Marathon Progress Update
September 15, 2008 | Navel Gazing
You may recall that I’ve mentioned that I’m training for the Portland Marathon on October 5th. While this has occupied my thoughts and my weekends since May, I don’t talk about it very often and hardly at all here. That’s mostly because whenever I say anything about it, I get one of two reactions:
1. Oh my god! You are so awesome! Way to stay fit and healthy throughout your pregnancy with all that low-impact exercise! You are a goddess!
or
2. Oh. Wow. (Implied meaning: You are nuts! You must be so stupid to endanger your health and your baby for such a selfish goal! Clearly, you are not capeable of making decisions for yourself. Here, let me help you.)
Let me just state for the record that, as has been my plan all along, I will stop immediately if I feel even the slightest bit funny. But so far, I’ve been able to do the training schedule just as well as my 3 non-pregnant cohorts. And on Friday, I successfully completed the longest of the training walks, a 20 mile-er.
Twenty.
Miles.
We walked on the Springwater Corridor from Gresham to Portland, if that means anything to you. It took us 5 hours, which is right on for our pacing goal.
Actually, it took me 5 hours and 12 minutes. I kept up with my power walking badass partners for about 15 miles, and then, *sigh*, I had to slow down a little. This was a little sad for me, I must admit. I’m not used to not being able to keep up.
But I did it, you guys. I DID IT! And I really think I could have done a whole marathon that day. I think I could have kept going for another 6.2 miles.
Who knows how I’ll feel the actual day of? I will be 4 more weeks pregnant. Maybe I’ll have to quit at mile 2. But for the time being, I’m going to keep picturing myself finishing, and be really proud I’ve made it this far.
Sidenote: Should you walk 20 miles and then want nothing more than a burger and fries, do not go to the Widmer Brewery. While you will greatly enjoy your burger and the sneaky sips of your friend’s beers, you will have to enjoy them with SALAD, for there are no fries to be had. Just so you know.
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September 15th, 2008 at 3:30 pm, sizzle Says:
The farthest I ever walked was 14 miles. That was LONG. I commend you for your efforts!
September 15th, 2008 at 4:04 pm, shelikestotravel Says:
You impress me… congratulations!
September 15th, 2008 at 6:08 pm, Kelly T Says:
Snafu’d on the fries at Widmer. That’s the exact reason we never go there if we’re cravin’ burgers. Really…who DOESN’T serve fries (at least as an option) with burgers! BTW you looked great! I’m usually maxed out after the 3 mile loop where we ran into you! Great job!
September 16th, 2008 at 8:41 am, Fee Says:
Way to stay fit and healthy throughout your pregnancy with all that low-impact exercise! You are a goddess!
September 16th, 2008 at 11:40 am, Brooke Says:
I am SO impressed. You are a goddess. If you ever want to grab some fries while you are in town, get a hold of me! I’d love to see you again, now that we are bloggy-friends!
September 16th, 2008 at 12:00 pm, dahli Says:
Seriously? What bar doesn’t have fries? Hmph.
NICE WORK. I am so impressed by you & hope that one day when I am preggers I keep myself as fit & and healthy as you do. Which by the way, is not only for you, but for that cute little baby Jacobs inside you. A healthy mom = a healthy kid.
xo
September 17th, 2008 at 11:28 am, tacomachickadee Says:
I simply say: You go girl!
September 17th, 2008 at 12:45 pm, peaches Says:
Damn, girl. The most I’ve walked NON-PREGGO is 18 miles!! That’s awesome!!! I know the frustration of not keeping up with the pack when usually you’re leading it. That was one of the hardest things for me when I was pregnant. You should be able to get back in shape SO easily after having the baby, since you’ve kept so active! xoxo
September 17th, 2008 at 3:33 pm, Jenny Says:
sizzle: Dude. 14 mils IS long. I find anything over 12 or so results in a similar amount of pain and suffering.
shelikesto travel: Oh stop. No, don’t.
Kelly: I hope I didn’t say or do anything too weird when I saw you! I was feeling a little loopy there at mile 19 or so! It’s weird how you get so focussed that conversation is asking too much. I’m so glad I got to see you guys so much over the weekend.
Fee: Smartass!
Brooke: Totally! I’d love to!
Dahli: I know, right? Thanks for the kudos, my love.
chickadee: *high five*
peaches: Yes! I knew you’d know what I meant. I mean, walking? I kickass at walking. It was tough to have to slow down, but I guess these are the lessons I’m learning, yes?
September 17th, 2008 at 3:59 pm, Kate Says:
I’m almost a MONTH behind you, and I am worried about WALKING a 5K this weekend. Good Lord. You are a rock star.
September 17th, 2008 at 5:33 pm, serror Says:
Awesome! You rock for walking 20 miles!
Also, same problem at the Red Hook brewery in Woodenville, WA. No damn fries! Potato chips just don’t cut it either.
May 20th, 2009 at 11:02 pm, Zesty Enterprise » 4th Annual Birthday Goal Post Says:
[...] Let us not forget that I am crazy insane and actually trained for a marathon whilst pregnant. I walked 20 miles at 26 weeks pregnant, and completed a half marathon at 30 weeks. I walked an hour on the treadmill the day before Clark [...]