Common questions during the second trimester:

Can I run a race?

That is completely up to you.  The most important thing to remember, should you enter a race, is to run it for the fun of being in the environment of the race, not to run it fast.  I ran a race in my second trimester and it was slow but I had a great time.  Be prepared for some funny looks from people, as well as admiring words from other runners.

Should I continue to stretch?

During pregnancy your body releases a hormone called RELAXIN.  This hormone helps prepare your body for the impeding birth by loosening joints and ligaments.  You will be more flexible then usual.  Stretching should be done more gently now, because you will be able to over stretch and hurt yourself more easily.  That said you can keep on stretching and should.  Limit any stretching that requires you lying on your back, to the first trimester. 

Should I continue doing abdominal exercises?

As mentioned above, anything that requires you lying on your back should not be continued past the first 12 weeks.  So, crunches and the like are out.  Luckily there are some abdominal exercises that you can do during pregnancy.  There are variations that require you to be on all fours and curl your tummy in.  Look in the resources section of this website for books that can outline how to properly do the exercises.

What are some good cross training options?

 All pregnant runners start out with the good intentions of continuing the running routine they did pre belly.  But, realistically, there are some days that you either feel too queasy, tired, or big.  Or maybe it's really hot out.  What are some other options?  The most popular is the pool.  Whether you go to swim laps or to join in some prenatal water class, it's a good alternative.  There are lots of options at the gym too.  The elliptical machine or stationary bike will give you a good sweat.  The biggest key, if you do plan to deviate from your usual running, that your body is accustomed too, is to take it easy on any cross training activities.

Can I weight train?

As with any other activities, if it is something that you have already been doing, it's okay to continue.  Of course, modifications on weight used will have to be made as you progress along.  Machines are a safer option compared to free weights.  Your balance shifts as you get bigger making you more likely to teeter or fall.  Something you don't want to have happen with weights over your head.

Bladder issues.....

I wanted to take a moment and discuss the bladder, since it was such a big pain in the butt (no pun intended) for me.  I developed a 6th sense for finding toilets!  It was bad enough during every day activities, but when I ran there were days I couldn't string 5 minutes together without stopping to pee.  It was very frustrating.  The way I dealt with this was either to run on a treadmill, that had a bathroom a few feet away, or to run loops where I would pass I bathroom every 1/2 mile or mile. 
You should NOT stop drinking water and other fluids.  In fact, you should be drinking more then normal and have water handy during your runs.  The restrooms I would stop at had water fountains.  So, after I emptied, I filled back up!

Running Clothes 
I am going to put some links up that will help you find the gear you'll need as your belly gets bigger.  Check the resource page for them.
Let's start with the top and work down.
Get a hat and sunglasses if you'll be running in the sun.  The hormones that are racing through your body and cause Melasma, or pregnancy mask, to form on your face.  To avoid helping the splotching spots from forming, wear sun screen, a hat and sun glasses.
As your breasts get bigger and more tender, you may need to get some more support.  Some women find that wearing 2 jog bras helps.  There are also specialty sports bars for pregnant and lactating women.
You will know when you get to the point when you need extra support around the belly.  There are specialty compression shorts made for running and exercising.  You can find them designed as running shorts with support hidden inside, or designed like bike shorts.  I wore larger running shorts as long as I could and then wore the bike like compression shorts.  I liked these, because, as my legs got bigger, I didn't have to worry about anything riding up.

Disclaimer:  I am not a doctor or a medical expert.  I am a runner, coach and mother of two.  The information on this site is intended strictly for information purposes.  If you have any concerns or questions about your pregnancy, consult your doctor.