Half marathon while pregnant?

heatherseitz · March 2013

I recently found out I am pregnant and i am not seeing the doctor until April 11. I am an avid runner and run 15-25 miles/week. I have been training for a half marathon scheduled for may 5. I am so afraid that continuing my training will be harmful for the baby, but have been a runner for a long time and have been looking forward to the half marathon. I am running for a charity and have raised a lot of money so far. Ultimately what's best for the baby is my top priority. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Mrs.CJ · March 2013

Just talk to your doctor because he/she will need to assess your overall health and any potential risks you may have. Be ready to adjust your plans accordingly. I was able to run a full and two half marathons in my first trimester, but I ran them easy and had my doctor's permission. As I moved into my second trimester he asked me to give up my next marathon and cut long runs so I don't do too much to affect the blood flow to the baby in extended workouts. I followed his recommendation because no race is worth putting the baby at risk.

When you talk to your doctor you can also discuss if run/walk or walk is an option if needed.

I have info in my signature about my experience in my running blog. Again, that's just my experience and everyone is different so let your doctor help assess and guide you through what's the best option.

JG362009 · March 2013

I ran a marathon at 8 weeks pregnant. I'm not sure how far along you are but I think I could have done one until at least 20 weeks. Good luck and I hope you have a great race!

heatherseitz · March 2013

Wow - I just visited your blog and it is amazing!! i too was never a runner so reading about your journey is such an inspiration to keep going. Thank you for the great advice. I intend to keep following!!!

May4Baby · March 2013

I did a half at 14 weeks, my second one. I talked to my doctor and told her I was training for one and she said just to stop using the word 'training' b/c it illustrates that I'm pushing myself too hard. I slowed down, stayed super hydrated and ran a really comfortable race. Good luck.

genekelly · March 2013

I ran my best 1/2 marathon time ever at 8wks pregnant. I didn't have any issues. I was able to keep running 10-12 miles a week until ~24 weeks.

blu-eyedwife · March 2013

genekelly:
I ran my best 1/2 marathon time ever at 8wks pregnant. I didn't have any issues. I was able to keep running 10-12 miles a week until ~24 weeks.

I'm so jealous - I ran my worst half marathon when I was newly pregnant! In fact, I hadn't tested yet, so when I crossed the finish I told DH that I had better be pregnant or I was going to be really disappointed in myself!

I trained for a second half marathon during my first trimester, with the okay from my doctor. I waited to sign up for it though, because I wasn't sure how I was going to feel, and by the time I decided I'd be fine, the race had sold out. So I ran 1 half and trained for a second, but didn't run it.

I decided to lay off the halfs for the remainder of the pregnancy, because my speed totally took a hit. I kept up with 5ks until 27 weeks. I was the third to last to finish, and I hated being that far in the rear.

I did keep up running the rest of the pregnancy though. I did 2 miles a day until the day I was induced at 39weeks 3 days.

huskies09 · March 2013

I had trained for several months for my 1st half before I found out I was pregnant. My doc said that as long as I wasn't significantly increasing my activity that it was fine. I ran my first (and so far only!) half at 5 weeks pregnant. It was also during 85 degree weather in august! I just made sure to rest and stay very well hydrated. Listen to your body throughout the race and you should be good. Especially with how much you are already running I think you would be fine.

jerseygirl81 · March 2013

I'm running one on Sunday at almost 31 weeks. As long as your OB is aware of your plans and gives you the ok, there's no reason not to do it.

Tracy6450 · March 2013

I think you should be fine. You're already training for it, so it's not like you're running a half out of the blue. The general rule is that you can continue doing what you were doing before getting pregnant and to listen to your body. I have a 10 mile race coming up on Sunday and plan on getting signed up for a half hopefully in May or June. Good luck!

daisydalia · March 2013

think your doc knows best! and sorry to say it but hopefully its a new school doctor, who also runs! i have to ok to run as many halfs and even a full (chicago) before i give birth. i run about as much as you and doctor is soo supportive! good luck! this book is also the best advice (runners world, pregnancy and running)

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