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Motherhood Lessons (Learned Through Running)

These are some of my lessons of motherhood that continue to humble me as I adjust to being a mom, and still trying to prioritize running.

running with double bob stroller

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Today’s post about motherhood lessons learned through running is a shortened version of a recent article I wrote for Women’s Running. I’ve been thinking about my running, the lessons of motherhood and what motherhood has taught me.

I know I’m capable of running another marathon, but I’m just not sure I’m ready for the rigors of marathon training just yet with a toddler. Honestly, I’m taking this intuition as a reflection of self care

But, I’m really enjoying running now, even running with a stroller (go figure)!

I heard time and time again before having Camryn that motherhood changes you. I don’t think I ever really understood it though, until I’ve lived it, and now I can share what motherhood has taught me.

I’ve written before about my return to running postpartum, and in some aspects, I feel that running will never completely be the same.

This is a motherhood blessing and also a challenge! To find your identity again.

And while it’s true that your time, energy, sleep, and priorities also DO change drastically, I wholeheartedly still think it’s crucial to keep and find your own outlets.

For me, that is and has always been running, so a huge motherhood lesson has been learning how to adjust yet still hold this passion.

Girl smiling on a trail wearing a running vest

Running Lessons of Motherhood

Let’s start by acknowledging that running after pregnancy will probably feel very different.

And, running in motherhood looks a lot different too. You can probably guess that – your schedule (or your baby’s schedule), your body, your pace, your energy.

But, it’s not a bad different. In fact, I would argue that it’s taught me many life and motherhood lessons, like the importance of a supportive sports bra.

Live More Slowly

This doesn’t apply to all situations (I still run around in chaotic states looking for the diaper bag or my car keys), but especially in the morning hours. I’m no longer motivated to jump out of bed and go for a run.

Instead, I’m apt to sit still for nursing, for cuddles, or for a baby led weaning breakfast.

While sometimes I think that may be my best chance for actually getting a run in that day, there’s something to be said for a slow morning.

Once Camryn is up, we cuddle and we play while I enjoy (re-heated) coffee and the news. I watch her explore new things and her favorite Lovevery toys. I love this slow part of the day.

baby sitting and playing with loveevery blocks

A Deeper Appreciation for Running and Life

Here’s a deep motherhood lesson. While I think habits are great, I also think there’s something to be said for the habituation effect. I actually talk about this with clients about food.

Once you let yourself have something on a regular basis (like a fear food), you become habituated to it and it becomes less and less exciting.

running outside during pregnancy

And I wonder if that’s the case with running too. It can become a “chore” or just something you do without thinking about sometimes because you “have to.”

For me right now, I enjoy that it occurs more periodically and less regularly because it really allows me to look forward to it and plan it.

l

I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for the sport. I’m grateful for any time out I can get, whether it’s five, 10, or 50 minutes. I make those minutes count. I can no longer just “go out and run” with no other agenda.

Now my runs revolve around breastfeeding snacks and sessions, pumping and planned naps. While time may not be on my side, I’ve shifted my running focus from quantity to quality.

I’ve learned to appreciate running because I took it for granted before.

mom pushing running stroller

Thanks for that lesson in motherhood.

Patience

I’ve always been the person who runs a mile a minute. There are a million things on my to-do list and I never get them done, NEVER. And I hate waiting, yet patience is a motherhood essential.

Like if I’m in a doctor’s office and my appointment runs late, I get very anxious because it affects the other things I planned on doing that day.

But similar to learning to live more slowly, motherhood has taught me patience. You use patience more than you’d think when you’re experiencing a range of motherhood emotions.

girl running on gravel

Less Selfish

In reflecting on early motherhood, this is one that I learned right away. The world no longer revolves around me. These days, I’m lucky if I get one thing crossed off that list each day.

Similarly, I used to attack my running goals quickly and aggressively, probably not allowing myself enough time to really improve and recover.

I’m now at peace with understanding that my running goals will take time, and rest and recovery are as important as ever.

It’s okay if I’m not ready to run a marathon by next spring, or even the end of next year. I do plan on running my third marathon, eventually. My mind and body will be ready when they’re ready.

cropped-Detroit-marathon-crop.jpg

Planning and Preparation

Meal planning is so helpful when you have littles depending on you for food. Plus, you never know how you’ll be feeling because motherhood emotions are.

This meal prep ebook comes in handy!

pan with cooked orzo in it

Compassion

Compassion is another motherhood lesson that magnifies to life.

I’m very aware of compassion because it’s something that comes up in nearly every client session. But, something about motherhood has really made me focus on what being compassionate towards myself really means.

I care so deeply for this new baby and being that I would do anything for her. But I’m not perfect, and I’ve learned to be kinder to myself in situations that don’t go as planned.

I am doing my best and I am a good mom.

mom on couch with baby napping

Being Adaptable

Being a mom means always putting on your game face. This is a huge lesson in motherhood.

You can have your entire day tentatively scheduled, but if you have to sporadically take your baby to the pediatrician after a weird rash pops up, you have to adjust.

Some runs get canceled because they no longer fit into my unpredictable schedule.

That used to bother me, but now I pat myself on the back and think, Maybe tomorrow.

I know I am doing the best I can in this stage of life right now, and I know I’m doing awesome. A lot of times this means not comparing myself to others to really be kind to myself.

girl sitting at laptop smiling at camera with iced coffee

Creativity

This motherhood lesson is actually a fun one! I truly believe your brain changes as a mom. It has to – your whole identity changes.

I have always described myself as more left-brained and science-y. But, I feel like I’m learning to embrace more of that creative right side through motherhood. I find new ways to include Camryn in my workouts.

Obviously, that can be a stroller workout, but it can also mean plopping her down in her playpen while I throw on an exercise video or hop on my peloton, or doing lunges or squats while holding her.

Workouts are actually more fun now because they may include doing jumping jacks while she smiles up at me or crawling around the room with her.

Aside from running, my brain has been on fire with new ideas for this blog, freelance articles and business.

Something about having less time makes you want to make the most of it.

toddler in high chair

What is Motherhood All About?

Aren’t all of these adaptations and life lessons what motherhood is all about, anyway?

You’re raising a human being – how exciting (and challenging, and exhausting). Motherhood lessons are always popping up, even when you least expect them.

Like taking them to a doctor’s appointment spur of the minute with the underlying reminder that you should always pack a snack for yourself.

Motherhood has a way of changing you. What’s best for her is best for me right now. I hope that I am modeling to her that it’s good to find ways to take care of herself in the future.

More importantly, even with a new identity, it’s valuing to find ways to incorporate things I enjoy into my new life.

I may not have been able to run Boston, but I’m still motivated to keep working and plan for whatever running (or non-running) events and experiences the future may bring.

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  3. I love just how your perspective about running has changed with Motherhood; thank you so much for sharing.

  4. Sarah, it is so clear that you are really enjoying Motherhood – and it is so nice to share this with you!