10 ways running has changed with pregnancy

Today I got out for a 30 minute run with Joe, my crazy dog.  I’m 15 weeks along in my pregnancy now, and can already tell things are different when I run.  They have been different for a while now.  Here’s what I’m noticing.

1. I’ve slowed down.

Before getting pregnant I was running an average of 8:30 minute miles.  Now I’m probably averaging a good 45-60 second increase per mile.  The main reason?  To keep my heart rate lower.  I know my legs and lungs could handle a faster pace, but my heart rate jumps up much faster and easier now.  My midwife told me to keep my HR below 140 beats per minute.  Well, I don’t run with or even have a heart rate monitor, so I go by perceived effort.  Honestly, I feel like it’s more reliable anyways.  140 beats per minute could have me working at a 5 out of 10, where someone else could be at a 7 out of 10.  I’ve slowed down to keep my effort not too strenuous.

2. No intervals.

I love running intervals.  They’re quick and effective, and really get your muscle and lungs working hard for you.  Okay, that sentence probably says why I’m not running them anymore.  Intervals are tough, and I’m keeping my running easy and comfortable.  My heart rate and rate of perceived exertion would be a bit (or a lot) too high during intervals.

3. Running to feel good.

I only run about once or twice a week now and not because I have to, because I want to.  I’ve been loving running pregnant.  There’s no competition going on.  I’m not looking to make a time or distance.  I’m just running because I like it and it feels good.  If it ends up not feeling good as I get bigger, then I’ll probably stop.  Easy as that.

4. Warm up quickly.

This is something I noticed right away when I first became pregnant (even before I knew I was pregnant)… my heart rate shoots up crazy fast the moment I start exercising and I warm up super quickly.  I know it’s my body adapting to beginning exercise, and after 5-6 minutes my heart rate evens back out, but it really leaves me breathless in the beginning.  When I left my house this morning and headed out for a run, I started out freezing (it was 39 degrees).  By the time I got to the first light (about 3 minutes away) I felt warm and comfortable.  A few minutes after that my breathing was even again.

5. Falling is no option.

I’ve fallen about 4-5 times while running that I can think of.  NOT while I was pregnant though.  Before I’d just laugh it off to my clumsiness and come home with a scraped knee, but now it wouldn’t be a laughing matter.  I know Jacob has this big fear of me falling while running, and I totally get it.  But one thing I’ve noticed with running now is that my eyes are always looking down, at least a little.  I try to keep my head up and looking forward, but in my peripheral vision I’ve got the ground in sight.  The sidewalks I run on are not even at all.  I’ve tripped on them before and now I just pay much better attention so I stay upright.

6. I run with my dog, sometimes.

Today I ran with Joe.  On Thanksgiving I did not.  I know he loves it, and I always feel like such an awesome pet owner when I take him with me (he needs it), but he’s annoying to run with.  Joe’s not well trained and is constantly stopping to either pee on something, smell something or wanting to chase something.  He’s all over the place.  Those first 10 minutes of running (when he’s all pumped up) I constantly tug on the leash trying to get him to stay to one side.  After a little bit he calms down (or gets tired) and is better to run with.  So I choose to run with him, but only sometimes instead of all the time.

7. Day time running.

The choice to only run once or twice a week kind of happened by necessity.  Since falling is no option, I’ve stopped running when it’s dark.  That’s tricky when you leave for work in the dark, then come home from work in the dark.  Sunday mornings around 10am have become my favorite time to run.  It’s light out, still morning and I feel safer knowing I can see.  I run during my lunch break sometimes but it’s just not as convenient as leaving from home.

8. Only good runs.

Not having any goals other than to feel great after running has left me with only great runs.  Speed or distance isn’t something I worry about now, just enjoying my time exercising.  I do it for me and it turns out I only end up with good runs.  That’s a nice feeling.

9. Shirts tug.

As my belly grows (see picture above), my shirts begin to shrink.  I have to pull them down as I run along, and I can only imagine this will keep happening as the belly grows.  I’m assuming they make running/exercise shirts work pregnant women?  I like working out in form fitting clothes.  Nothing too tight, but I definitely don’t like fabric moving around a ton.  This is something I should probably look into.

10. Bladders are deceiving.

It doesn’t matter how many times I go to the bathroom before leaving, I get the feeling like I have to pee after 10 minutes of running.  Seriously, I don’t chug a bunch of water and go at least 3 times before leaving, but still that urge gets me.  Then when I stop and get home, I feel just fine.  No urge the pee.  Must be all the bouncing?

Mamas or mama’s to-be, did you keep running during pregnancy?  How did it change and how long did you stay running for?

Heather