9 Months of 5K

Encouraging Healthy and Active Pregnancies

Not just a hobby, it's a movement!

The purpose of the 9 Months of 5K is to dispel the misconception that pregnant women shouldn’t work out or run and that it is harmful to the baby. The non-profit was started to help get women moving and educate them on the benefits of physical activity during pregnancy. We host quarterly workshops and a monthly wellness walk and talk to get our pregnant moms moving.

We provide services to low-income women, including workshops to assist with getting signed up for healthcare, postpartum job training, and career placement, scholarships and educational funding, assistance with transportation, monthly walks and wellness talks, quarterly workshops, diapers, and baby essentials.

The Mission of 5K is to educate and empower pregnant women on how to care for their bodies through pairing nutrition with light exercise, walking and/or running during pregnancy. We believe, with proper education, women can experience easier labor, lowered risks of postpartum depression, and shorter gaps in achieving a sense of normalcy as a new mom.

What do you specialize in, what are you most known for? My nonprofit organization, 9 Months of 5k, endorses that very message and hosts an annual 5 k for expectant mothers. Proceeds from the race fund maternity workshops, diaper drives, job placement assistance, and various services to low-income mothers.

Everyone has a story about why they started, what’s yours? I began 9 Months of 5K because I was discouraged to see so many women with unenjoyable pregnancies and birthing experiences. The alarming rates of Maternal Mortality for women of color have also served as a catalyst for my mission. My goal is to advocate for women’s health by walking the walk myself and encouraging others to run the race.

Being in business can be hard and difficult sometimes, what keeps you motivated? I am motivated by the many families we help through 9 Months of 5k. Not only have I been able to witness the joy of healthy pregnancies from racegoers, but I have also been able to give back to a community of women who often lack information and resources to experience their own healthy pregnancies.

What sets you apart from others who are doing the same thing? Working to dispel the myth that women should refrain from physical activity during pregnancy, I successfully completed 5k races up through my eighth month of pregnancy and went on to experience smooth labor, delivery and post-partum recovery. I have served as an inspiration to other women by running 5K races during my own pregnancy.

For more information contact 9 Months of 5K at (832) 844-1754 email them at info@9monthsof5k.org or visit them at https://www.9monthsof5k.org/

Be sure to follow them on social media at @9monthsof5k

WWW.THEAVIDMAGAZINE.COM | 45