picking back up with running after a couple months break

swedish-fish · March 2010

I slacked a bit with my running over the winter, but am itching to start back up now that it's staying lighter later and the temps are rising. I know it's okay to continue a running regimen while pregnant if you've already developed a good base and have been running for awhile. I've been running for years so I'm sure the muscle memory is there, but I just haven't been logging miles since the Fall. What do you think? I forgot to ask my doctor at my last appointment?

Jodi2008 · March 2010

You might want to put a call into your dr. to be certain, but I think you'd be ok if you started out slow and eased back into a routine.

GRKaters · March 2010

I did this same thing with DS. Got pg in September, walked when I could, but mostly slacked off b/c of weather and tiredness. I picked up a run/walk routine again in January once I was in 2nd tri, and did that for as long as I could. Around the time I was 7-8 months I was just too big to comfortably run anymore, so I did fast walking until he was born.

GRKaters · March 2010

GRKaters:
I did this same thing with DS. Got pg in September, walked when I could, but mostly slacked off b/c of weather and tiredness. I picked up a run/walk routine again in January once I was in 2nd tri, and did that for as long as I could. Around the time I was 7-8 months I was just too big to comfortably run anymore, so I did fast walking until he was born.

Oh, my OB said that since I had a good solid base, she'd leave it up to me to determine how I felt. If I got winded or felt my heart racing more than just a normal elevated rate from the run, I needed to slow down. She never gave me any specific heartrate restrictions though.

djfacemachine · March 2010

I stopped running shortly after I got my BFP because it was just uncomfortable. I felt heavy and out of breath. I tried again a couple weeks ago and it was MUCH better. I am running much slower but I feel great. Just take it easy, don't over exert yourself, and listen to your body. Also, drink plenty of water!

swedish-fish · March 2010

Thanks for the ideas, ladies! GRKaters, I like your idea of starting off slow and going from there (like it would be possible for me to just go run a 10-miler at this point!) And you've given me hope that it's possible. I just can't imagine not running at all until after the baby is born this fall.

carissaryback · March 2010

I've been running for the past 11 years (thanks to the Army) and I slacked a bit over the winter. I did some running right before I got my BFP then used that as an excuse to slack some more. I just started up again last week, I only logged 8 miles last week, but it feels great. Some days I don't feel up to it, so I walk instead, or I'll run 1 mile, then walk.

My heartrate gets pretty high, but it always has, and I'm not running for hours and hours, so my doctor isn't worried about it.

If you doc gives you the ok, I encourage you to get back into it! It helps with the m/s and the lethargic, sleepy feeling that accompanies the 1st tri!

Good luck!

triplea1819 · March 2010

I ran all last year and loved it. it was great me time. I am going to pick it up as well. I am going to start run/walk at first. and only walk the hills. Then keep it up as long as I can.

veebug22 · March 2010

I'm not a runner, but I will say that I'm much more active and feel better while exercising now than I did in the first couple months of pregnancy. I just didn't have any energy for most of 1st tri. I think many women are like this, so I think you'll find a lot of women that are actually picking up their exercise routine toward the end of 1st tri or in 2nd tri. My midwife said it was fine as long as I'm not really pushing myself, that I can talk through everything, and she just told me to listen to my body. It's not the time to start a new exercise, but if you're picking up an old one that your body knows well, I'm sure it will adapt fine. I would just take it very slow as you get back into it, and know that you probably can't do everything you used to be able to. I find that my stamina is much less, so I have to do like a modified version of everything and can't push myself quite as hard as before.

hopingwaiting · March 2010

Start slow and listen to your body. If you feel awful or spot after you exercise, slow it down. Some Ob's recommend keeping your heart rate less than 140, some are less conservative.

Lisa602 · March 2010

djfacemachine:
I stopped running shortly after I got my BFP because it was just uncomfortable. I felt heavy and out of breath. I tried again a couple weeks ago and it was MUCH better. I am running much slower but I feel great. Just take it easy, don't over exert yourself, and listen to your body. Also, drink plenty of water!

I agree. I am just getting back into running after a 6 month break (due to hip issues). I am running very slowly and for only a couple of minutes at a time, then walk a few. I have been told to keep my heart rate below 140 for the 1st tri. So I am trying to pay attention to how I feel and how fast my heart is beating. If it gets to the 140s I walk a few minutes. Also drinking lots of water has been good. Really I just started back up 2 days ago but I feel great and my legs a slightly sore! I love it. Good luck.

trotteam · March 2010

I also started running again this past week following a subchorionic bleed at the end of my 6th week. I've been taking it really easy but it feels so great to be back outside and getting a little exercise. My doggie is happy to have her running partner back too

. Has anybody else noticed that the nausea seems to subside after a run? I'm LOVING that part of it!!

dandy7321 · March 2010

I'm not allowed to exercise at all right now but my doctor said for a normal pregnancy that she suggest keeping your heart rate under 140.

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