Seriously? No higher than 150 bpm?

Esaltysully · August 2013

Ok I have been very fit and active my whole life. I am 11 weeks and I just got a heart rate monitor. I typically run 8:30 minute miles. I started out in a light jog- 174 bpm!! I had to run at a 12 min mile pace to keep my HR below 150. It was excruciating!!! Are all you runners going that slow??

ajbook · August 2013

At first it was brutal for me!! Now my body has figured it out. I came back from a run this week and knew I was getting close to my limit. I did a quick check and I was at 148. I was running about a 9:30-10 min mile. My body has adjusted well over time (34w4d).

DEL14 · August 2013

I just use the talk test. If I can still speak in sentences then I'm good.

blu-eyedwife · August 2013

Don't go by heart rate. Depending on your level of fitness it's going to vary per person, so a set number isn't really a good indicator. Go by how you feel. If you can talk, you're okay. If your body feels good, you're okay. Your body will let you know you need to slow down, just make sure you're listening to it.

LiveNLove44 · August 2013

I talked with my OB about this early on because we were in the same boat. I was running my steady state runs under 8 min./miles and doing a lot of HIIT workouts. The only change I made was not doing HIIT sprints on the treadmill anymore to avoid the super high peak of my HR. I asked her about the 140 BPM concept and she said something similar to the notion shared by PPs about how BPM is different for everyone. See what your OB/MW believes and stay in tune with your body. Not running when it's too hot and staying hydrated were my only two "must do" guidelines from my OB.

I'm 36 weeks now and still running/lifting/working out 6-7 days each week. I feel great and I attribute it to staying active and listening to my body. Keep doing what you can and stay well!

ajbook · August 2013

DEL14 said:

I just use the talk test. If I can still speak in sentences then I'm good.

This is what I use when I'm actually out running. I only check my heart rate if I get stopped at a traffic light or when I'm done.

jkelly41 · August 2013

I'm a personal trainer and the HR max while pregnant really isn't followed anymore, since, like others said, it can vary so much. Go on talk test and how you feel. Be careful not to get too overheated too.

BabeDebolt · August 2013

I'm a trainer too (and used to run at your pace) and second this post. Because I can't mentally run slow I chose to teach spinning and swim instead (I'm a triathlete). So I have up running but am still swimming at 38w. Talk test is optimal so long as your cool with running slower. Agreed-stay hydrated!!

jhs121 · August 2013

blu-eyedwife said:

Don't go by heart rate. Depending on your level of fitness it's going to vary per person, so a set number isn't really a good indicator. Go by how you feel. If you can talk, you're okay. If your body feels good, you're okay. Your body will let you know you need to slow down, just make sure you're listening to it.

This! Use the talk test, listen to your body. FYI, heart rate monitors on pregnant women are sometimes inaccurate.

https://www.momsintofitness.com/pregnancy-how-to-use-heart-rate-monitors-during-exercise/

Italian'sMrs · August 2013

Yeah I was told not to worry about HR. They did say don't push too much though as I can sweat and baby can't. I used to run a similar pace to you and I am closer to a 9:45-10 min mile now.