Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Alexia McClerkin.
Dr. McClerkin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started out wanting to do a 5K every month of my pregnancy but it turned into something bigger. I’ve actually done 2-3 races per month with some 10Ks in there as well. In addition, I turned it into a non-profit to educate women on the importance maintaining a healthy pregnancy through diet and exercise.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely been a roller coaster with wanting to quit some days because of missed deadlines or the constant “that’s not healthy for the baby.” I’ve had a lot of encouragement along the way but I’ve also had quite a few that have tried to discourage me and weren’t in agreement with all of the running. I took it all in stride and pushed myself even harder just to prove to myself I could do it.
9 Months of 5K – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
9 months of 5K is a movement dedicated to helping women experience pregnancy, labor and the post-partum period in a healthy and powerful way.
MISSION
It is our mission 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 post-partum depression and shorter gaps in achieving a sense of normal as a new mom.
VISION
We envision a global movement of pregnant women and healthcare practitioners around the world coming together with a shared commitment to empower, educate and raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and movement during pregnancy.
FOUNDER
After giving birth to my first child, I remembered having quite a different experience than other women I talked to. I had no epidural, an easy labor, was up walking around the same day, returned back to the gym within two weeks, and little to no challenges immediately post-partum. I was able to be fully present for my new baby and felt a sense of “normal” in just a few weeks.
I understand every woman’s experience will be different and there are several factors that contribute to the pre- and postnatal experience, but I can’t help but contribute such an ideal experience both during and after pregnancy to my dedication to maintaining a healthy diet, focused attention on prenatal care, maintaining a healthy posture, walking and running.
While pregnant with my first child, I decided I would commit to preparing for and completing a 5K and that commitment made all the difference in the world for my physical, mental and emotional health during pregnancy, labor and post-partum. In addition to the 5K, I dedicated thirty to forty-five minutes per day to the gym. My desire for all pregnant women to have the best pregnancy, labor and post-partum experience possible is what led to the birth of 9 Months of 5K.
BIO
As a philanthropist, chiropractor, entrepreneur, wife and mother, Dr. Alexia McClerkin is passionate about the health and wellness of women. Dr. McClerkin educates women on the importance of prioritizing their wellness and nutrition throughout pregnancy through her non-profit organization, 9 Months of 5K.
Dr. McClerkin created her non-profit after successfully establishing herself as a trusted Chiropractor in the Houston area, specializing in sports and wellness. Her experience spans from working with clients in the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball to the Olympics. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Kinesiology from Michigan State University in 2006, a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine from Texas Chiropractic College in 2012, and currently working toward her BSN at UT Arlington.
While Dr. McClerkin has had great success professionally, she is also deeply passionate about her family and her work in the community. When not working or serving, you can find Dr. McClerkin running in 5Ks, with her son running with her to the finish line as her husband takes pictures while encouraging her from the crowd.
I’m most proud of the sense of accomplishment I get from crossing the finish line and having my family there to cheer me on.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career thus far was stepping out on faith and starting my own practice. Though there have been speed bumps and setbacks it has been very rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2600 S Loop W Ste 100
- Website: 9monthsof5k.org
- Phone: 832-844-1754
- Email: info@9monthsof5k.org
- Instagram: Sportsandwellnessdoc
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