Jillian Reyna, Dr. Leo, & Zach Goulet Talk about Running Training & Being Active While Pregnant
In this episode of the MindBodyMarathon, host Dr. Leo Kormanik is joined by regular Zach Goulet and special guest Jillian Reyna, who is currently twelve weeks pregnant. They discuss topics related to women's running and health, particularly during pregnancy. Jillian, a coach for adult runners ranging from beginners to those aiming for Boston Qualifiers, shares her journey into running, which began in high school after transitioning from gymnastics. Initially motivated by a desire to meet boys, she found success in track and later competed in cross-country and track at the collegiate level.After taking a break from competitive running post-college, Jillian returned to the sport through marathon running, inspired by a friend's interest in the Columbus Marathon. She had a positive experience in her first marathon, which reignited her passion for running. This led her to coaching, as she wanted to provide a supportive experience for others, contrasting with some negative coaching experiences she had in the past. Jillian emphasizes the joy of running beyond competition and the importance of integrating it into a healthy lifestyle. She also mentions her daughter, who is nineteen months old.In this discussion, Jillian Reyna shares her experiences with running during pregnancy. She ran with her first child until about 26 weeks, making necessary adjustments for comfort, such as incorporating walk breaks due to bladder pressure. Jillian cherishes the connection she felt while running, often talking to her unborn child during workouts. When it comes to exercising during pregnancy, the conversation highlights the importance of listening to one's body and adjusting activities based on individual comfort and health. Jillian's OB is supportive of her maintaining fitness, emphasizing the significance of understanding one's baseline fitness levels prior to pregnancy and making informed decisions about intensity and duration of workouts.The conversation also touches on general guidelines for pregnant women, noting that keeping heart rates below 150 beats per minute can be a good practice. However, it's essential to consider personal health history, risk factors, and any specific medical advice from healthcare providers. They discuss how movement can be therapeutic, especially for those experiencing nausea, as it may provide relief and distraction. Ultimately, the focus is on finding a balance that promotes well-being while ensuring safety during pregnancy. The discussion wraps up with a mention of professional athletes, like Alicia Montano, who have notably continued running during their pregnancies, highlighting the diverse experiences among women.In this conversation, the speaker reflects on their running habits before and during pregnancy, emphasizing a low-mileage approach that has proven effective for them. They typically run three days a week, averaging 20 to 30 miles, which they find manageable alongside their responsibilities as a mother. The speaker acknowledges that they face criticism for their mileage but highlights the importance of enjoying running without the pressure of high mileage that can lead to burnout. They discuss the balance of maintaining fitness while being present for their family, recognizing that their priorities have shifted since having children.As the speaker navigates their current pregnancy, they describe adapting their running routine to include walk intervals and lower mileage, focusing on enjoyment rather than performance. They share past experiences of returning to running postpartum too quickly, leading to discomfort and potential injury. Learning from these experiences, they emphasize the importance of patience and the need to listen to one’s body after childbirth, acknowledging the changes that occur. The speaker aims to approach this pregnancy with a healthier mindset, ensuring they...