44 MARCH 2017 womensrunninguk.co.uk
RUNNING FOR MUMS
RUNNING MUMS REVEAL
THEIR HOW-TO SECRETS!
We asked the experts – running mums themselves – just how they
juggle running and motherhood. Here’s what they said...“The best way to fit running
into my day is to take my son
with me in his running buggy.
I waited until he was six months to take
him out in it. Before then, I could only get
out when my husband was free, so I didn’t
get to run as much and felt guilty leaving
him. My husband used to walk and meet
me on a few bits of my route, so I could
make sure my son was OK.”
Mandy Cazes, 29, Edinburgh“I wasn’t a runner at all before
I had my little boy. I found
running at the beginning of
this year, when he hit the terrible twos. I
needed some ‘me time’ that didn’t cost a
lot, but gave me some headspace when
he had pushed all my buttons! No-one
tells you how hard the hard parts of being
a mum are, but knowing I can now put
on a pair on trainers when the hubby
comes home from work and take it out on
the road instead of him, it’s like my only
little happy place. I come back feeling
refreshed and calm. Managing to fit it in
around being a mum, caring for the house
and holding down a job can be tough, but
where there’s a will, there’s a way. Lunch
runs, after-work runs, weekend nap-
time runs. It’s all about grabbing a quick
half-hour here and there, and running out
those demons!”
Jemma Rowberry, 34, West Sussex“To fit running into my day, my
parents look after the kids while
I take my lovely dog, Ruby, out
for a long run. Win all round!”
Suzanne Croft, 36, Chislehurst“I usually run in the evenings- my husband and I alternate
reading my three-year-
old’s bedtime story, so I can get out
earlier some nights. Guilt is always a
battle for me: sometimes she waves
me goodbye, other nights I get, ‘But I
want you so much, Mummy’ as I try to
leave. But without running, I would go
insane. Family life is challenging, so you
need something for you, and none of
us should feel guilty about that. After
all, we are doing something amazing
and setting examples to our children of
determination, perseverance, dedication
and hard work. And we’re lapping
everybody on their sofas!”
Ruby Baker, 26, Margate,
“I find the best way to fit my
runs in is by running to or from
work, which is around five
miles. I did have to build up to doing this,
with the help of a supportive husband
who would come and pick me up part of
the way home. It’s important for mums to
have this ‘me time’, while improving their
fitness. Before I started running, I would
get jealous of my husband still being able
to go cycling and sailing. I’ve now found
something that I love doing and am good
at, so it’s great for my self-esteem.”
Emma Young, 42, Pudsey“Being flexible is the key – I
plan my runs for when my
daughter is at nursery but,
when life throws a curveball my way and
sometimes I can’t make them, I opt for an
early morning/late night run when the
hubby is home.”
Louise George, 31, Hartlepool“I started running when my
daughter was about two. My
running time is my selfish time- I am not a mum, wife or working... I am
just me. I find the best way to fit it in is to
set my alarm half an hour early and go out
before anyone else is up. By the time I get
back, my husband is getting my daughter
dressed and I join them for breakfast after
my shower.”
Catriona Miles, 42, Northampton
find distractions when your partner comes
home, and you’ve got chance to get out!
6/ The power of 10
Break it down. Ten minutes isn’t a long
time at all. No matter how tired or busy
you are, you can probably find 10 minutes
for yourself once or twice a week. Even
if you don’t feel like running, tell yourself
you’re going to do just 10 minutes. You’ll
be amazed at how much you enjoy it once
you get started and, who knows, 10 minutes
might become 15 or 20. Or you might still
only feel like running for 10. So take the
pressure off – remember, you want to enjoy
running. Keep it simple, easy and fun, and
you’ll keep going back for more.
Of course, if you’re used to running at least
three or four times a week, or even if you’re
new to running, you might be left wondering
whether the effort is really worth it, if you
can only cobble together enough time to go
for one or two short runs a week. Will this
really add up to helping you feel fitter and
happier? The answer is a resounding yes!
Yes, it is worth it; yes, it will all add up.
“As soon as you put pressure on yourself
to run a set number of times a week, it’s
just added pressure that mums really don’t
need,” says Bound. “Even one short run a
week offers massive benefits – sometimes
I feel euphoric from managing just one tiny
run, as it means I’ve had a little bit of time
to myself.”
So go for it – find your me-time, get your
running kit on and embark on your journey
to fitter, happier, healthier motherhood!
Family affair: getting the
whole family outdoors is
a great way to squeeze
your run in – and will left
everyone’s mood!© ISTOCKPHOTO.COM