Pregnant in running shoes
I used to think women who ran during pregnancy were so hardcore. I vowed to be like them. I wouldn't lighten up my training or forgo racing just because I had a baby on board. Pregnancy would have nothing on me…
Then I learned the truth. Pregnant runners are not hardcore. All runners are hardcore. Women who can run during pregnancy are just lucky.
Many runners want to run during pregnancy but literally can't:
- Running during pregnancy is not safe if you have certain medical problems. When I had my subchorionic hematoma, I wasn't allowed to run until the bleeding had been gone for a week. Pregnancy symptoms like dizziness, vomiting, and extreme fatigue can also make running risky.
- Other women don't feel physically comfortable running. I tried to use the elliptical trainer in early pregnancy but it made my hips burn in a bad way. Likewise, some women's bodies just don't agree with running during pregnancy.
- Some infertile women need to totally stop exercising during treatments, and their doctors may not let them start up again until later in pregnancy.
My first trimester running experience has been full of ups and downs.
My doctor discouraged running until my first ultrasound at 7 weeks. Running does not cause miscarriage. But since it took me so long to get pregnant, my doctor wanted me to take it easy so I didn't blame myself if I lost the baby. In week 8, I had the subchorionic hematoma so I wasn't able to run regularly until 9 weeks pregnant. (This post probably makes a bit more sense now 
)
Since then my running has been great!
But don't let that fool you. Running during pregnancy is nothing like normal running.
For instance:
- My pace is much slower. I run about a 9:00- 9:30 minute/ mile pace now which is slow for me. During pregnancy, your heart rate jumps higher much easier. The best way I can describe this is it feels like I can't get my heart rate up no matter how hard I try.
- I need a lot of walk breaks. I get tired, winded, and my heart rate sky-rockets easily. If I didn't take walk breaks, I wouldn't make it through my runs.
- There is no "easy" pace. All of my runs are around the same pace. How I feel- not the training plan- dictates the speed I run. I finally understand what "listen to your body" means.
- I can only run in the early mornings (or on the treadmill). Overheating is a no-no during pregnancy. It's been in the high 90's and humid in my neck of the woods for a month now. If I don't run at 6am, my doctor wants me to run with a thermometer and stop and take my temperature every mile to make sure I'm not overheating (100 degrees F is my "danger zone"). Umm… I'll stick with 6am runs!
I run 3-4 miles, 4 days a week. I know this is nothing compared to what I used to do. Yet, I'm thrilled that I'm running this much!
I also view each run like it will be my last. Sure, some women can run right up until the day of delivery. But most women get to a point where running feels uncomfortable so they need to stop. I've heard this can happen any time after week 20. So I'm just taking everything in stride and enjoying every moment I run.
It makes me giddy to know I raced with my baby, and I'd like to think that every time we go running together that I'm getting him or her addicted to the best sport ever 
I'd like to "race" again while pregnant, but we'll see what the next few weeks bring. The one thing pregnancy has taught me is that you cannot plan to do anything. I'm well aware that my baby is that one in charge of my body and not me. And I couldn't be happier!
To read more about my running during pregnancy experience, check out my post at For Two Fitness.
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June 13th, 2011 - 08:12
Good for you!
Though I’m not as hardcore of a runner as you are, I love a good wog (walk/jog) where I can push myself. I skipped my first trimester though and stuck with walking- call it fear or excessive tiredness.
My second tri I picked it back up and loved it!… until 25 weeks-ish. The belly got too heavy, it was uncomfortable and it wasn’t fun anymore. So now I’m sticking with speed walking on inclines.
I really look forward to pushing myself again and hopefully running a 10k! (My goal right before I found out I was preg)
Love seeing other pregnant women staying so healthy and active!
June 13th, 2011 - 08:13
Great post and great attitude! As a pregnant runner, I couldn’t agree more. I don’t put expectations or goals on my runs and view every mile as a gift. I will say that it got a bit better mid-way through the second trimester when I didn’t feel so tired. Good luck and enjoy each step!
