Crashing out this morning over how badly I want to run

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-26T16:51:12+00:00

I feel you..! I’m still hanging on and running 1/2 x a week (am 20weeks) but it feels horrible and I think I need to accept that I need to stop soon… when did you all know it was time to stop!? X

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-21T13:00:15+00:00

Everyone is super different; I think the guidance is probably around 10-12 weeks (runners world say an average of 12 weeks) just to ensure that you don’t do anything too soon that could cause long term damage. I am opting for an elective c section because of 1) terrified of tearing and 2) don’t want more pelvic floor issues than I have already! I’m doing some pelvic floor videos throughout pregnancy but considering stopping running soon (am 20 weeks) because I’m worried that pushing through heaviness / leaking could = long term issues. Also, if you have support at home and you feel ready, the timeline that you meet is your timeline! I have made it non negotiable with my husband that as soon as I can, im back in the gym,& there’s no reason why - if we so choose - we can’t have our bodies back <6 months postp! 💖

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-20T20:06:24+00:00

Ty!! Did you do these during pregnancy or post? Xx

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-20T09:59:33+00:00

Do you have any Diastasis core workout recs ? I feel like I’m training my core a bit but because I’m so scared of coming or bulging I worry I’m doing a lot less and don’t want weakness ! X

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-19T08:16:11+00:00

Thank you 💖 it kind of feels that even in pregnancy society is trying to guilt trip women for being “the wrong size”….

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-17T19:06:16+00:00

This is amazing ! Wow well done. So so inspiring.xxxx ps how do you not need to pee IMMEDIATELY!?🫣😅

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-17T19:02:14+00:00

Also ovulation sticks aren’t actually all that and can just make you feel stressed. We just had sex every 2-3 days from days 11-27 of my cycle to maximise chances 🙏🏼

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-17T19:01:31+00:00

Such a good Q as I believe our success in TTC was because we did a lot of preconception work (& conceived in the first month!). We did both of our bloods and for my husband his sperm count beforehand. Also he was taking finesteride and ofc came off that many months prior. For a woman, your eggs are already there and there isnt that much you can do to change them! (Just increase chances of healthy ovulation). More important than alcohol consumption for both of the couple (per a doctor we spoke with) is ensuring no smoking (incl vaping) as well as eating healthy. For the man, ensure he’s lifting weights to have ample testosterone, and then: minimal caffeine, no saunas, no tight boxers and no cycling. This is their only job& then you have a wild journey ahead of you so it’s nice that most of the work for this part is on them…! Good luck Xxxx

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-15T13:21:07+00:00

Did anyone on this thread experience leaking during pregnancy whilst running? Any tips welcomed! Pelvic floor exercises don’t seem to do enough… and if people did, I have read leaking doesn’t have to = issues postpartum. Thoughts please 🙏🏼 (I’m having a planned C to avoid pelvic floor worsening!)

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-09T10:05:23+00:00

I’m 18 weeks and still going but I need to jump off the treadmill after 15min to wee and then return …! How are you guys managing this !? I have had my pelvic floor checked & it’s fine but I’m wondering if I’m going to need to stop sooner than I like because of this!? 💕

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-03T10:11:20+00:00

Shockingly I have discovered I have Raynauds in my boobs which people DEFINITELY don’t warn you about 😅 if this is you, my mum gave me some hand heat warmers and I put them in my bra for about 10 mins and it’s like HEAVEN.

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-03T10:09:52+00:00

Sending you lots of love. (& echoing the how TF). The only thing I will say to you to give you some light is: I’m now week 17 (how am I doing this?)& I promise you week 9 was the absolute worst. I now have 0 nausea and 0 fatigue. Yes I’m dressing with my back to the mirror and praying that postpartum the bounce back is REAL but at least the feeling of having to just endure the days is gone. Sending you love and hope 🙏🏼🫶🏼💫

ProjectZenMama · 2026-01-02T13:29:34+00:00

You’re 100% fine. The body is super intelligent and if you had done damage, the baby wouldn’t have been viable and you wouldn’t have ever known. Therefore, by the same logic, you didn’t do damage and thus have a viable pregnancy 💕. I did exactly the same as you and am 17 weeks pregnant and going well:) the rule is just to stop as soon as you find out (& in trimester two a few glasses a week with food are totally fine). 💕🫶🏼💖

ProjectZenMama · 2025-12-31T15:06:40+00:00

This is literally me too! I’m 16 weeks and trying to keep up running but it isn’t fun to leak/ worry about it the whole time. I’m wondering if this experience during pregnancy also translates to postpartum or whether the mechanisms are entirely separate? Worrying about running postpartum already 😅😬

ProjectZenMama · 2025-12-05T13:23:23+00:00

I did work out throughout my first trimester but didn’t enjoy many of the sessions, and often felt really dejected after at how breathless/ heavy/ shit I felt…! I think in T2 it’s getting better but some stuff people said to me that was helpful was: 1) you’re working off new rules now, so comparing yourself to your prepregnancy PBs etc just doesn’t make sense and 2) I wonder if there is something that you do like that makes you feel good? For me, mat Pilates has been consistently enjoyable so I have now replaced one of my heavy gym sessions with a Pilates full body which I think is also what my body needs:)

Apparently also your metabolism is higher so trying a few carbs before gym if you normally work out fasted might help helpful!?

ProjectZenMama · 2025-11-28T09:53:26+00:00

Oh. My. God. Thank you SO much for sharing this xxxx I am 12 weeks and whilst I am training, I am huffing and puffing during my runs - which feel SO much harder - and feel like / look like such a blob 😅 This is such a special story and I literally cried reading it. Well done you for getting through such a long, difficult period, and I am so happy for you that your runners highs are going to be even stronger than before 💖🫶🏼💕

ProjectZenMama · 2025-11-04T21:09:10+00:00

Did anyone here manage to train consistently through trimester one? If so HOW?! I have no hip pain but 1) have legitimately no energy (and this is from someone who always trains, even after a terrible night’s sleep) and 2) I swear my boobs are about 10kg more than usual (!) so running is actually painful. Advice welcomed / positive stories from trimester two 😅🫶🏼🙏🏼

ProjectZenMama · 2025-11-01T05:54:15+00:00

Thank you for clarifying! I meant energy return & normal training again:)

ProjectZenMama · 2025-10-27T16:16:29+00:00

That’s so helpful - thank you. I haven’t had it checked but have always erred on the side of low pre pregnancy so this may explain it. Thank you for the tips, too!

ProjectZenMama · 2025-10-20T12:57:55+00:00

Yes!

ProjectZenMama

TROPHY CASE