Running while pregnant

RunningMama2012

I am an avid runner and just completed my first half marathon this past May. I just tested positive this past weekend and was away so this is my week first back and I am wanting to start to run again. How much is distance that is safe in my first trimester and throughout my pregnancy? This is my first so I just want to be sure before I do something I shouldn't! Any advice from some pregnant runners would be greatly appreciated

1234Nevaeh

I was told that I could run until I was too uncomfortable to run..which then I could walk. Distance I don't know how far you want to run. If you get out of breath or too hot I was told to stop. Ask your doctor an see what they have to say.

mrsredrox

I agree with PP. Do what your body is comfortable doing and take it slightly easier than you normally would. FTR, I ran my first half marathon during my first tri but I ran VERY slow. I'm halfway through and still plan to run for as long as I can.

dukestar5

Congratulations!  I think you should definitely be able to continue running as long as your body is used to the exercise.  I'm also an avid runner (ran half marathons and full marathons before becoming pregnant).  In my first trimester, I actually ran two half marathons.  I would think about doing another one now (albeit slower), but it's so hot!  I still run about 5-7 miles each time I run and I hope to continue running throughout my pregnancy.  I say...just listen to your body...slow it down, make sure to drink lots of fluids too.

believeown

2gr8pits

I was supposed to run a 25k at 9 weeks and the doctor said it was fine. Watch your heartrate, she told me between 140-160 was a good range for baby during exercise. She also said GU was fine to eat. She said to bring it to labor and delivery too because you can't have food but you can eat Gu, so that is my plan. I ended up only doing the 10k because of the weather, but keep running, just don't push too hard! Know your limits and you will be fine! Good luck!

MesmrEwe

I'm a competitive lifter - the advice is still the same...  You didn't train like a knucklehead before you got pregnant, don't train like one now that you are pregnant...  Basically - that means, LISTEN to your body!!!  There will be days that you have a lot of energy for running, others, not so much...  Just pay attention to your body and go from there!  Make hay when the sun shines, hold back on the days it doesn't.

blu-eyedwife

I trained for a half during my first tri - (I ended up not signing up in time to run it, but I had the distances down) which meant I was running about 25-30 miles a week.  I noticed that I needed to carry water with me for even shorter runs, and I slowed down a bit (especially towards the end of first tri) but I had no problem keeping up with the distance. 

Currently I still run about 20 miles a week, and that's only because it takes me so much longer to complete a mile that I had to cut back on mileage so I could still make it to work on time!

ThelovelyMrsH

It's totally fine! I ran a few halfs before finding out I was pregnant. Since then, I've continued to race and run regularly. I highly recommend Dr. Clapp's Exercising Through Your Pregnancy for any questions you have about how exercise positively affects pregnancy and childbirth. 

RunningMama2012

That's great, thanks for the recommendation! I haven't gone for a run yet but plan on going later tonight. I typically log about 20 miles a week pre-pregnancy so would like to be able to maintain that, if at all possible. First time pregnancy so I just feel like I am questioning anything! Thanks for all your adivce, I appreciate it!

OleMissBride

2gr8pits:

I was supposed to run a 25k at 9 weeks and the doctor said it was fine. Watch your heartrate, she told me between 140-160 was a good range for baby during exercise. She also said GU was fine to eat. She said to bring it to labor and delivery too because you can't have food but you can eat Gu, so that is my plan. I ended up only doing the 10k because of the weather, but keep running, just don't push too hard! Know your limits and you will be fine! Good luck!

HA!  I've never heard this- but I guess it kinda makes sense!