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!