UltraMom

By Jenny Dengler

Ok, so the title is a little much considering any woman who conceives a child is automatically considered an endurance athlete, but I figured since I am working my way into the Ultra Running world it would fit for now.

Prior to my pregnancy I was training to run marathons and more if possible, but it seemed any time I paid the advanced fee to enter a race something always popped up and I would miss the race. Interferences ranged from work, to being in the documentary “Running America”, to getting pregnant! I continued to run throughout my pregnancy and, if you are curious, I was not a small, petite pregnant woman. I was 164 pounds and most of the time I was asked if I was having twins. Regardless of my pregnancy fitness level, the weight kept adding up. However, I wasnʼt concerned. What a great time to put on healthy weight! After 39 weeks of pregnancy, Tayden Christopher Dengler entered this beautiful world. My first endurance event ended up being labor and delivery and not a road race. I think that experience will make me appreciate racing even more.

From the delivery room I decided that I was going to give a new meaning to “barefoot and pregnant” by starting my training as a mom in minimalist, barefoot shoes. The concept intrigued me, and I figured this would be a good transition point. After researching different brands I fell for the Merrell Barefoot Pace Glove. The design was something I preferred over the Five Finger and I loved how light the shoe was. When I was running I felt so smooth and never experienced any of the pain I had with traditional shoes such as a tight IT band or shin splints.

My training was picking up and feeling incredible, I was up to 20 miles in my incredible new shoes, then I had a setback. For some unknown and out-of-the-blue reason, my MCL decided to give me problems. My knee would become so tight after runs I would have no range of motion. Many times I tried to suffer through the pain since I was training for my first ultra, a 50M with the Black Hills 100 in South Dakota on June 25, 2011. My dream of my first ultra was soon shattered when I came to the realization with tears streaming down my face that I would not be competing in this event. I knew that I needed rest, ice, stretching, and elevation to correct this problem.

After a month away from running and some intense stretching my knee finally corrected itself and healed. I was confident in my health and signed up for another ultra, 24 Hours of the Beast of Burden in Lockport, NY.

My training was picking up to where I had left off over a month ago, but something was a bit off. I was feeling heavy and slow and I was just overall tired. Within a couple weeks we had our answer to this little problem, baby No. 2! Yes—as I mentioned before—whenever I sign up for a race, something happens. And, sure enough, it happened again! Rolf and I were not trying to get pregnant; we were actually trying hard not to! But, sometimes the universe has another plan, and we are so grateful since the two of us could never decide if we should have another.

I was determined that I would not let this stop me from my first ultra. My training lacked for about 4 weeks prior to the race. Due to the shock of another baby, having to reroute our expedition, and my feeling tired and nauseous, it was tough to get outside and spend significant time running. Most of my training consisted of chasing a toddler around the house, which apparently was enough.

Not that I would recommend this to any woman, let alone one who is pregnant, but I showed up to the start line at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 20 and ran one hell of a race. My time was not impeccable by any stretch. It took me 15 hours to run 50 hard and hot miles. My ankles were swollen by the end and I could barely walk. However, I did not drop significant weight, maintained excellent hydration and electrolyte balance, had zero blisters, and felt like I could continue going with a little rest. Pre-pregnant Jen would have done things a bit differently and I would have probably been rescued from the course due to dehydration; however, my mind was on the baby and not winning a race.

Looking back on the race, it was a complete success. I wanted to run 75 miles, but instead I made incredible lasting friendships, had some amazing supporters, felt great, watched intense athletes push their limits, lit my ultra fire, and took my second baby on his or her first 50 mile run. I may not have won the womenʼs group, but I did win in the “barefoot and pregnant” division and had an incredible time doing so!
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With a mission to motivate and empower families to explore America’s wilderness, WAM reader Jenny Dengler took off on a one-year road trip with her family. During Expedition America 2011, the three will average one week in each state while attempting to climb their highest peaks. Jenny explains her reasons why and invites you to follow their journey through her blogs for Women’s Adventure magazine.