What a difference two years makes! My first 50k was at Pindland in 2013. It was super wet, muddy, and a long day of running. I was ready; I laced up my sneakers and gave it what I had- it took me 4 Hours, 53 minutes to cross the finish line, but I was first in my age group and 24th overall with a 9:26/ mile pace. Not too shabby.

Ready for the 50k- 2013

Muddy Trails in 2013!

I went into this year’s race with the same mentality- no expectations. After all, this year is VERY different! This season, I take one ‘race’ at a time. One weekend at a time. One workout at a time. It was a last minute decision to register, but I did it. At 26 weeks pregnant, I knew I could still manage 25 km (about 15.5 miles) of trails. I have been running pretty consistently- 6 miles here, 10 miles there. My pace is even more slow & steady now then it ever has been but I can get out there, listen to my body, hydrate well, and get the miles in. The biggest unknown at Pineland this year would be the temperature. It was predicted to be sunny and HOT.  A pregnant lady’s least favorite conditions.

25k, 2015. 26 weeks and counting!

Pineland Farms is a great place for events. Jeff and I have crossed raced here (on our bikes) and we’ve also come here to xc ski in the winter. The terrain is rolling- without any major hills- and the trails are non technical and wide. Plus, it’s a fun destination since Freeport, ME is only about 15 minutes away.

2014 skate ski at Pineland

A couple days before the race this year, a miracle happened! Jeff shared that maybe he, too, would race Pineland and run with me. (WHOA!!!!)

That’s 25 kilometers- 15.5 miles! Jeff is an athlete and in great shape. He rides his bike like nobody’s business and can go for hours- but he’s really NOT much of a runner. Usually, he’d laugh in my face if I asked him to go for a run with me. His likes his biking… and biking only. This announcement came out of the blue… and I’m still not really sure why… but I was SO EXCITED! The last time Jeff and I ran together was at Chad’s Lost A Lot Trail run (last year) and before that… I’m not even sure I can remember. I was more nervous about Jeff running this distance then I was about making it myself. 🙂

The course. 25k does 1 lap. The 50k does 2 laps.

We did so well! I was proud of us. Jeff and I ran together the entire race. It was hot, but not as hot as I had expected it to be. It was sunny and there were a lot of open fields to run across, but I carried my running pack with me (70 oz of water) and some of my own food. I think by the end of the race I had consumed over 100 oz of water- hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Jeff carried a handheld water bottle and took advantage of each aid station for food and water.

We lathered ourselves in sunscreen and set out at a slow & steady pace. After 2 hours and 55 minutes (an 11:16/ mile) we crossed the finish line. I only had to stop for about 6 pee breaks in the woods… and Jeff only had about 3 major blisters. Overall, we were 254th/ 255th out of 429 people and I was the 106th woman (out of 216 ladies who raced the 25k). For a pregnant lady, I think that’s pretty darn good. And for a non-runner, Jeff did awesome! (I keep telling him that with a little more time on his feet, he’d actually be a competitive trail runner… but I don’t think he’s interested.)

Another fun pregnancy adventure!

The last day of our 26th week- Monday after Sunday’s race.

Me & my Mom at the finish of the 2013 50k.

Brandon Baker & I at the 2013 50k awards ceremony.

2013- I told you it was muddy!

10 miles and a t shirt!

Another last minute pregnant race decision. This was a fun one! The long course was 10 miles, which I knew I could do, and it was set around the trail system in Concord, NH (near the hospital). Jeff and I come here often. Usually we’re mountain biking because the trails are super fun and technical (rocky & rooty). Lately, since my mountain biking has been almost non-exsistant, I’ve come here to run while Jeff rides. This network of trails is only about 30 minutes from our house, so it’s a quick place for us to get in some exercise… with a convenient stop at the grocery store afterwards, or a bite to eat in town.

My local running friend, Becky, and I carpooled to the race together. I encouraged her to sign up after I registered, since it was right in our backyard. We’ve been running the roads around Northfield since last fall. She’s a seasoned marathon runner, but this would be her first real trail run. (So exciting and she did great!) We didn’t actually run the course together, but it’s nice to have one familiar face at the finish line.

Becky & I after a trail run at Franklin Falls.

Pregnant lady action shot!

I wrapped up the race in 1 hour, 53 minutes (an 11:20/ mile pace). That felt pretty solid since some of the course required walking- it was hot! (And as I shared on my Facebook page… we should probably cut that time in half, since baby and I make two.) 🙂

There was one aid station with water, but that’s it. It was helpful to have a 70 oz camelback and my own snacks for along the way.

I was a little embarrassed at first when I came across my race photos online. After all, these aren’t the most flattering of photos- red face, sweaty hair, big boobs, and protruding bump. But YA KNOW WHAT…

… there weren’t any other pregnant ladies out there running around. It took a little while for me to actually appreciate the photos, but now I’m proud of my active bump. If I can go out there and do it with a baby on board… anyone can go out there and do it. I might be slower; I might not look fashionable or graceful, but I feel great staying active. So far, our doctor approves of my activity (as long as I stay super hydrated and listen to my body).  Plus, as you can see in the photo, there are still people running behind me. I promised Baby Underhill that. “mommy doesn’t do last place”, but if it really came down to it, I’d be happy with a last place finish over first seat on the couch. What mommy doesn’t do, is nothing.  My moving baby seems to be a happy baby… and that works for both of us right now.

This was another great adventure with my baby bump!