- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Health & Exercise
Pregnant Runners >> book recommendation!
BOOK REVIEW! If anyone is interested 
I finally found an encouraging resource about running pregnant! I work with quite a few pregnant women and mothers who thought I was crazy for running pre-pregnancy. Now that I'm pregnant, I've gotten the "you won't be running when you're ___ far along"... etc. I just smile 
I'm going to run as long as it's good for the baby and I - Doctor gave the "ok" to run until I go into labor!
Since I don't know any pregnant runners in my area, I've been looking for resources written by people experienced in this area. Kara Goucher happens to be one of my favorite runners anyways, but I'm an even bigger fan after reading her book "Running for Women". So - if you're looking for an encouraging and motivating resource, check it out She talks alot about a runner's struggle with gaining weight in pregnancy, why it's necessary, enjoying the WHOLE pregnancy, and the benefits of running pregnant.
Here's one of my favorite statements she makes: "This is my promise to myself: If I am ever fortunate enough to get pregnant again, I will try to enjoy it more from the beginning."
The book: Running for Women by Kara Goucher; Chapter 9: Pregnancy and New Motherhood
https://www.amazon.com/Kara-Gouchers-Running-Women-Marathons/dp/1439196125
I'm taking a breather from marathons until our little one is born next spring. Then after that, back to marathon training! My lofty goal is to qualify for NYC eventually - that means running a 3:10 for guaranteed qualification. Dream big! Boston was a blast, I'm sure the New York marathon is CRAZY!
Happy running & reading, everyone!
Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from Him. Psalm 127:3
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Pregnant Runners >> book recommendation!
Thanks for the recommendation! I could use a good motivational book. I have been struggling with runing the past few weeks or so. It is becoming very uncomfortable. I start to have BH contractions about 40-50 minutes in. Im just grateful for what I can do still and I can always elliptical as that doesnt hurt as bad.
Congrats on Boston!!! I ran it in 2011 and qualified for 2013 and have a spot waiting for me! I hope to have this little guy in January and be in Boston in April!
Whats your fastest marathon?
Thanks for the rec!
Nice, it's nice to have an author you can relate too! Thanks for the recommendation! I literaly just found out I'm pregnant with kiddo #1 (around 6-7 weeks) which came as a big surprise as I must have conceived during the peak of marathon training running some 70-80 miles per week with x-training and just won a 10 mile race! Thought the low grade nausea was PMS, fatigue training-oriented...ha!
Anyways, I had been gearing up for a hopeful win at Niagara Falls marathon on October 21st (will be 8-9 weeks at this point) and find that there is an overall lack of info in this category, especially for high-performing athletes (which makes Kara's book even more awesome). As a sports dietitian and elite athlete, I know the general precautions to take and have absolutely no qualms of pulling out if my body isn't cooperating or telling me NO on race day but curious if anyone has input on racing 26.2 cautiously during their 1st trimester? Thanks!
*Waves* Hello from a fellow April 2013 Mama.
Thanks for the book recommendation. I already love Kara Goucher, so I am sure her book will be great. I am still running, training (not for time) for a half-marathon on November 25th. So many people think I'm crazy for still running, but I don't care. My OB said it's perfectly fine for me to continue running.
BFP #2 - EDD 1/25/16
Way to keep up the running! I'm sure you've got a lovely baby bump by now! It's awkward at the gym now - my belly sticks out but everything else looks about the same; it probably looks like I've eaten a bunch of potato chips before hitting the gym
Thanks! Boston sure was a blast - have a great time in 2013! I'm not sure if I will ever go back, but it was a good once in a lifetime thing
Now I'm hoping to explore some other "vacation" marathon options. I hope everything goes well with your training! This is my first and I'm not sure how soon I can sign up for a race afterwards... I guess we'll see what condition I'm in after baby comes 
My marathon PR is 3:22:05, but that was before having any babies
Pregnancy has been a great way to get my mind off paces and to just remind me of why I love to run! It's asking a lot to cut my time down to 3:10 one day, but hey... running is a lifetime sport. Might as well be optimistic 
What is your marathon PR?
I've heard/read that it IS okay to race in your first trimester, but I think it really depends on what kind of race you are doing and how you are actually feeling. I backed out of a trail marathon I was supposed to run at 10 weeks - if I ran well, it was going to take me between 5-6 hours to finish and the trail went up and over a mountain (MN-style mountain, not the rockies
. I backed out because I felt really crummy weeks 6-9 of the pregnancy and I knew this race would send my heart rate through the roof, pregnant or not. If it was a semi-flat road marathon, I would have ran it, but at a slower than race-pace.
Ask your doctor, though!
(disclaimer: I am DEFINITELY not a doctor or medical professional
Way to go and good luck with your training and race in November! Running and working out in general while pregnant is a pretty rare thing in the area where I'm from and it's definitely gotten some funny reactions from people
I figured as long as I'm not hurting Baby and my body can handle it, I'm going to keep on running! Doctor said it's fine, so we're good.
There are so many benefits to staying in shape when it comes to labor and recovery post-baby, so why not?! Here's a great quote from Paula Radcliffe, after her first baby, I just ran across. I found it really encouraging!
?If I?m happy, I train better and I race better,? Radcliffe said. ?And the fact that I?ve got a little angel in my life makes me run better.?
I know what you mean by the akwardness of the gym! I do however LOVE it! My favorite is the stares I get when I go running (outdoors) people think Im crazy and well I am crazy, but I am health nut crazy!
I am not setting my expectations very high for Boston 2013 or if I can even acheive that. This is my first baby as well and taking care of him is obviously my main priority, but it is a goal and hopefully achievable!
OMG, you are SO fast! Congrats woman! My marathon PR is 3:29:08. Some great news for us...I hear (from my running cronies) that after kids their speed actually INCREASED!
Keep up the good work running! WE should try and check in with eachother often to keep eachother motivated!
I'm on The Bump on and off, so when I remember to log on, we should definitely stay in touch!
It would be great to have a motivation partner - I know absolutely zero pregnant runners 
That is a great PR time, too! I've heard something like that, too - your blood volume increases (and I suppose pain tolerance increases, too?) after childbirth!
Keep up your good work, too, and I'll be rooting for you (in spirit, probably with a newborn... hehe) for your Boston race! I'm scoping out marathons for 2013, but may have to wait until late summer or fall to be ready to go again
Not too much longer til your baby is going to be here - time has just been flying!
I ran NYC in 2010 and it was amazing! It was my 3rd marathon. I didn't 'qualify' for the race, but the other option was to run for a charity. I ran with Fred's Team and it was the best decision. I was deployed until 1 month before the race so 90 of my training was done on treadmills, but the money I raised was all the motivation I needed to finish the race. That and the tens of thousands of other runners and spectators! Good luck to you.