Mommy Runners
A few years ago, and increasingly of late, I began noticing women runners while running myself, when at my son's soccer games, when chatting with other moms at my son's school events, while in the line at the grocery store or at Target. Based solely on two facts - that we each run and we each have child(ren) - I have felt an instant connection with these women.
In my son's Kindergarten class, I can name at least three other moms who run - Nancy, Brooke and Christy. Now, that is four moms out of 24, so 18%. Maybe that is not statistically significant, however I think it is indicative that more and more women are finding ways to squeeze this into their lives. Not all of us have been athletic, but somehow we have all found our way to running.
Nancy - naturally athletic, lean, played college soccer, started running after her second child (a boy, same as her first) in order to drop the pregnancy weight
Brooke - crazy metabolism, this woman has had three boys and was back down to pre-pregnancy weight after her third in no time; she watched her dh run a marathon and caught the bug herself; she is FAST and never entered sports until now
Christy - another mother of three boys, she started running when her oldest wanted to train for a 5K; she is the most recent convert to running and is starting to enjoy it more and more
I think that the four of us share more in common than just running, but running is what has brought us together and is the first thing we talk about when we see each other (after the usual inquiries about the kids.) We are all registered for the Hurricane Run this weekend to benefit our children's school and the university at which the school resides. Our children and husbands are doing the Fun Run.
Tell me how you found your way to running - or cycling or swimming or spinning or whatever exercise you have found. Have you found other mommy exercisers?
In my son's Kindergarten class, I can name at least three other moms who run - Nancy, Brooke and Christy. Now, that is four moms out of 24, so 18%. Maybe that is not statistically significant, however I think it is indicative that more and more women are finding ways to squeeze this into their lives. Not all of us have been athletic, but somehow we have all found our way to running.
Nancy - naturally athletic, lean, played college soccer, started running after her second child (a boy, same as her first) in order to drop the pregnancy weight
Brooke - crazy metabolism, this woman has had three boys and was back down to pre-pregnancy weight after her third in no time; she watched her dh run a marathon and caught the bug herself; she is FAST and never entered sports until now
Christy - another mother of three boys, she started running when her oldest wanted to train for a 5K; she is the most recent convert to running and is starting to enjoy it more and more
I think that the four of us share more in common than just running, but running is what has brought us together and is the first thing we talk about when we see each other (after the usual inquiries about the kids.) We are all registered for the Hurricane Run this weekend to benefit our children's school and the university at which the school resides. Our children and husbands are doing the Fun Run.
Tell me how you found your way to running - or cycling or swimming or spinning or whatever exercise you have found. Have you found other mommy exercisers?
6 Comments:
I found you... so glad I did!
I first started running when I was 24 and working my first "real" job. My friend and I joined the local YMCA and met a great group of people there. We were all pretty close for a couple of year and did aerobics together and they introduced me to running. It was back then that I ran my first 2 15K runs.
The second time I got back into running was, gosh, 3.5 years ago - thanks to YOU. We ran a 1/2 marathon together in '05. I've been in and out of shape since then, but only recently got serious again in June (?) when you and G brought up the idea of running a 1/2 marathon in either Denver or KC. I am currently making really good progress, I think. Running is again a part of my life and I do have to say that I really like seeing what it does for my body.
I do notice other women runners. I see them running through downtown almost every day and I admire them very much.
Well, I have these two goddesses in my office that work out all the time. They keep me motivated - one is closer to my age, the other one is more than 10 years younger. We share all kinds of ideas, give each other a kick in the rear when needed, and cheer each other on.
And of course, there are my PIM friends who always inspire me! ;-)
You are my inspiration! I know that is probably not all that inspiring since I never get to the gym and need to loose 20 more pounds, but when I do make it and feel all good about myself, I get happy thinking "Teresa would be proud of me!"
oops I meant "not all that complementary" ;)
I used to walk, a lot. Then about 2 years ago I got into spinning. It was hard work but really satisfying. Then my friend decided to train for a triathalon as part of her divorce recovery plan. She and you and Liz and Gretchen have been a huge inspiration!
I can't say I like running but I do like the way it makes me feel and thrown in the with the swimming and cycling I don't get bored or wear take too much pounding on any particular part of my body.
I am looking for a 5K to fun this fall/early winter to give me an intermediate goal. The first tri is Father's Day and then the big one is in August.
Hi, I just clicked from Greeblemonkey.
I run too. I am slow but I do it. When The Boy was about 4, I decided that I needed to do something for me. Something to reclaim my body, something a bit scary so I trained for a marathon. I find the runs therapeutic. I like to run with others but always worry that I am being too slow. And honestly I enjoy the solitude.
But from time to time I do like running with other women. The women I run with are a bit older and it's nice to have a chance to converse with others.
I find once people know you run they find it instantly fascinating. And other runners want to know more.
I'm planning for another marathon in the spring. (I love Halves so it is time to go back to the full I think.) Still looking around. I'm open to suggestions.
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