Joy and Energy with Girls On The Run

Sonali R (on left)

It seems fitting to be writing this post shortly after our Spring 2017 Girls on the Run (GOTR) 5K here in NYC! The infectious joy and energy of this season are still with me and I’m particularly excited to be sharing a bit about my GOTR experience with the New York Flyers!

For some Flyers context, I have been a lifelong runner -- I started running with my dad in 9^th grade and then joined my high school cross-country team and just loved it. I’ve run multiple marathons and dozens of road races and was lucky to be able to run through most of my pregnancy. I took some time off from running after the birth of my son in the summer of 2015, but after going back to work, I was craving a running routine again that also fit into my schedule (read: anything early in the morning). 

I’ve been running with the Flyers' lovely and supportive 6AM group, led by Francine A, for the past year or so and it’s been the best! In fact, I rave about this group to my family and friends all of the time and as a result of that, one of my very best friends, Allison Hauser (who also happens to be the Executive Director of GOTR here in NYC) was thinking that we might have a lot of Flyers (who I have found to be, not only incredible runners but also just good, kind, generous folks) interested in volunteering for GOTR in some capacity! Long story short - and with the help of long-time Flyers’ member Dave K -- I offered to put together a post describing GOTR in a little more detail and also sharing a bit about my experience.

GOTR is an evidence-based after-school program that directly serves young girls (ranging from 3^rd – 8^th grade) all across the country. More than 200,000 girls in the US participate in GOTR each year and GOTR-NYC specifically takes place in more than 50 elementary and middle schools across 4 of our 5 boroughs. The curriculum itself addresses a range of critical social emotional learning skills via a creative approach that fosters an affinity for physical activity, addresses critical health issues, and nurtures compassion, empathy, and a sense of community. I have been deeply fortunate to work closely with GOTR and the incredible team of women and men leading this effort for over a decade. As a long-time volunteer (this was my 20th season coaching!), I can attest to the powerful impact participating in this program has on the girls themselves, their families, and their school climate.

I started coaching for GOTR in the fall of 2007. To say that it has been a life-changing experience for me is an understatement: GOTR has shaped critical aspects of my career (my doctoral dissertation study actually involved working closely with GOTR Founder Molly Barker on the development, implementation, and evaluation of their middle school curriculum); has been the source of some of my closest friendships (NYC Executive Director Allison and I met as coaches ten years ago and she has been one of my closest friends since!); and being a part of this organization has brought immeasurable joy to my life (the girls we are privileged to work with are hilarious and brave and smart and never fail to make me laugh).

Volunteering as a coach is my favorite way to be involved. The curriculum is 10 weeks long (lessons take place twice a week) and the program is offered twice per year in the fall and spring. Practices are held at one of our many school sites across the city for about 75-90 minutes per lesson. There is a comprehensive coach training for all coaches at the beginning of each season and the program concludes with a big 5K running event where all of the girls across NYC come together to celebrate all that they have accomplished. (As an aside and what’s incredible to see is that there are hundreds of these 5K events all across the U.S. each fall and spring). Each team of coaches -- there are typically 3-4 coaches per school -- receive all of the materials for every lesson at the beginning of the program so they don’t have to worry about a thing! It’s rewarding and fun and such a great age group to work with. GOTR-NYC also regularly hosts events of all sorts for their coaches and other volunteers; it’s a wonderful way to also get involved with the larger non-profit and fitness community here in NYC.

It should be noted that for those who are unable to make a coaching commitment there are many other ways to get involved with GOTR! A full list can be found here, but I wanted to highlight a couple of options. The first is to volunteer at the GOTR-NYC 5K events. It’s a beautiful, special day and can be a one-time commitment. The second option is to race as a GOTR SoleMate and raise money for GOTR while you train.

I could (and would!) spend hours talking about this wonderful non-profit organization and the (now, well over 1 million) girls they have served since the organization’s founding…but I’ll stop here and let you absorb this information for now. But please let me know if you are interested in getting involved and have any questions at any point. Those interested in volunteering can visit the GOTR website by clicking HERE. Or you may contact GOTR Executive Director Allison Hauser (or you may contact me directly at sonals612@gmail.com).  

Happy running!

Sonali  

Read more...

FEARLESS!

I am a 261 Fearless Ambassador

I am so excited –  I need to share this!

