Last week I took a few days off of running for various reasons, and I was completely okay with it. I started thinking about how a few years ago I would have followed my weekly workout schedule and gone for a run even if I didn’t feel like, or the weather was bad, or my body needed a break. I was much more regimented about my running and workouts. It got me thinking about how my running has changed since having Grayson. I’m more flexible, have less time to work out, and often skip my stretching, core work, and foam rolling. I thought I would share the ways I have changed as a runner since becoming a mom.
7 Ways I Have Changed As A Runner Since Becoming a Mom
1. Time Management Since Becoming a Mom
I guess you can say I’ve gotten even better at time management, because I have no other choice. There are a lot of things I want to do each day. Some I have to do, and some I choose to do. So I make it work. That means most days I am awake before 4:00am. I also go to bed around 8:30/9:00. I know it’s important to get enough sleep, but I am also the most productive in the morning. I’ve also learned to really prioritize which tasks I can get done during Grayson’s nap time.
2. Increased Confidence Since Becoming a Mom
I think I have become a more confident runner since becoming a mom. I’m not exactly sure why this is. However, I do think it helped me to run unofficial PRs in some of my recent virtual races. (And I had a c-section, so it’s not like I endured labor and delivery and am thinking that if I can do that, I can do anything…)
3. Running is highly valued
I am very much aware of how important running is to me and how much it helps me to be a good mom. It’s not that I can’t live without it, I just feel better when I can run. So I know I need to do what I can to keep running. Since I’m not as good at stretching/recovery stuff these days, I am more willing to skip a run when I need a break.
4. Running doesn’t come first since becoming a mom
That being said, running doesn’t come first. I’ve been more than willing to skip runs or cut runs short since becoming a mom. I took a whole month off last year when Grayson’s weight gain was a little slow and we were worried my milk supply was dropping. During the time I was getting plugged ducts every week and in order to manage all of that I knew my body needed rest. I didn’t even question taking that time off and then slowly started running again once things settled down.
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5. More in tune with my body
Getting back my strength, especially in my core, after a c-section has been a challenge. However, I can really tell when I haven’t kept up with my core work because my form starts to get really sloppy. I’ve also been more aware of when my hips start to get tight in certain spots so I can work them out before they become a bigger issue.
6. More daily activity
I spend a lot of time on the floor these days, which is a good thing for mobility! I used to spend 5 full days a week sitting in an office chair. Now I work part time, and whenever I’m not at work I’m moving in some way or another. We go for walks throughout the week and now that Grayson is on the move I am chasing him around all day long. It makes it harder to really relax and recover after a hard workout, but it also keeps my body moving and helps me from getting stiff.
7. Reduced recovery
I used to be able to put a lot of time and effort into my recovery. I would stretch and foam roll after runs, eat well balanced meals, and go to the chiropractor regularly. Those things just don’t happen as well anymore. I just try to do the best I can but I also remind myself that if I’m not recovering well, then I won’t be able to run as much. So it’s all about finding a balance that works and each week that looks a little different.
It took me a long time to get to the point where I felt like I could really start training and racing again after having Grayson. (Of course the whole COVID-19 situation has made things very different for running/racing in 2020.) I think this mindset really shows how I’ve changed as a runner since becoming a mom.
Earlier this year I finally felt like I was ready to start thinking about a marathon. I thought this would be the year that I could work on improving in race times and maybe even going for a marathon BQ. I was injured for most of 2016 and 2017, then I was pregnant in 2018, and retuning to running in 2019. Now I’m finally ready to race and of course all of the races are cancelled! I guess I will just need to continue having patience and hope that 2021 will be my year.
If you have kids, how have you changed as a runner since becoming a mom?
Did you have any big goals that were put on hold due to COVID-19?
Are you good about focusing on recovery?
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What an interesting read! I never had kids, so I can’t even start to imagine all the logistics that go into raising kids and keep up the running schedule.
Your early morning routine never ceases to amaze me. Your time management and discipline are incredible.
2021 will be your year!
Thank you! I have always been a morning person, so it just feels easier for me to do alot of things early in the morning.
