Running Update: 18 Weeks Pregnant
When I decided to train for my first half marathon back in 2009, I joined an amazing running group that introduced me to a whole new world of running and possibilities I’d never considered for myself. It was the first time I’d ever run with a pace group, which is when runners of similar paces are grouped together so you always have someone to run with no matter how long the miles get. As I ran 10 and 11 miles for the first time that fall, you can imagine how surprised I was (still being new to long distance running and before most people I knew had kids) that one of my pace leaders, who looked like she could give birth at any second, was running right alongside us. In fact, she could typically run much faster than us, talking the whole time and barely breaking a sweat. She was a size zero with a perfect little baby bump. Her only weight gain was in the center of her belly (no extra love handles, bulging underarm skin spilling over the sports bra or face filling out like mere mortals often experience). And she was running like it was no big deal.
That was my introduction to running while pregnant. Other than the size zero thing, I thought I would be able to be like her.
Wrong.
Now 18 weeks pregnant, I’ve been amazed at how my running – and my perspective on running – has been so different than what I anticipated. Many of you have reached out wanting to know how running, exercise and fitness have been going since I announced I was pregnant.
I’m coming to you from my home gym today to share all the dirty details. In my quick video message, you will hear:
- How many miles I’ve been running and how my pace has changed
- How I’ve been feeling while running and how that has affected me mentally
- Activities I’m doing in addition to running (that I actually enjoy more)
- How much weight I’ve gained and what my nutrition has been like
If you have ever been pregnant, how did you feel while running? Feel free to share tips with us. If not, how has your summer running been going?
Comments
It sounds like you found the key to find balance: working out with friends. I work out with this kind of “grass roots” women’s group FIA (fianation.com). Everybody is really supportive of my modifications and my slower pace. I’m still running about 35 miles a week (I found out I was pregnant when I was at my fastest the day after a great race and on average running about 40-50 miles a week. My pace is around 9:45-10 minute mile now but that race in February was about 8:15). All of my workouts are outdoors because that’s where my friends are- but they are at 5 am so even in July in SC in the humidity I never felt overheated. I also carry water with me if we run more than 3 miles at a time. I decided in the second trimester there wasn’t any reason to run more than 8 miles at a time so that’s as long as I will go. I also stopped racing because it seemed silly to spend money on racing when we have this big unknown expense coming in a few months. I’m waiting for my “body to tell me” (I’m 29 weeks) as my doctor has said to stop running but so far it still feels pretty good. I wear a belt that helps with the urge to pee and pelvic discomfort and I’ve just gotten used to having to carry tissue paper/water/phone, etc.
Have you checked your iron? I actually felt a big improvement in my running when we began trying to get pregnant because the prenatals had iron in them. I feel a little weird sometimes when I stop running, almost nauseated, but it goes away when I drink and start moving again. That’s the closest I’ve felt to “morning sickness.”
Overall I feel very lucky to have such an easy pregnancy, though I’m not like your size zero example. I definitely have a little extra fluff under my arms and my face, and my legs rub together. now I’ve got just a few workout clothes that fit (I love my running for two shirts) and I bought some next size up longer inseam shorts from skirt sports that I think will last me through the next month or so. I think I’ve gained about twenty pounds at this point but I’m not being really stupid with food so I figure it’s mostly what I need to gain to grow this healthy baby. My weight gain was also kind of sporadic, not the average one pound a week they say, so it kind of freaked me out. (2 at 14 weeks, 7 at 18, 1 at 22 and then 5 at 27… and probably more now at 29).
My perspective: running is different now, my body is different now, but thank goodness I get to be pregnant, thank goodness my baby is healthy. Pregnancy is temporary! We can always go after our running goals later. I think that why I see so many 40ish moms racing past me (I’m 27), because they are past the point where their bodies are not their own (pregnancy and breastfeeding) and they can seriously train. I’m looking at 3-5 years of growing and feeding babies (hoping for two kids) so my serious goals are going to have to take a backseat for a while.
