Lisa Sabin’s - Running And Being

I just couldn’t pass up a beautiful day like today. I went for a run in the afternoon. Unfortunately, I had Thai food a couple of hours before my run. The whole time I was feeling my lunch coming back at me.

NEW YORK - Paula Radcliffe sat in the stands at last year’s New York City Marathon, cheering on her husband and realizing just how much she missed competing.

She recaptured the thrill of racing at the same event Sunday, but with a new twist - this time, when she won, she celebrated as a mother, holding her nine-month-old daughter Isla.

Radcliffe and Martin Lel each pulled away during the final 1½ kilometres to win a second NYC Marathon title on a cool, sunny day with 39,085 runners starting.

“I’ve really, really missed it,” Radcliffe said. “It’s way more fun than cross training in a pool or cross training in a gym, and that’s what it’s all about. That’s what keeps me motivated to work hard and to cross train hard is just getting out there and enjoying the atmosphere.”

Radcliffe, the world-record holder from Great Britain, made a triumphant return in her first marathon in more than two years. She outlasted Gete Wami of Ethiopia, who was running her second marathon in 35 days.

Radcliffe won in two hours 23 minutes nine seconds, beating Wami by 23 seconds. Two-time defending champion Jelena Prokopcuka of Latvia was a distant third in 2:26:13.

“I’ve been there so many times with Gete on my shoulder coming into the final 400 metres,” Radcliffe said, “and I was determined that this was my turn, this is the marathon this time, and I think a little bit to my advantage the last 400 metres because it’s uphill, not like a track race.”

Wami briefly passed Radcliffe in the final kilometre. But when Radcliffe surged back past her, Wami didn’t have the legs to catch up again.

“She was just too strong,” Wami said.

Paula Radcliff gave birth to her daughter in January and began running just 12 days after birth.  Doctors usually recommend waiting 6 weeks before returning to exercise after pregnancy for most people.  Paula, clearly is not “most people”,  she is world class.  She ranks up there with Lance Armstrong, when it comes to incredible athletes.  I’ve seen many women come back stronger after giving birth.  I don’t know if it’s the rebound effect of having a child or the mental strength that comes from going through the process of giving birth.   It doesn’t surprise me that someone as talented as Paula won the NYC Marathon.

I’ve seen many of my personal training friends, training,  and teaching cycling classes up until the eighth month of pregnancy.  I trained two very fit women for a half marathon.  They were 3 and 4 months pregnant at the time we began training.  They had both just finished a summer of competing in triathlons, when they decided to train for the Seattle 1/2 Marathon with my group.  I agreed to work with them after obtaining doctors consent.  

I wouldn’t recommend dramatically increasing your exercise load during pregnancy.  However, most doctors agree that if you are already fit, you can continue your normal activities.  Running is fine if you are already a runner.  Taking on a new strenuous activity that you aren’t used to isn’t recommended.  Staying hydrated and keeping your heart rate below 150 is recommended for most people. 

I trained a 35 year old woman through her second pregnancy.  We worked together after she gave birth to her son.  She quickly returned to her pre-pregnancy weight and continued to drop a few more pounds.  She ran a new personal record at Bloomsday last Spring. 

Paula is truly inspirational.  You proves that you can have a family and continue to compete.  You can be an athlete and a mom.