Sprint Triathlon

Eags

I'm new to the boards and TTC (on try #3 now).  I have 2 questions.

1.  Why do people post "This."  before going on to reply to a post?

2.  I'm seriously considering doing my first sprint triathlon in Sept.  According to the research I've done, it's perfectly safe to do a triathlon as long as you aren't high risk/ get the Dr.'s OK/ listen to your body and don't push yourself/ etc.  I'm in great shape and very active, so I don't have any worries as long as the doctor says it's fine (assuming I get a BFP before then).  My question is has anyone else in here done them while pregnant?  If so, how far along were you? 

(This may have been posted before, I thumbed back a few pages and didn't see any topics on this though.)

Haven1

1. "This" = "ditto".  Like, I agree with This (above).

2. I ran quite a bit during my pregnancy and triathlons before, but I don't think I would have done a tri while pregnant.  The risk is the bike.  A high potential of falling.  Bad things happen with pregnant people falling. 

 Good luck on your future BFP!

FloF9

I was pregnant and found out I was about 12 weeks when I first started training.  My training was 6 weeks prior to the sprint.  I checked with my OB/GYN regularly and as I was still early on, didn't have any complications.  I didn't go overboard - meaning I was a novice and I made sure I ate well, kept hydrated, and didn't overexhert myself. 

If it's been a long time that you haven't done exercise, take it slow and listen to your body. 

RJM678

I did one 8 weeks pregnant. Not too far along but I did it and was fine. I don't see why not if you are not pushing yourself too hard. Both biking and swimming are great for you while pregnant anyway. I say go for it.

argonne

RJM678:

I did one 8 weeks pregnant. Not too far along but I did it and was fine. I don't see why not if you are not pushing yourself too hard. Both biking and swimming are great for you while pregnant anyway. I say go for it.

Biking is great as long as you don't crash

I wouldn't do it.  I race as an elite/semi-pro in triathlon and I put them on hiatus while I was pregnant.  Biking is one of those things where you are not always in control of your environment...meaning a car could side swipe you or you could crash in a wash of gravel/debris.  There's just too many unknowns. 

I would say table the triathlon for this year, but stay nice and active throughout your pregnancy.  The triathlon will be there next year.

Eags

It's great to hear supportive words, it seems like there are so many people, including my SIL, who think once you're pregnant (with no complications) you should sit very still for the next 9 months.  Unfortunately, I just don't think I can do that... at least right now anyway, who knows how I'll feel when KU!

I had thought about the biking thing and read mixed reviews on that part.  My DH wants to participate in the same race too, so I wonder if I could just do the swimming and running part?  Do they let you do that?  I mean, I obviously wouldn't be eligible to place but I wasn't planning on trying placing anyway.  If not, maybe I'll just stick to running a few races and plan a sprint for a few months after baby.

khoping

I did a sprint tri (The Iron Girl) in August, actually on my 37th birthday.  I signed up for it December 2009 when I miscarried for the 3rd time.  I was so mentally drained from the trying then the happiness and then disappointment.  So with DH blessing we took a break  on trying while I trained from December to August.  There were a few pregnant ladies participating.  I am happy to say that the cycle just after the triathlon I became pregnant and I am due in June.  It really did my body and mind well!  I am sad that I will not be able to participate this year.  My OB says I can swim and run but does not want me biking.  Also the first 12 weeks I did not feel up to doing much as I was so sick (morning sickness etc)..just something to think about-- many tri's will let you postpone until the following year if you have a medical reason.

Good luck!

coconutbug

I've been doing triathlons for around 10 years and did an Ironman shortly before I got a BFP with DS, but I still didn't want to risk crashing on a bike or getting kicked during the swim while pregnant and thus, didn't do any tris while pg. I'm very risk adverse when pregnant though. I continued to swim, lift, and take spin classes while pregnant, but didn't ride on the road. Cars, novice cyclists, and other unforeseen bike dangers scare me.  I know a handful of the ladies on the H&F board have done triathlons while pregnant though, and they were fine. 

kirkette

I did one a few months after delivery. I would have been way nervous doing one pregnant, unless it was the running or swimming leg of a  relay. 

gidge

I would say you should start training and wait to sign up.  If you're afraid entry will close and the cost isn't too much, register and if you can't participate then it's for a great reason!

It kills me to think of the things I've had to put off or haven't done over the last 3 years. 

Haven1

gidge:

It kills me to think of the things I've had to put off or haven't done over the last 3 years. 

1000% this.  I'm still pissed I didn't do an Ironman before I had babies.  If only I'd known how long it was going to take me to get pg.  Grrrrr.

Kathzoo

I did one the day after my BFP.  I would have been fine until about 8 weeks, but I was so turedtired after that.  I biked and swam through most of my pregnancy, but running was awful even early in second tri.

silvia47

I did a triathlon when I was about 6 weeks pregnant. I would not do one if I was further in my pregnancy, I just don't think it's worth the risk. I completed one that was on open water ( I live in Florida) and during the swimming portion I got kicked everywhere and during the bike ride there are very high chances that you could fall..I just would not take that chance with my baby...