Our Modern Athlete Brand Ambassador ’ s Blog
KALMER ’ S
CORNER kalmer ’ s corner by RENÉ KALMER
Images : Courtesy René Kalmer
Can you keep a secret ? I know elite runners in particular keep their marathon plans a state secret in the beginning . Firstly , if you are contracted to run an international marathon , you have to keep it confidential till the race organiser announces the elite field . Secondly , it is also a way to avoid pressure for as long as possible . Luckily , with the help of lockdown , it was not too difficult to keep my pregnancy quiet for 17weeks .
Marathon-munchies
I think we are all familiar with the carb-cravings that kick in as marathon mileage picks up , especially in the odd hours of the night , where the urge to eat usually wins over a warm cosy bed . My comfy food during this pregnancy was normally a peanut-butter and banana sandwich , or a big bowl of Kellogg ’ s Corn Flakes in the early hours of the morning . When I expected Karli , I could not stomach red meat for nine months , and the fact that I craved mac and cheese , and ‘ slap chips ,’ did not help at all for weight management during this time .
It ’ s not a competition
Everyone has a different journey to the start line of a marathon , and the same applies with pregnancy . As mentioned before , not even your own two pregnancies are the same , so don ’ t fall into the comparison trap by wondering about things like ,
Pregnancy vs Marathon running
I recently turned 40 and the original plan was to celebrate this milestone with a marathon , either in New York or Istanbul … But as with most 2020 plans , things turned out a bit different . Instead , here I am , 38 weeks pregnant and recovering from my “ Bumpy-40 th ” and baby shower , and I can ’ t help comparing pregnancy to training for and running a marathon . One thing is for sure , I know my hubby is very relieved that he doesn ’ t have to run another marathon while on holiday …
shouldn ’ t I be smaller , fitter , more prepared and better organised ? Just sit back and enjoy the journey that is filled with wonder and awe … and some heartburn , of course .
Appreciate your situation
While the struggle is real , especially to put on my running shoes or to find clothes that fit ( not even the oversized race-shirts fit anymore ), I am well aware that there are lots of women who would love to be in this position , but for various reasons are not . It is easy to focus on the restrictions that pregnancy imposes , particularly when you are not feeling yourself . The same is true when training for a marathon , and that 40km long run on your programme haunts you . I keep reminding myself how lucky I am to be able to be in this position , and never to take my health and mobility for granted .
The final countdown
Racing a marathon , I always focus on the first half marathon , which is normally smooth sailing , and then I start the countdown to the 42km mark . I ’ m sure most marathoners will agree that a marathon basically consists of two ‘ marathons ,’ the first 32km and then the last 10km , where you really have to dig deep and stay positive to get to the finish line . I ’ m in the final 2km of my pregnancy , where it feels like I am going nowhere slowly , but DNF is not an option .
Sleepless nights
Insomnia normally kicks in for marathon runners in the last few weeks leading up to race day , and let ’ s not even get into all the weird dreams . Sleep and anxiety are common before a big race , as you are tossing and turning , wondering if you have done enough training , wishing you had an extra month to prepare .
With pregnancy it is a bit different … For example , I tried to negotiate a few days ’ ‘ discount ’ with the doctor , but he didn ’ t want to fall for it . Andre then really got it on the drive home when he dared to say , “ So , what is three days extra ?” Pregnancy insomnia is also real , and whereas I don ’ t have a problem at all to fall asleep , it is staying asleep after 3am that is the issue . And the frequent bathroom runs do not help either !
The joy
When you finish a marathon , you are happy , and very relieved , that you have finally reached your final destination . You are happy that you are done , happy that you have accomplished your goal , happy to wear the medal with pride … but nothing compares to the feeling when you are holding your newborn baby for the first time . In an instant all the aches , pains and complaints are erased from your memory .
I just love the fact that sport prepares us for a lot more in life than just a big race !
About the Author
René Kalmer is a two-time Olympian , having represented SA in the 1500m at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and in the marathon at the 2012 London Games . She has also won more than 40 SA titles in track , road and cross country at youth , junior and senior level , in distances from 800m to the half marathon .
7