Tips for Running in 2nd Trimester, #fitmama

So I'm back to running. The day after we arrived in the Sunshine State, I went out for my first run since the London Lady's Half Marathon and 5km {which I ran just a few days after finding out I was pregnant}

The first things that I packed in my suitcase were my running clothes; flowy tanks, leggings, socks, KTTape, my shoes, arm band and headphones. I couldn't wait to hit the pavement and get back to running.

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with how good it felt and how my legs reacted. I was definitely expecting them to be all "what in the....we are NOT running!" but it all came back naturally.

That said, I do have some tips for you mamas out there who are considering running during your pregnancy.

If you haven't run before your pregnancy, now is not the time to start

Running takes a decent amount of dedication and training, so as with any other type of exercise, if you haven't done it before you were pregnant, don't do it now. If you want to incorporate an aerobic type activity into your pregnancy, consider prenatal aquafit, yoga or pilates.

Supportive shoes will make a huge difference

While I have loved my Nikes, I am finding that my toes are starting to get tingly after about 3.5km. They've been through the ringer and I'm excited to retire them, opting for a pair of supportive Under Armour kicks.  Look for shoes that are built for mobility and have offset laces to reduce pressure on the top of your foot (which is usually the reason your toes go numb!)

Tape Up

I have had issues with my knees {patella femoral} since I was about 11 years old. KTTape allows me to run without pain, so if you have any areas that are a little tight or have hurt you in the past, tape them up before you head out for a run {approx 20mins prior to your run to allow the tape to adhere properly}.

Take it Slow

Now is not the time to set records or try and beat your pace from your last race. This is something that is coming really difficult to me. My first run back was 2.02mi/35:05mins - a pace of 10:45/km. That's about 2:30 slower than my usual, which was pretty disappointing. My second run back was 10:39/km {2.34mi/40:19mins} - better but still slow.

Then I realized something...it's not about how fast I go, it's the fact that I'm out there that matters. I'm taking it slow, listening to my body and giving my baby every advantage to a healthy start by creating a healthy environment.

So far, I have run a handful of times, including on our cruise over the past weekend. I have also registered for my first two races of 2014 (in April and May, so I will be 28weeks and 31weeks) and am working away on my LOST running series. I completed my 15km Swan race on January 2nd.

Every step counts, no matter how fast it is!

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