First Time Running Mama I Salute You!

I am not a great motivational speaker, but I have some words for mamas that are getting out there and running for the first time after giving birth or for the first time ever. First of all, you are amazing! I will admit I have been a runner most my life, but now that I have two children I have been pregnant or nursing for 3 years and counting. When you are pregnant and/or nursing your body is not really yours anymore. For the half hour or so I am out running, walking or crawling (that's right crawling! Don't tell me your toddler always sleeps through the night) my body is mine for that time, just me and my thoughts. I see lots of first timers trying to do that same.

Hey mamas! It is okay to walk! The thing I notice most about new runners is a complete fear of what other people will think of them and their ability. I am here to tell you that this fear is irrational! What I love about distance running is most anyone can do it and no one is saying "oh look at how slow or fat she is." As the moms I run with will tell you "we all walked up the hill when we started." I have the same respect if not more for a mama walking her first 5k than a seasoned runner working on their 15th half marathon.

"My feet hurt when I run so I guess I am not a runner" is a phrase I hear far too often. If you are doing something you have never done before it is suppose to hurt a bit! Anything worth doing has a bit of pain. If you are a mama then you gave birth whether it was naturally or c-section and I think we would all agree that it was totally worth it and we would do it all over again. You are a sleep deprived warrior now and a 5k is nothing! To all mamas thinking about getting out there its time to grab that stroller and give it a shot. Whether you are doing it to lose weight, stay fit or keep you mental sanity you have more supporters out there than you know!

Me and Etta at the 2014 Rhody Run 12k in Port Townsend, WA