Race Report: Peachtree Road Race (36.5w pregnant)

pre-race pics with my husband and our Bump

"Do I look 'bumpy' enough?"

Previous PR: 47:53 (5/6/17)
90% Goal: 1:10:00

50% Goal: 1:08:00
10% Goal: 1:05:00
Result: 1:04:19 

Training:

I kinda sorta followed ATC's Level 2/3 Peachtree Training plan, but really just went at it on my own. Being in the third trimester of my second pregnancy, I didn't want to hold myself to any strict plans, since how I feel can change pretty quickly. 

• three rest days a week
• ~25-30mpw
• long runs of 10-13mi most weekends, usually broken into two pieces, due to childcare logistics, with about an hour between segments
• one easy 10K/week
• one track speedwork each week (intervals, ladders, etc)
• one shorter stroller run each week (2-5mi)

Pre-Race:

It hasn't been a great week for the bump, and I've been pretty nervous that s/he wouldn't co-operate for the race, leaving me uncomfortable for the 6.2mi and unable to enjoy the experience. I had a hard time sleeping Tuesday night, and found myself feeling like a beached whale on our couch the night before the race, trying to get comfortable as I ate something for dinner, even though I wasn't hungry at all. 

Fortunately, I had a good night of sleep before the race, and the bump was in a good position when I got up. We dressed, headed to MARTA, and enjoyed pre-race meet-ups with friends between the B and C corrals. I hit the port-a-potties twice, and enjoyed an incredibly comfortable (and fast) warm-up half mile. All signs were pointing to a very good race. :D 

my teammates <3 (minus one)

big group fun

we took a similar picture before my first munchkin was born,

so we had to re-create for #2

Race:

My husband and I are usually a couple minutes per mile apart from each other in pace, and don't tend to run together at all. Being 36 1/2 weeks pregnant, though, I definitely wanted some company for the 10K, and he was the perfect person to share the experience with. I had no pace goals, figured I'd probably walk a bit of the course (due more to the forecast of extreme heat + sun than anything else), and just wanted to have a good time celebrating family, friends, and fitness.

Within the first mile, I could tell I was going to get my wish. We spent the next ~hour chatting, smiling, singing along to "Party in the USA" and doing our best attempt at the Cupid Shuffle while continuing to run without knocking into other participants. I took a few bathroom stops (two, with a total, combined time of 40s-- hooray, no lines or having to take my bump support on/off thanks to wide-legged shorts), but basically just kept running. No cramps. No GI trouble. No discomfort. Just awesomeness. 

We saw a few friends here and there, and got so many supportive comments (mostly from other women, who gave me the standard "go, mama!" or a more specific and encouraging, "That was me last year!") thanks to the back bibs. At no time did I feel like I was taxing myself at all. The only mild discomfort I had was being hot, but the spray zones every mile and moderate cloud cover for the bulk of the course helped a ton with that. 

I even had some kick in me at the end, and finished so strong and so proud. :D 

bathroom breaks around 17min and 54min

and that sweet kick at the finish :D 

Reflections:

• Getting to celebrate the impending arrival of a new baby by running one of my favorite races with my husband was really awesome. We ran the first race of my pregnancy together (I told him I was pregnant after we crossed the finish line holding hands together and celebrating my new half marathon PR), and this will likely be the last race of this pregnancy. Such a cool way to bookend the experience. :D
• While I was able to run through the entirety of my last pregnancy, it wasn't nearly as comfortable or fun as this one has been. I'm so grateful to have been so comfortable this time around. No pubic bone aching. No plantar fasciitis. No abdominal soreness. No calf tightness or major cramping. No crazy bouts of self-doubt. It's just been truly fun.
• I still plan on running for the next ~3-4 weeks, but I truly have no plans for what those runs will be. I'll probably stick with what I've been doing as long as it feels good, though my weekend LSD mileage will probably drop from double-digits. I'll run what I feel on any given Saturday, and continue to be grateful for what I've been able to do. 
• I'm so grateful for the amazing community of inspiration and support from all of my running friends. <3 my tribe #weareatlantatrackclub

celebrating with friends post-race :D