Who runs the world? Moms.
But literally, I want you to run AND be the awesome Mom that you are.
I am the first to admit that this is not easy, and it is totally worth it. Below are my top tips and must-haves in order to train for a half marathon as a Mom.
Tips to train for a half marathon as a Mom:
1 - Share your goal
Give yourself accountability and a way to celebrate each win of your journey. Trying to fit training into parenthood is not easy, and you deserve to brush your shoulder off as much as possible. A partner might be the most important to share your goal with, so that you can also have a plan, but share with a friend, a coach, a work partner, social media... I mean, you're a runner after all, you're going to want to chat about your running.
2 - Have a plan
I know you are the master of scheduling. Training is no different. Having a plan will keep your goals in sight, ensure you make the time to train, and also allow you to train smart and efficiently. There are plenty of plans online, but if you want something more personalized to fit you, your running and your chaotic life, well I know just the lady 😉.
3 - Have an accountability plan
It's way too easy to not do the thing when you don't have a way to stay accountable. At the very least write your plan out each week so that you can cross off each workout. But more than that, find a partner, a friend or a coach to follow you on your journey. There will be days when you don't want to do it, and having an accountability plan/partner will make all the difference.
4 - Be flexible
I am nine years into parenting and I am still learning this lesson every day. Not to be cliche but a stick will break if it's bent, a rubber band won't. Yeah, that's not really a phrase, but you get the idea. When I set up my week I usually have a back-up plan in my mind. And honestly I usually need a back-up plan for my back-up plan. Being flexible will allow you to continue training when things don't go according to plan. Were you supposed to get up and run before the kids were awake but then your 5yo joined you in the middle of the night with a fever? Because that literally happened to me last night. It's okay. Push the run to later in the day, or the next day. Or remember that consistency matters way more than perfection and one skipped run won't ruin you.
5 - Ask for help
You might run the half marathon alone, but you won't make the journey alone. Asking for help can include your partner to watch the kids, a friend to do a weekly run with you, or a coach to guide you in the best plan to fit your life. Just like we are supposed to have a village to raise a child, you should have a village to train for your half marathon.
6 - Bring your kids along when necessary
I used to feel guilty for working out when my kids were awake and would do everything I could to only workout when they were asleep. Not only was this not realistic, it was also really freaking hard. But then I learned that it's okay, and actually maybe a good thing, for my kids to see me working hard and working toward a goal. Don't be afraid to get on the treadmill while your kids are playing nearby or take out the running stroller.
I hope these tips help you run towards your goals! You've got this!
Happy Running!
XO
Your Favorite Mess Coordinator,
Teddi
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