Our Story: 3rd and 4th Trimester Running...and Beyond! (Part 1)

Read about my first and second trimester running experience here!

Just to recap, throughout my pregnancy, I would try to get in at least 2 runs per week, between 3 – 5 miles per run. I ran a half marathon at 13 weeks, a 10K at 14 weeks, another 10K at 29 weeks and my last 10K at 37 weeks. I went on my last run (3 miles) on May 8^th at 38 weeks pregnant and delivered Heidi 12 days later.

So let’s pick up where we left off, shall we?

Third trimester running - I think the first question people would ask me when they found out I was still running was “HOW??” Well, to be honest I was able to keep running for two reasons. First of all, He-who-is-in-control (aka God) blessed me with a very easy and complication-free pregnancy. There was no medical reason why I couldn't continue to run and my doctor continued to give me the green light. Secondly, (and this is almost as big as the first) I just never stopped. Had I taken an extended period of time off from running, I’m not sure I could have picked it back up again. My body was growing and changing so fast, I was scared to stop running. I was afraid that if I stopped and then tried to get back out there I wouldn't be able to do it. The longest that I went without a run while pregnant was 11 or 12 days…once over Christmas (because duh) and another time because I was SUPER sick (like, flu sick). I also continued to focus ONLY on completing the runs without walking and NOT on how fast I was going. Speed and pace was definitely NOT a concern whatsoever. Because of my slower pace, as well an extra 30-40 lbs. I was carrying around with me, my legs continued to get very fatigued during runs and oh MAN was I sore by the afternoon! My whole body ached. However, it was never a “bad” sore… always a “good” sore. I like that good sore feeling (always have) because it means you’re DOING something!

I never experienced any Braxton hicks, contractions/cramps, false labor, etc. but I do recall one run in particular where I had to stop. I guess I was just having an off day and just couldn't do it. It hurt, I was uncomfortable, sore, fatigued… I didn't make it very far and had to stop. Perhaps I was just too tired, hadn't eaten or hydrated enough or the baby was in a strange position. I knew there wasn't anything seriously wrong, but it was still upsetting to me that I wasn't able to complete my run and also because this was just a few days before I was supposed to run a 10K (I was 29 weeks at the time). I was so frustrated with myself, that I rested a little during the day and ended up going back out that evening and running 4 miles. I went into the race that Saturday knowing that I may or may not be able to finish, but not long after I started I knew I was going to be able to do it. I felt great!

My last race was at 37 weeks. I went into it knowing that if I wasn’t feeling well I could stop after 5K (this particular race happened to be one big loop – one lap was a 5K and two laps was a 10K. Usually, I find this extremely annoying but it actually was comforting knowing if I needed to stop after 5K I would already be at the finish line.) When I had completed the first lap, I was feeling good (although, going EXTREMELY slow) and turned around to do the second half of the race. I felt like I was one of the last people to finish but… I did it!! I went on one more run after that race (at 38 weeks pregnant) and by then the weather was getting hot, I was distracted with other things and felt like I was ready to just focus on waiting for baby. I don’t actually recall making a conscious decision or having the thought “Okay this is the last run!” I think it just happened that way. Like I said, there were plenty of other things/distractions at that point, not to mention - I was frickin huge!!