Athlete Profile: Sara Hillman

Sara and I met through our Phoenix affiliate. She has been a member of Back Alley CrossFit since it’s garage days and watched it evolve into the mid-size affiliate it is today. She was one of the first people to make me feel welcome and at home. Since then our friendship has forged and she’s become my CrossFit preggers partner in crime!

Due August 2014, Sara experience a rocky start to her first pregnancy. Luckily, the bleeding stopped after close monitoring and lots of rest. Once she was given the go-ahead, this momma-to-be has been all CrossFit focused!

Her story:

It was August 2012. Belleville, Ill. native Sara HIllman was three months from her wedding in Phoenix, Ariz., and needed something that was going to take her workout routine to the next level. That summer, she had been observing “these CRAZY people running by her house in the Arizona heat, pulling fire hoses and flipping tires.” Needless to say, curiosity got the best of her. She worked up the courage to ask how to join. “Well, technically, I made Aaron (my fiancé at the time) stick a very professional letter with my resume attached in the mailbox politely asking if I could start working out with them.” Classic Sara move.

She was addicted from the beginning. “I have never had workout routine that has been so consistent and natural for me. I grew up a competitive gymnast so some components of CrossFit come easy,” Sara said. “The parts that do not come easy I like the challenge and I like seeing the progress in ability. I know that I perform better with others around me and a coach to hold me accountable.”

Naturally, she looked fab for her wedding:

Sara’s wedding day
©2012 Chadwick Fowler

Fast forward a few years and Sara and Aaron are excited to welcome their first baby. CrossFitting during her pregnancy has helped her maintain her sanity. Almost 20 weeks in and finally in her second trimester, she meets monthly with a nutritionist, thanks to a program at work. During the last year, Sara was able to establish a pre-pregnancy baseline for her body composition. At this point in her pregnancy she has gained 9 lbs and five of those are lean muscle mass.

Hillmans announce their expected babe in Key West

In addition to proven results on the scale, Sara has continued to pr, she’s participating in The Open, and she receives tremendous support from Aaron, her coworkers and fellow CrossFitters. When she feels discouraged or overwhelmed, “…all I have to do is look around me for inspiration and reminders of how blessed and privileged I am.”

Hubby Aaron watches as Sara competes in 14.1.

She chuckles when she thinks of some older women coworkers who insist she shouldn’t lift a box recommend she lighten her purse + work bag. “I think in the back of my mind…. If you only knew what I do at CrossFit.”

“NEWS FLASH: I am not the first person to have a baby. Our grandparents and parents did this before the Internet and self-help books,” said Sara. “A woman I work with was one of 15 kids raised on a farm in rural Minnesota. I think about what her mother went through raising children without all of today’s conveniences and I am truly inspired by her heartiness. Every person here on earth had a pregnant mother and I think if they can do it, I can do it.”

Right on, Sara. Right on!

Backsquat

More on Sara:

Other exercise practices: Yoga, Pilates, running

My goal in CrossFitting while pregnant is: My goal is to keep my sanity, keep my muscles, and not become as big as a house! Most importantly I hope that I am creating an environment for me and my baby that will results in a healthier pregnancy, an easier delivery, a speedy postpartum recovery, and a baby that loves to exercise. There are numerous benefits to early motor development for children and active lifestyles, my goal is to create that for my baby. I used to teach a mommy and me gymnastic class for babies ranging from six weeks to three months.

Finding CrossFit and Back Alley has allowed me to stay committed to my goals and to an exercise routine while thoroughly enjoying the people and the shenanigans that go on at the gym. I have gone through phases when I lived more of a sedentary lifestyle. I hope to never go back to that. When my alarm goes off in the morning I have that internal battle … ‘you are pregnant you need to sleep but then I remind myself that I don’t know what the future will bring, how I will feel, how my baby will be doing so I drag myself out of bed.’

Early morn split jerks are good for the soul

What exercise advice did your doctor provide you? Did you follow it?: I had an inconvenient first trimester. Nothing crazy or scary just a reminder that I cannot control everything. I was not getting to the box and my diet was anything that had carbs and cheese. My doctor has said a few things that has helped keep things in perspective: “Honey, you are pregnant during flu season there will be vomit.,” and “Sometimes it does not matter how much we are working out it’s our diet that will determine our results.” These tips have stuck with me.

