Saturday, February 23, 2008

Can I really run the SLC Half Marathon Pregnant?

This has been the looming question on my mind since last October when I found out I was pregnant with baby number four. It has been a roller coaster ride of yes, I can totally do it, to no way, I can hardly function let alone run. I figured now was a good time to share my story with you mommies who have questions about running during pregnancy.

During the first month or so of my pregnancy I was running 6 miles three/four days a week and cross-training several other days. Early on in the pregancy I could feel the physical effects of my changing body. For example, my breathing didn't seem to come as easy. It took me longer to warm up and was running slower than normal. Dispite these changes, I could still kick out a 6 miler and felt pretty good. Then the sickness hit and it was all over. I tried to keep running here and there, but I got sicker and sicker until I was so enimic that it was a struggle to do the simple things like get my kids dressed for the day. I ran only a handful of times between the months of November to January. It was a very frustrating and depressing time and there was nothing I could do but surrender! The health of my baby is the most important thing, but for a control freak like me it was hard to give up this control. I need running, it is my sanity, my outlet, my only thing I do for myself. How can I give it up? I felt my goal to run the SLC half slipping away the longer I went without running.

Luckily, with the help of my midwife, I discovered an Iron supliment in liquid form (Floridex, found at a health food store for those of you who have trouble with low Iron levels during pregnancy) that saved my life. I started feeling much better and was able to return to the land of the living. My hopes for running in SLC returned. I started going to the gym and cross-training in order to assess my overall condition. I basically have had to start all over. I decided to just take it slow and do the best I can. I am sure walking will be necessary to accomplish the distance of a half marathon under the circumstances, but I am okay with that. I just want to do it. I am one of those people who need a race in order to stay focused.

I have had a good running week although I caught the nasty flue/cold going around. This is how it feels running at 21 weeks measuring at 36 1/2 inches (I am not one of those moms who barely even look pregnant, I get huge!) and with a weight gain of 24 pounds: I started out running two miles at a time, which felt good cardio-wise, but I can feel it in my legs. No pain, just burning muscles, which means I have lost a lot of my leg strength. I have no pulling or stretching of ligaments in my lower abdomen, which is what I fear most. I have been wearing a back brace that holds my belly in and keeps it from bouncing all over the place. I run slow and don't worry about time at all (this is actually a nice change). My goal for the race in April is to run 2-4 miles two days during the week and do a long run starting at 2 miles and building up to 10. If walking is required on these long runs then I will walk, but will try to run as much as possible. I cross-train on other days of the week in order to keep my body from getting burned out on the running. So far, things are looking good. I ran my long run today and felt great. It is funny to me that a run of 3.25 miles is considered a long run, but it was, honestly, a little tough. I had to concentrate the whole time and keep focused in order to keep moving. It was great because I felt in control with no pain and felt back in the game. Today is a great day!

So what do you think, can I really run the SLC half at 29 weeks pregnant? I say with some hard work, determination, and no serious physical complications, YES! I will be posting often to share my next 8 weeks of training and to give any tips I have for running during pregnancy. If anyone has questions feel free to ask. I will do my best to help out.

Oh and by the way the picture is deceiving, my husband even agrees that my belly looks much bigger than this in real life.

45 comments:

Team Hanni said...

Ummmm, how do we get rid of the previous post??? I hate it that people try to send junk and viruses through comments. Maybe we should add word verification to the blog....


Anyway - Roxanne:

Thank you for posting this. I am so proud of your accomplishments. You have come SOOOO far! I too have already felt loss of muscle in my legs and worry I will be starting over when things settle down. I would love to do the half with you, but worry I won't even be able to do the 5K. I am that weak right now. I will be about 18 weeks at SLC and with my other kiddos I was sick from 18 - 24 weeks.

PLEASE keep posting your pregnancy and running experiences. At this point I really need to hear that it is possible to run soon.

What kind of brace are you wearing? Things just aren't as tight down there as they used to be.... a little support down there would be helpful! :)

You look like a million bucks! Cute, cute baby belly. I'm sure you look so cute while running! GOOD FOR YOU!!!

Ang said...

Could your belly be any cuter! Honestly.

You are amazing! I can't wait to meet you at the SLC races! Seriously so inspirational.

YOU CAN DO IT!

Charity said...

Thanks for the inspiration! Sometimes I find that it's hard for me to be motivated with kids at home and a husband in grad school and working nights...but I am now re-inspired (is that a word?) to be more motivated and dedicated to my runs, hey, if you can do it, I certainly can!

Anyway, I have a quick question that I thought someone might be able to answer, or at least I would be able to get some opnions on...

I am considering eliminating most if not all red meat from my diet. I have a history of anemia, but take iron, and also have a calcium deficiency due to some bone tumors I had when I was younger...I wouldn't be eliminating chicken, eggs, fish or dairy...just red meat.. any suggestions? Or has anyone done anything like this before?

