Running

Moms Can Run

Cindy Posey (pictured here with Asher, 3, and Stephanie, 2) is the author of Go Workout Mom: a blog for mothers to find time to make physical fitness a priority in their lives. By providing knowledge, tips and her personal journey, moms can gain support and motivation to live a fit life. The benefits include:

• Education about physical fitness terms, exercises, and health
• A Simple Step-by-Step Plan to start the journey at home
• A Community of like-minded women
• A focus on a lifelong commitment

Cindy is a mom to two toddlers, wife to a fantastic husband and a reemerging runner!

I often receive looks of horror or disbelief from Moms when I say, “I’m running again and it feels great.” Running? Good? How? When? I grew up playing basketball and volleyball. I never considered myself a runner. My painful memories of running came in the form of short, fast sprints called “suicides” on the basketball court. Cindy, put on running shoes and go for a multi-mile run?! I would have said, “You’re crazy!” Now, running is part of my lifestyle. I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 1998 and finished. For me, time didn’t matter. Running became a part of my life. I found the thrill in finishing a mile, two, three and more. Then I had babies. I quit putting aside time to run. I became the overwhelmed mom of two, focused on doing everything for everyone else. What can a mom do to catch a few moments to herself? Head outdoors, breathe in the fresh air and run. Running is a fantastic stress reliever and an opportunity to reflect on life or the latest episode of Grey’s Anatomy.

Are you new to running? Did you give up running when you had your babies? Running is flexible and fits into a mom’s busy schedule better than many forms of exercise. The benefits include personal time (Yes, It’s Important!), health, mental and emotional improvements. Are you uncertain where to begin? With a few considerations, you can start a fantastic, uplifting journey in running. Let’s take a look at a five important things you can do to begin running:

1. Dress the Part
Shoes are the most important investment you make for running. Purchase a pair that fits well, lets your feet breathe, and supports your arches. Wear comfortable clothes. If you’re bring baby along, invest in a running stroller. There are a wide range of strollers available to keep baby comfortable as your running partner.

2. Start Slow
I had to resume my journey toward running by walking first. By consistently setting aside time to workout, walking lead to running. Are you anxious to start running right away? To avoid overextending your current level of fitness, take advantage of the many free programs available on the Internet. The American Running Association Walk to Run program in 12 weeks is a great way to reintroduce running into your life. I’ve heard good things about the Couch to 5K Program. Feel free to make your own time line. For instance, start by walking 10 minutes, run 1 minute, walk 10. There are no set rules on running. Pace yourself. Don’t go out and run 30 minutes when you haven’t been outside since the baby was born! Add running in small, manageable increments and running will seamlessly become part of your lifestyle.

3. Drop the Guilt
Moms are notorious for feeling guilty about everything. We are very hard on ourselves. How are you suppose to set aside time for yourself when there is so much to do for everyone else. This is a mindset that causes unhappiness among a large population of moms. I’ll be frank. You need to leave the guilt behind, stop second guessing your choices, and find ways to become your own cheerleader. Check out Go Workout Mom for ways to incorporate fitness into your life. If you miss a day or two of working out, that’s okay. Don’t add the extra burden of guilt to your stress filled shoulders for days that don’t work out as planned.

4. Where to Run
The beauty of running is that it doesn’t require a gym membership or set schedule. You can run anywhere. Parks all over the country have paths and scenery to enjoy. Your neighborhood right outside your door has many different streets you can explore and you can change up the route to add variety. Your own living room or yard can be an outlet for running. Granted, it might be boring to run in place or around the house thirty or forty times, but it’s still running!

5. When to Run
When you set aside time for yourself, not if you set aside time, will depend on YOU! I know you’re going to challenge this notion, but you must make a date with yourself to exercise. Exercise is important to your physical and mental well-being. Is your child your running partner? Is it easier to get up 30 minutes earlier in the morning? Are there neighbors that will watch the baby for 30 minutes or family near by to watch baby a bit? Part of finding time for yourself is also finding your support base. You’re not alone in the world and there are many people you know that love your baby or babies in short bursts of time! They want to help you, and you need to let them.

My Own Journey
It took me close to two years to finally realize how important exercise was to my well-being. I fell into the trap of devoting all my time to raising babies, coordinating play dates, attempting to keep an immaculate house, and having dinner on the table every night. I lost all my personal time. I was miserable.

In the last several months of devoting thirty minutes to an hour of my time to exercise, I have felt a large difference in my life. I still struggle to get out most days of the week, but I’m not getting down on myself for missing days here and there. I’m happier and more energetic. I’m not as fast I used to be but that doesn’t bother me. I enjoy the release of tension and the feeling of accomplishment in running around the block or on a treadmill. I find more bounce in my daily routines and a more positive outlook in life. In a couple of weeks, I’ll be running in the I Run for the Party 5K. My first competition run since I had babies 2 years ago. What’s your first running goal? How do you plan on celebrating? My accomplishment is going to be followed by the cold beers at the end of the finish line. Yes, I know that it’s not healthy, but it’s a great incentive builder! The race also supports great charities: Autism Society of Middle Tennessee and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Setting aside time for yourself should not be plagued with guilt for leaving your children or spending less time with your children. The quality of time spent with your children is just as important as the quantity of time. Your well-being and happiness is necessary for the whole family. You are your children’s role model. Your demonstration of a healthy lifestyle and happiness will mold their experiences and desires to be healthy and physically fit.

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