running while pregnant - the first trimester

When I started telling people I was expecting, among the regular questions you always get was "Are you going to keep running?"  My answer?  Absolutely.  As much as my body will let me of course.  The general rule of thumb is any exercise routine you were doing before pregnancy, you can continue to do while pregnant.  You might have to tone it down a bit, but as long as the pregnancy is low risk and exercising isn't causing any complications there is no need to give up something you love.

I was a little unsure at first what the 'rules' would be regarding me running while pregnant, so I called and talked to a nurse at my OB's office.  She said I could absolutely keep running, just to listen to my body and try to keep my heart rate under 140.  So the next time I went out for a run I strapped on my heart rate monitor, and less than a minute in my heart rate was already at 155.  I was baffled.  How was I supposed to keep running if barely doing it was already going against recommendations?  So until my first doctor's appointment I kept it pretty easy.  Not running too fast and taking lots of walk breaks.  The first week was the most difficult, because I felt SO SLOW.  I was often thinking what's the point?  But it is amazing how quickly the baby can affect your body.

In the sixth week of pregnancy I was quickly short of breath and exhausted.  An 11 minute mile seemed like I was using everything I had.  And hills?  Not happening.  I had to walk them all.  A baby quickly starts placing large demands on your body, and no doubt I felt it.  The heat was pretty horrible, so I moved all of my running inside to the treadmill.  I toggled between 5.8mph and 3.8mph a lot.  Thankfully after my first appointment the doctor told me that the heart rate suggestion is a very old school recommendation, and I needed to focus more on how my body was feeling.  The goal being able to continue a conversation while working out.

 

I was excited to hear that, but weeks 6-9 were still incredibly tough.  To the point that I wondered how in the heck I would keep up any sort of decent mileage, and if it was even worth it to keep running.  I had to pee every couple of miles.  I was slow.  I was tired.  I was sick.  Surprisingly I felt the least nauseous shortly after running.  That alone helped me push through, that and my stubborness of course.  But I'm so thankful I did.  It was easy to want to give up, but now even though my pace has changed and running is definitely a little different, I feel so much better after a run.  Saturday I completed my first race while pregnant (well technically I was like 3 days pregnant at the Hospital Hill race, but I bet that doesn't really count :o), a 5k in 29:19.  Not too shabby, not too shabby at all.

At my ten week appointment I asked my doctor what she would say if I said I wanted to run a half marathon in October.  I was expecting a 'no, you can keep running but not that far' or something, but she quickly responded with "I don't see a problem with it at all as long as everything is going well and you feel up to it."  I'm stoked.  My family is still a little apprehensive, but I really think I can do it.  I obviously won't be going for a PR or anything, and it will be much different than the halfs I've done before, but I think it would be amazing to say I completed a half marathon while pregnant.  I'll be 21-22 weeks at the time (depending on which one I end up signing up for) so even though I'll have a belly, it shouldn't be too in the way.  I'm sure I'll have to stop at the bathroom, and probably stop to actually eat a piece of toast or something as opposed to just some honey stingers, but I'm hoping it is all worth it.

If you're planning on running while pregnant here are some things to keep in mind:

• Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE!  You need to drink some water before, ideally during and after your run, along with taking in a minimum of 64 ounces of water during the day.  I shoot for 72+.
• Fuel your body.  You need to make sure you are taking in enough calories to make up for those that you've burned.  Your body and your baby need the food.
• Find a running buddy.  If you're doing to be running outside I would suggest finding a running buddy.  I don't always run with someone, but I try to if I'm going for 5+ miles, or at least stay close to neighborhoods and main roads.  If something should go wrong you want quick access to help.  If you've had a running buddy before, you might need a different one unless they are willing to slow down with you a bit :o).
• Run with your phone.  Most people already do, but if you don't now would be the time to start.  Again, quick access to help if you need it is a must.
• Slow down.  It is tough to slow your pace, but there is absolutely no way I could continue running at my previous 8-9 minute mile pace.  It would put too much stress on my body.
• Take a break.  If you need to walk, do it.  There is no shame in taking a walk break, and listening to your body is a must.  If you are feeling short of breath or overly tired, stop to walk.
• Have the right gear.  Pregnancy loosens your tendons and ligaments, so making sure you have the proper shoes is a must.  Also, you don't want to overheat, so if you're running in warmer weather make sure you are dressed the part.

I'm not sure how long I'll be able to keep running.  Hopefully into the third trimester, but I had a lot of back issues with Ryann and I'm just not sure how uncomfortable I'll get.  But for right now I'm loving running while pregnant.  It is different, but it feels so good to continue doing something for myself while much of my body is doing everything it can to provide for this little babe I'm growing.

Any other pregnant runners out there?  Do you have any tips for me?  What has everyone else been up to on the fitness front?  Link up your posts below!