I came, I waddled, I finished…in 2:18:12 (10:33 average pace). Only 2 minutes slower than my very first HM back in 2002!
Let me back up a bit first…
A small part of me wasn’t sure I would finish. I have never felt that way before. I was well trained (I had done numerous 8 to 12 milers in the past few months) but you just never know what you are going to get day-to-day. I was worried about the tension in my shins – would it be unbearable? Would I have to walk half the race? Would I get excessively tired? Would today be the day some new pregnancy symptom would appear?
my SIL and I at the start
At least I had the weather on my side. It was about 50 degrees at the start. Had it been anywhere near the humidity we had earlier in the week, I would have not run the race. My tolerance for humidity decreases each week I get bigger.
I knew it was going to be a good day during mile 1. I had no shin tension whatsoever (it generally appears ASAP). I was enjoying the crowds and laughing at my shadow. I looked ridiculous! I was moving slowly and was definitely doing more of a waddle than run.
I stopped to pee right before mile 3 (already?!) and then before mile 9. I lost 4 minutes total – mostly waiting in line at mile 3 – but what can you expect at 6 months?
having fun
I saw my friend Sara at mile 10 and I was so happy for the company. I was getting a little bored and really wanted to chat with someone. I was feeling really good at this point…I wanted to go faster but I knew my body wouldn’t cooperate. Or I would pay for it dearly on Monday.
After mile 12.5, I picked up the pace. I weaved in and out of runners and raced to the finish line. I had the biggest smile crossing the finish line – I wish there was a picture to capture it. My 2nd HM while pregnant done! For comparison:
HM #1 (10 weeks): 1:59
HM #2 (24 weeks): 2:18
thanks sara for letting me chat your ear off
Congrats to my SIL, Sara, Jimmy, and Jen who all had fantastic races!
Nice job, Kristy! I give you a lot of credit for doing the race and adjusting according to your level of pregnancy (ha, does that even make sense?) and enjoying your time out there. It looks like it was a gorgeous day out there! Plus your kid is going to pop out with more miles under his/her belt than some adults have 🙂
Yay, congrats again!
Any plans to do one in your third trimester? Might as well since you did the first two! I’d find a walking friendly one, and run/walk. It’d be fun to say you completed a HM each trimester, during pregnancy. (I am such a bad influence).
Nice job! You look great!
I’m glad the weather cooperated and you had a great race!
It’s inspiring to see you stay so active during your pregnancy — gives me hope for when I decide to have kids!
Congrats! So glad it was a good running day for you! You look like you are beaming and it sounds like it was, overall, so meaningful to you – glad to hear!
Congrats!!! That is amazing. I could never run that while pregnant!
Awesome finish time! COngratulations! You are definitely looking awesome!! 🙂
Congrats! You look fabulous too!
Girl, you did amazing! And yes, there’s nothing you can do about the bladder situation. That’s frustrating I know… Had to stop at mile 3 also with the Brooklyn Half. ;-/ Hope you celebrated the entire week!!! XO