Shon Gables is a broadcast journalist with 2 beautiful children. She recently got married and at age 40 she and her new love decided to get pregnant!
By: Shon Gables
Newly Married
I took the plunge at age 40, and decided, Okay, one more kid.
At first we thought that we couldn’t even have children. I was tested and my doctor said I would have a difficult time trying to conceive. Just one of those reality checks regarding age… I’m no spring chicken.
But conceive we did, and to my surprise my doctor told me this week, “go back to exercising.” YIKES!!
Ever since I got pregnant I’ve been chillin’ like a villain—and my double chin is starting to show it.
For the past 5 years, I’ve been a marathon runner. This last one, November’s NYC marathon, happened right before conception. Quite frankly, I haven’t wanted to run since.
Then pregnancy, too much ice cream and reality converged. I have officially puffed up—and it ain’t all baby!!
So I’m back to wobbling one mile a day, and it looks far more painful than what it is!
But good grief! Why do people look at you crazy when you’re pregnant and working out? Not that I actually want to do it, but healthy eating habits and exercise don’t stop the minute you find out you’re preggers.
Now don’t get me wrong—there are exceptions: people with high-risk pregnancies or complications, people who never ever have worked out, etc.
Well, I don’t fit into those categories. So before someone else snickers at the fact that I’ve decided to take a light jog, why don’t you ask first?
Since so many of you don’t, let me spell it out:
#1: No, for you info, I don’t want to work out. But I do because it makes for a healthier baby and much easier delivery.
(FYI: I personally don’t like pain, so I’d rather pay now than on the delivery table times 6,000.)
#2: Stop saying I’m “eating for 2.” I believed you during my first pregnancy—and ate for 10. Ballooning up over 200 pounds. Trust me: it ain’t cute after the baby is born.
2nd Pregnancy
On my second pregnancy I did better— clocked in on the scales at a measly 180. Still took a year to lose the weight. And my belly? Well, let’s just say I haven’t seen a 26-inch waist since 23.
As for my third pregnancy—just slap me. I am much lazier this time and am growing quite fond of honey buns and Cold Stone Creamery’s coffee, almond, and toffee mixture. Last time I checked, the scale screamed 161—already 5 el-bee’s too many.
And no, I am not trying to be skinny. I’m trying to be healthy. So I am blaming my husband on this one, because right now, I blame him for everything. Why? Maybe it’s hormonal. But quite honestly we all should be eating more plant-based food—him included. And he’s not helping. So I’m mad.
After this pregnancy, I will be rewarding myself with another run along the Verazzano Bridge for the NYC Marathon. This will be my fourth time. God willing, it won’t be my last!
Shon Gables is a News Anchor / Reporter for WFAA TV ABC 8 in Dallas, TX with more than 13 years in broadcast journalism and multiple Emmy nominations.
Also, look for her blog every week on SoulSummer.com, and check out her DVD: The Mocha Manual To A Fabulous Pregnancy.
1 comment
Wayne says:
Jun 26, 2010
Shon, I am 46 and will be 47 years old. I am widowed and no children. I work out like a mad man and I dont apologize for it. I want to be healthy. My doctor told me that the only thing that is keeping me from being diabetic is that I work out. Keep getting your work out if you want to. If these non-exercising folks want to let themselves go and not take better care of themselves, let them.