half marathon

[40pregnant]

I am 40 years old.  This is my first pregnancy.  I have been training to walk a half marathon for the past month.  I just found out I am 5 weeks pregnant and the half marathon is in Dec 09.  Would it be okay to continue to walk the half marathon?  I believe I will be 12 weeks pregnant.

[wanting4#1]

I've always been told that if you are doing it pre-pregnancy, it's okay to continue it. You wouldn't want to start anything new...also, since you are planning on WALKING it vs. running, I would think it's fine to do.

I think that the most important thing is if it anytime you feel discomfort, stop.

As always, check with your doctor ;)

Good luck and congratulations!!

[JourneyJoJo]

Maybe I'm just paranoid, but at my age (41), I wouldn't take the risk unless my doctor gave me the ok.  You might not know if you're able to participate until you get there; so much can happen in the first trimester (eg, fatigue, nausea & vomiting, intermittent spotting for no reason, etc, etc).  If you're symptom free and your OB gives you the go ahead, then go for it and enjoy!  My personal dialogue, however, would be -- there will always be marathons, but the chances of conceiving again are not significant.  Whatever decision you make is solely yours and I sincerely wish you the best.

[Athena_M]

Hi,

I found this information about exercise safety during pregnancy.  See the info on don't overdo it.    


Exercise Safety


Here are some tips on how to keep you and your little one safe while you are working out:

Start Slowly: Even if you have been an avid athlete in the past, it is important to start exercising slowly during pregnancy. Start with just a few minutes a day and then gradually increase your exercise to a maximum of 30 minutes a day.

Don�t Overdo It: Pregnancy is not a good time to try to prepare for a marathon or the Olympics. It is also not the time to try to achieve personal bests or run that four-minute mile. Keep your exercise at a low or moderate intensity and only exercise for 30 minutes at a time.

Keep Cool: Make sure that you don�t become overheated. If you get too warm during your pregnancy, it could contribute to fetal development problems, particularly in the first trimester. So avoid exercising in hot or humid weather and wear light, breathable clothing.

Stay Hydrated: It is important that you don�t become dehydrated during pregnancy. Drink lots of water while you are exercising to prevent this, even if you don�t feel thirsty.

Monitor Yourself: Monitor your heart rate and pulse while you are working out. Make sure that your heart rate doesn�t exceed 140 beats per minute, because your baby�s heart rate increases along with yours

[Athena_M]

Be careful, don't over extend yourself.  Another gal in her 40's (here on Med Help) lost her baby mowing the front yard and back yard.  It was her first pregnancy too.    

See what your doctor says.  

[blueeyedtabbycat]

My SIL ran marathons through out her pregnancies. If your body is conditioned for it and your pregnany isnt high risk I would say go for it!

[kellym]

I did my first triathlon this year and I was 12 weeks pregnant.  It was only a 1/2mi swim, 12mi bike and 5k but my dr. had no problem at all with it. Good for you!!

[Courtcoop]

Congrats!! Another 40 yo pregger!  Yahooo!
Don't know the answer to this  question but think it would be fine considering a friend of mine RAN marathons throughout her whole pregnancy :-)
Good luck!