And you thought running by yourself was a challenge? Try competing at the U.S. Outdoor Track and Field Championships — eight months pregnant.
That’s what five-time national 800-meter champion Alysia Montaño did Thursday afternoon in Sacramento, Ca. Montaño finished the race in 2 minutes, 32.13 seconds, nearly 35 seconds off her personal best of 1:57.31 set in 2010 in Monaco. The former University of California track star trailed the leading pack by about 120 meters, but that didn’t matter at the moment for the mommy-to-be, because she accomplished something greater that day.
“I just didn’t want to get lapped and be the first person to get lapped in the 800,” said Montano, the 800 national champion the past four years. “I’ve been running throughout my pregnancy and I felt really, really good during the whole process.”
And this Olympian was nowhere near being lapped during the race, as surprising as it may seem. Montaño received a standing ovation from the crowd for her inspiring performance, and of course, a standing ovation from women everywhere.
@AlysiaMontano you’re a ROCKSTAR Alysia! Keep it up! #gobears 🙂
— Sofie Aagaard (@s_aagaard) June 27, 2014
If @AlysiaMontano can compete at 34 weeks pregnant- I get no make excuses! #runchat — Amy Guerich (@AmyGKC) June 27, 2014
@AlysiaMontano @GMA pregnancy is NOT a disease! Glad 2 c u setting an example that exercise can continue & is good 4 mom & baby! #ugogirl — Dr. Jennifer Ashton (@DrJAshton) June 27, 2014
@AlysiaMontano You are an inspiration, flying flower!!
— Sarah Chan Hartnett (@SarahChan) June 27, 2014
Montaño maintained a steady and relaxed pace from the very beginning, a plan that she mapped out after consulting with her physician. They not only gave Montaño the OK to compete, but they encouraged her.
“That took away any fear of what the outside world might think about a woman running during her pregnancy,” Montano said. “What I found out mostly was that exercising during pregnancy is actually much better for the mom and the baby. … I did all the things I normally do … I just happened to be pregnant. This is my normal this year.”
A living example of the strength women truly possess. You can check out the entire race here.
SOURCE: USA Today | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
