Running changes

knottie85381e0ae0d95589

I’m seven weeks pregnant. And I’m an ultra runner I’ve run 15+ 50 mile races and a handful of 100 milers my most recent one being four weeks ago. I’m used to training 70-90 miles a week with additional cross training but once I hit week 5 it’s like I hit a wall. I slowed down by 30 seconds to a minute per mile and I’m finding myself taking walk breaks and cutting runs short from being too tired. I was just wondering what other pregnant runners experiences were and if I should expect this to persist. Thank you!

Wishilivedinflorida

Not an ultra runner but my first pregnancy I went from running 10k’s frequently and placing top 10 just prior to jogging 1-2 miles by second tri. Then I got pelvic girdle pain/pubic symphysis dysfunction and could barely walk. I gave up running in any subsequent pregnancies due to this. It sucked. 

I would be more concerned about your mileage and ability to keep up with calories as you get further along. But chances are your body will slow you down, and it’s ok. You aren’t going to be your normal self. Your center of gravity will change, and you will gain weight. 

I came out a much slower runner after having my first two kids. I was working on my mile time last year and making progress when I unexpectedly got pregnant again so I’m back to square one 🥵 But honestly, being a parent makes you have less time to run anyway so I take it way less seriously now. My goal is to run a 5k by end of summer (8 weeks pp now). 

stbollinger

A lot of professional runners keep going through pregnancy or at least until third trimester. Energy and symptoms usually get a lot better in second trimester you do have to push through some fatigue but I would also say listen to your body and plan to go a lot slower is you need to cardiac activity and blood volume increase dramatically with pregnancy! I am no ultra runner I like to do 20 ish miles a week but I plan to keep trying!

annaruns

Hey there! This resonates a LOT with me.  I'm a competitive marathoner, and actually my running and workouts were the first clues that something was off with me.  I actually felt relieved when I got a positive test because it gave me an answer to why all my workouts were going so terribly.  Anyway, I've been insanely sick for the last 6 weeks and running is one of the only things I can do to feel like myself again.  I'm a lot slower and just feel really tired, but I tend to feel better after a run than before one.  The calories part is tricky since I've been so sick, and figuring out when/how to eat to not make it worse post-run is also a puzzle I haven't quite cracked.  But I plan on continuing to run as long as I can.  Right now I'm averaging about 30 miles a week and my coach isn't giving me a plan anymore, so it's kind of nice to do what I feel each day.  I'm really hoping that by 2nd trimester I'll feel better and can get back to some more mileage and maybe some threshold work, to stay fit.  I think staying as fit as you can during pregnancy is a key to a speedier recovery postpartum.  I also think that if running is part of your identity, as it sounds like it is, you'll make it a priority once the baby comes.  Moms can do anything.  I also suggest following Steph Bruce on IG, as she's about 20 weeks and still running professionally, but keeps it very real.  I also follow Amanda Basham, who is an ultra runner and has two girls under 3, and is crushing. Good luck!