Hi Veronica! Thank you so, so much for sharing all this information with me about your personal experience. I really appreciate you taking all the time to share this. Congrats on your baby! It will be here before you know it!!! You are amazing for being able to run all those miles. Kudos. My doctor also told me I’d just know when I “couldn’t” run anymore. A few people have said they are still running 5-6 days a week in their second and third trimesters. While physically I know I could do that, mentally, I’m not feeling it. As I mentioned in my video, running lately has felt so hard. It has made me feel weak and less confident. Since I rarely have those runs (since being pregnant and in the middle of summer) where it feels effortless, I don’t want my running to start becoming associated with negative mental feelings. I think that’s why I’ve gravitated toward other activities in which I feel strong. You are also right that I have gravitated toward activities, whether running or class-based, I can do with friends. I don’t have a lot of friends who run a slower pace of what I’m running now, so I’m too slow for many of my go-to buddies at this point. When I was in Atlanta, I had a broad running network that included people that were a lot faster and a lot slower than me, so could always have the option to find friends who wanted to run the slower paces that I’m running now and really enjoy it together rather than asking someone who should be running faster to run recovery pace or slower than recovery pace with me. I feel good about where I am right now and am ok that I’m not running all that much. Running has taken the place of my cross training and cross training has taken the place of my running if that makes sense. The great thing about running is that it will always be here waiting for us when we’re ready for it. I’m excited to build a strong base after Baby rUnladylike arrives in January and then focus on a goal half marathon in the fall to test my fitness and start to build to a spring or fall marathon the following year. I hope you’ll keep me posted on how you are doing in the last 10 weeks. xoxoxo
I just wanted to update you with another tip: maternity bottoms for working out are awesome. I’m using a pair of capris from Old Navy right now and I can’t believe I didn’t try them sooner. When I got bigger I noticed what I think is round ligament pain when exercising, or just my lower ab muscles being over taxed. The extra support from the maternity panel is great and really minimized that discomfort. Also, I found that running on a softer surface, like the track near my house, is more comfortable. I also like that I can just drop off my extra supplies (water, toilet paper, etc) instead of hauling it all with me.
Hope you are doing well! It’s fun to feel baby move in the second trimester. So far in the third it’s mostly fun but also sometimes painful with little feet in my ribs!
Hi Veronica! Thank you so much for that tip! I’m getting close to needing some new workout bottoms that fit so I’ll be sure to check these out. I’m so glad you are doing well and feeling good. I’m not feeling much movement yet but it is exciting every time she kind of presses hard 🙂 Thanks again for being so thoughtful. I can use all the tips! xoxo
You look beautiful and, again, I’m just so happy for you. I lit up when I read the news. I love what you said about doing things that make you feel strong. You are so right. (And I loved lifting weights when I was pregnant.)
And two little things (because everyone has to weigh in on everything when you are pregnant and I want you to get used to it 🙂 ) – Think about doing bird dogs in addition to your planks if your doctor is good with it. So good for the low back. And then, what about vitamin D? My practice is so huge on vitamin D and supplementing when pregnant and low levels can affect energy.
Keep feeling good! xoxo
Hi Kim! Thank you so, so much for your sweet words AND your advice. Mr. rUnladylike and I basically know nothing, so we gladly accept free advice from all our friends. LOL. I found this really great strength training workout for pregnant people that includes three rounds of a variety of exercises after running or walking. It has a 10-30 second plank followed by 12 bird dogs on each side. It also has biceps, triceps, squats, etc. etc. and you do three rounds. So, I’ve been getting some bird dogs in but could probably do more so thanks for the reminder. Sometimes we do them at barre but not always. I’ll also talk to my doctor about my Vitamin D and Iron levels. Thanks for the tip so I can ensure I’m getting enough. Big hugs to you. Hope you and your boys are doing great. One of these days we need a reunion. xoxo
Hi Jesica! I’m currently 14 weeks pregnant, and it’s so nice to hear from another runner who is going through this right now. I finally feel as though I’m starting to get some energy back after feeling like a zombie for my entire first trimester (I totally feel you on the intention to eat healthy, only to find that nothing healthy sounds appealing — bring on the refined carbs and cheese!), but I still feel far from my “normal running self.” The heat and humidity here in Virginia hasn’t helped, so I too have been trying to get out in the mornings, and have been following mostly a run/walk approach (right now I’m doing 4min run, 1min walk). I kind of thought not being able to run at my normal volume/pace would bother me, but I find myself not really caring…If I get out a few times a week I’m happy (I’m averaging 10ish miles per week, as opposed to my normal 20-25), and like you I’ve been enjoying some other types of exercise, particularly yoga. It is strange and sometimes frustrating to have to acknowledge the changes that are happening in my body, especially since I don’t “look pregnant” yet. I’m just trying to focus on doing what I can day by day to keep myself and baby as healthy, active, and safe as possible. I’m looking forward to following along with you!
