hi LIt Panda,
This is a topic close to my heart. When I concieved my first child, it happenned within 3 months and without IVF. I am a competitive middle and long distance runner and had been for about 2 years prior. When I found out I was pregnant, I sought the advice of a female sports doctor. Her advice was to keep running, but as I did not have a heart rate monitor, I was to run NOT to exhust myself, but just run.

So I keep running right up to the day before my baby was born......at the end it was a shuffle, but even at 7 months pregnant, I was joining in 10km fun runs and even at 9 months pregnant I did a 5km fun run.....it was for FUN. I think the hardest part was the first 12 weeks not the rest of the time, as I was very tired so that is when I took walk breaks.

The other ladies have very good advice. I also believe that you do not have to give up running - particularly if you are a regular runner. just listen to your body. If it needs a rest -let it rest. If you feel like a run or go to the gym - then go and enjoy. You sound like a very fit lady and it is an outlet for your stresses and emotional wellbeing.

I have just done my first cyle of IVF for our second child, as we did not seem to have the same luck naturally like our first child. I kept my heart rate about 140-145 or lower after my transfer- which is fine for swimming and cycling (I took up triathlons after our first baby!!) but running is frustrating as this only really allows me to do easy to moderate runs.

I admit to doing less since being on IVF - it just seems more precious and I took my first conception and pregancy for granted - this time, well...it seems different.

So advice? well, LISTEN to your body...don't go overboard, but don't feel as though you have to constantly miss out on workouts either - you are fitter than the average woman, and your body is used to this level of activity.

Lastly, it is great to hear from other women who are athletes like me - I posted on another forum and felt alienated and judged. I love my sport and believe it is a real part of who I am - a lifestyle choice.

The very best of luck to you. I hope to hear from you again soon to hear how you are going.......are you pregnant or in the 2ww?