Running in the Second Trimester of my Pregnancy: You’re Not Still Running, Are You?

By Vanessa Case (March 2009)
I waited until I was into my second trimester before I told people I was pregnant. A common comment following the “congratulations” was “you’re not still running, are you?” It’s nothing new that some people think that it is dangerous for women to run while pregnant and I took these moments to educate others that it is safe if you take certain precautions, and that the benefits outweigh any risks.

To me, the benefits of being a pregnant runner included:

  • Running made me feel healthy and happy
  • Running gave me more energy
  • Running provided stress relief
  • Running builds stamina and prepares and strengthens muscles and body for labour and delivery
  • Running helped me sleep well

I noticed my running pace getting consistently slower as my pregnancy progressed. For example, my 20 minute turn around point in my 40 min run was getting closer and closer to the starting point. If I wasn’t pregnant and noticed this phenomenon, I would have been frustrated but becoming pregnant gave me a better sense of humour and different perspective about why I was outside running. I was genuinely happy to just be outside running at my new slower pace. I learned to appreciate being a slower runner because I began to see little things like flowers, trees, rocks, gardens, and houses that I never noticed when I ran by them at a faster pace.

Here are some other observations I noted about running during my second trimester:
  • No more food before a run because I’d get cramps. Bananas have always been my super food. No matter what time of day or how close I am to going for a run, I could always eat a banana and go for a cramp-free run. However, during the second trimester, a banana (or half a banana) before a run would give me a cramp.
  • Sports bras, running t-shirts and shorts/capris are getting tighter and shorter. My running wardrobe was limited.
  • I really liked running in the LuLuLemon high waist pants because I could pull up the waist above my belly button.
  • I also enjoyed running in a skort rather than shorts because it was less restrictive around my waist and legs.
  • Women started to smile at me and make eye contact when I ran by. Men stared at my belly button.
  • Concerned about falling on my belly so I avoided uneven surfaces and stopped running with an iPod.
  • Increase in my body temperature. I was running in less clothing than I usually would at the same outdoor temperature.
  • Avoided running in busy public areas (such as Kits beach) because I didn’t want to draw attention to myself.
  • Searching for other pregnant runners but not seeing any (but perhaps seeing first trimester pregnant runners).

My Second Trimester Typical Weekly Workout Schedule:

  • 3 x runs of a total of 40-44 min which consisted of running for 10 mins and walking for 1 min
  • 1 x swim at the pool which averaged about 4 sets of 5 x 100m with a 1 min break between sets
  • 1 x gym workout (20 min stationary bike, 30 min treadmill of 10 mins and walking for 1 min, 3 sets of 15 x 10lbs weights)
  • 1 x attended a prenatal yoga class (first class at 21 weeks)