I don’t run races just to attempt new PRs. I run them because I love the race atmosphere, I enjoy connecting with other runners and those I coach in the community, and I use races as fitness check-ins. So while some might think I’m crazy to run a half marathon while pregnant, I love it so much I would hate to miss out! Plus, the racing season here is so short, I have to take advantage of it while I can.
Initially, I couldn’t decide between running the 10K at this race or the half marathon, but I ultimately decided that I wanted to run the half since that’s what I did when I was pregnant with Cullen. And I have this thing that if I have done something in the past a certain way, I often have to do it the same way the next time around. (I’m pretty sure I learned I have this trait through my son. Ha!) Plus, after running a successful 12 miles the weekend before this race, I was optimistic I could run a half marathon, so I signed up and hoped for the best.
I didn’t do many warmups before the race since I didn’t have a lot of mileage under my belt, but I did a little jogging, some stretches, and then just stayed warm until it was time to start. When the race started, my legs would not move (literally), it was as if they were stuck straight, and I had the hardest time bending them to get them to run. (I’m sure it was quite comical.) It must be some pregnancy-thing because every time I try to climb the stairs, my muscles get really stiff as well. I’m not worried about it, but it is strange/annoying.
While I would like to say I had no expectations going into this race, that would be a lie. I thought on a good day I might be able to run faster at this event compared to when I was pregnant with Cullen. I had a couple workouts that I ran faster this time around since I was fitter going into this pregnancy. However, I haven’t been able to do as much mileage this time around because I was so sick and didn’t get much relief until week 16. But at the end of the day, I was going to do my best and enjoy the race.
I tried to start out conservative, but of course the race atmosphere got the best of me, and I started off on the quicker side than I had anticipated. (Veteran runner, and I still make this mistake.) However, the pace didn’t feel too much outside my ability to run for 12 more miles. I also rode the hills and used the downhills when I could and knew running uphill when pregnant is twice as hard as it usually is.
Mile 1 – 7:11
Mile 2 – 7:26
Mile 3 – 7:19
I thought for sure I would have to stop and pee after a couple of miles, but miraculously I didn’t, which I was very happy about! Definitely a highlight of the morning. Ha!
Mile 4 – 7:31
Mile 5 – 7:20
Mile 6 – 7:16
This was an out-and-back course, and it is slightly uphill on the way out and slightly downhill on the way back. There are a few rolling hills thrown in throughout, but I can always feel the downhill portions on the way back.
Mile 7 – 7:23
Mile 8 – 7:25
I did take an energy gel around mile 9 just to ensure my energy didn’t slump towards the end of the race. When I know I’m going to run around 90 minutes in a half, then I usually don’t take anything, but at the same time I knew it wouldn’t hurt me.
Mile 9 – 7:14
Mile 10 – 7:07
At mile 11, I had been trailing right behind two other women for most of the race, and I decided I would try to push the pace a little and see if I could work my way past them. I picked up my pace by about 15-20 seconds per mile. Luckily I was still feeling okay at this time, and the course had a slight downhill grade at this point, which helped.
I put more distance between them and myself and neither challenged me or came with me, so I was in the clear, and I maintained my 4th place finish until the end.
Mile 11 – 6:56
Mile 12 – 6:59
Mile 13 – 7:09
Garmin Stats
Time – 1:35:31
Distance – 13.18
Average pace – 7:15
I was very happy with my time and effort. I felt like it was appropriately-challenging keeping in mind I am 4 months pregnant and can’t push myself like I can when I’m not pregnant.
It’s fun to compare times from Cullen’s pregnancy because I am due only 5 days before Cullen’s due date, so I’m nearly at the exact same point in my pregnancy. During Cullen’s pregnancy, my time was 1:38 at this event, so I was three minutes faster this time around!
I am hoping to do one other half marathon during this pregnancy, but the other races will be a 10K or less–barring everything goes well. I hope and pray I can continue running until the end like I did during Cullen’s pregnancy.
