When the superspeed duo of Ally and Norm sent through their list of 2018 marathon locations, Kiev seemed a no-brainer. I mean, who hasn't wanted to visit the Ukraine? I cannot remember if I was pregnant before or after entering but I clearly thought it would be fine regardless. Unfortunately, I didn't exactly glow during pregnancy and I dragged my feet out on two runs a week, one short and one long. Given that I wasn't particularly fit before pregnancy, building up those long runs felt pretty awful. On one occasion, Scott had to sprint home to get the car during a two mile run while I disposed of my stomach contents on the side of a country road.
On arrival, we paid some extra money at registration for some running travel insurance scam. I'm pretty sure that is what it was! Then I risked the life of my unborn child by taking a Ukrainian taxi through some back alleys. We went to dinner and there were guns on the walls. Some local youths then set the hotel bathrooms on fire. So far, pretty exciting.
It really was the boys chance to take me. Four and half months pregnant, surely they would take the victory. Scott and I started together at the back, Norm hit the front pack. After a few miles we were going to and fro with Norm who was implementing his success-proof walk-walk-run strategy. We passed some tanks. We also passed a number of police cars surrounding a smashed up old car who had clearly been pursued in some sort of chase in the middle of the marathon route.
Some loo stops were made. Pregnancy stresses the bladder.
We ran past lovely churches. Or cathedrals. I'm not sure, just picture some nice religious buildings. After about halfway Scott and I were still together and had passed Ally on a long climb. By this time Norm was well back, having stopped to help a group of elderly ladies cross the road. Or so he says. Scott's back was pained from throwing grass seed around and I decided to press on. I remained comfortably uncomfortable throughout the run and tried to stay hydrated.
Upon finishing, I forgot that I shouldn't be drinking too much caffeine and downed three cups of cola. It was only upon starting a local dance mid-cup that I realised I had probably overdone it. Yes, I ran a personal worst of 4:20-something. But I still beat all the boys and felt pretty chuffed. I didn't ask for my doctor's permission to run. Why? Because my doctor doesn't even know who I am. I didn't ask for my midwife's permission. Why? Because all 17 of them don't have a clue who I am either. I knew I was ok to run and did so within my comfort zone.
As a side note, Kiev is a great city! Friendliness may not be common characteristic but it isn't in London either. We decided not to go to Chernobyl as I wasn't sure it was a responsible thing to do while pregnant. Baby Wesley was therefore born with all ten toes and all ten fingers.
On arrival, we paid some extra money at registration for some running travel insurance scam. I'm pretty sure that is what it was! Then I risked the life of my unborn child by taking a Ukrainian taxi through some back alleys. We went to dinner and there were guns on the walls. Some local youths then set the hotel bathrooms on fire. So far, pretty exciting.
It really was the boys chance to take me. Four and half months pregnant, surely they would take the victory. Scott and I started together at the back, Norm hit the front pack. After a few miles we were going to and fro with Norm who was implementing his success-proof walk-walk-run strategy. We passed some tanks. We also passed a number of police cars surrounding a smashed up old car who had clearly been pursued in some sort of chase in the middle of the marathon route.
Some loo stops were made. Pregnancy stresses the bladder.
We ran past lovely churches. Or cathedrals. I'm not sure, just picture some nice religious buildings. After about halfway Scott and I were still together and had passed Ally on a long climb. By this time Norm was well back, having stopped to help a group of elderly ladies cross the road. Or so he says. Scott's back was pained from throwing grass seed around and I decided to press on. I remained comfortably uncomfortable throughout the run and tried to stay hydrated.
As a side note, Kiev is a great city! Friendliness may not be common characteristic but it isn't in London either. We decided not to go to Chernobyl as I wasn't sure it was a responsible thing to do while pregnant. Baby Wesley was therefore born with all ten toes and all ten fingers.
 |
| Marathon medal, 19 weeks pregnant |
 |
| Ukrainian Taxi |
 |
| Tanks in Kiev |
 |
| Kiev marathon route |
Comments
Post a Comment