The other day I was reading a pregnancy running book and throughout the book they have stories from different women about how they ran throughout their pregnancy. As I was reading about one woman’s account of her running/leaping/skipping/dancing across the beach at 8 months pregnant I found myself comparing myself to her and wondering why it doesn’t feel so easy for me.
It made me think about any readers that are currently pregnant that may feel the same way when reading running blogs. So, I wanted to make it clear….
Running is plain old hard when you are pregnant. You are tired, you have a lot of extra weight to carry around, your back hurts, you have to pee every 48 seconds etc. etc. etc.
The other day after a 7-mile run with Billy I looked at him and said, “Remember how I was planning (when I was 6 weeks pregnant and had no idea how different running would be) on running/walking a marathon this next month? I think I was taking crazy pills. The thought of doing any run that long makes me want to curl up in a ball and go to sleep.”
For the first while of my pregnancy running was fine and it really helped with the nausea but the farther along I am getting the harder it is to run and the better it feels to lay down:) (Don’t worry I was only on my back for the picture then I moved onto my side)
I still have those runs that feel great but overall I am continuing to run for the AFTER feeling and because I know that it is good for me and for my little girl. I continue to run because running really is a part of who I am, I LOVE races, it makes me feel alive and I go crazy (literally) without it but it sure isn’t easy.
I guess I just wanted to write this quick little post for pregnant women that may be getting down on themselves because they can’t do what they once could in terms of exercise. Doing any form of movement during pregnancy is incredible and that is something that I have really been focusing on when I start to think about how much has changed in my running. I just tell myself how awesome it is that I am out doing something that I know is healthy for me and my baby and before I know it I will be happily pushing that little one around in a jogging stroller (PS expect a post in approximately 6 months about breastfeeding and running being even harder than being pregnant and running).
Get it out there….tell me your thoughts about how you felt/feel when exercising and pregnant!
80 comments
Liz @ IHeartVegetables
I’m always intimidated when I read running blogs, and even more so when I see people running twice as long, and twice as fast as me… when they’re pregnant ;) haha
Janae
It really is so hard to not compare ourselves to others when we read running blogs but it really is just so awesome that we are all out there RUNNING!! You are awesome Liz!
Rachel
When I was pregnant, I had a running friend in my running group that was 4-weeks behind me. We ran 8-miles every Saturday together — but she had different symptoms than I did. My symptoms were “puking” (but not while running). Hers was fainting. Not cool — there were times when she’d have to stop — and TWICE that we had to have her husband pick us up and our other non-pregnant running friend run back to the park to get the car.
Running pregnant wasn’t so bad for me — except towards the end. I ran a 5k a few days before I gave birth (39-weeks and change) and I felt like the baby was just going to slide out. TMI? Eh, it’s a pregnant section blog. It’s expected. All in all, I felt good after I ran except if I ran hard… So I wogged a lot towards the final days. I think it really helped with the delivery (for me at least) and getting back into shape was much easier. My husband read that if you work out during your pregnancy then it lowers the chances of your baby being obese when they’re older. That’s a good thing, right?
Hope you’re feeling good still. You look awesome! ;o)
Janae
Never TMI on this blog….good to know what to expect in the future:) Your friend would FAINT…wow, that is scary! I loved reading about what your husband found, that is awesome. Thanks Rachel and have an amazing day!
Tracy
I had the same fainting issue! The dr. discovered I had extremely low iron and once I started on Hemax (an iron supplement) things were SOOOOOOO much better!
Lindsay
Running just didn’t end up happening during my pregnancy- my first trimester I was sick all day everyday from week 4-12 and my workouts were pretty limited to walking and some strength. My second trimester I started feeling better and since then I have been going to prenatal yoga class once per week and have been doing lots of walking and prenatal videos.
Janae
Lindsay, I am so sorry you were SO SICK during that first semester. That is awesome you are doing prenatal yoga, do you recommend any specific videos?
Lindsay
I have been doing the Shiva Rea prenatal one, but mostly I go to a prenatal class which now that I’m at 32 weeks is getting more and more challenging (belly gets in the way) but I love the community of the class.