I work with three Family Medicine Doctors at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix. They know more about me and my CrossFit lifestyle than my OB would ever know. They have truly supported me and encouraged me to continue CrossFitting while pregnant. They are constantly asking me for updates and checking in on my progress in pregnancy and at CrossFit. The best part is they have all worked very closely with my OB office through residency or their own pregnancies. The attention and advice they have given me is priceless.

Don’t drink the water at Back Alley CrossFit!

CrossFit and pregnant, where do you find inspiration?: YOU [CrossFit and Pregnant’s Meghan Leatherman].I cannot imagine trying to navigate through all of this without you forging the path before me in the box.

I also really don’t know what CrossFitting while pregnant would be like without Coach Melissa. She helps me modify as need be and at the same time she does not let me off the hook easy. She has a true talent for coaching with compassion and heart. Sometimes I think she knows my limits more than I do.

Setting 14.1 strategy with Coach Melissa

14.1 in action with Melissa and Aaron cheering and coaching her on.

Since doing CrossFit while pregnant, I’ve learned I am learning: The human body is truly amazing. It is such a blessing to be pregnant, healthy, and able to continue working out in a way that brings me such emotional and physically satisfaction. I am learning that my body is going to change and my never be the same but that will be OK because I will be a mother and I will continue to CrossFit when I feel good.

Nice deadlift!

Biggest CrossFit and pregnant challenge I’ve faced: To quit comparing myself to others. Every person is different, every pregnancy is different, and every workout is different. I am currently in last place in amongst Back Alley for The Open. It is hard to be OK with that.

Sara working hard early in her pregnancy

Do you follow a particular eating lifestyle?: Clean with a side of carbs and cheese. I have always preferred a more natural/ organic approach to eating. I grew up in the Midwest with a huge garden and a father that killed most of our dinner options. We had elk for dinner the other night and I have been searching for a butcher that sells game ever since. You can taste the difference in real food especially when you can pronounce all of the ingredients.

Best CrossFit and pregnant tip or secret you’ve discovered: My boss told me, “If you feel good, your baby feels good.” It seems so simple, but so perfect. There are so many warnings; don’t let your heart rate go over 140, don’t squat below 90 degrees, lifting your arms above your head will cause a miscarriage, don’t eat turkey, etc., but all that matters is that I am listening to my body and I (we) feel good.

Favorite quote: This one is from my wonderful Aunt Debbie…

NO CHILD OF MINE

No child of mine, I used to cry

Before the stork had fluttered by,

Will ever throw a temper fit,

Or bite or scratch or whine or hit.

Or wear a diaper ‘til he’s three,

Or sit for hours and watch TV.

Or dawdle so he makes me late,

Or leave his spinach on the plate.

Or act, in short, like other kids,

Who’ve made their parents flip their lids.

But, with the patter of baby feet

Are forty million words to eat.

-Betty Billup

Favorite girl WOD: Fran

Three words that describe me: Animated, Loyal, Devoted

When I’m not in the box, you can find me: Probably doing a home renovation project.

Don’t get in this momma-to-be’s way!

Pregnancy: Week 30

What an awesome week! Bulleted recap:

I got quality time at home with my boys
Got some great workouts in
I enjoyed the warm Phoenix sunshine and got a bit of color on my skin
I landed a new contract that will take me through Baby L’s arrival
I heard Sheryl Sandberg and other making waves kinda women speak
We hired a house cleaner to help me through Baby L’s arrival
Our Phoenix friends humbled us with a beautiful baby shower

Time with my boys / Phoenix sunshine

I’ve had the last two weeks off and it’s been glorious. In addition to having quality time in Nashville, I get extra time with my boys in Phoenix. This meant long walks with pooch, a trip to the dog park, running “critical” errands, and starting to nest.

Frankie running muck at the dog park

It’s the perfect time to live in the desert (but don’t talk to me come summer!). It’s chilly in the morning and evenings, but blue skies and warm during the day. I took advantage of being home and spent some time napping in the sun and browning the baby bump. The only thing missing was a pool.

New Contract

A friend from my previous contract led me to a new opportunity with a start-up focused on hospitality. It’s a great opportunity to apply my consulting skills from Booz Allen and to make a big impact in a short window. The people are great and very supportive of my pregnancy. Since that was a real hiccup of mine in the first trimester, it’s reassuring to work with people who value professionals for their capability – even if it’s only available for a short time.

