Pregnant Woman Finishes Marathon
Fear of Failure
Sometimes it’s easier to make excuses and never try for fear of failure, especially if that excuse is easily accessible and ready for use. It’s easier to say I can’t possibly do that, instead of, I think I’ll give it a go even though I might fail. I’m sure we’ve all probably seen ourselves in both scenarios. I know I certainly have.
I would like to think, however, that I have not let fear of failure stand in my way too often. I’m smiling as I anticipate what I’m preparing to share with you, because I know myself pretty well. I would also like to take credit for making such wise choices, but sometimes I think I obliviously rush forward not even stopping to think about the consequences and just happen to be extremely lucky.
Amber Miller Finishes Chicago Marathon
Let Amber Miller of Westchester, Illinois make her entrance. If you’ve heard her name you probably know where I'm headed with this. If not, let me introduce you to a woman who had that built in excuse but did not use it and accomplished something that no one else has ever done.
On Sunday, October 10, 2011, Amber Miller who could be easily described as an avid runner crossed the finish line at the Chicago Marathon. At 27 years of age, this was her eighth marathon to complete. That’s pretty amazing, in and of itself, at least it would be for me. But that doesn’t sound like an accomplishment that no one else has ever achieved, does it? What makes this feat even more sensational is the fact that just a few hours after completing the 26.2 mile marathon, Ms. Miller delivered a healthy baby girl.
That’s right! Just minutes after crossing the finish line, Amber Miller experienced her first contractions. And just over six hours later she was holding her 7 pound 13 ounce baby daughter, June, born at 38 weeks and 5 days! Ms. Miller ran the marathon while almost full term. Speaking of built-in excuses!
3 Marathons While Pregnant
Ms. Miller discovered she was pregnant just days after she had registered to run in the Chicago race. Since she was already running, she decided to continue forward with her plans, and play it by ear as the race approached to see if she would indeed compete in the marathon. She was quoted as having said, “I am crazy about running.” Many people feel that she could have stopped after the first 3 words of that statement.
Ms. Miller did have an okay from her doctor to run the race as long as she walked half of it. With her husband running along the sidelines with her, she took the half-run, half-walk approach that allowed her to finish the race. Although her time was much slower than her normal pace, she was pleased to have completed the goal that she had set out for herself.
Even more amazing is the fact that this was the second race she completed during this pregnancy. At 17 weeks, she completed the Wisconsin Marathon in May. And in 2009, she also ran in the Indianapolis Marathon while 18 weeks pregnant with her first child, Caleb.
I would never suggest that anyone run a race, much less a marathon, while pregnant, and especially so close to term. Doctors will tell you however, that as long as a runner is healthy and running before getting pregnant, that continuing the practice during pregnancy is fine as long as they are closely monitored by their doctor.
Although I would never suggest that anyone go to this extreme, I do want to challenge all of us to step out of our comfort zones and try something that we have never done before. If I had not done so just 9 short weeks ago, and ventured into the magical land called HubPages, and tried something that I had only previously dreamed of, I would not have written this and the previous 75 articles!
I can honestly say that many times I feel as wobbly as a newborn colt as I continue in this adventure called writing, in the magical land called HubPages. And I’ve even started to venture beyond the safe borders of HubPages into a strange and exotic land called Freelance. As I continue to explore a little further each day out of my comfort zone, I can feel these wobbly legs get just a little stronger each day.
Have you stretched and spread your wings recently?
You guys (males) are going to have to think outside the box on this one! Would you run a marathon while pregnant?
Other Inspirational People:
- Blind Woman Quilter, Diane Rose in Waco, Texas
Diane Rose is an amazing Texas woman. She lets very little stand in the way of her dreams, or keep her from being all that she can be! Her zest for life could be an inspiration to us all.
Resource Sites:
- Marathon Mom: Pregnant Woman Amber Miller Finishes Chicago Race, Delivers Baby Girl - ABC News
Amber Miller got more than a medal for finishing Sunday's Bank of America Chicago Marathon -- she also got a healthy, 7 pound, 13 ounce baby girl hours later.
Related
Comments: "Pregnant Woman Finishes Marathon"
What an accomplishment indeed! The story of this young lady's achievement really highlights that good old saying "where there's a will there's a way". It's not easy to step out of our comfort zones and set ourselves challenges but in doing so we become stronger. And I guess that's the same with the magical land of HubPages...as long as we have a dream, or something to work towards, then we will find a way to meet our goals. Great stuff, homesteadbound, I always enjoy reading your hubs :-)
Cloverleaf
Voted up / Awesome
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Cloverleaf - indeed it does. She definitely had a will and she found a way. Thanks for stopping by!
Hhhmmm - Well, I guess I have no excuses for avoiding my treadmill every morning.
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I don't know about you, but if I started using my treadmill, a huge dust storm would occur! LOL
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow...can't help but think of the baby bouncing around in utero! I voted NO. LOL about the dust storm....I sold mine a couple of years ago, I just prefer pavement. Great hub!
HaHa. The only reason I wouldn't have a dust storm is because my husband uses the treadmill.
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Sunshine625 - I personally prefer the sofa. LOL
I just can't imagine running that far, much less doing it that pregnant! I would think it could hurt!
