It’s been a while, but I thought it was probably time to get an update up. It is one thing to share on the internet a race report for a swim, bike and run, but a whole other thing to share what’s going on in my uterus and that’s been the major cause for delay.
About 5 months ago I had a feeling I might need to do a pregnancy test…..but also had another feeling that I was probably over-reacting. The chances of even getting pregnant were supposed to be less than 4% with the contraceptive, combine that with the amount of training I was undertaking and I was working physically hard on my recovery days on the farm, I believed it was more than likely that my body was just exhausted, I was asking a lot from it. Eventually, I did a test…..then I did two more tests……then I found myself on google typing; ‘likelihood of false positive pregnancy test’. For your knowledge, there is no likelihood of a false positive pregnancy test, unless you are male, in which case you probably have testicular cancer.
True.
Elliot’s response (the man responsible) was probably the most surprising as it revealed a couple things, mainly the undeniable love he has for his dog and that deep down, he had probably been quite keen to reproduce for sometime….
After a call telling him he needed to come home immediately from work, but not saying why (it was one of those things I thought I should say in person…), his first reaction was 'Oh! Thank God! ..I thought the dog had died!', which was then followed by, 'how did this even happen?', then after a moment’s thought, declared 'I am really excited, this is great'.
Life literally changed overnight. I went from training 20-30 hours a week in prep for the next two ironman races in which travel plans had been arranged and the rest of the season planned out through to mid 2015, to the sudden realisation that potentially none of this would be happening and that there would need to be another focus and new plan in place. Without the ability to race my income was about to take a hit and job prospects for pregnant women aren't exactly widely advertised.
About 5 months ago I had a feeling I might need to do a pregnancy test…..but also had another feeling that I was probably over-reacting. The chances of even getting pregnant were supposed to be less than 4% with the contraceptive, combine that with the amount of training I was undertaking and I was working physically hard on my recovery days on the farm, I believed it was more than likely that my body was just exhausted, I was asking a lot from it. Eventually, I did a test…..then I did two more tests……then I found myself on google typing; ‘likelihood of false positive pregnancy test’. For your knowledge, there is no likelihood of a false positive pregnancy test, unless you are male, in which case you probably have testicular cancer.
True.
Elliot’s response (the man responsible) was probably the most surprising as it revealed a couple things, mainly the undeniable love he has for his dog and that deep down, he had probably been quite keen to reproduce for sometime….
After a call telling him he needed to come home immediately from work, but not saying why (it was one of those things I thought I should say in person…), his first reaction was 'Oh! Thank God! ..I thought the dog had died!', which was then followed by, 'how did this even happen?', then after a moment’s thought, declared 'I am really excited, this is great'.
Life literally changed overnight. I went from training 20-30 hours a week in prep for the next two ironman races in which travel plans had been arranged and the rest of the season planned out through to mid 2015, to the sudden realisation that potentially none of this would be happening and that there would need to be another focus and new plan in place. Without the ability to race my income was about to take a hit and job prospects for pregnant women aren't exactly widely advertised.
It was simply good timing that the week I found out I was pregnant was the same week as the deadline for the second semester university enrolments. I’m not far off finishing my degree, I simply figured that life as an athlete is short, retirement after that is long and I had goals I wanted to achieve while I still had the ability to do so. But with no races planned for a while now, this as a great opportunity to finally complete it.
Usually my idea of a productive day is measured by a level of physical exertion, training can be anywhere between 2-7 hours, so it was a big adjustment to suddenly be spending so much time indoors sitting through lectures, studying in the library or staring at a computer and in the beginning the change in environment wasn't something I embraced so much. Given time, it wasn't a big issue, simply an adjustment that had to be made and now I feel really fortunate that I even had this option. Like any change, eventually we have to adapt.