June 13th, 2011 - 08:21
Your pregnancy posts are really making me smile. I can feel your joy in your writing
June 13th, 2011 - 08:46
WOOHOO! I kept running up until 5.5 months, when baby’s pressure on my hip made it too painful. But I’m still walking every day! Keep running smart!
June 13th, 2011 - 08:53
I have high hopes for keeping up my running routine during pregnancy, but I know that’s silly. Obviously you never know what your pregnancy will be like or how it will affect you until you’re actually pregnant. Two women in my office were pregnant pretty close together and it’s amazing how differently pregnancy affected both of them. While one seemed to feel great most of the time, the other has really struggled. I hope that I’ll be able to run when my time comes, but I guess we’ll see…
I’m glad you’ve been able to run consistently again. I think it’s so impressive that you are getting out there 4 days a week! Even if your overall mileage is less, you’re still out there running a lot, which is great! Hopefully this is setting up some great habits for Baby Runner’s Trials. Keep this up, and he/she is going to come out running!
June 13th, 2011 - 09:21
Great post! I had to stop all running after IVF #1 failed in prep for IVF #2. My last run was Thanksgiving Day 2010. I got pregnant with IVF 2 on 12/22. I haven’t been allowed to do any exercise other than walk or swim since. No exercise period for first 14 weeks. It has been very hard on me! I cannot wait to start running and doing triathlon again. I always thought I’d be a preggo runner. As if dealing with infertility wasn’t hard enough- losing running (my stress reliever) has been equally hard!
June 13th, 2011 - 09:49
Love this post. It sums up my experience exactly. <3
June 13th, 2011 - 10:59
I feel like I am also one of the lucky ones who has been able to run while pregnant (guaranteed I was not sick at all the first trimester, so that made it much easier to continue running). My pace is much slower and every run is HARD. The heat is definitely making it much harder also. Lots of walking breaks too! I don’t have a heart rate monitor so I just go by how I feel and trust/listen to my body. It always makes me feel better after I feel her kick me after I run – which will be much reassuring to you too soon!
June 13th, 2011 - 11:20
Finally, a post about running while pregnant that didn’t make me crazy
Your approach to your running during your pregnancy sounds very smart indeed!
It took me 3 years to get pregnant and it was not an easy pregnancy (4 months bed rest) but through out it all my goal was to do everything I could to have a healthy baby, I took ZERO chances, and I got lucky, I got my baby
Congratulations and enjoy every minute (running, walking or waddling)
June 13th, 2011 - 11:31
You rock Jen!
I’m glad that you are keeping it healthy and active but playing it safe! Of course, your “slow” pace is my current “fast” pace, but everyone has their own pace!
I wanted to reiterate to your readers to please please consult their doctor before running preggo. I told my doctor at the get-go that I had a 1/2 planned when I would be 34 weeks, and although she thought I was completely nuts, she didn’t say no. I reminded her a few weeks before the race and she still thought I was crazy, but still didn’t say no. A couple days before the race, I was given the all-clear to run, as long as I stayed hydrated and would stop if I felt like I needed to. If you are a regular runner, you know exactly how your body should be feeling while running, so just listen to your body, don’t overheat, and stay extra hydrated/fueled. I did wog my slowest half ever, but I finished! 
June 13th, 2011 - 12:19
You get to race for two and only have to pay one entry fee. #WIN!
June 13th, 2011 - 12:38
You have such a wonderful attitude, Jen! So thankful and accepting. It’s great that you are adjusting your expectations of yourself as a runner. You’re not just a runner anymore – you’re a pregnant runner! And the reasons for slowing down and reducing mileage are very important. It’s great that you recognize that you have tons of time to train more intensely and get back into racing, but now isn’t the time for that. It’s the time to let the baby have whatever it wants
June 13th, 2011 - 13:06
I never knew that so many women have to stop running because of discomfort, etc during pregnancy until a bunch of bloggers started getting pregnant! I bet it makes you appreciate each run knowing that a break might be around the corner. And I love that you are getting your baby addicted to running already
June 13th, 2011 - 13:44
I love that you can embrace running with baby as a new and exciting experience. I would love to run when I’m pregnant, but I know that every pregnancy is different. Do they make baby Brooks? I think that little bundle is going to need a pair!
