While it always isn't the easiest, I am thankful that I have been able to continue to run up until this point in my pregnancy.
My plan is to run for as long as I can and as long as it isn't too hot out.
I'm proud of my body for being able to run this long and hopefully can continue.
Running is my release, my favorite (and least favorite) cardio and is ingrained in my workout regime.
One of my very first questions to the nurse on my first phone call to the doctor's office was if I could continue to run. I was actually in the midst of training for a half marathon (which I later cancelled) but I needed to know if I could still run. Thankfully, the answer was yes, with a few cautions but yes none the less.
I then did further research (because Google is my best friend these days) and further confirmed my ability to run.
Here are the top 3 things I've learned so far:
1. Take it slow : At the beginning this seemed somewhat silly but that quickly changed. I quickly learned how much harder even being a few weeks along made it to breathe and have the same stamina as before. While this was initially frustrating to me, I knew it was my body telling me to take it slow and for the best. One of the biggest cautions is to not get your heart rate up too much (or too quickly). This is always on my mind as I run and my main focus.
Along these lines, I've changed what music I listen to in order to slow my pace down. I am a person that the faster the music is, the faster I run and the opposite. So I've taken to listening to slower tempo (while still upbeat) music while I run so that I know I will go slower.
2. Hydrate : While drinking water and staying hydrated is extremely important during pregnancy. This is taken to another level while exercising or running. While I used to reserve wearing my water belt to realllly hot days or really long runs, now I wear it every single run. Even for my little 3 mile runs.
Once I am home I make it a point to also drink a lot of water and usually a fruit filled protein shake to confirm I am fully re-hydrated.
3. Revise your routine : It used to be nothing for me to run 5-8 continuous miles without stopping. However, in an effort to not over do it or overheat myself I've had to revise how I approach my runs. Instead of running without walking, I now incorporate walking into every run. Typically I run .50-.75 miles and then walk .25 miles. And repeat for 3-4 miles. Of course this takes longer than it used to but it certainly makes me feel better that I am doing the right thing for my body while still doing something I love.
With that, I'm off to waddle down the sidewalk for my next run!
Hopefully wearing this tank I've had my eye on.
5 comments:
Well done! I'm 30 weeks now. I ran consistently through 27 weeks and now I'm working out at the gym- cardio and strength classes. If I run it is much more of a run/walk. The main reason I've cut back on running is the need to pee! I was able to plan routes around bathroom breaks but the third trimester was much more challenging in terms of bladder pressure. Now that he is head down, even if I don't have to go, it feels like I need to.
Once the bump got more significant, a belly support band was a total lifesaver. I got the Ultimate Maternity Belt on sale from Motherhood Maternity and it really helped with round ligament pain. I highly recommend. Keep up the good work.
Yay, I loved my running for two tanks! Partly because it was a super fun way to show off (you do deserve to congratulate yourself for keeping at the running!), and partly because they were sooooo soft and stretchy and nice. I had to switch to a "sweating for two" one when I had to give up the runs at about 22 weeks (ligament issues) but was still glad I could do other things, because I agree that it helped me feel good, and also helped me keep feeling "me" throughout the pregnancy. These recommendations are all smart - especially changing up the music so you don't push yourself TOO much.
Oh and like Flannery I tried a belly support band for being active when the bump got quite big and it helped me too.
That's really informative and helpful. Most expectant moms don't want to be active because of fear.
I ran while I was pregnant too. I loved it. But these are definitely things you need to keep in mind. I wish my doctor let me run longer, but since I had twins, he stopped me about 6 months in.
Running while pregnant is no joke. Good for you keeping at it!
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