To my fellow mothers (however that looks for you), Mother’s Day is often about the brunches and the handmade cards, but for those of us who lace up our shoes, there is another relationship worth celebrating. Today, I’m writing a love letter to the sport that has kept me grounded through the past 13 year. For me, running isn’t just a hobby. It’s the quiet space where I find myself again after a long day of being everything to everyone Here is how the miles help me navigate the busy season of motherhood.
The Gift of a Quiet Mind
In a house full of noise and schedules, running provides the ultimate luxury: silence. It is the one time of day when no one needs a snack, or a ride, or a signature on a form. That time always helped me to process the mental load of motherhood, land come back through the front door with a little more patience and a much clearer head.
More Than Just a Mom
It is so easy to let our identities get swallowed up by our roles at home or at work. Running is a great reminder that I have my own goals and my own finish lines to cross. It’s my plan to run 50 races in 50 states, and I love how running preserves a piece of who I am as an individual. It proves that I’m a runner, a dreamer, and an athlete, too.
Showing Them What’s Possible
My kiddo might not be out there running with me, but they are absolutely watching. By getting out the door when it’s cold or training for a race when we’re tired, we teach our kids a vital lesson: Moms can do hard things. We are showing them that it is healthy to have passions and to work hard for something that is just for us, and that lesson is something they can take with them in their own endeavors.
The Strength to Keep Going
Motherhood requires a specific kind of endurance, and running acts as the perfect training ground. It provides a way to breathe through discomfort and pace for the long haul. The resilience I’ve built on the pavement is the same resilience I use to navigate the daily ups and downs of raising a family.
A Community That Understands
Whether it’s a quick “good morning” or a long chat during a group run, this community is one of the greatest lifelines. There is a special bond between moms who run: a shared understanding of the logistics it takes just to get to the starting line. It is a reminder that while we might run solo, we are never truly alone in this journey.
So, this Mother’s Day, I’m saying thank you to the miles. Thank you for the perspective, the strength, and the sanity. To all the moms out there doing the work, both on and off the road, you’re amazing and I hope you have the best day!
How has running helped you stay grounded during your busiest seasons of motherhood? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇
Link Up With Tuesday Topics
Welcome back to Tuesday Topics, as Jenny, from Runners Fly joins Jenn at Runs With Pugs to co-host this link-up! Please join us every week for a new topic! Write on our weekly prompt or choose your own topic! Make sure to add your post to the link up, link back to your hosts, and comment on the other shared posts!
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