Runners come in !

marathonmommy82

I stopped running during my first pregnancy (my ego couldn't handle the speed reduction) and regretted it (when it took considerable time to build back up to even the "reduced speed"!). I'm 6w and I've been running every day, around 35-40 mpw. My speed is still about the same (I stopped doing speed workouts obviously) and my mileage is about the same as when I'm not actively marathon training. My plan is to run - and race (not fast, I know ) during my entire pregnancy.

For those of you who ran during your pregnancies:

1. How much, if at all, did your weekly mileage drop?

2. How much did your speed drop?

3. Were you able to run until your EDD?

Thanks!

marathonmom823

Hi! Congrats on your pregnancy. I'm pregnant with baby #2, and just over 13 weeks along. I'm still running about 40 mpw right now, spread over 6 days, with my long run averaging 10-12 miles.

1. With my first pregnancy I was training for marathon #5 when I got my BFP- planning on getting pregnant, but training as normal in case it didn't happen. My mileage dropped from 55mpw to 35 due to extreme fatigue. I kept working out 6 days/week, but traded a day or two for cross-training. I resumed about 40 miles once I hit the second tri and my energy returned. For this pregnancy, I haven't dropped my mileage at all. I haven't been hit by te fatigue this time.

2. I didn't worry about speed/pace at all. At te time I didn't have a garmin, so I didn't have to worry about my pace decreasing. I stopped doing tempo runs and speedwork, but did run two 10k's, at 18 and 23 weeks. I ran them both at 7:10/mile pace, which didn't feel hard/like I was racing at all. My typical 10k time is around 40, and these two were run in around 44min.
I've kept my garmin on for my runs this pregnancy, and I have noticed about a 10-15 sec per mile drop, though that varies from day to day. My avg easy pace pre-preggo is 7:30, now it ranges from 7:40-7:50. Though I've had a few runs slower than 8 lately due to the snow (I live in western NY)

3. I had my son at 37w4d, and ran right up to and on the day I delivered. The only points that really stick out as "hard" to run were right around 18 weeks when I had some round ligament pain, and again around 30-31 weeks when I experienced some hip pain. I never purchased a running support belt for that pregnancy, but probably will for this one.

Feel free to hit me up with any other questions.

Congrats, and happy running- enjoy your new running partner

marathonmom823

Also, I didn't really notice my speed drop until week 7-8. That's actually how I knew I was pregnant the first time. I was attempting a tempo run and was only 1/4 mile in at tempo pace and totally out of breath, when just the week prior I was holding that pace for 4 miles.

Reddvl

I'm 33 weeks and have run pretty consistently, but my mileage dropped from about 40 mpw to 15 to 20.  I found that anything more than 5 miles really started to hurt and put a lot of pressure on my pelvis.  Plus, the decreased speed meant that it took more time to cover less distance, so I didn't have the time to run any longer than that.  

The cold and snowy weather has really put a damper on the last few weeks of running.  I refuse to run in snow and ice because I'm not going to risk falling, and it seems like that's all its been since Thanksgiving.  I've gotten a few treadmill runs in, but they are boring and lame.  I'm probably down to 10 miles a week.  My plan is keep running until my due date, but unless it warms up, it'll have to be on the treadmill. 

I'm sooooooooooooo much slower than pre-pregnancy.  Its humbling for sure, but at this point, I don't really care.  It just feels good to sweat and move.  I haven't "raced" at all, but I'm really looking to signing up for some post pregnancy races. 

lmdonnel

Hi ladies! I'm lurking from over in the Trying to Get Pregnant Board and you all caught my attention! Congratulations to all of you on your BFPs! My husband and I are getting ready to hit our 6 month of trying for our 1st. I have been (seriously) running for a little over a year, completed 3 minis since May, a few 8k's and way too many 5k's to count. I'm getting an itch to try and train for a full marathon in April/May. We've only told about 3 people we are TTC and one of them is my running buddy. If for some reason I did get a BFP in the next couple of months, would it still be safe for me to continue my training? I know everyone is different and I've always thought of myself as the pregnant lady running and kicking butt! But the second I mentioned it to my husband, he looked at me like a crazy person and started in with,"Is it safe? Would you run a higher risk of MC? etc, etc" Any advice would be appreciated! And again congratulations and you all are so inspiring!  