261 Fearless is an organization founded by Kathrine Switzer. She was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, in 1967, when the race director tried to pull her off the course and take her bib number declaring that it was a men’s only race. Her bib number was 261.  

She has created 261 Fearless, a global network for women around the world to connect, support and inspire one another through running.

When I read about the mission of 261 Fearless, I saw everything that I stand for and believe in.  I knew I wanted to be part of this cause. I read the description of a 261 Fearless Ambassador:

A 261 Fearless Ambassador is a woman who finds solace, strength and freedom in running or walking. She is also a role model, a communicator, a supporter and a friend. She has the ability to stand strong for herself and has the aspiration to bring the love of movement to others. . .  Through her personal interactions and social media, she has the ability and desire to welcome women into this 261 Fearless community and a determination to spread 261 Fearless mission.

I had to apply! I submitted an application to become a 261 Fearless Ambassador. I was on pins and needles all day yesterday waiting for 261 Fearless’ announcement.  Last night I received an email saying:

Congratulations and welcome to the 261 Fearless Ambassador Community!  You truly are amazing.  Your enthusiasm and fearlessness will be the backbone of our movement.  Together we will communicate, celebrate, support and encourage women in their lifelong journey of running and walking. . .  We will share our stories and find joy in our collective successes.  We will do this one stride at a time.  We will do this together because sometimes, you just need to know you are not alone.

I feel as though I am already on this journey on so many levels, and yet am a little nervous, as I never seem to quite fit into any mold.  I don’t know for certain what being a 261 Fearless Ambassador will entail, whether it will meet my expectations, where it will lead me. I’ll let you know.  But, I am so excited to be on this journey. Bring it on!  I am a 261 Fearless Ambassador!

-Kathy K

This post is adapted from a blog post written by Flyer Kathy K, which appeared in her own blog, Will Run for Miles, in September 2015.  -Dave K, NY Flyers Blogmaster

Read more...

WHEN PIGS FLY

Stephanie T

Two weeks ago, I ran the 2015 Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, OH in 3:48:03, my 17^th marathon-plus! 

Although the marathon was not a PR, it ranked as one of the most special marathons, as it was my first postpartum.

 2015 Flying Pig Marathon Finish with Pei M, Ray T and Tran L

NEW TRAINING APPROACH AND EXPECTATIONS

I had trained well all season, which I was proud of, despite the fact that my daughter Keira was still only 9 months old. In fact, it was the first time ever that I had followed and executed a training plan so closely. I appreciated the science behind the Run SMART program and Coach Brian Rosetti’s extremely personalized and hands-on approach to coaching.

It was also my first postpartum marathon, and I am still breastfeeding. Instead of making time for group runs either before or after work, I had purchased a backpack that I ran with to go home from work two or three days a week with my breast milk, laptop and other items in tow. On Wednesdays, I would rush home to Brooklyn immediately after work so I could spend time with Keira before rushing back out to Central Park for the New York Flyers’ Marathon Training Program (MTP). On weekends, I would either get in a long run while my husband and fellow Flyer Ray watched our daughter, or we would go out for a run together with our running stroller.

Given the fact that I had run through my entire pregnancy, including a marathon and three half marathons, and I had read about a number of women running faster postpartum, including Liza Howard who won the Umstead-100 Mile despite stopping three times to pump on the course, and had given birth just six months prior, I had positive expectations about how the season would turn out. I believed that my expectations were valid, as I ran a 46:30 at the Scotland Run 10K in April, shaving 25 seconds from a my previous best time from 2011, and ran really strong all season long.

2014 Delaware Marathon at 7.5 Months Pregnant!

LEADING UP TO THE RACE

Ray and I left Keira with his parents for the weekend, our first time away from her overnight, and flew into Cincinnati, OH two days before the marathon. We dropped off all our belongings at the hotel, visited the race expo, which was next door to our hotel, and strolled through town before having dinner at Boca, a beautiful Italian restaurant I had made reservations for weeks ago. It was the first time we’d had dinner without Keira.