My favorite prenatal video to do is Summer Sanders Prenatal Workout which is great for both second and third trimester workouts (not sure about first).
Janae
Thank you so much for the recommendations, can’t wait to try them out and wish I could come to those classes with you.
Verlin
Ha, ha — teacher-brain error, Janae – you wrote “semester” instead of “trimester”. With my first, I exercised in group classes on my lunch hours until the very end. The only problem was that the change room was one big room connected to one big joint shower, and as I was working out at lunch, I had to have a quick rinse off before going back to work. Other women can’t help but stare at a big round preggie belly, so I got a lot of people “trying not to look”. Slightly awkward, but you do what you have to do! I can’t imagine running while pregnant though. Don’t be hard on yourself!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat
I’m not pregnant and running is hard for me, lol.
Janae
HAHAHAHA You are right….running is hard in general but all of those benefits get us back out there every day:) Have an amazing day Claire.
Andrea
You ae doing great all I did was preggers was relax and pig out so the fact that you still exercise is awesome!!
Janae
Thanks so much Andrea. I am definitely doing really well with the pigging out ha:) Hope you have an amazing day Andrea!
Sara
I stopped running very early on during my two pregnancies… just didn’t feel good or possible. The good news is that I bounced back really quickly and got back on the roads. The first run post-pregnancy feels…. strange, exhilarating, hard, wonderful. Wishing you all the best!
Janae
That is SO great to hear that you bounced back so quickly and how amazing that first run after the baby feels:) Thanks so much Sara!
Dolly
I wanted to run all the way up until the very end. I made it to 5 1/2 months before my body said. “Slow down!!!” I expected to be tired, and I expected my legs and back to hurt. But, when my pelvis and lady parts started to hurt after a run I knew it was timet to stop. I continued to walk all the time. It’s not the same as running though. I’m almost 16 months post partum and I have almost regained all of my fitness. :)
Nicole
For my second marathon, the big day came and I was EXHAUSTED and had to walk at least 5 miles of it. I was so bummed and mad at myself. Come to find out- I was 6 weeks pregnant with my daughter! Staying in shape during pregnancy really helps you out during delivery. Don’t be afraid, but I didn’t have time to get an epidural because my labor went so fast ;) It’s okay though- because for my second baby, I decided to not do an epidural even if I did have the time! (which I didn’t) Keep on running Janae, you’re so inspiring!!
Shut Up and Run
If it helps at all – I did VERY little while I was pregnant. I wasn’t a runner them, so I didn’t do that, and maybe just walked and did some spinning. After having babies I was still able to get my fitness back up quickly and my weight down. Take it easy – your body is doing major hard work to build this little baby! I know it is frustrating, but running in all of its glory will always be there for you later.
Khushboo
No where close to being pregnant but agreed about running being hard. Some runs feel like a piece of cake whereas other runs are painful to get through. It saddens me when people say they “only” ran a mile or 2…whether you’re running short distances or a marathon, every run is an achievement!
Melissa @ Get Fit and Sweat Trying
Love your attitude! One thing you’ve always got to keep in the back of your mind with anything regarding pregnancy and having a newborn…Everyone is different. It’s awesome to get tips and advice from ladies who have been there, but it’s not awesome to compare yourself or baby to anyone else.
Enjoy your journey, and listen to you body…it knows best!
Great revalation, HRG!
Courtney
That picture of you is so incredibly cute!! You have a faster pace than me when you are pregnant (and when you’re not) and I’m not pregnant, and I think a year younger than you! You AMAZE me, girl!! :) You’re doing an awesome job!
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
Let your body guide you. You know what feels right. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.
Every pregnancy is as different as every child born.
