Pregnant on the Job and Saying No

Along with my coaching business, I have a desk job.  I work at the local university in the distance learning department and I record, build and facilitate online continuing education engineering courses.   For the most part I really like my job.  In fact, this has been the first job in my employment history where I have enjoyed and understood the work I do.  That may sound crazy, but all my previous employment was with NASA contractors and since I'm not an engineer of any kind, a lot of it went straight over my head.

When I came to work here I immediately loved it.  I had projects that were my own and work that belonged to me.  I understood the processes and procedures in place and could even make suggestions and improvements upon what we were doing.  The meetings I took part in were actually for me, and while meetings are no ones favorite past time, I never really minded going (especially since they were about 1 hour in duration, while NASA meetings could go 4+).

The desk job has never been my thing, even though this one is probably my favorite of them all.  Sitting for 8 hours a day does NOT appeal.  While I can and do get up and walk around, using my feet instead of my phone or e-mail for messages, it is still mostly sitting at my computer (it is distance learning, after all). After about 4 hours of work, I am ready for something else.

One negative thing about my current job is they are not flexible with time.  When I worked at NASA, I could come and go as I pleased as long as my work was done, my customer was happy, and my 80 hours were in at the end of each pay period.  I could work easily within that kind of schedule, especially where training was concerned.  I did many 20 milers before work, coming in late, working through lunches, and staying later other days to make up the time.  I could go to the gym at lunch a few days a week and work right through other days.  And when I needed to be out, I told my supervisor and made sure my work was covered and no hassle was given.

Here, however, it is a different story.  They want 2 weeks notice for all leave and they will still say no (or try) even when that requirement is met. Hours are 8:15-5:00 strictly.  Lunch is an hour only and between 11:00-1:00.  No more lunchtime gym visits for me unless I can run or swim for 30 minutes and then get ready and back to work in 20 (which I have done - still sweating as I sat at my desk).  I can't come in early and leave early.  In fact, if I am required to come in early to record a class, I cannot leave when I have worked 8 hours.  I have worked until 8:30pm on many occasions and received no time or pay for those extra 3+ hours.  That was probably the hardest part.  I can amend my routine to fit a stricter work schedule but I do not want to give free work time over 40+ a week.  My running and my life trump that - always.  Plus, it is more sitting when 8 hours is already pushing my personal sitting limits.

That kind of schedule was not every day, however, so most of the time I could grit my teeth and get through it.  It became a bit more complicated, however, with the beginning of Running Start, LLC.  My time with clients started at 5:30pm on weekdays (unless they were willing to meet in the morning), so staying late at this job interfered with my time training my runners.  The more clients I got, the fewer evenings I could devote to working late - especially when clients were paying for that time and the desk job was not.  When I became pregnant, it got even more complicated.  The first trimester was tough as my fatigue increased along with my desk job work load and my coaching work load.  On top of that I was taking a class every Tuesday evening, which was another night unavailable to clients.

It got a little crazy.  Jason began to see how wrecked I was at the end of the day, coming in most nights at 7:30 or later only to start the next day at 5:30am with a run and another packed schedule.  He reminded me on many occasions that I needed to be taking care of myself and the little one.  I knew this to be true, but I wasn't sure what I was going to do about it. 

So eventually I said no.  When another class showed up on the schedule that would require someone to stay from 5:30-8:30pm, I said no.  By this point my department had begun offering what was called "flex time" meaning we could have a little time back during the same week we worked overtime, but again we still would not get ALL of it.  If I came in late the day I worked until 8:30pm, I'd still have over 8 hours of work plus a very late night.  If I decided to save that extra bit of time for the next day, I'd spend that morning recovering, not running (I mean what else is there in life?).

Before I was pregnant it was vitally important to me to stay fit - especially when training for marathons and ultras.  I could usually run around my work schedule and I got up very early in the morning to get the miles I wanted.  Recovery was important too, but my body was well equipped for that and as long as I gave it the nutrients it needed, I was able to get up the next day and go at it once again.  Pregnancy is a whole different issue. I am tired a lot faster and I don't recover quickly at all!  It was so disheartening when an 8 miler needed so much time for recovery when before it was just a regular part of the weekly grind. 

