Any runners in your first trimester?

[ShelleyI83]

Hi there
Currently expecting DC 3. I am only (almost) 5 weeks so really, really early. I am however very aware I’m pregnant this time around. I feel done in by 5pm every day. I run - around 30K per week. 1x 10mile, 1x5K and a speed session. Has anyone found the fatigue has hit them when running this early on? I really struggled to run 10K today without stopping. I felt as though I had zero energy. I just didn’t expect to feel like this already!
Thanks

Not a runner exactly, but I read a great article on running and pregnancy by a physio called sarah canney. It was v helpful

Have a google (I will try to find the link)

Found it

The whole site is great

sarahcanney.com/blog/new-guidelines-for-postpartum-runners-do-not-return-to-running-until-12-week-postpartum

I'm 10 weeks and a new runner (only took up running a couple of months before I got pregnant, so not running anywhere near the distances you do! A slow 20 mins every other day is all I manage!!!).

I think everyone gets it differently... I haven't had too bad fatigue but the dizziness is insane, I've had to take it slow and remind myself that I'm not going to be progressing as quickly as I was before I got pregnant! And yes it started hitting around 4-5 weeks, so same time as you.

Can only give my personal experience but it didn't get much worse than that, although I've had up and down days.

Would kill for a good sports bra, though - I'm not that big but they're very painful, and the only one that prevents pain is quite tight and I don't breathe very well in it. I've had to tape them up with sports tape!!!

Hi! Before I even got my BFP I was breathless going uphill. I thought I was just burnt out from marathon training so probably around the same time as you (5 weeks)
When I was 7-8 weeks I had to stop as the sickness kicked in, but I picked it back up again at 16 weeks, albeit much slower. Just listen to your body, there’s no reason to be killing yourself :)

I gave up running as soon as I knew I was pregnant and got back into it again when ds was a toddler. Never did anything as full on as u though! Might not work for u but it worked well for me.

You're going to have to give running up at some stage (no-one can run 5k with a week old baby!!) so I'd look at cutting down gradually at least so it doesn't come as a big shock to your body. Good luck!

You're going to have to give running up at some stage (no-one can run 5k with a week old baby!!

I’m sorry- this is terrible advice. No one has to “give up” running just because they are pregnant and have a young child. I’m 38 weeks and went for my last short run 2 weeks ago. Yes, you probably can’t run with a one week old, but there is nothing stopping you from picking it up again at 6 weeks postpartum if your doctor gives you the go ahead. All the women from my running club start back up again around 6-8 weeks. There is absolutely nothing wrong with running throughout your pregnancy. My midwife and consultant 100% approve.

To the op - when I was in my first trimester the fatigue did hit me hard. I ran a half marathon the day I found out I was pregnant and I really struggled towards the end. As soon as I got to my second trimester my energy levels came back and I was fine again. At that stage a 10k was probably my limit though. Energy wise I’m fine now, it’s just a bit uncomfortable.

I used to run a lot but from around 7 weeks I could hardly run at all- complete exhaustion and felt terrible. Picked it up again once in to the 2nd trimester and gradually built up. Managed a good few weeks of 20miles/wk but all at easy pace. Stopped at 29weeks due to back pain.

So it didn't kick in as early as you are describing although from around 5wks my normal pace definitely slowed a lot. If it feels too tough put your feet up for a bit and hopefully you'll get a 2nd wind in the 2nd trimester.

@Turtleturtle81 even if someone manages to run until the second they go into labour and get straight back into it at 5 or 6 weeks post partum - that's still 5 or 6 weeks with no running, that's what I meant. I'm sorry if you got the wrong end of the stick and I would never label your advice as 'terrible', as I understand everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Sorry again and all the best

My first pregnancy I managed to run during 1st tri and did a marathon at 12 wks. Think it was sheer determination not to let all my hard work go to waste.

This time (baby 4) I managed to push through the nausea until 8 wks when I was too wiped out to run. I have carried on cycling though (about 40 miles a week). I’m now 12 wks and considering trying a very gentle plod again - might even do a bit of run / walk as I get breathless walking up the stairs at the moment!

I know I will struggle to run post partum as I’ve had 3 clingy bottle refusing babies so can’t imagine this one will be different. Will try to get out with the buggy as much as possible.

[quote firstimemamma]@Turtleturtle81 even if someone manages to run until the second they go into labour and get straight back into it at 5 or 6 weeks post partum - that's still 5 or 6 weeks with no running, that's what I meant. I'm sorry if you got the wrong end of the stick and I would never label your advice as 'terrible', as I understand everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Sorry again and all the best [/quote]
Not running for 6 weeks is not giving up running. Suggesting someone will “have to give up at some point” is not great advice, or a poor choice of words. The OP can adapt her training programme to take pregnancy into consideration. She doesn’t have to give up and start again when her child is a few years old.

Thank you all so much for your replies. Comforting to know some others struggled in the first tri also. My lower back is so sore. No concerned as had this with my other two pregnancies and must say it didn’t hurt when running so was hoping I’d have the energy to get out!

I think I’ll buggy run once baby is born (don’t worry I’ll wait until 6 week check up!) but seems like a good way to get strong again.