Stephanie
Seriously I don’t know how you do it!!!I look at your running so far and I am completely amazed. I am 12 weeks 5 days today and count myself lucky to have done three miles in today. it used to take me 22 minutes to run 3 miles now it takes me 30. i generally can’t do more than 2 runs a week one 2-3 miels and one 5 if i am super lucky. you are doing great!!! i want to know how you do it amazing one ;)
mary
Please live in central NJ! I am 12 weeks too and have slowed down a little more then you. My girlfriend I run with is more then understanding, but her dog seems to miss our speedy days. I know I will be waddling when the summer heat hits
Stephanie
oh gosh. so nice that someone else feels the same way. my family lives in NJ actually. we will be down next month :) just saying
Kattrina
I think it’s been really hard to not compare myself with others while pregnant. I am sometimes jealous of all the people who can run when all I can do is walk (not that walking is bad, but I love running and it’s so much quicker to run 7 miles than it is to walk 7 miles). I keep telling myself that walking is better than nothing, but it can still be difficult.
I also find it hard to not compare myself to other pregnant women, especially on blog-land. It feels like everyone I come across is so tiny and I am HUGE and keep getting bigger. I haven’t really pigged out too much and feel like I’m still healthy, but obviously everyone is different. I am usually good at not comparing myself to others, but for some reason it seems much harder to do while I’m pregnant. Like it’s a secret competition or something (although it’s probably all in my head).
I’m afraid that I’ll feel the same way about getting back into shape after being pregnant – like it’s a competition to see who can get their pre-pregnancy body back the fastest or something. I am a bit nervous about how hard I’ll have to work to keep the negative voices in my head from ruling my life post-pregnancy!
It sometimes shocks me how judgmental other women can be about pregnancy – weight gain, exercise, losing baby weight, epidurals, cloth diapers, breastfeeding, etc. I feel like as women it’s our job to support other people, not judge them, but sometimes it feels like I’m being judged all the time.
However, nothing will compare to the beautiful baby boy I’ll have, of course! And I’m actually LOVING being pregnant and enjoying this stage in my life. Just some things that cross my mind these days.
Kattrina
And sorry for the long comment – I need to start streamlining my thoughts!
And I meant that I feel like as women it’s our job to support other pregnant women (not just people), not judge them.
Tori
Dont worry Kattrina! Everyone is different and everyone’s body responds different to being pregnant! I had friends that lost their baby weight in the first few weeks without working out and for me it took an entire year and I was working out hard and eating healthy! Its just like stretch marks though– some people get them- some don’t- it just depends on your genetics etc. It WILL be worth it- to have that sweet baby and don’t compare yourself to anyone! Creating a life is the single coolest thing you can do in your life- and with hard work and time- you will get back to where you started! Promise! Just be patient and enjoy your baby – it goes by FAST! The rest will fall into place! Congrats!
Kattrina
Thanks for such a sweet comment Tori! I am amazed every day that I can actually grow humans in my body. And I can’t wait to meet my little boy – I know everything (even the nausea and heartburn) will be worth it!
Jenny @ simply be me
I had to stop running and it sucks! I’m 28 weeks now and started having bad ligament pain a couple of weeks ago. It even acts up if I walk too fast so I’m taking it as a sign to slow down a bit. I had a really hard time with it at first but I keep reminding myself on a daily basis that I have many, many years of running ahead of me and only a few months of pregnancy left (eek!) I still love to read about all the other pregnant runners – even though there may be twitches of jealousy :)
emz
I agree running was not easy when I was pregnant [waaaaaaaaaaaay forever ago]. but I loved how I felt after. It helped with my circulation for sure.
I ran 6 miles three days before my little Peanut arrived. All with my Dr’s “you go girl!” — which I loved.
you are awesome.
Laura
I’ve commented this before but I went from averaging about 10 miles a day pre-pregnancy to not being able to even lift my pinky finger while pregnant with twins. The main thing that scared me was that somehow I’d never ever be able to run again. I thought I’d never be back to normal. But let me tell you…when the babies were 6 weeks old I put them in the jogging stroller and off we went! My body picked up right where it left off and it amazed me!
Also, don’t worry…running while b-feeding is no biggie (not at the same time haha!) I’ve been doing it for 9 months and never had a problem.
Kayla @ kpLovingit
Haha, I just laugh when I read your run times. You run way faster than me prego than I can on a really good day. But I was born tired. I feel pregnant every day of my life……I’m terrified to know how lazy I’ll be once I really am prego!
