Planning ahead with the intention of TTC---competative athletics

SSminnow426 · October 2016

Hi all!! Hope everyone is having a good week

Looking for some insight from other who have thought/went through the same thinking I am on.

DH and I are planning on getting off BC this month and letting my cycle get back in balance. Finally feel ready for this step and tested out goalies so that we are prepared! YAY!! Our plan is to wait the normal 2-3 months and with the assumption my body reacts normally and nothing life changes happens we plan to start TTC around January/February. Please know that the below is with the assumption we were to get pregnant fairly fast----I am throwing this out there I know those chances are most likely NOT going to happen and it will take time---no rose colored glasses here

Anywho, I've become fairly active over the past year (running, biking, swimming regularly). I had planned to sign up for my first triathalon which is in March but then I started getting worried about the potential of being newly pregnant during it. I know the standard is whatever your doctor says but I have this gut feeling that I'm not going to trust myself doing anything THAT intense (btw this would be our first pregnancy)

So I settled to the fact that I am going to forgo signing up for now---if I'm not with child then I will take it from there. After DH and I discussed this I brought up another race I had already planned to do. This is a strictly running race that is just under 7 miles---this has been something I've worked towards for a year and it would fall in April of next year. In my mind since its one activity that I've already become comfortable with it wouldn't be as taxing on my body.

My long winded question is has anyone else done races/marathons/half marathons while pregnant and have any tips/words of caution? I would love to hear different responses from people, good and bad, and have a idea of how far along you were.

I want to do right by my unborn child but also don't want to put myself in a bubble (again barring and complications since in that instance I will be parked on a bed/couch and be more than OK if it helps my baby

Again I could not even be pregnant by then so it's all hypothetical but I am a type A and like to get info before LOL

Thanks for taking the time to read and look forward to your responses!!

KhRun17 · October 2016

@SSminnow426 - I would say don't plan anything around if you "might be pregnant". I was planning to run a marathon when DH and I were TTC. *TW* We succeeded, I stopped training, planning to not run it even though a lot of doctors say you can continue at the level you were at before you became pregnant, which for me would be the marathon, but then I miscarried at around 6 weeks. I threw myself back into my training after that to keep my mind off it, and ran the marathon.** Don't put your life on hold, in case it does take time. If you succeed quickly (hopefully!), decide how you feel from there.

Personally, I would say if you're regularly running 7-10 miles, a 7 mile run wouldn't be a big deal, just plan to run it slower and listen to your body. If you're not already at that distance when you do become pregnant, I would likely not push it.

RunRestRepeat · October 2016

Hi, @SSminnow426! A few things here...

1. Read the newbie guide that's pinned as the first post. That will tell you how these boards work, for example, we discourage one off posts here because it clutters the board. Most questions can be answered in the regular daily posts
2. This is a board of women TRYING to get pregnant, so few of us will be able to answer your question.

As a runner/biker/swimmer myself (running a marathon relay on Sunday), I do appreciate your concern for your future baby/athletics. Honestly, I have the same questions myself. But, if the time comes that I am lucky enough to get pregnant, I will bring those questions up to my doctor who knows me, not a bunch of strangers on the internet.

Once you are ready to TTC and have read the newbie guide, we'd love to have you jump in on our regular daily posts!

lulu1180 · October 2016

I'm mostly going to second what @RunRestRepeat said but also going to add that when it comes to TTC, don't worry about planning anything. There are many women on this board that have been trying well over a year and still aren't KU. The fact that you came in here and basically said that you feel like you'll get pregnant right away and want to plan around that can rub some people the wrong way. I know you prefaced it by saying that you know it doesn't necessarily work like that but it still came across that way.

I will also point you to the search function for future reference and if you can't find and answer to your question there, post it in the question portion of the appropriate thread (WTO, TWW or Benched/TTA)

I would suggest reading the pinned posts, lurking (A LOT), doing an intro in the weekly thread when you're ready and jump into the daily/weekly thread as appropriate for your situation

britters314 · October 2016

I think this is something that is fine as its own post. It's a question that isn't discussed much and the search function may not turn much (if anything) up.

I'm going to second what was said about not planning anything if "you might be pregnant" so go ahead and sign up for the race. If you do get pregnant and can't do it, you can always cancel, right? Also, it is usually fine to continue at your current activity level once you get pregnant so you should be fine to keep running at least at the beginning of a pregnancy.

