So I think it's time that I post a little something about my experience so far with running while pregnant. (I had intentions of posting this many many weeks ago, but time seems to have somehow escaped me again. Bah!) (Also, please note that there is a disclaimer at the bottom of this post!)
Officially, while pregnant, I have trained for and run a half marathon and a 10K and plan on running one more 10K in about 10 days from now (I will be in my 3rd trimester/7th month/29 weeks at that point). I found out I was pregnant on day 3 of my (10 week) half marathon training program. While I had previously done some "research" on running during pregnancy (aka reading a bunch of crap online which usually only confuses you), I didn't want to go too crazy with the running until I had my first doctors appointment at 8 weeks. I somewhat "put off" training for a bit, but continued to run about once a week, 3-4 miles per run. Although, I was definitely paying more attention to my body, I felt great. (Even normal running pains that I have felt a billion times before now became a focus and reason for concern: "Small cramp - do I need to stop and walk??") At my 8 week appointment, I spoke with my doctor who gave me the green light. Everyone is different, and everyone's doctor is different, but in this case, my doctor basically told me that (aside from the obvious - drugs, alcohol, bungee jumping, etc. Also - DUH) there is "little" that I could do to hurt my baby. As long as I could breathe and walk, there was no need to stop during runs. Unless a medical reason arises, there is no need to stop running during my pregnancy. So my training resumed at that point. While nothing FELT different, my runs definitely shifted from focusing on speed and pace and time to simply completing the run and feeling comfortable while doing so. "Pushing myself" was not a concern. I ran a half marathon at 13 weeks, and while it was my slowest race ever, I felt great. I thought it would be a lot harder on my body to run slower (aka running for a longer period of time) however, I was very surprised that I was actually less sore in the hours/days following the race than usual. A week and a half later I ran a 10K, also quite "slowly".
Since then, I have continued to average about 1-2 runs per week (although, ideally I would have preferred more like, 2-3 per week. Oh well.)
Mechanically, nothing feels different. As far as structure and bones and movement goes, running still feels the same (so far). I don't feel off balance or extra bouncy (well, except for wishing I could wear about 10 sports bras!) The first several weeks (months?) my boobs hurt SO bad, so that was the only uncomfortable part about running... and usually after the first mile or two I got used to it. Luckily that went away pretty early (although, I am expecting that to return - and with vengeance! We'll see...)
I started to notice a few slight changes around 21 weeks - just small things, nothing crazy. By 21 weeks or so, I had gained around 20 pounds give or take, and I think my legs finally started to notice... something was different! I noticed my quads would start to get very fatigued/sore after about a half a mile or so... followed by my calves. (Imagine if you just decided today to wear a 20 lb. backpack during your normal exercise routine! Ouch!) However, after 2 miles or so, the lactic acid would kick in and the pain/fatigue during the run would fade away. These first couple of miles continue to be the hardest for me. I usually feel much better if I run 4 or 5 miles, as opposed to stopping after 2-3.
I also am WAY more sore after runs now than before. I assume that the combination of extra weight/slower pace/distribution of weight is what causes this. If I run 4-5 miles in the afternoon, by the time the evening rolls around, my body feels like I ran a half marathon that morning (achy legs, lower back pain, stiffness and fatigue). I feel like (and probably look like) and 80 year old trying to get up of the couch!
The last thing that I have noticed (although, I don't remember exactly when it started) is the pressure. Obviously, this continues to increase as well... if I pee 10 seconds before I leave for a run, the INSTANT I start running I feel like I have to go. However, it's more than just feeling the need to pee... it's so much pressure downwards and it's quite uncomfortable. I am guessing that this specifically is what will eventually keep me from running towards the end of my pregnancy. (SIDE NOTE: Bittersweet side effect of running with this extra weight - I can definitely feel my quads and glutes getting bigger and stronger! While, I am all for more muscle TONE, I don't want the size to increase - which it is! AAHH! Now the few non-maternity things that had still fit over my belly are not fitting over my thighs and butt. Damn! Hopefully I will lose a little muscle tone in my legs during the first several weeks after baby comes and I'm not able to run.)
All of these changes are small enough to allow me to continue running, and I do hope that I have a while longer before they actually stop me from running altogether. When that time comes, I will continue to be active by just doing different workout DVDs at home.
Also, several weeks ago I purchased the Gabrialla Maternity Support Belt (available
here) and I LOVE it! I have been wearing this on all of my runs, hopefully to prevent too much bouncing. (Everything is still so tight, I don't feel like I am at the point where my belly bounces up and down, however I haven't NOT worn it in quite a while.) Here's what it looks like!
***Update: I jogged for about 2 minutes yesterday without the support belt for the first time in a long time. It definitely felt different not having the belt on and although, I don't feel like my belly was SUPER bouncy, I did feel like there was more movement than when I wear the belt. So I am definitely glad that I have this and I think this product alone has helped me continue to run.
Sometimes, I feel like if I wear it SUPER tight it increases the pressure on my bladder... so I usually make sure it's snug, but not cutting-off-my-circulation tight. I DO wish there was something to help with support/keeping things up on the inside... ;) Also, if you purchase this belt for yourself, go a size up. I have a small that
barely fits. A lot of the reviews on Amazon mention this, but I stupidly didn't read them until after I had purchased it.
I am SO truly grateful that God has allowed me to continue running up to this point of my pregnancy. I know that He has provided me with the strength and endurance that I have needed to accomplish these things. I hope to post again towards the end of the pregnancy about my experience running through the third trimester. I hope to run through at least the 8th month... but that all depends ;).
Read about my continued experience with running throughout my pregnancy here:
3rd and 4th Trimester Running...and Beyond! (Part 1)
Disclaimer: On the off chance that some crazy person takes my advice too seriously and does something to harm them self or their baby, I should also probably say something to this effect: The thoughts and opinion shared on this blog are simply what works for me and you should not do any exercise regimens during pregnancy without first consulting your doctor. Everyone and every body is different. Listen to your body, listen to your doctor and definitely don't start anything NEW while pregnant. What works for me may not be healthy for you.
