womensrunninguk.co.uk⁄ HAVE YOUR SAY
30 MARCH 2017EbelthiteSTAR LETTER PREGNANCY PAINS
I had just completed my fi rst half-marathon before going into my second
cycle of IVF. This cycle was thankfully successful and we await our little
bundle of joy in July 2017. I started running in 2014 and it quickly became
my passion, my release and my biggest pleasure. I have gained confi dence
and, as a doctor, I have been able to pass this onto my patients. However, nobody prepared
me (or I didn’t prepare myself) for just how debilitating the fi rst trimester of pregnancy
could be. I imagined I would still be able to do a 5K during the week and a steady 10K at the
weekend. The nausea and fatigue have hit me badly and, for the last fi ve weeks, I have been
barely managing a full day at work. I am used to being a very busy person and I have been
struggling to manage the basics. I have forced myself to go for 10Ks and retched most of the
way round (although I did feel the endorphin buzz afterwards). I have cried when watching
other runners from my window, I took my medals off the wall as they were a reminder that I
am not the person I used to be just now. I could feel my mood slipping but then I remembered
your magazines could serve as a focus and reminder that this would not last forever. I wanted
to thank you for the fabulous articles and inspirational pieces. Having them to read helps
maintain my motivation and perspective. During the low times, I remember that, even though
I cannot get “out there”, my spirit remains fi rmly unbroken. I cannot wait to be a mummy and
this to all become worth it – even though it doesn’t feel like that just now. I am looking forward
to the second trimester when the fog shifts a little and I can build my identity back.
L. DOLAN, BY EMAILWe’re sorry to hear that you’ve had a rough time – but we’re glad you’re being kind to yourself
again. It’s no small thing growing a new human being. Your body is doing amazing things right
now – even if it doesn’t feel like it – and soon you’ll be back to your old running self. Try to enjoy
this hiatus with thoughts of all the exciting things that are coming in the not-too-distant future.
Congratulations, mummy-to-be!WRITE TO US
Send your views to: editorial@wildbunchmedia.
co.uk or Women’s Running, 1st Floor, Gable House,
18-24 Turnham Green Terrace, London W4 1QP
Letters may be editedThis month’s Star Letter wins a
Saucony Omni Sportop, £45,
from saucony.co.uk. Featuring
stretch thermal fabric and
convertible mitt-cuffs, it’s
perfect for keeping you cosy on
those chilly winter runs!KEEP ON RUNNING
Well done, Bronwen (January issue star
letter). Perhaps it’s something in the Scottish
water. I fi nished my jogscotland walk-run
course in 2014 on my 66th birthday. Since
then, I have found, much to my surprise,
that I love competing. My favourite race
photo is fi nishing the Great Glasgow 10K- not looking too chipper, I must say – but
in front of two guys whose combined age
is less than mine! I love the challenge and
adventure of running. I have done several
half-marathons and, in 2017, I am aiming
to complete my fi rst race abroad (the
Barcelona half) and my fi rst full marathon
(Edinburgh). I have met many super people –
runners are lovely and seem to be genuinely
pleased that you have joined their sport.
I have found a new interest in the whole
training and health area and appreciate
the articles in your magazine. However, I
WHAT
YOU'RE
SAYING ON
If possible find a running buddy.
Keeps you focussed and gets you
out and running on those days
when you can’t really find the
motivation.
Helen HaytonI find running a long time highly
satisfying and mentally calming.
It’s just me and the path.
Amy RobertsI’m not sure when I became this
person, but I found myself buying
sweet potatoes yesterday and
thinking, “hell yeah, post-run
refuelling is sorted.”
Joanne Elizabeth MurphyI’ve kept a running diary since
I started in 1984. Very simple.
Route, time, sometimes distance
and how I felt. Nerdy? Me?
Rosemary MallaceMy 2017 goals are running two
half-marathons and two full
marathons. Got to 10 miles today- furthest I have run in my life!
Helen Brown
I absolutely love spinning as a
cross-training activity! It also kept
me sane while I recovered from a
stress fracture.
Mary MorstanLove running. It helps me a lot
when I feel low.
Leeanne Haverondo agree with Bronwen, that more for the
“super vets” would be appreciated. I am
very lucky to have good health and I intend
to keep going as long as I can.
DIANA LORD, DUMFRIES, SCOTLANDThat’s the spirit, Diana. We love to hear of
our readers getting out there and grabbing
the bull by the horns. Thanks for your
feedback – we want WR to be as inclusive as
possible, so we have taken note. Good luck
for Barcelona and Edinburgh!HANNAH’S HERO
I was so thrilled to see my email published
on the letters page (February issue) and
to achieve star letter, thank you! I have
just totted up my total racing mileage (not
including training runs) to see what I ran in
2016 and it came out at 230 miles. I will carry
on into 2017 and will do another marathon in
2018 as my daughter, Hannah, always said
she would do one with me when she was old
enough. Happy running!
CLARE, BY EMAILWell done, Clare. We’re sure Hannah would
have been proud of you – for running all of
those miles and for continuing to do your bit
to fundraise. Keep it up!WR86_030.indd 30 13/01/2017 17:23