A woman has gone viral on social media for running a mile in an impressive 5 minutes and 25 seconds... all while nine months pregnant.
Five days ago, TikTok user Mike Myler - who uses the handle @mikemyler - shared a video of his 28-year-old wife, Makenna Myler, appearing to run a mile (1.6km) in just under 5-and-a-half minutes.
An impressive athletic feat - sure - but this was made even more astounding by the fact that Makenna is nine months pregnant.
Speaking to Buzzfeed, Makenna revealed that the time was 100% legit, and told the publication that she has been running five to six times a week throughout her pregnancy.
She added: "I cut back my mileage a lot and have been a lot slower, but I have been very particular with my strength training to make sure my pelvic shift and added weight didn’t/doesn’t cause any injury."
The product trainer, from California, admitted that she was nervous about the impact pregnancy would have on her love of running.
Therefore, Mike offered Makenna $100 if she could break an 8-minute mile while nine months pregnant - with the mom-to-be being able to run the distance in roughly 7 minutes prior to falling pregnant.
After sharing Makenna smash her 8-minute target, the TikTok video amassed over 3.4 million views in just five days (as of this writing), and people in the comments section were left stunned.
One person joked: "I can run it in 10 with a belly the same size but mine doesn't have a baby in it."
And another added: "I could barely walk up the stairs without being heavily winded at 9 months. She's a rock star."
Speaking to Buzzfeed about the advice she received from her doctors regarding running while heavily pregnant, Makenna said:
"My first doctor was all about it because he had dealt with elite athletes before.
"My second doctor asked me to be a bit more cautious because he didn’t understand my background - and that was before any ultrasound.
"After ultrasounds showed a perfectly healthy baby, he’s been more supportive, but emphasizes the importance of getting enough calories (which, if he knew me better, he would know that’s not a problem)."
Per the NHS, women can continue with their regular exercise routines well into pregnancy - with the exception of contact sports, scuba diving, and any exercise "at heights over 2,500m above sea level". Hot yoga should also be avoided.
It is also recommended that the individual "always warm-up before exercising, and cool down afterwards", drink plenty of water and other fluids, avoid working out in hot weather, and make sure any exercise classes are being run by properly qualified teachers.
Makenna revealed that she is due to give birth on Monday (October 19), so we would like to wish her and the family the very best!