Tori
Hey! So I exercised the entire time with both of my pregnancies. I agree- that with the nausea at first– working up a sweat just made me feel less like I was permanently hung over. Ugh! After the first trimester- it did get harder- FOR SURE. I think the first thing I noticed was my endurance was cut in half– so much harder to breathe- go as fast as I once did- etc.- Just harder in general. I did take it down a notch as far as speed or distance– BUt I did run at least 3x a week- did a spinning class or 2 a week, lifted weights and did yoga (not the prenatal kind- just had to stay away from any inversions etc.) We did a plank contest once and I was 7.5 months pregnant and i WON!!! NO JOKE! :) It all helped with labor and delivery and recovery after. I didn’t use any pain medication at all- and both of my labors were super quick- I went home the next day and was up and about right away- even back to running super quick. At the end- the having to pee thing was the WORST. Also- sometimes my belly was just heavy–I have heard maternity belts are great to wear when you run- just to offer extra support. I ran 4 miles the day I went into labor! Towards the end- I figured- why stop now- maybe it will induce labor! haha! Just know that sometimes when you work out- you can get braxton hicks contractions- I did alllll the time- but my doctor always said- as long as they stop when you stop working out- its ok. So if they bothered me- I would chill out for awhile and make sure I was good to go before continuing. Working out is SO good for your body and baby while you are pregnant. You will be so happy you did this for yourself. After the baby- getting back into shape is hard work (even if you work out the whole time)- but you will have an advantage by taking good care of yourself! Just listen to your body and any pain etc! Now nursing and running— hmmmm. OUCH! haha. My advice: feed the INSTANT before you run! lol!
Stephanie
I’ve been running through out the entire pregnancy and I am not going to lie, it’s hard!!! I am super slow, my legs ache, I have to pee all the time, etc… I went from busting out sub-8’s as an easy run to running 11 minute miles and its hard.
I have not ran in 7 days (longest break in years) since I have been sick with a horrible cold (first time this entire pregnancy) and I am worried I may not run again until I deliver. :-(
Stephanie
FYI, I am 36 weeks and 4 days pregnant.
Ingrid
I’m so glad you posted this. Yesterday I was kind of in a funk all day because I was so tired and things just didn’t feel right and I didn’t make it past 2 miles before throwing in the towel. It feels like it’s gotten a lot harder to run just this past week, I don’t know if she’s going through a growth sport or what. But I decided I’ll take a few days off and come back to it and hopefully get back into the groove. Otherwise I’ll walk or get my exercise some other way and just be happy that I made it 25 weeks of running!
Lindsay
I totally agree. I’m 20 weeks pregnant and running is REALLY hard. I’m still doing it… at a slower pace… and not as far… and not as often. Keep your head up and do what feels right! =)
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
Thanks for your honesty, Janae. I just think it’s so important for us to remember that every BODY is different. We’re all going to have different reactions to being pregnant! Not that I’m pregnant yet, but I just know from my friends that no 2 situations are exactly the same!
Ley
As someone who has never been pregnant (and probably never will be- fur babies are more than enough for me) I have to say that I have been totally impressed by what you’ve been able to keep doing during your pregnancy! Your anniversary half was faster than I could even hope to run right now and that is so amazing, but just like you can’t compare yourselves to other pregnant runners I can’t compare my very first half to your times now. I think as women we tend to be the most critical of ourselves and it’s really important to step back and just appreciate the good that we are doing.
Also, your bump is SO adorable!
Janae
You are so right Ley. I love how you phrased it…we as woman can be so hard on ourselves but it is so important to live in the moment and appreciate what we are doing now. I am jealous you have fur babies…I WANT SOME:) Have an amazing day!
Jaeme + Randy
Great post. It is hard not to compare yourself to other people and it has been especially hard while being pregnant!
