Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nurse of midwife. The information expressed in the series “Mom on the Run” should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before running during pregnancy and postpartum.

Welcome to “Mom on the Run!” A blog feature that shares a mom-on-the-run and her story of running during and after pregnancy. My hope is to provide a resource for women who are thinking about running during pregnancy. The overarching theme: everyone is different. No two pregnancies are the same and of course no two stories of running during pregnancy are the same. In this series you will find a wide range of experiences that both inspire and comfort runners who are pregnant or have recently given birth. To read about other “Moms on the Run” click HERE.

I'd like you to meet this months Mom on the Run: Fiauna from ReadRunRadiate. Fiauna is a seasoned mama, who ran through pregnancy back when it wasn't so "hip." Fiauna has four kids and says running played a huge part in each of her pregnancies. She shares her story of running through pregnancy and postpartum here!

Fiauna and her kids at the Red Rocky Relay in Moab, Utah in 2012.

Did you run through your pregnancy or pregnancies?

With my first two pregnancies, I hid my running. I ran on a treadmill or with a jacket so no one could easily tell I was pregnant. Running with child wasn't cool back then ('98-'01). With my third I ran up to week 28, when running became too uncomfortable. With my fourth I ran until 31 weeks when I was placed on bed rest. And with the fifth--well, that one ended in a miscarriage. I ran until the doctor told me not to (at about 8 weeks) because I had some bleeding. Then, well, it ended at 11 weeks. We were devastated, but feel very confident that running had nothing to do with the miscarriage.

Prior to pregnancy about how often were you running?

Prior to my first pregnancy my running was very

sporadic. I think I maybe ran 10 to 15 miles a week. I picked up the mileage and consistency after that. Over the next decade, I averaged 20-25 miles a week and am now up to 35 miles a week.

H

ow would you characterize your pregnancy, labor and delivery?

Each of my pregnancies were considered low-risk until the last trimester of the last full pregnancy. I went into preterm labor. Luckily after some

bed rest I delivered at 37 weeks--full term. I honestly think running helped with my deliveries. I was able to stay calm and focused and tune out much of the pain--all things running has taught me.

O

nce you found out you were expecting did your running change?

After I found out I was expecting, I focused on distance, not pace, really listened to my body, staying hydrated and taking potty stops as needed. Any sign of pain, I would slow down or stop completely, which turned out to be the most difficult aspect of running while pregnant. I had to knock my ego out of the picture for a while--after all, when you're running for two it's not all about you. I never raced while pregnant (remember, I'm old--running while preggers wasn't cool back then).

Did you incorporate cross training into your weekly exercise routine? If so what did you do? And what did you find most enjoyable?

I tried to cross train. With the first two, I tried prenatal aerobics. I HATED it, but did it because I thought it was good for me and the baby. I preferred doing Tae Bo (see, showing my age) for as long as I could. With the later pregnancies, I worked out on an elliptical.

What was your return to running like postpartum? How soon did you start running and did you feel your attitude towards running was different?

I know the generally accepted rule of thumb is to resume moderate to vigorous exercise no sooner than 6 weeks postpartum, but my doctor was good to me and told me I could resume running when I felt like it. For me, that was usually around 2 weeks. I had normal, uncomplicated deliveries and only minimal interventions. I really listened to my body, watched for bleeding, and started slowly. But I know that getting back into the running routine helped stave off any baby blues for me. Sure, my body was much--how shall I say it--bouncier post baby. I had to double up on sports bras (a first for me), and wear compression leggings to hold all the jiggly bits in. But it was oh-so worth it.

What advice do you have for running during pregnancy?

I would first advise that you manage your expectations. Now is not the time for that marathon PR. Of course listen to and talk

honestly

with your doctor. I would also advise women to really examine their motivations. Why do you want to run during pregnancy--really? Now is not the time to be concerned with burning 1000 calories by running 10 miles every day. Remember: when you're running for two it's not all about you.

Where can readers find you?

Web: www.ReadRunRadiate.blogspot.com

Twitter: @FiaunaL

Instagram:@Read.Run.Radiate

I love what Fiauna says about managing your expectations. Have you ever had to reevaluate your expectations for running (pregnant or not)?

Want to be featured as a Mom on the Run? Email me at runfargirl [at] gmail [dot] com.

--Sarah

I love connecting with readers! You can find me here:

Email: RunFarGirl [at] gmail [dot] com

Twitter:@RunFarGirl

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