Any other runners out there?

bluemudd15

I started running in Dec of 2011. I've been going pretty strong doing 3 mi runs every other day and then I pinched a nerve in my lower back a couple days ago (not running associated) so I've taken a few days off to rest. Well I just found out I'm pregnant (#2 and super excited!) and am not sure of the do's and don't with running during pregnancy as I wasn't a runner during my first pregnancy. I appreciate any tips or advice on how to keep the exercise and stress relief of running strong while pregnant. Thanks! :0)

ajatmont13

Hi!  I'm a runner and spoke to my doctor about this during my first appointment.  She said as long as you are currently a runner you should go ahead and keep running.  She said the key is to keep the pace moderate and be careful not to over do it.  She recommended keeping your heart rate below 140, which would be a nice steady jog.  She said I should avoid speed training (sprints) for the 1st tri.  I can tell you that I'm struggling to do even half the length of runs I was doing prior, but when I run its the only time I feel completely normal.   

cwm11985

You'll be fine! Keep it up- its so good for you and you will really thank yourself later on in your pregnancy as well as afterwards.  It will be harder, of course, but do what you can! I did a 5k at week 28 (I think?) and have since had to resort to only walking (its way too uncomfortable at this point) but I am itching to get back into it as soon as I'm cleared.  Good for you for wanting to be healthy!

northshore25

I am a runner too with my runs averaging 6 miles 6 days a week. I did not run with my first pregnancy so I have been determined to keep it up with this one. It has been a lot harder than I thought and I am kind of beating myself up over it. My pace has slowed considerably and I also pee at least twice during each run. The pressure on my bladder is suprising since I am so early. My goal is to keep it up as long as I can. I have noticed that I have to run earlier in the day now. By the evening I am to exhausted to even consider getting on the treadmill. I have been averaging 3 runs a week. Good luck to you and keep it up!

nallsl

My doc said run comfortably for me. I just finished a half marathon in March. I am 4-5 weeks and I have had to slow down my pace from 91/2 min./mil pace to 11 1/2 min/mil pace. It's also very hot here and I can only go about 3 miles. I'm making sure I can talk while I run, otherwise I'll slow it down or walk.

mattdk06

My doctor told me to run as much as I want. I ran a half marathon at 5 weeks, and honestly, haven't had much energy to run since (I'm almost 10 weeks now). I'm hoping to get back into it during my 2nd trimester, and run as long as I can throughout the pregnancy. So my thought is, if you can, run! Just try to pay attention to if you're feeling more winded than usual and bring water with. 

JuliaLovesCarson

Yep, I agree with the PPs. My doc told me I could keep doing anything I was doing before, just don't start anything brand new and be extra careful to listen to what my body is telling me. She did express that I need to be extremely careful not to get overheated and so I should avoid running mid-day (not sure what the temps are like where you live, but we're in the 90s already). She also warned to be careful of tripping as my center of gravity will continue to change. If/when I get too big to run comfortably, I plan to stick mostly to swimming and water aerobics. Oh, and lots of walking in between

rockabetty1

I was jogging/running a few miles a few times a week since January 2011 but I had spotting early in my pregnancy so I was concerned and stopped exercising for a few weeks. I haven't started my jogs and/or runs again since then, opting instead for stairclimber, elliptical and Spinning class. The doctor said it would be fine but not to push myself hard. Now that I'm almost in second trimester I was wondering if I should start back up again.

bluemudd15

I'm in Florida so its pretty darn hot here. I'm going to stick to morning and late evening runs @ my current schedule. I'm hoping the exhaustion doesn't get to me. I will probably have better luck if I exercise first thing in the morning. 

 Thanks for all the replies. They are super helpful! 

lcrun

I've been running on and off since high school but have been consistently running for the past two years. I had every intention of keeping up with it after I found out I was pregnant but I've been feeling so awful that all I've done in the past few weeks is an occasional run here and there, and I've been going a lot slower. I'm hoping once this m/s gets a bit better I can head back out and run more. I don't have any crazy expectations but I'm hoping to still be able to run 3-5 miles a few times a week, even if I'm shuffling along!

My doctor said it was fine to continue running since I had been doing it consistently prior to getting pregnant. She won't let me continue my hot vinyasa yoga class because she is worried about the heat causing dehydration and my blood dropping as a result of a vaso-vagal response to the heat. I'm bummed out because I LOVE my yoga class but I'll (hopefully) head back after this kiddo is born! Good luck! Running is such a good stress relief and such good exercise, especially when pregnant.

BabyShipp

Hey! I'm not a runner but I do go swing dancing every now and again which can be pretty hard on you at times :]  

The advice my doctor gave was as long as you are doing the same activity during pregnancy as before you should be find.  I wouldn't try running any further or pushing anymore than you did before you got pregnant.  

All doctors and pregnancies are different though, so be sure to get with your doc.  Best of luck to you!  

hasenbank

I just started running/walking about 6 miles a week, so nothing crazy.  That being said, DH and I had plans to "get in shape" when we got our BFP.  I decided to go with it and just figured I won't push myself.  I want to stay active this time around.  

workerbee82

nallsl:

My doc said run comfortably for me. I just finished a half marathon in March. I am 4-5 weeks and I have had to slow down my pace from 91/2 min./mil pace to 11 1/2 min/mil pace. It's also very hot here and I can only go about 3 miles. I'm making sure I can talk while I run, otherwise I'll slow it down or walk.

this. i was training for a half and was up to an 11 mi long run.  now i'm at about 3 mi, 3-4x per week, slowwww so I can kep my HR under 140. plus i'm carrying twins and over 35. but i've been running for 25 years so i'm kinda used to it. also the note about being able to carry on a  conversatin, or singing to yourself, to monitor your pace, is good.