EmeraldCity84

My doctor did not want me to run until after the first trimester was over... and my pregnant brain cannot remember why... So I took a break from weeks 8-16 and then started again. At 33 weeks, I stopped due to hip pain, and general discomfort when running (huge boobs I'm not used to, huge belly, balance issues.)  Since I stopped, I now have running dreams where I wake up with the most intense feeling of euphoria.  I think my body is really missing the "runner's high" and I cannot wait to start up again after baby is born.

marathonmommy82

Thanks everyone!

lmdonnel -- I don't see why you'd have to stop running, but I wouldn't continue with marathon training (for me, 20 mile runs and Yasso 800s aren't compatible with pregnancy). I'm going to continue "training" but mainly keeping up a solid base (30-40 mpw) with a 10-12 mi long run like marathonmom.

 

I did an Ironman (Cozumel) the month before I got pregnant with my first (November 2009) and I think I needed a mental break from all that training. This time I got pregnant right after running the Philly Marathon. Like I said in my original post, last time I stopped running because I didn't feel fast enough. I continued to swim, walk, and lift, so I wasn't inactive, but it was really hard to get back to where I was pre pregnancy. So far I've kept up running 3-10 mi daily and it does wonders for my mood

Reddvl

I am not a doctor, but I don't think there is any reason to stop running -- first trimester or at any time -- so long as you feel up to it nothing hurts.  There is no increased risk of miscarriage, etc.  Of course, talk to your doctor because you may have complications, etc, that would contraindicate running.  That being said, you will be doing a huge disservice to your running buddy because I promise you you will feel sluggish and slow way down, even in the first trimester before there are huge body changes.  If you don't want to tell your running partner, make up another injury or reason why you can't run with her until you feel comfortable telling people (then run on your own).

I recommend both of these books: 

https://www.amazon.com/Runners-World-Guide-Running-Pregnancy/dp/1579547478  

https://www.amazon.com/Exercising-Through-Pregnancy-James-Clapp/dp/1936374331/ref=pd_sim_b_1

marathonmommy82

@reddvi - thanks! Ordered the RW Guide !

zbeesma86

I really didn't worry about speed/mileage- which was hard! I just listened to my body and did what I could. I did a lot of interval running during my pregnancy- less distance.

No- I was put on hospital bed rest (pre-e) and had to stop. I ran up until 28/30 weeks.

Nancy1250

Hi ladies!

I've been running for years but have been finding it hard. I took a break from week -12 (ivf) to week 13. A few days ago I walked/jogged (1min/3min) wo problem for 35 mins. Now I have UTI and all that trotting hurts. I miss it so much.

I'm hoping my UTI will clear up so I can start running once again

I am going to complete my first marathon (I've done 1/2) 7 months post-preg (Disney FL). I'm super pumped bc it gives me great motivation to stay in shape during pregnancy.

blu-eyedwife

I was training for a half when I got pregnant and another during my first trimester, so my mileage didn't drop until the second tri.

That being said, my mileage dropped only because i started slowing down. before I was pregnant i ran three miles every morning before work. By the time I gave birth (39 weeks, 5 days) I was getting just under 2 miles in that time. For me, I slowed down instantly. Before I even poas, i ran the half i was training for and told my husband I'd better be pregnant or there was no excuse for that race. I did a 5k at 27/28 weeks and was 4 minutes slower per mile. And my last race. I don't mind being slow, but i didn't love bring almost the last person to finish!

I was induced at 39 weeks, 3 days and had run every day of my pregnancy up to that point.

eblom

You will definitely need to listen to your body and I am sure you will find what works for you! That said, I was running 3-5miles/day 5 days a week or so before I got pregnant and was able to continue this until about 6 months when all of a sudden running 3 exhausted me to an unbelievable extent. I rested for a week, no running just walking, and then started to feel better and was able to run 3 until my delivery date. I started running less time per week at this point, though, and alternated long distance road biking (25miles/ride or so, was able to until my delivery date) and swimming (great to have the weightlessness especially as you get bigger and heavier!). My running slowed from a pre-pregnancy speed in the 7-8min/mile range to a 8-9min range right before I hit my 6-month exhausted point, and then to probably a 10/11min range for the last trimester. I lost all my pregnancy weight in the first two weeks after delivery without doing anything but light walking; I credit this to staying active throughout the pregnancy. I am now just under 3 months postpartum and have started running regularly again, but more like 2-3miles. Not sure my pace.

huntjul

I kept up my mileage and speed until 9 weeks pregnant when I got killer sciatica. So painful. I basically had to switch to pool workouts by week 10, even with chiropractic care and even though I'd wanted to run til the end. However, running 1 mile (all I could do without pain) wasn't getting me any workout, so off to the pool! I did still race a 5k at 26 weeks, and my speed wasn't too bad, all considered. My pace was 1-1:30 slower per mile.

laurasuzanne2006

listen to your body. Imdonnel, what about a race that also offers a 1/2.  that way if you got pregnant you could potentially drop from the full to the half?

argonne

I run 20-30 mpw right now. I got pregnant in a training lull, so I'm just maintaining mileage. I also swim and cycle a lot, too (triathlete). I plan on doing a 10 mile race in January, but that's it. So, to answer your questions: 1. My weekly mileage hasn't dropped, but I was at low mileage already         2. My pace has slowed from about 6:30-7 min/mile to 7:30-8s.    3.  With DS I was able to run until 36 weeks, until it became uncomfortable. I swam and cycled all the way through, though                                                 

mileswithmyles

Congrats!

