As I lay there on the couch that first trimester, I thought then and there that my running life was over. I was already feeling so tired. Even the thought of running was hard. And this was just the first trimester! What about when I got huge? How could I even run when I was huge? And then I would have a newborn. Strollers are nice, but running with a screaming newborn in a stroller didn’t sound nice at all. Well, goodbye running.
I was so wrong. Running after having kids, and really, running while being pregnant, has been at the same time the greatest blessing and the craziest adventure ever. It has given me a new perspective on running and how it is a gift to be cherished, and not something taken for granted. I hope you read this and are encouraged to keep going even when it seems tough, or to start doing something active, even after having one, or two, or more kids.
1. Quality miles
Before I had kids, I ran more miles. Now, after having kids, I run more quality miles. What I mean by that is SPEED. I used to think that a little three to four mile run was just lame. Now, if all I have time for is a three to four mile run, I make it count. I’m not afraid to throw a little speed in there, even while pushing the stroller. I smile when I get comments about me tearing around at the local greenway. Yep, that’s what I’m doing. Tearing it up! My kids have gotten used to saying, “Coming up!” to the people in front of us so we don’t run them over. “Run faster!” my kids shout at me. Ok, I will!
I’ve also done speed work at the track while pushing my stroller. While this is not ideal, I didn’t have to do this for very long. Now my kids are old enough to play in the middle of the track while I run laps around them. We both get a great workout in! Or, if we do have a baby, my husband and I will go to the track at the same time and trade off repeats. That way someone is with the baby the whole time.
Speed work is great for overall running economy and efficiency. As your body takes in more oxygen as your pace increases, you will adapt to running faster for longer. I have actually seen my race times improve, even while doing a couple of training runs a week with a stroller! I think its because I run more quality miles. Or maybe its because I pretty much fly when I don’t have to push that heavy stroller in a race? Either way, I ran my fastest half marathon AFTER my second child was born! I never thought I would run that fast, but wow, what a blessing.
2. I can run any time of day, anywhere
All my runs used to be at the same time of day, and very well planned out. During the week, I would run after work. On my drive home, I could sip some water, let down, and listen to some pump up music. When I got home, I could either sit for a few minutes, or go ahead and lace up and head out. For my Saturday long run, I would get up at a late hour, leisurely eat breakfast, drink my necessary cup of tea, digest for exactly 45 minutes, then run. I had time to mentally prepare (or psyche myself out) before I went out on a well planned run.
Now, I squeeze in a run whenever I can! Sometimes I run when I wasn’t planning to. I never used to be able to do that. I had to have time to mentally prepare. But now, I can run in the morning, during nap time, in the evening when my husband gets home, or on vacation. I used to never run on vacation, but now it’s pretty much the best time because usually there are other people around to watch the kids!
I can run on lots of sleep. I can run on no sleep. (That used to be challenging. Now I’m a pro!) I can run when the kids are sleeping. I wish I could run while I was sleeping… that would be extremely efficient. I can run with a stroller, or without a stroller. If my husband is home and can watch the kids, I can run in extreme conditions. Even if it’s snowing, blazing hot, freezing cold, raining, or windy, I’ll go on that run! I definitely am more adaptable and don’t have to have perfect conditions for a run to happen.
3. I’m more flexible
I don’t mean that I can touch my toes. That will probably never happen.
What I mean is that if a run doesn’t happen, it just doesn’t happen that day. I used to beat myself up if I missed a run, but now I’ve realized it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. If I want to keep doing this, and enjoying it, I need to be more flexible. Instead of making myself go on a run when the kids or I are not feeling it, I am free to choose something different. Sometimes we do something else active like a hike or walk, or sometimes we do nothing at all. Living in the moment with kids is so important. Find the right balance of dedication to your running, and dedication to flexibility, and everyone will feel better.
I still remember having the best “runs” while I was 35 or so weeks pregnant. Yes, I was huge. No, I wasn’t running 8 minute miles. I was run-waddling for a minute, then walk-waddling for a minute. But strangely, I had the hugest smile on my face. Here I was, still doing what I loved doing, even while expecting that little one. My dedication to my running was paying off. Maybe running after having kids wouldn’t be so bad after all.
If you would like to read more about running with kids, check out my other blog post, “Five reasons you should run with your kids,” linked here. https://themommyjogger.com/five-reasons-you-should-run-with-your-kids/