Four years ago, I would have given anything to be amongst a group of people called mothers. After 2 failed IUIs by this time in January of 2011, with a 3rd IUI underway {ultimately would not be successful either}, I truly felt like my husband & I may never achieve the coveted parenthood status. My running journey had begun nearly 2 years earlier, although at this point in 2011, I had only completed 2 races—both in 2010, & both with mediocre performances in my own mind. In March of that year, I would run my 3rd race {Shamrock Half Marathon}; my husband & I would also be entrenched into the in-vitro fertilization {IVF} process. This treatment would eventually lead to the births of our incredible twins & I finally became “mommy” to 2 amazing little creatures.
I share our story, not for sympathy or congrats {although Thank You if you offer them!}, but to give permission for my fellow infertility friends to not read this blog post. I am über sensitive to infertility & the anguish that it brings; so I would never wish to contribute to any further heartache. Scroll right on past—no hard feelings will be had!
The explanation of my journey might also give some insights as to why I am so driven & focused as a person, as well as mother. I’ve been through a lot, although quite minimal compared to others in this world, but that is what makes me who I am. Crazy obsessed runner lady, some of you might say, which on some days, I agree with your opinion! I speculate that the drive & motivation I possess, is analogous amongst other mother runners. Therein lays my inspiration for even writing this blog post.
One disclaimer before I brag upon my fellow mother runners….this post is not intended to “bad mouth” non-mothers, male runners, child runners, collegiate runners, or anyone else. I am not bashing anyone in particular, so do not take offense! It is simply to inform you of a VERY strong group of people, that I’m sure you realize exist in the running world, but maybe not to their amazing degree—mommas!
Recently, an athlete reported back in their weekly running recap that one of their planned runs was not completed because she needed to go to the grocery store. Another runner missed a run because it was “too cold” {temperature well above the double digits}. Both of these clients, while as wonderful as they are, neither are mothers. I do not believe I am unrealistic or extreme running coach; passionate sure, but not cruel {& unusual punishment…haha! Certainly not}. People run in negative degree weather all the time & besides, I’m certain some grocery stores are open 24-hours.
A couple of thoughts come to mind when I try to dissect the difference between women who are blessed to be mothers, & those that are not—both by personal choice or not yet to that point in their lives.
Think about the timing factor. Many mothers hold full- & part-time jobs, some inside & some outside of the home. With a tight work schedule & a busy child schedule, running time is coveted & sacred. For example, if a mother is only off on Tuesdays & Fridays, she will certainly get her runs in on those particular days—simply because she has NO other options. Specific timing of the day is also crucial. For me personally, I run at 6am some days so that I am home in time to get my children off to preschool. If you would have told my 24-year-old-childless-partying-self that I would purposely wake up at 5:30am to run, I would have called you cray-cray! But alas, this is my life & honestly, I adore it {most days!}. Waking up & burning 600 calories before the sun has fully rose is an amazing feeling—if you have never done it, perhaps you should try it!
Next is the escaping factor. One day last week I had a speedwork session with my Shamrock Running Club. The run lasted from approximately 6:30am until 7:30am. By 8am, I was back in the house & dressing two wild 3 year-old boys. That day, they were particularly defiant & uncooperative. Honestly, getting them dressed & out of the door {on time!} was WAY harder than the 6 miles I had just run—which included six 800m speed intervals. For mothers, their time away for quiet, uninterrupted running is an escape. For that limited “x” amount of time—they don’t have to wipe a butt, they don’t have to prepare a meal, & they don’t have to sing a Frozen song. They can simply focus upon themselves & for once, take care of MOM! “Calgon, take me away”! Or maybe I should say, “I am woman, hear me roar”!
Another factor is the pure grit that mothers possess. It is a well-known opinion that men simply don’t have the “cojones” to birth children. Pardon my “Spanish”, but really. What man do you know that could go through what women have done for centuries?! Similarly, those women who have not gone through the birthing process & the “fun” that follows in the subsequent months, they don’t have the mindset or determination that the mother runner possesses. Not that the non-mother is weak, certainly not in most cases, but sleep deprivation & other newborn experiences can prepare you for a whole host of other life experiences. Those are the situations in life that I believe make the mother runner so incredibly resilient.
And don’t even get me started on the TWIN mother runner. In my local running community, I can think of 4 fellow twin mommas, me being the 5th, & compared to them, I am a turtle-runner! They are so speedy & strong, despite having experienced the toddler years X2!!
Sure, there is the maturity & age factor as well. Mothers & fathers typically find themselves entering parenthood in their late-20s/mid-30s/early 40s—when the priorities are shifting from partying every night to maintaining an active lifestyle. Could the slowdown in metabolism & the increase in waistlines also be a contributing factor to the improved stamina amongst this group of runners? I think so!
Here are a few popular long distance elites that are mothers, as well as quite the impressive runners:
36 y/o Kara Goucher (PR 2:24:52)
33y/o Shalane Flanagan (PR 2:21:14)
32y/o Mary Keitany (PR 2:18:37)
41y/o Deena Kastor (PR 2:19:36)
33y/o Rita Jeptoo (PR 2:18:57)
So, next time you toe the line beside a woman with crow’s feet on her face and dried up baby puke on her shirt, don’t assume she is slow. Chances are, she may very well smoke your 20-something-hung-over-cutsie-booty!
Happy Running!
Enjoy these photos of some of the most AMAZING mother runners I have been blessed to run with!!
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