Local pregnant runner faces tough criticism

BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- A Bay Area athlete was eight months pregnant and ran an 800-meter race in an amazing time. Now that the race is done, the questions and criticism are growing. Many wonder if it was healthy and safe for this professional runner to race that far along in her pregnancy.

Alysia Montano is used to being active. As a professional runner, she trains every day, and two weeks ago she ran the 800 meter race at the U.S. championships.

"This is what pregnancy looks like. It's not an illness. It's not a disease. You need to keep moving. You need to keep moving," Montano said.

The crowd went crazy when the Olympic track star crossed the finish line. But since then, the online comments have been running wild. Most think Montano is amazing -- the epitome of strength -- while others do not. The critics are coming out of the cyber woodwork.

One person posted, "ridiculous - is it really worth the risk?"

Another said, "All it takes is a misstep and down she goes."

Montano's doctors gave her the green light before running the race. The 28-year-old isn't deterred by all the naysayers.

"They're just misinformed. I'm not mad at them at all," Montano said.

At Downtown Yoga Shala in San Jose those taking prenatal yoga watched the video of Montano running and were proud.

Jennifer Warren, who is 31 weeks pregnant, said, "Impressed I guess because it's pretty brave, I would say."

Prenatal yoga instructor Kelly Haller said, "She knows what's best for her body."

Montano is due Aug. 13.