Goodbye fall. Hello winter.

Up until just a few weeks ago, Adam has been riding his bike to work downtown.  It's just over 40 km round trip and he's loved it.  He looked into being all hard core and getting chains for his tires, so that he could ride through the winter but after doing some research he said, "I just picture myself riding in -20 at 5:30 am and realize that I would probably end up hating it."  Good call Adam, good call.  So it's back to the bus for him now and he will ride again in the spring.  I think we will start doing the Insanity videos together in the evenings, so that he can get more exercise in his life.

Adam raced in a duathlon this fall and placed 3rd overall.  So impressive!  A duathlon was perfect to train for because he was already riding to work and running during some lunch hours.  The run was on trails out near Bragg creek.  Both of us would love to get into trail running more at some point.

Ivy and I have been getting out almost every day to run.  As it gets colder, we both just add on layers of clothing and it's been surprisingly comfortable.  She stays quite toasty all bundled up in the chariot.     

I'm pleasantly surprised that my body can handle running everyday.  I used to think that I needed a day of cross training in between runs but wanted to challenge that theory a couple months ago.  I add in some strength training here and there and I feel like I have the right approach to exercise for this stage of life.  Plus, now I have a running buddy! (Thanks Kirsty).  I love the convenience of running and I'm glad to avoid the gym until she's older.  I did the gym when Kyla was little and found it hard booking in an exact time with a napping baby and she was sick quite a bit, I assume from all the other kids and germs. 

I've been asked whether I'm training for any races and I'm not.  I feel like if you're going to have a goal, it should add something to your life.  Bring you joy in some way.  Racing at this stage wouldn't do that for me right now.  I have really enjoyed my exercise the past 8 months because it feels like a rehabilitation process.  I've seen so many gains, which is exciting.  I have gained back so much of the muscle I lost during pregnancy, strengthened up my core and pelvic floor and increased my cardiovascular fitness.  I feel healthy,  strong and so grateful for this body that I've been able to use for amazing purposes; to bear three children, race around the world and live a full life.  Pregnancy takes quite a toll on the body and it takes time to recover, that's for sure.  Taking care of myself physically helps me to feel well and be able to offer more to my family and others. Exercise  has been such a blessing in my life.