The following post is sponsored by Fitfluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno. All opinions are my own.
Me + Running = A pretty great relationship.
Me + Running + a heavy pregnant belly = Look AWAY, LOOK AWAY!!
Don’t get me wrong – I’m getting it done (and have run during all three of my pregnancies). But as the belly grows and my body starts to crack down the middle, running just doesn’t FEEL that great while I’m doing it (always great afterwards!). A few things happen. I a) immediately need to pee and b) immediately start to feel like the baby has dropped down to my ankles and will come out. Fun times. Pregnant running takes some planning and special maneuvering for sure, but the benefits are VAST so I’m aiming to continue running for the next 10 weeks or so (just at a much slower pace).
Benefits of Running While Pregnant
1) It’s super healthy…for mom AND baby!
A recent study published by the Institute of Movement Sciences and Sports Medicine at the University of Geneva, in Geneva, Switzerland, found that “regular physical activity has proven to result in marked benefits for mother and fetus.” Maternal benefits include improved cardiovascular function, limited pregnancy weight gain, decreased musculoskeletal discomfort, reduced incidence of muscle cramps and lower-limb edema, mood stability, and attenuation of gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension (source).
2) Running can speed along labor and postpartum recovery!
Women who exercise during pregnancy tend to have shorter labors, easier deliveries and a shorter postpartum recovery time. Running is among the best cardiovascular activities that a pregnant woman can engage in – opening the hips and strengthening the lower lumbar!
3) You just feel like a BOSS!
I know that for me, I get a huge high off of engaging in exercises and activities that I enjoyed PRE-pregnancy. My energy level is higher, as well as my body image. I enjoy maintaining my fitness level throughout my pregnancies and I’m convinced that my postpartum body thanks me for getting to the gym throughout those nine (ten) months.
Mizuno recently sent me a new shoe to review – the Wave Rider 17. This neutral running shoe has A LOT going for it:
- U4ic midsole delivers lightweight, resilient cushioning.
- Dissolving upper fit with new DMF execution and soft, supple mesh materials.
- SmoothRide Engineering for a brilliant run.
- Lateral Forefoot Sculpting for smooth touchdown and transition.
- Blown rubber forefront with deep flex grooves for optimal flexibility and cushioning.
What I love about the Wave Rider 17 is that it feels like a lighter version of my ALL-TIME favorite running shoe – the Wave Rider 15’s! I trained for and ran my last half marathon in the 15’s – an amazing shoe all around. In fact, I still wear those shoes even though the tread is starting to wear – they still just feel good. The toe box is perfect for my wider feet and they provide great arch support. These new 17’s are nearly identical to the 15’s except that they WEIGH LESS, meaning that turnover is greater (aka – my cankles can move faster).
A few more things that I noticed:
- I wear a size 9.5 and I feel like these shoes run true to size.
- The material is super breathable but not so much that you couldn’t wear them in winter weather.
- The tread would make for a good winter running shoe – not necessarily “trail-like” but these have a good grip!
All in all, another spectacular shoe by Mizuno – rivaling the 15’s and surpassing my Wave Sayonaras.
The Wave Rider 17 will be unleashed to the public on December 5th for $114.95 MSRP. Go here to get a pair of your own! Oh! And they’re available in WIDE and NARROW (great news for my hubby as he often has a really hard time finding wide shoes.)
QUESTION: What brand of running shoe do you prefer? Ever tried Mizuno? Prefer lightweight or something a little heavier?
splendid…lindsay
yes yes yes! I’m 30 weeks pregnant and still running! The pee thing is a bit of a pain but you’re right, I feel SO great after and I’m really hoping it all pays off when labor happens. I’m willing to stop when it doesn’t feel right anymore, but hoping I can keep it up for a few more weeks :)
lol lindsay. i love this post. :) glad to see you’re still running!
I’ve tried on Mizuno shoes, but I found that they’re too narrow for my wide feet! They sure are cute though, and I’ve heard rave reviews from others too.
Major props to anyone who runs while they’re pregnant! I tried, but just felt so uncomfortable and it was pretty miserable for me so I stuck with walking, yoga, and weight lifting.
First of all, your bump is the cutest. And you’re just the gorgeous-est. I ran until about 24 weeks with Norah. At that point my hips started aching and felt like they were popping out all over the place, so I switched to the elliptical and arc trainer. With Sawyer (my first), I bought in to the old wives’ tale that running could cause a miscarriage, so I stuck with low impact. But I did continue working out until the day before I delivered both of them! Toward the end I got funny looks at the gym, but I felt great!
And I am on my second pair of Brooks Pure Flows, which I absolutely love. When I bought my last pair, Mizuno hadn’t come out with a more minimalist shoe (like the Sayonara) yet, and the Mizunos I tried felt to heavy. But I need to try out their newer shoes!
LOVE the color you got! And running during my pregnancy gave me a sense of normalcy. Definitely appreciated that.
You look fit and awesome! I’m a mizuno lady and have been for the past 8 or so years :D
First of all, your bump is absolutely adorable. And two, I’ve never been pregnant so I can only imagine what it’s like, but whenever I see a pregnant woman running all I can think in my head is “you go, mama!”
They surpass the Sayonaras?! Sign me up! I love my Sayonaras.
Way to rock pregnancy running! I love that pink version of the shoe! So cute!
You’re a rock star and such a inspiration for other ladies pregnant! I love the 15s too and the 17s are awesome! The 16s… not so much!
I had to stop running once my belly popped, it just felt too uncomfortable! But instead I take spin class, yoga, I walk, and occasional light weights…when I maintain exercise I feel better and have more energy…when I skip a workout I get really tired and cranky so I absolutely want to keep working out until the Big Day! :)
Way to go mama! I ran until 36 weeks with Bryn and only stopped since she was breech at the time and I didn’t want to encourage tight hips so she would flip.
Super cute shoes! A girl in my gym was wearing lime green ones (maybe last years model). They look comfortable!
I love your positive and upbeat attitude towards your pregnancies, working out, being healthy, etc. I’m sure not all days come up roses, which keeps it real, (i know we all appreciate you being YOU) but you always stay positive. :) happy Thursday.