QCA native trains for Bix 7 race while pregnant

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - The QC Times Bix 7 race is a month away and one of the runners who has participate for over the last decade is expecting a different kind of race.

Morgan Skopec is an avid Bix 7 runner.

“I’ve been doing it about 15 years since I was in high school,” said Skopec. “I think just having a lot of friends in cross country and track who are all doing the Bix, I decided, you know, I would give it a try, and kind of snowballed from there.”

This year she has a running partner. Skopec is expecting a baby girl right around the Bix 7 race date.

“She’ll probably come a week or two before, and, you know, I think I’ll just walk the quick Bix,” said Skopec.

Her pregnancy hasn’t stopped her from doing what she loves.

“Running in general has been, you know, kind of a smooth ride so far,” said Skopec. “The first two trimesters, I was able to race, and run 30 to 40 miles a week, and I did a marathon the first trimester. Then this third trimester, I did two half marathons, but kind of hit my limit and decided I needed to pull back. So I think from here on out, I’ll just be walking races.”

Skopec says the support from family and friends has kept her motivated throughout the pregnancy.

“With my running friends, they’ve been really supportive because they’ve slowed down their pace with me,” said Skopec. “Then also my husband, he’s a lot faster than I am, and he’s been running all the slower paces with me. So, you know, they’ve been my support system, and they’ve been really great.”

There’s no doubt that the newest member of the Skopec family will keep the pace.

“I hope she’s gonna come out running,” said Skopec. “I think she’ll be a runner. We’ll find out.”

The Bix 7 race is on July 26th.