Currently, I’m 25 weeks pregnant and still running! I’m so happy I got to be a part of the Inaugural Alpharetta Women’s Half and 5K event yesterday, November 4! Finally, a race I didn’t have to drive into Atlanta for because it was in my neck of the woods at the beautiful Avalon shopping center.
I’ve decided my “running while pregnant” race uniform will be my Running for Two tank, my long sleeve cold weather tech undershirt (from Costco), and Target athletic leggings with pockets. I’ve worn the top for every race since pregnancy!
Here is my race recap of my first ever women’s race (there were 22 men signed up, according the race director).
REGISTRATION BEGAN LAST YEAR! The organization offered a one day bidding option on Active.com to sign up for the race in December 2017. Women were vying for a spot in the 5K and half marathon by bidding $1, $5 or more. I’m guessing the higher you bid, the higher your chance of getting the spot right away (instead of being on hold to see if you got in). I bid $5 for the 5K and got in immediately!
THE HALF MARATHON WAS THE POPULAR OPTION: The races didn’t start at the same location, so I got a great view of how many 5K runners participated. The only reason I didn’t bid for the half marathon was because I planned on running a half on Thanksgiving, I didn’t know I was going to be pregnant! With that said, I am SO GLAD I picked the 5K! Funny how the universe works.
“EXPO”: There wasn’t an official big expo but we were able to choose from 3 locations in Avalon to pick up our bibs the Friday and Saturday before race day: Athleta, Lululemon, or Road Runner Sports. The day prior to the race, they offered free classes for runners at Avalon! I wish I took advantage of the classes but didn’t have time.
PARKING: The only complaint I have was race day parking was a nightmare, which delayed both races. Once we got to Avalon, it took about half an hour to park due to congestion and waiting in line to get into a parking garage because they didn’t allow parking in many surface areas (for safety reasons, which I understand). I’m sure they will fix this next year.
Since the half marathon and 5K didn’t start at the same location, there was some confusion for those who didn’t read the Athlete’s Guide or look at the course maps. Half marathoners had to cross the street to their start line, but they had cops to assist the runners to safely cross. 5K runners started at Avalon. No port-a-potties were provided for 5K runners, however we got to use a REAL restroom at Hotel Avalon (thank goodness).
5K COURSE: I liked that the race director honored a athlete who passed away this year from pancreatic cancer, we got purple bracelets at bib pick up and they spoke about her prior to the start of the race. The 5K started fast because it was downhill (my fastest mile) but there were a couple of hills in mile 2 so I used those hills has a chance to take walk breaks. There was a HUGE hill in the final mile before we entered Avalon to the finish line. Shout out to the nice lady who slowly ran up the hill with me and gave encouragement. Once I was over the hill, I switched gears and ran “fast” to the finish line.
SWAG: All participants received a free Athleta bag, a mini first aid kit, finishers medals that specified which race we ran, and a white tech short sleeve shirt that I can’t wear right now.
FINISH TIME: My finish time is actually a bit quicker than the PNC 5K a couple of weeks ago. My official result: 36:19! I felt great after I finished! I have one more 5k left this trimester, 3rd trimester is only 3 weeks away and not sure what I’ll decide to do (may switch to speed walking until baby comes) but so far, no issues but a little round ligament pain and low back pain the heavier baby gets but my belly band helps tremendously! Let’s hear from you!
What did you do this weekend? Have you ever participated in a women’s race? Any advice for running while pregnant?
Awesome job! I think it’s awesome that you are able to stay so active during your pregnancy!
I heard form another runner about the parking snafu but it seems like things went well despite that!
Awesome. Good for you!
Sounds like a fun race and for a good cause.
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Great job! That’s awesome that you’re staying active through your pregnancy! Good luck on your next upcoming 5k! :]
Congratulations!
I’ve run several
Women’s races and I’ve loved how well put together they usually are. I did not do any running while prefnant, so no advice there, but I imagine that if you listen to your body, baby will tell you what’s working and when it’s time to cut back.
You look great and ran great! It sounds like you have the perfect outfit, then that shirt will hold so many memories you can share with your little one. 😉
Almost 18 months ago, I did the inaugural Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon (there also was a 5K), and it was sponsored by Shape Magazine. I think it was a series event, with DSM being one of the featured cities. There were a few men allowed to participate, which I though odd since it was a women’s event, but I think they had to pay extra (?). It’s great that you’re able to not just run, but RACE while pregnant! YOU’re doing awesome!!
Great job! I’m so happy you are able to run during your pregnancy, you look wonderful!!