LiveEnergized: Heart Mini

The goal in running the Turkey Trot was to being training for the Flying Pig marathon. However, given our amazing news weeks later, I knew jumping from 6.3 miles to 13.1 would be a bit ambitious at six months pregnant. Instead, I asked my doctor if a 15k would be within my reach (average distance 9.3 miles). They assured me that I could do it if I listened to my body/heart rate and did everything to prepare the extra few miles. I joined my company’s team Proof Positive and set my sites on the Heart Mini 15k, the Mercy Health race benefiting the American Heart Association.

Knowing this would be a small feat from my normal six-mile weekend runs, I made a ramp-up schedule with my running buddy Brea. Two days of running a week, cross training and leaving our long run for Saturdays. Our longest ramp up was 9 miles, then we decreased down the week prior to the race. My biggest challenge was my IT bands training for this race. Both of them decided to be difficult in the final two weeks before the race. However, mind over matter proved to be useful and we finished the race, all 9.73 miles of it with two smiles on our faces.

Below is my list of running day essentials, since this was my longest race to day:

Gu Energy Gel
Tylenol – taken 30 minutes before the race
Tissues
Knee brace
Heart rate monitor
Sweaty Band
Killer playlist (below)
Mama-to-be race shirt

Overall this was one of the happiest moments as a runner, even though the race was hard I didn’t give up. I only hope my body let will let me run for a little bit longer before our baby boy comes this summer.

Finally, my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the Boston Marathon bombing. After living just outside of Boston, I can say without of doubt that this is one city that will not go quietly. That will stand together and come back stronger than anyone could anticipate, this is a city built pride and one you don't want to mess with. We are thinking of all of you. Keep Running Your Race!