Running for Two: Active Wear

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.

Early on in my pregnancy I was concerned about my attire – both professionally and casually.  My husband and I both fought the desire to spread the good news until I made it out of the first trimester (well…I might have told a few people).  Holding this information back would prove to be a challenge especially when dressing for runs.  As I’ve said in past conversations, spandex is unforgiving.

The first trimester is chock full of hormonal changes.  Some days you feel like a million bucks; other days leave you feeling like an overstuffed sausage anticipating a wiff of your co-worker’s lunch while you fight the urge to toss your cookies.  The situation wasn’t as bad as I made it out to be.  For the most part I could still fit into my running gear, but needed to make minor modifications.

Here are some tips:

• If the elastic on your pants is starting to dig into your waistline fold the top down and invest in a belly band.  This will provide some additional support to your growing mid-section.
• If, while running, you feel as if your insides are going to fall on the road, look into purchasing a maternity belt.  In the simplest of descriptions, it’s like a sport bra for your belly.
• Play with your shirt selection.  Loose fitting shirts might hide some of your body’s changes, but the friction while running might irritate your newly sensitive skin.  If you’re a fan of loose fitting shirts, invest in some anti-chafing body gel or lotion up before heading out.  Care to embrace the look of donut indulgence?  Wear your tighter technical shirts.
• Stay cool.  Keep in mind that your blood supply increases and your heart works harder when you’re pregnant.  Adding exercise to this equation will raise your core temperature.  Wear clothing that will assist you in dissipating heat.  This applies even on the coldest of days.
• Double up.  Some women experience breast sensitivity which might require extra support.  If you’re not keen on spending some extra money for a heavy duty sport bra, wear two.

I haven’t really found decent active wear that didn’t cost a fortune, so I’ve been getting by with what I own.

Have you found great active wear at a decent price?  Please let me know!

Happy running…both of you.

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/.