Preggo in Times of Corona!

Running & Being Pregnant – What my second pregnancy has in store! 

Every time my husband or a matter-of-fact anyone introduces me, it’s always, “Meet Swara, she is a mom and oh, she is a great runner.” 

Somehow, in a few years, I – someone who had no athletic ability whatever – has become a runner. I don’t want to brag about my running; I am not an athlete, but I am decent. Running has instilled more belief, self- confidence, discipline, commitment, and a variety of other positives that I am forever grateful for. 

I was relatively new to running when I got pregnant with my first child almost 5 years ago. I happily gave it up, and it took me forever to get back to making running a consistent part of my life. Everything changed when I joined FreeRunners and actually understood timing, training, intervals, tempo, etc.. 

I worked hard, was committed, and running became an even bigger part of my life. I stuck to the process, and the results took time, but it paid off. I became stronger, probably the fittest I have ever been, and ran numbers that I didn’t even know existed. 

However, at the back of my head, I always knew that this would end. My husband and I had always spoken about having two kids. We kept delaying this decision because each time never felt right, but then it also got to a point of saying, “the time might never be perfect and if we kept waiting, we will never have the second child we both want.” 

It was hard for me to accept, especially because I felt like I had finally got to the stage where I could see years of hard work paying off and I didn’t want to give it up. However, I know with running after you hit one target…the next target comes – the chase never stops. 

So we took the plunge. And I have to share, I read and read about women running through their pregnancies. However, in India, running is strictly forbidden during pregnancy, but then again, I knew of women, across the world, running till their last day. I was determined to do the same.

They say the first three months of pregnancy are the most difficult because of nausea, lack of energy, and chances of miscarriage at their highest, but with my “I am going to run” mindset- I went on. I kept thinking, if I could get through the first 3 months then the rest would be smooth sailing. 

Running Glory Days

However, life never really goes accordingly to plan, does it? It was silly of me assuming that this pregnancy would be just like my previous one. And why not-I am fitter, more aware, and healthier than I have ever been? I forgot that biologically, I am 6 years older than when I last conceived and the body goes through it’s own changes.

Long story short, my 12th week scan didn’t go as expected. The baby was fine, however there were some issues that required me to go on complete bed-rest for two weeks. So, right at the point when I felt things would be great, we were thrown into a whirlwind that we didn’t expect and I, honestly, didn’t know how to handle. From being active, running around the house and my child, I was tied to a bed. I wasn’t permitted to get in the car to drop or pick up my daughter, or even go down the stairs in the house. 

We, runners, are quite regimented and routine-oriented, aren’t we? We thrive off a plan, a schedule, a steady pace run that is just filled with silence and breathing (sometimes really heavy breathing) even when we have a run group or partner run. Therefore, when I was told that running is completely off the books till the end of pregnancy now, I was mentally broken. 

It took me a few days and a lot of tears to accept the fact that our future child needs a healthy mom and that running will (I hope) always be a strong part of my life for a long, long time to come. This pregnancy and the few postpartum moths will be a blimp on the long scale. I need to be more thankful for the new baby, super supportive husband, and the time I have been able to run. 

I know nothing is the same as running, but since being cleared of bedrest from my doctor, I have tried to find joy in alternate forms of exercise. Using my years of strength training base and guidance of experts (including a lot of Instagram research and back and forth with my doctor), I have devised my low-impact strength training exercises. I work with resistance bands, light weights, and sometimes just body weight. Initially, I thought I could combine these strength sessions with morning walks. 

However, Coronavirus had a unique plan. Over the past two months, I have been trying to keep myself walking from one room to another just to build a little sweat.

I have also had the time to introspect a lot. One thing that plays on my mind is building a positive body image. I worked really, really hard to make a body and reach a fitness level I was proud of – a body that was strong and fit. Seeing my body change (I think I forgot how much a women’s body transforms during pregnancy) is something I am yet learning to accept. From having flat abs to having a tummy-I know it sounds vain, but it is a change and one that hits even harder when you know the work and process that went into it. I can’t hold planks or ab workout, actually anything that will cause pressure on my core. I find my breathing increasing even when I walk up a flight of stairs. 

I also find myself being more mindful of my movement and posture. It is no longer about “running” through an exercise set, but doing it slowly so the form is correct. If anyone says a HIIT workout or pure cardio workout is a “good workout”, I challenge them to hold a sumo squat or pulse lunge pose. It burns!!!!!! 

I have become more aware of what my body can do right now, I know exactly what muscle group is working, the extent I can stretch something. The awareness wasn’t there before, and I am sure it will just benefit me whenever I do back on the road. 

I don’t know what the future holds (the lockdown keeps getting extended), but I can just stay positive and keep myself going off these “walks” and strength training sessions. It gives me positivity and a bit of sanity that I believe we all need in unprecedented times such as these. It also gives hope that I will be able to get back to my fitness levels. 

And hope, that keeps us all going, doesn’t it? 

