One for the runners!

[shinglebob]

Hi all

I'm a keen runner and it was both my main form of exercise and my therapy too! I can pretty much pinpoint the day I got pregnant as when I ran earlier that week I was fine but suddenly I literally couldn't keep going and struggled round a 5k. I've tried once since and it was even worse - that's when I took my test.

I'm six weeks tomorrow, so still early days but I'm just wondering if any runners out there have experienced something similar, or whether you've been able to run still? Did you have to change your routines? I'm low on energy but also keep getting sugar lows too so, so I've been too nervous to try since. I was hoping I could still do it in the earlier part of pregnancy but maybe I'm just being stupid and should look to something else - I'd like to keep active if possible. I really miss it already!

Thanks for your thoughts

oh bless you @Monipop84. I hope you're feeling much better today xx

I've now entered the second trimester and am 14 weeks. Running has gotten so much easier!!! Thank god first trimester is done and over with. I'm still running slowly and definitely not "training", just jogging and enjoying it. :)

Yay @snowbrigade! That's great to hear. I managed to do my first second trimester run this morning. Kept it super short at two miles and did have to slow my pace down as I went off a bit quick, but overall it felt great - so pleased it's fresher outside now. Just finished half an hour of yoga too. Now to see if I feel any better for it during the day - certainly feeling happier!

Still running at 23 weeks, it definitely gets easier in the second trimester! Now when I stop will be decoded by when I no longer fit running bra or my nice running trainers, feet are beginning to swell and I don’t want to stretch my trainers!

I’ve just finished 4 miles- I’m totally gobsmacked at how hard I’ve found it! Mainly the breathlessness. I’m only 11 weeks so maybe it will get easier! I feel like a 70 year old puffing along! X

So good to hear that exercise feels easier in the second trimester!
I went for my first run in 2.5 weeks today and it went well. Probably because I went in the morning before the fatigue had a chance to stop me but I've felt much better today because of it.
Perhaps the cooler weather is really helping us all x

Having to call it a day at 24 weeks - finally admitting to myself that it’s too painful to run. Mostly hope/pelvis but also bump has thrown me off balance. Sad to stop but hope it’s only for a few months.

I've still been running 5km on a Saturday morning (only time of week I have the energy and doing it at parkrun is a motivator) but been getting 30 seconds slower each week. 24 weeks now and still feels comfortable so hoping to manage a few more weeks yet, although will need a bigger sports bra soon!

Bless you @gruber - most important thing is to listen to your body though. Can you do anything else? Swimming maybe? I think that'll be what I move to if/when running has to stop!

@Sprintfinish - I am wearing two bras already, haha! Normal bra under a sports bra. It's a strong look. How are you coping with your times going down? I'm only doing 2/3 miles and it's paining me to see my slower pace, but I know I mustn't push it.

@Goatlady5812 that is literally how I am. It's much better in the second tri but I definitely have much less puff than before.

Thanks @shinglebob - still Swimming (been in the sea most of the summer) and still cycling, so not too despondent yet. I just felt it was too painful and too uncomfortable to run- funnily enough I’d felt fine doing Parkrun the week before, but just couldn’t quite manage it this week. How are you feeling?

I'm just delighted that I can still run at all so not bothered about my time, although I did spend a few weeks going to different events instead of my local one where speed seemed less of an issue away from a familiar course and the regulars there!

I haven't cycled at all since being pregnant and miss it. I fell off my bike 2 years ago so too wary of it happening with bump. Have also fell away from swimming as made me too tired after, whereas running still gives me an endorphin boost.

Did my first parkrun since finding out I'm PG (and first run in 6 weeks as we've been touring Asia). I came in at 40 mins and felt ridiculosuly tired. What the heck! (my time is usually circa 30 mins). Anyone else noticing a huge decrease in energy levels?

At 24 weeks I was running 5k in 40 mins and it got progressively slower until I stopped at 28 weeks.

My energy levels are pathetic! Last summer I was regularly doing triathlons, this summer I'm out of breath walking up a hill or a couple of flights of stairs!!

Hello, I usually run 50-60 miles a week and was able to keep running through my previous two pregnancies. However, pregnancy running is not the same at all and you have to learn to take it easy and listen to your body! I personally don't attempt any speed sessions, hill reps or races when pregnant as I'm concerned about pushing my heart rate too much.

With both pregnancies I had a few weeks off in the first trimester as I just felt way too nauseous/tired to run. So go easy on yourself in the early weeks, you can always pick it up again in the second trimester.

I'm currently 6 weeks pregnant again and already getting really out of breath quite easily, and feeling fatigued more easily. I'm determined this time to keep up the running again as like you it's my therapy!

Be careful in later pregnancy as well, I think I did my pelvic floor a bit of damage last time as I ran right to the end and started back two weeks later. You'll be able to feel if it's too much pressure down there. I definitely should have taken more rest!

Regarding pace, I did a 10k 3 weeks pregnant (unknowingly) in 36 minutes...a few weeks later and I'm reduced to jogging!
Go easy and listen to your body :)

I'm not a runner as such, do a light jog on the treadmill in the gym and have found that hard since finding out I'm pregnant.

But I am a horse rider and since finding out I'm pregnant I have really struggled with riding, stamina has gone to pot, getting very warm very quick & generally wanting to barf if I do anything that is not in a straight line! That being said I am 9+4 & rode for 45mins yesterday witg my instructor and only had to stop twice so can see an improvement, I'm hoping it will pass over so I can continue riding for a little longer.

I got back into running last month (completed a race at your pace challenge) and was planning on really getting into it again as used to be a keen runner. Only able to complete small distances due to arthritis but always proud of what I could do. Anyway, I completed my challenge on 31st July and low and behold I conceived on 1st August! Found out I was pregnant 10 days ago and am shaking off a cough/cold since but really want to get back into running still. Think I may do the whole walk/run thing and just be really slow and comfortable, not get out of breath and take SO with me. Will also go on cross trainer and bike at the gym I think. Don't want to have the hassle of too much extra baby weight after baby is here

I'm now at 16 weeks and whilst easier than in first trimester, I'm definitely still very much in the "slow" club and suspect I'll stay slow till I stop.

Currently doing about 40km/week. I'd love to hit 2,000km for the year, nearly at 1,600km now, so if all continues well, I'll get there. Will first and foremost listen to my body though and forget about targets if needs be.

@kettleonplease - in your previous pregnancies, did you use a belly support band once to bump got bigger? If so, any recommendations?