Can a Mama get a run?
I decided to dedicate a post to explaining how I find time and space to go running. And if you all find any blog material or other internet advice out there on this subject, by all means direct me to it! I'm on the lookout for new tips and tricks!
Disclaimer: This is not expert advice. I am not an expert runner, nor am I an expert mother. I am not writing this because I have it all figured out. I'm just sharing what I do.
Strategy #1: Always remember-- some workout is better than no workout.
This is not a time in my life when I can expect to get in a daily 5-miler. My kids just need me too much, and there aren't enough hours in the day. When I can't get the kind of workout I want, it's tempting to say "Well, I just won't go at all today." But even a 10- or 20-minute workout can do wonders for my energy level and frame of mind. I try to save more lengthy workouts for the weekend and be satisfied with myself for doing what I can during the week.
Strategy #2: Do not be afraid of the jogger... or the double jogger.
I am always dragging my kids along with me for a run. It's a little more difficult now that it's summer and I have all three girls home every day (we do not own a triple jogger... I'm not even sure they exist). But I can still get creative if I have to... I power-walked the other day pushing the double jogger while N rode her bike next to me (she can't quite bike at my running speed yet, but soon)! We all had such fun together. L is a particular fan of riding in the jogger, and so I take her out whenever I get the chance. Some days she BEGS for a "ride in stroller"-- since N has been home from school, she's really been missing it. If I ever slow down or take a walk break, L commands from the stroller, "Run, Mama, run!!" How's that for motivation??
(Again, keeping it short is key here. If I'm jogging with a stroller I keep it to 3 miles or less. Even patient little C usually gets antsy after 3.5 miles or so. Also, timing the jog during a nap for at least one child usually extends the amount of time you can be out. If it's nap time, the motion of the stroller always lulls my kids to sleep-- I know this doesn't always work for all kids, but it's worth a try.)
Strategy #3: Plan ahead.
Don't just assume that a run will happen "at some point" during the day. It probably won't. The night before, think ahead to a time that will work-- communicate a request for running time to your husband, plan a jogger excursion, or work something out for nap time. The next day, execute your plan. If M knows ahead of time that I want to run when he gets home from work, I can have my clothes on and be ready, run out the door as soon as he's home, and be back before supper needs to be made. M and I have been known to sit down Saturday morning and plan the day around a longer run for both of us: "You run in the morning while I take the girls grocery shopping, I'll run during nap time," etc. Planning ahead and communication are good strategies in general when you've got three young children, but especially when it comes to running.
Strategy #4: Don't be afraid of the dark!
I have been known to go out running in the wee hours of the morning before M leaves for work. (I don't usually have the energy after the girls go to bed, but if you're a night owl, that could work for you.) Some of my friends question the safety of this strategy, and I do agree that it's not ideal, but in a pinch it can work. Just take along a flashlight, a reflective vest, some pepper spray, and your cell phone (and maybe a fanny pack to hold all this stuff? *wink*)
Strategy #5: Invest in a treadmill.
We have an elliptical machine that we bought for cheap on craigslist when I was pregnant with L, because that was the only way I could work out (running during that pregnancy was too uncomfortable). I still use this from time to time; it's great for a workout at home during nap time. I can usually get my younger two down for a nap at the same time, and N loves to accompany me down to the basement with a coloring book for a quick workout. (In fact, she laughs most of the way through my workout-- she finds the motion of the elliptical hilarious... and I'm sure I look pretty hilarious too!) Again, not my favorite-- staring at the basement wall (and being laughed at by your daughter) is much less fun than running outside-- but it's better than nothing. It's also great during the rainy/snowy fall and winter months.
Strategy #6: Be open to other workouts.
Running is my favorite, but there are other things I can do that are sometimes more convenient to our schedule. I have a pilates video that I sometimes do after the girls are in bed, or during nap time. Sometimes the girls and I will turn on The Wiggles and have a dance party. (You would be amazed at what a good workout this is... those Wiggles must be in really good shape!!) If you get creative, there are lots of possibilities.
Strategy #7: Know when to give it up... and don't get discouraged.
These past few weeks we've been really busy with housing stuff, planning ahead for my orchestra next year, and keeping the girls busy during the summer days. During the week, I just haven't had time for workouts of any kind, no matter how much I strategize. The reality is that running has to take a backseat during certain seasons of life. So, my strategy is to just keep up with longer runs on the weekends (although my body protests more about this when I haven't been running during the week), and get back into it when time allows. It's tempting to get discouraged, especially when you start to feel out-of-shape, and give up on running altogether. But don't give up... each day, start over and re-think whether there might be time to squeeze in a workout. (I'm writing these words of encouragement as much to myself as to other people!!)
So, this may seem like an obsessive amount of thinking about running... and maybe it is. But the reason why I obsess is that when I am active, I am a MUCH better, happier, more energetic Mommy. These past few weeks when I haven't been able to get in much working out during the week, it has really taken its toll on both me and the kids. Last Thursday, M came home to find me in tears, which hasn't happened in a looong time. He sent me out on a run and I came back a new person. Not only is it time away for me, but the exercise is like my "anti-depressant" (as I told M when I returned). Plus, it burns a few calories, and it never hurts as a side benefit to feel more confident about the way you look.