Anyone else preggo & trying to be fit during these times?

May 2020 – 6.75 Months Preggo (Lol)

Sample Workouts (just in case someone is interested, but always check with your doctor before you start anything new during pregnancy)

1. Static Squats with resistance bands (20 x 3)

2. Static lunges (20 x 3) – I mix it up between regular and sumo squats 

3. Wall Sit (1 minute x 3)

4. Bridge with resistance band (50 x 2)

5. Clams with resistance band (20 x 3)

6. Squat and walk (20 x 3)

7. On all four, slowly raise opposite arm and opposite leg (20 x 3) 

8. Arm action 5 minutes

1. Chest Press using dumb bells on a Chair (as you can’t lay on your back for extended periods during pregnancy 12 x 3) 

2. Bent over rows with Dumb bells (15 x 3) 

3. Push Ups against a wall (10 x 3) – aim is to keep the elbows tucked in and get as close to the wall without adding pressure to core.

4. Front & Lateral Raises with Dumb bells (16 x 3)

5. Bicep curls (15 x 3)

6. Triceps (12 x 3)

7. Jumping Jack Arm action only (1 minute x 3) 

1. Modified Burpees (10 x 3) – extremely slowly

2. Step Out to either side and squat (20 x 3)

3. Place arms on a wall, raise leg backwards (15 each leg x 3) 

4. Single leg deadlift (10 each leg x 3)

5. Sumo Squat and pulse at every 5 counts (15 x 3) 

6. Calf Raises holding weights (20 x 3)

7. Bridge and press out the knees (20 x 3)

Circuit Workout 45-50 second on-15 second off 2-3 rounds. I would call this jelly leg workout

Wall PushUps
Tricep Dips
Sumo Squat (super slow & feel the burn)
Pulse 30-35 seconds
Reverse Lunge to Front Raise
Mountain Climbers with wall support
Pulse 30-35 seconds
Side Lunges
Bridge with Marching Legs
Bridge Hold 

These are just a few sample workouts, I would keep researching and switching things up as per my body and energy levels. 

New Year: New Wardrobe by a Personal Stylist

My personal Snob Box! Got a sequins top, poufy skirt,  golden clutch, earrings and necklace.

There is nothing better for a lady to begin her new year with some new and exciting outfits for the upcoming year. Now, if you are like me and A) usually don’t have the time to shop and/or B) end up the buying the same style clothing, you should try Snob Box!

What is Snob Box? Well, Snobbox basically is a personal styling service that sends you a box of 5 items (usually one complete set that includes a top, bottom, earrings, necklace and bag) that is personally picked up for you by a professional stylist. This service enables one to experiment with looks, latest trends, and styles all in the comfort of your house.

How does it work?

1. Go to the website and fill out a quick style questionnaire about yourself. The service allows you to choose a price point as well for the box with the basic box and all 5 items being between Rupees 3000-4500.
2. Select a date of when you want your box and wait to be surprised.
3. When the box arrives, try on all the items and keep what you want and return what you don’t. The best part? The courier/shipment company comes back and picks up the box so you never have to step out of the house.

I ordered my first Snobbox a few weeks ago. I was so elated to see that this service had finally started in India, and I wasn’t disappointed. I appreciated that my stylist actually called me to talk about my personal style and preferences, and for the most part got my box quite right. I kept 3 out of 5 items.

The only draw back to this service was that I sent a few emails to the main email address regarding my return and never got a reply. It wasn’t  a pressing issue so I let it go, but it is something to think about for this startup as it expands to new cities (they current service Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune & Delhi).

Receiving my Snob Box was like giving myself a gift 🙂 I look forward to trying their services again when I need to add some new pieces to my wardrobe.

 

 

2015 in Review

As 2015 winds down, I just wanted to take a minute to recap and reflect on the year gone by. I thought it would nice to reminisce over the wonderful memories of the past year. So while we countdown top songs, movies, personalities, events, etc., I thought I would fun and apt to recount my personal memories.

1. The year started off with a bang with a trip to Bangkok. It was so special to show my better half all the joints and food I grew up around.
2. My two year stint with Teach for India came to close in April. You may recount, I had many ups and downs with this journey but I always look back and say “I am glad I did it.”
3. BIGGEST thing of 2015: blessed with the most adorable and loving baby girl. I can go on and on about having the opportunity to be a mother to such a wonderful child, but I won’t. But it is the BIGGEST and best thing to happen to me.
4. Speedy recovery from C-Section (anyone who knows anything about undergoing surgery knows how important and special this is).
5. Got back into running and completed a half marathon! Running is a part of me and right now it’s the only thing I truly get to do for myself, so it definitely is a highlight for the year.
6. Three years of waking up to an awesome partner. I don’t say enough but he is really too good for me.
7. Having a great family that I got to see quite often.
8. Goan ki Goris and Hiram Girls! My girlfriends from across the globe that keep me going.
9. Finally, but not the least, having the opportunity to continue to write. This blog has been a part of our lives for the past 3 years now and while we might not write as often as we should, it is a true joy being able to share our thoughts and voice.

