Dedicated Marathoner Gives Birth After Crossing Finish Line

on October 10, 2011 at 5:38 PM

Running any marathon is an enormous accomplishment. Running one while almost 39 weeks pregnant? Doubly so. But it was no big deal for Amber Miller who finished the Chicago Marathon by half walking/half running the race in 6 hours, 25 minutes. Her doctor gave her permission to run half, and her husband ran with her, supporting her "all the way." Amber didn't see anything all that out of the ordinary about it. "It wasn't too bad, you know? I have been running all the way up until this point anyway so I'm kind of used to it," she explained to the local news.

Near the end of the 26.2-mile mark, Miller started having contractions. She didn't really think that much of them, as she had felt them "here and there" before while running, but by the time she finished the race, they were five minutes apart! So, after she crossed the finish line, she ate a sandwich, then headed off to the hospital.

She gave birth last night to her second child, a healthy baby girl named June. Awwww!

Wow, well, I have to say, I'm super-impressed by the dedication Amber showed. She ran and ran-walked all through her pregnancy and went ALL THE WAY at the marathon on Sunday. And while it may seem like a shock that she ran while that pregnant, it seems like she did it responsibly, by half-walking and having her doctor give her the go-ahead for the half-run. I totally support her decision! I have a feeling that a mama like this, who seems to give nothing less than 110 percent, is going to teach her daughter a lot about being a strong athlete.

What's more, even though her finishing time wasn't her "personal best," Amber knows what a winner she is. After all, she not only beat her husband, but she also got to welcome her daughter. Not such a poor showing at all!

Do you think Amber sets an awesome example for pregnant athletes?

Image via WGNtv.com

About the author Maressa Brown

has enjoyed reporting and writing for a variety of entertainment and women's magazines and websites. More often than not, you'll find her blogging, reading, researching something on her iPhone, laughing, chatting at an above-"normal" volume, or getting her caffeine fix.

Filed Under: running, athletes

Comments (102)

LucretiaMcEvil

on Oct 10, 2011 at 5:43 PM

WTF?!?

I just imagined that baby sloshing and being jolted around. That's kind of sick.
Walking is good, but running? Sounds like she did this for attention.

Report this comment

Mama2MonkeyBoys

on Oct 10, 2011 at 5:46 PM

Lots of women run throughout their pregnancies. If your doctor gives you the OK, there's no reason to stop.

I think this is an awesome story. What a cool thing for June to be able to tell her friends someday - or her own kids, for that matter!

It's refreshing to see pregnant women who don't treat it like a completely incapacitating handicap. Kudos to her!

on Oct 10, 2011 at 5:55 PM

I think she just did this for "an awesome story". There's no way a 39week pregnant woman would want to do this otherwise.

Lame.

squish

on Oct 10, 2011 at 6:52 PM

I think she rocks!! If your body is used to a lot of exercise, then there is no reason to stop unless your body tells you otherwise, pregnant or not. Good for her!

billsfan1104

on Oct 10, 2011 at 7:03 PM

I guess she doesnt use the "stork parking" spaces. wbahahahahahhahahabwhahahabhwahsbhashhahhahahahah

Nonmember comment from Liz

on Oct 10, 2011 at 7:42 PM

Personally, I hate stories like this. It gives the impression that every pregnant woman should be able to do this and that you're some kind of prenatal slacker if you don't.

navywife0204

on Oct 10, 2011 at 8:35 PM

it all depends on the person. I have a friend who just had her second baby, and she swam/ ran marathons through out her entire pregnancy. Imagine how easy it will be for her to drop the pregnancy weight! Also I image that it made giving birth that much easier.

abbysmomma2010

on Oct 10, 2011 at 10:03 PM

I ran throughout my pregnancy. Every person/ pregnancy is different. My doc told me if I was keeping my heart rate under a certain number (can't remember what it was) I'd be fine. And I was. Took my 6 week post-partum rest and started running again. It worked for me. Might not work for everyone.

Katt709

on Oct 11, 2011 at 12:08 AM

I personally couldn't do it. My pelvic bones and hips hurt when walking the block. No way could I run. Plus I think it was a bit reckless of her and probably just some kind of scheme.

Facebook comment from Jennifer Ives O'Meara

on Oct 11, 2011 at 3:19 AM

WTF indeed....ever run a 27 mile MARATHON?!?! Its not exactly easy, not even for a seasoned pro. But to do it & forcibly kick start yourself into labor is not safe. I dont care how well you took care of yourself during the pregnancy, or how often you ran she put her health at risk by running 13 miles, then run-walking the other 13 miles. That DR that gave it's ok, needs to be slapped in the face. Your joints are already loose from the hormones, and putting 27 run miles on them and still needing to deliver was risky. People die from running these marathons all the time, healthy people. She should have never risked her health or the health of her unborn. MORON.