Am frustrated that I can't run - vent and Q

xmasbabymama

Hi ladies - this is probably more of a vent - but I started running this year. In April, I started the C25K and have been running 3 miles 3-4 times a week this summer. Probably at a 9 minute mile on the treadmill. I had planned to run my first official 5K in September.

Since getting pregnant, I am so short of breath and exhausted that I can't run and I feel like such a lame-o that I am walking on the treadmill. Obviously, I'm not going to push myself to run if my body is telling me to cool it, but I have a friend that ran 90 miles in July (outside) while 6 months pregnant and it's bumming me out. I mean, she's a little crazy and obviously more of a runner than I am, but I can't even get through a measly 3 miles on a treadmill in AC and I'm only at 6 weeks.

What are some good workouts that I could do during the first trimester so I don't feel like a total slob? Have to be at home since hubs gets home late and I don't belong to a gym and walking every night is going to be tres boring for me..

pamster917

Do you have a bike? Cycling is a great workout too. If you do you could get a bike trainer and spin your own bike at home , no gym necessary :-)

I love to run, but switch it up w/ cycling for variety.

Don't give up on your 5K, just take it slow & walk some of it if you have to.   I would recommend getting a heart rate monitor & gearing your workout more to a specific heart rate zone instead of worrying what pace mile you're running. This will allow you to still run, but know when to slow down a little to let your body recover when it needs to. I have this one & love it https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=142&pID=63511

Good luck :-)

EllaSmella

Don't be too hard on yourself and don't give up yet! I felt horrible running during my first trimester and basically just did a run/walk combo for most of my runs. Around 14 weeks I started to feel much better and was able to cut out the walking and I'm still running (and feeling good) now at almost 30 weeks. If you want the option to keep running later on, I would just try to mix in as much running as you can now with your walking so if you do decide to start running again when/if you feel better you won't be taxing your body too much. Good luck!

ilovejud

I love pilates DVDs and they are a great low impact strength training work-out.  10 minute solutions are my favorite because I always pop them in with plans to just do one and feel great when I end up completing 3 or 4 instead.  I order all of mine on Amazon...u can find all kinds of different ones for pretty cheap on there...then you have a big selection so you wont get bored.  I started pilates after my first baby because I didn't have the energy to do any kind of high-impact aerobic work-outs and I ended up getting such great results from using them that I have continued them for the last 2 years and even into my second pregnancy.  Good luck!

dehsignz

First trimester is HARD, you might get to 12 - 14 weeks and feel great. Just take it day by day and listen to your body and let it decide how much you do. Continue to be smart and don't push it.

Don't compare youself to your friend - everybody and every pregnancy is different.

I was a very active runner, marathons and long hard trail runs. I always planned on being super active thru my pregnancy. Well as it turned out my body just plain does not like it - major pressure and pain in my pelvis so I gave it up. 

This time is about the baby, we can worry about running later. ; )

MaiteRam

These responses make me so happy.  I've always been a runner but the past couple of weeks have been so hard.  I'm looking forward to feeling better and having a little more energy in the 2nd trimester!

steenie41

I think I started breathing easier around 10ish weeks. Hang in there!

xmasbabymama

Thanks ladies! Will keep exercising and hope that things improve in the second trimester. I just really want to stay active because I was a total bump on a log with my first and I don't want to do that again.

mtbmama

Don't be so hard on yourself!  First trimester is awful. Just survive it the best you can and don't push yourself too much.  Cycling is good for a change of pace, and so is swimming.  And like the pp said, maybe some DVD's to get you through.

I was very active before I got pregnant and expected to continue throughout all of my pregnancy.  First tri was a huge slap in the face and it was hard not to get down on myself about it.  Going from doing 8 hour mountain bike races to barely being able to get through a 5k run without feeling like I was dying was a hit to the ego.  Just keep at doing something, however measly it may feel. Anything is better than nothing, and it helps to keep your sanity a little.  Even if all you can muster out is a walk, it's helping to keep you in shape and good for your baby.  I used to just think "it's only half an hour/45 minutes out of my day", even though its boring as hell.  And don't compare yourself to your friend!  Everyone handles their pregnancy differently.

I felt like a new person around the 14 week mark and increased my activity again after that.  Hopefully things improve for you around that point as well.  Just get through it.  Before you know it, your 9 months of pregnancy will be over, although it feels like an eternity when you're in it!  Good luck! 

jilicious

I was so exhausted first tri but I worked out my entire second tri and some of my third (running 5ks or the elliptical or Zumba classes)