Jessica Frick, 32, finds it difficult to call herself a “real runner,” but after running nine 5Ks during the months of her pregnancy, she’s starting to warm up to the idea.
Published: Jun 15, 2017 3:40 PM EDT pregnant with her second child, she started running with some friends. The social aspect gave her the running bug and she didn’t want to lose the enthusiasm. Once becoming pregnant, she decided she enjoyed the sport too much to let it slide, so she made the goal of running a race every month until the baby came.
The frequent races gave Frick the drive to run and train at the gym in preparation for the next 5K, even when her body became more unwilling. Frick completed nine 5Ks, and finished Running Has—and Hasn’t—Prepared Me for Pregnancy Fueling Tips for Pregnant Runners Shoes & Gear in Indiana, Pennsylvania. She’s now devoted her time to prepping for her newborn girl, who is due on July 4.
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“My times slowed down a lot more than I expected, but it wasn’t about a time thing,” Frick said. “I wanted to make sure I wasn’t pushing too hard for the baby. It was more about keeping at it and just doing it.”
The races became harder and harder, especially as breathing became more difficult. Another challenge? Some courses didn’t provide restrooms.
But she still enjoyed the process, though, and encourages other expectant mothers to make athletic goals, but without unnecessary pressure.
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Frick says taking care of a newborn will obviously come first, but she hopes to do more runs this year, including a marathon relay or a fun Muddy Buddy run.
“Sometimes us moms, even when you’re pregnant, can be so hard on ourselves because our bodies are changing so much,” Frick said. “Just take it day by day. But having a goal like that helped me stay more physically fit and I definitely would encourage other moms to do it.”
A Part of Hearst Digital Media Runner’s World in 2017, McGee has somehow convinced the team to let her keep writing for them as a freelancer. Her work for both Runner’s World and Bicycling consists mostly of news and human interest pieces. Her favorite stories to tell are ones of “ordinary” people doing extraordinary things through running and cycling, whether accomplishing personal goals, overcoming severe trials, or transforming their communities. Her writing has also appeared on ACTIVE and Paste Magazine. When she’s not running or eating, you can probably find her still eating.