Running has been good up to last week. Like I have said before, 3 miles has been my max and some days are harder than others, but overall I can’t complain. This last week though, it has started making my hips REALLY sore to the point that I can’t walk afterwards. I really hope it’s because I need some rest days and after that I can at least keep up 2 miles a few times a week. If not, I will resort to walking but I would really miss running!
jamie
I ran with my 4th pregnancy but started to take it to only 4 miles max. It HURT and I always enjoyed the up hill because for some reason it was the only time the weight of the baby felt better… But I will tell you this, I would rather any day run 7 months preg (my baby was 2 months early!) than run with her in the infant carrier, attached to the jogging stroller! That is when running really gets HARD! I even had a very nice BOB stroller and it was so hard. I love that my gym lets me check her in (she 3 now) and run outside for 2 hours!
Beth
I wasn’t a runner while I was pregnant, but I did swim twice a week with my last pregnancy and it was awesome! I may have been in the best shape of my life during that time. Plus, running is hard when you’re NOT pregnant, so my hat is off to those of you who can do it with a baby on board!
Angie
Great topic because I’m having a hard time running while pregnant and switched to walking and hiking. I start to run and feel like I have to pee. I do enjoy running the last section home though. I’ve put my goals of running a half at the end of March on hold and maybe do the 10K instead. I was so tired during the first trimester I stopped running. Its hard not to compare myself to others but I’m happy I’m staying active for the baby.
RunFitMama
Thank you for this post! I’m feeling he same way right now. 32 weeks and I think running and I are done until after the baby is born. In the past couple of weeks it has gotten so much harder and when I have a bad run I’m just too hard on myself.
Liz @ runbakerace
I ran until my 8th month of pregnancy and it was so hard. Every run felt like death and I was so slow in the end. But, like you said, any exercise is good for momma and baby. I switched to swimming & walking for the final months and was so glad I remained active the whole pregnancy.
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List
I hated to run while pregnant! I started taking more group fitness classes to sub in and kind of fell in love with them!
Steph F.
I think I got on the stairmaster a grand total of one time only during my first pregnancy, and did absolutely nothing in the way of structured exercise during my second. It’s so different for everyone but I was really sick and tired, and when I finally did start to feel good I developed pre-term contractions and was on bedrest for the much of my second and third trimesters (though to be honest, I still don’t think I would have done any exercise if I weren’t on bedrest…I was happy just to bask in the glow of pregnancy and spend time indulging my egg nog and ice cream cravings!) It *did* feel amazing to get out there with the jogging stroller afterwards, though, and I was lucky to bounce back pretty quickly both times (though like many of the previous posters have said, I’m still slower not pregnant than you are pregnant – you are seriously amazing!).
Jade
I absolutely love running. I’m 38 wks now and have had to stop around 20ish weeks (I can’t remember anymore… it’s been too long) because the pressure and the boucing and the urination! I miss it so much and even now I try to walk here and there and my pace is a little embarassing but I can’t go much faster. My hubby and I went on vacation to the same place two years in a row and I was sooo jealous of all the runners out there as last year I was one of them. We all have to make sacrifices!
Oh well, soon I’ll be able to return and enjoy it again. I just wish that we maybe timed the baby better so that I would be able to run with him in a stroller but by that time, we’ll have some snow up here I am sure!
Amy
I am currently pregnant with my first…its a girl like you…yay! I actually trained for my first marathon right before I got pregnant- which I think was the best blessing b/c I went into this in great shape. But my runs now have become SO hard! I don’t know whats worse- the fact that you have the pee 1.5 seconds after you start or how you really because to waddle when you run! But I am still managing 4 miles 5 times a week- which I think it is still okay :) I think all those pregnant women out there who exercise deserve brownie points- we rock!!! Cheers to healthy babies!
Jana (Running Vegetarian)
For me I found running to be more challenging while i was pregnant versus running while breast feeding. The round ligament pain was a killer for me. Every single stride felt like I was being kicked in the crotch. The farthest i’ve gone so far post pregnancy is four miles. You just need a really supportive sports bra. I also generally nurse as close to when I plan to run as possible. I’ve never had issues with leaking but occasionally when I run I stick nursing pads in my bra just in case. I do this if it’s been awhile since i’ve nursed.
Adrienne
Word to the wise: Spend the money and buy a BABYjOGGER stroller. So worth every penny. My oldest is 14 and mine is still in amazing condition. And..it went thru 3 kids. My youngest is 8 and still takes a run everynow and then. And..if you go to California it glides thru the sand. LOVE IT!!!
