Question: How has becoming a mother affected your experience as a runner?

Answer: As many of you guys know, I’ve been a long-distance runner since I was 21 years old. It has always been my dream to run marathons with or without a baby. Last year I ran the Los Angeles Marathon (LAM)  at 14 weeks pregnant, and now I continue to run/jog with my baby in the stroller. 

Question: This year, did you run the whole marathon with your baby?   

A: No but, just 6 months postpartum, I was able to complete my 14th LAM, with the help of my husband. He  met me at the 20th mile with the baby to finish and was able to run 5 miles pushing the stroller to motivate me to finish strong.

Question: How is Baby Myles doing?

A: He just turned 7 months old. He can stand up on his own. He’s a healthy, good boy.  Every Sunday morning he joins my long runs with the SRLA team. Rain or shine, he has been showing up to our long runs since he was 1 week old. I really wish one day to share a marathon distance with him and celebrate at the finish line.

Question: Was it hard getting back to running after having the baby?

A: Yes, because I had to get a c-section. It took around two months to get better but I did it and now I’m running. 

Running is my lifestyle, I just adjust the pace to assure that baby Myles is comfortable. He is a blessing, he sleeps throughout the entire race. He likes movement and loves when I push the stroller at a fast pace. He is definitely my best running buddy. I will continue running races in the future with a stroller until he learns how to walk/run with me.

Question: So, are you still Coach Diaz or Coach Cardenas now?

A:  I’m Mrs Cardenas now because I’m married. I will continue to be called Coach Diaz (got my degree before getting married) but, legally and on Misis, I am Mrs. Cardenas.