Running @ 20 weeks

Unknown · May 2013

I love running, have been running all through my pregnancy with my doctors clearance. I even did a 10 mile run at 14 weeks.

But now at 20 weeks, I cannot run more than 10 minutes without needing to pee, and any distance over a 5k is downright hard. So much for my usual 5k route! Also, my pace is atrocious. I walk 1/4 mile for every mile I run. I get leg/back cramps for the first 2 miles, then everything loosens up, but by then I'm about done with my workout anyway.

I know all this is normal but it's disappointing to see all this effort I put into improving my pace/distance just disappearing. I just don't know how I can continue to run much longer.

How far into your pregnancy did you run? Any tips for me?

cjm724 · May 2013

I am 31 weeks and am still currently running between 4-6 miles 5 times a week. I have noticed throughout my pregnancy that my body goes through phases. Some weeks it's so much easier to run than others. I can run farther and faster, and my legs and lungs feel great. Some days I feel like I have to pee every 5 minutes. Other days, I can do my entire run without having any urges.

It definitely is disappointed and discouraging when I calculate how slow my mile times have gotten. I stopped timing them actually I am just proud of myself for continuing to run. I second the leg cramps... I think the weight gain is hard for my legs to adjust to carrying all of a sudden. Hills are a lot harder too, and sometimes my legs feel like they weigh a thousand pounds.

Play it safe and listen to your body, but keep pushing through mama! Celebrate the minor victories and the fact that exercising will help you and baby to be healthier!

pdxlady · May 2013

I had to stop running about a month ago (~32 weeks). It just plain hurt!

Before that I was running either at the gym, short routes, or routes with bathrooms so I wouldn't worry about needing to pee! I did a half at 13 weeks, and it was slowww but I felt awesome that I did it.

For me running with other people made me feel worse (my husband would shuffle along with me and I'd feel bad for wasting his run) so I focused more on running solo or sticking with someone for a mile then letting them go off faster. These days (36 weeks!) I am rocking the elliptical. I like running more, but I think it's important to be flexible on what you can do, and to be happy you're being active vs your pace. Think about it in "I got in 2 miles" or "I was out for 30 minutes" or whatever not "my pace is XX:XX"

Telling people you're running can help too-my husband would always tell me I was strong and making our baby healthy when I'd run, and friends would assure me anything I was doing was awesome. It's easy to beat yourself up, but a slower shorter run is better than nothing!

Mrs.CJ · May 2013

For me I had weeks that were harder than others. Also, I started running in the mornings because my eyes were popping open at 4am and it seemed that my running went better in the mornings than afternoon/evenings. You may not be done-done, your body just may be going through a phase in changing. Perhaps you can cross train around it and see if things improve after a few days. Just a thought.

blu-eyedwife · May 2013

I ran up until the day I was induced (almost 40 weeks) but I definitely had the awful pace. I didn't ever have to walk, but my pace in general slowed down. Before I was pregnant, I would get up every morning and run with the dog for 3 miles. During the course of the pregnancy that slowed down where I was only able to get in 2 miles during the same amount of time. I did a 5k at 27 weeks and decided it was the last race I was going to run pregnant because it was so discouraging to be so slow.

mrs.mastro · May 2013

Your effort isn't going to waste! Take it easy on yourself and do what you can comfortably. I ran up until I delivered both LOs, but I significantly dropped mileage and pace throughout the pregnancies. Right now you are running for your health and your baby's not training for a race.

You might be surprised at how fast your fitness comes back after you give birth. I started running around 10 days PP with both vaginal, no stitches, and quickly picked up my pace and mileage after DS1 working on it after DS2.

I'm on mobile and not sure if my ticker us updated, but DS2 is now 2 weeks old.

piedpiper07 · May 2013

I just wanted to say, that I know it is frustrating! But I started running at 3 weeks postpartum and was back up to a half marathon by 11 months postpartum (although it could've been quicker) and will be doing a marathon in Sept. I ended up just completely stopping everything except walking my entire pregnancy. So please don't worry you are a runner and it will come back! take care of yourself.

Arielle27 · May 2013

I'm not really a 'runner'... But when not pregnant will run a good pace for 20 to 40in on the treadmill a few times a week... And have done short distance runs in the past 10k.

However, I have not been able to run in any of my pregnancies basically from day one!!

tttwalters · May 2013

cjm724:

Play it safe and listen to your body, but keep pushing through mama! Celebrate the minor victories and the fact that exercising will help you and baby to be healthier!

this! I am 36 weeks and still going... well sort of. There is the occasional walk (mostly because it is so hot out) and hills majorly suck, but that urgent need to pee all of the time has gone away! Plus the stares and wide open mouths you get when running make it totally worth it!

vrj0522 · May 2013

I had to stop at week 27 due to ligament pain and sciatica. I also had to pee all the time so what I started doing was warming up for about 5-10 min, then going to the bathroom and then I was able to do a more thorough run. Just listen to your body and give yourself a break. You are pregnant after all. If all you can manage is running and then walking and then running and then walking, then it's okay. Working out hard during pregnancy doesn't have to be the same as working out hard before pregnancy. Your body is changing and you have to adjust accordingly. As long as you are staying active you are doing the right thing.

LiveNLove44 · May 2013

I just had some very similar frustrations yesterday. It's hard to feel like you are putting in the time and not seeing "improvement", but I just had to remind myself that I will reap the rewards for the time I'm putting in now down the road when I'm taking care of a new born and trying to stay active. My calves have been really sore during my runs for the last couple weeks, and my pace is entirely underwhelming, but I keep going.

As for having to pee all the time, I make sure that I go right before I run out the door, and then I put it in the back of my mind for the run, reminding myself that the urge to pee is more of the bouncing pressure and not the sign of a full bladder. I'm 25 1/2 weeks now and hoping to run (albeit slowly) for as long as my body will let me. PPs have mentioned ellipticals or other options, and I fully intend to make the switch when running just isn't making me happy any more.

Stick to it and know that you're going to reap the benefits later!

Msdpgp · May 2013

Just started running with the Gabriella maternity support belt and it made a HUGE difference. I'm 25 weeks and the peeing thing was awful. The belt takes some of the pressure of my bladder and I'm back to being able to run an hour or more. As for the pace, I'll echo the previous posters, some days I can still smoke my husband like I used to, some days I'm at a crawl. Just respect where your body is on any given day, and maintain your fitness the vest you are able. Pregnancy is a relatively short period of time!

ras26 · May 2013

I stopped running regularly after my HM at 16 weeks due to a disc problem in my back, but walked and swam instead. However, a week before DD's first birthday I did a HM close to PR pace, and then when she was 18 months I broke my pre-pregnancy PR and was 6 minutes faster than I'd ever been. So, even if you can't keep running through pregnancy, your running career is not doomed forever! You can come back strong. Smile

ras26 · May 2013

Whoa. You're in New Market? I lived there until 3 years ago and my PR was at Frederick earlier this month. It's a great race to go fast!

Running @ 20 weeks

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