The Pregnant Mother Runner Podcast

Pregnant Athlete Problems: When You Feel Strong and Terrible

Week 11 of pregnancy is… confusing.
One minute I feel strong, capable, and like myself again. The next? I’m nauseous, exhausted, and questioning everything.
In this episode, I’m sharing a real-time update on what it feels like to be training through early pregnancy as a runner. I hit my highest mileage week, lifted three times, and even completed a practice half marathon… but the physical and mental rollercoaster is very real.
We’re talking about:
The unpredictability of first trimester symptoms
What it actually feels like to train hard while pregnant
Why I was completely wiped after my long run
The awkward “in-between” body phase no one prepares you for
Body image struggles when you don’t quite “look pregnant” yet
How I’m actively working on shifting my self-talk and mindset
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body during a season of change… this one is for you.
If you are pregnant and trying to figure out how you can keep strength training safely while protecting your core and pelvic floor, check out the ANDA App. You can get a 7 day free trial and 20% off with my code SERENA
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Pregnancy Week 10: Feeling Better… Then Suddenly Not (Energy Swings, Food Aversions & Hormonal Acne)

Week 10 of pregnancy has been a mix of feeling really good… and then suddenly not so good again. Some days my energy is back, my appetite returns, and I feel like myself again. Other days I’m dealing with nausea, food aversions, and struggling to eat enough.
In this week’s update, I’m sharing what it actually looks like to navigate the ups and downs of early pregnancy while still trying to fuel well as a runner and a mom.
I talk about the emotional side of this pregnancy, including feeling nervous about adding a second baby, crying more easily, and having a shorter fuse than usual. Hormones are doing their thing.
I’m also diving into the very real challenge of trying to eat frequently to prevent nausea while also dealing with food aversions, plus the strategy I’m using right now: making my protein feel more like dessert since carbs are what I’m craving most.
And because pregnancy hormones are clearly thriving right now… we’re talking about hormonal acne. I explain why acne often flares during pregnancy and some nutrition strategies that support liver detox pathways, hydration, and hormone metabolism.
Inside this episode: • The reality of good days and bad days in early pregnancy • Food aversions vs trying to eat frequently for nausea • Why I’m turning protein into dessert right now • Emotional shifts and anxiety about adding baby #2 • Hormonal acne during pregnancy and what may help nutritionally • Supporting liver detox pathways through food and hydration
If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or just curious what fueling during pregnancy actually looks like in real life, this episode is for you.
 
Want to try Go Guarded? Use my code serena10 at checkout!
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Week 9: A Little More Energy, A Long Run Win & What I’m Supplementing

Week 9 felt… different. In a good way.
After getting absolutely humbled by Week 8 exhaustion, I’m finally feeling a little more like myself. The nausea has backed off, the bone-deep fatigue isn’t as intense, and I was able to get in a long run without feeling completely wiped out after. Huge win.
In this episode I’m sharing:
What shifted physically from Week 8 to Week 9
How my runs and strength workouts are feeling right now
Why that post–long run exhaustion finally eased up
The supplements I’m prioritizing during pregnancy (and why)
The not-so-glamorous update: sleep is still… not great
We’ll talk about the reality of fluctuating symptoms, how I’m adjusting expectations week to week, and what I’m focusing on nutritionally to support both baby and performance.
Because pregnancy training isn’t about chasing fitness. It’s about supporting physiology
 
Want to try Lagoon Pillows? Take their sleep quiz here. Use code serenamarierd to get 15% off your pillow!
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Pregnancy Week 8: Exhausted, Humbled & Actually Listening to My Body

Week 8 kicked. my. butt.
The exhaustion hit in a way that made workouts feel optional… and sleep feel non-negotiable. I skipped almost every planned session this week, and that would have spiraled me in my first pregnancy.
In this episode, I’m sharing:
What this level of first-trimester fatigue actually feels like
Why honoring your body > forcing fitness
The mindset shift between my first pregnancy and this one
How I’m approaching movement right now  
Starting the process of interviewing birth doulas and finding support that aligns with your values
Practical nutrition strategies for when you’re too tired to function
We’re also talking about real-life fueling when you’re exhausted:
Grocery delivery as a survival tool
Stocking up on foods you can actually tolerate
Giving yourself full permission to lean on takeout and frozen meals
Because this season is about adaptation.
If you’re a pregnant runner navigating fatigue, identity shifts, and changing expectations, this one will feel like a deep exhale.
 