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ktrapp - proof positive that husbands are good for something. LOL. Just teasing! I wouldn't trade mine for the world.
This is an incredible story. I always heard walking helps move along the process and makes delivery much easier. To run a marathon then hours later have a baby, I would have to guess she was wore out. It really captures her willingness and dedication to do what she obvious loves. You captured an amazing story Homesteadbound. Awesome, beautiful, intersting, and up. Birth is always beautiful.
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thelyricwriter - I thought it was pretty incredible. In the article, when asked the next day, the only thing that she said was bothering her was the blisters she had on her feet! Otherwise, she was not feeling any effects from having run the marathon. Thanks for stopping by!
What an incredible achivement! From your above comment I see she was only complaining about blisters on her feet, I guess it's one way to detract from the pains of labour!
Another interesting and well written hub, thank you MM
Amazingly wonderful story. Glad i read this. Great piece
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ubanichijioke - I was just over reading one of your wonderful poems. So good to see you. I'm glad you enjoyed my story.
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Movie Master - She was probably so exhausted from the marathon she didn't have much energy to feel anything else. As always, it's so good to see you here!
Goodness. I'd have thought I'd have a miscarriage even if I walked one. Nowadays I wish I was fit enough to get out of bed... ha ha!
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rosettaartist1 - I hear ya! I'm having trouble with that bed thing myself today. I feel like I could just sleep the day away today. Thanks for stopping by!
I've answered the question but i'll still want you to know my answers, i wouldn't think about running if i ever get pregnant! But she is amazing, I wondered how she could overcome the fear of falling and the likes. This is a nicely written hub, I mean it was awesome from the inception to the final line. Thanks for sharing, and sharing it too, while voting up along the line.
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adeaugustus - I can well imagine that you would have a few other things on your mind if you got pregnant! LOL
Thanks for stopping by, for sharing and for voting! You are the best!
A fascinating topic. I would never do a marathon while pregnant! (Actually I would never do a marathon at all!) I did do a 5K fun walk when I was pregnant though, but only in my 1st trimester. I regularly walked 5 K anyway. It was a stroller-friendly event, so I had my older child (who was about 12 months old) in the stroller. I think I went a bit too fast though (I passed many non-pregnant, non-stroller-pushing people along the way). Then things felt bad inside me after the event and I was a bit scared. I just laid down for about an hour or two afterward at home, then it was OK. Based on that experience I wouldn't recommend even a fast walking event, but I'm glad it all worked out fine for the woman who did the marathon! I can't imagine how she did it! And so soon before giving birth, too. I am impressed.
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Giselle Maine - I'm with you. I would never do a marathon myself. I was always a short distance runner when young. Now, I don't run. I am so glad that everything turned out okay for you. I bet that was scary at the time. It is hard to believe that she could run. it just had to be uncomfortable.
Thanks for stopping by!
I've been pregnant twice and love to run, but couldn't imagine doing the two at once. I can imagine her bladder must have felt like it was being used as a trampoline....Well done to her and to you too homesteadbound for an interesting hub.
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debbie roberts - I'm glad that you enjoyed it. I bet her bladder was begging for mercy.
Thanks for stopping by.
Wow, she is an amazing woman. I can't imagine running a marathon period, much less doing it while pregnant. She has raised the bar and taken away a lot of my excuses!
I read about this in news but, I loved reading a descriptive version of it via your hub, cindy.
This just shows a woman can do wonders...lol
Thanks for such an encouraging hub. voted up indeed with awesomeness!
Every mother who delivers one, two, three, four, or even five (quintuplets) has "finished a marathon"! And for most, it takes longer to recover than it does a runner to recover from their marathon! In fact, the recovery is said to take until those babies are in college! Thanks for another fine Hub, but I couldn't resist adding the thoughts that came to mind when I saw your title.
Excellent, well-written hub. I especially liked your conclusion and how you related the pregnant runner's dedication to trying new things, stepping out of your comfort zone, etc. I'm new to HP so I'm doing that now :)
I'm pretty dedicated to exercise--I usually exercise about an hour a day, five days a week. However, I would never put my body (and baby) through what she did. I would be too afraid of hurting the baby. I'm glad that she had such a successful outcome.
Great job, voted up :)
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Millionaire Tips - I think that marathons are not for everyone. I know that I could not run one. I do admire those that can - it takes a lot of discipline.
Ruchira - I'm glad I was able share this event with you once again.
Perspycacious - What an interesting thought, because it is true, birth and delivery is indeed a marathon. And not recovering until 18 .... LOL
susann23b - You are one of those that I can't help but admire - 1 hr / day, 5 times per week, WOW! When I came to hubpages 6-1/2 months ago I had definitely stepped out of my comfort zone.
Thanks to all of you for stopping by and making my birthday so special.
Wow! What an amazing story. I am blown away by it. It is unbelieveable. Thank you for the illuminating article.
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James A Watkins - I am glad you enjoyed this story about this amazing lady. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Unbelievable .. this is a mind blowing story. Thanks for writing such an article. Voted!
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cookingrecipes - I am glad that you enjoyed this one. It truly is an amazing story! Thanks for stopping by!
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