Hi Becca! Congrats on your pregnancy and thanks so much for sharing how you’ve been doing. I could seriously have written your same message about my first trimester. I pretty much felt like crap, although I never had to actually throw up. I wasn’t motivated to do much of anything from weeks 5-12ish and everything felt hard. I feel SO much better now. There are a lot of days I don’t really feel pregnant other than my heart rate and shortness of breath when doing activity a little more noticeable. 10 weekly miles is probably my max too at this point, and same as you, I’m totally fine with it. I think mainly because it is strengthening my fire to train for a goal race at the end of 2017 once my base is back. I want Baby Girl rUnladylike to see strength in her mom and that you can find the time to be your best self so you can be the best for others you love. I hope you’ll keep me posted on your journey and how you are feeling throughout. Wish you were here in FL so we could run our slow, low miles together slogging through this humidity and heat. LOL! I went to prenatal yoga for the first time last night which was good. Mostly like restorative or gentle yoga without back and stomach stuff. xoxo
I was only running 5Ks when I was pregnant with Max, so I was barely “running” to begin with. But I did go to more gym classes and that sort of thing. I continued to run up until 6 months or so. Then, it just became too much with the constant up and down on my bladder 😉
I continued to bike ride right up until the snow started falling. I coached XC that fall and would bike along with the student-athletes.
Some can run right until the end, some feel like they need to take a break. It is important for everyone to realize that sometimes you have to stop and it isn’t a bad thing. Coming back after pregnancy is interesting as well, but seriously so many runners/athletes actually come back a bit stronger.
Loved this! I am 22 weeks (almost 23) weeks pregnant and while I can still manage around 35-40 miles per week I definitely understand what you mean about it feeling so hard! It has been difficult for me and I’ve been in awe of the ladies who can still run the same as pre-pregnancy.My pace (like you) has slowed down so much and I’m happy if I can keep it under 10:00 min miles.
I do have a question about planks – I was told by several people that planks can actually make Diastasis Recti worse and to avoid them during pregnancy. I noticed you said your Dr approved them. Just seems like so much conflicting information out there and I’ve pretty much quit all ab work but I hate it!
Hi Sara! Congrats to you on your pregnancy. I’m just about a month behind you so glad to hear you are still doing so well and covering so many miles. Wow! Regarding planks, my doc said I could still do them after my last visit, but I’m not very large yet and have almost all my ab strength still. I’m pretty sure that will change and I ask her each time I go about exercise so we are always talking in real time (so as not to take advice from weeks past). I don’t do them all that often or for very long, but I have been ok with the in short bursts and/or going down to my knees). When we talk about everyone being differnt when it comes to running/nutrition and what works for them, I had no idea how much that rang true for pregnancy too. Everyone has to do what is best/right for them, and I’m sure that varies a lot from person to person. Good luck with everything! I look forward to keeping tabs on your journey and your site. xoxo
I am 32 weeks pregnant, and I can totally relate with almost everything you said in your video! I am an avid runner, bouncing between 25 – 50 miles per week (before pregnancy)…I took a few weeks off before I found out I was pregnant (trying to heal from tendonitis in my foot) and then trying to get back seemed twice as hard. I continued to push myself to run 3 days per week during the first trimester, but now it’s gone down to 1 day (at best) during my third. I’m still working out 4-5 days/week but tend to feel SO much better when I do long walks/hikes and strength training instead. I love how you said running made you feel weak and you don’t want to associate running with being weak. That totally resonated with me! I never really thought of it like that but I completely agree. I have my sights set on a spring 2017 half marathon (I’m due end of September) and I’m trying to convince myself that running WILL feel manageable again!! PS — Congrats!
Big Congrats Abby!!! You are almost there! I hope you’ll keep me posted on your delivery and sweet baby. Wishing you a healthy and happy last few weeks.
I am 100 percent right with you on continuing to exercise about 5 days a week but only run once (sometimes twice). I keep “finding” other workouts to do. It was so nice to run with a friend this morning as I never would have gone outside by myself and would have stuck to my treadmill. Keep me posted on your journey. Thanks for stopping by and watching and commenting. xo
I felt like a wimp switching to swimming and biking only at about 20 weeks pregnant but after seeing with a lady who has a doctorate in physical therapy with a specialty in women’s health (more specifically pelvic floor and diatasis recti), I know 100% that I made the right call for my current and future body. Google those if you aren’t familiar. OB’s do a great job checking on baby but they never once mentioned diatasis recti to me so all those pushups I was doing before and after giving birth were a very bad thing for my abs. She also said to definitely wait until 6 months (not weeks!) post partum to resume running because of the loosening of the ligaments and the pelvic floor strength. Helps avoid problems later in life with incontinence, hernias, etc. Your pelvic floor is holding up so much weight with a baby in there that it needs to be back to speed before the bouncing and pounding of running is started again.