The next day, we met with fellow Flyers Pei M and Tran L for a 20-minute long easy run along the waterfront, returned to the expo with them and walked to Findlay Market, a local market with fresh and prepared foods, for lunch where Flyer Leslie L and his fiancé Noel C joined us. We enjoyed freshly made pasta, and picked up a few items for breakfast the next day. Ray and I returned to our hotel room to rest, as it had been a hot day so far and we had walked more than we had planned. The warm weather made me worry about race day, as I don’t run very well in warm weather, generally. We reconnected with everyone for an early dinner at Via Vita, an Italian restaurant near our hotel. After suffering from food poisoning the night before two marathons in the past, the 2011 Paris and 2013 Big Sur, I now always make sure to eat fully cooked, hot foods for two straight days before marathons, and kept it quite “vanilla” that evening–I had lasagna Bolognese and a side of roasted Brussel sprouts. We returned to our hotel early, and went to bed immediately.

Dinner with Fellow Flyers at Via Vite

RACE DAY PLAN

Brian had instructed me to run the first half of the race at an 8:18-20 pace. At mile 18, if I felt strong, I could pick up the pace. My projected finish time was 3:38.

Pei and Tran had planned to start slower than they had initially planned, so I considered doing the same. The temperature was going to climb to 80 degrees, and the Flying Pig was known for its tough hills on the first half of the course.

Miles 1-6 (8:22, 8:22, 8:22, 8:07, 8:21, 8:19).

We all took a group photo, Ray and I gave each other a kiss, and we wished each other good luck before the start of the race. Pei, Ray and Tran were all in the same corral as me, while Leslie was in front of us. Tran and Ray immediately headed out in front of me, and I was aware that Pei was behind me. I monitored my pace closely, aware that I typically run with a pace group, and tend to run too fast at the start of races. It typically takes at least six miles before I start to find my rhythm during a marathon, but felt strong during the start of this one. However, at around mile 4, I heard my name called, and turned around to see Tran behind me. I replied, “Hey! Oh no! I’m running too fast!” as Tran is faster than me, and I shouldn have been behind her!

Miles 5-13 (8:21, 8:19, 9:03, 8:22, 8:11, 8:26, 7:44, 8:16, 8:22).

The major uphill started around mile 5.5, and it was much more challenging than I had anticipated. I realized that I had slowed during mile 7, and despite the continued incline, and Tran exclaiming, “I’m not making up the time on the uphill,” I started to speed up shortly after. I was back on track to finish at my projected time by mile 9.

Miles 14-22 (8:24, 8:19, 8:25, 8:20, 8:38, 8:19, 8:25, 8:20, 8:38, 8:58, 9:21, 9:22, 9:43)

The hills, which were only second to the hills I encountered at Big Sur, increasing heat and constant adjustments I had made to my pace were all taking a toll on me. At mile 14, Pei had caught up to Tran and me, and we ran together for a few miles. At mile 18, however, at another incline, Pei continued running a strong pace, and I slowed down, unable to maintain my pace. At mile 20 or so, Tran passed me too, as I continued to fade.

Mile 23-26.2

I stopped checking my pace by mile 23. I saw the 3:45 pace group come from behind me at mile 24, and stuck with them for a mile before they passed me as well. I kept my legs moving, nevertheless, until I saw the finish line, and in front of me were Ray, Pei and Tran cheering me on! Ray draped the medal around my neck, and greeted me with another kiss. I was in awe that Ray had finished 12 minutes before I did, even though he hadn’t trained for this marathon at all, and we had all half expected to pass him on the course. I finished having given the marathon my all, but I was truly beat up. To serve as an example, I ran the last mile at 10:04.

 Keira and Me After Pacing the 2:00 Group for the 

2015 More/Fitness Magazine Half Marathon!

The Flying Pig Marathon certainly wasn’t my fastest marathon—it was actually my third fastest. However, it was my first since having my daughter Keira. I’m proud of all the hard work I put into training. And I’m ready to train for the next marathon.

-Stephanie T.

Read more...

Girls On The Run

Dave K

For those who may like learning about and/or who are looking to volunteer with a great organization that works with kids and focuses on running, Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a non-profit program that empowers girls through an experience-based curriculum that "...integrates running to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident."  The NYC Chapter (GOTR NYC) serves 350,000 girls, and provides 12 weeks of training by meeting twice per week in small teams of 8-20 girls.

GOTR NYC is open to 3rd - 8th graders, and aims to teach life skills through dynamic, conversation-based lessons and running games. The 24-lesson curriculum is delivered by certified GOTR NYC coaches and includes three parts: 

• Self-understanding 
• Valuing teamwork, and 
• Understanding how to connect with and shape the world at large. 

