Can you run while you are pregnant? Should you run while you are pregnant? The answer is YES you can IF you decide too. Obviously, if you were NOT a runner picking up running after that glorious positive pregnancy test is really not advisable. However, if you had been pounding the pavement and had a running routine there really isn't any reason why you can't keep at it.... with precautions of course!
First and foremost, talk with your doctor!!! Discuss whether or not it would be ok to keep at it while pregnant. Sometimes, things like high blood pressure or carrying multiples makes the decision to not run for you. If you are having an uncomplicated healthy pregnancy then with the doctors approval keep at it!
Now that the doctor is on board and you got your ok here are some tips to remember while logging those miles.
Fuel. Remember to add an extra snack or two in on days when you run. You do not want to effect the natural and healthy weight gain of pregnant mama. And well I would be lying to you if I said I didn't use extra ice cream on nights where I log some serious miles. Not to mention my husband has perfected his oven backed "fried" pickle recipe three rounds in. :)
Keep a conversation and stay cool. When pregnant you really don't want to push it. You want your heart rate to stay in the safe zone. Best way to check this is to talk. If you can keep a conversation while running you are in the safe zone. This means that you probably will start to notice that your pace slows. That's ok!!! Your 10 min mile is not a 12 min one. YOU ARE RUNNING FOR TWO, it really is ok!!! It took me awhile to accept this. I would go out for a run and come back defeated with my time, time that I had worked so hard to make. My husband would just hand me an ice cream sundae and whisper you ran and are growing a human! You are bad ass right now regardless of your time. After a few months of this, now at
31 weeks in I am ok with my slowing time, especially since I am now slow enough to catch the facial reactions when people realize I am running pregnant. It is great entertainment!
All great tips!! And if I were pregnant I would definitely be rewarding my running with some serious ice cream :) You rock. I couldn't run when I was pregnant, it just wasn't comfortable for me. My boys were very low and I felt like any move would cause them to come falling out...I definitely admire that you are able to keep up the running! You go girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I love ice cream so any excuse ;)
DeleteLove this! I'm 13 weeks pregnant with my third! I didn't run with my other two but for this one I've completed the 17.75 Marine Corps race plus 3 half marathons in my first trimester! I did my final race on Mother's Day...just 5K's for me now! I love seeing other Moms who are running...everyone keeps asking me if it's okay...my doctor is amazing and very supportive! I can't wait to read about how your comeback! I have a half scheduled for 4 months after the baby is born!
ReplyDeleteamazing!!! I too am contemplating a half 4 months after baby!!!
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