I was nodding along to all of these especially when my kids were younger. I spent so much time on the floor that I think I was actually better about recovery. I would stretch and foam roll while playing with them. Multitasking at its best! I gained more confidence when I became a mom too. I’m not sure exactly why either but I like it!
For some time I was able to stretch, foam roll, and do core work when I would be on the floor playing with him. Now when I try to do those things he jumps on me and thinks its time to wrestle or something! He also thinks my foam rollers are his toys.
I am taking a lot longer to build back than I anticipated! My body can’t handle hard workouts like it used to. I notice too if I neglect core strength; C-sections really take a long time to rebuild from.
The recovery is a very long process! While I feel like I am back to where I was pre-pregnancy in terms of speed, I need to be alot more careful about overdoing it, especially without recovering as well.
The increased confidence is such a great side effect! And so interesting. I would’ve thought it might go the other way. I know moms tend to be so self conscious about their changed bodies.
I’m pretty good about recovery, but I don’t have kids (just the furkids) and that makes a huge difference. Although when I was spending months helping my parents at the end of last year, yeah, definitely not so much recovery.
I hope you find the perfect marathon for you in 2021!
I would have thought the same thing about the confidence. I wonder if its because maybe we start to care less about what other people think? I don’t know…I’m sure its different for everyone.
I was a runner before I had kids and my priorities certainly shifted after the boys were born. Like you, I became a very good time manager. I made sure I got my runs in, tho, because mentally, I needed them! I didn’t run long distances and I didn’t race when the boys were little. I just ran.
You’re doing great! I think it’s important to take care of your needs as much as the kids–you know the saying, if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!
Yes you are so right! I definitely need my runs, but I don’t need to race. Its nice to have goals to work towards though.
Prioritizing is key, as you’ve shown. I leave for work by 8:00, so that means an early wake-up for me as well. Fortunately, I’m an early-riser. Unfortunately, I’m also a night owl; although I don’t feel tired, I’m sure my body needs more sleep than what it’s getting…
I need my sleep, and I feel so thrown off if I go to bed too late! I can’t remember the last time I spent past 5am. So even when I stay up late, I’m still up before 5.
I started running when my kids were in elementary school. As a stay at home mom, I loved being home with them obviously but then I treasured my alone time. I know it helped me be a better mom to have that little escape to myself
Its so important to have that time to yourself! I’ve been home with Grayson 24/7 since March and I love it but I also cherish my workouts because it gives me a little while to myself.
Time is definitely more valued in terms of carving out the necessary time to run. I have to fit it in when it’s convenient with my kids schedules. My goal was to run a half in June but that has been sideline due to COVID-19 and I am supposed to run the Portland Marathon in October but we’ll see if it gets cancelled.
Its so hard not knowing what will happen with fall races. Since Im not already signed up for anything I’m not planning to register at this point, with so many unknowns.
I know there are many challenges to training once you become a mom but I’ve seen so many women come back stronger than ever after childbirth. Maybe because you must prioritize certain aspects of training because time is more limited. Or, who knows? 🙂
That’s a good theory! I’ve seen that too. I doubted it for myself for awhile but now I can see how its possible.
I didn’t start running until little man was about 3 or 4, so my experience was different. My husband owns his own company, so he could always be flexible with his hours and schedule, which helped me do some of the things I wanted to do.
That being said, of course little man comes first. If he’s sick or needs to be somewhere, or even if he just wants to hangs out, my run or workout comes in second on the priority list. It gets easier as he gets older, but the mom duties are first.
I can definitely see how managing training and parenting can change over time. Even though my husband is home on the weekends we are both so busy that its just easier to try to get my run done early so I dont need to worry about it. During the week its either early morning or a stroller run (if I’m not working).
When I was a young mom like you I ran with my girls in the running stroller until they were big enough to ride their bikes. You definitely learn how to manage your time. Your kids will always come first but eventually your schedule will relax a little.
Thats nice that you were able to run while they biked! Right now my son is not a fan of being in the stroller, but Im hoping that as he gets a little older I can find more ways to keep him entertained.
Interesting insights. Have kids definitely impacts your priorities — and demands time management skills. You seem to be striking a good balance.
It definitely does! I’m just glad I have figured out how to continue making running one of my priorities.