Tonight was my first ‘Wednesday Nighter’ of the year. This is our informal, once a week, 3.5-mile pick-up paddle race, where we gauge our fitness as we race the clock and about 60 other racers every Wed Night from March through Sept.
When I was pregnant with Hayden I wrote about my Pregnant Athlete Workout, Part I and Part II. My goals then were:
1. To keep our baby healthy and happy;
2. To keep me healthy and happy;
3. To make the post-birth return to athletics as easy as possible on my body;
4. To take advantage of this time to have fun and take the pressure of performing at a certain level off myself for awhile.
Looking back, I realize I was four for four with my goals:
1. and 2. Both Hayden and I were healthy and happy throughout the pregnancy and birth.
3. The return to athletics was smoother than I ever could have dreamed. After the birth of Hayden, I was not only building back into my workout routine after only about a week, but, was back in top race shape in 3 months.
4. And, I did have fun with my pregnancy.
5. As a huge bonus… Hayden loves racing and charging life as much we do. He’s also come to love our paddling community like family… which they are.
Now, to Jazzy…
Tonight, exactly two weeks after Jazlyn was born, I got to race my first ‘Wednesday Nighter’ paddle race. Tell you what… it felt GREAT!!! To know I have been running, lifting, hiking and paddling over the past nine months… maybe not fast, but getting out there and doing it… I felt as fit as anyone out there.
And when a friend calls you “an inspiration” after the race, that just downright makes me glow! And, reminds me to keep sharing my story…
If I can encourage a few pregnant ladies out there… get out and feel great and beautiful and fit when you are pregnant!!! It feels amazing, and the road to getting your body and fitness back is so much shorter! And when you need to chase around a three-year-old while toting your newbie along, you will thank yourself for the energy and endurance you find deep within!
(Do remember, this is just me sharing my story… Be smart, do what feels comfortable for you, and listen to the advice of your midwife or doctor! And, always listen to your body and stay hydrated &  fueled!)
See you out there!!!

Thanks for the pictures Mikyn!!!