I don’t share this story often or with many, but right after I had my second child, I was very overweight and unhealthy. I had just been laid off from my corporate job and had decided to return to college at night while raising two kids under the age of 3. The decision to go back to college was, for me, a tough choice because switching careers in my 30’s wasn’t in my plans. I stayed home during the day with a super temperant baby, a needy toddler and a house full of chores. As soon as my husband got home from work, I’d grab my backpack and hit the door for 4 hours of classes followed by a study group session at the library. It was those late school nights that got me! I gained more weight over the course of two years while I still kept that baby weight from the kids. You see, during that time in my life, I just didn’t see my health as a priority because I was just too busy trying to keep my head above water. Until one day, I saw my dad take his diabetic medications. Then it hit me.
I didn’t want to live with diabetes someday.
That moment for me was life changing. That following week I decided to hit the local middle school track in my neighborhood and walk. Boy, was I in for a rude awakening! I couldn’t even walk a complete mile without feeling like I had been run over by a truck. I came home and cried! I couldn’t do it– I couldn’t walk a mile! If only you could see how shameful I felt that night.
Fast forward 8 years later, it’s 2018. I’m 42 and healthy! By now I have ran countless 5ks. My biggest accomplishments include running 15 half marathons and 2 full marathons to date. Yes, “to date.” I have a full marathon and at least 2 half marathons planned for the remainder of this year. I’m not the fastest runner by any means, I’m still learning how to be more consistent with my running! I run at a good, comfy pace that allows me to enjoy this hobby. Sure, I can up my game and run a little harder, faster- but I know my limits.
Running is “my me-time.”
Moms, I think it’s important for us to take time away from everything we do on a daily basis to include some type of physical activity. It can be anything. I just recently took up Yoga and love it! But running helps clear my mind and it keeps me on track to staying fit and healthy. If you have any health concerns, always consult yorur doctor before starting any type of exercise regime and most importantly, ditch the all-or-nothing attitude about working out. No excuses! Get it in! Here are some tips from one Mom on the Run to another:
- Never skip the warm up and cool down
- Hydrate before, during and after your workouts
- Listen to your body, know your limits and know when to give your body a break
- Set realistic expectations for your workouts
- Log your workouts in a journal (this helps me stay accountable)
- AND… always remember, being fit and healthy looks different on everyone
I also enjoy taking my family with me on my running adventures. I book at least two running trips outside of the Dallas area and one out of state running trip every year. I don’t like exploring new cities without them! I see this as family time and my children are learning that you can set goals and crush them every time I finish a race! I’m proud of what running has done for me and my family. I feel better, I’m healthier and I can keep up with my kids!
