A runner’s mentality.

I discovered running in February of this year and began training for my first half in March with the mindset, “If I can give birth, I can do anything.” Anything might be a stretch but you are definitely capable of more. I trained for 9 weeks which is shorter than recommended and I thought I was crazy as I’m sure others did. When I told David I signed up to run a half, his response was, “We all make horrible life decisions once in awhile.” He really is the most patient and supportive person. He just has a unique way of showing it and adds humor to everything. I trained solo for most of my runs and it became therapeutic. I was a better mom, partner, and person on the days I ran. I changed my eating and water drinking habits because I wanted to feel good when I ran. I wasn’t concerned with pace but with how it made me feel. The experience was greater than the act itself. I completed my first half marathon on Mother’s Day. This day is joyful and it also carries a lot of heaviness but I’ll leave that for another story. Seeing Amelia and David at the finish line meant the world to me and it was a sweet reminder of why I started running. I was hooked like everyone said I would be and decided to train for another half, the OKC Memorial Marathon. If you’re an Okie native or a transplant, you’ve at least heard of this race. This time around, I decided to train with a group and it was a game changer. The accountability was greater and I made life long friends and strengthened current friendships. I heard so many testimonials about this race and how the energy was so different than any other race as well as the crowd. I tried to prepare myself emotionally for this race but I wasn’t ready. Some races take more mental toughness than others. My friends and the sense of community among runners got me through that race. There are so many factors that play into a race and the outcome similar to pregnancy and birth. Imagine seeing the two pink lines on a pregnancy test and giving birth to your baby the same day. 9 months of pregnancy was by design to allow our bodies, minds, and hearts to prepare for our greatest achievement. We also weren’t meant to do anything hard, alone. Running solo is peaceful but running with friends feeds my soul.

A few thoughts I feel are worth mentioning. Honey is great for energy during running and also during labor. I highly recommend the waffles from Honey Stingers. They’re easy to break in half or bite size pieces and come in a mini version that’s the perfect amount for labor. They also have chews that work quickly to give you an energy boost. I am not an affiliate for them and I don’t receive any compensation if you click on the link. Ask me about my other recommendations by contacting me and be on the lookout for a list of my favorite items for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

Creating the birth team that is the right fit for you can ensure you have the experience you desire and deserve no matter the outcome.

Thank you for taking the time to read this story. I look forward to getting to know you and working with you to find your birth team.

Melanie Cabaniss, BBCD, BBCI