Lean In

Take the Lead

ASU hosted Sheryl Sandberg and others for a Take the Lead kick off. While I was thankful to hear Sandberg speak, I was most impacted by Carla Harris. She had a charisma about her and her message on the importance of taking risks resonated since the past year has been a year of professional risks for me. Favorite Harris quote, “Failure brings you a gift – experience.” AMEN. And since I was called bossy as a kid, my favorite Sandberg quote:

I was called bossy

I’m seeing a lot of chatter around a Lean Out or Recline movement. While I get what the author is saying that women shouldn’t forget to kick up their feet and enjoy life, I appreciate the efforts of Sandberg and the Take the Lead and Lean In initiatives to empower women in the workplace AND fight for pay and position equality (especially since I’ll soon be a woman learning how to balance having a family and kicking ass at work). I digress…

House cleaner

Courtesy of whattoexpect.com

I love a clean house. The hubs is often frustrated by my OCD tendencies for perfection and order on the home front. However, this is nothing new, so he is super supportive (and understanding). Because I’m getting bigger and bending over now takes my breath away, I found someone with a price point that is allowing me to have her every two weeks. Not only does it free up time for us to enjoy the last few weeks together, but it also helps with that deep cleaning stuff that is cumbersome due to my new shape. #winning

Phoenix Baby Shower

CrossFit Baby and Momma

Chad and I were extremely humbled by the outpouring of love and generosity from our Phoenix family and we primarily have CrossFit to thank for that. Many of our friendships here are fairly new and just coming together, so I was surprised when Whitney and Carole offered to host a shower for us in the first place. Then to attend a beautifully thought out and perfect day AND to be showered with the generosity of so many … I’m brought to tears every time I think about it. As Chad said, “it’s the power of the CrossFit community.”

Our awesome hostesses under their hand-crafted sign

Whitney’s parents graciously had everyone at their ranch. They have a gorgeous, rustic home on a great piece of property with two horses, two goats and two sheep. It was so fun petting, playing and feeding the animals all afternoon. The girls had all the details covered – a frame for everyone to sign, a momma-to-be crown, mason jar mugs with chalk nametags, yummy food, a hand-crafted “Baby Leatherman” sign, AND an ice cream cake in our colors with an awkward baby on top. It was such a perfect day hanging out and spending time with friends. We are forever grateful.

Food spread and diaper cake!

Messages for Baby L

Ice cream cake and awkward baby!

Yup … that happened!

Feeding the goats

With one of the horses

Showered with gifts

Week 30 WODs:

February 17 – 2.5 mile walk with pooch

February 18 – warm up + 315m row

strength: Strict press 5×3 (80#) then Push press 5×3 (100#) then Push jerk 5×3 (105#)

Split Jerk 105#

metcon: 10 min amrap: 6 + 25, heart rate 165

15 air squats
10 sit ups
2 muscle ups (3 pull ups and 3 ring dips)

Ring Dips

Ring Rows

February 20 – warm up

strength: Back squat 5×3 (135#)

Back Squat 135#

metcon: modified Diane: 21-15-19: 12:13, heart rate 162

deadlift (115#)
strict press (subbed for handstand push up) (55#)

Food: nothing out of the ordinary. Continue to try to focus on paleo dinners.

Pregnancy: Week 29

Welcome to Nashville

We spent most of week 29 in Nashville visiting family and friends and enjoying some of the finest southern cooking and honky tonk music.

29 weeks – celebrating at The Stage

Honky Tonkin with CeeCee & Stache

Prior to our departure, we attended a baby care bootcamp at the hospital. Super informative and useful, the class taught us what to expect with Baby L the first three months. From play to cues to sleep, to growth and general resources, the few hours we spent with other expectant parents was valuable. Our next major step is picking a pediatrician. Luckily, our OBGYN provided us a great list.

Chad practicing

In Nashville, I was able to meet with a Lipscomb University student, Hannah, who is doing her Master’s thesis on CrossFit and pregnancy. Her focus is primarily post-delivery, and has received almost 200 responses to her survey “The Lived Experiences of Women Doing CrossFit During Pregnancy” from women around the world. So awesome and re-emphasizes the importance of women talking about their experiences since so much research is lacking. While I’m clearly not in the post-delivery stage, Hannah and I spent time chatting about my experiences – including my support group, how I regulate intensity and food. We also worked out together at CrossFit Talon – awesome group of people in Coolsprings; highly recommend!