Hi Christy! Thanks for the tips and advice. I really appreciate it. A good friend of mine who has three kids and is a big runner has talked a lot about pelvic floor issues and what she has learned through three pregnancies and its effects. I appreciate the reminder to talk to my doc about it. xoxo
Since I know nothing about being pregnant – other than seeing my sisters and friends have babies – I’m going to ask about your new home gym! Can you give us a run down of what you have and share photos? Huge congratulations and I’m so so happy for you!!!!!
LOL! Christina. Thanks for your kinds words and your request. I have a post in the works to share my home gym unveiling with you all and the tips I’ve found helpful in creating your own space. I’m just waiting on one more thing to finish it out for now and hope to have something to share with you all in September. Hope marathon training is going well. Hugs.
Congratulations again! I am 19 weeks and I stopped running at about 15. I ran a half marathon during my early pregnancy, which was a miracle because I, like several other ladies on here, felt like a zombie. Pretty much all I wanted to do was eat carbs and drink lemonade, which was a huge turnaround because prior to pregnancy I had a “fat-adapted” diet. Now appetite has come back, and I’m able to eat something other than bagels. I have turned to weight training, spinning, and elliptical. I’m contemplating swimming, which I think will feel amazing! Just working out makes me feel so much better. I’m so excited for you and to follow your journey!!
Love the video and hearing your voice as you talk about all the change that pregnancy brings – both to running and just LIFE! I had to stop running completely after about three months with the twins and I was devastated. I too thought I would be this petite little running pregnant woman. HA!!! Not so much 🙂
You look and sound great and obviously running will always be there for you…right now it’s time to embrace growing a human 🙂 xoxo
Congrats!!! I barely ran with my first pregancy – I felt exactly how you describe. But I ran until 32 weeks with my second … who knows. 🙂
BTW, just thinking back, did you do that Grand Canyon trip in your first tri? I could barely stand going to work the first 12 weeks! You are amazing!
Hi Heather! Thanks for your note and your experience. It is so amazing how different everyone is, isn’t it? As for the Grand Canyon, yes, I was in week 5 of my pregnancy. We went to the doctor right before to get permission and make sure I could still go, and I’m so glad we did because it was totally safe, even though the hike was really tough (we just took more breaks and went a little slower on the steep parts). I felt great that week, but it was the week we got back that I started feeling nauseated, so I was SO lucky that I didn’t start feeling sick until I got back. It was almost the day we got back that I started feeling crappy. It would have been MISERABLE to feel sick on that trip. Thanks for following along. I really appreciate you reading and commenting. xo
What is it about white cheddar? I had the same craving (we should have bought stock in pirate’s booty and sour candies during my pregnancies). <3 <3 <3
Seriously! I could eat both all day long. In fact, this note makes me want some right now. LOL! xoxo
I was in the middle of training for a half-marathon last fall when I found out I was pregnant. I WAS training for a PR, I WAS doing speed work outs for the first time ever, and I WAS feeling like I was in the best shape of my life. And then starting as early as 5-6 weeks pregnant, it suddenly felt like I was working SO much harder to run SO much slower. I read that this is common and is due to the significant increase in blood volume even that early in pregnancy. I had to change my expectations quite a bit, and decided my new goals for the half-marathon was just to finish and not to pee my pants… and I accomplished both!! That was at about 10 weeks along, but after that I found that running put too much pressure on my bladder and it just wasn’t comfortable, or I was having to take a bathroom break constantly. Fast forward a year, and now I am trying to ease back into running and am actually training for the same half-marathon. Now, the biggest challenge isn’t my body/the demands of growing a little person, but rather, finding the time to get my runs and workouts in with a fulltime job during the day, and an adorable little 3 month old who needs me (and who I want to spend time with!) in the evenings. This will get a little easier once she is old enough to put in the jogging stroller and come with me, but for now, my husband and I are working on finding a good routine. Congratulations on your pregnancy, and I am so excited to continue reading about your experiences with running and working out during pregnancy/after pregnancy/with a baby/etc. Take care!!
Hi Morgan! Thanks so much for sharing about your experiences. I had such a similar experience as you in that running started being hard almost immediately. My doctor said the same thing about 50% more blood volume, and of course heat and humidity do not help either here in FL. I’m so glad to hear you are back at it training. I love that you are finding ways to fit it in and making time for what is important … because when mama feels good everyone feels good 🙂 I hope you’ll keep me posted on your training! Thanks so much for popping by and sharing your story! It helps so much hearing from so many mother runners out there. xo