The program is designed to combine running with lessons that inspire the girls to recognize and honor their individual strengths and talents, and to celebrate their inner selves. The culminating activity of the season is the opportunity for the girls to participate in a non-competitive 5K running event. 

For most of the girls, this is the first time that they have ever attempted a physical goal of this magnitude, and completion of the 5K provides an incredible feeling of strength and a real sense of accomplishment.  In addition to running, the curriculum focuses on topics such as  eating disorders, internet safety, cyber bullying, and tobacco and alcohol use.

The spring program just got underway, and it may still be possible to register girls at one of the participating schools.  If you or someone you know has a 3rd grade - 8th grade girl who may be interested in joining the program, please click HERE for the list of school locations and to register.

For Flyers interested in volunteering, although coaching spots are filled for this spring, there are year-round opportunities to get involved.  GOTR NYC accepts general volunteer applications on a rolling basis, so anyone can apply at any point.  Just click HERE for information about volunteer opportunities and click HERE for the volunteer application. 

Volunteer opportunities are numerous, and include participating as a Running Buddy at the 5K in June.  It's a great opportunity to see the program in action, and they're always looking for running buddies (i.e., adult "cheerleaders" who run along with the girls during the race) as well as general volunteers (e.g., to help out with field set-up, check-in table, water stations, etc).  GOTR NYC also sponsors a SoleMates Program for those interested in fundraising and gaining guaranteed entry into various races.

Some NY Flyers have been GOTR NYC coaches and volunteers, including Deanna C, Joyce S, and former Flyer Janine S -- and so you might contact them for first-hand information.  Or just reach out to GOTR NYC directly for more information or to answer any questions.

And here's what my runner friend Polina has to say about her experience volunteering with GOTR NYC:

"I was a coach for 2 years (4 seasons) with GOTR. I got interested in becoming a coach after volunteering as a running buddy for their end-of-season 5K, and worked with 6^th-8^th graders (Girls on Track). 

It's extremely rewarding to work with this age group. Being a girl can be confusing at this stage of life, while GOTR training sessions are a great medium for helping the girls to address and manage challenges at school and at home. 

A teacher at the school where I was assigned told me that she saw a lot of positive changes in the girls who enroll in the program. Some girls who were often afraid to speak up, or stand up for themselves in class, become more confident and assertive. Other girls are served by the program by making connections outside of their tight social circle and learn the benefits of being good team players.  The GOTR curriculum makes it easy for all the girls to share their experience and learn from each other. 

My favorite part of being a coach was to watch the girls’ progress throughout the program.  They discovered strength, confidence and power they didn’t know they had in them.  I loved watching their faces shine with joy and accomplishment at the post-5K party!  You don’t have to be a fast runner or have previous experience to be a great GOTR coach and a role model. My advice is to make time and commit to your assignment.  The young ladies will teach you everything you need to know :)"

-Dave K, Flyers Blogmaster

Read more...

An Event that Holds a Very Special Place In My Heart!

Shevaun T

Here we go with a little history on the race before I write about what it signifies to me and then a race report.  

It all started on June 3,1972 when 78 women lined up in Central Park to run what was dubbed the Crazylegs Mini Marathon.  Johnson Wax was the sponsor and they were promoting  a women's shaving gel.  The 'mini' is for the miniskirt, which was widely popular in women's fashion circles.

Each participant wore a t-shirt with their number ironed on.  (Hey, this is actually a good idea.  Safety pins create a lot of holes in my Flyers singlet!)  The two women who co-founded the event with the late Fred Lebow were Kathrine Switzer, who was the first woman to finish the Boston Marathon in 1967, and Nina Kuscsik, who had won the first official Boston Marathon in 1972 just weeks before the running of this race.  Fast-forward 40 years and boy have times changed for women's running (actually, in every area of a woman's life: sports, career, and home to name a few).

I went on the NYRR website after the race and came across a quote that resonated with me.  "The race for me is a link to both the past and the future."  I grew up watching my mom run this race.  Seeing her run the Avon Mini (as it was called then) really planted the seeds for my love of and passion for running and racing.  As a little girl, my dream was to eventually run this exact race with my mother.