ETA: I'd suggest asking this on one of the trimester boards so you can get responses from women who are actually pregnant and might be in this situation.

mylove071407 · October 2016

I wouldn't plan my life around a "what if" because you could set yourself up for disappointment. I would keep it in your head that you are going to do the marathon and then just see what happens.

saralee797-2 · October 2016

@SSminnow426 I think it might depend on exactly where you are in your pregnancy and if you are high risk etc. Normally, you can continue any activity you were doing before you got KU. However, there is an added risk of injury due to ligament stretching etc. I would say proceed as planned as long as you are okay with maybe losing the money you put down for the race in the event your doc does not recommend proceeding when the time comes. I never thought it would take us thing long but you never know!

kiki75 · October 2016

I would say, look into the terms for the triathlon (refundable, transferable, how much a transfer would cost) and if it comes out to being reasonable, sign up. As for the running race, if you're at that level now, and stay at that level, it shouldn't be a problem. Especially if you're prepared to go a lot slower than you would prefer if you were to run it not pregnant.

Like a number of other people said, it's hard to make a plan when you're TTC but really, just go ahead and don't plan around a potential pregnancy. It sucks bigtime when the date of a race that you had declined to register for because you thought you'd be pregnant comes and goes and you're not pregnant.

However, you've come to the right place to learn and not essentially waste any cycles because you don't know what you're doing. Pick up a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility, read up, and start taking your prenatals now.

Best of luck. I hope that you're a single-cycle unicorn and you end up having to figure out if you're going to do that tri or transfer it. I wish we were all single-cycle unicorns.

SSminnow426 · October 2016

Thank you for the input and I sincerely apologize as I must have misinterpreted the rules of this particular board. I had taken it as for those who were not yet pregnant and had questions---truthfully I was afraid to post anywhere else because this particular question didn't seem to fit anywhere (guess that should have been my tip to not ask) . It was never my intention to suggest that by any way this was "Easy" or "quick" and thought my acknowledging that would be clear that was in no way my intention but obviously I have caused what I was trying to avoid. I will try to figure out a way to delete this and will refrain from posting anything further until I get clarification from the admin on where I should post thoughts/questions.

britters314 · October 2016

SSminnow426 said:

Hi all!! Hope everyone is having a good week

Looking for some insight from other who have thought/went through the same thinking I am on.
DH and I are planning on getting off BC this month and letting my cycle get back in balance. Finally feel ready for this step and tested out goalies so that we are prepared! YAY!! Our plan is to wait the normal 2-3 months and with the assumption my body reacts normally and nothing life changes happens we plan to start TTC around January/February. Please know that the below is with the assumption we were to get pregnant fairly fast----I am throwing this out there I know those chances are most likely NOT going to happen and it will take time---no rose colored glasses here
Anywho, I've become fairly active over the past year (running, biking, swimming regularly). I had planned to sign up for my first triathalon which is in March but then I started getting worried about the potential of being newly pregnant during it. I know the standard is whatever your doctor says but I have this gut feeling that I'm not going to trust myself doing anything THAT intense (btw this would be our first pregnancy)
So I settled to the fact that I am going to forgo signing up for now---if I'm not with child then I will take it from there. After DH and I discussed this I brought up another race I had already planned to do. This is a strictly running race that is just under 7 miles---this has been something I've worked towards for a year and it would fall in April of next year. In my mind since its one activity that I've already become comfortable with it wouldn't be as taxing on my body.
My long winded question is has anyone else done races/marathons/half marathons while pregnant and have any tips/words of caution? I would love to hear different responses from people, good and bad, and have a idea of how far along you were.
I want to do right by my unborn child but also don't want to put myself in a bubble (again barring and complications since in that instance I will be parked on a bed/couch and be more than OK if it helps my baby
Again I could not even be pregnant by then so it's all hypothetical but I am a type A and like to get info before LOL
Thanks for taking the time to read and look forward to your responses!!

QFP since OP said she is going to DD.

britters314 · October 2016

SSminnow426 said:

Thank you for the input and I sincerely apologize as I must have misinterpreted the rules of this particular board. I had taken it as for those who were not yet pregnant and had questions---truthfully I was afraid to post anywhere else because this particular question didn't seem to fit anywhere (guess that should have been my tip to not ask) . It was never my intention to suggest that by any way this was "Easy" or "quick" and thought my acknowledging that would be clear that was in no way my intention but obviously I have caused what I was trying to avoid. I will try to figure out a way to delete this and will refrain from posting anything further until I get clarification from the admin on where I should post thoughts/questions.

Please don't delete your post. It is frowned upon. Honestly this seems like a strong reaction to the responses you got.

RunRestRepeat · October 2016

@SSminnow426 Don't delete it - others can learn from it! We appreciate sincere apologies here. Once you are TTC, I'd suggest getting involved by posting an intro in the weekly newbie post (they are labeled by date) and then posting in WTO (waiting to ovulate) and TWW (two week wait) depending on where you are in your cycle. We have daily posts for each category, with a spot to ask questions each day!

