Your Name: Catherine
Tell us about your past race/running experience: I started running in September of 2011. I had just singed up to run the Disney Princess 1/2 the following February to support a friend who needed me. I never liked running before and when I started, could barely run more than 3 houses before I had to stop and walk. I ran Princess with only ever running 4.8 miles at one time (I don’t recommend that!) but to this day, that race is still my PR! I was hooked and fell in love with the half distance and race day excitement.
What race did you run? I ran the Space Coast Half Marathon (Dec 1, 2013)
Why did you sign up for this race? I had originally signed up to have this race be my ‘race for time’ race. My 3 other halfs have been at Disney and I usually am having so much fun, and stopping for lots of pictures, that I just run to finish, not for a time. This course is very flat and I knew that if I really stuck to my training I could reach my half time goal and get a new PR. Then a few weeks after signing up I found out I was expecting our third baby! So I went from wanting to PR to showing everyone out there that yes, you can be healthy and fit during a pregnancy. I was 18 weeks the day of the half and felt so great the entire race.
The feeling I have after a good run or race is what keeps me running. This is the first thing I’ve ever really done for myself and I really enjoy every moment. It makes me a better mom, wife and friend.
What is your best training tip? Stick with it, low mileage is better than no mileage.
Water or Sports Drink? I like to mix them. 🙂 Sports drinks can be to sweet but I like that I don’t pee as much when drinking them. ha!
Tell us about the outcome of the race: I was 18 weeks pregnant and hadn’t run more than 4 miles at a time during my pregnancy so my goal going into the race was just to finish in 4.5 hours. I ran a 2/1 interval and had the fastest 10k split of all my races and was on track to actually PR! I ended up walking 2.5 miles with some pain in my lower belly (should have worn a belly band) but finished the race strong. I finished with a time of 3:25 and got to run the last .1 with my 5 year old, which made it officially my favorite finish ever.
Your favorite post-race indulgence? A slice of pizza and a cold beer, although after this race it was a cold coke. 😉
Favorite part of racing in a Team Sparkle skirt? All the comments and cheers I get along the way. Everyone loves a little sparkle!