Now that I'm pregnant it is vitally important to me to MOVE every day.  It doesn't have to be running (although you know that's my fave), but it has to happen.  I'm trying to keep myself and this little one healthy, I'm trying to manage the weight gain to keep it reasonable, I'm trying to prepare this body to be ready for labor and delivery, and I'm thinking about how things will go after that with recovery and a return to training as usual.  Working at a desk for 12ish hours a day does not fit into any of those goals and I begin to feel anxious and resentful of it.

The problem with saying no is that it means someone else has to do the staying late.  I don't like this part, but what other option is there?  We have student workers, but management won't let them record classes any more.  So that means one of my two cohorts in distance learning must pick up the slack.  Part of me feels badly that I'm letting myself off the hook due to pregnancy.  I don't want to be whiny and wimpy.  You know those types.  The other part of me feels that I am not the one making the rules around here.  If we are being asked to do too much, it is not my fault but those doing the asking (or telling as the case would be).  I don't think my health and happiness is any more important than anyone elses, but I can only stand up for me and deal with the consequences or benefits, whatever happens.

It is hard, though, because I want to do my part here.  Before long I will retire myself from this job to begin one as a full time mom (continuing to coach as well), and I'd really like to leave on a good note.  I'd like for my coworkers to see me as someone who worked hard and did a good job, someone who did her part and was always willing to help. In essence, I don't want them to get mad at me.  But I also don't want to work until 8:30pm and suffer the effects of such a schedule.  My exercise/health/well-being will always be more important to me than work and it is my belief that everyone should feel that way about their own.

I have a client who is recovering from a heart event, something a lot like a heart attack.  The other day we were talking and she told me something that I found shocking and then not shocking at all.  One of the FIRST things her cardiologist told her was to cut back her work load.  Not eat right (which came next), not exercise (which goes with eating right), but work load.  What in the world?  Stress.  It is nasty stuff.  And many times we have NO idea how it impacts our bodies, but it is bad news on all systems.  Add stress to a body that sits all day and what do you have?  A heart attack waiting to happen.  Now, there is a lifestyle to consider with that too and my client has shared her eating and exercise habits that were less than stellar.  But what did the doc say to change first?  Workload! 

Hearing that only strengthened my resolve in the matter of saying no to more work.  Before pregnancy I would have done what I always did - gritted my teeth and run it off later.  My body could handle it.  Now things are different and it doesn't take much for my body to rebel and tell ME no.  And if stress hurts this body, what does it do to the baby?  I have no idea but I don't really want to find out.

One of the first articles in my pregnancy book covered telling people at work about one's pregnancy and how to handle different situations being pregnant on the job.  I sort of shrugged it off thinking that since I worked with mostly women (yikes!), most of them had kids so... they'd totally get it.  The truth is, they might get it but they don't really care.  I'm probably a bit more wrapped up in my health and exercise needs more than most, and maybe I am over the top, but right or wrong I am standing my ground on this issue.  But I will tell you, it isn't fun. It is downright unpleasant every Monday when someone besides me has to stay until 8:30pm.  I want to hide under my desk until Tuesday.  But even so, I don't want to give ground on this one.

What do you think?  Did you have any crazy work stories when you first became pregnant?  I'd LOVE to hear them!  

Excitement and Such

I'm sitting in the recording studio at work recording an engineering class that makes very little sense to me.  I'm monitoring the audio and video, making sure everything I'm recording is coming through okay and making editing notes along the way of bits I don't want in the final version that I will put online for our distance education students.

However, while I'm doing all of this I'm getting excited!  So much fun is just around the corner and I can hardly contain myself... which makes sitting in this dark, quiet room somewhat torturous.  I'll be recording this class until Saturday and then... it will be time for FUN!

Sunday afternoon I will run the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell 5k with my 32 team members.  We have raised a total of $1010.00 so far and I am pumped about that!  (Note: if you are reading this and want to join us or donate, you have until tomorrow night at midnight to do so online). You can still register before the race at packet pick-up or on race day.

