My last decent run was in DC back in August. Had I known that was going to be my last decent run, I probably would have run even more.
I’ve watched my times get slower and slower. With every passing week, it’s harder for me to walk up stairs without being out of breathe, much less run a 5k. I have a (virtual) 5k this weekend that I signed up for before I realized how much my lungs were going to take a hit. I’m probably going to stick to a treadmill for this one.
Here’s the thing. I get I’m growing a human. I have done this before. I just didn’t struggle this much as early when I was pregnant almost 5 years ago. I ran for months and felt good. I stopped before 30 weeks, when I couldn’t breathe anymore. I’m only 15 weeks right now. Every pregnancy is different, and this one has been tough on me mentally.
Needless to say, I still want to stay relatively fit. I was already exercising a lot before I was pregnant, and my doctor doesn’t see any problem continuing my workouts. (I checked at my first and second appointments. We’re all good, I promise.)
Here are my goals for the next several months….
1. Weight training. I want to maintain fitness in my upper body and my legs. Obviously my abs are out of the question, but I can aim for toned arms, right?
2. Running. I would like to continue running until 24 or 25 weeks. Or until I physically just. can’t. handle. it. Whichever comes first.
3. Walking. Our family walks have kind of fallen by the wayside. I want to bring these back – even in the winter. Or especially in the winter.
4. Swimming. I have access to a pool now. As long as it’s warmish (it really isn’t heated) I can swim on weekends – and it’s something I can do with the boy. Win-win. Maybe I’ll enroll him in more swim lessons.
I’m working with another personal trainer through the university, and the poor guy has never had to work with a pregnant girl before. Funnily enough, he’s really excited to see how long I can work out and if anything makes a difference. (My doctor is cool with me weight lifting. I was doing it before, so there isn’t any concern about me doing it now as long as I stop when my body says stop.) I’d love to keep up with weights through the spring.
Hopping into the way-back machine when I was pregnant 22 years ago, I ran before getting pregnant. I tried to continue but with my job and trying to fit exercise in I was exhausted. After trying and just having no luck, I didn’t worry about it. At 20 weeks, my energy came back and I started walking 3 miles or more a day. After Jake came I was dying to run so that was good. The weights would have been great to help keep things firmed up. Didn’t start working with weights till I hurt my knee six years ago. You’ll do great.
love a good weights routine!
I agree that it is a positive and safe thing to keep active while pregnant!
You’re doing great! You’re changing and your body is going through so many things, baby steps towards maintaining your fitness and doing what you can will keep you on track. You’ll be running again in no time.
Good for you! I’m 33 weeks pregnant and at this point am trying to get out and walk daily!
I just had a baby and wish I had stayed fit. I have a long way to go now!