Should I get back to running?

[Sastra]

Hi all,

I enjoyed running 5-8K three of four times a week pre-pregnancy, and was fully intending to carry on. That was until all day sickness struck hard.

Am now 13+3 (have had scan and all looks well at the moment) and have begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel regarding feeling nauseous all the time.

I'd really like to get back to running, but I'm concerned that a I've not run for 6 weeks, does that bump me down to the same category as those who didn't exercise pre-pregnancy and therefore means I shouldn't be "starting a new exercise regime"?

I've put a fair amount of weight on (about 10lbs) sin r stopping running and ironically eating more due to this being the only thing that helped sickness. I'm feeling unhealthy and unfit and it's getting me down a bit. :-(

I'm 16w and went for a run (well, jog) last weekend. I was a keen runner pre-pregnancy and this was my first attempt since about 5w pg, when morning sickness kicked in. I just did a slow 1.5m miles to see how I felt. It was harder than pre-pregnancy (partly due to the pregnancy - I get out of breath just walking up a slight hill these days! - and partly due to reduced fitness from not running for 10 weeks.

I see no harm in giving it a go, as long as you don't push yourself and listen to your body. If it feels too difficult, stop and walk for a bit. Also make sure you drink plenty and don't overheat.

I'm in the same boat - used to go to gym 3 times a week, felt too sick for a few weeks plus eating often and not always healthily to deal with constant nausea! I had a session with a personal trainer who adjusted my workout. Main points: control your temperature (don't overheat) and don't over exert yourself. Get back into running, but know when to take it easy! The time you had off won't have taken your fitness back down to zero, but your pregnancy may affect how much you can/want to do.

13+1, #1

I was in a similar situation - got back into running at about 16 weeks after an 8 week break. I found it easier than I thought it would be but just needed to take it slow and I think most of that was pregnancy related rather than the break.

At 20 weeks I found that bump was getting uncomfortable when running so swapped the outdoors for a gym and a cross trainer which, at 33 weeks, I'm still doing 3-4 times a week and really enjoying. Mind you, I feel absolutely whacked today so not sure how long this is going to go on for, as I couldn't really do anything let alone go to the gym.

So, I 2nd the people who say do it, enjoy it, just don't get down about the decrease in capability or over do it. Make sure you don't overheat, drink plenty of water, and listen to your body.

I'm sure you'll be fine. Just do what you're comfortable doing. I found I really wasn't up for pushing myself after about 12 weeks anyway, but was quite happy just plodding along. If you're used to running then coming back at a slower pace would be find I'm sure