New 5K PR . . . Sort of!

Of course I didn't PR at my 5K last night. But I did set a new preggo pace that I'm thrilled with. I finished the race in 25:57 -- nearly beating my recent times by 35 seconds. The weather was great, the course was relatively easy, and I had to pee the entire time. (What else is new?)

I had Stephen snap a shot of me at home before the race. My belly sticks out way more when I'm actually running . . . but I think my race number was obscuring it a bit.

We got there a couple minutes before the race started. I HATE not having time to stretch and hit the restrooms. Stephen was nice enough to drive and take photos, so I didn't complain too much. BUT if it were a race he planned to run? We would have been there at least half an hour early!

Aaaaaand we're off!


The course consisted of two loops around a local campus. The first part was slightly down hill, and I found myself actually feeling like I was racing. Yikes. I was having one of those magical second trimester days when I didn't totally feel pregnant. Those days scare me.

I had to keep reminding myself:


It was difficult, but my second lap was certainly slower than my first. On purpose. Part of the loop was a gradual up-hill, which -- no matter HOW gradual -- tends to make my heart race, so I took it easy. Drank water at each and every water stop. And tried to forget that my bladder might explode.

Since I'm more used to racing half marathons than shorter distances, it was over before I knew it. But I was thinking two things VERY loudly in my head:


OK. Maybe I was SCREAMING this one:


After a few swigs of water, we drove home. I felt a bit tired, but my muscles were good. I can tell my body can still handle going faster, but I wouldn't test my luck. I love ending each run feeling refreshed versus exhausted and achy.

Stephen gave me the royal treatment, really, and made a great breakfast for dinner -- complete with his famous chunky hash browns!


What this race taught me is that I don't love racing while pregnant. Especially 5Ks, because I miss fast running. I am keeping it light and easy, but it's SO hard to hold back. It's a mental war. This year if I could actually race, I would have had times in the low 22:00 minute range. My body knows it, too. From now on, I'm planning to do a couple more races, but mostly stick to my slow plodding around the neighborhood, sans watch.

Preggo runners: What is your experience with racing while pregnant? Is it difficult to keep your pace slow? Non-preggos: How do you imagine you'd feel in this situation? My own experience has shown me that I'm capable of listening to my body and doing what's best for me and the baby. But that doesn't mean it's not a huge struggle!

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