Running and Motherhood
Motherhood hit me like a whirlwind, and through the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, I found myself needing an outlet for both my physical and mental well-being. The problem was, there was absolutely no time. I was still on maternity leave but my husband was back at work, so I was with my daughter all day long. Between nursing and her naps, it felt impossible to fit in anything else.
Then I remembered running. My initial thought was, '‘ugh, running.’ I had hated running in school, but desperate times called for desperate measures. I remember researching running strollers, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. Could this really work? Would my daughter enjoy it? But deep down, I knew it was worth a shot. So, armed with determination and a secondhand running stroller, we hit the pavement.
Those initial runs were anything but graceful. I wasn't fast, and coordinating my stride with the stroller took some getting used to. Yet, despite the challenges, there was a sense of liberation. Running became my pocket of time where I got to nurture myself, but still got to have my daughter in tow.
As she grew, so did my love for running. When my son joined our family, I once again found an outlet in running. Eventually, running became a non-negotiable part of my routine. Five days a week, I lace up my shoes, sometimes solo and sometimes strapping my kids into the stroller, and head out for my daily run.
Sundays are special—they're reserved for longer, uninterrupted runs. These are my favorite moments where I get a bit of solitude. It's almost like an active meditation, a chance to tune out the noise of the world and tune into my thoughts.
With running, I've discovered a newfound appreciation for both my mental and physical health. It's not just about staying fit; it's about nourishing my mind and setting an example for my children. By prioritizing my well-being, I'm showing them the importance of self-care and resilience.
Running has transformed me in more ways than I could have imagined. It's made me a better mom, more patient, and more present for my kids. It's strengthened my relationship with my partner, making me more giving and calm knowing I have some time to care for myself too. And, it's taught me to prioritize myself, to carve out moments of joy for me through the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