I was a bit worried that I had very little experience with kids and soon enough Elliot and I would have our own. However at the same time friends needed help with some afternoon care for their two boys (2&5 years) and I was more than happy to gain some experience and some needed perspective. So far, mainly I have learnt that boys don’t change much... Afternoon activities usually involve building things, followed by demolition, collecting rocks and throwing them into the river or lake, getting naked at the river or lake, climbing, racing, wrestling, eating, building forts and devising ways for their favourite super heros to save the world from the bad guys, followed by dressing up in full costume and practicing their favourite superhero moves (there is a lot of passion involved in this). It has been a lot of fun, sometimes challenging to stay one step ahead, but I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them and learn a small fraction of what life and routines may be like for us in the future.
Work on the sheep farm has also continued, just one day a week. I have always valued this time and both Chris (owner) and Hugh (manager) have allowed me to make the necessary adjustments so that the level of work is safe and manageable. Unfortunately I won’t be picking up the handpiece for a while and helping them in the shearing shed, - it is a big job with a small crew…as Hugh has said, I didn't have to get pregnant if I wanted to get out of it! Some jobs have to be avoided, but I have been able to help with the mustering, docking, yard work and of course the thistles…there is always plenty of work around pasture management and walking up and down the hills has definitely kept me fit.
‘Training’ is ticking along in the background around 10 hours a week. I have had a relatively easy pregnancy so far. I never had morning sickness and the entire time (besides the obvious changes) I have felt pretty normal. In the early stages I had a couple of bad doses of the flu which was unusual because I have managed to escape any winter ills for several years. I believe this was caused by the sudden change in my environment from being mainly outdoors and active in the elements to indoors, seated, and surrounded by a lot of sick students. Overall energy levels have been good and I have felt considerably fresher than what I would feel in a normal training week. However, with an expanding belly and more blood volume being pumped around my system there are limitations on what I can physically do.
It has been of great value speaking directly to other women who have kept active during their pregnancy. Gina Crawford shared some of her experiences which I really appreciated and took on board and I have received a lot of valuable advice from others whose opinions I respect. As the pregnancy has progressed I have listened to my body and responded to it accordingly. Generally I am fairly happy now just to keep up some activity for health, enjoy the summer and let the belly expand.
While I am taking a bit of a tiki tour off the beaten track I was pursing, overall this time has been pretty refreshing. There is so much variation during my week at the moment and I am enjoying the different challenges and learning outside my scope. The baby is moving and kicking a lot everyday now, the whole process is so amazing and Elliot and I are both getting a bit excited to meet this little person in about 3 months.
We haven’t made any decisive decisions when I will return to racing. The intention is to return, but I will see how my body recovers and how well I can adapt to the new role of milking, the inevitable lack of sleep and the change in priorities.
We have had considerable support from family, friends and my sponsors which we are grateful for.
Usually my idea of a productive day is measured by a level of physical exertion, training can be anywhere between 2-7 hours, so it was a big adjustment to suddenly be spending so much time indoors sitting through lectures, studying in the library or staring at a computer and in the beginning the change in environment wasn't something I embraced so much. Given time, it wasn't a big issue, simply an adjustment that had to be made and now I feel really fortunate that I even had this option. Like any change, eventually we have to adapt.
I was a bit worried that I had very little experience with kids and soon enough Elliot and I would have our own. However at the same time friends needed help with some afternoon care for their two boys (2&5 years) and I was more than happy to gain some experience and some needed perspective. So far, mainly I have learnt that boys don’t change much... Afternoon activities usually involve building things, followed by demolition, collecting rocks and throwing them into the river or lake, getting naked at the river or lake, climbing, racing, wrestling, eating, building forts and devising ways for their favourite super heros to save the world from the bad guys, followed by dressing up in full costume and practicing their favourite superhero moves (there is a lot of passion involved in this). It has been a lot of fun, sometimes challenging to stay one step ahead, but I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them and learn a small fraction of what life and routines may be like for us in the future.
Work on the sheep farm has also continued, just one day a week. I have always valued this time and both Chris (owner) and Hugh (manager) have allowed me to make the necessary adjustments so that the level of work is safe and manageable. Unfortunately I won’t be picking up the handpiece for a while and helping them in the shearing shed, - it is a big job with a small crew…as Hugh has said, I didn't have to get pregnant if I wanted to get out of it! Some jobs have to be avoided, but I have been able to help with the mustering, docking, yard work and of course the thistles…there is always plenty of work around pasture management and walking up and down the hills has definitely kept me fit.