As for breastfeeding….keep it simple. Do not overthink it. It is what our bodies are meant to do. Take advantage of lactation consultants in the hospital!!
Losing Lindy
Ok I am not pregnant, and I compare my slowness to many. I am so proud that you still take care of you. Many women don’t.
Lauren
As I’m reading this, I’m 37 weeks pregnant, and have been lucky enough to keep up a decent amount of mileage per week thru out my pregnancy, but I know exactly how you feel.
My first trimester, I was so nauseous and tired and laying on the couch always won over running, even tho the few times I got out it did make me feel better.
In the beginning of my 2nd tri, I remember saying to my husband “I used to look at people running and I would wish I was running, now it just makes me tired.”
Then out of no where, my energy came back and I was up to 20 miles a week.
Now just weeks away from my due date, I have CRAZY amounts of energy and running as much as I did before I was prego! And I know I’ve had an easy, problem-free pregnancy because I’ve kept running. Just keep doing what you’re doing – just remember how good it feels after a long run, nothing beats it. And we’re doing it for our daughters :)
Jill
Thanks for the great post! I’m currently 16wks and have had a couple terrible runs in a row (ligament pain and the constant feeling that Im gonna pee myself!) so I haven’t ran in a week. It’s hard not to get discouraged by that. But reading about your struggles and everyone else’s makes me want to lace up my shoes and hit the pavement. I’m not ready to throw in the towel yet as I love running during the summer months!!!!!
Keep those HRG baby posts coming!
Lindie
Janae!! I am SO glad you did this post! I am due with baby girl #2 here in a week and I have been so impressed with all your running while pregnant posts! I totally found myself comparing myself to you and wondering how in the world you did it and so EASY!! I am glad to hear it is hard for you too! Makes me feel a little bit better about myself! ;) No, but really you are incredible! Every time I run lately(this would be a few feet) I think my baby is going to plop right out of me and pee will be running down my leg at any moment! :) Keep up your awesomeness and know I think you are amazing!!
Meagan @ Managing Meagan
I am SO glad you posted this!!! I am not (nor have ever been) pregnant, but reading some stories/blogs sometimes it seems like it’s OH SO EASY to keep up running when pregnant and I’ve started worring that when I DO get pregnant, what if it’s hard and NOT easy like everyone else is saying it is? It’s SO refreshing to hear an HONEST post about how, while it’s NOT easy, it is do-able and worth it.
LOVE this post.
Karen
I didn’t start “seriously” running (training for races) until after my younger daughter was born, but with both of my pregnancies, I had to drop back to just walking almost immediately after getting pregnant. My breasts felts so huge and sore and bouncy, and running just didn’t feel right. I walked a lot with both pregnancies and did water aerobics and prenatal yoga, but I am in total awe of women who run through pregnancy. I am also in total awe of women who get right back into running after giving birth. I couldn’t do it. A girl I went to high school just ran a super speedy half marathon 5 months after giving birth. She’s amazing!
Jennifer
I haven’t even congratulated you on the pregnancy. I have 4 1/2 month old twins and so life and blogging and even reading my favorites has been on the back burner. It took me a little of ‘catch up’ reading your blog to discover you were in fact pregnant! I am so excited for you guys. Yes RUNNING is harder when you are pregnant. I worked sooo hard prior to my second pregnancy and did TONS of research before becoming pregnant with the twins cause I wanted to run the entire way through. I was doing great and then found out it was TWO. I still then commited and was doing great. I listened to my body and ran on treadmill and all was well and then at 13 weeks…things just seemed too hard and in a ‘DON’T push it kind of way’ so I quit running and just walked. Then by 18 weeks started having preterm labor issues(which was part of my pregnancy history with first baby) so you are so right. For a long while I mourned not being able to run as I had planned….but ultimately I laid it to rest. I started running again right after the twins and actually picked my miles back up….but my pace has evermore suffered. Breastfeeding and running is hard because of hydration issues and heavy boobs mostly but very doable. I wish you the best. The hardest part of running after babies is TIME TIME TIME! Your life and time becomes not quite your own…and you have to find new ways to make it work! I am not running half as much as I would like but I run every chance that I get and now that they babies are sleeping more consistently….I feel like I can make that jump to get up in the mornings and go before work! I wish you well!
