Running a Half Marathon as a new MomToBe - meet our new blogger Kristin

Almost three weeks ago I was surprised with the unexpected news that I’m pregnant!  This was amazing news except for a few side items. One, the constant morning sickness; two, frequent feeling of exhaustion; three, the first two are significantly impairing my workouts.  As an added bonus, I had the Denver Rock n’ Roll half marathon amidst all of this about 10 days out and my training was less than fabulous.

My workouts have become somewhat sacred thanks to achieving a huge milestone by completing a half Iron Man (1.2 mile swim/56 mile bike ride/13.1 mile run) a little over two months ago.  However, living in my first trimester has weighed heavy on my workouts. 

I’d been feeling like I couldn’t train appropriately because of my lack of energy and ever-present nausea.  On one hand, I was excited to know that I had a really good excuse for not performing at 100% during my training sessions.  On the other hand, I was feeling completely unmotivated and unsure of continuing training for the race.

After visiting the doctor days before the race, I received approval to compete in the half marathon.  In fact the doctor’s demeanor seemed so nonchalant as if any pregnant woman could run this.  We had agreed that I would run for 8 minutes and walk for 2 minutes alternating the entire race as to not get overheated.

As race day approached I had only a handful of runs over the last few weeks under my belt.  Pre baby news I was feeling confident that I could finish the race in a little over 2 hours.  Post baby news… I wasn’t sure what to expect.

On the day of the race I woke up feeling great at 4:30am, however, by 5:30am I was praying that I wouldn’t throw-up in public.  The race began a little after 7am and I was off maintaining a 10 min/mile pace!  I ran with my girlfriend and training partner, Karen, for the first three miles disregarding my 8min/2min routine.  By the end of the third mile I sent Karen running on her own so that I could maintain a slower pace, 11 min/mile.  I chose a new strategy- run a mile walk 2 minutes.  By mile six I had decided to pick up my 8min/2min split routine, however, I was so tired and nauseas that I decided to do a 5min/5min split.  Additionally, I was a little embarrassed because I didn’t (and still don’t) look pregnant but I was running like I had not ever trained. 

At mile eight I was at a full-blown speed walking pace of 14 mins/mile stopping at every aid station for water and a restroom.  I was shocked by how sore my hips and knees were from simply walking.  It occurred to me that I’ve never worked that set of muscles before.  I suffered through miles eleven, twelve and thirteen (.1) only to cross the finish line a little over an hour longer than my ‘pre-baby news’ goal.

Here are my lessons learned:

·      Just because people assume it will be easy for a newly “prego” gal to run 13.1 miles doesn’t mean it’s true

·      Practice walking (at a relatively fast pace) before doing it for 5.1 miles.

·      I ROCKED it- me and my lil’ womb-mate!

I’m grateful to my body for allowing me to participate and finish the race.  I have a huge amount of respect for women that continue working out throughout their pregnancy and have mad love for the woman that gave birth after running the Chicago Marathon (coincidentally the same day as my race). 

To newly pregnant moms and moms across the running community- you are inspiring!

Thanks for being our new pregnancy blogger Kristin! 

MomToBeDepot