Sore boobs or not, Baby we were born to run!

[Sophia1984]

Thought I'd see if anyone was interested in a thread about running (and other exercise) while pregnant? It brings up some unique issues, such as how many bras do you need to wear to comfortably jog!

I'm training to do the Great North Run in 4 weeks' time (the day before my booking appointment) and would be great to have some other running mums-to-be to talk to :-)

[Skiptonlass]

Just one bra, but make it a good 'un! Depends on how big you are really as to whether you go monoboob or separate cups.

GNR is great fun :)

[Runningupthathill82]

Definitely only one bra, but a good one! You may need to buy new ones soon too, as you go up cup sizes, which is pricey but essential.

A top with added built-in support is good, but to be honest my FF cups are fine in a good quality sports bra and baggy vest.

The GNR is a good half, will it be your first? I've done it a couple of times and its pretty flat, so you shouldn't have major pelvic floor issues like you would if there were lots of downhill involved.

I've run in both my pregnancies, no reason not to carry on as long as its relatively comfortable.

[Sophia1984]

Yeah, I need a trip to Bravissimo pretty soon! I got a really nice sports bra from New Look that has served me well until now.. Supportive vest on top of that might be a go-er :)

It's my first GNR and my first longer-than-10k race so pretty exciting. I'm only 6 weeks, so hoping I won't need too many loo breaks!

How far along are you both? Are you still out running? I sort of feel like the only thing forcing me out at the minute is GNR and that I may just slump on the sofa after that!

[SaltySeaBird]

waves at Sophia

I'm struggling to keep running at the present, I'm 7 weeks pregnant.

In my second pregnancy I was told not to run at all and really struggled to get back into it. I've been told it's fine this time (fourth pregnancy as have had two miscarriages).

I'm finding it hard. Sore boobs are a big issue and so is just being totally knackered. I'm limiting it to 5km runs at the moment, and pretty slowly. If all goes well I might try and up it again in the second trimester but I have to keep running until December 20th if I can for a particular thing but I can't say what as it would out me.

Hoping I can do it!

[Runningupthathill82]

I'm 17 weeks and still doing what I can. My pace is much slower than it was, and I'm going barely further than four miles each time, but it's better than nothing!

[Blackandwhitecat3]

Nice thread . I'm finally into my second semester glow so have decided to start running again. I went for the world's shortest this morning, just really to test boob jiggle and bump wobble. I was pleasantly surprised. I wear a separate cup sports bra under a monoboob crop top bra normally, and that combo still works, but I need to buy a bigger underbra as it's compressing my lungs!

Going to start really short with plenty of walking breaks and build up. I don't have exciting competitions like you ladies but it did feel good to be running again.

[madsaz76]

I am also just in second trimester and had a couple of nice trips to the gym so tried to get running yesterday. Sadly my wobbly ligaments had other ideas - 2k in I got severe back spasms and pain down my left leg.

First trimester running made me feel lightheaded.

Essentially I need to take the hint I think, but swimming bores the hell out of me. Given rubbish muscles will try some yoga, but desperately bored and will have to try and find some cardio that doesn't make me ache. Quite miserable at the moment :(

[blondiejess1982]

Although I tend not to run as I prefer other stuff, I am a gym goer. I have cut back majorly though due to fear of causing any problems. I know I am probably being over cautious. Plus I don't know about you, but when I do goi feel so goddam sick that I can't do much anyway! I am seeing my PT once a week for a pregnancy style workout. I am feeling the weight gain through the cutting back that is for sure!

[blondiejess1982]

I am so with you on the yoga and swimming and body balance stuff.. When you are use to high intensity, it just doesn't cut it!

[Runningupthathill82]

I'm still managing body pump and circuits at 17 weeks, plus running (though have cut down a LOT).

Just being sensible, have decreased the weights and am taking it easy.
I can't just pack it in and start doing body balance or something - I'd lose my mind!

[Sophia1984]

I've really lost my running mojo :-( I was training so well but once I accepted that I'm going to have to take it easy, it's like the motivation has gone. I really, really need to go out for at least a few km tonight..

[Runningupthathill82]

How many weeks pg will you be when you do the GNR, Sophia? And did you have a time in mind?
Toilet stops may be your biggest problem, I'm guessing.
I'm still running (a bit) but nothing competitive since a trail 10k at 6 weeks, which I took very, very slowly - mainly because I didn't want to fall on the steep and muddy descents. Of course that won't be an issue in the GNR, but I honestly would abandon all hope of a PB.

