This weekend I couldn’t help but thinking about some of the weird things about running while pregnant. Maybe I’m just starting to notice a difference now as I’ve entered my third trimester. For the most part I felt pretty normal running during the second trimester, although I was much slower. The first few months of pregnancy were a real struggle. I could barely run for more than a few minutes at a time!
Weird things about running while pregnant
So I guess from what I just said you can see that one of the weird things is how much variety there can be in how even just one person feels while running throughout their pregnancy. And it differs even more from person to person.
While running has started to feel harder over the past few weeks, my paces have stayed consistent or even improved. I think that’s due to the weather. It makes me wonder how much of my slower running over the summer was due to heat and how much was due to being pregnant. (Although I know it’s a combination of both.)
While I grew out of my regular clothes months ago I’ve managed to be able to still wear the same running clothes so far. Now that it’s getting cooler I need to get some maternity capris and long-sleeved shirts because the ones I have won’t work. (It’s been really hard to find maternity workout clothes! I ordered a few things from Old Navy but they didn’t fit well.)
Throughout the day I go to the bathroom constantly, like at least once an hour. But when I’m running I can distract myself enough to not have to stop. Usually when I start my run the bouncing makes me feel like my bladder is full, but I remind myself that I literally just went like 3 minutes ago before leaving the house, and the feeling goes away (for awhile).
Things that are harder than running 10 miles right now:
- Putting on/taking off shoes and pants
- Walking up the stairs
- Getting off the couch
- Rolling over in bed
- Stretching after my run
- Picking things up off the floor
Ok, enough about all that! Here are my workouts from last week:
Monday: 6 miles + mobility
It was another rainy day and super dark outside. It looked like fall but was still pretty humid. I got in 6 easy miles that didn’t feel all that easy after running 5 miles the day before. (I’m used to starting out the week on fresh legs!)
Tuesday: Strength training + 4 miles
I started out with my strength training workout (1st workout of phase 9!) and then headed outside for 4 miles Our treadmill occasionally makes a squeaking noise (I notice it when I first get on and start walking) so we are trying to not run on it much until we get it figured out. Oh and it was raining again.
Wednesday: 7 mile fartlek run
This turned out to be a really strong workout! Even though my warm-up and recovery intervals were slower than usual, my “hard” intervals were much faster than most other weeks.
1 mile warm up
2,3,4,5,4,3,2 minutes hard with 2 minutes easy in between
5 x 1 minute hard with 1 minute easy in between
cool down to 7 miles
Thursday: 4 miles + Strength training
I decided to run first and then lift. Not exactly sure why. I was pretty tired and felt like running would help to wake me up…even though it was super dark the whole time.
Friday: Rest
By this point in the week I felt like I needed a rest day. It was nice to relax a little on a Friday morning!
Saturday: 10 miles
I thought my legs would be feeling fresh after my rest day, but it was kind of tough getting started. The weather was so much better than it’s been, although I could still feel the humidity in the air. I was pleasantly surprised with my pace even though I felt like I was running slower.
Sunday: 5 miles
It was even cooler than Saturday: a lovely 57 degrees! While I normally don’t run on Sundays, sometimes it’s nice getting out for a few miles when it’s quiet and peaceful. Unfortunately the rest of the weekend was really busy, so running was my time to relax!
Total weekly mileage came in at 36 this week! This will likely be my highest weekly mileage during pregnancy. First of all, it’s getting harder. Well actually the running isn’t necessarily harder but after I run I feel like I need a nap, and unfortunately work doesn’t approve of me napping at my desk! Also, there’s so much going on over the next few weeks I don’t think I’ll be doing long runs of probably more than 8 miles or so, and there will be generally less time for weekend running. I think I’d rather run more often than do more mileage anyway.
[Tweet “Weird things about running while pregnant and last week’s workouts @milebymilerun #weekly wrap”]
In case you missed my posts from last week:
Catching my Breath
Babymoon in Denver, Co
How were your workouts last week?
Do you like to run or rest on Sundays?
What else is weird about running while pregnant?
Any tips on where to buy maternity workout clothes?
Linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap!
That’s great that you are still running strong; I ran up to 2 days before I was induced with my first pregnancy and I’m convinced it made labor and recovery easier. If you feel like you are in need of a nap though I would back off the duration and/or intensity of your running. It’s hard work growing a human and toward the end you want all the energy stores you can get. It’s also much easier to get sick during pregnancy especially if feeling tired or run down so just be careful. Regarding maternity workout clothes, I would avoid buying them for the most part because they are so overpriced. For my first pregnancy I bought a few maternity workout tank tops from target and then just bought capris and short and long sleeve shirts one size up in my usual Nike brand and target champion brand. That worked out well and I didn’t spend and arm and a leg. I’m 17 weeks pregnant now and that’s my plan for when my current workout stuff isn’t fitting, which is very soon for my tank tops!!
