Even before having a positive pregnancy test, I could sense the difference in my running. I was exhausted! Now, I know every pregnancy is different and not every pregnant woman will feel the same, but I've heard the words "I'm so tired!" from many a pregnant woman. My husband couldn't figure out why I was so amazed that I felt so tired. I think that somehow I thought I either would get by without getting it because I know all about it, or I'd tolerate it all better. No such luck!
I slogged through many of my runs during my first trimester. I've seen my mile times lengthen (sometimes frustratingly). I've often felt terrible or wanted to walk. But I keep getting out there. And I really do feel that it has kept me feeling better. My nausea has been mild, and even when I have felt sick before a run, it's gone when I get back. It's keeping me from gaining a lot of weight because, for me, if I'm nauseous eating something makes me feel better. A couple of times, I've felt more exhausted after a run, and that's when I know I need to back off or take day off. And I do still have good running days.
I'm trying to run smart. I'm learning to get used to running slower. I've been hoping this would pick up in the 2nd trimester as I get my energy back, but if not, I have a good excuse to be slow! I've learned that I need to hydrate better. I carry water with me, if I know I won't hit many drinking stops on my way. I eat before a long run and carry something with me just in case (like a gel). If I feel too out of breath, I take a break, hydrate, let my heart rate come down a bit, and then keep going. It's not a failure to stop or rest if you need to, it's healthy.
More elite runners may be able to keep their times up or even lengthen their runs. I've kept my runs pretty much the same. I don't have any plans to train for anything special. If I wanted to do a half marathon, I could, but I'm not going to go crazy and train for a full.
So keep getting out there! Tailor your running program to your specific pregnancy. And, most importantly, run safe and run smart!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Hiatus
In the last month, we took a long trip: the longest time off I've ever had from work, the longest time traveling that I've ever had the opportunity to do, and the longest time off I've ever taken from running or exercise in general. Hence, this has meant a time off from blogging. So, we're back now, and my goal is to get back at it, and get this blog going.
So, we went to Italy for 2 weeks. It was fantastic, and a dream to be able to go to Europe for that long. It's also the last opportunity for this kind of trip for a long time (which was part of the reason for the trip being so long) as this was pretty much our Baby moon! Yep, I'm expecting our first baby in April.
Every other time I've traveled, I've always done some running while I've been away, no matter where I've gone. This time, I went with my husband, and I felt guilty because he wasn't able to exercise too (he's a cyclist mainly, but currently can't run due to a foot problem). So, I made the decision to take a hiatus from running, and give my body a forced rest. We walked everywhere while we were there, but that doesn't make up for high level aerobic exercise.
The experts always say, that you can take a 2 week break from your exercise schedule and not lose much fitness. This may be true, but I think (no I haven't done a scientific study) it's probably different for a pregnant woman. The baby is growing rapidly (how else would it go from 2 microscopic cells to a 7 or 8 pound baby in 9 months), your uterus with all of it's blood flow is too, and your body undergoes major hormonal and vascular changes (among other things) throughout the course of your pregnancy. I personally feel like I've lost major fitness. Granted, my first run was the morning after our arrival home and the 9 hour time change may have had some affect too. But each run, I had to take more walk breaks than ever before, and I felt way more tired. Finally, after about a week and a half, I had a run where I actually felt semi decent.
But if that's what it takes, that's what you got to do. Take more water breaks and carry it with you if you have to. If you start to feel too out of breath, walk. During my 8.5 mile "long" run of the week, I walked 3 times for 2-3 minutes each, which conveniently happened to be each steep hill. Ease back into it, don't go all out fast or long during your first few runs back. Take an extra day off, if you need to. And most importantly, listen to your body.
So, we went to Italy for 2 weeks. It was fantastic, and a dream to be able to go to Europe for that long. It's also the last opportunity for this kind of trip for a long time (which was part of the reason for the trip being so long) as this was pretty much our Baby moon! Yep, I'm expecting our first baby in April.
Every other time I've traveled, I've always done some running while I've been away, no matter where I've gone. This time, I went with my husband, and I felt guilty because he wasn't able to exercise too (he's a cyclist mainly, but currently can't run due to a foot problem). So, I made the decision to take a hiatus from running, and give my body a forced rest. We walked everywhere while we were there, but that doesn't make up for high level aerobic exercise.
The experts always say, that you can take a 2 week break from your exercise schedule and not lose much fitness. This may be true, but I think (no I haven't done a scientific study) it's probably different for a pregnant woman. The baby is growing rapidly (how else would it go from 2 microscopic cells to a 7 or 8 pound baby in 9 months), your uterus with all of it's blood flow is too, and your body undergoes major hormonal and vascular changes (among other things) throughout the course of your pregnancy. I personally feel like I've lost major fitness. Granted, my first run was the morning after our arrival home and the 9 hour time change may have had some affect too. But each run, I had to take more walk breaks than ever before, and I felt way more tired. Finally, after about a week and a half, I had a run where I actually felt semi decent.
But if that's what it takes, that's what you got to do. Take more water breaks and carry it with you if you have to. If you start to feel too out of breath, walk. During my 8.5 mile "long" run of the week, I walked 3 times for 2-3 minutes each, which conveniently happened to be each steep hill. Ease back into it, don't go all out fast or long during your first few runs back. Take an extra day off, if you need to. And most importantly, listen to your body.
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