[Runningupthathill82]

I've just seen its your first half marathon too, Sophia - eek! Have you run the distance in training?

[Sophia1984]

I'll be 10 weeks :-) It's the day before my booking appointment! I've done up to 10 miles in training, so was feeling pretty confident of getting a good time until I got my BFP. I'd joined local harriers and been doing intervals and everything! Then once I found out, I stopped giving a shit about my time at all, and just want to make sure I stay healthy and safe for baby. I've been finding it ok going at a 7 minute km, so I'm going to aim to stay steady at that and then do some walking breaks if I start to overheat/feel knackered. I'm aiming for somewhere between 2.30 and 2.45 depending on the weather - I'm right at the back of the pink pen so the pace will be slow.

I think I've taken the whole 'listen to your body' thing a bit too far though and now I'm hardly training at all. Going to try and do between 5 and 10k tonight at a nice steady pace :) Yeah - I've stopped doing trails too - far too many roots! I've been sticking to main roads so that someone will find me if I faint too!

[Runningupthathill82]

Ok, it's v good that you plan to take it really slow, but - if I'm being brutally honest - I think it may not be the best idea to do a half marathon while pregnant if you're not properly trained. And if you've only done 10 miles as your longest run before the race, then that's not ideal, pregnant or not ... Sorry if that sounds harsh.

If you're prepared to walk large sections and honestly don't care about your time then go for it, but I suspect you're going to find the long gradual climb around 8-10 miles, as you pull up to the coast at Marsden, a real struggle. And that final sprint down the coast is longer than you imagine!

In pregnancy, you're only really meant to do exercise that you've been doing already, and ease off the intensity a bit. I've done several half and full marathons but I think even I would have baulked at doing the GNR at 10 weeks - the 10k I did in the first trimester was more than enough, even though it was my slowest race in years!

If you haven't run a half marathon before, then this isn't the time to start. I mean that in the kindest and gentlest way possible.

And the GNR, as an event, is huge - so much hanging around before the start, so few opportunities to wee, huge queues for the Metro and baggage at the end - a smaller city half would be a bit more realistic, but this particular half marathon, without full training, at the end of the first trimester? Are you sure?

I deferred my GNR entry in 2012, when I was 36 weeks pg (not the plan when I entered!) and ran it the following year instead. Seeing my DS on the finish line was beautiful, and it was also a really good way to get back into running postnatally.

Have you considered deferring a year? And if not, can you honestly say you're happy to walk large sections?

Very best of luck in whatever you decide. I hope you take this post in the supportive spirit in which it's intended, and also hope your training tonight went well.

[Sophia1984]

I totally understand the spirit you mean it in, but I've done a lot of research on running while pregnant and feel confident at least giving it a go. I'm from Newcastle so am not worried about stress on the day as I have family to support me and ferry me around, and I won't be worried about getting lost.
GNR have said as long as you can do 8 miles then they're confident people can manage it and I know there will definitely be people there who haven't trained at all! I'm possibly going to put on a bit of fancy dress so I can enjoy the atmosphere and see it as an event rather than a race. I'm totally happy to walk, as I know lots will be, but I'll play it by ear. So far, morning sickness hasn't been too bad and my bladder hasn't been worse than usual, but if I feel rubbish in the week before I'll defer then :-) Just did a nice 7.5k in the rain and feeling really strong for it.

[Curlywurlies]

Hi there
Glad to see other pregnant runners! I'm 17 weeks now and was running regularly before getting pregnant (4 marathons this year!). I found I could still run, but very slowly, and not as far. Running 2-3 times a week of 3-6km at the moment. I've got two more 10km runs lined up but resisted doing a half marathon my husband is doing next month - at my current pace I think it's just too long (and I'd be tempted to push myself I think!). I'm marshalling instead so I can still be involved. I bought a new sports bra at 6 weeks and it's been a godsend! I also always wear a heart rate monitor and force myself to slow down if it gets a bit overexcited.
If you do go ahead with GNR just be very cautious and like others have said, listen to your body. (And enjoy the day whatever you decide!).

[Sophia1984]

Hi curlywurlies! I have definitely noticed a slow-down in pace, but I'm actually enjoying it. I was feeling a bit pressured to push myself before I got pregnant (especially as I had joined a local running group who are super keen on interval training!) but now I just enjoy plodding along. I think at current pace I'll do it in about 2 hours 20 - 2 hours 45 and am planning to walk through water stations and up hills.

I bought a padded crop top from Primark yesterday that is so, so comfy to wear on its own, but I'm also going to try it out over my sports bra for some added support. I was going to head out today but it's just started tipping it down, so maybe not!

