Why Every Mum Should Run

You might read that title and think, “Look here, lady. I can give you a hundred reasons why I SHOULDN’T run!” Maybe you have the same response that I have to someone telling me to take up painting!

Running makes me a better person. Dramatic? Maybe. True? Absolutely.

I have been in the business of making babies and growing kids into teenagers for 15 1/2 years. That means that I have had many, many bumps and curves in the road, and I have every reason under the sun to NOT participate in a journey of health and wellness. I have chosen to push through all those reasons.

There are lots of ways to be fit that don’t include running, but I am going to share with you 6 reasons why running is at the top of the list for me.

1. EXCELLENT PAYOFF FOR THE TIME INVESTMENT

I don’t know any other workout regime that blows the cobwebs out of my head and gives me good fitness in such a small amount of time. When my kids were little, I went for 30 min runs. I felt like that was all I could afford time-wise. That teeny investment was amazing for my emotional well being. I could leave the kids with Dad (or a friend) and no-one really missed me. Door to door in 30 mins. I feel like you can’t beat that.

2. SIMPLICITY

I just need shoes. No faffing with any equipment or learning a new skill. I can do it anywhere. Simple = doable. And it’s free.

3. FRESH AIR AND VITAMIN D

Read any list of steps to wellness or beating depression, and fresh air and having the sun/weather on your skin is so important. I could go to the gym but I’m still inside and I feel like that doesn’t cut it for me. Being out in nature does wonders for my soul.

4. BEST ANTIDOTE FOR TIREDNESS

Exhaustion speaks loudly. My mantra to myself is always “Do it tired. Go anyway”. I have never regretted a run. The worst that can happen is I walk, and without a doubt, I always feel better when I come home and have more energy for the kids.

5. SPACE FROM KIDS AND LIFE

Time away is so life-giving to me physically, emotionally and spiritually. Being alone with my own thoughts or chatting with a running friend is the best! I love being able to move at my own pace and have something that is for my own pleasure, completely outside of who I am as a mother.

6. I CAN DO ANYTHING IF I AM RUNNING FIT

I have the fitness to pretty much do what I want. If a friend wants to go for a hike, no problem. If I am towing kids with my bike I don’t die. I can paddle a canoe all day long. If we are at a lake where water skiing is happening I feel strong and agile enough give it a go. I can keep up with the kids without gasping for air and having to stop every 5 seconds to catch my breath.

Have I convinced you to run? I really think you should try! Be kind and go easy on yourself when you start out. Don’t give up because it’s uncomfortable 🙂

If you haven’t read the story of how I got started running, you can read the article here.