I am by far not the most accomplished pregnant runner out there. I heard on Ali’s (Ali On The Run Show)  podcast that Gwen Jorgensen ran more while pregnant then ever before, clocking in around 100 miles a week. I can’t even relate to that. I feel like I am more of the “Average Joe” just trying to stay moving while pregnant. My pregnancy began while recovering from a broken toe so I was starting from close to zero.

I did run a trail 10k at 6 weeks pregnant in Breckenridge. The race almost didn’t happen because I wasn’t feeling great at 6 weeks pregnant and Cannon threw up for the first time on the way up to the race. We decided to drive the last few miles to the race start as it would be a good place to finish cleaning Cannon and the car up. After sorting everything out, Cannon was in a great mood and it seemed like a good idea to give him a break before making him get in the car to drive home. We decided it was best for me to go ahead and run the race and I am so glad that we did.

Cannon had a great time hanging out in Breckenridge with his dad and I enjoyed one last trail race for the season.

Then in November I ran a fun Turkey Trot 5k with my family at 17 weeks pregnant.

I have been trying to continue to run a few times a week during this pregnancy even through I think my next race won’t be until this baby is on the outside. Some things that have made running a little more comfortable:

Hoka One One Clifton 4 – The extra cushion of the Hoka Cliftons definitely have helped keep my feet happy. Packing a few (ha!) extra pounds puts a toll on my feet and last time I was pregnant I had a bad case of plantar fasciitis, I may get it again this time but so far so good!

Lululemon High Wasted Wunder Under Pants – Even during my first trimester I liked having a high wasted pant. It made my belly and back feel supported even while there wasn’t much of a bump.

Treadmills – One of the challenges of running while pregnant is the need for frequent bathroom stops. We have a Nordictrack treadmill set up in our basement gym and LOVE it. It has incline and decline, it has been great helping Cory and I train for many races. Being able to stop and dash to the bathroom whenever I need has been helpful. I have also been using the treadmill at the gym quite a bit so I can use the child care to look after Cannon.

Garmin Fenix 3 Sapphire – I LOVE this watch so much. I used to always forget to charge my 910, but I wear my Fenix 3 all the time so I don’t forget to put it on or charge it. I love that it is a smart watch.

Garmin Run Heart Rate Monitor – It is important to not have your heart rate get too high while exercising as it might draw blood and oxygen away from your developing baby. I used my Garmin HRM and walk breaks to make sure that I am keeping my little one safe.

GapFit Breath Capris – These capris are buttery soft and so comfortable. As I have out grown my normal running gear these have been amazing. The full panel isn’t too tight or too loose, there is nothing worse than tights falling down or squeezing your belly while trying to run.

Maternity Belt – This is one piece of gear that I haven’t tried yet, but was suggested to me by my Midwife. I have been experiencing some round ligament pain and she suggested that I invest in a maternity belt. I have also hear of other pregnant runners using them. I plan to give it a go and see if it helps!

Lots of Grace – Sometimes it’s hard to accept that I am not running 6-7 days a week, 50 + miles a week or as quickly as I used to. I am trying to remember that this time is beautiful, exciting and temporary. Running will be there for me in the summer =)

Any mother runners out there? How long did you keep running in your pregnancy? Any suggestions of things that kept you going?