The Strength Running Podcast Episode 14 - Running and Pregnancy with Claire Shorenstein MS, RD, CDN
10 snips
Feb 6, 2017 
Claire Shorenstein, a Registered Dietitian and keen ultramarathoner, shares her insights on running during pregnancy, being 34½ weeks along herself. She debunks the heart-rate myth, emphasizing perceived effort over strict limits. Listeners learn to adjust training based on daily feelings, with safe cross-training and nutrition guidance tailored for expectant runners. Claire highlights key nutrients and caloric needs while stressing the value of walking during pregnancy. Finally, she discusses her plans for postpartum running, blending endurance training principles with labor preparation.
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Use Effort, Not Fixed Heart Rates
- Do not rely on rigid heart-rate caps; instead, listen to your perceived effort and breathing while pregnant.
- Adjust intensity day-to-day and skip runs when your body feels unusually taxed.
Keep Baseline Fitness, Don't Add Load
- Maintain your pre-pregnancy baseline exercise but avoid adding harder or higher-volume sessions.
- If you were running 30–40 miles, gradually reduce rather than suddenly stop when needed.
Miles Dropped As Pregnancy Progressed
- Claire kept 30–40 miles weekly in early pregnancy and reduced to 15–25 miles as discomfort rose.
- Some days she ran fine and other days she had to walk or skip runs entirely.