Hi!

Thank you for your responses and encourgement!

RRainey: I appreciate your suggestion about walking and may have to convert to walking and cross training, but I really love running. As with many of us, it really means a lot to be able to get out there and run so until I can't, which hopefully won't happen this time, I'l continue to get out there and run.

cherylhop: Thank you!!! I am definitely going to be striving to be one of those 8-9 month runners this time, as long as my body cooperates with me! Thanks for your support!

mayfield: Congratulations to YOU! I was really excited to see another pregnant runner respond and especially one who was going through the same thing and is in the same stage of pregnancy. We should be online workout buddies! I hear you about the rest thing. I take a nap religiously now and have found that the more miles I'm putting in, the more sleep I need. Thanks for your support too and congratulations!

As an update, I've continued to feel better and am trying to slowly get my weekly mileage back up to 30 miles a week. I found the long runs (6-10 miles) were too hard, so I've been splitting some runs and running twice a day. It seems to really help slow the weight gain to what would be considered normal during pregnancy and has helped immensely with the morning sickness and increasing energy which has been fantastic. I've also cut out all speedwork and am just trying to maintain fitness and to keep up with my almost 2 year old son. I am supposed to run a half marathon next weekend and will at least start it, but will see how I feel throughout. I'm not bent on finishing it unless it's cool enough out and I feel really good the entire time.

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to respond and I hope that this helps other pregnant runners just starting out there.

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for your posts! They totally made my day!

RRainy - I liked your RUN the best...haha I actually think if it whenever I don't really feel like running now. It makes me start laughing and get myself right out the door.

rolling1977 - haha...another comedian. I loved your comments.

mayfield - I haven't done my 2nd half marathon YET, and at this point it's not looking too promising. I tried to do an 8-9 mile run this weekend and was too tired and stopped at 5. I'll probably show up at the starting line next weekend, but may end up walking or not finishing since I don't really want to push it. I think getting out there and running at all is great! And I'm due in the beginning of Nov too! Running twins...woohoo!!!!

Lieren - Thanks so much for sharing your experience and for the book recommnendation. I am definitely going to get it! It's good to hear someone else is as bent on running as I am. I would be thrilled to run up to 39 weeks of pregnancy! Awesome job!!!

hongkongrunner - you should talk to your doctor about running. If you already run you may not have to give it up. I met with my doctor and I am allowed to run just as much (about 30 miles per week) but because it's getting warm here, I split my runs up into 2x a day and run at a slower pace, which is fine with me! I'm more tired anyway, so it feels better. I ran a half marathon with when I was 5-6 weeks pregnant with my 2 year old son and again at the same time during this pregnancy. Both times just took it easier on the pace and was able to finish very comfortably. I think doing a half marathon at any point in pregnancy would depend how you were feeling. I've found that doing longer runs is becoming much more difficult because I tire quickly. My legs and joints feel great, I just get tired. I've heard of other people running half marathons and further in their 2nd and 3rd trimester though, so I think it just depends. If you can find a doctor who is supportive of running, they could probably help you with those questions based on your personal situation. As for racing, I plan to continue racing up to 10K throughout this pregnancy as long as I can, but I wouldn't really call it racing. I participate in races for the fun of it. I run at a comfortable, fun, relaxed pace and just am happy to be there. It sounds like there are other people who may have more information on that though. I've only been running pregnant for 1 trimester now.

I think hongkongrunner's idea to keep each other updated would be awesome. I'd love to hear how other pregnant runners are doing and have learned a ton from other runners' posts!

Thanks for taking the time to write and have a great day!