With the women of CrossFit Talon

Our Nashville stay ended with a shower celebration. My parents hosted a great evening of fun, games and food with friends. Baby L certainly is spoiled with all the great loot!

Baby L’s cradle and presents

Advice jar

Kobe protects the presents

Classic: grown men chugging beer from a baby bottle

29 weeks

Week 29 WODs:

Feb. 10 –

Warm Up – 300m row, stretching

Strength – Split squat 5×10 with 100m sprint between sets. I worked up to using a 1.5 POOD kettlebell; heart rate was at 160

Metcon:17:07; heart rate 175

50 wall balls (8#)
50 KB swings (1 POOD)
50 air squats
50 toes to bar
50 sit ups (I did on bench)
Every minute on mint do 5 push ups

Feb. 14 (CrossFit Talon) –

Warm up – 600m run, stretching, calesthenics

Strength – Power snatch + Snatch: 5 at 65%, 4 at 75%, 3 at 85%, focus on OHS position. This was was difficult for me with the belly. I was pulling the bar out too far to make it around and messing with form. The coaches had me work on floor to hip progression instead.

Then every minute on the minute (EMOM) for six minutes two power snatch and one snatch at 70%. I used 45# bar and did one clean and two overhead squats.

Metcon: 5 rounds – 7:47, 170 heart rate

10 chest to bar pull ups (ring rows)
30 double unders (90 singles)

Food: Glorious southern cooking! Sweet tea, cornbread, pancakes, fried chicken, bar-b-que, we sampled some of the finest the south has to offer. No regrets despite the high sodium intake and over-indulgence we enjoyed. Definitely not a paleo-focused trip!

Favorite meat n’ three: Swetts

Fact: Preggers love froyo

Pecan pancakes from Pancake Pantry

Pregnancy: Week 28

It was a great week focused on yoga and long walks with pooch. My body is craving the yoga. The stretching and quiet time feels amazing on my expanding body. During shavasana, the baby gives me happy flutters. That makes up for the many poses I can’t do because of the babe’s positioning.

We had our monthly check up this week and met with one of the female doctors in the practice, whom we adore. She’s a realist and clearly loves her job. She walked through what I should expect in these final weeks and we also discussed my weight gain.

I’m up 26# and with the exception of my face rounding more, I’m primarily carrying all that weight on my front. The tatas are a heavy burden! We talked about how much I’ve grown in cup size; she was shocked at the dramatic jump and rationalized that as I was implying, majority of my weight is in my chest. Glad she agreed after the scolding I received last month from another (male) doctor in the practice.

While I haven’t really restricted myself of what I’m eating, I am conscientious to make sure I am consuming enough veggies, fruit, protein and calcium. I have definitely veered far off the paleo track, but our nightly meals are centered around our traditional paleo cooking. I’m having lots of yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and grain; more than I have in a year. It’s obviously going to take a toll on my weight, regardless of growing another human. The reassuring thing is that I know with strict paleo and heavy doses of CrossFit and hot yoga, the extra gain will slide off once Baby arrives.

My paleo sous chef

This appointment was also the time for my whooping cough vaccination, Rh factor shot and my glucose blood work. I was poked and prodded from head to toe!

To ease the eczema on my face, I found my trusty bottle of Bio Oil. This stuff is magic! After using it morning and night for a week, the dryness has subsided and the dullness/patchiness isn’t as extreme. Bio Oil is also known for working wonders on stretch marks. I’m going to start using on my belly and chest to help.

We ended our week with a date night at our church. It was a great opportunity to spend some quality, spiritual time together and meet other couples in our parish. It was much needed time for us individually and together.

Saturday was full of “nesting.” We bought some awesome furniture from a new boutique – Twigs and Twine. Then it was on to tackling the garage, which was in much need of organization and sorting. We felt very accomplished by the end of the day!

Baby L’s dresser

Awesome new chair

Week 28 WODs:

Feb. 3 – Flow Yoga with our favorite instructor. She provides lavender soaked wash cloths during shavasana. It adds such a nice touch to relaxation! I’m going to make sure we have some of her water soluble lavender oil on hand during labor since it has such a calming effect on me.

Feb. 5 – Centered Yoga, filled with hip and pelvic openers. Many of the poses will come in handy in April!

