There was an AP article in the paper today about Paula Radcliffe having sparked controversy after her recent win at the New York City Marathon. Apparently, people have their panties in a bunch because Paula just gave birth 10 months ago.
Seriously?
People think it's outrageous she would win a marathon 10 months after having given birth? 10 days, sure, 10 weeks...OK, yeah, but...10 months...c'mon, seriously. This woman is an athlete and 10 months is a LONG time. Even novice runners don't need more than four months to train for a marathon.
The article states:
... it also highlights a medical debate about just how gung-ho women should be about exercise during pregnancy and afterward.
Now you've pissed me off.
Are you saying that a new mother's focus should be soley on raising their child (and maybe pleasing their mate, keeping their house spotless and getting a hot meal on the table by 5 p.m.)? I'm sorry...are we in the 1950s?
I ran through both pregnancies -- all the way up until the very end. And, I ran four weeks after having given birth. And, frankly, I'm pretty damn proud of that.
But, back to Paula. The bottom line is that this woman is a seasoned, professional athlete. And, anyone who actually runs would not bat an eye at the fact that she won a marathon 10 months after having given birth.
And anyone who runs and has given birth can actually testify to the fact that it may very well make you a better athlete. Check out this blog entry that addresses that very subject -- and also gives a great background profile on Paula.
Personally, I set P.R.s in every distance after having given birth. I'm not sure why. I know I felt stronger and more confident. I felt sort of invincible (Hey, I lived through four hours of pain in natural birth -- two hours running at a 7:45 minute-mile-pace is a frickin' cake walk). It's like they always say: What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
In a related topic -- another famous mom finished the NY City marathon as well...no big controversy here though since Katie took her time. Guess that puts to bed all those rumors that she's pregnant again....or, does it? Ah...imagine the controversy if Katie is pregnant and did something so irresponsible as to run a marathon with a baby in her belly -- they'll crucify her. I say...run mamma, run.
A related article "Paula Ran Through Her Pregnancy, Should You?" offers some solid advice for any pregnant runners (or wannabe pregnant runners out there).
Comments (1)
I just made a Yahoo Group for Pregnant Runners. If you have come across this site you may want to join... "pregoruns" on Yahoo Groups.
Posted by R | February 12, 2009 2:26 PM
Posted on February 12, 2009 14:26