womensrunninguk.co.uk MARCH 2017 43
RUNNING FOR MUMSand makes you physically more able to keep
up with the demands of an active family. It
also gives you the chance to do and achieve
something that is, for once, all about you,
which should never be underestimated.”MAKE IT HAPPEN
But now you know just how important
running can be, how do you actually get out
of the door? Here are Dancy’s top tips to
making your runs happen:1/ Remove the stress
Try not to put pressure on yourself to run as
soon as you have a baby or if you’re a mum
to young children. Time is a real barrier, so
adding stress doesn’t help.2/ Plan a run date
Organise a ‘run date’ with a group of other
mums. By meeting at one house, you can go
out in pairs for 20 minutes or so while the
kids play safely under the watch of other
mums. Twenty minutes isn’t a long time, so
the children will be fine and you’ll be back
before you know it. Then swap over. It helps
to have a cup of tea waiting for you when
you get back, too!3/ Invest in a running buggy
Try running with a running buggy, even if
you simply use it to jog/walk on and off as
you head to the playground. As you get fitter
and more confident, you can go further for
longer. Babies love this and often sleep quite
well as you zip around!4/ Make it a family affair!
Get the whole family involved during
weekend walks or trips to the park. Try
setting off for a jog, aiming for a tree or
point in the distance, then running back to
your family. Again, you can extend the time
or distance as you progress, and little ones
can scoot or cycle behind. The fact that you
always come back means they’re motivated
to keep chasing you. However you work it,
30 minutes of fresh air will lift everyone’s
mood, ideal for those afternoons when you
can feel a family meltdown brewing!5/ Get your kit on!
Sometimes finding time to get changed feels
too much like hard work, or the temptation
of a soft bed right next to your wardrobe is
far too inviting. So, try putting your kit on
even if you’re just pottering about at home.
It means you’re ready to go and less likely toRUNNING KIT FOR MUMS
Running buggy
Investing in a running buggy can really
make a difference to your running
routine, helping you to get out even
if you don’t have childcare. Your little
one will love zipping along in the fresh
air, too! Remember, running buggies
are only suitable once your baby is six
months old, as their neck and spine
need to be strong enough to cope with
the running action. A running buggy is
better than your regular buggy, as it
will incorporate special features, such
as extra suspension and a safety strap
and handbrake, making things safer
for both you and for the baby.Nursing sports bra
Ideal if you’re still breastfeeding your
little one, in case they need a feed once
you are in your kit before you head out,
or if they are desperate for milk on
your return!New kit!
Who doesn’t love some new running
kit every now and then? And now
you’re a running mum, you should
definitely shout about it! Emblazoned
with ‘Headspace’ across the front and
‘This Mum Runs’ on the reverse, this
hot pink technical running vest is top
of our wish list!Pelvic floor training
OK, we know it’s not a glamorous
subject, but us girls have got to talk
more about pelvic floor exercises:
namely, just how important they are,
especially when returning to running
after childbirth. If you aren’t doing
your pelvic floor exercises, then
start (imagine your pelvic floor as
a hammock between your tail bone
and pelvic bone, and concentrate on
drawing it up and in). If you’re really
struggling, help is at hand in the form
of this non-invasive pelvic floor trainer.We love
Britax Revolution Pro, £455
(britax.co.uk)We love
Hot Milk Activate
Sports Flexiwire
Nursing Bra, £45.95 (uk.
hotmilklingerie.com)We love
This Mum Runs
Running Vest in
Hot Pink, £16.99
(thismumruns.co.uk)We love
Innovo, £249 (restorethefloor.com)