Throughout the years I had observed lots of mother-daughter teams and delighted in the idea that I, too, would be doing this.  My mother passed away when I was a teenager so I did not have this opportunity.  However, when I arrived in New York fresh out of college and joined the New York Flyers 17 years ago, I ran the 1995 Mini Marathon in memory of my mother. It was my first 10K race and I was ecstatic to have run a time of 44:00.  (this time was my PR for 17 years up until the Healthy Kidney 10K last month).  So as with every Mini I have run, I would run this year's race in memory of my mother.  I also would try to break my PR from the previous month. My time of 40:41 fell short of a PR by 18 seconds but it's kinda cool that I ran 40 minutes (and change) on the 40th anniversary of the race at age 40!!

It is at this point that I mention the race and "the link to the future" -- I actually CAN be part of a mother-daughter team that I dreamed about many years ago.   Except this time I would be the mother.  I have three young daughters; perhaps one day we will run event together. Having my girls on the sidelines now as my cheerleaders I hope that I will set the example my mom did for me; teaching each one of them to be a strong woman with a real passion who works hard to achieve goals, where the possibilities are endless, and where many friends are made along the way!!

Shevaun with Daughters
Grace, Quinn and Paige

The Mini 10K also holds real significance to me because two years ago it presented me with the chance of a lifetime.  In 2010, the day before the race, I attended a luncheon to benefit the NYRR Youth Program.  It was a small gathering, and when I arrived I was seated in between Paula Radcliffe and Kara Goucher.  Like me, they were pregnant at the time, so we chatted about running and pregnancy, maximum heart rates, what we do for cross-training and the anticipation of our births.  What a thrill!!

Now for the race report:  Standing close to the start line with more than 6,000 female runners on Saturday morning on the 40th anniversary of the Mini was empowering and there was so much energy and excitement.  Of course, I had on my mini, my new Flyer singlet and a necklace that Kara Goucher sports when racing.  We all listened to the pioneers of this race speak, and Kathrine Switzer wore her Crazylegs t-shirt from 1972.  We saw Olympic hopeful Desiree Davila up on stage commanding a big presence despite her tiny frame.  It was female power to the max.  

Lisa M, Victoria S, Shevaun T, Karen H, Jodie F, and Francine A 

I felt proud to be standing with thousands of strong women anxiously awaiting the start.   The gun fired and we were off.  I was very close to the front and racing down Central Park West where I found myself running in between Elizabeth A and Deanna C.  We ran together for close to 2 miles; there was respect, camaraderie, and we were having "fun" pushing the pacing.  

I met Elizabeth very briefly at the finish line of the Coogan's  5K, and I had heard a lot about Deanna  but had never met her. What better way to get acquainted than while on the run!  It was super cool that we were encouraging one another with "come on" and "let's go." The "fun" we were having came to an abrupt end as we approached the Harlem Hill; then it was time to really focus.  Deanna powered her way up the Hill and we followed closely behind.  By the time we got to the 5K mark, Deanna was off and looking particularly strong.  Way to go Deanna!!  I was tiring but reminded myself that the Flyer cheering section and my three daughters would be at the 72nd Street transverse. The crowd support was deafening coming down Cat Hill.  

Thank You!
Flyers Cheering Station

Thank you to all the Flyers who came out to cheer us on at the E. 72nd Street Cheering Station organized by Adam H. For me, this was monumental in getting me through the last mile.


I spotted my daughters in their bright blue "running skirts" (actually tennis skirts but is there really a difference?) and gave a big wave and blew a kiss. Because I do not wear a Garmin, I didn't know what pace I was going.  My legs were feeling very heavy but I thought of the mile repeats I do with the Tuesday 6am speed work group.  I told myself I only had to do it once as opposed to the four or more repeats we do on the first Tuesday of every month.  This self-talk helped considerably and somehow got me to the finish line where my name was announced.  I then spotted Dave K volunteering at the finish line and he placed my medal around my neck. 

With Victoria S

With Kettia M

A big shout out to everyone in Francine's 6am group. You have brought my running to a whole new level and for this I am grateful! It was a great showing for the Flyer Ladies, with quite a few finishing top-ten in their age group and/or setting PRs.  We all gathered after the race for pictures and then I headed over to the playground to meet my family. My girls greeted me with a hug and then asked why I wasn't the winner!  

Congratulations to all the Flyer Ladies and I look forward to "toeing the line" with you again next year for this spectacular event!


-Shevaun T

Read more...

Flyer Females Fend Off Felons

Shira Z

On June 13, a group of (mostly) female Flyers met at JackRabbit Sports on the Upper West Side for a course on female awareness and self-defense.  It was a whole lot more than just "kick him in the groin and run!" Flyer females learned many strategies on how to prevent and respond to attacks. 