Michelle M.
I ran a 5k last week and had a 2 minute PR yay me :) BUT I was sooo intimidated because two pregnant women passed me LOL, they were very far along too! lol AND I THOUGHT OF YOU :)
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl
Um your baby bump is ADORABLE! LOVE!
Kath
Thanks for writing this ;) It did make me feel better that I’ve gone on my last run for a long time.
I’m just now (25ish weeks) feeling the need to step it down another notch. My workouts are taking longer to recover from, and I was beat at cycle today. We can let the ones inside of us doing a lot of the bouncing around :)
anon
Thanks for this post HRG, I love your outlook on life, and how you have presented yourself on your blog through your pregnancy. You are a role model, working full time (as a high school teacher no less!!), positive and yet still grounded about your pregnancy. Don’t let anyone let you feel guilty for running either, just because they are not. I also appreciate the fact you are honest about how its hard.
Julie @ Running and Riley
Aww, you’re so cute! I love your little belly! :) The best thing you can do is to listen to your body. When I was pregger’s, I swam – A LOT! Like two times a day. It was AWESOME. Especially because I got some exercise (when running didn’t seem to be doing it for me), and it was the only time I felt weightless (which was amazinggg!) I’m also convinced it was a huge part of why I was in labor for only 4 hours, pushed twice, and recovered so fast from my delivery.
Holly
Girl, isn’t everything harder? I mean I get winded just lifting weights…which is NUTS to me…I NEVER experienced that. But it’s so worth it in the end. Even if my workouts have to be cut back a bit, I know it’s all worth it :) BodyPump is my friend right now..I LOVE it & the instructor is so sweet & always checks to see how I’m doing.
Michelle
Running was REALLY hard for me when pregnant. I have a really short torso and there was just NO ROOM for my baby which meant they were both low and high and OUT. I quit at 20 weeks both times. We’re currently planning for our 3rd (eek!) and I am hoping to go a bit longer this time. However, I am giving myself a break if I feel the same way. I still worked out till the end – mainly spin, light weights, and the elliptical – and working out a) made labor/delivery SO much easier and b) I felt incredibly high on life (and pregnancy endorphins) after a workout so it was a reminder that it was always worth it!
I didn’t start running again until after my daughter was 1 (and I quit pumping) so I can’t comment on running and nursing – but the thought of it makes me both energized and tired. I know you will make it happen, but don’t beat yourself up if it’s not what you want right away. You may not get the quanity of runs in – but you’ll make up for it in quality!
Kate @ Run with Kate
I honestly think part of the reason I’ve wound up injured so many times is partly due to the fact that I am always trying to keep up with other runners. I read about some bloggers that are training for the same race as I am, and I see that they’re running way more on each run so I decide to kick it up a notch. I have learned that my body respects me most when i ONLY run 4x week, not 5. So i have to deal with the fact that other people will be running more than me, and that is OK. :) Glad you put this post out there. I’m sure some other pregnant runners are grateful for it.
Courtney
So timely that you blogged about this now. I’m due like 4 days before you and all of a sudden this week, I was thinking, this is kind of crazy to be running right now! I felt awesome on my runs last week but this week they’re just sort of eh. Ran 40 minutes yesterday and 30 min today. I don’t have the back pain and my bladder is actually under control but I just feel heavy and slow and I’m trying not to push it too much because I’d REALLY like to keep running for at least a few more weeks, if not til the end. So, I’m trying to keep a good attitude about doing what I can for now and I really appreciate your awesome attitude about all of it!!
cookie
Now you know hard runnning is for fat people like me. ;)
Beth
After running through my whole pregnancy with my son, it got to be so hard at the end I felt like I was practically walking. I kept it up because I knew it was good for both me and baby. It definitely helped with labor and delivery. He came after 4 hours and 10 min of pushing. Keep it up as best you can even when it feels like you’re going so slow compared to what you used to. I’m now pregnant with my second and I’m continuing my running. Sometimes it is hard to realize my pace is 2 min slower than before but I feel good about what I’m doing. Oh and when you perhaps have your second one day you can look forward to being pregnant and pushing the other one in the stroller :-) Now that’s a true workout! Best wishes to you!
