Running For Two: Should I?
Written by Christina // January 27, 2011 // Pregnant Running // 5 Comments // 878 views
Running For Two
Running For Two is a new series on LV Running Scene specifically for women who are pregnant and still running. Christina is currently running through her pregnancy and encourages women to continue running during and after their pregnancy. In this series she will cover issues such as fighting nausea during the first trimester, active wear, racing while pregnant, hydration during runs, braving the cold weather, cross training and stretching.
I found out I was pregnant with my second child towards the end of September 2010; another well-orchestrated plan. That weekend I hit the pavement for a five mile run. Although my husband was a little leery about me bouncing around I was confident that running would help me through the next phase in my life.
Up until this point, I had been a regular runner for approximately two and a half years. I enjoyed running solo and signing up for local races, anywhere from 5K’s to half marathons. Just this past summer I ran a marathon. Once I saw the double pink lines through the view window of the pregnancy test I wondered if my running would be tabled. Running helped me focus on losing the weight from my first pregnancy, but it also boosted my self-esteem. I was fearful of putting on too much weight and starting back at square one.
At my first OB appointment, a few weeks later, I asked the nurse if I could keep running. I expected a funny look followed by, ‘are you crazy?’, but instead she encouraged me to continue. She did express caution by requesting that I not train for any high mileage events (crap, there goes the LV Half Marathon) and asked that I stop when I got too uncomfortable.
I noticed that running eased my nausea and kept my spirits lifted. I was also not tempted to reach for a Whopper, Jr. (as I did all too often with my first), but instead, made great food choices. When I needed some extra sleep in the morning, I did just that. Sure, I’ve seen a decrease in my mileage, but I expected to slow down somewhat.
My advice – if you are pregnant and you’d like to continue running, please talk this plan over with your physician or mid-wife. Congratulations and happy running!
You can participate in the conversation in the forum, Pregnant & Still Running, or by leaving a comment below.
Christina “Muffin” Roberts, wife and mother, is running through her second pregnancy. Disappointed with the lack of information on pregnancy and running available today, she wanted to write about her experiences in hopes of sharing what she’s learned and to encourage fellow pregnant runners to keep on running. Christina blogs at http://muffinmadness35.blogspot.com/.
5 Comments on "Running For Two: Should I?"
Great stuff! Your positive attitude has inspired many to become runners. Run, Muffin, RUN!
This is good advice. I remember being scared of anything and everything when I was pregnant. We need to hear more anecdotes like this instead of all the scary stuff. :)
Hi Christina! Don’t know if you remember me (home care)…great to read about you here! Congrats on your pregnancies and running achievements. While I am not sorry to say I will NOT be joining you on the pregnant runners forum, I am a huge advocate of exercising during pregnancy. Fourteen years ago (yikes!) I exercised throughout my pregnancy with moderate running/cross training and I believe this made my delivery and recovery much smoother. Best wishes! Hope to see you at a race sometime.
Hi Christina! (& Jill)
Kudos for running while pregnant and featuring it! I ran through both my pregnancies, and ran up until 10days before I had my second (2/09 and 7/10). I also had trouble finding info, but would love to share my experiences or advice anytime!
Beth – OF COURSE I remember you!!! Thanks for leaving a response with some encouraging words. Be well. I’m sure we’re bound to run into each other at a race. Happy running!