‘Training’ is ticking along in the background around 10 hours a week. I have had a relatively easy pregnancy so far. I never had morning sickness and the entire time (besides the obvious changes) I have felt pretty normal. In the early stages I had a couple of bad doses of the flu which was unusual because I have managed to escape any winter ills for several years. I believe this was caused by the sudden change in my environment from being mainly outdoors and active in the elements to indoors, seated, and surrounded by a lot of sick students. Overall energy levels have been good and I have felt considerably fresher than what I would feel in a normal training week. However, with an expanding belly and more blood volume being pumped around my system there are limitations on what I can physically do.
It has been of great value speaking directly to other women who have kept active during their pregnancy. Gina Crawford shared some of her experiences which I really appreciated and took on board and I have received a lot of valuable advice from others whose opinions I respect. As the pregnancy has progressed I have listened to my body and responded to it accordingly. Generally I am fairly happy now just to keep up some activity for health, enjoy the summer and let the belly expand.
While I am taking a bit of a tiki tour off the beaten track I was pursing, overall this time has been pretty refreshing. There is so much variation during my week at the moment and I am enjoying the different challenges and learning outside my scope. The baby is moving and kicking a lot everyday now, the whole process is so amazing and Elliot and I are both getting a bit excited to meet this little person in about 3 months.
We haven’t made any decisive decisions when I will return to racing. The intention is to return, but I will see how my body recovers and how well I can adapt to the new role of milking, the inevitable lack of sleep and the change in priorities.
We have had considerable support from family, friends and my sponsors which we are grateful for.
Pro-form decided to stay on board with me and see this through, which was truly unbelievable and I am so grateful. Proform is a family run business, manufacturing automobile accessories in Hamilton NZ where their products are sold on our domestic market as well as exporting all over the world. Pro-form encourages an active workplace and I have enjoyed helping Philip prepare and progress for the Auckland marathon. CEO Nick Smith will be competing in his first ironman in Taupo next year and huge congrats to Josh for entering the Coast to Coast. I feel very fortunate and proud to be associated with this company and appreciate their ongoing support, which I did not at all expect after informing them I was having a baby and would be out of action for some time. Having people believe in you that much is hugely motivating.
Thank you for the huge support from the staff at the Cambridge Fitness Centre who have provided a lot of encouragement and support. There have always been pregnant women attending their fitness classes and I think it is a great credit to the gym that they create an environment where we can still feel comfortable turning up with a belly straining against your top and boobs everywhere and that the staff really make the effort to talk to you and make sure you are informed and are aware of the different adaption’s or options available in their classes. It has meant a lot to me and I have really enjoyed being a part of their classes. I can highly recommend it as a caring community gym to be a part of for those based here in Cambridge.
Thanks also to Graham Scott at G.W Scott and Associates Chartered Accountants who has continued to help me work through my swim program, as I have had to slow down, it has been the perfect time for Russell and I to work on making some small changes to my stoke. Thank you also to Kim and Kevin Burgess at the Cambridge Unichem Pharmacy and to Kathriene Greer at Aloe up and to my supporting sponsors who I hope to be able to work with again when I return to racing.
To Keri, Camille, flatmate Fi (& 2014 Rowing World Champion!), Nick, Phil, Mike, Keegan, Louise, Erin and of course Elliot and the swim squads at St Peters and Te Rapa for letting me sit at the back of you all in any discipline and give me a easy ride, a casual trot or a leisurely swim. To be honest .....I am only really turning up for the chat these days, but these people have been incredibly supportive and have helped me keep in touch with the sport, it has been great watching them progress over summer too.
To Keri, Camille, flatmate Fi (& 2014 Rowing World Champion!), Nick, Phil, Mike, Keegan, Louise, Erin and of course Elliot and the swim squads at St Peters and Te Rapa for letting me sit at the back of you all in any discipline and give me a easy ride, a casual trot or a leisurely swim. To be honest .....I am only really turning up for the chat these days, but these people have been incredibly supportive and have helped me keep in touch with the sport, it has been great watching them progress over summer too.
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