Thanks
Charity

So....I also sent an invite to my "personal" blog...that way you can see, I'm not entirely crazy....although that could be debatable!
Thanks again...

Charity said...

Ok, couldn't figure out how to send an invite to all the mommies that post, so I sent it to SuziePetunia...if anyone else wants it, e-mail me at charity.manwaring@gmail.com

Kelly(M&M) said...

I think your story is so inspiring! Most of us would have given up by now I think, so good for you!! I can't even imagine running 1 mile at 29 weeks, let alone 13.1, so more power to you! I think slow and steady is the way to go and listening to your body. I think you are training smart and I am excited to hear how it goes for you (and to meet you!) Good luck!

Tiff G. said...

Rox, like I said, you're Superwoman, you can do anything!!! I wish I could be there to run it with you, you'll do great!

Charie and Jonathan Francom said...

So proud of you sis! You will rock it!

Roxanne said...

team Hanni,

I have been using a regular back brace that is about 11 inches wide and just wraps around by belly. It is made to support the back not a pregnant belly but it works for now. I am waiting for my new one to come in the mail. I ordered one that is for pregnant women. I plan to do a post about it once I try it out. I will keep you updated.

Thanks everyone for the support. I am officially registered and talked two of my sistes into doing the race with me. I couldn't sleep last night out of excitement for race day.

harmony said...

I've been 'secretly' reading this blog for a while now. I've always been a runner but never found the time or desire to race. I'm starting to think I might have to take it up. You girls make it look so fun. It's good to see that 'mommies' can get out and run on a regular basis. Rox, I think it's awesome that you are going to do this prego. I had to give up kickboxing and step classes after 6months or so. But I found that I could cross train (run/walk) on the treadmill without any pulling on my belly. Of course I wasn't setting any time records, but it kept me moving (not to mention sane). Keep it up.

The Bloxham Bunch said...

I to am a secret blog reader ever since you did the Hinckley dedication run. Let me say...YOU ARE AMAZING. Really. I wish I could give myself that drive. Thanks for sharing!

everything pink! said...

considering that fact i look more pregnant than you and i am not even pregnant, I say you go girl! if i can run with a gut so can you!

Unknown said...

Wow, I am so inspired. I've been debating whether or not to run a half marathon in October because my husband and I are trying for our second child and I'm hoping to be nice and preggers by then. But you've convinced me--I'm signing up!

Please keep posting!!

Hewards said...

I'm getting ready for a half marathon in a couple of weeks and on the day of the race I'll be 18 weeks. Due to my knee hurting and bad weather I haven't been able to keep up my miles like I'd like to also.

But, WE CAN DO IT! Keep posting, I love hearing your story cuz its so similar to mine right now and I'm always looking for advice and motivation online.

When your out there just know I AM TOO! And we can't let each other down. Running is to important for our health and the health of our babies in my opinion.

And I have a friend who always tells me, "its okay if you have to walk, mileage is mileage." I know I'll have to walk some during the half but that's okay mileage is mileage.

GoodDay2Run! said...

Hi! I love crazy runners. Keep going and do your best. I'll be looking forward to your race results. Take this for what it is worth…I ran a ½ marathon during my 1st pregnancy (7 months pregnant on race day) it was not easy but it was a goal that got me out of bed and moving. This was 3 years ago; I had a very healthy baby boy who will be 3 years old in July of this year. I ran during the majority of my pregnancy but opted for more swimming and walking during the finals weeks. I didn’t think running a ½ marathon that pregnant was something I’d ever do again. It was much harder than any full marathon I’ve done. However, I am currently pregnant with my second baby and registered for the Wisconsin Marathon in Kenosha WI – planning to do the 1/2 at 32 weeks pregnant on May 2nd! (I’m due on June 29th) I've been running 4 miles 3x per week + a 10 mile run each Saturday. The 10 milers are very slow (1hour & 45 min - 2 hours) I am interested in what others have done to prep for a ½ while pregnant but I can’t find much information. I think it’s much like the pregnancy and birth…each persons experience is unique. I just made sure to drink lots of water, not get too hot and take long naps after my 10 mile runs. I’ll be rooting for you on the 18th to have a fun and safe race.

sueb1999 said...

I think DEFINITLEY you can do it! I am waiting to find out if i'm pregnant actually, but i've been training since March for a half marathon in September and i'm planning on doing it pregnant or not!

Anonymous said...

Good luck!! I just ran a half at 20 weeks pregnant and felt fantastic!! Hope you have a great experience!

fitpregnancy said...

I just sent in my registration for a half marathon for this weekend and Ill be 26 weeks pregnant...I had a moment of panick right after I mailed it so I went online and searched for other pregnant runners/racers. I was happy to see so MANY women running long distances and racing still so far into their pregnancies. Make me feel like I am not COMPLETELY crazy for wanting to do this. Thanks! ;) Hope the race and rest of your pregnancy went great.

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