Pregnant

[zoelda]

Hi all,

I'm pregnant -- about 5 weeks -- second pregnancy. I am really freaked out though as I seem to be having trouble w/running already. I have gone from being someone who regularly runs 35 or more miles a week, one run being at least 13 miles and was just starting to up mileage again for another marathon and had been doing 15s and 18s to someone who cannot seem to manage to run more than 4-5 miles. I am trying to tailor my schedule... more strength training, shorter duration aerobics... but I feel like crap. I have no strength, no UMPTH, no kick. NOTHING. I got through a 60miler on my bike yesterday, watched my heart rate and did not think I was pushing myself, and I slept for almost 10 hours and woke up with a slight fever -- maybe I'm sick on top of pregnant?!?! I'm trying to be positive, but I really have no idea what I can do and what is considered pushing it. I'm used to pushing myself, and I just feel like I'm being a total wus and using pregnancy as an excuse not to push myself. I'm trying to trust my body -- if I'm this tired -- then it is TOO much, but I do not trust myself and I think I'm looking to cop out. SIGH. I just do not know what I'm supposed to do or not do and I'm used to doing a good bit and everyone I talk to seems to be either totally cautious or of the I was running half-marathons up until I delivered which makes me feel like I am being a total baby about how I feel.

Thoughts?
Zoelda

 

[StaceyDeLapp]

Hi Zoelda. I think the first thing I noticed when I found out I was pg, about 5-6 weeks along was that my workouts did seem harder, I was much more tired, and I was sweating way more than I previously did. It would just pour off my forehead which is really uncommon for me. The best thing I can tell you is to listen to your body. When you're pregnant, it is not a time to try to reach new fitness heights. It's a time to let your body nurture the baby. You're going to be extremely tired in your first trimester. I remember going to bed several nights and getting at least 10 hours of sleep. Don't feel like a wimp if you can complete a preprengnancy workout. Your body is working very hard, you have more blood volume pumping through your system and everything is working at a much higher speed to support your pregnancy. Don't judge what you should be doing based on what others did. Everybody's experience with pregnancy is different. Take each day one day at a time, and realize that you will be able to pickup with the running and cycling, etc. after baby is born if it becomes too much for you while pregnant.

Congratulations.

 

[FiddleFit]

Hi Zoelda! I'm in my 7th week with baby #2, and can relate to what you are saying. I don't run, but I do find that my workouts feel more challenging, and I am winded more easily. I did IMAX yesterday, and this morning did All-Step followed by Muscle Endurance. I usually go a bit heavier than Cathe does with ME, but today decided that my legs were still too much like jelly to push it, so I stuck with Cathe's weights this time around. I figure any workout is better than no workout at all, and that will continue to be my motto as the pregnancy progresses.

The purpose of my workouts has changed, as well. I used to want to continually challenge and improve my fitness level, but my goal now is simply to get some kind of exercise every day, as it significantly reduces morning sickness and all those "joys". Something that really helps me get through my workouts is to sip on a glass of orange juice once the workout gets beyond one hour in length (eg., during a weight workout following a cardio). And I also drink twice a much water during the workout than I used to. I'm really trying not to let my blood sugar levels drop very low, and to keep really well hydrated. So far, I have yet to feel any significant morning sickness, and although I am a bit more tired than usual, maintaining my morning exercise routine really helps me make it through the day. Don't beat up on yourself for lacking your typical endurance levels - you aren't just running, you are running and gestating at the same time. That takes a lot of energy! In the first trimester, your blood volume increases by 40%, and your body at rest is working harder than a mountain climbers' in full activity (so I read).

Take care,
Sandra

 

[zoelda]

Wow! Thanks for the response! I have noticed that my water intake has doubled, and, since my road bike can only support 2 water bottle cages, I bought one of those special cages for triathlons that mounts on the seatpost to carry another two... cause I am going through a LOT of water. I will have to try the OJ... because I do feel more of a "drop" in the middle of exercising if I combine weights/cardio than I would normally note, and I'm not doing the kind of intensity where I think I should be downing packets of gel and stuff so the juice might be a natural way to keep things more even.

I like the mountain climber analogy! That definitely makes me feel better!

Thanks!
Zoelda

 

[zoelda]

I definitely notice more sweat... and I sweat a lot anyways!

Thanks for the reassurances... it is very disconcerting to suddenly NOT be able to do things that one has worked hard to be able to do. I don't mean reaching a new fitness goal... I mean doing the usual fitness routine!

Thanks!
Zoelda