Run the Dog 5K at 14 weeks

Saturday morning I ran my first 5k since being pregnant. I didn't expect it to be any different than any other race I've done recently.

I did a 14K at 5 weeks, a half marathon at 10 weeks and a sprint triathlon at 11 weeks pregnant. The main difference with a 5K is that it's usually a short FAST race. I knew going into the race that I couldn't race and I had to watch my heart rate. I was fine with it, but than it was something with putting my racing flats on (hey I figured I could still wear them even without racing), and seeing all the regulars and all of a sudden I had pre-race jitters and I WANTED to RACE.

I told Sean, I really want to race, but know that I can't. I was trying to focus on Sean's running. He has been doing so well with his endurance that even without speed work I knew he would have a good race. Plus this is the first time he's been able to race a 5k using a Garmin. Now that I have my new Garmin with my HR monitor, he uses my old one on all of his runs.

I kept looking at my watch before the race started and saw my heart rate get up to 138 with the pre-race jitters. Usually it's in the 70's. Finally it got back down and it was just about time for the race to start.

I usually get pretty close to the front so that when I start out fast others don't get in my way. I was respectful and starting a few people back, knowing I couldn't go out like I normally do. I started off at about an 8 min. pace. My heart rate was looking good and I felt awesome. There were a few hilly spots where my rate rate was up above 160 so I slowed it down but it was hard because my body felt so good and my legs wanted to go faster.

It was nice seeing Suzy during the race. She was our official race photographer.

I saw a friend about half way through and talked with her for a little while. I figured if I can keep up a conversation and keep running I'm doing well. She eventually passed me, which was frustrating since I'm always ahead of her, but I had to do it for the baby.

I picked it up the last half mile and "sprinted' to the finish. My legs were strong and I finished with a smile. It was crazy to finish and not feel dead to the world. I don't have my official time yet, although according to my Garmin I ran a 27:13, which is a 8:35 pace. This is my slowest 5K ever, unless you count the 5K during the Smithfield Triathlon a few weeks ago. Even my first 5K was 26:09...over one minute faster. It's okay though, I just have to keep telling myself this.

Sprinting to the finish.

It was nice to see Sean cheering for me at the finish line. He had his personal best race and ran about 25:34.

My overall splits with heart rate were:

Mile 1: 8:23/150 BPM
Mile 2: 8:52/160 BPM
Mile 3: 8:42/161 BPM
.17 (I didn't run the curves to get exactly .10): 7:30/172 BPM

Overall: 8:35/158 BPM

I may have gotten my heart rate up too high, but I felt really good, so I'm going by exertion in this case and I really never felt out of breath. I have another 5K this coming Saturday so hopefully I can be good to the baby and stay relaxed and not too competitive.

Sean is definitely loving this, beating me at my own game. Just as long as he knows it is just temporary and he better not get too fast during my pregnancy, because I'm going to want to beat him once this baby is born.

No real changes with my body, except a few days ago was the first time I actually started feeling fat. My boobs are still huge, but I don't think they are any bigger than last week. I'm starting to get a little bump, I'll have to have Sean take some pictures soon.