Alice Michel: How running supported her through pregnancy

Alice Michel is a 27-year-old from Vincennes. A dietitian, nutritionist, biotechnology teacher and university lecturer, she still finds time to run and train around her demanding schedule. Physical activity is a need, a passion and a necessity in her life: running, cycling, hiking, strength training and more. A few months ago, a happy event added a new dimension to her already busy routine. While on holiday in Peru in August 2024, the Zoom Volt Runners athlete discovered she was pregnant.

| In this interview, the expectant mother opens up about the past few months, her concerns and how she has continued running during pregnancy.

Did you have any concerns about pregnancy?

“Of course I did. I had a few concerns, which is perfectly normal. I had no idea what it would be like or how things would unfold. I was worried I might not be able to run anymore, and then everything happened so quickly. I barely had time to think about it or ask myself too many questions.”

What did your doctors think about running during pregnancy?

“ None of my doctors mentioned any risks. I see my gynecologist every month for check-ups, and each time he gives me the green light to keep running. I pay close attention to how I feel, listen to my body and don't take any risks. The hardest thing to deal with is the guilt brought on by other people's unfounded opinions, comments and judgments. That's also why I chose to announce my pregnancy late on social media. I wanted to protect myself from all that. ”

Now that you are eight months pregnant, how are you feeling?

“I'm doing well, and so is the baby. I still run regularly, just easy runs with no intensity, for between 30 and 40 minutes. The first five minutes aren't very comfortable. I feel some pulling, and the weight of my belly, but once I've warmed up, it gets better. I also do mobility exercises, proprioception work and a little strength training. I'm trying to adapt to this new body and the extra weight, which is important for my joints, especially my knees and ankles. ”

During our conversation, the runner from Vincennes explained how important it was for her to stay active, both for her physical and mental well-being. Easy runs, indoor cycling and walking are all part of her routine, always guided by how her body feels.

Running while pregnant: what actually changes?

“ My heart rate has changed. It's almost 10 beats higher at rest, but otherwise, the changes aren't the same throughout the pregnancy. It varies from one woman to another. Personally, I really noticed a difference in each trimester, as if a new cycle began every three months. The first trimester brought nausea, fatigue and pain around the uterosacral ligaments. During the second trimester, I had pain around the pubic bone and upper thigh. In the third trimester, I don't really have any pain anymore. It's more the weight of my belly that can cause some discomfort. ”

| After discussing the different stages and their varying symptoms, Alice added that easy runs and mobility exercises made her feel much better, helping her body adapt to all these physical changes.

Four months pregnant, Alice ran the New York Marathon last November in 3:04. It was a much easier pace than usual for a marathoner whose personal best is 2:39, set at the Valencia Marathon in 2023. She reached the finish line with her gynecologist's approval and by listening closely to her body and how she felt. Despite manageable ligament pain and a few urgent bathroom stops, Alice was determined to run this iconic race while staying tuned in to her sensations from one kilometre to the next.

How are you approaching your return to racing after childbirth?

“ I'm due at the end of March, so I'm not putting any pressure on myself or setting an overly ambitious date in the calendar. I'll take a full six weeks off running after giving birth. After that, I want to take my time. Ideally, I'm looking towards the Valencia Marathon in early December. I may enter a few races before then, but without any expectations, simply to enjoy being back in a race atmosphere and crossing a finish-line arch. ”

To wrap up this interview, pregnancy and running can be compatible, provided you listen to your body and how you feel, and keep the intensity low. Of course, every woman and every pregnancy is different, and medical clearance is essential before continuing physical activity during this period.

| Thank you to Alice for this interview. We wish you and your partner Nicolas every happiness as you begin this new chapter and prepare to become a family of three.