Thanks for all the tips! I think needing a nap is mostly due to not sleeping well some nights. But I do think I should cut back on my runs when that happens. Target is a good idea for workout clothes! I didn’t realize they had them because I’ve never seen them in the store. Looks like they have them online though. Congrats on your pregnancy!
I think that you’ve done a beautiful job continuing to run while you’ve been pregnant! I’m not sure that I would still be able to do double digit runs while pregnant – I’m in awe of you!
We had similar weather to you last week and this week we’re back up to the high 70’s – ugh! I just wish Fall would come and then stay lol.
I never thought I’d be doing double digit runs while pregnant either You never know!
I’m still impressed you get so many miles in, and strength training done. Keep up the good work! I remember sleeping a lot when I was pregnant – not a lot of motivation to get out there (or get up!). The drop in temps have been really nice around here. Getting me more excited for my race day!
I feel like it’s hard for me to sleep in in the mornings anyway, so it’s easier to get out for a run!
I felt like I had to pee more when I was running lol. But that third trimester, the need to pee constantly was so real.
It’s definitely been getting worse lately! I feel like in a few weeks I am going to be going every 5 minutes.
Great job with your high mileage! I love hearing your insights of running during pregnancy. I hope you can find some more fitness clothing!
I really enjoy having long runs on Saturday with a recovery run on Sunday – once I fell into that routine I loved it! It’s gotta be nice running in MUCH cooler weather lately!
I need to get back to the Sunday rest day routine! My schedule has been all thrown off and it’s nice to start off the week coming off a rest day.
You make a great point about maternity workout clothes. I have no clue where one would get some. I well remember what a chore walking up stairs was in those final weeks.
I don’t want to spend a lot of money on them but I also want stuff that fits comfortably! Regular workout clothes, even in bigger sizes, just fits weird.
It’s pretty amazing that you ran 36 miles this week! And that you finally look pregnant! Heck, I look like that on a regular day….
It’s crazy that I’ve been able to run this consistently during pregnancy after struggling with injuries for so long. I guess my body just likes running while pregnant?
I’m really glad you’re still running and working out while feeling strong!
For workout clothes, have you tried ordering up a size or two? Maybe that would help the clothes fit better.
I’ve tried on a few bigger item of regular clothes but they just kind of fit weird. I guess I’m just picky and like them to fit a certain way! I like the tops to be somewhat snug but long, and when I just buy bigger sizes it seems like they just get wider everywhere.
I ended up switching around my schedule this weekend since the Oiselle ladies were meeting up for a run on Sunday, and I had a few errands to do Saturday morning. It worked about pretty well. Normally I run Saturday mornings and strength train and core work Sundays.
Sometimes its nice to change things up and it works out. I just don’t like my schedule being thrown off!
I remember the struggle in finding good workout clothes while pregnant. I went with a bigger size in regular workout gear. I had one pair of capris and shorts and they made it through the whole pregnancy. Although at the end they were very stretched out. I did buy maternity tanks which made a difference. Nice week of workouts!
I feel like the regular tops in bigger sizes don’t fit well, but maybe I could find some capris that would work. I’ve managed to wear my regular shorts this whole time so luckily I won’t even bother buying and new ones at this point. It’s just tops that are tricky because I like them to be long and somewhat snug.
It’s awesome how well running has been going for you throughout the pregnancy! Sundays are usually a rest or cross-training day for me, it’s nice to have one of the weekend days off and to not worry about a run on Saturday night. I hope you can find some good maternity fitness wear!
Yes, I also like to have a full day off from both work and working out! It’s a great way to mentally recharge.
You look absolutely amazing to be in your third trimester! I had 10+ pound babies so just breathing was difficult for me. 😉 I definitely remember needing to just shut my eyes a few minutes in the afternoon toward the end. I just couldn’t keep them open. 36 miles is very impressive, mama. Thanks for linking!
There are some days when I feel like I can barely keep my eyes open! Getting a good nights sleep usually helps, but that doesn’t happen very often anymore.
You are incredible! Wow – every week I get more and more impressed. You just keep going and you are sticking to some amazing paces too.
Thanks! I do feel like I am starting to slow down and have been more tired lately.
Oops, missed this post as I mist have opened a tab and deleted the email. Have you tried Kohls for maternity workout clothes? That’s what a friend did and she’s about your build. I’ve also seen some C9 Champion stuff
That’s a good idea- thanks! I looked in Target but didn’t see any maternity clothes in the store, so I’ll have to look for the C9 stuff online.