I’ve started running again folks!! 1.7 miles closer to that half marathon! I bought the book “Run Like A Mother” (RLAM), and it has helped motivate me to get out there and move! Enough with making excuses: I don’t have new sneakers (bought them!); I don’t have a bra that reins in my giant funbags, feedbags, breasts (found one!!); I don’t have a jog stroller (well, still working on that one–but I went when Little Man was napping!!). So, plum out of excuses, and all amped up to run like a mother, I did just that.
I have realized a few things about me starting to run again: First, I am not going to be able to run far. Second, I am not going to be able to run fast. Third, if I am pushing a stroller, I will have to run even shorter and slower. And guess what? I am OK with it. The important thing is I am running!
In the few chapters I have read, the RLAM girls talk about how running lets them dissociate from “mom” and “wife” and any other hat they wear, and just be with their own thoughts. Well, as I ran I still thought about Little Man. With every footfall, I thought that this is one more step to make me better for him. Even though I ran short, and even though I ran slow, I can honestly say I haven’t felt as motivated to get out there and do it as I did today. I actually felt like I could keep going, but thinking I would like to be able to walk tomorrow, I didn’t (wise decision, as my legs are already feeling a little jello-y).
In today’s society of gluttony and sloth, I think it is super important for a child have active role models. I think it is important for Carson to see me out there. When he can understand, he will know Mommy is active and hopefully he will want to be like me. I do not need any more motivation than that.
It is going to be hard to get into a regular schedule, at least until I get the jog stroller (and then people really will know I am running like a mother!!). Until then, I will get out and do what I can, when I can. All of a sudden, running isn’t as much of a chore as it used to be–it is a concrete way that I can be a better mom.
How ’bout you? What do you do for yourself that helps you be a better mom?
p.s. Hopefully I’ll give you a full review of RLAM once I finish!!
I'm Thinking Too Hard! 
I am NOT a runner at all. I’ve never enjoyed it or been good at it but since joining Stroller Strides I’ve been pushing myself to do it more. My instructor is actually starting a running club at Mohegan Park on Saturday mornings – if you and the baby were interested I bet you could join us.
I would definitely be interested–let me know the details! It will be a little bit ’til I get my jog stroller (long story, but I am guessing a few weeks, probably…) but we would love to be part I think!
I ordered that book as well! So far I have read two pages – but I liked them!
Yeah, I am a few chapters in and liking it so far!!
outstanding… sounds terrific & i will surely pass the recommendation to fellow friends who struggle w/ the same things!!!!
bravo & congrats!!!!!!
Thanks for the nice words about Run Like a Mother. Running will definitely help you be a better mom: taking time for yourself (and your body, mind, and spirit) benefits the whole family. Keep us posted!
Well, if I could read like I used to, I would be done with it already!! Can’t wait to finish it so I can get it out there for other moms to check out!