Amy
i feel exactly the same way!! i felt totally fine running until around 20 weeks..then it started to get pretty hard. now, at 24 weeks, its way harder! i actually havent been running much at all…the other day i tried but walked more than ran. ive been lifting weights and doing yoga though so i feel good…but i get out of breath so easily and just feel so big! its weird hah
Madison @ Pilates Makes You Happy
I can’t imagine running while pregnant!! Running is hard when you’re not pregnant- never mind when you are!!
XLMIC
I only ran while pregnant with my 2nd child. And I made it to about 5 mos, I think. With the first two I did a whole lot of aerobics classes at the local YMCA. With the third I did Bikram yoga 3x a week. I did nothing while pregnant with #4…and I was fine with that.
I think running throughout pregnancy works for some people. I get concerned when people get stressed about not being able to because so-and-so could. Every body is different. Every pregnancy is different. I totally thought I’d be one of those who ran through pregnancy and did the whole Dorothy Beal stroller running thing…was so totally NOT in the cards for me. But I am still a good person :)
Adrianna
I am no where close to having kids, but I give all the pregnant runners and mom runners HUGE kudos for doing anything at all! it’s so motivating. get it girls :)
Serena
I am on my 4th pregnancy. Only 9 weeks. I ran through my second pregnancy and only made it to 20 weeks with my third because I started having contractions. I run a lot more now than I did then. I am definatley slow and dizzy a lot. I get overheated pretty fast too. I wasn’t planning this one and did a 50 miler and marathon before I found out. I knew I wasn’t feeling well, but it was different symptoms than I’d had with my other pregnancies. I’m optimistic! I want to go all the way. You are doing amazing!
Amy
This is exactly how I felt running through my pregnancy. I learned I was pregnant while running a marathon in San Antonio, I only got to mile 13, threwup and had to drop out.
Running through my pregnancy was hard, I felt like crap constantly. I stopped running for milage and just tried to go about 30 minutes a day. I would almost always throwup right after I finished my runs. In my 3rd trimester I stopped running but I continued to lighty strength train and walk 2 miles a day.
I only gained 20 pounds overall and I attribute that to staying so active.
Coreyanne Armstrong
I’m 35 weeks and think the hardest part for me right now is PUTTING ON ALL MY STUPID CLOTHES TO RUN!!! It’s the three running bras (yes, I jump up and down in two just to check – but there’s still not enough support) that make me feel like it’s hard to breath or drink water or finish getting dressed for that matter. It’s the difficulty I have putting on compression socks (tried a few pregnant runs without them and had random pains, so I went back to them) and then trying to get my shoes on and tied (and heaven forbid there be a pebble or something in a shoe and then I have to take it off again and retie!!) It’s the hot maternity skirt (it’s from runningskirts.com and has material all the way up my belly – which makes me hot – but which is great because of my huge maternity support belt – all that lycra keeps the belt from chafing!) I guess putting my shirt on isn’t that tough. But the rest of it is!! It takes me about 30 minutes each time to get dressed, lube up the troublesome chafing areas, and get out the door. I’m only keeping it up because I set a goal on the Underarmour website, otherwise I feel like – why I am I still doing this? Also I guess it’s because it DOESN’T HURT WHEN I RUN and I figure – as long as I am physically capable of running and not in pain, then I should do it and be thankful for the God-give ability to keep at it. Plus there’s always those two or three awesome spells in each run that make the whole thing worth it :) Oh, and the hour away from my other 5 children while the babysitter I hire cleans for me. That is awesomeness itself :)
Christa @ Growing Up Ginsburg
Another post I was glad to read. My pace has dropped already, I get tired really easily…it’s just a lot more EFFORT in general. I’ve switched to more swimming and spin classes too because they don’t make me as tired, especially swimming. But it makes me sad that I can’t keep up with my friends right now.