June 13th, 2011 - 16:25
aw cute post! I love that you raced “together” so cute.
June 13th, 2011 - 17:15
Totally agree….I feel lucky that I have been able to continue running through my pregnancy. I’m 22 weeks and still going. One thing that has helped is I’m barely showing. I have been fortunate to not get morning sickness and so far it’s been pretty smooth sailing. However, I don’t think this is because I’m doing anything different than anyone else, it’s just luck. My friends who are equally healthy have had way different experiences, such as having to stop running at 4 months because they felt like they had to go to the bathroom constantly and not number 1
Or having every pregnancy symptom under the sun.
Love the post and I was so happy to hear about your pregnancy. Congratulations and good luck with the running.
June 13th, 2011 - 18:31
What a great post!! I found out the day after I ran my first half marathon that I’m pregnant! That was exactly 5 weeks ago today (now I’m 9.5 weeks along) and I’ve only run once since that day. I really want to start running again, but between the exhaustion and the nausea (and the fact that I work full time and my husband and I already have a 3 and a 4 year old) it’s been a challenge to find the time/ energy to get out there. I used to run in the evenings after putting the kids to bed, but now I’m ready for bed myself once they go down! Once I get back into it (hopefully soon!), I am fully expecting to take it slow and incorporate walking breaks!
I’m really enjoying reading all of your pregnancy posts!!
Congratulations on your pregnancy!!
June 13th, 2011 - 18:58
I think running in pregnancy should be a very individual thing. Some women feel comfortable, others do not. Like you said, its not going to cause a miscarriage, but for some women it is uncomfortable! Two women I know who gave birth recently said around 20 weeks it just started to “feel weird” so they switched to other cross-training activities. I think listening to your body is the smartest thing you can do regarding exercise in pregnancy. So, kudos to you.
Also, on an unrelated note, it seems having the support of your bloggers during your battles with infertility may have been helpful? Do you think women who are struggling with infertility would benefit from an online forum where they could share stories that was also moderated by a doctor (REI) and also posted good QandAs? Just curious.
June 13th, 2011 - 19:00
I definitely think women would love that. I know similar forums exist, but having access to an REI would be amazing!
June 13th, 2011 - 19:08
It was week 28 for me. Anemia kicked in hardcore and I just couldn’t huff it. Good luck!!!
June 13th, 2011 - 19:38
Your posts in the last few months make much more sense now.
Glad you’re still running!
June 13th, 2011 - 19:56
Fabulous post! I wanted to be one of those women who ran up until giving birth. Even though I was really slow, I ran a marathon at 20 weeks… but once I hit 25 weeks my back and pelvis made running way too uncomfortable. Now I’m happy to swim and ride the exercise bike at the gym!
June 13th, 2011 - 20:23
One of my fellow short friends who I used to run with all the time (and ran my first half with me!)didn’t run during pregnancy because she felt like she was going to fall forward. This made me thing that the change in your center of gravity during pregnancy affects petite girls more intensely than taller girls. I hope this isn’t the case for me. I’d love to be able to run during pregnancy. I’ve never gone that long without running since I started seven years ago. I know I would stop if I had to but I really really hope I don’t have to.
June 13th, 2011 - 21:39
Just found your blog through For Two Fitness… and guess what? I also have chubby, cyst covered ovaries, run in the same shoes as you, and did a guest post on FTF’s new blog… we might be soulmates.
Excited to read more about your pregnancy… and you’re very perceptive on running in pregancy being a luck thing. Didn’t figure that one out til I was put on bedrest during mine.
June 14th, 2011 - 11:49
WTG! I continued running in the early weeks of my pregnancy but then the nausea kicked in, hip pain and finally a no strenuous activity decree from my doctor because of a low-lying placenta. So I took up yoga and walking instead and hope to get back to running after the baby is born.
June 14th, 2011 - 11:54
I saw a few pregnant women running the Mini 10k in NYC this past weekend and it was so inspiring – I hope that I can run during pregnancy one day. So, so happy for you. I love reading about this time in your life!