Honestly, this is the most supportive community I've found, and I think you'd fit right in! Maybe that's just me being selfish - I'd love to add to our TTC runners

mylove071407 · October 2016

OP, the responses were pretty tame...trust me. Please don't delete.

SSminnow426 · October 2016

Wasn't trying to have a knee jerk reaction--I swear! I know that we all can only read whats typed and can't feel what is truly meant by it. I felt horrible that it came off that way and didn't want to cause anyone hard feeling or making it seem like I was "OOO it's gunna happen for sure, blah blah" which why I wanted to delete---I have had many friends who haven't had immediate luck TTC and try to be as sensitive as possible. We are all a tribe and if we can't look out for each other than who will. I can understand how it was taken that I was assuming it was just going to *BAM* happen. I truly know that its not easy and that it takes time---we all go in with the hope that it doesn't but are all aware than unfortunately it can. I really do appreciate everyone taking the time to comment.

All a learning curve.

I wont delete and truly will be sure to read more into the boards and tips.

kiki75 · October 2016

Yeah, honestly, the responses were all pretty dang nice. Some directed you as to what to do in the future but really, you got zero flames. If you want to see one that did have flames, just read a little further down the page. Everything's good and we look forward to seeing you around.

Basherbaby · October 2016

SSminnow426 said:

Wasn't trying to have a knee jerk reaction--I swear! I know that we all can only read whats typed and can't feel what is truly meant by it. I felt horrible that it came off that way and didn't want to cause anyone hard feeling or making it seem like I was "OOO it's gunna happen for sure, blah blah" which why I wanted to delete---I have had many friends who haven't had immediate luck TTC and try to be as sensitive as possible. We are all a tribe and if we can't look out for each other than who will. I can understand how it was taken that I was assuming it was just going to *BAM* happen. I truly know that its not easy and that it takes time---we all go in with the hope that it doesn't but are all aware than unfortunately it can. I really do appreciate everyone taking the time to comment. All a learning curve. I wont delete and truly will be sure to read more into the boards and tips.

You will fit in fine here. I didn't read into it that you were assuming it was easy to get KU. The fact that you apologized (sincerely) will earn you major respect. Thank you for not deleting your post.

I was actually ok seeing this post because it's not something I have personally seen come up on this board and it's always a good idea to keep concern with athletics and TTC. I used to workout heavily and took several supplements that would have been dangerous to take if KU so I did decide to stop them while TTC. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor about any concerns and goals you have for your body (TTC or competitive athletics). Good luck to you on your journey!

saralee797-2 · October 2016

@SSminnow426 I totally did not take your words to mean that. I was just trying to help set expectations. When I first started, I was so worried about "if I get KU then (fill in the blank here with a million things eg. fit into a bridesmaids dress, go to a wine festival etc.)" I was just trying to say, from my experience, it is best not to plan around TTC and go on with your life. If you get KU you will figure it out. Honestly, you'll fit in just fine here. I think you will like the WTO and TWW threads. Come back when you are ready!!

lulu1180 · October 2016

OP I realize you didn't mean it that way and I guess it's just the way my mind interpreted it because of a bad TTC week. I understand that this would be a tough question to place and appreciate the fact that you came back and made a sincere apology to anyone else like myself that may have been overly sensitive.

That being said, I also understand that you weren't looking to delete because you thought we were mean or nasty; it was more because you didn't want to be insensitive to anyone else that may have looked at it in a similar way that I did.

I would honestly try posting something like this in the 1st trimester board like @britters314 suggested. Other than that, I would continue lurking and read Taking Charge of Your Fertility and start charting immediately after you stop BC (most ladies here use Fertility Friend). Once you feel ready, please do introduce yourself in the weekly thread and join us in the daily threads. I think you would fit in great around here and find an amazing amount of support in your TTC journey!

ChefRamsay · October 2016

@SSminnow426

Welcome! I just wanted to add there is a Health & Exercise board on TB that might have current and expecting moms. It might be a good place for this type of question.

laurad75 · October 2016

Welcome @SSminnow426! I just wanted to add that I really liked this discussion because I have been struggling with this too. I used to run a ton and long distance so a lot of people who know that about me keep saying 'don't run too much' and offering lots of unsolicited advice on my fitness and TTC. H and I are currently signed up for a half marathon that I am barely training for and I think I am using all the advice as an excuse to slack on training.

[Deleted User] · October 2016

I agree, definitely don't put your life on hold, but not a bad idea to check into the race/event terms. Even if it were non-refundable, and you were ku, AND you/your doctor felt it was ill-advised, losing the entry *fee* would be a small price to pay, if it even came to that. Welcome and gl! Try the fitness and first/second tri boards as well, as PPs have said.

