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Trying to Get Pregnant
Marathon running and TTC
I ran my first full marathon last month and was going to put my long distance running shoes on hold for a while as we try to conceive because my doctor told me to. I've done 3 half marathons in the past 2 months and now I'm signed up to run my 2nd full marathon this Sunday. I have a heart rate monitor that links up to my Garmin watch so I can monitor my heart rate so that it doesn't exceed 140, but I'm nervous in case I'm pregnant. The earliest pregancy tests on the shelves say they are effective as early as 5 days before your missed period which would be the day before the marathon, however I know that it may still be too early to have an accurate reading. Does anyone have any suggestion or advice as to whether I should run the marathon this weekend? My husband and I really want to conceive so I don't want to risk it since it's so early and close to when I ovulated. I've put in so many miles of training so I'm ready to run another marathon. If you're a runner, you can understand my desire to run the marathon, but also my desire to get pregnant.
Some background on me: I'm 32, no children, 5'2" and about 135 lbs, so I'm not a skinny runner. I've been running for years but just recently (about 5 months ago) got in to the long distance runs. I live in FL but it's been pretty mild here so I don't feel I'd run the risk of over heating which is what I keep on reading about that could jeopardize a pregnancy.
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Re: Marathon running and TTC
Congratulations on completing your first marathon, what an accomplishment! Which marathon did you run and which one are you planning to run?
To answer your question, I would ask your doctor. I went to cheer on the marathon runners here in Chicago one year and there was a women who was pregnant that was running it. She had a t-shirt that said, 'baby on board.' So I guess some women do it.
My coworker (who just gave birth a few days ago) ran a marathon when she was 2 months PG and didn't even know it. She thought she got her period the month before the race... but it seems like it was some form of implantation bleeding because a few days after the race when her period was due... it didnt come. The doctors told her everything should be fine and it wouldnt do any damage to the baby, but he did tell her to stop the long distance running at that point.
Hope that helps.
My OBGYN told me the same as yours.. that I could continue to train for my 1/2 marathon, but that I needed to watch my heart rate and overheating if I was at a point where I could be pregnant. Check with her doctor but, I bet you'll be fine.
I would listen to your doctor.
I am a runner myself. Many women still run while pregnant (my friend actually ran 7 miles on the day she went into labor at 38 weeks). But buttom line, everybody is different and your doctor knows best.
Good luck, and congrats on running those marathons
My DH and I have been trying to conceive for since August. No luck yet. After a visit with my midwife last week, she told me that I had to cut back on my exercise. I am 5'2'', about 115, and work out 6-7 days a week for 1 hour +. I'm struggling with it too, but am trying to look at the big picture. Yes, we want a child soon, but it's one of those things that is hard to cut back on.
I think that you would be fine for the weekend. Running is something that your body is already used too, and if you are watching your heart rate you are being careful. I would suggest taking a break after this one though.
GL on TTC and the marathon!
Thanks to all the responses. I did the Richmond Marathon and I'm doing the Jacksonville Bank Marathon on Sunday.