At Baby Give Back we have the privelage in being constantly introduced to giving and inspiring people including the incredible Emma McRae who is running in her first marathon event after becoming a first time mum 5 months ago.
We caught up with Emma and her gorgeous little girl Gracie in between training to find out what motivated her to sign up for the 10 kilometre run in this year's 42nd Gold Coast Marathon.
Tell us a bit about yourself . . . .
I’m a new mum to a 5 month old little girl named Gracie. I’m Aboriginal and have grown up in Brisbane however my mob are Waramungu from NT.
I’m a strength coach and used to compete competitively in powerlifting but these days I lift for fun and for the many physical and mental benefits. I’m also trying to fit lifting in with my new running goals and being a mumma to a very active little girl.
My partner Nick is amazing and I couldn’t do it without him. On weekends we love spending time together as a family, being out in nature and getting away to the beach when we can.
How did you hear about Baby Give Back and what made you choose to support the organisation?
When I was looking at the list of possible charities to support, Baby Give Back sounded familiar. I remember donating to them previously after the influencer Revie Jane was posting about them. I thought it was so fitting that I could fundraise for a charity who do so much for mums and babies after just recently having my own little baby.
I can’t imagine how hard it would be without essential items- it’s hard enough as it is! I hope my small contribution helps another little baby and his/her mum in need.
Have you ever participated in the Gold Coast Marathon before?
No, this will be my first time. I actually had the idea when I was pregnant. I used to run during my pregnancy at a very slow pace to be safe and I thought “I can’t wait to push myself again!”.
I like having a goal to aim for so I looked up races around a suitable time post birth and this came up. If this goes well I’m actually hoping to do a half marathon later in the year which is something I’ve never done before.
You have just become a new mum (congratulations!) what do you love about motherhood?
Thank you. I love seeing her personality develop. I love that she is her own little person and I can’t wait to nurture her and guide her in life but I know she will be the one steering her own ship. She’s so sure of what she wants already and takes in so much of the world around her.
I also love that I have been able to breastfeed her and hope to continue for a long time.
How have you been training for your 10km run?
So I was only cleared by my postpartum physio to start running at about 10weeks out from the race day. In the first couple of weeks I took it really slow, gradually building distance, frequency and speed. Then at about 8 weeks out I started more of a running program which I have modified to suit our (baby girl and I) schedule.
I aim to run 3 times per week. For 1 of those runs I’m pushing Gracie in her jogger pram, and then the other 2 times are when my partner Nick or my mum can look after her. I’ll do a faster run and a longer slower run for each of those.
I also walk with Gracie daily either pushing her in her pram or on me in her carrier and that is definitely helping with my fitness as well - especially up hills!
Any tips for anyone who is thinking of joining the marathon or has signed up and is training for the Gold Coast Marathon?
If you’re thinking about doing it, just bite the bullet and sign up! I had put it off, not knowing what my fitness would be like post baby, but now that I have I feel so much more motivated to push myself, and I’ve opened up the opportunity to fundraise for an amazing cause.
You could do the same! If you’re currently training for it, great job! Be consistent on the days you don’t feel like it, but also listen to your body when you need to rest.
I’m so excited to be running for Baby Give Back, for my little girl and for myself :)
We wish Emma and her biggest support Gracie, the best of luck with her first Marathon entry and thank her for choosing to support Baby Give Back in this very special 10km run.
Emma getting ready to hit the Gold Coast Marathon running track with her biggest supporter, her five month old daughter Gracie.
