Tip 1: Don’t.
Okay I kid, I kid.
Real Tip #1: Know that life is messy, and your run plans will be messy too.
I ran on and off for years, and I’m slightly Type A (unless you see my closet, not type A there). But after I had kids I went through a lot of ups and downs in the exercise department. I went through a phase where I forced myself to stick to my regimen exactly when and how the plan was set. While I was proud of hitting my goals, I also had a deep feeling that this wasn’t how I wanted to do it, or how I wanted it to feel. I was constantly guilty, but I tried to suppress it because I thought this was how I needed to do it.
It wasn’t until I finally let go of the perfect-looking plan that I found happiness in the balance. That’s not to say that I don’t ever feel guilty (I’m a Mom, it comes with the title) but now that I am a few more miles, a few more races, and a lot more education into my running journey, I’ve learned that the only way to make this a lifestyle, is to be adaptable. Know that it’s not all going to be perfect, but running doesn't care.. it will be here for you anyway.
Tip #2: Ask for help.
I know, I hate cliche answers too, so if you X out now, I get it. But the reality is that if you have kids, especially young ones, you’re going to need help. Whether it’s child coverage while you run, moral support while you struggle, or a coach to take some of the thinking off your plate - your running will only be sustainable if you have some sort of help in order to allow you the space to find the joy in it.
Tip #3: Become an editor.
Decide your plan for the week. Have it changed 10 thousand times by your kids. Plan again. The more you can think outside the box, the more you are going to find running can fit into your life. End up with a kid in your bed at 5am and so that morning run isn’t possible? Can you hit the treadmill at nap time? Can you sneak a short evening run before or after dinner? Can you reschedule for tomorrow? Can you run while waiting for sport/art/music class to be done? Can you take out the dreaded stroller? Go into it knowing that edits are an expected part of the journey. And if you can’t figure out the edits, look back to tip #2 and find some (coaching) help.
Tip #4: Find a buddy.
I’ll be the first to admit I spent the first 90% of my running life running by myself, except for the occasional run with my Dad or brother. Running with others always stressed me out, made me go faster than I should have and left me breathless, frustrated and defeated. However, I accidentally found a running buddy who runs MY pace. For almost a year now we have run together about once a week. The shared inspiration of goals and the accountability of knowing she is waiting for me, has definitely pushed me out of bed on more than one occasion (okay fine all of the occasions). And every time, I find it’s enjoyable. But only because we are similarly paced, and we mesh personalities. So trial some people, and don’t just settle - find that running buddy that makes your journey better.
Tip #5: Give yourself a lot of freaking grace and credit.
Parenting is hard. Running is hard. Human-ing is hard. Look at all of the freaking things you have done in the past week, month and year. Seriously, it’s incredible. So take a deep breathe, give yourself some credit and cut yourself some slack. It’s all freaking messy, and beautiful.
Want to see a small sample of what a run coach looks like? Check out this blog.
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