Monday, May 20, 2013

Running While Pregnant: My Thoughts and Feelings

I know I've talked a bit about this here and there, but I thought I would be fitting to put together a summary post on how I've been feeling about running since this whole "being pregnant" thing started.

Being a blogger, it is very easy to compare yourself to other bloggers. I read lots of blogs where women ran throughout their entire pregnancy. I figured that if they can do it, I can too. Why not, right? Well when it actually came to it, my body and my mind weren't really on the same page. During the first trimester (the first 13 weeks of pregnancy), I was EXHAUSTED ALL. THE. TIME. I could get 8-9 hours of sleep and still be ready for a nap at any time. I felt like garbage and was really nauseous for about 5 weeks. Then, to top it all off, I was working long hours at the office including a few business trips along the way (all while keeping my big secret). Honestly, I don't know how some women can run despite all of that going on. I know I had to choose my priorities wisely. Running or sleep? Sleep won every time.

Then, when I was feeling a bit better and starting to run again (during that same first trimester period), I would get an occasional cramp in my stomach. Being so early in my first pregnancy, these small cramps completely freaked me out, and I would stop running immediately. Turns out, when I got to that section of the baby book, minor cramping that early in pregnancy is totally normal. Your body is adjusting and stretching, making room for the baby to grow. This is not a seamless process after all.

When I got to the later part of my first trimester and started my second trimester, I was feeling good, wasn't really showing, got my energy back and running became easier again. There was no small cramping, I could maneuver around comfortably, and things were going great.
At the gym with my mini bump at 18.5 weeks

Not to mention, all my running clothes still fit. :)

Quarryman 5k with Pepper

Now that I'm in the middle/end of my second trimester (wow, time is flying by), the bump is starting to grow more. I'm starting to feel sore after too much activity (not pain, just general tiredness). The temps are starting to warm up... I can't go as far as I once could and I can't go as fast as I once could. That is something I've come to the realization on. However, these things can make it really unmotivating to get my butt out the door. I'm not training for anything, group runs are fun but not always convenient, I have lots of run envy out there on the internets, and sitting on the couch just sounds like more fun.

After a Tuesday night run with the FNRC at 21 weeks

I'm thinking that my days of running while pregnant are numbered and I'm okay with that!

Like I said before, I had all these ideas of how I would be this awesome pregnant mother runner! Well, I came, I saw, I did what worked for me, and its time to call it a night. I have a 5k that I plan on run/walking over Memorial Day weekend, and that will probably be my last run that I complete while pregnant. Which is a decision I'm completely happy with. I know this is right decision for me and Baby Wilson. It was fun while it lasted and maybe during my next pregnancy, things will be different.

I'll still be doing physical activity, don't get me wrong, just more cross training type stuff and lots of walking.

I feel like there is lots of info out there on women who breezed through running while pregnant. It is really hard! And during those early weeks, very nerve-wracking (maybe just for me). Either way, I'm glad I did it for as long as I did, but I wanted to share my honest experience with all of you!

AND, I registered for a jogging stroller and plan to be back out there as soon as my doctor gives me approval post-birth. Perhaps I'll be ready to race for Turkey Trot season? Only time will tell.

P.S. If anyone would like to join me for prenatal yoga or prenatal pilates, I'm game any time! 

17 comments:

  1. Good for you for doing what is right for you! I would be reading those blogs thinking "if they can do it, why can't I?!" But we're all so different! I think it's awesome that you tried, realized it was not going to work and are finding something else you like to stay active! :)

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  2. Thanks Kim! I really thought I would be one of those people who ran throughout their entire pregnancy. It just wasn't working for me as much as it was for other folks which is OK! I'm still doing a lot of walking regularly and I can still manage time to get on the bike or elliptical once or twice a week. I figure that is going to have to be good enough for now. :)

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  3. I didn't run after the first trimester of any of my pregnancies so I applaud you for how much you've run. I was always in awe of pregger runners. For me, it was exhausting just to be pregnant. I did do some corny videos :D

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  4. I've always been a big fan of "listening to your body"...I'm glad you are staying "active" but not pushing too much or too hard. Great job Kelly! And...which 5k? Hm... let me look at your list of upcoming races...Ahhhh, that's right! Goood luck at your 5k!!

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  5. Adjusting to the heat is a challenge every year for me and I can't imagine doing it while trying to grow another human! I think it is great that you were able to run during your pregnancy, but are listening when your body says it is time to throw in the towel.

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  6. Having a few pregnant friends right now, I think a lot of women compare themselves to others while they're pregnant (or not!) - bloggers or not. But I'm so glad that you've come to a decision that's best for you and the baby, even if it's not what you thought you'd do, or what you see others doing. Every pregnancy is different! Heck, maybe if Baby Wilson ever has a sibling (other than Pepper, obvi), that pregnancy will be different too. And I'm all for variety in workouts, so I'm glad to hear you're still cross-training :) I think that'll make it easier to come back to running after a little hiatus.

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  7. Thanks Amanda! I might still come on some Thursday nights just for a walk with the pup, especially on nights when there's ICE CREAM! :)

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  8. Thanks! It is becoming more exhausting as I get closer to the third trimester. I don't want to push my body to do too much. I have become to realize that it is okay to just relax if you're feeling tired. You're pregnant and that's okay to do :)

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  9. True, I see myself comparing the size of my belly to others. Mine isn't as big and I'm not as far along! Mine is much smaller and we're at the same point! Lol, the internet makes it really easy to be crazy about comparisons, bloggers, message boards, etc. You are right!

    From everything I've read, every pregnancy is different. What works this time might not work next time and vice versa. I guess that makes sense that everything is different with each pregnancy since every human is different!



    My doctor said that labor will be a little easier for those women that workout during pregnancy than those that don't. Now I just need to remember to fit in the workouts. :)

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  10. I'm glad you are listening to your body and good with it. I remember seeing a lady go almost the entire way through her pregnancy in a Bikram yoga class. I was like, daaang, well as long as you don't push it!


    Which jogging stroller are you going for?

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  11. Thanks!


    I'm going with the BOB Ironman in Yellow. I'm only getting one chance to register so I thought it would be nice to go with something that I really want.

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  12. You have such an amazing attitude! I'm taking notes over here!

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  13. I think the one I got comes with a sun shield, but I'll definitely look at some of the accessories. Thanks!

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  14. Thanks Katie! :) I just want to be real about how I'm feeling and what I'm able to do, physically. It took me awhile to realize that not everyone that wants to run while they're pregnant can do it all the way to the end...

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  15. I don't think I made it much longer than 5 or 6 months (running one time during the sixth month TOTALLY COUNTS) for all the reasons you listed above, so you've got my full support whenever you decide to throw in the towel. =D (Oh and you look great btw!)

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  16. Thanks so much! I'm almost 5 months along so i totally get it. I do occasionally run to catch my train so I'm totally counting that too. :)

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