Sunday has also been dubbed Hug a Runner Day by Run the Edge and I absolutely love this.

According to Run the Edge's blog on the subject, you can participate by wearing running shoes all day long or by taking it a step further and wearing a race bib on your normal clothes (I am so tempted...).  If you see someone at church, work, or on the street wearing either of these items you are to rush over and give them a hug!

I intend to make good on this.  So...look out.  You may get hugged and I can't promise it will be before the 5k either. 

After the Jingle Bell 5k I will have a day off on Monday to make up for working on Saturday and on that day I will run a 20 miler and catch up on house work. After that, it is only a day and a half of work and a much needed haircut before Thanksgiving is here.  Time with family.  Fun pictures.  Great food.  No work. Cool temps.  And shopping on Black Friday with my sister.  We haven't done this in 2 years because our Thanksgivings at home have not been in sync but they are this time and I can't wait!  I've been itching to start my Christmas shopping and decorating, but I prefer to hold off until after Thanksgiving. 

After the eating, relaxing, celebrating and shopping, it will be back to work and I'll have to enlist all the self-discipline I have (which on most days isn't much) to focus on work before the Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic 50 mile.  I am excited and nervous about this...but mostly excited.  I can't wait for that moment at the start line... the moment of unknowns and butterflies, deep breaths, the wringing of hands both out of nervousness and the attempt to keep them warm... And then the race starts and I become the strongest version of myself as I run, trying to overcome fatigue, weakness, and doubt. 

Once the 50 mile is over, I will begin looking forward to Christmas (well, I probably won't wait until the 50 mile is over to start but you know what I mean).  I've written before about how much I love gift giving.  I love planning out the perfect gifts for those I love and then the search, purchase and wrapping with fun, decorative paper of those oh-so-perfect gifts.  I love watching them accumulate under my tree and thinking about each person's reaction when they open them. 

So, as I sit here in this dark recording room day dreaming, planning, and looking forward to all of these events, I am getting excited.  There is so much to look forward to...I just have to make it to Saturday.

Just Move It

I do love a good contest. I haven't always, but ever since the first contest in 2009, it is in my blood and I am game for a little competition, especially when it has to do with health and fitness.

This newest contest is being held by my current employer, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, and it is called Just Move It. Instead of the individual "Outwork the Boss" contest in 2009, however, this one involves a team.

Just Move It is a competition between teams of UAH faculty, staff, students and alumni, in which everyone sets a goal (in minutes per week) for themselves and strives to reach it.  By reaching weekly goals, attending the occasional lunch-time health seminars, and a few other bonus activities (such as getting at least 6 hours of sleep a night and wearing your seatbelt 100% of the time), teams accumulate points that can earn prizes and possibly the President’s Cup for the year.  

My department, Professional and Continuing Studies, has a team and we are called the PCS Powerhouse. And guess who the team captain is...  ME!  I am so pumped!

The real excitement for me is not really in winning anything, although that is certainly fun.  I hope to be able to actually help my teammates reach their fitness and health goals and to realize the ability and potential in themselves. Too often I see people limiting themselves with phrases such as, "I could never do that," and I always want to ask, "why not?" 

I will never understand why so many people assume failure before they've even tried.  As someone who is average, ordinary and regular, I have tried all kinds of things that seemed almost impossible.  Almost.  I'd like to influence a change in that failure-mindset so many have.  I want people to know they do NOT have to settle for being less than they want to be, and if being strong, healthy and fit is one of those things, then I want them to believe in themselves and go get it.

I'm not sure who all will join the team.  At the moment I have four others besides myself and I would love to see that triple in size.  I'd love for people to let go of their inhibitions and insecurities and just give it a go.  I wish they could see how totally worth it this would be, and to see the success and the life changes taking place before they'd even begun.  

I can't force anyone, but I intend to encourage and pray for the opportunity to help. I think this could be great for many of them.  If they would just move it!

