Training for Half Marathon and Pregnant?

katemarie10

I have a quick question as my Husband and I decided we wanted to get in shape since we had some stressful events in our lives over the last few months and I wanted to take my mind off of TTC. We started to train for a half marathon and we conceived that same week. I found out about a week ago that we were 4 weeks along and I asked my Dr. about whether we could continue to train and he said it would be fine. But I have read everywhere that if we were not training before we conceived, that it might not be good for the baby. Mind you I am running 12 min miles and I made it up to 5 miles before I found out that I was expecting, and now I have kept it at 3 to 3.5 miles and still at 12 to 13 minute miles so we aren't doing too much/too fast. I guess I just need advice? Thanks

demmie326

First and foremost listen to your body! I have a bunch of marathons and half marathons under my belt....in fact both of my LOs were conceived after a marathon...but I never ran more than 8 miles  when I was pregnant. I found myself too tired and my leg muscles were too sore. I changed my distance and my pace so I ran until the night my water broke. 

JG362009

I ran my 3rd marathon pregnant and it was fine.  Just go with how you feel.  I ran a LOT through my first pregnancy and am during this one too (so far).  I have good days and bad days but overall if I listen to my body I know when too much is too much.  

diamondcks

I ran a half trail marathon when I was about 10 weeks.  I'd been training for a while, but I agree that if you listen to your body you will be fine.  I went by the rule that you should be able to talk while exercising to ensure you are getting enough oxygen to the baby, if that means walk breaks that is fine.

mamarunner

Do what feels right and listen to your body.  I ran a half marathon at 22 weeks and felt amazing.  I dropped my mileage down to 5-6 miles/day after the race and continued to run until 35 weeks.  My doctor wasn't a huge supporter, but I listened to my body and it felt right.  I had the most amazing pregnancy and couldn't have asked for a better labor and delivery.  If you've never ran before, now's not the time.  If you've never ran a half marathon before, now might not be the time to start.  But if you enjoy running, keep it up.  A happy and healthy Mom, creates a happy and healthy baby.   

blu-eyedwife

mamarunner:

If you've never ran before, now's not the time.  If you've never ran a half marathon before, now might not be the time to start.  But if you enjoy running, keep it up.  A happy and healthy Mom, creates a happy and healthy baby.   

This would be my concern.  I ran a half during my first trimester and trained for another one (It sold out before I could sign up) and didn't have an issue with either - but I was already running a lot before then and had run that distance before.  I would be wary of running new, long, distances when your body is under new and different stressors.

Breezy8407

Definitely continue running if you feel up to it, but like others have said if you haven't gone more than 5, building up to 13.1is a big undertaking. I have stuck with the whole "if you weren't doing it before you were pregnant, don't start now." For me that meant not training for a marathon basically.

Don't stop running though if you feel okay and your Dr. is okay with it. I have kept up 25 miles per week and am hoping to keep doing so until my body/the babies tell me to stop. Last Saturday I did a long run of 9.5 miles, but I have been doing a weekend long run of 8-15 miles since January of this year, so it's not new for my body.

 

CARLY78

I ran a HM when I was 9 weeks pregnant, and ended up running/walking. I could sleep through my whole 1st trimester, so I didn't train as well as I normally do for half marathons. I didn't set a PR that race, that is for sure. Look at the requirements for the race, if it's a high min per mile then perhaps you can walk a lot of it. 

 On the other side of it, I was supposed to run a marathon the end of October. I ended up paying a fee and deferred it for next year. 1st baby and 1st full marathon I wasn't comfortable. Just see how you feel and GL with your decision. And like the PP say, keep up with your running if you feel ok. 

FutureMrsHall06

First of all--CONGRATS!  I ran a half marathon while pregnant with my second (and a bunch of 5k's), but I will say that I was in tip top shape before getting pregnant.  My advice is to continue--it will be best for you mentally and physically--but listen to your body and don't overdo it.  Also, drink a lot of water.  I made sure to drink at least a gallon of water a day.  You should focus on maintaining while pregnant.

mrs_j_may_08

I have ran 2 half marathons during this pregnancy (15w and 18w) and started my training just weeks before getting my BFP. However, I was in pretty good shape before hand and I had also ran several halves in the past (although they were over a year prior).

I don't know what kind of fitness you currently have, but I would encourage you to keep going. If you feel like the longer distances are too taxing, you could always set your goal to a shorter race like a 10K. Everyone says listen to your body, but I think that's good advice. Also, drink tons of water!