Life is made of the small moments. The days might seem really long, but the year is short. Make the most of it. With a fabulous 2015 closing out, I look forward to an even more exciting, fulfilling, and loving 2016!

Food Trucks in Pune

One of my favorite shows on Food Network is Eat Street; and I just sit there and drool over all the greasy, juicy and creative food served. The show always leaves me hungry and raiding my kitchen fridge. Over the past few years, food trucks have been popping up all across the globe. The food truck trend was just catching up in Cleveland before I made the move to India. But, one might say that India was probably one of the first countries to have food trucks because we have many vendors serving delicious food through their mini stalls or thellas (as we call them in Hindi). I think what makes the current scenario of food trucks stand apart is that most of them are run by budding entrepreneurs and culinary artists who set out to serve new, inventive and delicious dishes to the more food conscious and aware customer.

Cajun Chicken Pita Wrap

The awesome guys at Street Meat

So, again thanks to social media and how its become the new way to hear about new and upcoming places, I heard about “Street Meat.” I stalked their Instagram page and realised that they were officially launching their food truck this weekend with a simple menu and pay what you think the food is worth offer. Hello! What is not to like about this? I couldn’t contain my excitement and texted my husband at work about this. I told him that we “have to” try this place and he, being he, simply agreed.

So come Sunday, we strapped the baby in the car seat, hopped into the car, braved the mini downpour and crazy traffic and found ourselves at this neat little food truck. Street Meat’s menu was of the following 1) Thai Stuffed Gol Guppas (pani puris) 2) Goan Chorizo Bra Pao 3) Cajun Chicken Pita Wraps and 4) Korean Pulled Pork Burger. The Indian twist on these international cuisines was refreshing and mouth watering. We ordered one of each and couldn’t stop raving from the first bite. Yum, yum, yum!  The two partners running the place were friendly and nice to chit chat with and that made the entire experience more fun. For my first official food truck experience in Pune, I couldn’t have been more satisfied.

This weekend was a foodilicous (yes, I made this word up) weekend for me. From stuffing face at a family friend’s wedding to trying out a brand new food truck joint in Pune, the weekend left me feeling happy, satiated, adventurous, and a bit more snug is usually good fitting jeans.

Non Resident Indian becoming a Resident

So I have been in India now for three years! Can you believe it? Somedays it feels like the time just flew by but other days, oh did it drag. I will be honest, I have had my fair share (ok, more than that) of “why did I come here and what am I doing here…etc.” rantings and sobbing sessions which come with some of my biggest tears. Having been a NRI (non-resident Indian) for pretty much most of my life I suddenly find myself being a resident. But am I? Therefore I thought, why not do a post on somethings or idiosyncrasies of us NRIs that are finding ourselves becoming almost residents.

1. No matter how many languages we may speak or how much our Hindi improves over time we will never ever master the Indian number system. Now imagine us trying to do our so called “haggling” with the vegetable guys and we come to the final price and are clueless. So how do we overcome this? We pretend to have a serious face so we give the impression that we are thinking of whether we are getting a fair price when we are actually having a mini panic attack trying to decipher the quoted number.
2. Our accent will always be different or we will use different accents to talk to different people. Yes, we do speak in an Indianized accent to our Indian friends and will have our American/British/Aussie one for our other friends.
3. Another thing that drives us crazy is how to write dates….is it the day/month/year system or month/day/year one? I can never figure this out so I always, always spell out the month when I have to write dates.
4. We probably know more about Bollywood and Hindi songs than we would like to admit. Actually, we can probably win a game of Hindi movie trivia.
5. Most of us will admit that we NEVER EVER (lemme repeat that…never ever) thought we would live in India. Let me just give you a real life example of my friends and I. We never ever thought we would be in India and 10-15 years later we are ALL here.
6. Our understanding of our own Indian family tree is non existent. Who is chacha (uncle) and who is mama (also uncle but from your mother’s side…see what I am talking about) becomes a blur when we attend full family events. We can’t even master our own family tree so think about when it comes to our husband’s family. On such instances we just smile 🙂
7. Coming back to the topic of buying vegetables. We somehow tend to know the names of vegetables in only one language or will forget how to say it in Hindi. True story: I was making a list of vegetables to buy for my help as I was busy, and while making the list I just couldn’t remember how to say Eggplant (Brinjal) in Hindi. So I wrote eggplant on the list and passed it along. My poor help went crazy trying to figure out what I wanted: an egg or a plant.
8. We are obsessed with fitted bed sheets. I mean if you have to get bedsheets they have to be fitted ones. No questions asked.

So there is it. I am sure I can add a few more. But these mannerisms make our time in India quite interesting, confusing, and sometimes, ever so frustrating. If you want to add more idiosyncrasies to the list please share!