Leading the course was Gabrielle Rubin, an awesome woman with 22 years of martial arts experience. Despite the serious subject matter, the Flyers had a great time and even got a little physical!

Flyer Women Practicing Their Moves

Gabrielle’s philosophy is simple: try to prevent an attack before it gets physical. Don’t give anyone the chance to think that you are an easy target. Walk with confidence, don’t rely on headphones, and don’t broadcast your plans to the world via your cell phone.

The Three F's

If you are faced with an attack, there are three likely responses (the Three F’s): 1) Freeze, 2) Fly, or 3) Fight. If you can learn some basic skills, hopefully you can avoid the first F. Flying is the best option, if you can flee the situation.

Don’t forget that fighting is also verbal: practice yelling, with attitude. Create a scene, with your words, or with a personal alarm that will attract attention. Bad guys are bullies and cowards, and if you stand up to them, they will back down.

Flyer Street Fighters

If you need to use physical force to protect yourself, remember that it is better to fight on the street than to be forcibly moved to another location where your chances of survival plummet.  In other words, don’t "play nice" in the hopes that they will leave you alone.

BUT: remember that your personal belongings can be replaced – you can’t. If an attacker wants your bag, throw it on the ground (don’t hand it to them), and run away. That fake Prada wallet is not worth fighting for.

Instructor Gabrielle Rubin

The Flyers learned several different physical moves that can be used against an attacker. If you’d like to learn them, I highly recommend taking Gabrielle’s class.  Information is available on her website.

Other Tips

As runners, we often stick to a routine (e.g., going to the park every morning at 6:45). This leaves us open to attack. Try to vary your routine or your route, and make sure people see you as you leave.

If someone is following you on the street, don’t be afraid to acknowledge that person, but don’t overreact. Create the illusion that there are more people around, by pretending to call out to a friend on the next corner, or having a fake phone conversation with someone you are meeting on the next block.

If you carry a personal alarm, a small baton, or pepper spray (now legal in NYC), make sure you can easily access it. Carry your keys and your phone separately from your purse.

Stay safe, Flyers!

Shira Z.

Read more...

Running For Two

Angela G.

Paula’s done it. Kara’s done it. It seems that these days, running through pregnancy is quite common and even encouraged. The old way of thinking had women exercising very little, or not at all. But times have changed and studies show that staying active during pregnancy may improve your health and your baby’s. Even if your job doesn’t depend on your running performance, you can still gain the benefits of running while pregnant, but you will need to make some adjustments.

I’ve been a runner for over thirteen years and have never imagined myself purposefully abstaining from the sport I love. When I found out I was pregnant, one of the first questions I asked my doctor was, “Can I still run?” Because of my vast running experience, my doctor gave me the green light. But she warned that I might get tired more easily and to take it easy. With all the reading I had done about professional runners sailing through nine months of running for two, I figured that cutting my mileage and decreasing my speed would do the trick. I imagined myself running several times a week, like I had done pre-pregnancy, and maintaining my status as a regular runner. But, I soon realized that pregnancy is hard work! Being tired all the time was an understatement, and I hardly had enough energy to eat regular meals, much less run a loop in Central Park. I’ve since adjusted my expectations and now I run for the fun of it. What used to be an average six or seven miler, has now been cut to three or four. I stop and walk if I feel the need, and I hydrate before, during, and after my run. Though I still daydream about marathons and marathon training, I don’t set goals for myself other than to listen to my body (and have fun out there!). I stay on even surfaces and steer clear of slippery spots and ice patches. Speedwork and hill repeats are a distant memory.

Just like a rookie runner, I’m finding that I enjoy running for the sake of running these days. Though I don’t run nearly as much as I had envisioned, the rewards don’t disappoint. When I finish a run, I have more energy and feel peaceful at the same time. If you’re thinking about running through pregnancy, here is a brief list of my (non-expert) advice:

Paula Radcliffe, World Record Marathoner

• Get your doctor’s permission
• Listen to your body
• Now’s not the time to race or train
• Choose even, well lit surfaces
• Stay hydrated
• Be careful not to overheat

Using these pointers during my pregnancy, hopefully I'll eventually be able to run like Paula and Kara, too!

Happy Running (for Two)!
- Angela G.

Read more...