RunRestRepeat · October 2016

@laurad75 So glad I'm not alone! I'm running a 10k Sunday and I'm secretly terrified (which I'm aware is stupid on so many levels). I was also super paranoid on a long bike ride during my last TWW.

Maybe an "active while TTC" thread could be a good idea...

lulu1180 · October 2016

@RunRestRepeat There is a weekly fitness check in (weigh in/fitness check in) but I think it may be more to help people keep themselves accountable for fitness goals

RunRestRepeat · October 2016

Yeah, @lulu1180, I do lurk in that one occasionally. But I agree, it seems more about weight loss vs competitive athletics. I definitely don't think one is better/more important than the other, but maybe there could be room for both (if enough people were interested).

KhRun17 · October 2016

@RunRestRepeat - I'm down for an active while TTC board! I get so worried abou tall the contradicting advice! It would be a nice outlet to share some of the stuff we hear and commiserate with others. I'm doing a "running study" for our local college and I always worry about what's a good amount/too much. I've WAY Toned it back, and a lot of people are asking me why, and it's hard to not say "well, I was probably doing too much for healthy TTC"
@SSminnow426 - I think this was an okay discussion to start, since it isn't really brought up much. From personal experience, I would recommend getting off BC sooner than later if you're wanting to TTC since it could take a few cycles for your body to figure itself out, and use other methods while TTA. (your body could also snap right back to it's regular O'ing self, so take that with a grain of salt).

RunRestRepeat · October 2016

@KhRun17 I hear you! I actually had knee surgery in February so I've been limited on what I can do anyway, but it's been hard to balance trying to get back into running, lots of long distance cycling, and TTC. So many differing opinions on what we should/should not be doing!

[Deleted User] · October 2016

I'm also on the train of "don't think like you're pregnant until you're pregnant". I almost didn't take my yoga teacher gig because I thought for sure I would get KU asap. Here I am 7 months later not pregnant, but very happy that I'm teaching my yoga classes.

slaven · October 2016

I'm with the people saying to sign up and see what happens. One TWW I stopped using the sauna at my gym because of "what if I'm KU and the heat is bad" thoughts. Didn't get KU and missed out on some nice sauna time. We also almost didn't book our 3 1/2 week vacation in November because I thought I'd be KU and that's a long time to be away from an OB plus the cost of the trip. Again, not KU and I'm really glad we have this vacation planned.

WillRunForWine21 · October 2016

@KhRun17 @RunRestRepeat I'd be down for an active while TTC weekly as well. I am not running the NYC marathon this year for the first time in 7 years because "of course ill be KU and with TTC have switched to more barre/yoga/spin workouts and run about twice a week. The fall is making my skin itch for the Sunday long runs but then I get sad for no marathon. So OP definitely live your life! I find it so frustrating there is conflicting/not scientifically backed advice on this topic and would love a weekly thread to share

catem07 · October 2016

TW dirty lurker

I thought about responsing via DM but figured my response might be useful to others, too. I was pretty active pre-pregnancy. I went to the gym everyday, alternating between spinning for 45-60 and running 5 miles. I'm now almost 16 weeks and have barely worked out since early September (it's really time to get back at it). I also really cut back my workouts in August. Your heart rate rises much faster when you're pregnant, especially in first trimester, and according to my dr it's important not to let it get too high (I think she said 160?). I had to seriously cut back my running speed to keep my HR under that limit.

So so what I'm saying is, you likely won't be able to perform at your current level for a variety of reasons--fatigue, nausea, managing your HR, breathlessness.

Doesn't mean you shouldn't plan to keep up your exercise and continue to train, but just keep that in mind.

KhRun17 · October 2016

@WillRunForWine21 @RunRestRepeat - I'll try writing up a little into to our thread and start a weekly on Sunday/Monday (whenever the other weekly threads start) and we can see what the reaction is to it? If we get people who are interested, we can keep it going. If people say to post that in the weigh in/fitness check, then it doesn't go over well and we don't try again?

RunRestRepeat · October 2016

@KhRun17@willrunforwine21 I think that sounds great! I thought about starting something, but felt like it's not my place since I still consider myself a newbie. I'd be happy to post in the existing thread, but I think that one seems more focused on weight loss, and I feel like there could be a place for both. We can just see how it goes. Thanks for taking the lead!

SSminnow426 · October 2016

I really think all of you are spot on---I can't plan as if I am KU because it's not a fine tuned science and will only make everything more nerve racking. I think it'll add to the stress and aggravation if I put things on hold in the hopes of getting KU and then be even more bummed when I'm not KU when the races come around. Thankfully the races I am looking at are not super super expensive but I never thought of checking on refunding/deferring my entry so I'm for sure going to look into that!!!

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Planning ahead with the intention of TTC---competative athletics

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