Oh Baby!
My training and racing has taken a turn since running the Disney Marathon in January (2nd female overall in2:49:25). About a month or so later I discovered I was pregnant with my 2ndchild! Brianna is ecstatic about the prospect of being a big sister and I am on pins and needles to know whether it is a boy or a girl. I ran through about5 months when pregnant with Brianna and then had to switch to cross-training due to a strain in my groin (she was a big baby!). I hope to be able to run the full term with this pregnancy.but the baby will always come first. As a pre and post-natal certified fitness trainer I have researched every angle of running and exercising during pregnancy. So much has to do with your individual body and your fitness level at time of conception.
So far, so good! I have actually participated in a few races since learning I was pregnant. The Edison Festival of Lights 5k (one of my favorites) I ran at about 5 weeks. I placed 3rd overall female in 17:45. Felt pretty good there...just hard to hold back in the first mile but I ran smart. I then ran the Shamrock 10 Miler at about 9 weeks. This one was interesting. I was running with a few girls on my Runners Edge Team the first 4 miles or so. The pace was conservative but my heart rate started edging up so I backed off. Then, around mile 6, I felt amazing, heart rate came down and I just gradually picked it up a bit and was able to finish with a 6:21 or so mile average, good enough for first place female..Woo hoo!!
At 14 weeks my belly is finally sticking out enough so people know I am pregnant and don't think I am growing a beer belly! I am running about 35 miles/week, doing functional strength training 2-3days/week and feel great. I do 2 - 3 pregnant versions of speed or stamina training each week (keeps my mind occupied on the runs!) and am planning to run in the Bull Run 5k in Boca on 4/26 and Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend 5k on May 3rd. I am actually one of the guest speakers at that event so if you are planning to go as well please stop by for my talk and say hello! I will most likely cap off my "Pregnant Spring Running Season" with the Run for theRoses5kat Markham Park on May 10th.My goal is to have my mom and Brianna attend with me so we will have 4 generations (one in my belly) to celebrate Mother’s Day together. :)
If any of you are currently pre-natal and need help on structuring your exercise (running or not) please let me know. I am happy to help. Remember, my way is not for everyone...exercise during pregnancy is usually VERY healthy and ideal for mom and baby, but there are perimeters you need to follow so both of you stay safe.
I will give you an update in May on how the next few weeks go and whether we are pink or blue!