[TriJo]

I'm doing more swimming than running at the moment - just finding it more comfortable. Barely cycling at all though apart from on the turbo trainer because my DH worries about me on the road bike outdoors.

It turns out I actually did two triathlons while pregnant already - apart from the Olympic distance which I did at the London Triathlon 2 weeks ago (at 7+5 even though I thought I was around 2 weeks earlier, I probably wouldn't have done it if I'd known I was nearly 8 weeks along), I was 4+5 for a sprint I did in July, went ladyballs-to-the-wall and set a 4 minute PB at it!

I bought another Shock Absorber sports bra last week in a 32H with the intention that it would be something to grow into, it fits like a glove now and that style only comes in one cup size bigger, doesn't go past HH. I've had a LOT of boob growth so far though, up 3 cup sizes and I'm only 9+3.

I don't use a HRM - I just go by perceived effort and try not to go above around a 6/10 average for the entire workout or above 8/10 for short blasts.

I'm planning to drop cycling completely soon and add in more strength training, as it will be more beneficial in the long term. I'm also hoping to start prenatal yoga in about a month's time.

[lemon101]

Hi Ladies!

I'm still running at 24+5! I'm aiming to get to 30 weeks and then see how I feel from there. I had a major wobbly at 20 weeks because running was just making me miserable, it was hard and I just wasn't enjoying it. But then I had the revelation I could just run a shorter distance (amazing!). Seriously, I was still trying to run what I used to and it was punishing me. So I cut it down to 5k twice a week and I also stop and walk for a minute if I need to.

Just to warn everyone earlier on in their pregnancies you need to get on those pelvic floor exercises! because you will feel like you need a piss the entire way around if you don't and it is rubbish! Oh and look forward to people having a bit of a gawp if you have a massive belly like me!

I am not a proper runner - never taken part in a marathon, or even a 10k and I've never run further than 10k in my life! I was running regularly pre-pregnancy though and I really get a reward from feeling a little bit like I have some control over my body still. Lets see how long we can carry on!

saltyseabird running in the first trimester sucks for all the reasons you point out. I read a couple of blogs from proper runners and they were saying that after the first 10 mins the tiredness and nausea lifted. That sounds brutal, but actually it helped me to carry on in the first trimester. Just get through those first 10 mins and it gets better! Good luck!!

[cloudjumper]

I had to stop running before I fell pg earlier this year due to injury and then couldn't face picking it up again because I felt so ill and tired in the first trimester. Running is now postponed until next year...

I'm 21 weeks now and do Bodypump a couple of times per week, really enjoying it again, although getting a bit frustrated about having to lower the weights. And the change overs between positions are definitely getting slower! I did BP until about 34 weeks when pg with DS, although it was getting quite cumbersome with the big bump
I'm also going out for a brisk walk 2-3 times a week, just to keep going and get rid of the cobwebs.

Can I ask about maternity gym wear - anyone bought some? I'm finding that my gym pants and tops are getting increasingly tight and uncomfortable (I'm always pulling up/down something/readjusting) - but dedicated mat sports wear is prohibitively expensive! Is it worth it, or do I just need to go to TK Max to get some super-size pants and wear DH's t-shirts?

[lemon101]

wow. I need to pay attention to how many exclamation marks I include in posts. 9 is way too many....

[oneyorkshirepud]

Hello running ladies

I ran/climbed/swam/did circuits before bfp and since then - nothing, I'm now 23 weeks, argh! I've had horrendous pregnancy exhaustion and have pretty much been asleep for nearly 5 months. Feeling slightly better now and attempted my first 'Park Waddle' last weekend (needed a wee after two laps.) I think it may not be wise to try to pick up the running again now so going to try to swim/do yoga especially as my core and lower back feels v weak already. But, also struggling for maternity sports wear - any tips? I have managed in my normal stuff until now but it is starting to look a little, ahem, unfortunate in the crotch area....

Anyone got any goals for this week? I think I will aim for two yoga sessions and two swim sessions (plus DIY, that counts, right?)

[SaltySeaBird]

I'm aiming to do ParkRun tomorrow but have conceded to DH I may need to walk a bit as I've been exhausted this week and found just going for a walk knackering. I'm only on the cusp of 8 weeks but fourth pregnancy and feeling old too (only have one DC). Want to keep running at least until the end of the year if I can ... It's a pretty slow run though, I'm so bloated and HUGE (despite losing 3lbs I look 6 months gone).

[oneyorkshirepud]

Did you manage park run Salty?