Feb. 6 – 2.5 mile walk with pooch, enjoying the gorgeous day, and deep cleaning the house. I mean deep; I worked up a good sweat!

Feb. 7 – 3 mile walk with pooch

Yoga with these gorgeous ladies!

Feb. 9 – Yoga with my lovely ladies, outside in the gorgeous sun. Can’t think of a better way to start the day!

Pregnancy: Week 27

It was another nutty week for us, but I managed to squeeze in some good workouts. Since the baby seems to love yoga and it feels amazing to stretch my expanding body, I’ve been more drawn to yoga classes lately.

I have definitely expanded through my belly, but am super thankful my backside isn’t widening. I’m also not swollen/showing signs of water retention. All great things.

Saturday morning, I treated myself to some much needed spa time. I enjoyed a body scrub, massage, and facial. Pure bliss! The baby was extremely active throughout the treatments; I wasn’t surprised since it loves everything else in my life that calms me (pooch, yoga, church).

Hospital Tour at 27 Weeks

Saturday evening, we went for a hospital tour. Since I’m new to the Valley and pretty unaware of the hospitals, I was thankful to learn that our hospital has a NICU and is Level 3 trauma. We also know some of the nurses in labor and delivery, which makes our lives so much easier!

Week 27 WODs:

Daily walks with pooch.

Family hike

Jan. 26 – Hike with the hubs and pooch. Went 2.25 miles on one of our favorite trails. Definitely worked up a good sweat since it was a warm day.

Jan. 28 – Good Morning Yoga class focused on deep stretching

Jan. 29 – warm up

Deadlift 145#

strength/skill: deadlift 5×10 Took our time and worked up to 145#. Probably should have worked in another 20#s.

Food: With the stress I’ve endured, my appetite isn’t as strong (which definitely isn’t keeping me from gaining weight – I promise!). I love eating greek yogurt with granola and still find the greatest satisfaction from comfort foods. I always attempt to make a casserole paleo, if I can figure it out. Drinking lots of water, but still love coffee in the morning. My face is definitely showing signs of dullness and eczema so I’m hoping my increased water consumption will help.

Pregnancy: Weeks 19-26

Phew. I am worn out. Hence my dramatic, lengthy absence from the blogging-sphere.

It all started with work. I’ve been working two jobs and try to work in a third whenever I can find time (which hasn’t been often lately). Some days, I work both jobs. Week 19 was a mess of hours, which left no time for WODs, yoga or blogging. All I managed to squeeze in was walking the pooch. At least I have pooch to get my heart rate up a bit!

All that rolled right into the hectic holidays. This was the first time we didn’t travel, but that didn’t mean we weren’t running around town seeing family, friends, and holiday spectacles. It was a great time. Pooch was completely into unwrapping gifts; that will be fun next year when we also have an eight-month-old!

Since then, my window for WOD opportunity has been narrow, and typically sleeps wins over working out. I’m definitely not proud of this. In fact, I’m extremely disappointed in myself. I’m trying to self correct by attempting for at least one yoga session, two CrossFit WODs, and a very long walk or hike with pooch a week (in addition to our daily 20-30 minute neighborhood walks). It’s improving with time. It also helps that I have another CrossFit preggy friend meeting me in the box – all about accountability!

I do miss having the bar in my hands and the power of lifting. It’s definitely not lost on me that I need to maximize my time while I have it.

Highlights:

Leslie gave birth to a healthy baby boy during my 19th week. They are adjusting well and Les is working her way back into the box. She’s definitely an inspiration!
Baby L started moving Dec. 22 and hasn’t really stopped. It’s one active kid!
Baby L is most active when we go to church, do yoga, or pooch is snuggled next to me. I think I’m growing a world peace advocate!
All the ultrasounds have been reassuring – we counted 10 toes, 10 fingers, saw the inside of the cranium, saw multiple organs and watched it move.
Food has balanced out. And now, during week 26, I am much more focused on paleo again. Still definitely need carbs, but haven’t had as many cravings.
Now that I’ve truly popped, the best clothes were acquired at H&M. Fashionable and cost-effective; what’s not to love?! I also found some great dresses from Gap and Nordstrom; J.Crew also launched its maternity pant line, which helps for work-wear. Still trying to work in as much of my regular wardrobe as possible.
We set up our registries at Target and on Amazon. Thanks to valuable input from a number of my mommy-friends, this task was still daunting, but we had awesome direction. We’re using the KISS methodology and trying to focus on the absolute necessities.
As I mentioned above, I got back into yoga and it feels amazing. I’m sticking with gentle yoga or centered yoga. As much as I love power yoga classes, the rooms tend to get too hot and at this point, I couldn’t keep up.
I’ve had to scale back my make heart rate during the metcon. Instead of pushing 165-170, I’m keeping more in the 150-160 range.
When I do get to the box, I’m still able to lift quite a bit of weight. Yay!
The chiropractor has kept my overall health and wellness stable. As I’ve grown, it’s been nice to have bi-weekly and now weekly adjustments to reduce tension and ease my joints. Highly recommend!