Jacked Granny Protein Bars have around 16 grams of protein, the perfect post-run snack or mid-afternoon fuel — go check out jacked-granny.com and use code RUNNERGIRL to save 10%.
If you have questions about this episode, DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Pregnancy Week 7: Nausea, Nursing, Nerve Twinges & Letting Go of My Running Coach

Week 7 is officially here… and I feel pregnant now.
In this episode, I’m sharing what’s shifted physically, emotionally, and in my training this week. From nausea and food aversions to sore boobs while breastfeeding my 14-month-old, things are definitely changing.
We’re talking about:
Why breastfeeding has suddenly become uncomfortable
The nerve-y hip sensations + abdominal pressure
Snacking constantly to manage nausea
Body image this pregnancy vs. last time
Why I decided to stop working with my running coach
How running and lifting are still feeling (surprisingly!) good
The fatigue that’s creeping in
There’s something powerful about recognizing when your body needs a shift and trusting yourself enough to make it.
If you’re navigating pregnancy as an athlete, this one will feel like sitting on the couch with a friend who also packed snacks.
Here is the BOB Stroller I talked about in this episode!
 
Want to try Go Guarded? Use my code serena10 at checkout!
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian
 

I Ran a Half Marathon… IN FIRST TRI

Week 6 of pregnancy was a LOT.
I ran a half marathon, started proactively snacking on carbs to keep nausea at bay, and officially entered the era of peeing nonstop and feeling… kind of icky in my belly.
In this episode, I’m sharing what running felt like this week, why I’m committing to fueling during runs (even the short ones!) for the rest of pregnancy, and how early pregnancy hormones can mess with your mood before food aversions even show up.
We’re talking:
Why carbs are clutch for nausea prevention in early pregnancy
What abdominal pressure and that “off” belly feeling can mean (and when it’s normal)
Emotional swings, anger, and the mental side of early pregnancy training
How I’m thinking about fueling differently as a pregnant runner
This is not medical advice. It’s one runner, one body, one very real week of pregnancy. If you’re running pregnant, thinking about it, or just want to feel less alone in the weirdness… you’re in the right place.
 
Want to try Lagoon Pillows? Take their sleep quiz here. Use code serenamarierd to get 15% off your pillow!
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram @runnergirldietitian

Week 5: Surprise… I’m Pregnant (Again)

Welcome to episode one (Week 5 of pregnancy!) of The Pregnant Mother Runner Diaries and plot twist… I’m pregnant.
In this episode I’m sharing the very real, very fresh feelings of finding out. And, yes, I took approximately 47 pregnancy tests 😂…Obviously.
We talk about:
Exercising safely in early pregnancy and what the research actually says
The weird tingliness in my low back and hips
Headaches and thirst and “is this pregnancy or just life?”
Not showing at all and not really having symptoms yet
The complicated mix of excitement about a baby and disappointment about potentially losing fitness
Training still feeling strong
Nursing my 13 month old while newly pregnant
We’ll cover what current guidelines say about exercise during uncomplicated pregnancies and how I’m approaching training with curiosity instead of fear.
As always, this is my personal experience as a runner and registered dietitian. It is not medical advice.
And if you want deeper dives into fueling, body image, and metabolism for runners, come hang out with me on Dear Runner Bod.
 
Jacked Granny Protein Bars have around 16 grams of protein, the perfect post-run snack or mid-afternoon fuel — go check out jacked-granny.com and use code RUNNERGIRL to save 10%.
If you have questions about this episode, DM on Instagram @runnergirldietitian