By Emily Saunders

Last weekend was a “First” for me.  I ran a 5K while pregnant.  I was super duper excited when I was notified by For Two Fitness® that they would like to send me a Running for Two® Tank to wear in an upcoming race.  I had been itching to run a 5K this Fall and it was just the nudge I needed to make it happen!

For those of you who have been following Momsanity for a while you might know that I’m a reformed “cardio queen” who used to rarely pick up a dumbbell.  I ran.  A lot.  And far.  And long.  I thought that the “more minutes” I ran the more fit I would become.

Boy did I have it all wrong.

Funny thing happened.  When I decided to turn to heavy weights and lighten WAY up on my running, my body finally changed.  I became leaner, more shapely and my body hurt far less.  I didn’t feel tired all the time and my workouts were enjoyable.  I stopped counting minutes and instead gauged my workouts by how much effort I could put into a very short period of time.

I stopped running half-marathons and started running very short distances as fast as possible.  Yes I sprint once per week and I 100% feel that sprinting is the best cardio option out there for most people.  But I must be truthful- I enjoy running!  I enjoy being outdoors and running through neighborhoods and seeing cute little creatures.  I enjoy the places my mind goes, the ideas I come up with and the time I spend with God while jamming to Christian music.

I found that it wasn’t necessary for me to stop running altogether to achieve my fitness goals and take care of my body.  Even during pregnancy my 20-ish minute “tempo” runs provide me with a great, quick workout that kicks my tail and satisfies my running craving.  I set my timer for 10 to 12 minutes and just start running and a semi-challenging pace.  When I reach that time goal I turn around and try to beat my time on my way home.  It’s very simple, but a great way to really push it.

Running and My pregnancy:

During the early part of my pregnancy I exercised VERY little.  I did absolutely NO cardio and maybe 1 to 2 weights workouts per week when I felt up to it- and even they were very very modified.  As I moved into the 2nd trimester my energy returned and I jumped back into my weekly runs.  Boy am I glad I did!  My body feels great (with the exception of occasional hip flexor pain), my cardio fitness is strong and I just feel really really good at 17.5 weeks pregnant.

It’s funny that during my pregnancy with Adler I would have NEVER dreamed of running a 5K because if I wouldn’t be crushing any personal records I wasn’t interested.  God sure has done a number on this girl!  Who even cares?  I’m healthy and so very blessed- my fear of self-imposed failure is G-O-N-E sisters.  Life is too short to let the devil drag me down with silly “requirements”.

About the race:  I was super duper excited when I learned the Piedmont Down Syndrome Support Network’s annual Buddy Walk and 5K was just minutes from my house.  I watched in awe as these beautiful and proud families, energetic kids and wonderful volunteers came together for a wonderful cause.  The mood of the morning was just absolutely one of joy! I encourage you to find one in your area!!

My running/sprinting partner (and Momsanity Sister) Jessica decided to join me at the last minute and she pushed me to keep a good solid pace on the hilly course.

I was listening to “Toby Mac Radio” on Pandora and thinking about what to share in this post and don’t you know that two of my favorite songs came on that reminded me of my journey this year. First I heard “Blessed Be Your Name” and then “Steal My Show”.  They really kept me going.  There might have been some praising hands thrown in the air and some runners behind me thinking I had lost it  That’s ok.  I felt the Spirit moving and that’s what matters.  Call me crazy.  I don’t even care.  God showed up to run with me and once again remind me of His amazing grace.

As we finished I realized that a WOMAN had won the race and Jessica was the only other female in front of me- we had finished 2nd and 3rd overall (what a surprise!).  We celebrated with Free Starbucks and stretching and savored our kid-free morning together!

About this FABULOUS tank top:  I also have a Training for Two® tank that I purchased when pregnant with Adler and wore it at least once per week.  It’s still in great shape and I broke it out a few weeks ago when my my “regular” tanks stopped covering my belly.

This brand takes quality to the next level!  The fabrics are super soft and the stretchy tummy is incredibly comfortable and doesn’t gap.  The colors and slogans are super cute- I literally got about 100 “what a cute tank” comments during the hour and a half I was at the race.  I love that the quality is that of a luxury brand, but without the price tag. For Two Fitness® is competitively priced and stands the test of time.   Their slogans and styles are Trademarked so you won’t find imitators anywhere!

Thanks for the opportunity to sample your product and show off my growing belly at my 5K race!  And to the Moms to Be and Moms of all ages out there- if you LOVE to run check your heart and motivation.  Make sure you’re running for the RIGHT reasons- not to burn calories or to “get skinny”.  God doesn’t want that to be your motivation and the fact is- it won’t work anyway!  As with most things- moderation is key- it’s not sexy, but it works.  Listen to your body- push hard, rest hard, keep it short and live your life for the Lord!

Blessings!