Progress pictures:

Ring dips with Baby L; 19 weeks

The awesome Coach Melissa

20 Weeks

21 Weeks

22 Weeks

23 Weeks

24 Weeks

25 Weeks, with Poppa after he finished the Phoenix Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon

Pregnancy: Week 18

What a crazy, fun week of thanks! We are thankful for this journey and the opportunity to share our experiences. Thank you for joining in on the fun!

Early in the week, we drove to San Diego to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends. We manged to get some great workouts in along the way.

Coronado Dog Beach with the Darrells, who sent us my awesome belly stickers

I’m definitely getting bigger and the bump is even more obvious. Everyone thought that I grew during our time in San Diego (perhaps it was from all the yummy food we consumed!).

Team Leatherman on Thanksgiving

Highlights from our trip: CrossFitting at my old box, CrossFit Elyisum, running Fr. Joe’s Turkey Trot 5K, and spending time at Coronado dog beach.

Week 18 WODs:

Nov. 25 warm up 500m row (152 heart rate) + pull up progression

Strength/skill: deadlift 5×5 at 80%; 175# (went beyond 80% because it felt good!)

Metcon: Ran 1.25mi with Frankie (165 heart rate)

CrossFit Elysium’s Coach Paul

Nov. 27 (CrossFit Elysium) warm up CFx1 + hip/ankle mobility

Strength/skill: Back squat 6×2 at 80%; 130# (went beyond 80% because it felt good!)

Metcon: “Karen” – 150 wall balls for time; 12:30 with 10# ball (heart rate 168)

Team Leatherman prior to Fr. Joe’s Turkey Trot in Balboa Park

Nov. 28 Fr. Joe’s Turkey Trot (5K). Felt great to run with my boys! We opted not to do it timed, but managed to finish in 38:54 (which included a potty break!). Heart rate to 165.

Took an afternoon walk (~1.25 miles) with the family after dinner, taking in a lot of hills.

Nov. 29 Walked Coronado Dog Beach

Nov. 30 Walked 5 miles around Miramar Lake in 75 minutes. My quads were shot from the first part of the week, so felt great to just walk on a flat surface for a long distance.

18 weeks

Athlete Profile: Leslie Spector

Leslie, Meghan and their bumps

When I first started writing this blog, one of the first women I reached to was my friend Leslie. We met at our current affiliate and she was more than willing to share her experience. I’m so impressed by her dedication to CrossFit, while balancing being a wife, mommy to a toddler, full-time educator, and preparing for baby #2. And you guys, she looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I hope I look this fit when I’m 30+ weeks into pregnancy.

Leslie: 30+ weeks and lifting strong, while looking amazing!

Leslie’s story:

Leslie pre-pregnancies

Phoenix, Ariz., native Leslie Spector began her CrossFit journey September 2010 in an effort to train for Ragnar 2011, a 200-mile team relay race and to medicate her recent diagnosis of bipolar disorder, naturally (i.e. sans drugs). CrossFit, in combination with paleo eating, did the trick, shaving more than two minutes off her mile time and balancing her moods like never before.

“Unfortunately, I suffered a hip flexor injury during the race, earning me three months of physical therapy and rehab,” said Leslie. “Shortly after this I became pregnant, exercising very moderately. Despite being healthy and active, my body decided it needed a reset and after only a few weeks, I miscarried.”

Following the devastating loss, Leslie suffered some depression (understandably!) and self-medicated with “laziness in combination with deliciously gross food.” She became pregnant again almost immediately and was terrified of everything this time. The result? A sedentary pregnancy and a total of 70 lbs gained.

