Running Fail - Advice Needed

.Mrs.Matt. · May 2014

I asked my RE months ago if I needed to cut back on running, and she said that she would tell me if I ever needed to slow down or stop. This past IUI over a week ago, I had two good follicles on my right, and two smaller on my left. I've been training for a 10K, which I've done many times before, but thought maybe I should confirm with a nurse today if this was ok or not. After playing phone tag all day, the nurse told me I should not be running at all, only low impact exercise. Which is great since I've already run 6 miles a few days ago and 3 last night.

So now my dilemma... the race tomorrow is HUGE in our community, my coworkers are involved and I don't know what to do. Obviously I am not running the 10K, but I am thinking of just taking it very easy and running the 5K. Everyone knows that I was planning on the longer race, and I don't know what to say about why I opted out at the last minute...

What would you do in this situation? Run or walk the 5K? I've obviously been running just fine, I think I'm just having a hard time absorbing this news...

tumbleweed123 · May 2014

I guess it depends on why your doctor is telling you not to run. My old RE said that I shouldn't run during medicated cycles because it can cause discomfort due to ovary pain/ extra follies etc. She also said that it's best not to do too much during the 2ww. I've heard that some women are asked to stop running because some doctors believe that running stresses the body too much while TTC. I don't know what to believe. I am a runner, and it has been impossible for me to stop running. I have tried to limit my running to when I have AF and right up until I ovulate. Once I ovulate, I stick to yoga, walking, biking.

It's hard to advise you, since I don't know exactly why your doctor said not to run, but since you've already run a bunch this week and are not in pain, I can't see the harm in jogging the 5k. I probably wouldn't go for a personal best or anything...but if there is a way to take part without totally straining your body, It's probably ok. It's really your call though. Bummer that you're even being asked not to run. I know that I am really struggling with that. I've been doing the only run two weeks a month thing since January, and it's really been hard on me.

chicory · May 2014

I have NO scientific reasoning or experience behind this, but if I were in your position, I'd probably race the 10K anyway. I figure, you've been training all along, and if it were going to interfere with your IUI, the damage would already be done. And then there would be no need to make excuses to coworkers, etc. That being said, you may have a lot invested emtotionally and financially in your IUI. Go with your gut and be sure to clear that up with the RE. How frustrating to hear one thing from the RE, and something completely different from the nurse. Good luck in whatever you decide and FX and prayers that this IUI is it for you! EDIT: basic grammar, derr

.Mrs.Matt. · May 2014

Thank you for your support! She said it could cause ovarian torsion, and to avoid any jumping/bouncing activities. As much as I want to just ignore her advice, I could never forgive myself if I ran and something did happen...

This sounds so petty but I'm embarrassed to opt out since I was just talking to multiple people about the race today. People who will be at the race... looking for me. But, obviously I need to do the right thing.

Does anyone have experience with multiple follicles and exercise limitations? I'm curious to know what will happen next cycle, hopefully I'll go back to 1 follie on each.

tumbleweed123 · May 2014

I think your approach makes total sense. As hard as it is not to do the race, it would be harder to think that it caused the cycle to be compromised. Sorry that you're in that spot.

I have never had more than one follie, but I have read other accounts on here from women who have real discomfort with multiple follies. I've also read about the Ovarian Torsion thing, and that is something to avoid for sure. I don't think it's worth the risk of running if that's what your doc is afraid of for you. Ugh, it's just so unfair. I'm sorry.

Pintobean39 · May 2014

My RE told me I could run during my medicated cycle until it got painful. I had to quit almost a week before I triggered. My dr didn't care because I had been running before my cycle. I think they are more concerned about raising your heart rate to much but if you have been training you are prepared and your heart rate shouldn't get high. If it were me I'd just do the 5k and just take it easy don't push yourself. Then again they told me I could run so I'm not sure.

sherrimspires · May 2014

I've spoken with 2 RE about my exercise. My RE said that my normal exercise would be ok...then his nurse said "don't get too hot"- like that means something?

The other RE said to be safe, since he believes part of my infertility has to do with running & exercise, that I should only exercise in 20 minute intervals with 10 minutes in-between & NEVER let my heart rate get above 120.

I did try to run after my last IUI and found it painful so I was limited to the elliptical. That IUI was a bust, so this time, I've resorted to walking. I cut back on exercise & had a MUCH better response to follistim & am HOPING for a BFP.

Maybe it would be best to opt out at this time. You can always say that you tweaked your knee or arch.

Good luck to you!! Hoping this is BFP for you as well!

.Mrs.Matt. · May 2014

Thank you!

DH and I joke that my protocol depends on whoever picks up the phone at my RE office, different info and instructions with each new person. I'm trying to remind myself that I'm paying for their services, so I should at least try to follow their instructions!

Edit: Originally thanked the last two responders... felt like a jerk (unintentional). I appreciate everyone's responses!

Lillovebug79 · May 2014

My RE didn't give me any exercise limitations and I did what I usually do (although I don't run any 5Ks!) and I was fine. I think you should just listen to your body. If it's too painful then jog or walk but I think you should be ok because it's something you have trained for. I would say do the 5K however you are comfortable and if you don't, tell your friends that you pulled an ab muscle and it's too painful to do anything other than walk or jog so you decided to just do the 5. Good luck!

BunnyBerry · May 2014

Not sure what the best choice is...I guess it depends on, if the cycle unfortunately ended in a BFN, would you regret the running?

If you do choose to cut back on race day, maybe give your coworkers a non-IF excuse...forgot about it and donated blood recently, was up all night with a sudden vomiting flu, or was up all night with your DH's sudden flu, turned your ankle training this week....

.Mrs.Matt. · May 2014

Thanks, everyone! I did the 5K and have no regrets. I enjoyed the race, and found many of our runners and supporters to take photos (I coordinated my non-profit's participation), so I'm extremely happy with my choice. Running the 10K would have made it impossible to meet up with so many people.

I texted my closest work friend that my foot was bothering me, just to avoid any confusion when I showed up in our staging area

Tough decisions yesterday, but it worked out for the best! If we move on to another cycle (boo...), I'll be asking a ton of questions!

Thanks again for your support!

chicory · May 2014

Sounds like a great morning all around!

Alicia_R1 · May 2014

Mine warns against it due to the chance of ovarian torsion, but the last cycle I decided I was doing myself more harm through stress, frustration, and anger than the chances of twisting my ovaries, which from the U/S that gets done mid cycle, we can tell they aren't big enough to worry about.

I had too many cycles where I didn't run end in a BFN, that I just can't keep giving up doing the things that keep me sane, with in reason. Not like I am going to be out running a 1/2 marathon or trying to PR. I just keep pace with my friend who has a much slower pace than me.

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