Happy running (dancing, playing, and ellipticizing), everyone!
Disclaimer: This is not expert advice. I am not an expert runner, nor am I an expert mother. I am not writing this because I have it all figured out. I'm just sharing what I do.
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| First Thanksgiving Day Road Race post-baby, November 2008... with all my running peeps! |
This is not a time in my life when I can expect to get in a daily 5-miler. My kids just need me too much, and there aren't enough hours in the day. When I can't get the kind of workout I want, it's tempting to say "Well, I just won't go at all today." But even a 10- or 20-minute workout can do wonders for my energy level and frame of mind. I try to save more lengthy workouts for the weekend and be satisfied with myself for doing what I can during the week.
Strategy #2: Do not be afraid of the jogger... or the double jogger.
I am always dragging my kids along with me for a run. It's a little more difficult now that it's summer and I have all three girls home every day (we do not own a triple jogger... I'm not even sure they exist). But I can still get creative if I have to... I power-walked the other day pushing the double jogger while N rode her bike next to me (she can't quite bike at my running speed yet, but soon)! We all had such fun together. L is a particular fan of riding in the jogger, and so I take her out whenever I get the chance. Some days she BEGS for a "ride in stroller"-- since N has been home from school, she's really been missing it. If I ever slow down or take a walk break, L commands from the stroller, "Run, Mama, run!!" How's that for motivation??
 |
| N in the jogger at 3 months of age. Even when they're teensy tiny (as N was), with some carefully tightened straps and well-placed blankets, they are snug as a bug. |
Strategy #3: Plan ahead.
Don't just assume that a run will happen "at some point" during the day. It probably won't. The night before, think ahead to a time that will work-- communicate a request for running time to your husband, plan a jogger excursion, or work something out for nap time. The next day, execute your plan. If M knows ahead of time that I want to run when he gets home from work, I can have my clothes on and be ready, run out the door as soon as he's home, and be back before supper needs to be made. M and I have been known to sit down Saturday morning and plan the day around a longer run for both of us: "You run in the morning while I take the girls grocery shopping, I'll run during nap time," etc. Planning ahead and communication are good strategies in general when you've got three young children, but especially when it comes to running.
Strategy #4: Don't be afraid of the dark!
I have been known to go out running in the wee hours of the morning before M leaves for work. (I don't usually have the energy after the girls go to bed, but if you're a night owl, that could work for you.) Some of my friends question the safety of this strategy, and I do agree that it's not ideal, but in a pinch it can work. Just take along a flashlight, a reflective vest, some pepper spray, and your cell phone (and maybe a fanny pack to hold all this stuff? *wink*)
Strategy #5: Invest in a treadmill.
We have an elliptical machine that we bought for cheap on craigslist when I was pregnant with L, because that was the only way I could work out (running during that pregnancy was too uncomfortable). I still use this from time to time; it's great for a workout at home during nap time. I can usually get my younger two down for a nap at the same time, and N loves to accompany me down to the basement with a coloring book for a quick workout. (In fact, she laughs most of the way through my workout-- she finds the motion of the elliptical hilarious... and I'm sure I look pretty hilarious too!) Again, not my favorite-- staring at the basement wall (and being laughed at by your daughter) is much less fun than running outside-- but it's better than nothing. It's also great during the rainy/snowy fall and winter months.
Strategy #6: Be open to other workouts.
Running is my favorite, but there are other things I can do that are sometimes more convenient to our schedule. I have a pilates video that I sometimes do after the girls are in bed, or during nap time. Sometimes the girls and I will turn on The Wiggles and have a dance party. (You would be amazed at what a good workout this is... those Wiggles must be in really good shape!!) If you get creative, there are lots of possibilities.
Strategy #7: Know when to give it up... and don't get discouraged.
These past few weeks we've been really busy with housing stuff, planning ahead for my orchestra next year, and keeping the girls busy during the summer days. During the week, I just haven't had time for workouts of any kind, no matter how much I strategize. The reality is that running has to take a backseat during certain seasons of life. So, my strategy is to just keep up with longer runs on the weekends (although my body protests more about this when I haven't been running during the week), and get back into it when time allows. It's tempting to get discouraged, especially when you start to feel out-of-shape, and give up on running altogether. But don't give up... each day, start over and re-think whether there might be time to squeeze in a workout. (I'm writing these words of encouragement as much to myself as to other people!!)
So, this may seem like an obsessive amount of thinking about running... and maybe it is. But the reason why I obsess is that when I am active, I am a MUCH better, happier, more energetic Mommy. These past few weeks when I haven't been able to get in much working out during the week, it has really taken its toll on both me and the kids. Last Thursday, M came home to find me in tears, which hasn't happened in a looong time. He sent me out on a run and I came back a new person. Not only is it time away for me, but the exercise is like my "anti-depressant" (as I told M when I returned). Plus, it burns a few calories, and it never hurts as a side benefit to feel more confident about the way you look.
Happy running (dancing, playing, and ellipticizing), everyone!
I love you! Thanks for sharing! :)
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