As the weather starts to warm up, I am trying to recommit myself to a running routine. I haven’t always been a runner. In fact, I didn’t hit my stride (pun intended) until late in my twenties. My husband and I struggled with infertility and we both turned to running as a means of dealing with our stress and frustration. The habit stuck and even though my commitment to running ebbs and flows, I have found so much value in the sport. Most of all, I have found it a valuable time for reflection.
Keeping up with a regular running routine has not been easy since my son was born. I have taken him out with me in his stroller but I feel serious mom guilt when the temperatures are chilly or the snowflakes are flying. Not to mention the fact that I’m having a hard time getting my motivation back and pushing a stroller just makes the workout even harder to tackle. When my husband is home it is easier to get out the front door and log a few miles on my own or even hit the treadmill (or ‘dreadmill’) in the basement.
Motherhood is challenging and those few minutes of alone time let me sort out all of the mommy-mess rolling around in my head. The way I see it, keeping up with a regular running routine is helping me to be a better mom.
How running and parenting go hand-in-hand:
Focus on the future
As each foot hits the pavement during a run, it’s easy to get lost in the mundane rhythm as I stare at the concrete mile after mile. When I remember to pick my head up it helps me visualize the end goal and the road ahead. Whether it be 3 miles or 13 miles, it’s important to keep my focus on the finish line.
My role as a mother is also an exercise in visualization. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the day-to-day, when there is so much to look forward to in the coming weeks. No matter how many times I wash the bottles, clean spit-up off my clothes, or change another diaper blow-out I have to remember it’s going to change and one day I’ll miss these days (well, maybe not the diaper blow-outs).
Run with a herd
Find support. Running with a partner or group of women helps me keep pace, challenge myself to run faster, and run longer. It also helps me find joy and fun in what might otherwise be a grueling task.
I’m finding that having a group of ladies that are also new mothers, experiencing the same tribulations and triumphs has given me the same support. My husband and I joined a parenting group that meets twice a month. This gives us an opportunity to connect with other parents and talk about our struggles and successes as new parents. They are my “mommy herd”.
Keep at it to see results
Some days I have great runs and then some days my runs turn into walks because I just don’t have the energy or motivation. However, I need to keep reminding myself that doing something is better than doing nothing. The more I stick to it, the more likely I will get results.
The same is true of parenting. Some days are easier than others. My son has really been struggling to nap and sleep at night. In an effort to get him into a routine AND sleeping in his crib, my husband and I have had to endure some pretty rough nights. When it seems we’re making progress one day, the next night might be a total disaster. In the end, we have to remind ourselves to continue to stick to our plan. The results will eventually follow.
Take on a challenging task
Hills. I hate them and would add an extra mile to my run if I could avoid a hill. But in reality, there are going to be hills, some steeper than others. I can spend my life adding miles to each and every run OR I can man-up and face those hills head on.
I cannot begin to imagine the challenges and decisions my husband and I are going to have to face as we raise our children. They will be unavoidable and we will have to tackle each challenge as it comes our way. I am comforted by the fact that wherever there are hills, there is always a valley to follow.
In the end, running and parenting give me an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. I am thankful to have running as an outlet to help shape me into the mom I am, and the parent I want to be.