June 14th, 2011 - 15:58
I loved reading this post! At just over 8 weeks pregnant, I’m also trying to figure out how to keep up my running regimen. It’s tough! I can commiserate with you on so many of the things you wrote!
June 14th, 2011 - 16:50
Thanks so much for this post! We just had our first prepregancy planning visit today and this is great info!
June 17th, 2011 - 08:07
OH MY GOODNES JEN!!!! I’ve just stopped by your blog after a 2 month blogging hiatus (new job, moving house, no internet, general crazy business) and found out YOU’RE PREGNANT!!!!!! I am so THRILLED for you!!!!!!! you have worked so hard for this and been through so much trauma and heartache and you couldn’t deserve it more – you are a true inspiration and I can’t wait to hear how your pregnancy goes. HURRAH AGAIN!!!!
June 24th, 2011 - 19:09
Hey baby buddy! Can you believe that we are week 15! I went for a run yesterday for the first time since getting pregnant. Did 3 slow miles in about 30 minutes with no garmin (strange ha) and several walk breaks. I woke up, read this post and just got inspired so thanks Jen. Of course made the mistake of mentioning it on facebook only to have one of my super hero running buddies who happens to have 4 kids tell me that she has done 2 marathons while pregnant. LOL. I will continute to take it one day at a time and again, thanks for your inspiring blog. My favorite thing about being pregnant is that it is so personal and I am in control of my choices. I like that everyone has an opinion and I’m sure they mean well, but you just do what you do. You are terrific!
August 4th, 2011 - 15:18
I stumbled across your blog yesterday and was surprised at how much we have in common! I started running in 2004 and have run just over 30 races, mostly road races and trail runs, but a few tri’s too. I just got pregnant with my first in March and am due on December 15th. As an athlete you know your body pretty well and it has been a bit of a wild ride to have it start doing unruly things, making a 10 minute mile seem slow and hard at the same time…but it’s for a GREAT cause!
I resonate with you about hoping that running with my baby in utero will give it a taste for a great activity. I always give my belly a little rub after running and tell our wee one she did a great job running with me. I hope she’ll beat me someday!
September 27th, 2011 - 14:31
Part of my pregnancy planning process was completing at least a half marathon before I became pregnant. It didn’t take me long to get pregnant and I did complete my 13 mile run, but training had become such an integral (and wonderful) part of my life, I couldn’t stop!
I am 28 weeks pregnant and have been running (on a treadmill for safety – it’s hot) the entire time. The crazy part is it is getting EASIER. I can’t find any other blogs stating this – so I’m hoping someone will chime in saying the same. I’ve been running about 50-60 miles a month for the past 5 months (I dropped milange once I knew I was pregnant), but this past month I’ve put in over 80 miles and have increased my speed and incline to make things more exciting. I haven’t had any cramps, pains, swelling…anything – other than being a little more tired thatn usual at 9:30pm
Everyone seems skeptical and will ask me, “how much longer can you do this?” My midwife supports it – so I’ll go as long as baby boy lets me.
Keep doing what you’re doing and blogging about it so others like me can find your stories for inspiration! I probably would have given into the skeptics if I hadn’t read online blogs about other strong women, continuing to run through pregnancy. Thank you
March 7th, 2012 - 21:22
this is for tiggtinstx and ashleym…. I realize you had posted over a year now. I would just like to share my experience. Prepreg I had been running about 6m 6days aweek and lovin’ it. Great stress release. This past year I became preg and have had to slow down significantly. It has caused some blue days, what with my lack of endorphins that I did so enjoy. I do still try to go out and run at the local park but have found it to be much easier on an eliptical, about 1 hour and doing some weight training. I must say, I am currently 5months, baby boy is healty and I am 40 years old with my 1st. I think the issue lies in my running shoes. My next pay day I will be going to a local foot fitting store that fits running shoes. I will tell them about the preg and feet spreading and what not, and maybe I can get back to what I oh so love, and what little man seems to love……. our run. Anysuggestions ladies. I need all the thoughts and help I can get. It is my 1st.