I am 21 weeks and I was running about the same mileage as you pre-pregnancy.  

1. How much, if at all, did your weekly mileage drop? My mileage didn't really drop until I hit about 16 weeks. I complete 2 half marathons and a 10K during this pregnancy, but I don't think I will race anymore.  I really started to feel the extra weight and body changes.  I now run about 15 miles a week.

2. How much did your speed drop?   I was running about a 10:30-11:00 minute pace pre-pregnancy on my long runs.  I am now running a 12:30-13:30.

3. Were you able to run until your EDD? We will see!  18 weeks to go!

teenybean

I'm in the middle of training for a half in march. It was to be my first and I only started running a year ago. I did a couple 10/12k and 5ks this year. I just got my bfp. I'm wondering how I should continue to train. I excercised the whole way through both previous pregnancies but was never a runner. I currently comfortably run 8 miles on a long run and about 12-15 mpw otherwise. I know I'll get morning sickness and have to power through that's what I did with previous. Just uncertain about increasing mileage etc. and doing my first half marathon at 12weeks. I should not I'm really motivated to do it since its with my sister and that's our thing.

Thoughts? Tips? Perspective? Thanks ladies!

blu-eyedwife

teenybean said:

I'm in the middle of training for a half in march. It was to be my first and I only started running a year ago. I did a couple 10/12k and 5ks this year. I just got my bfp. I'm wondering how I should continue to train. I excercised the whole way through both previous pregnancies but was never a runner. I currently comfortably run 8 miles on a long run and about 12-15 mpw otherwise. I know I'll get morning sickness and have to power through that's what I did with previous. Just uncertain about increasing mileage etc. and doing my first half marathon at 12weeks. I should not I'm really motivated to do it since its with my sister and that's our thing. Thoughts? Tips? Perspective? Thanks ladies!

Is there a time limit for the half?  If it's your first half marathon, and your goal is just to finish, I would think it would be okay, but you're going to have to be prepared to slow it down.  Adding the extra mileage on its own isn't going to be a big risk, as long as you're not trying to keep it at any kind of pace. 

mileswithmyles

teenybean said:

I'm in the middle of training for a half in march. It was to be my first and I only started running a year ago. I did a couple 10/12k and 5ks this year. I just got my bfp. I'm wondering how I should continue to train. I excercised the whole way through both previous pregnancies but was never a runner. I currently comfortably run 8 miles on a long run and about 12-15 mpw otherwise. I know I'll get morning sickness and have to power through that's what I did with previous. Just uncertain about increasing mileage etc. and doing my first half marathon at 12weeks. I should not I'm really motivated to do it since its with my sister and that's our thing. Thoughts? Tips? Perspective? Thanks ladies!

I ran a half at 4 weeks pregnant and 11 weeks pregnant.  My doctor told me I was fine and to listen to my body.  I slowed my pace and stuck with my training buddy, who is a little slower than me, which  helped me combat the morning sickness.

I had a hard time with the nutrition on the course since the Gu and Shot Bloks were making me want to hurl.  I used peanut M&Ms at the recommendation of my trainer and it really helped!  I also ran with my water bottle.

Good luck to you!

teenybean

Thanks all for the advice. Yes I just want to finish not concerned about pace at all now that I'm preggo. I feel much better about slowly adding mileage in the coming weeks and just listening to my body.
Also I second looking for nutrition alternatives to GU etc. I have heard 5-6 animal crackers at a time will work well as well as sport beans or goldfish. Peanut m&m sound great. I normally have a sensitive digestive system anyway and am learning to use these things while training, since I'll need them in such a long run especially now that there will be two of us!

I really appreciate all the input!

natalie202

During both of my pregnancies, I ran all the way through, keeping decent mileage up to the end... But I definitely got slower.

Pregnancy 1, I had run a full shortly before my BFP. I maintained a long run of 10-15 miles through the first half of pregnancy, running a half at 18 weeks. Around 30 weeks, my mileage started dropping pretty fast. At delivery, my long run was a 6 miler.