The Contest

I do not enter many contests. Either I don't think there is a chance I'll win anything, or I'm simply not interested or qualified in the subject matter. I don't really consider races to be contests because I'm mostly racing against myself, and I always get a t-shirt whether I beat myself or not.

Even so, at the beginning of the year, I entered a contest. My company had two contests, and I chose the one I thought perfect for me. The first one is called "Beat the Astronaut." In this contest one has to lose more weight than Jan Davis, who was an astronaut and is now the VP of our company. The second contest, and the one I chose to enter, is called "Outwork the Boss". In this contest one has to exercise more minutes than Randy Lycans, who is the President of our company.

There are two parts to this contest, however. The first is to, of course, beat the boss in minutes of exercise from January 9th to June 9th. The second is to be the one person with the MOST MINUTES.

I wanted to be that person.

I couldn't wait to get started. As soon as January 9th rolled around, I opened an Excel spreadsheet and started my exercise log. My first column showed the date of the activity. My second column showed how many minutes the activity lasted, and the third column gave a brief description of the activity (just in case anyone wondered what I did for 3 or 4 hours one day, they could see the miles or the race).

When the contest started, I was in the midst of my training for the Snickers Marathon Bar Marathon, which would be March 7. This was perfect. Not only would I be logging in some serious minutes with all the running, the contest would spur me on to do others kinds of exercise, like weights, Pilates, and afternoon walks with Jason and Chance, which would in turn make me a better runner.

I worked out with gusto. I ran in the mornings and went to the gym in the afternoons. As a coach for the No Boundaries program, that guaranteed more running on Monday nights and Friday mornings. Monday exercise minutes became quite impressive with a morning run, a lunch time Pilates class, and an evening of No Boundaries.

I was a little surprised at the end of January when I was in third place, but I didn't sweat it. Or actually, I did. I sweated a lot. By the end of February I was in second place. I wondered what in the world these other contestants were doing, because I knew I was working my tail off (quite literally), and I couldn't understand how a normal person (non-Olympic athlete, triathlete, etc.) could fit in any more minutes.

March brought the completion of a wonderful marathon, but after that I needed rest. I tried to fit in some sort of exercise every day, but battled back pain and plain out fatigue. This body was tired!

At the end of March I checked and checked the company website, but no updates were posted. Finally, with a tad bit of chagrin, I e-mailed the lady in charge of keeping up with the minutes to "make sure I was looking in the right place." She wrote back and said that I was, but that Randy had asked her to wait until after the company picnic to post them. He was planning to recognize all of the contestants who had currently worked out more minutes than he had.

The picnic was April 15, and I was antsy as I sat at a picnic table eating my lunch with some coworkers. Finally, he got up to make his announcement. We were to stand when our name was called, and I thought that was a great idea so I could scope out my competition. He called the name in first place. It was not mine. I looked and looked, but could not see her anywhere in the crowd. He called the name in second place. It also was not mine. A girl stood up near me and I recognized her from my Pilates class.

Then my name was called. In third place. My coworkers clapped for me and my team lead said, "Go Jane." I smiled and sat back down...confused. I knew I'd rested some in March, but HOW could I be third? Another concern was the minutes. With each name, Randy called out the minutes, and it sounded to me like I was at least 600 minutes behind the contestant in 1st place! That is 10 hours!

This morning, the current numbers were posted. I am, in fact, 1000 minutes behind the contestant in 1st place. That is over 16 hours! That means, in the last 3 months, she has worked out 16 hours more than I have. This would not be so shocking if I didn't know how much I'd worked myself. I certainly don't think I'm the queen of exercise but...I exercise a lot! I could understand someone being ahead of me, but 16 hours?

I won't give up, of course. I'll keep running, attending pilates, walking the dog, lifting weights, and anything else I can think to do. But I do not know how to make up 16 hours by June 9. I'm going to have to quit my job, become an aerobics instructor and teach 5 classes a day. I'm going to have to run a marathon every weekend. I'm going to have to start triatholon training, ride my bike to work, hire a personal trainer...

All for what...a t-shirt? I really have lost my mind.