Running in the First Trimester

Now that I'm well out of the first trimester, I feel like I can speak with the tiniest of authority on running in the first trimester - and thus far. I'm not a doctor, I don't even play one on TV, so of course listen to the advice of your doctor about what's best for you and your pregnancy.

One of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant was call the doctor to a)schedule an appointment b) ask if running was still ok. They recommended more of a walk/jog until the first visit to ensure everything was going well. Thus, the wog was born. It was a big slow down from what I was used to, but honestly, it was a welcome break and good reason to take it easy - especially factoring in the June Alabama heat. I was doing .25 walk/.25 run.

 I wogged my way to my first appointment, where they found a bleed (nothing to do with running, happened when the baby implanted), so I was put on rest until they could check again at 8 weeks.

I was cleared at 8 weeks to start back running. My doctor is conservative and is very hesitant to tell me to sign up for a half, but told me to listen to my body, and since I was running before, it should be totally fine. I had to work my way back up to running, with a lot of walk breaks. I've slowly worked back up to where I run more than walk, but the speed is much slower, yet the effort feels the same. After a lot of research, and asking around, I really think keeping up my running, when done smart, has great benefits for me and Sunburst.

First run with Baby S.

A few things I've learned along the wog:

1. Listen to your body
Ugh. That phrase is so cliche I almost hate to put it on there, but it's true. If you are used to pushing the pace, racing up hills and battling the heat, it's a huge change of mindset that ALL those things are not ok. I've never followed the heart rate rule of thumb, as I understand it's outdated, but I do follow the talk test. You may feel like a crazy person talking to yourself out on your run, but it was a good indicator that if I struggled to speak, I was pushing too hard, (ignore that 11 minute pace on the Garmin, baby steals a lot of blood and energy) and it's time for a walk break. Hills usually always make me fail the test, and there are some steep ones in my hood, so I walk all of them and still feel I'm getting a great workout. The goal is to be active - not to set any records.You're lapping everyone on the couch, and hopefully preparing yourself for an easier delivery. Cheers to that.

2. Water is Your Friend....
I've never taken water on a run except when training for the full, but in the heat of summer, the danger of overheating and/or dehydrating scared me enough to make me bring along a bottle. Also be sure to drink another bottle when you get home. Baby is taking a lot out of you, if I haven't mentioned that.

3. Sort of
Make sure you have some bathroom breaks along the way. Even if it's just 3 miles. Even if you went before you left the house. The pounding makes the slightest fullness in the bladder will make it scream. Also scream worthy: when you just have to go, swear a car isn't coming, and one zooms by mid-stream. I pretended I was tying my shoe. With my tail out. I'm sure it was all very graceful. Don't let this happen to you. 

4. Enjoy
After years of training for races and changing distance up and down, it's been nice to run just for the sheer health benefits (for me and baby). Growing a life places a large demand on your body, so there is no shame in a slower pace, walk breaks, and just doing the best you can that day. I sound like Andy Griffith.

Happy running!