Pregnancy 2, I was training for a full when that second line popped up. I'd done my second 20 miler the day before and was just struggling all through the run (which is why I tested). I ran one more long run (22 miles), tapered, and ran that race at a comfortable pace at 8 weeks. If I'd been earlier in training, I don't know that I would have continued, but I was pretty much fully trained and my midwife gave her blessing, so I went for it. I also ran a half at 19 weeks. Again, long run got shorter somewhere along 3rd tri. Long run at delivery was about 8 miles.

In both pregnancies, my speed dropped pretty quickly. Added probably 30 sec/mile by the end of 1st tri. By the very end, my easy runs were almost 2 min/mile slower with my faster "I need to feel quick even if only for this last mile" pace was still about 1 min/mile slower.

Oh, and first pregnancy, I ran til 38 weeks and 5 days and delivered at exactly 39 weeks (38 weeks, 6 days was a scheduled rest day). Second pregnancy I ran until 37 weeks 3 days, delivered at 37 weeks 6 days (started having fairly serious false/early labor contractions at 37 weeks, 4 days and was advised to take it easy for a few days by my midwife).

Mrs.CJ

I worked with my doctor who monitored my health. I would run 50-70 mpw prior/start of my pregnancy. I reduced my speed (stopped speedwork too). Then I dropped my mileage by a third when I hit second trimester and then again at third trimester. At the start of third trimester I dropped my long runs (reluctantly). My doctor wanted to error on the side of caution. I did run/race up to my pregnancy. I also walked a lot too. I have posts in my blog (in signature below) about my expereince. Good luck! I hope you have a safe and healthy pregnancy!

marathonmommy82

Thanks everyone ! So far I've been keeping up about 30 mpw and have a couple hms on the schedule during the second tri

marathonmom823

@sngsoprano1- I have low BP normally too (90/56) and it stays around there most of the time when I'm pg, dipping occasionally to 86/50. Meh, I'd rather have it like that than high BP and the risk for pre-e.

I ran all thru my first pregnancy with no problems, and am 17 weeks along with #2 and still running 35-40 mpw. I didn't notice the light-headedness until I started my second tri. I just make sure to stay well-hydrated before and after my runs. I live in Western NY, so the heat is not an issue yet- but I always made sure to run early in the morning in the summer before it got hot when I was pg with DS. I also rehydrated with Gatorade post-run for the electrolytes.

Good luck on your TTC! Hope you're able to get your BFP quickly. And happy running. I LOVE running while pregnant, and having a built in running partner

jldcjs

I am pregnant with my first right now and am 19 weeks. I slowed down a bit around 8 weeks and maintained about 30-35 mpw until recently. The past 3 weeks I've felt great so I have increased to about 40 mpw and have increased my speed as well. The only problem is that I constantly have to pee. I tried a belly band and it only seemed to push on my bladder and make it worse!

Does anyone have any suggestions for this?

Also, did anyone have difficulty running simply because their stomach was so big? I seem to be bigger than average for 19 weeks and I can't imagine how huge I will be by the 3rd trimester!

marathonmom823

@jldcjs- I'm just over 18 weeks pg with baby #2, and also maintaining about 40mpw right now. I ran all through my first pregnancy, even on the morning I delivered. Probably helped that he was 2.5weeks early!
I can totally sympathize with the peeing. I ran 12 miles on Sat, and had to stop TWICE to pee, which was annoying considering I peed 3x's in the 10 min before I left for my run. Each day is different for me- some days I am making a pit stop around mile 2, other days I can make it through 10-12 miles no problem. I try to plan my routes where I know there will be bathrooms I can use, or woods I can pee in!
I didn't wear a belly band with my first, so I don't know if that contributes to havin to pee more. I'm carrying this baby really low, just like my first, so more pressure on the bladder. But I will happily take that over the baby being high and restricting my breathing!
As for running later- your body adapts as your belly grows and center of gravity changes. It was actually harder running post-partum for a couple of weeks because I had lost all of my belly during delivery, but my body hadn't figured out that I could run "normal" again.

jldcjs

Thanks @marathonmom823! I'm glad to hear that you made it through your whole pregnancy running because it gives me hope that I can do the same! I hope so! I, too, am carrying really low, but you are right...I'd rather that than having difficulty breathing. 

So, a new problem arose recently. My calves start to kill after about 2 miles, extremely painful, and then soon after that my right foot goes completely numb. I have to stop and stretch and wait for the feeling to return to my foot and then run again for a mile or two. I'm so frustrated!

marathonmom823

Are you hydrating enough before your runs? And are you running in warmer temps (inside on the TM, or just from living in a warmer climate?)
I found that a bit of Gatorade helped with the calf cramps.
Also, I typically run in lightweight trainers/ performance shoes, and found that my feet were much happier last time around after I switched to just a regular neutral shoe. A little extra cushion helps.