Leslie & Sophie

After an emotional roller coaster of a pregnancy (she chose to go without medication for her bipolar disorder) and the somewhat traumatic birth of her daughter, she was determined to get healthy again. And Leslie wasn’t merely focused on her physical health; she wanted the full mind, body, spirit health. After walking, then running, then a round of Insanity, she craved more and found Back Alley CrossFit, a Central Phoenix Box, in October 2012. She was able to shed those 70 pounds with CrossFitting Rx, until pregnancy #2 happened.

Now, at the end of her second pregnancy, Leslie has maintained her CrossFit and paleo lifestyle, feeling better than ever and more relaxed for baby Spector #2 to arrive.

30+ weeks pregnant

Pregnancy: Week 16

It was a great week. Back in the swing of everything after our cross-country trip and CrossFit Level 1 Coaches Seminar.

I’m quickly out growing my clothes, even the clothes I saved from my heftier days. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to dress for work everyday. Luckily I’m in a pretty casual workplace where leggings are acceptable.

We had our monthly doctor check up this week. This visit, we met with another doctor in the practice. In the event our doc isn’t available during our delivery, the office recommends we meet with everyone to familiarize ourselves. Lucky for us, we LOVED this doctor and I would feel very comfortable if she ended up as our delivery doctor. She was impressed I haven’t been sick and that I’m still CrossFitting.

We heard Baby L’s heartbeat again – a rate of 155 – nice and steady! I’m tracking where I should be with weight gain and all my vitals are healthy (thank you, CrossFit!).

Week Sixteen WODS

Nov. 10 (second day at CrossFit Level 1 Coaches Seminar)

Strength/skill: The day focused on perfecting the final fundamental moves: the deadlift, sumo deadlift high pull and med ball cleans

Metcon: 8 min AMRAP – 8 push ups, 10 med ball cleans (20/14), 12 sit ups – 6 rounds

Nov. 13 warm up 500m row (150 heart rate)

Strength/skill: strict press 5×5 – got to 75, failed after third rep

Metcon: 3 rounds – 10 power cleans (135/95) – I did 65#, 15 hspu, 20 box jumps (24/20) – I did step ups, 100m run – 10:46 (heart rate reached 170 at height of workout. Was easy to pull back to lower it).

Nov. 14 warm up 2 min row (390m)

Strength/skill: tabata slam balls (25/15), sit ups – didn’t keep track of reps every round

Metcon: 20 min clock. 200m walking lunges. Remaining time: 5 weighted squats (45/25), 10 ring dips, 10 kb sumo deadlift high pulls (2/1.5 pood) – I did 1 pood – made it six rounds. Heart rate hovered around 165, which is my max.

Nov. 16 Family hike almost 3 miles in about 45 minutes. At the peak of the incline, I was breathing pretty heavy and needing water. Otherwise felt great and was awesome to be outside again now that the temps are normal.

Bump – 16 weeks

Food: Pretty paleo with some sort of bread at meals. Loving lemonade and ginger ale when not drinking water.

Pregnancy: Week 15

Bump – 15 weeks

This was a nutty week for us because we moved my MIL across the country. We’ve driven across the country a number of times, but it definitely wore on me more than ever.

As a result, working out was not a priority. I manged to sneak one in, thanks to the CrossFit Level 1 Coaches Seminar we attended the weekend we returned from the moving trip.

Something I’m struggling with is finding cute, affordable maternity clothes. I obviously know about all the standard stores, but there isn’t much I’m drawn to. Hoping with the holidays fast approaching, the options will improve. I’m most focused on finding work appropriate dresses and pants.

Week Fifteen WODS

Nov. 9 warm up

Strength/skill: The entire day focused on perfecting some of the fundamental moves: the air squat, front squat, overhead squat, press, push press and push jerk.

Metcon: 3 rounds/10 min time cap – 15 thrusters (95/65) – I did 45# + 12 burpees (modified to push ups & jumping jacks) – 8 minutes

Food: Pretty similar to week 14 (Loving lemonade, iced tea, Popsicles, and eating WAY TOO MUCH Halloween candy. Ugh! Otherwise, fairly back to normal. I am needing carbs/grains to get me through the day). Definitely working in more paleo options, especially for the hubs since he’s being more disciplined.

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CrossFit & Pregnant

Here's to the next nine months!

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