have you been feeling?

• I have been feeling GREAT. However, that was not the case in my first trimester. I was so nauseous and some days couldn’t even get out of bed. Running hasn’t agreed with me, but the injury is what’s been really holding me back. 

do you know the sex/will you find out?

• We don’t know. We have the option of finding out at 20 weeks. We most likely will find out. 

have you told Logan?

• YES! we told Logan as soon as we knew. 

how does Logan feel about the prospect of having a sibling?

• LOVES IT! he is really excited and can’t wait. he talks about having his own baby too, so it’s funny. 

Currently the only thing that really sucks is that I’m expanding like crazy! I guess the body has memory or something b/c I’ve been growing much faster than I did with Logan. ARGH!

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what’s been happening with you?? I need details!

how’s the weather where you live?? is spring finally starting to show her face? or still trapped in winter?

favourite season?

fall or spring. lol

anyone else pregnant right now??