As you may know from my monthly check-in posts, I haven’t really been setting any running or fitness goals during my pregnancy. When I first found out I was pregnant I had no idea what to expect and was hoping to be able to run at all, especially after backing off quite a bit during the first trimester. Then it was all about small milestones. Would I be running in the second trimester? Past 20 weeks? Could I run for an hour? Double digits?
I’ve somehow exceeded all of my own expectations up until this point, especially through the brutal summer heat. So now what? As I’m just a few weeks from the third trimester I have no idea how running will feel in a few weeks. The weather will (hopefully) be cooling off soon as fall sets in. Obviously I want to keep running for as long as I can, but what will that look like?
I still don’t really have a plan, other than to just keep running! That being said, there are a few things I hope to do this fall.
Keep up with strength training
I really think strength training has helped me with my running this summer. Even though I’m not lifting as heavy as before, I still think it’s been really beneficial. Lots of people are insisting on lifting things for me (even things that aren’t that heavy) which is so strange because I lift fairly heavy weights twice a week.
Run a Race
I have no idea if the stars will align for this one, but I think it would be fun to run a 5k or short race while pregnant. I’ve been waiting for the weather to cool off to start looking into races, so hopefully we will start having fall weather soon. I don’t want to wait too long to do this either, so I’m thinking maybe late September/early October?
Stay Active
If all else fails, the plan is to just stay active, even if just by walking. I definitely think that workouts have helped me to feel good throughout this pregnancy and I keep hearing that staying active now will help with labor and recovery. I also hope it will help me return to running faster!
I don’t have any mileage goals because I don’t know what to expect. It confuses me how people can say that they set a goal to run “x” about of pregnant miles. I guess if you regularly run a certain number of miles per week and plan to keep up with that throughout pregnancy that would be a way to estimate, but my mileage fluctuates so much. I also don’t want any reason to force myself to continue running or running a certain amount if my body isn’t up for it.
After running through this hot and humid summer, I am ready to welcome fall weather with open arms. As much as I love summer running there is something refreshing about cooler fall weather. This time of year is tough because it’s dark in the mornings but still really hot most days. If we are going to lose the light mornings we might as well enjoy some cooler weather too!
[Tweet “This fall I’m following a no-plan running plan! @milebymilerun #tuesdaysontherun #runningfortwo”]
What are your fitness goals for this fall?
Do you have any fall races planned?
Are you ready for fall weather?
I’m linking up with No Guilt Life, MCM Mama Runs, and Marcia’s Healthy Slice for Tuesdays on the Run!
When I was pregnant with my girl, I did my driving test. And my daughter loves that story. She tells everyone that she was with mummy during the test, LOL. So I think it would be great to do a fun 5k race while you are pregnant – a nice story for you to tell Baby later. But again, I love your attitude – go with what feels right and don’t stress yourself. You have already done so well to keep running and training up to this point.
I agree, it would make for a fun story for later! Hopefully it will work out but I will have to see how I feel in a few weeks.
I continue to follow your pregnancy running journey with my mouth open in amazement! Considering that I couldn’t run when I was pregnant, I’m so excited that you’ve been able to continue! I did walk and strength train and I credit that with my quick recovery and return to running after the boys were born. Like Shathso said ^^…..
I think that the return to running will be tricky, but hopefully by putting in the work now it won’t be too bad.
Like Wendy said you’ve had an amazing pregnancy so far! It’s wonderful you feel so good and are able to run so well. That said, I totally get how you can’t really plan and set goals because there are so many unknowns. Just keep on keeping on for as long as you can!
Yep that’s the plan! It’s hard to not set goals when I’m used to doing that, but like you said there are so many unknowns.
Last time we were at Disney for a race, my mom saw a pregnant lady doing the 10k, and she said the woman should get two medals. The baby is already starting its collection!
I hope you are able to continue running and having success. And hopefully the weather will cooperate for some fun races this fall. Halloween races are always fun because runners can dress up.
That’s funny about earning two medals! And that’s true about Halloween races. I’ve never done one but since I’m looking to just run a race for fun that could be a good idea!
I think it would be so awesome if you were able to do a 5k race while pregnant. It will make a great story to tell your little one 🙂
You’ve been so consistent throughout your pregnancy – you should be so proud of yourself!
Thank you! And I agree, it would make for a fun story one day.
Very ready for the fall weather. I’m impressed with how active you’ve remained. Funny re: weights how people see women as damsels in some ways.
I have a bunch of fall ones I’m excited for and hoping to break through a weight plateau ahead of the holidays
It was like the second people found out I was pregnant they thought I could no longer lift things!
Good luck with your goals this fall!
You are doing great with running throughout your pregnancy. Hopefully with the cooler weather to come that will help. I love summer and am sad to see it’s over.
Thank you! I love summer too but I think I’m over the humidity at this point.
You are amazing 😉 I didn’t become a runner until well after the last child was born (she was 5 LOL), so I know nothing about pregnancy running. Just keep on going…I’m sure your body will let you know when you need to pull back (if at all).
That’s what I figure will happen! Each week I have at least one run that feels harder and I wonder if its time to pull back, but then the next run will feel great. But even if I have to cut back alot on mileage I’ll be happy to continue running at all!
I am ready for fall. It has been a hot and humid summer. So far I am enjoying some nice fall weather which feels so wonderful in the morning.
It’s nice to be able to enjoy cooler mornings but still warmer days. I feel like the humidity has been so bad here that we haven’t had any fall-like weather yet!
I think a 5k race would be so fun!! You should look for one nearby that has a kid’s race so you can make it a little tradition every year once baby is old enough to do the toddler/kid’s race.
The goal for my fall is to finish the Philadelphia Marathon!
That’s a great idea! And I love the Philly Marathon. I’ve done it twice and it was my first full marathon back in 2011.
I’m so impressed with your running during pregnancy, especially in that heat! Your attitude is so refreshing how relaxed and positive you are about running right now. Running a race would be so fun – an extra special memory from running during this time. If my body allows it when I’m pregnant, it is definitely a goal of mine!
Thanks! I just wish the weather would cool off so a race would be a little more enjoyable. I’m hoping I’ll still be feeling good enough in a few weeks to do one.
It’s wonderful to see what you were able to keep up a nice routine throughout your pregnancy so far.. I’ve known so many people who took their pregnancies as excuses to stop exercising (and no, they weren’t told they couldn’t…) … I think if you keep an open mind and adapt along the way, that is the right direction forward.
I really think keeping up with workouts has helped alot with pregnancy…both physically and mentally.
Smart plan. How you feel week to week in pregnancy is so unpredictable. It’s awesome that you’ve felt so strong!
It feels like I hit 26 weeks on Sunday and all of a sudden everything feels harder! Luckily running still feels good but I’m definitely slowing down and am more tired than before.